The top spring craft events in Toronto are as varied as the crafts themselves. There are finds by still-obscure indie designers for the clotheshorses, delicious baked goods and snacks for the foodies, handmade soaps for the all-natural types, and at least one knitted Jayne hat for the nerds. But no matter how diverse our interests, all of us are united in our common desire to support artisans, makers and crafters, and to spend way, way more money than we planned on doing when we left the house that day.
It's still early in the season (at least, that's what the weather would have us believe), and shows are still rolling out gradually. Hopefully, though, you left tomorrow afternoon open. Apparently, this Saturday, April 26, is the perfect date for craft shows (but not the perfect date in general; according to Miss Rhode Island, that would be today.)
Here are the must-hit spring craft events in Toronto this spring.
City of Craft Spring
City of Craft's spring edition returns to Trinity St. Paul Church in the Annex for its third session. The roundup of invite-only vendors includes local luminaries like Bookhou, Falconwright and WORN. You will almost certainly leave better-dressed (we've got our eyes on this 1%talent sweater). Saturday, April 26, 11am-6pm, Trinity St. Paul Church (427 Bloor St. West), $1 (free for kids).
The Local
Less crafty, more fashion-y: This Dundas West pop-up/mixer, hosted by Nocturnal Fashion, will feature free snacks, DJ-spun tunes, and threads by local designers available for purchase. Come early or stay late. Saturday, April 26, 3pm-1am, Creatures Creating (822 Dundas St. West).
Artisans of the Metropolis: A Junction Bazaar
The Junction's Metropolis Factory is a showroom of industrial furniture; this Saturday, they'll be showing off the Junction's artisans and crafty folk with a free market. Vendors include Migdal Jewelry and Night Memory. Also, I hear there'll be vegan lemon coconut cookies. Mmm. Saturday, April 26, 11am-5pm, Metropolis Factory (50 Edwin Ave.)
Etsy Pop-up at West Elm
Etsy, the Amazon of handmade everything, has been hosting an increasing number of pop-up sale events in the city (including a recent one at Indigo Eaton Centre). I'm for this trend - and, really, for anything that allows me to ogle shiny objects and obtain screenprinted tea towels with greater velocity. Etsy's latest foray into meatspace is a Saturday market at West Elm in Liberty Village, with vendors hand-chosen by Marion House Book blogger Emma Reddington. Saturday, April 26, 1-6pm, West Elm (109 Atlantic Ave.)
Urban Outfitters Spring Marketplace
Not one to be outdone by other huge chain retailers, Urban Outfitters is getting in on the indie-crafts act with a spring bazaar of its own at the Yonge St. store. The lineup's solid - Fieldguided, 96 Tears Vintage, and Province Apothecary are among the standouts. Sunday, April 27, 1-4pm, Urban Outfitters (235 Yonge St.)
Bit Bazaar Spring Fair 2014
If you love gaming, shopping, or food, Bit Bazaar's got something for you. (If you love all three, as I do, then you may want to leave your bank card at home.) This edition of the combination arcade and zine fair is part of TCAF-sponsored event Comics Vs. Games 3; there'll be over 30 exhibitors, from indie game developers to fine artists to Haitian street food vendors. Saturday, May 10, 11am-8pm, Bento Miso (862 Richmond St. West)
Bazaar of the Bizarre: AFTERMATH
This show, which might have the most metal name of any craft show in history, specializes in "all things, different, interesting, one of a kind and macabre". The bazaar was supposed to take place at the Kinetik festival, but organizers struck out on their own after the festival's cancellation. Available for purchase: Art, clothing, crafts, books, creepy stuff. Saturday, May 24, 11am-6pm. ROUND (152a Augusta Ave.)
Beaches Arts & Craft Show
Here's one to plan for down the road: At a whopping 150 exhibitors, the Beaches Arts & Craft Show will have crafts and eats for everyone. The vendors list isn't out yet, but organizers promise "arts, jewellery, leather work, fashions, home and garden decor, natural skin care products, and gourmet foods". It's all set to go down in Kew Gardens Park - rain or shine. June 14-15, 10am-6pm, Kew Gardens Park (2075 Queen St. East)
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
- Makers Market (April 26, Crawford)
- Artfest at the Distillery (May 17-19)
Photo via City of Craft
by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO
No comments:
Post a Comment