By Lori Bosworth
Christmas is just around the corner; if you want to avoid the mad rush, start your Christmas shopping now at the One of a Kind Christmas Craft Show and Sale, taking place from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, 2012 at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place. You’ll be able to do most if not all of your Christmas shopping in one place, plus you’ll be supporting local craftspersons as opposed to large corporations! Below are some of my favourite finds from the craft show:
I love, love, love this handcrafted lamp due to my passion for carved stone. If you live in a downtown condo with a lot of sleek angles and glass, adding earthy elements such as this lamp adds warmth and originality. You’ll find this lamp at Philosophers Stone at Booth S-46 at the show.
Talk about stylin’! Now, I’ve never been able to pull off several styles of hats; the po’ boy hat looks best on my head. But if I had a tinier head, I would definitely pop this on it. A cross between a fascinator and a hat, you’ll definitely turn heads wearing this headpiece although it’s still subtle enough that it’s not over the top. Designed by Karyn Gingras, you’ll find this hat at Lilliput Hats at Booth Q-09.
This tea towel would make a great stocking stuffer for the chef in your family. The burst of colour and bold design shouts in the new year and will jazz up a dull kitchen. Find this towel at Avril Loreti at Booth R-08.
If I had kids, I would dress them in these fun, hand-printed 100% Organic cotton threads. Taking her inspiration from yoga, Tobie Loukes of Monkey Business has designed comfortable yet stylish clothing for girls up to size 9-10. Hoodies are $49.95 to $$55 and yoga pants are $39.95 to $45. Find these pieces at Monkey Business at Booth O-32.
Is this cute or what? This dress will take you to holiday office parties, festive cocktail get-togethers, home-for-the-holidays dinners and even Christmas carol concerts. The dress is made of polyester and spandex and can be found at Montreal designer Dinh Ba Nguyen at Booth R-43.
This is a decidedly dramatic piece that taunts “Come into my boudoir.” This hand-painted silk lampshade would look great in a living room, bedroom or den with earth tone decor or even lime green accents. Designed by Caroline Gamiette, you can find it at Fibre En Lumiere at Booth N-32.
Don’t these products look tempting? Body care products from Jill Hawker at All Things Jill are all natural and organic. Find these including the herbal oat wash at All Things Jill at Booth A-21 at the show.
Silvia Armeni’s oil painting, Enjoying The Outdoors, is reminiscent of Cornelius Krieghoff’s paintings of 19th century Quebec. And as Canadians, who can’t relate to a winter scene such as this! You’ll find Silvia Armeni’s work at Booth Q-24.
Tickets for the One of a Kind Christmas Craft Show and Sale 2012 are Adults (18+) $12, Seniors (65+) $7 and Students (13-17) $7. Have fun!
