To showcase the great talent of Canadian artisans and designers, the 2015 spring edition of the One of a Kind Show & Sale will put a spotlight on Canadian Handmade and the crafting of beautiful items.
“We are continually in awe of the amazing talent in Canada that’s discovered each season,” says show director Patti Stewart. “To showcase these great works, Canadian Handmade is all about supporting artisans and designers who are either just emerging or have built successful small businesses by creating with their hands as seen throughout the show and in special sections such the Craft Community of Canada and the Rising Stars Shopping District.”
Makers from across the country will come together for five days to gain exposure and sell their works at the One of a Kind Show Spring Show & Sale, taking place from March 25 to 29 at the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Over 450 artisans and designers, including 177 new participants, will offer a diverse collection of handmade items in a number of categories, such as home décor, fashion accessories, clothing, jewelry, beauty, outdoor items, baby, toys, and food.
Etsy returns for its third season with a lineup of 45 emerging sellers in a designated marketplace, making it easy to shop and navigate through the range of beautifully crafted items, including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, food, bath and beauty products, quilts and toys.
For over three decades, the One of a Kind Spring Show is Canada’s flagship show and sale of handcrafted products. The popular spring show sees 60,000 consumers eager to preview new collections, purchase handmade creations, participate in Designer DIY Workshops, and vote for their favourite design in the One of a Kind Water Competition, presented by SodaStream.
At centre stage, exciting daily events will include special appearances by well-known editors and lifestyle influencers on a range of “how-to” topics along with fashion shows on the season’s latest trends. A special section is designated to emerging talent who together with established artisans create a vast array of items such as gourmet food, screen-printed textiles, contemporary ceramics and on-trend fashions, to name a few. Under one roof, guests can discover a range of original handmade Canadian pieces from four key shopping districts: Flavours, Fashion, Green and Rising Stars.
What makes the One of a Kind Show special is in its DNA – creating a show that gives consumers an emotional connection by meeting the makers and by feeling good in shopping local. A focus on homegrown talent, an interactive personal shopping experience to meet the makers, an endless selection of items, feature sections, on-site perks and services makes the show destination shopping at its best.
Tickets are $14 for adults ($12 online); seniors and youth (aged 13 – 17) are $7; university students (with valid ID onsite) are $10; and children 12 & under are free. Complimentary babysitting services are on offer, as are One of a Kind art/craft classes for kids presented by DeSerres.
Taking place over five days (March 25-29, 2015), show hours are 10:00am to 9:00pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday; and 10:00am to 11:00pm on Thursday. The Direct Energy Centre is located at 100 Princes’ Boulevard in Toronto. Free parking is available in all lots after 5:00pm.
For more information, please visit www.oneofakindshow.com.