Our 10 best finds at the One of a Kind Spring Show 2011
Our 10 best finds at the One of a Kind Spring Show 2011
By Renée Suen |
By Renée Suen |

Kicking spring off with style, the One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale showcases more than 450 vendors displaying their best arts and crafts. This year’s event marks the inaugural appearance of 118 artisans, a Muskoka Artists Marketplace, and a special exhibit composed of finalists nominated by art schools and cultural institutions across Canada. Complimentary childcare services are available. Our top finds, in the slide show below.
One of a Kind Show and Sale, March 30–April 3. $6.50–$12. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., oneofakindshow.com.
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- Winnipeg’s Lisa Pointon-Reico and Sean Reico craft jewelry out of eco-friendly materials. Inspired by minimalist design and modern architecture, the husband-and-wife team takes sustainably harvested materials (leaves, seaweed, grass) or renewable fibres and blends them with 40 per cent recycled resin. The cuffs come in three sizes and various colours.<br /> dconstruct jewelry, booth K-19, <a href="http://www.dconstruct.ca">www.dconstruct.ca</a>.<br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Indigo fossil leaf eco-resin cuff, $35/wide
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- Nominated by the Centre de Recherche et de Design en Impression Textile de Montréal, Caroline Gamiette crafted these decorative light fixtures as an homage to her Caribbean birthplace and her urban upbringing in France and Montreal. The table lamp from the Froufrous collection features hand-pleated, dyed organza cloaked over screen-printed silk that generates a soft, diffuse light through its voluminous layers.<br /> <br /> Fibre En Lumière, booth E-36, <a href="http://www.fibreenlumiere.com"> www.fibreenlumiere.com</a>. (Image: Renee Suen)
- Hand-pleated table lamp, $170
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- This OCAD graduate weaves natural elements with modern aesthetics to create ceramics with movement. Case in point: Pimentel’s nod to nautical life forms in the tentacle collection, including a conch-shaped soya sauce dispenser and matching soya sauce dishes. <br /> Filipa Pimentel, booth P-19, <a href="http://www.filipapimentel.net"> www.filipapimentel.net</a>.<br /> <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Filipa Pimentel ceramics, from $30
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- Quebec’s Serge Morand created these products in response to his daughter Angeline's allergies. Sweet peaches are brightened by maple syrup or blended with chunky tomatoes, celery and onions in a tart fruit ketchup. The boozy onion and port confit and the award-winning port jelly are perfect for a cheese plate, and the whimsical packaging makes for a great hostess gift.<br /> <br /> Les Caprices D'Angéline, booth B-53, <br /> <a href="http://www.lescapricesdangeline.com">www.lescapricesdangeline.com</a>.<br /> <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Gourmet condiments and jellies, $10 each or three for $25
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- Zingy, peppery and complex are just some ways to describe the 100 per cent organic mustards made by Toronto’s Natalie Kessler. Not only do the small-batch mustards taste great, they also have excellent texture. Sandwiches, dressings and meats benefit from spicy garlic, “classic” or nutty whole grain, or a dash of sweet orange and ginger.<br /> Organics and Gold, booth C-39, <a href="http://www.organicgold.ca">www.organicgold.ca</a>.<br /> <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Organics and Gold mustard, $7/bottle or four for $26
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- One look at Toronto-based Shernett Swaby’s edgy designs and it’s easy to see why her works are staples on magazine covers and TV shows. This eye-catching calfskin leather bag from the fashion artist’s top line features finished leather, a red satin interior and adjustable straps that can be worn over the shoulder or in messenger style. The former Project Runway contestant makes each bag by hand and backs it up with a lifetime guarantee. <br /> Also available in grey, caramel and chocolate.<br /> Shernett Swaby, booth O-49, <a href="http://www.shernettswaby.com">www.shernettswaby.com</a>.<br /> <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Jet-setter extra-large handbag in black, $2,510
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- Tat Chao from Montreal uses a variety of materials to create quirky but functional home decor. From clothes hooks fashioned out of champagne bottle corks to these floating plywood key ring holders, Chao adds personality to everyday objects.<br /> Tat Chao Design, booth H-12, <a href="http://www.tatchao.com">www.tatchao.com</a>.<br /> <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Magnetic wall-mounted key chain holders, $10-$30
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- Long-time friends Alicia Tracy and Renna Eliakis of Fredericton are the entrepreneurs behind this increasingly popular dessert trend. These dark chocolate-coated lollipops have a rich cheesecake filling and are rolled in toffee, peanut butter or white chocolate chips. The single-serving portions are great for special events and celebrations but also perfect as a daily treat. <br /> <br /> The Hot Lollies, booth C-38, <a href="http://www.thehotlollies.com"> www.thehotlollies.com</a>. <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Chocolate-coated cheesecake pops with toffee, $8 each or six for $42
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- Lesley-Anne Green found inspiration in the Richard Scarry books she read to her two-year-old son. Beginning with clay creations, the Sheridan College grad transitioned to creating soft animal sculptures, outfitting them with handmade clothes and giving them human-like expressions and poses. While they’re not actually toys, these wool-felt pieces make the inner child smile. From $40. <br /> <br /> Lesley-Anne Green, booth H-08, <a href="http://www.lesleyannegreen.blogspot.com">www.lesleyannegreen.blogspot.com</a>. (Image: Renee Suen)
- Needle felt soft sculptures with wool roving, $125
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- 2011 has been kind to Nova Scotian designer Nicole McInnis; not only was she nominated by the Ryerson School of Fashion for the Craft Community of Canada exhibit, but one of her hair accessories was worn by Meaghan Smith when she accepted the best new artist award at the 2011 Junos. Inspired by a ’40s aesthetic, McInnis uses millinery techniques to weave together saddle hackle feathers, distressed horsehair braid, vintage Chantilly lace and freshwater pearls for these great statement pieces. Designs $35–$200.<br /> <br /> Oh Dina!, booth E-40, <a href="http://www.ohdina.com">www.ohdina.com</a>. (Image: Renee Suen)
- Silk dupioni hand-sculpted floral fascinator, $175
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- Marie-José Gustave may have a master's degree in clothing production, but the artist is known for her unique cardboard furnishings. Gustave uses select types of cardboard and moulds the pieces into a textile-like quality, then weaves them into functional home decor. Originally created out of financial need, these items give new meaning to construction (paper, that is).<br /> Pas à Papier, booth K-23, <a href="http://www.pasapapier.com">www.pasaparier.com</a>. <br /> (Image: Renee Suen)
- Cardboard bowls, plates and lamps, from $70
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Everyone should check out the Muskoka display at the show – a fabulous chair maker there. Makes natural hardwood rocking chairs. A rocking chair would make a perfect way to send someone into retirement or welcome a new baby or honour a new grandparent.
Leah Bazian scarves are beautiful pieces. I saw some really interesting new designs yesterday and grabbed a green one to wear to my upcoming Easter function…
SJD
I love the paper lamp :)