Canvas: Simple Sustainable Style

In this wonderful age of Etsy and eco-consciousness, it seems the design world (and just about everyone else) has gone crazy for sustainable living and recycled products. We have re-gained an appreciation for handmade crafts, like knitting, pottery and woodworking. It's amazing to see understated products and artists recognized worldwide for their creativity, and not just at the local school Christmas sale!

Here are a few websites I love that celebrate talented artisans:

Etsy www.etsy.com Need I say more?

Children's Trunk Show www.childrenstrunkshow.com CTS was started by a family friend many years ago, and it now has shows across Canada displaying the work of women entrepreneurs!

Magpie Lovely www.magpielovely.com I can't say enough about this site! After finishing a heavy semester of kitchen and bath design and business plans, I came home from my last class and impulsively ordered two gorgeous tops to celebrate. I've received so many compliments on them and their service was fantastic. I highly recommend this one!

One of a Kind Show www.oneofakindshow.com I blogged about my visit last year and some of the great vendors (read here). Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for unique gifts (or stuff for yourself...let's be honest).

Now, from the streets of New York, another amazing sustainable company! This time a little larger in scale, which is sometimes easier for sourcing and purchasing anyways. Canvas sells unique products made in the US and abroad, all with a handcrafted touch. Felters in Nepal, Amish furniture makers in Ohio...the best of every trade from around the world. With their boho, Anthropologie vibe, Canvas is a socially aware way to style your home (and has an amazing website, to boot!).

On The Agenda

It's that time of year again!

The One of a Kind show is holding their "Spring Edition" this weekend at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. If you're close by or looking for plans for this supposedly BEAUTIFUL Easter weekend, I highly recommend checking out the show! Back in November, I visited and wrote about some of my favourite booths (remember this post?). If you're really interested in unique jewellery or unique children's items, they have great stuff!

And yes, I still have the hilarious Raplapla doll photo on my idea board.

As Promised...

Well, as promised, I did visit the One of a Kind show this morning! I was in a bit of a hurry, but I went first thing and overall I really enjoyed it! It reminded me how many people have great ideas and actually go out and start their own businesses! It definitely takes a lot of perseverance, especially when things aren't strong economically, so I have to give them all credit.

There were so many innovative products at the show, and they had a great mix of clothing, jewelry, bath and body, food and art. I know this blog is SUPPOSED to be about ideas for the home, but bare with me for this one post! I found some amazing gift ideas that I want to share with you!

Luved Clothing
Not only does their clothing follow trendy styles and use comfy material, everything is one size fits all! Don't worry, you petite little things, you won't look like you're drowning in fabric. Their styles wrap, tie and hang in such a way that you will look effortlessly chic. Also, each piece is pre-washed and available in a variety of colours. A few of my favourites...


this is J
Being so obsessed with fabric, I love seeing new prints and designs whether they're on sofas or clothing. This is J creates custom designs and then hand-prints them onto adorable items like headbands, mitten cuffs and "p. jammers". All of their pieces are very yoga-inspired, and the colours and prints are so unique. The hats, gloves and scarves are the perfect gift for the active (and stylish) women on your list.


Raplapla
If you're lucky enough to have a cute little one to buy for this year, I have found the best handmade baby gift ever (at least I think so...)! Raplapla is a company based out of Montreal that makes contemporary rag dolls and animals that have so much character, it's hilarious. They have even created little profiles for each doll, like "Mathilde is a dance teacher from Istanbul. She gives classes in tap-dancing and loves spicy bread and meringues. She has a blue and green bird tattooed on her shoulder."

erintracydesigns
I've always been a huge jewelry lover. It's one of my favorite souvenirs while traveling and I think it makes a great gift. Erin Tracy's display stood out from so many others today because of her contemporary style - not to mention that she couldn't have been nicer! I absolutely love her merge rings, which are individual rings of gold, silver and acrylic that stack and do not use a traditional stone or diamond in the setting. I highly recommend you take a look at her website (I had some trouble getting photos!).


Eles designs by Laura Serrafero
I must be crazy about the brushed gold and silver jewelry that's out there, because I also loved Laura Serrafero's display. She offers a beautiful selection of rings, bracelets and earrings (to name a few) that are timeless and feminine.
KinoGuerin
I hope that you had some faith that I would indeed find a few nice things for the home! One of the first pieces I noticed in the main display was a beautiful wood coffee table by KinoGuerin. Made in Quebec, their furniture is sleek and contemporary and uses woods and veneers to create amazing contrast. The approach behind the work is to find equilibrium, and I think their pieces are the perfect balance of practicality and modernity.


Morin Choiniere
This was actually the first item in the show that I really fell in love with. Morin Choiniere is also based out of Montreal, and they design the most impressive candle holder/wall fireplace I have seen. It would be perfect in a condo or apartment, or even a living or dining room that doesn't have a traditional fireplace. With only two hooks and a few tealights required, I think this product tops the list of my finds from today.

You still have time to visit the show if you're interested! Visit One of a Kind for more information...and inspiration.

One of a Kind

The One of a Kind Christmas show is being held at the Direct Energy Centre from November 26th to December 6th, and I have vowed to get down there this year.

I recently posted a link to Etsy, an online arts and crafts store selling the work of many creative entrepreneurs. I think it's wonderful to support local artisans and give meaningful gifts that have been created by these talented people. If you're hesitant to shop online, or just want to browse for unique gifts this year, I'm sure the One of a Kind show will not disappoint. They even have an online gift guide with a sneak preview of the goods!

But that's not the only thing I have to share....


How does an amazing day in Toronto with four of your girlfriends sound? How about the kind of day that involves a $1000 shopping spree at the One of a Kind Show, free show admission, lunch for four, afternoon tea at the 'King Eddy', dinner for four at AGO's FRANK and a room for all four of you to sleep like princesses at Le Meridien King Edward? Oh, and how could I forget that you'll be driven around in a limo! What a mouthful. Enter the contest HERE!


Good luck and happy shopping!