Nifty for Fifty!

I'm so excited to be a part of the 3rd annual Nifty for Fifty sale this year!!! I've literally cleaned out the jewelry boxes for this one... Many OAK necklaces that had yet to find a home have been marked down to $20.00! (originally $60 - $90).

With over 15 local designers ready to part with their much-loved designs and vintage finds for $50 or less, this event is not to be missed!

“It’s definitely a cost-effective way to update your spring wardrobe,” says Melissa Ferreira, coordinator of the event and designer of local label, Adhesif Clothing. “Some of the wares will even be marked off 90%!”

To make things even more exciting, this year Nifty for Fifty will be happening at Five-Sixty, a new space on 560 Seymour that has been serving as a gallery for the Cultural Olympiad. “It’s a fabulous location, and we’ve brought in talented designers to fill it,” adds Melissa.

Van-city shoppers can also revel in fact that ADMISSION IS FREE! Just be sure to block off Saturday, April 17th between 11am-6pm and Sunday, April 18th between 12-5pm for some serious sartorial hauling.

Remember to bring cash or your chequebook - most vendors will be cash only at this event.

Nice article here.

Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 11:00am
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 5:00pm
560 Seymour

Looking forward to the first big market of the season.

I've often thought that crafters and artisans are a bit of a rare breed. We show up at markets, all of us hauling boxes, lighting and display stuff - it's kind of like the circus came to town. And we're the carnies.

A lot of us "do the circuit". We see each other sometimes every weekend during the busy holiday season, then we go for months not seeing each other at all. January and February and most of March are the down times. So it's a real build up to the first big market of the season. That market in Vancouver is the Portobello West market on the last weekend of March.

The excitement is palpable. All the sellers who haven't seen each other for months are yelling hellos and hugging and smiling. And the people who show up at the market feel the excitement too. New spring and summer goods are on display, bright clothing, colourful artwork, must-have accessories. It's a lot of fun, that first market.

So why not come down and make an afternoon of it? There's specialty coffees and good food available outside. And a whole market full of amazing, hand made, locally designed fabulous finds inside!

I'll be running a contest/draw as well. As you may have heard, I'm running a 1/2 marathon in May and raising money towards cancer research. There will be a donation jar on my table. Anyone who donates $2.00 will be entered in a draw to win a $20.00 BuenoStyle gift certificate. Anyone who donates $5.00 will entered in a draw to win a $20.00 BuenoStyle gift certificate! All you have to do is donate, and fill out the form provided with your name and phone number. It's that easy!

Anyone who donates $10.00 or more will be eligible for a tax receipt as well. Here's the link to my personal fund raising page, if you are so inclined.

I look forward to seeing your smiling faces!

Main St. Car Free Fest. It ruled.

The Car Free Festivals are a somewhat new phenomenon in Vancouver. It started about 4 years ago on Commercial Drive and was such a huge success that they've migrated to other neighborhoods around the city. Streets are shut down to cars in 4 different 'hoods now.

Car Free Day happened Sunday June 14th and it was a blast! I didn't even get to see it all, as I was set up at 17th and Main for the Blim market along with about 40 other vendors selling my stuff. But with Main St. shut down from Broadway all the way up to 25th, there was crazy festiveness in the air and all the passerby's were in a fantastic mood!
I was happy to see Carol from Cheese and Chutney (and her lovely partner Keith) setting up beside me. I used to work with Carol one summer at the Farmer's Market. These days, she's making the cutest little "Cuddle Cups" - how adorable are these? She hand-throws them on the pottery wheel, and uses recycled wool sweaters to make the wee bands around the centre. You can't see it in the photo, but there's a textured area underneath the wool band so it won't slip off. Smart design. Plus, you can take off the wool cozie and pop it in the wash if you spill on it. These are a new item for Cheese and Chutney, so they're not available on-line yet. They ARE available at; Kingsmill Pottery Shop on Granville Island, 1620 Johnston St. They will also be at the Harmony Arts Fest in Ambleside, West Van, July 31st, August 1,2,3. Or you can email her at cheeseandchutney1@gmail.com.

The Blim market shut down at 6pm, but the Street Fest went until 8pm, so I was able to catch up with some friends, watch some live music and DJ's, and be entertained by some really wasted hipsters so ironic that one of them was on roller blades. They ended up on the pavement and started drawing on one of their friends with sidewalk chalk. Apparently it really tickles.

If you haven't come out to one of the Car Free Day neighbourhoods yet, try to come out next year. It's a great way to connect with the community, has great people watching and free entertainment. What's not to love?


www.buenostyle.etsy.com

Don't miss the season opener of Portobello West this weekend!

Designers and customers alike are all abuzz about the big opening weekend of Portobello West Fashion and Art Market this weekend! Come join over one hundred of talented, BC-based designers, artists and like-minded people. There hasn't been a market since mid-december and everyone is starting to jones for their monthly fashion and art fix.

BuenoStyle will be showcasing some brand new designs for 2009 including the hand-painted Patina collection.

Make a day of it; there's fantastic gourmet hot dogs, teas & coffes, and the best crepes in Vancouver. Support your local economy!

Saturday, March 28, 2009 12:00pm - 6pm
Sunday, March 29, 2009 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Rocky Mountaineer Station
1755 Cottrell Street
Vancouver, BC
www.portobellowest.com

Etsy Spring Fling Sale this Saturday!

If you live in Vancouver, come on down to the cute Cambrian Hall this Saturday for the Etsy Spring Fling Sale.

Over 25 Vancouver-based independent designers & artists will be showcasing their hand made wares.

I'll have a whole bunch of sale items including one-offs, samples and older stock!

Earrings: $5- $10.00!
Necklaces & bracelets from $15.00!

Plus you can check out my new items for Spring 2009 including the Patina collection.
Saturday March 21st
Cambrian Hall; 215 E 17th (@ Main)
11am - 5pm

Last Minute Market this Sunday, Dec 14th!

After you go to Portobellow West, come up Main Street and check out this fun market on Sunday . . .

The Silver Lining Craft Fair

2425 Main St at Antisocial

Sunday Dec.14th, 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Looking forwards to seeing you!

Other artist who'll be vending their wears include:
Aja Bond
Wendy Oakman
Marcy and Chai - from vancouver Island
Condie Radnidge
Clair Madill - hey day designs
Amy Nugent - Road Quill
Lisa Cinar
Gilbert and Gilbert
Rebecca - Bee in your Bonnet Chocolates
Genevieve
Tracey Vath
Maya Credico
Jesse Gray