Store Guide: Brika, the curated craft site’s new Queen West flagship
Store Guide: Brika, the curated craft site’s new Queen West flagship
Name: Brika
Sells: Handmade crafts
Contact info: 642 Queen St. W., brika.com
Hours: M-F 10-6, Sa 11-7, Su 12-6
Toronto-based retailer Brika has been selling handmade goods online for the past two years. After hosting a few successful pop-ups, the brand (Toronto’s own Etsy) has opened its first permanent storefront and headquarters on Queen West, showcasing a selection of the website’s top gifting ideas, home products and accessories. While the online store carries products from over 400 artists, the downtown shop will feature items from a rotation of about 50 makers.
Right now, the place is brimming with cute-yet-functional goods—ceramic honey pots, indigo scarves, durable aprons—from a range of North American artists. “We’re always looking for a fresh selection—we like to delight customers with things they won’t have seen at other boutiques in the city,” says co-founder Kena Paranjape. So, while shoppers will find locally made items like Biko jewellery or Nicole Tarasick’s YYZ throw pillows, they’ll also stumble upon more than a few new things, including hand-dyed purses from Portland or sweet-smelling apothecary products from Austin. There’s also a ton of one-of-a-kind children’s gifts, which should make the place a new go-to for baby shower attendees. Our favourite items are pretty, playful and not at all practical: there’s even something called a confetti push-pop (and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like).
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- The new store looks small and unassuming from the outside, but it carries a surprising amount of merch.
- (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
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- <strong>Kayo Master</strong>, the woman behind Hawaiian brand <strong>Mi Cielo</strong>, adorns kids' tees with cutesy felt cut-outs (yes, that's Mr. T). $29
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- Toronto-based <strong>Said the King</strong> designs these deliciously simple plates. Dubbed “Go-To Dishes,” others say things like “Burrito” or “Takeout.” $70 for a set of four
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- This poster from Michigan-based <strong>Screech Owl Design</strong> displays creatures in the animal kingdom that mate for life (aww). $30
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- One of our favourite pieces in the store is this geometrical wall hanging, made with a mixture of new and vintage materials from Chicago company <strong>Shades of Grey</strong>. $47
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- We're also very into these confetti push-pops that add life to any party with a colourful spray of sparkles. (They can also double as dessert holders after they're emptied.) $20
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- Toronto jewellery label <strong>Biko</strong> is responsible for these spear-shaped pendants. $69
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- To make this chic necklace, LA designer <strong>Coralie Reiter</strong> wraps colourful thread around a gold chain. $45
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- The blue shoulder tote here is from Wisconsin company <strong>Milkhaus</strong>, while the white speckled bag is by Portland designer <strong>Anna Joyce</strong>. $138 and $140, respectively
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- A selection of cards, also from <strong>Screech Owl Design</strong>. (Note the cheeky butt grab on the right.) $5.50 each
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- The space was previously home to <strong>Neurotica Records</strong>.
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- These quaint honey pots, from ceramics company <strong>Stak</strong>, are made from brown-speckled clay and finished with a food-safe satin glaze. $38
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- Saskatoon ceramics maker <strong>Cathy Terepocki</strong> created this cheerful planter. $62
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- We're also a big fan of her mugs. $42
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- <strong> Pehr Designs</strong>' lightweight indigo throws are made from 100% linen, and are the perfect addition to outdoor summer gatherings. $160
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- A selection of the site's handmade apothecary products, from companies like <strong>Caru Skincare</strong> and <strong>Tokyo Factory</strong>.
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- A trio of animal pals with hand-sewn features, courtesy of Brooklyn-based <strong>Hazel Village</strong>, hang out in their organic cotton fleece coats. $36 each
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- New York brand <strong>Bower</strong> came up with the Tipsy Writer, a pen holder weighted with a half brass, half wooden ball that will never topple (no matter how hard you try). $39 (includes a pen)
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- A baby version of the coffee meme, this bandana would make an adorable shower gift. $20 for a pair
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- Stylish and durable, LA-based <strong>Hedley and Bennett</strong>'s aprons are made by hand using ultra-fine fabrics. $80
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- Up top you can see <bold>Nicole Tarasicks'</bold>s Toronto-themed throw pillows. $92
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- Watercolour throw pillows from Burlington's <strong>Mod Pieces</strong> are the perfect couch accent for spring. $58
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- In case shoppers aren't familiar with the company, it's (quite literally) written on the wall: “Brika is a creative community that celebrates craft, storytelling and the belief that our lives are as beautiful as we wish to make them.”
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ALL Canadian-made store, they carry apparel, accessories, jewelry, treats and more. They have one designer who designs their two lines for men and ladies. Have a great brick and mortar store plus they are on all social media sites @jexyandjax and have a website.