The fair took place on Nov. 9 at the Sandy Hill Community Centre. Sponsored by Action Sandy Hill (convenor: David Elden), it also included a used booksale, door prizes and a chance to answer these questions: what are you doing for the climate now? What do you plan to do?
This year’s “One & Only” included 50 talented artists and crafters (including some Inuit crafters), a book sale where you could buy three paperbacks for the amazing price of $5, and a hot cup of coffee with baklava. Mayor Jim Watson also made time to check out the tables and thanked the volunteers. If you missed out, you can still pick up some great gifts, by using the vendor’s contact links below.
Following is a small selection of the many items on show:
Handmade Journal Books.
Katrin Smith is an abstract artist, printmaker and bookmaker. Each book has 48 blank hand-cut pages, waxed linen bookmaking thread, and original cover with a butterfly embellishment. Such the perfect vehicle to capture life’s next adventure. www.katrinsmith.com; Katrin Smith
Jewelry crafted from recycled vintage silverware.
Fork prongs transformed into jellyfish brooches. Adam’s work saves the world, one spoon at a time. If you have some silverware, Adam is also open to trading. Rings $25-$30; Bracelets $30-$40. www.facebook.com/manifestocrafts Manifesto Crafts; Contact: Adam Guzman-Poole
Hand crafted collage boards and boxes, decorated with colorful magazine cut-outs. The wood is artist-quality birch. These can be easily personalized by using your own photos. Make great mementos, celebrating important life events, or colorful interior decoration. Boards $40-$60. Boxes $15-$25.
ditesmoideco.ecwid.com/
Contact: Eleanor Doran – Artist/Owner
Acrylic painted rocks, collected from the Bay of Fundy. Terry has painted since his childhood. He designed the OC Transpo flag and Transecure logo. He loves painting on rock because of its texture. Each rock is a unique paperweight, painted with a bird or wherever the muse takes him.
Rocks $10-$40. www.terrycowan.ca
Jewelry made from sterling silver, copper, and stones. Joy’s handiwork as a metalsmith makes unique wearable art. Pendant necklaces in intricate silver designs, and hand-cut stones set in silver. I loved the light blue Larimar stone necklace from the Dominican Republic.
Necklaces $80-$200.
Felted soap—soap trapped in wool—makes a good exfoliant for hands, face, and body. Beer soap that smells like lavender. All in one soap ideal for travelling. Tested washing my hair with soap—it came out squeaky clean.
Felted soap sold by weight: 6-7 oz $16; 9-10 oz $19.
www.facebook.com/thehousebubbles; bubbles.bulles000@gmail.com
The House of Bubbles; Julie Bedard
Seal skin, rabbit fur and leather, and beaded earrings. Handmade Inuit jewelry. Chinu Designs also works with Inuit students at Nunavut Sivuniksavut college to help them sell their own artwork: mostly paintings and canvas bags. Proceeds fund student cultural exchange trips abroad.
www.nunavutsivuniksavut.ca/culture
Colorful tuques made of lycra with polar. Stretchy, thin and quick drying. Ideal for those running or skiing in the winter. Put one in your purse for cold commutes to and from work.
$25; louise.brunet@gmail.com;
www.facebook.com/LoulouB-1533822296929490/; LouLouB