Saturday 8 December 2012

A very festive start to the weekend!

It's only the 8th but it was quite apparent that a holiday buzz and excitement was in the air.  With a steady flow of traffic, along with a band playing in the background, the setting was ideal for shopping.

As usual, there were far too many wonderful products for sale to capture them all on this post.  I've highlighted a number though that I thought may be of interest.  

To begin, who can resist the essence of Vanilla.  A timeless scent that continually ranks within the top 5 of favoured smells.  'Very Vanilla' had a great selection of vanilla edible delights.  Prices ranged from $6 - $25.


Jewelry always stands out at this show and 'Creations by Anna' is no exception.  Modern pieces that are perfect to wear casually or for a formal event.  An average price of $25 makes these beautiful items extremely affordable.


Who can resist treats?! This booth from 'Sugar Temptations' had a creative selection of holiday goodies.  And no room for waste..even the cards can be eaten!  Their next mission should be to create edible wrapping paper, then it's the whole package - quite literally. 


There was a great selection of apparel this weekend.  In particular, 'Electropura.ca' had a large selection of shirts with great statements and fashionable patterns.  Shirts consist of recycled materials for a more environmentally sensitive approach. A great gift for your stylish child! Prices average around $45.


'Pikay Creations' had exquisite shades and shapes with their jewelry.  A beautiful balance between metallics and solid colours.  Prices ranged from $20 - $100.

'Beauty' as a descriptor certainly extended toward other products as well, in particular, the greeting cards.  'Laffin the Dark' had a wonderful selection of photographic cards that displayed a true talent for capturing nature at its best.  There was also a selection of other interesting items such as fly swatter clocks.  Prices ranged from $3 - $25.  

These dolls from 'Patricia McGregor' were amazing!  This one in particular attracted me - reminiscent of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, yet the female version :).  Unique and colourful, a fantastic gift for a collector or child.  

And last but not least, this was a great booth from 'Earth Wine & Barrel'.  They produce amazing products from wine barrels and corks.  Each piece is a work of art, suitable for anyone who wishes to include upscale decor within their homes without paying 'upscale' prices.  Prices range from $6 - $250.

Many vendors were on-site from last weekend as well so if you missed out, there's perhaps still a chance to purchase that hot item you saw on this blog.

Photos provided by Laffin the Dark

Sunday 2 December 2012

Dec 2 and Day 2!

The weather, although rainy, has not dampened the arrival of people coming through to check out today's splendid selection.  Quite a few vendors were at the show yesterday but a large number came only for today, and perhaps might return for another day, but you'll have to come by and check out the show to be certain!

Once again, there are far too many goodies to capture in this post but I've highlighted quite a few to showcase the diversity yet again.

These jewelry pieces really stood out for their uniquely stylish yet rugid quality.  Some of the colours appeared electric - in particular the green earnings.  This jewelry is designed by 'Clockwork Zero' with prices ranging from $15 - $100.

I found these pendants and hair clips to be particularly charming and colourful!  Bright colours are very popular right now so these are right on trend.  Designed by  'dandytiger', the prices are really affordable from $2 - $20.

I thought these items were quite unique.  If you're tired of mass production tree ornaments that lack imagination, then look no further.  'Sam-Urai' offers Zombie Ghost ornaments, and glass balls with beautiful origami shapes and colours inside.  Prices range from $3 - $30.

I absolutely love these mugs!  Place one of these on your desk at work for a great conversation starter.  The clocks were quite magnificent as well. Designed by 'Rosa's Butterfly', they had a diverse range of items that were priced from $5 - $200.

These beautiful indigenous handmade leather bags and makeup cases were exquisite.  Made by 'My Maasai', prices were affordable ranging from $5 - $75.

Ok this booth was unlike any other I've seen yet at the Artisans' Gift Fair.  Designed by an engineer, you could purchase jewelry with embedded coloured lights that flashed based off of your heartbeat or pulse.  In addition, one can purchase bands that vibrate based off of the direction you're heading - ie. north.  These are very practical for hikers. Designed by 'Sensebridge', prices range from $29 - $199.

'With an Indian Touch' had a charming booth, consisting of beautiful stationary booklets and bookmarks.  These pieces appeared as though they were for royalty and definitely an appropriate gift for someone extra special.  Prices ranged from $3 - $45.

This display really caught my eye.  'Patu' had a beautiful arrangement of painted glass and paper art ornaments.


















A very contemporary look with a range of sizes.  Prices were from $7 - $30.

If you like colour then you need to check out Joseph Sagaj's work.  These original watercolour paintings and bookmarks were eye-popping.  Prices range from $10 - $150.

And speaking of colour, this booth was positively charming with a multitude of coffee sleeves.  A great idea! Who knew that holding a hot cup of coffee or tea could look so stylish and fun.  A 'Made By Marian Harriet' design with prices ranging from $5 - $35.

Yet another charming booth in which colour and style were prevalent.    These beautiful pieces were crayon holders!  A great idea for your kids, especially when traveling.  Designed by 'Green Carbon Living', prices were very affordable from $5 - $15.

I got a kick out of this booth.  'Green Bean' had the funniest and charming cards.  Come by and take a peek to read the cute or amusing messages.  They also develop bookmarks, art prints and more.  Prices range from $4 - $22.

This was a popular booth, in particular the facial scrub.  When was the last time you heard of a 100% natural product that was well priced?!  You could obtain a jar for only $4.99!  Needless to say, they were going fast.  All of these natural products ranged from $4.99 - $19.99.

A picture does not do these cute and rather large stuffed monkeys justice.  Designed by 'Curious Monkey', these knitted monkeys were extremely plush, soft and full of vibrant colours.  I doubt any child would want to put one of these guys down.  Each one sells for $100 and no two are identical.

Another great selection of contemporary fashionable looks.  Fitted t-shirts and scarves with unique imprints were to be found at the booth of 'E.E.L. Apparel'.  Each item was $10.

Charming is the best word to describe the knitted tops at the 'Teenie Knits' booth.  The colours were lovely and the sweaters were so soft!  A great gift for a newborn up to a 4 year old. Prices ranged from $20 - $40.

So this weekend wrapped up on a high with many satisfied customers.  Be sure to come by next weekend and check us out! Remember, there will be a new selection of goodies to see!

Photos provided by Battey-Pratt Designs

Saturday 1 December 2012

December 1st - Day one of the show

The first day of the Artisans' Gift Fair doesn't disappoint.  The selection of gifts is wonderful.  Here are some images and prices that are only a sampling of what there is to see.

Suburban Sweetheart

These delicious baked goods are provided from 'Suburban Sweetheart', with prices ranging from $5 - $7

Joy-see
On the note of yummy treats, this company - 'Joy-see' is offering a fine selection of oils - 3 for $20 or 1 for $7.  I believe there's a show special too!

Weir's Lane
Another booth that really stood out and  certainly appealed to the senses was 'Weir's Lane'.  This booth had a great selection of lavender, scented, edible, you name it, they had it when it came to lavender.

Prices ranged from around $5 - $20.

The Mischievous Marriage
At this time of the year, with the winter finally upon us, the warmth apparel was popular such as this very stylish hat company - 'The Mischievous Marriage'.  These custom made hats range from $150 - $350

Stilllife Home
Everything at the show was lovely but these really stood out.  Sarah Richardson would die for these in her next house reno! Designed by 'Stilllife Home'.  The prices were really reasonable too, averaging $25.

CGMonsters
If your little one has every toy they can possibly think of, these cute little characters might just be the missing ingredient - designed by 'CGMonsters'.  The prices average around $25.

Jewelry Creations
Jewelry at the Artisans' Gift Fair really stands out with respect to having an unique and contemporary look.  This chunky necklace really caught my eye.  Designed by 'Jewelry Creations', prices range from $15 - $65.

Gridley's
This booth from 'Gridley's' had a constant crowd around it and not surprisingly.  A vast array of body soaps and treatments with remarkable pricing ranging from $5 - $65.  The scents were lovely.

Needles To Say
If you love colour then you need to check out 'Needles To Say'.  These beautiful knitted touques, sweaters and many other items average in price from $30 - $40.

Hearts and Bones
And don't forget to treat your canine companion!  These tasty treats come in a selection of 'doggy bags'.  'Hearts and Bones' offers them for a steal at $7 a bag.

Studio No 9
In a world where a round comical bird - namely an 'Angry Bird' stuffed toy is one of the most favoured of all, I find these little guys to fall right in line with that trend.  These awesome little characters are developed by 'Studio No 9' with prices ranging from $15 - $20.

The Spadina Diner
If you're looking for delicious gluten free tasty desserts and recipes, then check out 'The Spadina Diner'.  Today's show special included the low fee of $10 for the recipe book, normally $20. Prices range from $2 - $20.

The Jupiter Tribe
If you're looking to accessorize with a unique style, 'The Jupiter Tribe' is possibly a great spot to check out.  Prices were reasonable with ranges from $35 - $85.

There was a vast array of jewelry and such beautiful designs.  I didn't have the opportunity to capture it all but below is an example of an interesting display from 'Designs in Demand' with lovely bracelets adorning trees.  As shown below, the price was $25 for one.






Please come and check us out on the 2nd as there will be another wonderful group of vendors to check out.  Each day differs.  Above is only a sample of what was on display.

Happy shopping!!


Photos provided by Battey-Pratt Designs

Friday 23 November 2012

New for 2012!

The Artisans' Gift Fair has finally arrived again, with a new collection of gifts for you.  We've introduced the blog this year to help you get a glimpse of what to expect each weekend throughout December.  Please visit frequently to see updates on amazing products, prices and anything else that we believe will be of interest to you.  Happy shopping!!