Get out your calendars – something for everyone in April

In the coming weeks, the DECA bloggers (Sheri and Shelley) will be telling you more about ourselves, and about the rest of the DECA Board members. For Shelley and I, you will learn that we are busy working moms, with five kids under the age of 4 between us, and you will understand why there are times when there are no blog posts for a bit, and then a really, really, long one with all sorts of events listed. So while we strive for logical themes, clever segues and pictures in our posts, this one is just going to be a whack of info and dates. Hopefully there is something that will make you flag this for follow up. (Or maybe you get regular REM sleep and have that thing known as “memory”, but I digress.)

In chronological order:

Friday, April 5, 2013 @ 1:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Artisans-at-Work “First Friday”
Location: 2071 Danforth Avenue @ Woodbine

One of many, many amazing events going on at Artisans-at-Work, the newest community hub in our neighbourhood.

For more info on all of the interesting classes, events, workshops and learning opportunities on offer at Artisans, visit their events page here.

Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 7:00 p.m.
Danforth Mosaic BIA monthly meeting
Location: Toronto Model Photography, 1840 Danforth Avenue @ Glebemount

Come one, come all! Hear what the BIA is working on and have a say – remember, they are partially funded by your tax dollars! (BIAs are funded by levies paid by the local businesses, and by the City)

Saturday, April 14, 2013 @ 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Free Art Exhibit, “Colour of My Soul”, by local artist Renata Dusk
Location: Leeman Nautical Home Decor and Giftware, 1202 Woodbine Avenue @ Mortimer

It’s finally warm out, so take a walk up Woodbine and visit this amazing new store to see some beautiful art!

Leemen is a new store a 1202 Woodbine Avenue – the only store in Toronto selling Nautical Home Decor and Giftware, as well as a wide range of unique gifts for your Cottage and Home. On April 14, 2013, we are hosting an Art Show featuring the work of local artist, Renata Dusk. Her Show is called “Colour of My Soul”, and it will run from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. The Artist’s medium is Acrylic and her web site can be found here.

Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Family Art Workshop “I Do Believe in Fairies” at Colour Creative, $40/family
Check their Facebook page for more info, or email here

Monday – Thursday, April 22-25 @ 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Business Basics Bootcamp, Free business classes offered by Enterprise Toronto
Free Admission, but space is limited – see below for registration info
Location: East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue @ Mortimer

Thanks to Councillor Fragedakis, Ward 29, for arranging these helpful sessions in our neck of the woods!
Click here for the website – registration required!

Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Family Art Workshop “Beyond Brushes” at Colour Creative, $40/family
Check their Facebook page for more info, or email here

Speaking of Facebook, have you “liked” us yet? If not, click here. We’re on Twitter too @DECAdiaries (of course)!

March 27, 2013

Friday Fun!

THIS FRIDAY, March 29, 2013

Silly Goose Kids (2054 Danforth Avenue) – Open on Good Friday with lots of fun activities!

NEXT FRIDAY (April 5, 2013)

Artisans At Work (2071 Danforth Avenue – a few stores west of Pizza Pizza at Woodbine) hosts a “First Friday” event on the first Friday of each month. The details are so exciting and there is so much going on that you need to read their newsletter so that you don’t miss anything! The highlights are art, opera, crepes and a liquor licence! Click here for the details.

And just to give you a sneak preview, look how beautiful the space is (photo cred to Artisans at Work):

For even more info, our friend the East End Pioneer did a write-up on Artisans at Work, which you can read here.

***

PARADE ALERT!! Don’t forget that the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade is this Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. along Queen Street E. It starts in front of the Fox Theatre and travels west to Woodbine. We are told that this is the largest Easter parade in North America!

March 8, 2013

Be a better you and support local businesses

Was February really only 28 days long? Holy moly! If you are like me, motivation has been at an all-time low. Just in the nick of time, here are some local options that will get you out and about.

Get Artsy

Julie Glick, who is an extraordinarily talented local artist and all-around wonderful person (who is an invaluable member of our Arts Fair team of volunteers) is teaching oil painting on Tuesdays at Artisans-At-Work, starting THIS Tuesday, March 12 for 8 weeks. There are only a few spots left. Details below!

Get Moving

We blogged in January about fitness options in our neighbourhood, but CareerFit Mom has some new classes coming up that we wanted to tell you about, including a free run club on Sunday mornings along the Taylor Creek Trails!

Get Shopping

This is not a pop-up shop plug. This is a personal story about my best shopping experience ever.

On Monday afternoon, on a day off shopping for sinks and toilets for my new bathroom, I finally made it into Krystle Lee’s pop-up at 1801 Danforth Avenue.

I expected to go in, casually browse through items, make polite conversation, and then leave. That is exactly the opposite of what happened.

Krystle was warm and welcoming, and I explained that I am recently back to work after having twins, which was my second pregnancy, so all of my clothes are either too tight, too old, or both.

Krystle literally took me through almost every garment in her shop. She encouraged me to try things on, even things that I didn’t think would look good. I learned that all of her clothes are Canadian-made – no sweatshops and as much as possible, Toronto-based designers. (What? Designer? Who do I think I am??) So I tried on many, many beautiful clothes. Krystle and I honestly assessed each outfit and she gave me tips and advice about fashion that I had no idea about. (If you know me, you will not be surprised that fashion info was all new to me.)

I was playing it cool and not looking at price tags, but when push came to shove, I had to start caring about the bottom line. Beautiful spring blouse? $35. Gorgeous black button-down dress? $95 Softest and best fitting camisole ever? $20 The prices were totally reasonable. (She has higher end stuff too, which is also steeply discounted, if your budget has a bit more give than mine!)

Krystle is a personal stylist and usually sells privately to clients who know about her almost exclusively through word-of-mouth. She buys her clothes with deep discounts, and her lack of overhead means that she can pass those savings right to her clients.

I left there with a great work dress, a georgeous sweater, and some really beautiful tops. Even more amazing was that for the first time in 15 months, since my twins were born, I am excited to get dressed in the morning and I feel better about myself than I have in a long time. To me, you can’t put a price on that.

You can find Krystle at 1801 Danforth Avenue for the month of March. www.krystle.ca

January 16, 2013

news for a chilly night

Here are a few tidbits to distract you from that Visa bill that recently showed up.

Happy 5th Birthday to Melanie’s – $25 prix fixe menu!

How much do we love having this superb little bistro in our neighbourhood? A lot, that’s how much. Melanie’s Bistro is turning 5, and to celebrate, they are offering a special $25 prix fixe menu, $2 off sandwiches and wraps at weekday lunches, AND half off desserts during the week. I’d say these are some pretty good reasons to stop in to celebrate right along with them!

Artisans at Work: Call-out for Teachers

Renos are under way at one of the neighbourhood’s new businesses, Artisans-at-Work, and owner Tara has asked us to post this message:

Artisans At Work, 2071 Danforth, is almost finished construction.

We will be open in February to the public for classes, workshops and events, whilst we continue to stock our shelves with Toronto artist’s work!

We would like to take this opportunity to invite all local art, music, dance, and theatrical teachers in the neighbourhood and beyond, to submit proposals to hold classes for children, teens and adults.

We are looking to fill many series of classes in time slots, but also single classes here and there. March break classes are also ready to be planned and booked!

Please submit your proposed class, time and day(s) preference, cost, and any other information to us by clicking here.

Thank you,

Tara

PS – Website coming soon: www.artisans-at-work.com; in the meantime you can “like” us on Facebook to keep in touch!

Monarch Park Stadium Info Night with Trustee Cathy Dandy – January 22nd

Trustee Cathy Dandy is holding a community meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7pm at Monarch Park Collegiate (enter at the front doors of the school). The event is described as “an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss the new Monarch Park Stadium.”

DECADiaries Fun fact: You can call 3-1-1 to order a new recycling bin and/or second green bin – FREE! Garbage bins can also be exchanged, but remember that the larger the bin, the more you will have to pay for pick-up on your bill.

December 21, 2012

Artisans at Work and Silly Goose in the News!

Artisans-at-Work…are workin’ late tonight!

In addition to the pop-up shops we posted about yesterday, we wanted to highlight a new business that has opened up on the heels of the success of the pop-up initiative. The Artisans-At-Work store and studio is located at 2071 Danforth. Many, many artists and artisans selling their handmade creations until 10:00 p.m. tonight (December 21). It is the longest night of the year, so might as well spend it shopping!! Here is a note from owner Tara:

Late Night Shopping on the Danforth!

From 4pm until 10pm Friday Dec 21!!

* * * * * * *

Artisans-At-Work

Presents:

A quality Arts & Crafts Show with 25 artists!!

2071 Danforth

(balloons on south side at Woodbine, just west of Pizza Pizza!)

Drop in tonight for some Egg Nog, Punch & Yummy treats!!

All quality, handmade items!

Featuring Baby Bibs, Ornaments, Toys, Jewellery(many kinds), Wood art, Stone mosaics, Knitted hats, Scarves, funky baby onesies, Winter Ponchos & Fancy Hair Clips

and oh…so much more!

Also open all this weekend: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd

9:00am to 6:00pm

Stay tuned for our grand opening in the New Year!

After renovations, we will be an artisan’s gift shoppe, with 7 workstudios, and a Community Room for all sorts of events, monthly licensed open house evenings, children & adult art classes and all types of workshops! Have an idea to hold one, or attend one?

Please click here to be included in our upcoming invites, services & newsletters!

__________

Silly Goose Kids does it again!

On the topic of amazing stores in our neighbourhood, Silly Goose Kids’ owner Shamie was recently interviewed for an article in the Toronto Star about the more realistic doll from the UK called “Lottie”. Somehow, Shamie and co-owner Tracey have managed to get the dolls into the store just in time for the holidays. (Maybe those magic kits they sell really work?) If you have “liked” their Facebook page, you will already have reserved yours!

If you have any hard-to-buy-for kids or adults on your list, go to SGK. All of the staff are informed and helpful, and will offer expert advice to help you zero in on the perfect gift. There is lots of stuff that grown-ups would like too – like watches, retro toys, board games and more!

Silly Goose Kids’ hours to Christmas are Friday 9:30am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, and Monday 9:30pm-3pm.

December 2, 2012

DECA Board Meeting & Artisans At Work

DECA Board Meeting

The next DECA Board meeting will be held this Tuesday, December 4th at 7:30 pm. We’ll be talking trees, parks, pop-ups and so much more! Please contact Anita if you are interested in attending.

Artisans At Work

If the nine pop-up shops and handful of new stores and businesses are not enough for you, there’s more coming to our piece of the Danforth. Artisans At Work (2071 Danforth Ave) will be opening for Arts & Craft Shows the next three weekends – December 8-9th, 15-16th and 22-23rd.

The idea for this gift shop featuring locally made arts & crafts as well as self contained studio/micro business space is the brainchild of former DECA board member, Tara Shelton.

Here’s a post from Tara about featured artistis, craft show details and how to inquire about renting space in December and beyond:

Artisans At Work

Artisans At Work is an upcoming 2700 square foot retail gallery store at 2071 Danforth Ave (at Woodbine). The space also has eight private, turn-key micro business/studio spaces for the arts, jewellery, and community to start-up and operate for affordable, inclusive rates.

button

The Show

We are holding Christmas Craft Shows on the weekends of December 8/9^th, 15/16^th, and 22/23^rd from 9am to 6pm. Applications are still welcome. Craft show prices are $75 per weekend, $40 per day or $100 for two weekends.

The Artists

Stone Folio: Stone marble Mosaics. Price Range: $40-400. Attending: Dec 15/16 & 22/23.

Lurearts Pottery: handmade ceramic dinnerware, jewelry, clocks and hostess gifts. Price range: $12-100. Attending: Dec 8th & 9th

Thunderpeep: Illustrated designs. Price range: $4- $40. Attending: Dec 8 & 9th.

Tara Shelton: Sculptural jewellery, wood burnt etchings. Price range: $45 to $250. Attending: Dec 8/9th, 15/16th, & 22/23rd.

Bonnie Marder: Quilts, small gifts.

Zuzuki Diaz: jewellery, bags made from recycled items. Attending: Dec 15th.

Meter by Meter: Vegan bags, and gifts for animal lovers & pets. Price range: $30-135. Attending: December 8/9th &15/16th. 100% of proceeds will go to homeless cats at North Toronto Cat Rescue .

Tweak: One of a kind jewellery. Price range: $18-300. Attending: Dec 15/16 & 22/23.

Pink Ink: Cards, restyled mittens sweaters, barettesPrice range: $4-100. Attending: Saturdays Dec 15 & 22.

ClothesPeg Designs: Handmade Children’s Clothing & Accessories. Price Range: $10-$50. Attending: Dec 15&16.

Adrienne Baker Sieffert: baby bibs, catnip beds, bags, reversible coffee sleeves, pillows, pincushions, tote bags, luggage tags and vintage inspired Christmas ornaments. Price range $3-30. Attending: Dec 8/9, 15/16, 22/23.

Ecoartworx: Earth Friendly & Ethical, Eco-Fashion accessories and Jewelry. Price Range: $5- $120. Attending: December 22nd.

The Space

Hydro, water, security, heat, liability insurance, wi-fi, in addition to other benefits such as Open House every First Friday evening of the month, group shows, adult craft nights, networking, and more!

Some business use possibilities: art studio, jewellery studio, textile & other crafts, painting/sculpting classes, children’s arts & crafts, yoga, specialty retail etc. The possibilities are endless!

There are eight studio spaces available, ranging from 100 to 200 sq feet. Each secure micro business space is bright, with a high ceiling, is fitted with a sink and may be custom built to suit each tenant.

Long and short term leases are available, and sharing spaces is welcome!

Each tenant is also given a display area to promote their business, and contact info and/or opening hours, as well as on our website.

The retail gallery section of the store is also for rent based upon square footage with only 10% sales commission!

We supply the retail staff and help the artist vendor to promote themselves to the retail customer!

Please contact Tara for more information on renting a studio space, retailing your product, or joining the Christmas Craft Shows: torontotara (at) yahoo.com

Many thanks!