Wow!

I was so impressed with both Portobello West and the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy shows today. You may have seen me roaming around I was wearing my new Cookie Monster sweatshirt and got tons of compliments on it! Both shows were really busy and there was such a huge variety of things to look at (and buy;) ).

I started at Portobello West and although it is usually busy it seemed busier than normal today. For those of you who have never been, its near the red flea market at Terminal and Main, in the Rocky Mountaineer Station building. The event has good signage, parking is free and it's just $2 to get in. This is a higher-end indie-style event that showcases a lot of local takent. With a great mix of art, clothing and functional pieces the show appeals to a wide audience.  I was happy to see some of my favorite artists as well as lots of new artists.

As I was getting ready to leave the house this morning, I was admiring a pendant I had bought from DAL a couple of years ago and was just thinking that I hadn't run into DAL designs for some time. And guess who I saw at Portobello? DAL designs! Unfortunately they were busy when I passed by their table and I didn't get a chance to chat with Dori Luthy-Harrison who is the creative force behind DAL.  I just love the pendant I have by her (see below). If you get a chance visit her etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/doralita

THE RAVE 'N' IRON are a favorite of mine and have to admit that I indulged in a dragonfly pendant from them. I just love their stuff and couldn't resist the temptation

Isn't it pretty?

I was happy to see that Shi Studio was also there and they have a brand new line! It combines the art work of local artist April Lacheur and the beautiful style of Shi Studios. I am always impressed with her work. 

I spent some time admiring the work of artist Mikel Lefler who is the creative force behind Bijoux du Monde

These sterling silver pieces are all made with the wings of butterflies and are absolutely stunning! Anyone who is looking for that special Christmas gift couldn't go wrong with something form this line!

I was also really impressed with the jewelry of Beata Kacy and of  Soigne

The rustic finish of the pieces is something that really appeals to me.

I hadn't seen fiveleft before and am so impressed by the beautiful finishes that he gives to the leather. They are all vegetable dyes and he uses various found objects to distress the leather resulting in unique textures and designs.

I may just have found my new wallet -- for when my current one gives up the ghost . . .

On my way out I stopped to say hi to Thyrza Segal  of Plantscapes who makes such cool terrariums. I saw her work last weekend ( see last week's blog ) and didn't get a chance to introduce myself. I really enjoyed my chat with her and she hinted that in the new year she will be offering classes teaching others to make these beautiful creations. I for one would love to organize a group to get together and learn this! I can just see that my place is going to be full of terrariums -- but they are so pretty and whimsical that I need to learn how to make these!

I also had a chance to meet Laura Bucci whose work I have admired for ages and whose button I adapted into the logo for the BC Craft Fairs website. She is truly a gifted crafter and I look forward to seeing her at Got Craft in the spring!

I will end here and be back either tonight or tomorrow to blog about Shiny Fuzzy Muddy -- just as much to tell you about from that one!

T.