One of a Kind Show Favourites

I attend the Christmas One of a Kind Show in Toronto just about every year, and this year was another great event. Last Sunday my sister and I hit the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place and walked the show floor for oh, about 5 hours. There was so much to see that we never wavered, and only sat down for a quick lunch at the halfway point. The show continues until Sunday, December 8th, so if your schedule allows, you should absolutely head downtown to check it out.

I always stop to see what Avril Loreti and Jenna Fenwick (Jenna Rose) have in store; they are both amazing young talents creating the most wonderful textile designs. The One of a Kind Show is one of the best places to pick up unique items to give as gifts, but of course I always manage to find a little something for myself ;) The show's Rising Star section features brand new artisans, and that is where I met the lovely Meghan & Rebecca of Calico Studio. These girls were awesome to speak with and I totally fell in love with their hand painted wool crepe de chine wraps with hand felted edges - so much work, but oh so beautiful!!

It was also in the Rising Star area where I discovered Akai Ceramic Studio. They have the sweetest handmade ceramic pieces, the K Bowl first caught my eye, but I really couldn't help myself when I spotted the pink mini vase. I knew it would look so cute on my bedside table, and it totally does!! I mean have you ever...

Akai Ceramic Studio has an Etsy shop, or if you'd like to pick up a little something as a Christmas gift without the worry of shipping, they will be at the CBC Charity Craft Sale on December 12th and at the Let It Snow Craft Fair in The Annex on December 14th.

Happy Shopping!!

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Canadian Artistic Talent: Avril Loreti

Prior to my recent visit to New York, I had arranged to meet with design blogger Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic. Hoping to find a uniquely Canadian gift for Heather, I visited Toronto's Distillery District last Sunday to do some shopping at Distill Gallery. The charming shop features the work of Canadian designers and artists.


My favourite pieces were the super cute cocktail napkins, designed and screen printed by local Toronto designer Avril Loreti. Apparently I'm not the only one impressed by Avril's designs, since her cocktail napkins and handkerchiefs have appeared in several magazines such as Toronto Life, Real Simple, House Beautiful and Martha Stewart Living. Avril's designs are available at several stores in Toronto, but she also operates an Etsy shop where you can purchase her items online.

Toronto Buildings Cocktail Napkins
$26.00 (Set of 4)
I purchased these as a gift for Heather!!

Designer Chairs Cocktail Napkins
$52.00 (Set of 8)

Mustache Handkerchief
$16.00

I Heart Birkin Tote
$25.00

It's always a pleasure to purchase items made close to home, and it doesn't get much closer than this!! Avril lives right here in Toronto with her boyfriend Frank and cat Nico.

Photos courtesy of www.avrilloreti.com