Happy Holidays!

Things have been hectic around the junck shop this holiday season but I do want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported my work this year and to say—

Happy Holidays & all the best for the New Year!

Culture Days 100 Mile Finds [east] Market

When I found out that 100 Mile Finds would be participating in Culture Days with an artist market in Toronto, I offered to organize a satellite version for 100 Mile Finds vendors east of the city. Thus, the 100 Mile Finds Market [east] event was born!

Three incredibly talented artists joined me at Bola! in downtown Oshawa to offer workshops and demonstrations from noon until 4pm.

Glass artist Jeanette Bartosik spent the day creating fabulous wire-wrapped jewelry and played host to our mini-marketplace.

Dawn Barbieri of the eco-friendly company Albertine Dawn offered a “How To Add Color To Your Decor With Accessories” workshop.

Lesley Kelz of SquidPress hosted a collage workshop where participants embellished giant letters with fabric, paper and yarn.

I offered an upcycling workshop that had guests using discarded photographs to make paper ornaments. A few participants said they would be making more of these for their Christmas tree this year!

Thanks to all the artists for agreeing to participate and for making the day a success!

Tomorrow!

Hey everyone!

Thanks to Susan and Shirley of 100 mile finds my work will be available tomorrow along with:

• jewelry and leather journals by Christine Marie Ford
• encaustic jewelry from Torched Studios
• and Kat's Curious Oddities
• and bags by Saracino Designs

100 mile finds will be setting up shop at Toronto's Evergreen Brickworks Farmer's Market.

Head over to the 100 mile finds blog for more info on this event and for lots of interesting stuff about art, life and other fabulous 100 mile finds vendors!

Happy day!

Things I Never Knew I Needed

[before]

A few years ago, a good friend of mine introduced me to the sweater shaver. What the heck is a sweater shaver? you may ask… well let me tell ya!

You know those little "pills" that cover your acrylic, wool and cashmere (oh how I LOVE cashmere) clothing? A sweater shaver will collect and REMOVE them!

Run the shaver over the affected area and — presto! — no more "pills"! Your clothing will look fantastic again! My shaver in the photo above is a large electric model. I started out with this small battery powered shaver but soon, I was shaving everything in site which meant I had to empty the collection compartment quite often. A large electric shaver has a bigger collection bin and makes quick work of large and small projects.

So, before you toss your "pilly" socks, sweaters etc. — have a go at them with a sweater shaver.

I have to say, I get quite a sense of accomplishment by shaving something that is quite pilly… (yes, I do find joy in the smallest of things!)

[after]

Paint-A-Thon

I was tickled to receive an email from the wonderful Paint-A-Thon team, graciously inviting me to participate in their event.

Unfortunately, I am unable to attend but I can help spread the word!

Paint-A-Thon is an outdoor public arts event where members of the community will converge to paint to their hearts’ content on thirty-two 4x5 ft large-sized canvases.

On Saturday, July 16, 2011, the Markham Civic Centre parking lot turns into a mini arts village featuring communal painting, live entertainment and local artisans.

Part profits from Paint-A-Thon would be donated to the event’s beneficiary, Free The Children, and the balance would be used to fund Power Unit Youth Organization’s year-round youth development programs.

Oshawa's Fantastic Street Fair & Sidewalk Sale!

Downtown Oshawa is the place to be next weekend! Look for me in front of the Mad Café during the Fantastic Street Fair & Sidewalk Sale. See you there!

Asparagus & Art

If you're in Oshawa on Friday, June 17th be sure to stop by the Outdoor Farmer & Art Market for Community Action Day!

The event is taking place at the Oshawa Centre parking lot from 10 am until 2 pm.

In addition to local produce, plants, baked goods and maple syrup you'll find one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as zines and photography.

See you there!

New Uses for Old Things #4

Inspired by an empty Tic Tac® box, these mini-er than mini business cards are a fun way to market your work! I used a large box for this tutorial but you can size your cards to fit the standard box (they'll just be even mini-er!)

Here's what you need:

• an empty mint box

• heavy card stock

• a ruler
• scissors or paper trimmer
• rounded corner punch (optional)

Step 1:
Peel the label from your container and pop the top off.
Soak both pieces in hot, soapy water and then rub clean (this should get rid of any label residue). Mineral oil will remove any remaining sticky bits (be sure to wash the box again with soapy water to remove all traces of oil).
Allow to air dry completely.



Step 2:
Before you make your mini-mini cards, you need to take two measurements: the height of your container and the width of the lid opening. These measurements will determine the size of your mini-mini cards. For your cards to easily slide out of the case they need to be slightly smaller than the measurements you get. For example: the measurements I took from this large container mean that each of my cards will be 1cm wide by 5.5 cm long.

Step 3:
Create your cards!
Design them on your computer and print them out or cut your card strips and write them out by hand. If you decide to print them from your computer and you want double-sided cards, you may have to do some test prints to ensure your front and back images line up.

Step 4:
Cut 'em out!
(you can round the ends for added flair!)



Have some fun!
Add some quotes, a discount code or holiday greeting etc.


Make lots!
(the large container shown here holds 120 cards)



Step 5:
Place your cards in the container and pop the top back on.
Your ready to start marketing your work! I'm sure you can think of many creative ways to utilize these teeny promo tools!

Have fun!

(FUN)draiser!

I will be participating in the Instruments & Easels fundraiser for the Oshawa Community Health Centre.

Local artists and musicians are coming together to support this community-owned, non-profit, charitable organization.

Hope to see you there!