(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
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).
313227 The new store looks small and unassuming from the outside, but it carries a surprising amount of merch. (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-23-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-23.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-23/ store-guide-brika-23 0 0
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
313205 <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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-01-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-01.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-01/ store-guide-brika-01 0 0
313206 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-02-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-02.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-02/ store-guide-brika-02 0 0
313207 This poster from Michigan-based <strong>Screech Owl Design</strong> displays creatures in the animal kingdom that mate for life (aww). $30 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-03-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-03.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-03/ store-guide-brika-03 0 0
313208 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-04-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-04.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-04/ store-guide-brika-04 0 0
313209 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-05-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-05.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-05/ store-guide-brika-05 0 0
313210 Toronto jewellery label <strong>Biko</strong> is responsible for these spear-shaped pendants. $69 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-06-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-06.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-06/ store-guide-brika-06 0 0
313211 To make this chic necklace, LA designer <strong>Coralie Reiter</strong> wraps colourful thread around a gold chain. $45 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-07-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-07.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-07/ store-guide-brika-07 0 0
313212 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-08-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-08.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-08/ store-guide-brika-08 0 0
313213 A selection of cards, also from <strong>Screech Owl Design</strong>. (Note the cheeky butt grab on the right.) $5.50 each https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-09-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-09.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-09/ store-guide-brika-09 0 0
313214 The space was previously home to <strong>Neurotica Records</strong>. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-10-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-10.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-10/ store-guide-brika-10 0 0
313215 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-11-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-11.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-11/ store-guide-brika-11 0 0
313216 Saskatoon ceramics maker <strong>Cathy Terepocki</strong> created this cheerful planter. $62 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-12-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-12.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-12/ store-guide-brika-12 0 0
313217 We're also a big fan of her mugs. $42 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-13-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-13.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-13/ store-guide-brika-13 0 0
313218 <strong> Pehr Designs</strong>' lightweight indigo throws are made from 100% linen, and are the perfect addition to outdoor summer gatherings. $160 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-14-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-14.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-14/ store-guide-brika-14 0 0
313219 A selection of the site's handmade apothecary products, from companies like <strong>Caru Skincare</strong> and <strong>Tokyo Factory</strong>. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-15-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-15.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-15/ store-guide-brika-15 0 0
313220 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-16-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-16.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-16/ store-guide-brika-16 0 0
313221 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) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-17-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-17.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-17/ store-guide-brika-17 0 0
313222 A baby version of the coffee meme, this bandana would make an adorable shower gift. $20 for a pair https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-18-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-18.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-18/ store-guide-brika-18 0 0
313223 Stylish and durable, LA-based <strong>Hedley and Bennett</strong>'s aprons are made by hand using ultra-fine fabrics. $80 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-19-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-19.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-19/ store-guide-brika-19 0 0
313224 Up top you can see <bold>Nicole Tarasicks'</bold>s Toronto-themed throw pillows. $92 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-20-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-20.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-20/ store-guide-brika-20 0 0
313225 Watercolour throw pillows from Burlington's <strong>Mod Pieces</strong> are the perfect couch accent for spring. $58 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-21-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-21.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-21/ store-guide-brika-21 0 0
313226 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.” https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-22-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/store-guide-brika-22.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-brika-curated-craft-sites-new-queen-west-flagship/slide/store-guide-brika-22/ store-guide-brika-22 0 0
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.