DEAR DIARY: CITY OF CRAFT.

All photos by Celine Kim.

I had a really great time at City of Craft this past weekend! The weeks leading up to this event were a little hectic (to say the least), but sooo worth the effort. Big ups to my continuously supportive and helpful pals. A lot of work goes into a weekend like this, and it's inspiring to see so many people coming together to make something happen. The vendors were excellent, of course, and it's heartwarming to see a roomful of people supporting their community in this way.

Danielle and I were blown away by the positive reaction to Falconwright. We definitely have less stock left over than we imagined we might, so we've decided to create a new collection of items and release it (blacks! greys!) in mid-January. We're feeling very pumped for future pouches/purses/etc. Stay tuned...

Celine was there taking lots of beautiful photos. She even managed to get one of me not clowning it up or giving the camera a weird face as per usual. For a full tour of the weekend, check out the full collection of photos she took here. In the second last photo up there, you can even spot a couple of my favourite ladies from The Concord Learning Annex (ha!) shopping away.

And now a peek at a few of the treasures I adopted...

Black braided chunky headband by goodnight, day. This is a seriously comfortable piece of knitted head wear. Full ear coverage and totally comfortable. Check out all of Tara-Lynn's stuff here (such great styling too!).

Shannon Gerard's book Unspent Love or, Things I Wish I Told You.

And a slew of excellent greeting cards from the always charming Petra C (individually packaged cards? what!), and a new local fave Gezellig Studio.

THIS WEEKEND: CITY OF CRAFT.

City Of Craft is this weekend. THIS WEEKEND.

Above is my poster design for the event! Though I had no part in organizing this annual shindig, selecting vendors, or doing any of the administrative voodoo that Becky has to deal with, I have been involved in the design year round (one small element), and feel like this weekend is wrapping up something that's been on my mind in one way or another for quite some time. Feelings! I can't believe how much positive feedback I've gotten about the design this year, and I am so happy that so many of you have enjoyed it. Sweethearts all over the place.

It's been a predictably crazy week around these parts and all of my attempts to get on this blog and sound off about last weekends amazing Handmade Holiday event, all the Falconwright printing I've been doing, the amazing screen printed version of this poster that Kid Icarus printed, or the beauty tote bags that Shannon, Roisin, Becky and I printed up have gone unwritten. But in lieu of these GHOST POSTS, I can tell you that Danielle and I will have more Falconwright change purses and pouches available (including some metallic GOLD printing and 4 very special large GREY clutches!) just in time for the weekend.

There's also a large chance that I'll be bankrupt after this weekend because there are so many amazing things available that I'd like to pick up for myself. Seriously, the sheer volume of talented people who will be at City Of Craft this weekend is ridiculous. Hope to see you there!

CITY OF CRAFT + CANZINE

Dropped by Canzine this weekend. A bit on the claustrophobic/congested side, but there was definitely a lot of great stuff to check out/eat/drink/purchase/lust after. And the venue was cool too. I left with one neat thing I can't show you because it's going to be a gift for someone who reads this blog (shhhh!). But I also picked up some coffee from Big Smoke Coffee Co, and this little linocut print to remind myself that while my current schedule might be running me into the ground a bit, it's jammed full of enjoyable stuff and everything is ok. I would love to give the artist credit, but she didn't have anything with her name on it (and I have a terrible memory). My friend Tim and I also enjoyed mini beef sliders from West Side Beef Co via the Toronto Underground Market. Delicious! And lastly, if you came to Canzine too, then you probably got a piece of my latest City Of Craft work in your bag - a shiny new postcard! Details for everyone, details for all.

Guess what! You can like Deadweight on Facebook now. If you're into that sort of thing. OMG. I'm no longer obsolete and living in the dark...

SEPTEMBER STUFF.

Lately: 1. A new City of Craft ad for Worn Fashion Journal. 2. A header for the blog a few pals and I started about re-reading the Christopher Pike novels of our youth. No posts yet, but lots of intense analysis coming soon?!! 3 & 4 & 5. Listed some printed tank tops and a wishbone print in the shop!

APPLY TO CITY OF CRAFT.

Pssst...the deadline to apply for City Of Craft is coming up on August the 31st!
That's 5 more application friendly days for all the detail-fanatics in the house.

A WITCHES BREW (OF INFORMATION).

Here is my latest fiery promotional item for City Of Craft announcing event dates and encouraging applications. Kid Icarus did an excellent job printing up a huge pile of these guys. The cauldron will be bubbling all summer long - make sure to apply by August 31st!

And though I did my best to keep my paws out of my purse this weekend, I did manage to adopt some things at The Spring Trunk Show this past Sunday at The Workroom: a new summer jean shirt and zine from Lemonade, a birthday card by Petra, and some postcards by Kid Icarus. Good hangs, good snacks, good times.

LOVE BIRDS.

It's like looking into the future, right Dennis? Except that in the future you'd certainly still have glasses, and we'd never be dressed this fancy for any reason whatsoever.

Getting into Valentine's mode for the upcoming Love and Rummage event. Despite the fact that this month flew by at mind bending record speeds, I'm still trying to make something new. Enter these scowling love birds!

Some details: Love and Rummage is next Sunday. Check out the lineup! And really, what better way to spend some time after your Sunday brunches or before your Superbowl parties then by heading to The Workroom? There will be a mini bunting workshop and free gift bags to the first 25 shoppers. And if you need to be sold any further - yes, there will be snacks.

GO GREEN.

Last night Becky got herself into nocturnal alteration mode, and re-built a website with her website building hands! A midnight makeover seems oddly fitting, don't you think? Check out my stab at City Of Craft's new online identity here: website and blog! Lots of Wicked Witch of The West inspired green going on.

CITY OF (WITCH) CRAFT.

I've been meaning to tell you about something exciting. I have the honour of being the designated designer/manipulator of imagery for 2011's installment of City Of Craft! Check out Becky's very nice post about it here.

I expect that all the things I'm hopelessly fixated on will make their presence known: witchy imagery, objects of perceived luck or fortune, scrappy text, slightly askew lines/shapes, miscellaneous magic, and more. Stay tuned!

CITY OF CRAFT: THE HAUL.

A generous collection of Trip Print Press prints. Letterpress goodness abound.

A tote bag, card, and notebook by the super charming Lemonade.

On top of the books you can see one of Tara Bursey's index fingers hanging out with a vile of shredded money by Sweetie Pie Press.

This creepy face was made by ceramics manipulator extraordinaire Julie Moon. I also scored one of her ceramic hearts, but it got wrapped up and unwrapped by a dear pal of mine. Trust me though, it's gorgeous.

Gocco greeting card goodness by the Petra C.

A collection of paper greetings by Genevieve Jodouin and Heing Tang. I am officially armed for any occasion.

A couple sets of awesome artist series pin sets by City Of Craft-master Sweetie Pie Press. Featuring a crew of great faces by Sara Guindon and a trio of dreamy kitties by Sarah McNeil.

A piece of art by The Maple Ridge. Unicorns are a-holes. Truth speaking.

I was lucky to win a raffle too. Some wrapping paper, power line printed fabric by Bespoke Uprising, a bag by Anatomy of a Skirt, and Shortcomings by Adriane Tomine. Seriously.

And I didn't get this Doublenaut print at COC, but they were there selling prints and tshirts. D and I just put this up in our home, and I thought it deserved a mention here because it looks so good.

There was tons of other great things I could have easily purchased (like the gold tooth necklaces by Old Weston - those were amazing) but one has to cut themselves off somewhere, right? Right.

BOOM - THERE GOES YOUR BRAIN.

Photo above by Sweetie Pie Press

I only managed to take a couple photos at City of Craft this past weekend. I'm getting pretty lazy about documenting events lately - what gives, Falconer? Too busy talking to people, eating poutine, drinking coffee, and making faces I guess. Thankfully there's a flickr group you can visit if you want to feel like you were there. You should really check it out, because the place looked fantastic. Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by, said hello, or adopted something from my table. Props go out to all the dedicated people who make this event happen. And high fives to all the inspiring, talented makers in the house - Christmas definitely came early this year (photographic evidence of all the loot I scored to follow).

NOW IS THE TIME.

Photo via City Of Craft

Dudes! If you come to City Of Craft this weekend (which you obviously should) you will be branded with my handwriting upon arrival. Becky made these sweet stamps via an envelope I sent her last year. How fun is that?

I went to a mall today (a mall!) and it was definitely not an enjoyable experience. The Theatre Centre would surely be a much more comfortable, friendly place to buy your last minute Christmas gifts, right? There are definitely no swag bags at the mall. Total no brainer!

TIME MANAGEMENT.

SOON.

SPRING TRUNK SHOW

New floral cards and a 5X7 print for The Spring Trunk Show this Sunday! Should be a great time. I plan on making a batch of homemade oreo cookies for your snacking pleasure. Crafts, vintage rummage items, and free snacks? Yes please!

City of Craft & the workroom present
Spring Trunk Show
Sunday April 18, 2010
Noon to 5pm at the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Show your love with local, handmade wares. Beside Herself, Deadweight, Melinda Jose (& Chris), Needle Books, Nightjar Books, Old Weston, Stichface, The Sweetie Pie Press, the workroom, and more.

Free to attend. Free snacks for all.

The Spring Trunk Show is curated by Becky Johnson & Karyn Valino.

GOOD FEELINGS.

I have a good feeling about 2010. I hope you do too.

These are the windows in my bedroom. They're my favourite part of our apartment, but they're definitely not winter friendly. Lovely though!

Here are a couple belated pictures from City Of Craft.
It was nice to meet so many good faces.

CITY OF CRAFT.

City of Craft is fast approaching! This is my first time doing something like this and I'm looking forward to the adventure. Most big public gatherings where I don't know anyone make me pretty nervous though - so please come by and say hello! Perhaps you'll find a handmade gift for that hard to buy for person on your Christmas list? I bet it'll be basically impossible to leave empty handed. Bring on the visual delights!

City of Craft 2009
December 12 & 13, 2009
Saturday NOON-7:00pm
Sunday NOON-5:00pm

The Theatre Centre
1087 Queen Street West, Downstairs
Toronto, ON

$2 at the door

VENDORS!

INSTALLATIONS!