2008 Preview:
Handmade gifts
and holiday finds by 55 talented artists
Great artists, beautiful venue and atmosphere, and excellent location, have made Oakville's Christmas show one of Ontario's best Christmas shows. Fifty five of Canada's most talented artists and craftspeople will meet at the 16th annual Christmas craft show.
Superb Variety in Gift Ideas
The show offers a variety of merchandise to suit every taste. Woodwork includes everything from hand carved and painted wildlife sculpture to decorated trinket boxes and oak or pine kitchen accessories. You'll find decorative hand blown glass and several unique forms of pottery. You can shop for clothing and original accessories by Ontario designers. The Christmas show also features Victorian floral design, landscape art, beaded lampwork, carvings, hand sewn pillows, Teddy bears, and lots of jewellery.
Christmas artisan and craft fair: one stop gift buying!
For time-starved, multitasking shoppers, gift buying can be a frantic race to ‘get it finished in time’. Fifty five talented artisans at the Oakville’s annual Christmas Craft Fair hope to make life easier for these folks by providing a one-stop gift buying venue, and at the same time, showcasing 1001 creative and unique ideas. Participating artists will display an exceptional range of original, hand made gifts at prices ranging from $2 to $1000.
For your home Exquisite Ukrainian decorated eggs, stained glass, hand-thrown pottery, lathe turned wooden bowls.
For the holidays Christmas cards, tree ornaments, wreathes, Santas.
For the kids Hand-smocked dresses, wooden toys, chocolate Santas
For men Handcrafted wooden pens, gourmet chocolate crunch, award winning carved wild birds.
For women Designer clothing, handbags, jewellery and accessories, plus, meet the artists who create this wearable art.
For the busy working mom All your holiday baking ready to take home. Gracies’s old fashioned Mennonite cookies. Fancy, delectable cookies – dozens of varieties – you choose. For those nights when there is no time to cook: pre-packaged, gourmet Thai food, ready to heat and serve.
For the hostess Tapenades, marinades and marmalades. Gourmet food creations include oils, vinegars, splashes and drizzles, candy and chocolate confections.
In short, from the teacher to your great aunt Emma, you can find great, one of a kind gifts, all under one roof. And, the Fireside cafe will provide a delicious menu of Ukrainian homemade meals and light snacks.
Show Highlights:
Vintage drapes turned retro slouch sac…50’s era tea towel becomes a mini clutch…another clutch made from men’s Gucci neck ties – These are Flyball Bags, designed and produced by Diana Coatsworth. Diana uses a mix of quality vintage and new materials to produce these beautiful, one of a kind handbags. She stresses the re-use concept, trying to reuse, reduce and recycle as much as possible in her designs. A talented artist, Diana is a professional dancer, singer, actor and improviser, with credits including the Stratford Festival, Second City, and CBC’s ‘The Score’. Five years ago she began applying her talents to Flyball Bags and has been making funky, cool and unique (aka Flyball) bags ever since.
“I once was a skirt” – Clare Thompson’s The Brit Boutique Clare Thompson uses recycled leather to design and make women’s fashion accessories. A shoulder bag from an old leather miniskirt, a wide leather belt sporting vintage harness buckles. Clare’s bio states: “Growing up, my mum made my clothes. I think more than anything else she gave me a sense of style. Embracing her style and fashion direction, dressing up and being crafty, gave me the skills and tools I use now. The Brit Boutique grew from these early years, but only recently onto the bodies of my customers. I design and hand make all of my products from my home, what started out as a hobby and a way to dress without buying from the high street is turning out to be an exciting business!”
Monikque
Toronto based costume jewellery designer Monika Peczeli is an artist of many trades. Monika's artistic energy was expressed through graphics and painting, but soon fashion became the vehicle for her visual creativity. In 2006, she launched her first independent label: Monikque Costume Jewellery. Personally designed by the artist Monika Peczeli, the collection conveys a unique signature.
Grace Frey, Elora – Christmas cookies
Grace makes Christmas cookies – dozens and dozens of cookies. For several years she has been a fixture at the show, where show visitors line up to buy their annual Christmas supply of her delicious cookies. She has the distinction at the Oakville show of single handedly creating traffic jams as people line up to buy her Mennonite specialties.
Rootham’s Gourmet Food Products, Aberfoyle – condiments
Marilyn Rootham, founder and dietician by trade, consistently produces condiments, sauces and chutneys that win awards and make meals taste great.
In short, the Christmas show and sale is an excellent opportunity to shop for marvelous, one of a kind gifts. Enjoy live seasonal music, and, the Fireside cafe provides delicious Ukrainian homemade meals and light snacks. |
