March 2012
13 posts
17 tags
New! Creative Craft + DIY Studio in Parkdale
You can’t get more local and handmade than something you’ve crafted yourself! Learn to use all your creative energy to make beautiful accessories or stationary at the newest studio in the city.
Local creative services business Re: Creative has opened a craft and D.I.Y. studio in the back of the Shopgirl’s Boutique at 1342 Queen Street West. Parkdale native Renee Elliot,...
11 tags
Photo Project: Signs of Spring
The past two days in Toronto have been a brief but cruel reminder of winter.
But this morning I’ve awoken to the sun shinning strong and a weather report that promises a return to warmth today.
The early spring we’re enjoying here in Southern Ontario has inspired me to participate in Dearest Nature’s Spring Pickin’s Project. Dearest Nature is a shiny new lifestyle...
12 tags
OOAK Countdown: Flakes Paperie
One more sleep!!!
Tomorrow morning the One of a Kind Spring Show here in Toronto opens it’s doors. Don’t forget to get your tickets online to save $2! (I ended up winning my tickets through giveaways from Bijou and Boheme and Wilk Watchworks — a huge thank you goes out to them!!)
If you still need a reason to check out the show here’s one for ya: Flakes Paperie....
23 tags
News Around The Block
Photo Credit: Ian Worang / THE GRID
*STASIS LOCAL FOODS - 467 Roncesvalles Avenue
As a frequent visitor to Roncesvalles I am very excited to learn about this shop at the northern end of the strip.
Former professional chef Julian Katz has turned his hobby of preserving locally-grown and seasonal produce into a full time gig. His preserves have been featured at Farmer’s Markets around...
OOAK Toronto Countdown: Dalish Cosmetics
Less than one week to the Toronto Spring One of a Kind Show!! Have you got your tickets yet??
Today’s must-visit booth is Dalish Cosmetics (Booth J-25).
Melanie Cruickshank, the creator of Dalish Cosmetics, is one inspiring lady. She, like many of us, has spent years searching for the perfect makeup products to get the natural flawless look all women want. But when she didn’t...
11 tags
OOAK Toronto Countdown: Rover
Good morning Toronto! Eight days until the One of a Kind Show is here!!
Until then I’m sharing my picks for booths to visit. Today’s pick is for pet lovers. Rover offers preppy accessories for your pet that are too cute for words. Their “classically tailored garments” are a welcome departure from the usual tackiness of pet accessories.
1. The Bay Flower...
16 tags
Local Etsy Picks: Outside In
My favourite part about Etsy is all the amazing art you can buy. Toronto’s Etsy artists are no exception. Here are some of my current favourites that bring the outside in:
1. Ballet Dance Photo Art Print by Charlene Precious / 2. Curious Birdies Watercolour Print by joojoo / 3. Blue Tit Print by Jessica Rae Gordon / 4. Original Rabbit Watercolor by Deidre Wick of...
7 tags
Local Events: West End Seedy Saturday
Photo credit: InsideToronto.com: Staff file photo / NICK PERRY
This year I am so excited to finally have my own little plot to grow some vegetables in — excited but also a little nervous. The truth is I don’t know much about gardening and any house plant attempts have ended in failure — even cacti! But I am very determined to learn as much as I can this year. Thankfully in...
14 tags
Local Etsy Picks: All Dressed Up ... (part 2)
Here are some spring / summer special event picks from local Etsy artisans for the gentlemen. Even if they don’t admit it they love to get shinned up just as much as the ladies do!
1. Eco Bow Tie by Simone’s Rose Boutique / 2. Unisex Heraldic Crest Cuff Links by Tryst by Kerry / 3. Red Corduroy Necktie by Handsome & Lace
1. Liberty of London Edenham Print Men’s Bow...
9 tags
Local Eats: Toronto Macaron Day is TODAY!
Photo credit: Macaron Day NYC 2012 website
Pierre Herme, the world famous french pastry chef, has declared March 20th Macaron Day and many chefs in cities around the world have joined in. Participating patisseries around the city will be offering one free macaron per customer in support of the Toronto charity Red Door — while supplies last! Also 25% of proceeds of all additional...
9 tags
News Around The Block
In case you haven’t heard about …
* One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale
It’s back!! I’m pumped for the One of A Kind Spring Show this year. The show features 450 Canadian handmade artisans. There will also be extended hours on Thursday March 29, 2012 (10 am to 11 pm) for late night shopping! Tickets are $12 for adults online and $14 at the door.
To buy tickets...
10 tags
Local Etsy Picks: All Dressed Up ... (part 1)
Spring! It’s here! Doesn’t it feel great? Spring always feels like a surprise to me. An incredible but also unexpected surprise. In the midst of February I forget warm breezes and bare legs are possible. But this year the surprise came early. Jolting us out of winter darkness and into the warm, fresh sunlight.
Along with sunsets after seven p.m. spring also brings...
7 tags
What's happening on your block?
Hello Toronto!
I’m Rachel and I am so excited that you’ve visited my blog! I’ve been inspired by my fellow Torontonians who create beautiful handmade things. So I’ve created The Block. My hope for this blog is to provide you with a curated resource of fresh, exciting and quality local handmade goods and to help us all get to know the talented creators behind them....
