One of a Kind Show - Spring 2010

If you're in Toronto this weekend, and aren't completely consumed stuffing your face with chocolate eggs (which is probably what I'll be doing), I would recommend heading over to the Spring One of a Kind Show. I had the chance to go to the Fall/Winter one last year and it was full of so many great goodies.

There are some fantastic Canadian Artisans coming to show their wares this year and I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at some of my favorites. I've linked their names to the interviews they did for the Show's blog as well as their websites incase you can't make it this weekend or you live elsewhere.

Hilary Dennis and Katy Chan of Schoolyard Toronto

These ladies have a great collection of stylish and environmentally friendly tea towels, napkins, aprons, pyjamas, underwear, bibs and onesies in fun modern screen-print patterns. Their teatowels in particular caught my attention as they're made of a hemp/linen blend that not only makes them durable, but gives them anti-bacterial properties as well.

Avril Loreti website

I've been a big fan of Loreti for some time now, and I just can't get enough of her clever and playful designs. Be sure to check out her hilarious Mustache Handkerchiefs and Wine Stain Napkins on her Etsy store.

Catherine Cournoyer and Jinny Lévesque of Noujica

Working out of their home studio in Montreal, Quebec, Cournoyer and Lévesque make beautiful one-of-a-kind accessories fashioned out of organic and recycled fabrics. They have some really fun pieces that are sure to brighten your wardrobe for Summer.

 Vincent Pérez of Everlovin’ Press

Based out of Kingston, Ontario, Pérez is a wonderfully talented stationary and print designer with an eye for the nostalgic, while keeping it contemporary. Goes to show you how old technology can still about incredibly modern pieces.

Amy Migicovsky of Rock My Soul

Inspired by the hippie culture of the 60s and 70s, Migicovsky creates hand designed silk screened organic cotton pillows and wall hangings that add a touch of California cool to any space.

Jennifer Jakob

One of the great things about going to the show is that you get to talk to the artist and speak to them about the beautiful pieces that they've created, like these incredible, vibrant beads that Jakob makes in Ottawa, Ontario. As a self-taught beadmaker, she has a beautifully organic style that make you think that the glass was always supposed to look like that.

Paul Matteau of Chequers’ Creations

Matteau works together with his wife to create these incredibly intriguing carved peppermills, using a combination of various native and imported woods. They'll look like works of art on any countertop.

Nathalie Butterfield and Terra Kushner of FLUF

What started out as a line of modern environmentally friendly pillows morphed into an entire collection of handbags, napkins and lunch bags, using their own small collection of printed fabrics. They have a fanastic line of fun and fresh reversable bags that are perfect for Spring.

Hopefully you'll get a chance to come out and see these Artisans firsthand, but if not, be sure to check out their online shops, or look for shows in your area that help local artisans :)