Monthly Archive for June, 2009

PARIS : LES PUCES

Published on June 30, 2009 in traveling and vintage. 7 Comments Tags: flea market, Les Puces, Paris.

This is the last time I’m going to mention pickpocketing, I promise. Since Les Puces flea market was the scene of my pickpocketing experience many years ago, I have to talk about it one last time. I had just emerged from the Metro with my friend, Elise, into the crowded street when a guy brushed past us and ashed his cigarette onto my coat. He proceeded to apologize in french (Je suis désolé) over and over while brushing the ‘ash’ away. Needless to say when I turned around, my bag was open and my wallet was gone. I did not get to see the flea market that day, instead I visited a Paris police station.

I was nervous to visit again, but definitely felt very prepared with my impenetrable Paris tote and a ‘don’t mess with me’ face. Once we got through the crowded section of discount running shoes and knock off handbags and into the antique section, the atmosphere was instantly less tense and very charming. The market is almost like a shanty town in some parts with eccentric vendors selling all sorts of bric-a-brack and collectibles. Interestingly, we didn’t buy anything but just enjoyed all the eye candy. Besides, our favourite things seemed to be anything large, metal and over 100 pounds.

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen – Porte de Clignancourt Metro station

PARIS TOTE WITH 'FAIRFORD' LINING

Published on June 29, 2009 in stitchery, textiles and traveling. 14 Comments Tags: Fairford, Leather & Sewing Supply Depot, Liberty of London, Magic Pony, Paris, Perfect Bunny, Tana Lawn, Tanaz Ghaffari.

Liberty of London Summer Challenge : Project 2
Paris Tote Bag with ‘Fairford’ Tana Lawn Cotton Lining

I was determined to have a specially designed bag for our trip to Paris. The key feature being ‘impossible to pickpocket’. I was heavily inspired by the Leather Ruffle Bag by Tanaz Ghaffari. I especially liked how the bag closed with a zipper that sits under your arm as you held the bag on your shoulder. And of course, it’s hard to resist anything with ruffles.

For supplies, I decided to head to the Leather & Sewing Supply Depot (7 Vanauley Street, Toronto, ON – 416-913-4868). It was the first time that I had been there, but they have an incredible selection of zippers and I was looking for some heavy duty metal ones. I also happened to find the cool taupe-y denim that I used for the outside of the bag.

In my limited bag designing experience, I’ve found it really helpful to create a mini mock up version, in order to work out any problems with the pattern and figure out the construction. It’s a great way to test out your pattern quickly without using too much fabric. My mock up looked good but when I blew up the pattern and cut out the fabric, the bag was way more over-sized than I wanted. As I went along, I just adjusted the pattern to make it work.

The bag is lined with Liberty of London Tana Lawn Cotton in the Fairford print. I have to say that it is delightful to sew with. Every time my fingers ran against the fabric I had a little thrill. This sweet little floral goes perfectly with the denim I used.

There is a little zippered pocket sewn into the lining and inside the pocket is a special typewritten label in French. For the trip, I left my big wallet at home and only carried my snap coin purse. The snap coin purse was kept in the inside zippered pocket. Thus, any pickpocket would have to get under my arm to unzip the first zipper and then unzip another zipper to get to my money. My Euros were well protected!

I added the cutest popsicle zipper pull from Magic Pony as a final touch.

The bag is not the most refined design, but it fit all my requirements. It was big enough to carry around my camera, a sweater and anything else we needed for our days around Paris. I was also able to fit everything I bought into it while we were shopping, so I only ever had to carry the one bag. Lastly, my money was secure without me having to tape it to my body.

The last photo here was taken at Pearson Airport waiting for our flight to Paris. Perfect Bunny did join us in Paris, but this was the only shot I got of her!

GIVEAWAY : goodEGG INDUSTRIES WINNER

Published on June 25, 2009 in local. 4 Comments Tags: Dace, goodEGG industries.

I’m not sure how we got to Thursday of this week already!

Without further ado, the winner of the goodEGG Industries giveaway is commenter #6 – Gillian whose favourite Canadian designer is Dace. Enjoy the Hand & Shadow tshirt!

Thank you so much to goodEGG Industries for letting me host their one year anniversary giveaway. It is wonderful to have such an amazing showcase for Canadian crafty talent.

INTRODUCING : KID ICARUS

Published on June 19, 2009 in introducing and local. 5 Comments Tags: garden, kensington market, Kid Icarus, Studio XIX.

Kid Icarus opened in the summer of 2007 in Kensington right when I was scouring the city for a location for the workroom. I was thrilled to see such a great concept for a shop open up and even started looking at spaces in Kensington so that I could be in the same hood. It wasn’t until just a few months ago that I actually got to meet the duo behind Kid Icarus – Bianca and Mike. They are married, run two businesses, Kid Icarus & Studio XIX, and are just the nicest people. Bianca and I discovered that we went to the same tiny high school in Scarborough, so my admiration for them is firmly sealed.

Kid Icarus will be joining us at the Garden Party Trunk Show on Sunday along with twelve other awesome vendors. I can’t think of a better way to spend the first day of summer.

I’d love to know how it all started. What came first the business, your relationship? How did it evolve from a screenprinting business to a retail shop?

Bianca : We met back in Spring 2002, we knew each other through the art scene but never really thought we would be working together five years later, We have now worked with each other for two years full time. But for five years prior, I had been helping Mike after work and evenings, so it feels like we have been partners for years. It takes two really strong, open minds to work and live together but we won’t have it any other way.

Our line of Kid Icarus product has been growing over the past year. This not only includes greeting cards, but also stationery packs, wrapping paper and gift boxes. All our products are hand printed, folded and wrapped in our studio by hand.

Michael : Studio XIX is our custom screen printing shop. I’ve been screen printing for bands and visual artists since 1999. I found that many people are unaware of what screen printing really is. There’s a fascination by the lack of machinery, and the whole handmade process that goes into this type of printing. In 2005, I decided I needed to expand onto a retail level. I wanted to be able to display what we were creating, and open the studio for the public to see. This is how the storefront/studio concept all started – to share my passion for screen printing in a public environment, and stock it full of things that myself and others had created by hand. In May 2007, Bianca quit her full-time job and we turned into a husband and wife work duo. Kid Icarus opened June 1st, 2007, and we haven’t looked back since.

Bianca, can you describe Michael with 5 nouns? Michael, same question.

Bianca describing Michael
Ok here we go….

1. Robot
2. Arcade
3. Pasta
4. Neo-Luddite
5. Luddite

Michael describing Bianca…

1. pica ruler
2. pocket organizer
3. pillow
4. measuring cup
5. orchid

Tell us about your neighbourhood, Kensington. Why did you choose this spot on Nassau for your shop?

Michael : I cant imagine this store being located anywhere else besides Kensington Market. It’s often hard to explain to others what the store truly is, and in this eclectic part of the city, it blends in beautifully. Nassau Street is like a growing branch off the old Kensington path. Plus, with the cloud of gentrification looming over Kensington these past few years, it’s the only affordable place left in the market!

Bianca : People who don’t know about the store easily miss it completely. We really love the ones who stumble upon us while walking around the hood. You can see the excitement build as their eyes widen and usually a conversation about what we do ensues. That’s when the neighbourhood and what we do is put into context, and it all makes so much sense.

You represent tons of great local artists – who are the newest to your roster?

Bianca : We are extremely pleased to have Old Weston‘s beautiful casted birds and acorn necklaces in our store. Her vintage bird necklaces has been one of our best sellers this spring.

Lee Meszaros “Be Proud” Merit Badges. We can always find the perfect badge for all our close friends.

We also have Dave Murrary’s “Kensington Market” hand printed silkscreen poster for sale at Kid Icarus. This poster is a visual word mark interpretation of Kensington Makert.

Michael : And lastly we have to tell you about our newest line of “social emergency cards”. They are sold individually or in a box of 10 cards. The five cards are “Happy”, “Thanks”, “Sorry I…”, “Congrats” and “My Dearest”. It’s a multiple choice response card, where the sender can choose the best phrase for their particular situation. It’s incredible how many “Sorry I” cards we have sold.

The Garden Party Trunk Show is the first day of summer. What do you love most about summer?

Bianca : We love having a cup of coffee and sitting on our porch in the warm morning sun to wake up. Although it seems like we are always on the go, owning two businesses keeps both of us super busy all the time. We love the last Sunday of every summer month which is Kensington Market’s Pedestrian Sunday. We have been setting up a tent outside our shop and enjoying the festivities all day long.

Michael : Swimming, bocce, Toronto Island getaways, going up north (and I don’t mean Vaughan). There is no way I can choose what I love most. Bianca’s answers are high in the list though.

KID ICARUS – 75 Nassau Street in Kensington Market

PARIS : MERCI

Published on June 17, 2009 in gardening, i heart and traveling. 4 Comments Tags: 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, Bac Sac, Merci, Paris.

Thank goodness for twitter! Without it, I never would have found out about Merci, a very new & amazing concept boutique that was just down the street from our apartment in Paris. Thanks Martina for the fantastic tip.

This was definitely one of my favourite shops of the whole trip. It is set in a beautiful three floor space that was previously a factory. Merci is a flower shop, used book store and cafe. They also sell home furnishings, clothing (men’s, women’s and children’s), fabric and perfume. If I lived in Paris, I would shop here all the time. (or I would try to move in) I loved everything they had. The shop is owned by the couple who started Bonpoint which happens to be my favourite children’s clothing shop. (mostly because I wish I could wear the lovely clothing it sells) Merci is also a not-for-profit operation, all the proceeds go towards children’s charities. Yes, this shop is incredible in every way.

My photos are not that great, I was too busy oohing and ahhing over everything. I just found this set on flickr that really shows you how drool-worthy the shop is. Her blog is also a treasure for things about Paris. Yes, I am making notes for my next trip back.

One of the things I saw at a few places in Paris were these Bac Sacs for plants. Essentially they are fabric buckets made with 100% recyclable materials. They have handles on them, so you can hang them on your balcony or wall. I think it’s such a fantastic idea and I’m going to try to make some myself.

If you go to Paris (or if you live in Paris, Elise!) you MUST go to Merci. You will see lots of pretty things (and buy some of them) and thank me.

MERCI – 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 3rd Arrondissement, Paris

INTRODUCING : KRYSTAL SPECK

Published on June 16, 2009 in art, etsy, introducing, local and the workroom. 1 Comment Tags: ceramics, garden party trunk show, Krystal Speck.

I’m not too sure how we ended up in the middle of June so quickly, but the official start of summer is this Sunday! Which coincidentally is also the date for the Garden Party Trunk Show. We have some familiar faces and also quite a few new vendors at this show. I’m excited and I’ll be on the lookout for a bunny of some sort to add to my collection.

We had the pleasure of having Krystal Speck and her colourful ceramics at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show and it’s a treat to have her back. I just love the folkloric imagery and saturated colours she uses. With wedding season upon us, I think her lovely vases would make a beautiful wedding gift or perhaps just a summertime gift to yourself.

You took both textiles and ceramics at OCAD… How do you feel that textiles have influenced your ceramic work? Do you still do textile-based work?

Krystal : Textiles have played a huge role in my life…my mom’s fabric collection was the greatest discovery I made as a child. I think her gloriously patterned fabrics were what originally inspired me to be artistic! Clay came into my life much later. As a result, I can’t seem to paint a pot without looking to textile patterns first for inspiration.

I still sew whenever I can find time, though my sewing machine is angry at me right now for neglecting her. I hope to eventually incorporate textiles into my product line, and have my two loves come together again: clay and cloth!

You wrote a great post on sustainable ceramics. As an independent artist, have you found it challenging to ‘green’ your practice? Have you been able to incorporate any changes that you are particularly proud of?

Krystal : Yes, you would assume that as an independent artist it would be easy to make your art practice very sustainable. But I’ve discovered it really depends on your chosen medium and your financial situation. For example, I would love to own a solar-powered kiln but this isn’t a viable option at the moment (for both monetary and geographical reasons). There are some small things I’ve been trying at my studio such as: collecting and filtering my used water to remove glaze ingredients that would otherwise be poured down the drain, reclaiming my slip (liquid clay) and bagged clay to be reused, and firing full kilns with work I’m pleased to fire into permanence.

I know you’ve recently started an entrepreneurial program. What is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far about business?

Krystal : I’m currently taking part in Bizstart, an amazing eleven-month business incubation program started by YES (Youth Employment Services) which allows you to work full-time towards launching your own company. I think for creative business people, the most important factor is learning to price your work correctly and confidently. We all love to spend our time designing and making, but you have to sit down and “crunch” the numbers, as they say. For example, I see a lot of crafters selling great products for low prices. This is good when you’re starting out, but once you cross over in to becoming a business you have to make sure you’re paying yourself for your time and talent! Happily, I think people are gradually becoming more aware of the value of handcrafted objects and are willing to pay fair prices for handmade.

Sunday marks the first day of summer. What do you most look forward to in the Summer?

Krystal : I most look forward to eating big slices of juicy watermelon in Trinity Bellwoods Park, having morning coffee with good friends, swimming at Ward’s Island, and whenever I can muster it, visiting my family in Muskoka and swimming some more! (Can you tell I’m excited?)

MORE KRYSTAL SPECK : ETSY / BLOG / FLICKR

All photos (except #3) courtesy of Krystal Speck

GIVEAWAY : goodEGG INDUSTRIES

Published on June 15, 2009 in local. 40 Comments Tags: Georgie Russell, giveaway, goodEGG industries, Hand and Shadow.

I can’t believe it’s already been a year since Jen & Laural opened up goodEGG Industries. Their online shop features the work of emerging and outstanding Canadian designers and makers. As part of the celebrations, they have asked me to host a super exciting giveaway for make something readers. I’m totally honoured and a bit jealous! I just know you’re going to love this prize!

One lucky commenter will win a Lace print t-shirt of their choice from one of their newest designers, Hand and Shadow. The delicate Victorian lace collar design is printed with bleach ink or dark pigment on an American Apparel T-shirt. The designer, Georgie Russell, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia and is inspired by the Victorian era, natural history, scientific illustration – modern and ancient, museum collections, contemporary craft, and textile art.

In a shout out to the piles of crafty talent in Canada, goodEGG industries is asking readers to comment on this post with a link (or just the name, if no url is available) to at least one of their favourite Canadian designers to be entered to win. If you are stumped, feel free to check out the goodEGG industries designer profile page for inspiration!

That’s not all, they are also offering 10% off your purchases until the end of June for their one year anniversary. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to something special.

I’m so curious to discover who your favourite Canadian designers are! The contest will run for the entire week, ending Sunday June 21 at midnight. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced next Monday.

Happy Birthday goodEGG industries!!

PARIS : SPACE INVADER

Published on June 15, 2009 in art, found, i heart and traveling. 3 Comments Tags: Paris, space invader.

Did you have a great weekend? I did. I love coming home after a trip, settling back in and feeling freshly inspired. This week should be action packed here at make something. I’m continuing my Paris posts, introducing you to some awesome designers (for the upcoming Garden Party Trunk Show) and announcing a fun giveaway (later today)!

I’ve been collecting snapshots of Space Invader‘s mosaic pixel installations for many years now. (from New York and my first trip to Paris many years ago) He’s one of my favourite street artists and I knew I’d be able to add more to my collection while in Paris, since that is where he’s from. I was pretty thrilled that I spotted eleven ‘invasions’ during our trip but I just found out that in Paris alone, there are over 763 invasions. Whoa. That means, I only collected 1.45% of them. That’s not a very high score. I hope to do better on my next trip.

Awesome video of an Invader installation here and an interview here. I have a really big weakness for mysterious street artists.

PARIS : MACARONS

Published on June 13, 2009 in delicious and traveling. 9 Comments Tags: Arnaud Delmontel, Jean-Paul Hévin, Ladurée, macarons, Pierre Hermé.

I only ate 8 macarons while I was in Paris. (a few made it back to Toronto and I’ve just finally finished them off)

It’s kinda crazy after fantasizing about eating them by the dozen, comparing the flavours and seriously judging them from all the different famous places. Half way through the trip I got some mild food poisoning and didn’t want to eat anything for about 24 hours. During that time we passed by Ladurée and Pierre Hermé and I couldn’t even bring myself to go in and buy some for when I was feeling better. If you know me even slightly, you will know that this is alarming behaviour. I can eat baked goods and sweets all day long and often do.

That said… YUM! I’m glad I waited until Paris to try them, they are delightful. I did try them from 3 different places. One place was just a random shop to see what the difference is between a renowned macaron and a regular one. There is a definitely a difference. The fillings on the ‘regular’ macarons seems more like jam than a flavourful filling.

The first macaron I had was framboise (raspberry) from Jean-Paul Hévin who is a well known chocolatier. The other flavours I got there were various chocolate combinations and they were also delicious. The other place I tried was Arnaud Delmontel. His creations were more colourful and the flavours more varied. Unfortunately, I let these ones get a bit smushed up carrying them around and only got one good photo (the cracked pink and white macaron below). The standout flavour for me here was the salted caramel.

Hopefully next time I’m in Paris I’ll really get to enjoy the world of macarons. For now, I’m happy to finally know what all the fuss is about.

PARIS : THE EIFFEL TOWER

Published on June 11, 2009 in traveling. 14 Comments Tags: Audrey, eiffel tower, Funny Face, Paris, Siene, Trocadero.

Let’s start this Paris party off with one of my favourite (and deliciously cheesy) memories of the trip. It reminded me a bit of the Audrey Hepburn movie, “Funny Face” where the three main characters each head secretly to the Eiffel Tower as soon as they land in Paris.

We actually hadn’t planned on going to see the Eiffel Tower at all. It’s located in 7th Arrondissement which is not close to anything else. I was definitely a bit surprised, but excited when Andrew suggested a cab ride to the tower after dinner on Sunday.

The timing was perfect, the sun was just starting to go down while we buzzed along through the city towards the tower. When we arrived, the sky was so pretty with pinks and blues. If you’ve never seen it in person, the Eiffel Tower is really impressive and the detailed ironwork is ornate and quite feminine up close. As we crossed over the bridge to the other side of the Siene, the tower lit up for the night and hundreds of people up on the Trocadero (meant to be one of the best views of the city) started taking photos like crazy. I wonder how many photos have been taken of this famous structure??