One of a Kind show and Seasons Christmas show a return to in-person shopping events

Two of Toronto’s biggest Christmas markets, the Seasons Christmas Show and the One of a Kind Show, are back for their first in-person shopping events since 2019.

Shoppers will be able to browse the products of hundreds of Canadian artisans, from handmade pottery and unique art to Christmas cards and decorations, all ready to buy with no shipping costs or delays.

There is excitement in the air with the return of the events in person; after all, it’s a chance to go out and meet friends for a little retail therapy and local shopping. This year, things will look a little different. Visitors will need to purchase timed-entry tickets prior to the show, available online. Buyers can also expect improved health and safety protocols including proof of vaccination, mandatory masks, improved cleaning procedures, contract tracking, and medical examinations.

The unique show (OOAK) will take place from November 25 to December 5 at the Enercare Center in Toronto, with more than 400 artisans and manufacturers from across Canada selling everything from fine arts and ceramics to handcrafted gourmet delicacies. Don’t expect the usual food and drink sampling that can draw crowds of people around the stalls. It was canceled, and organizers said their number one priority is the health and safety of everyone at the show.

“We know that these changes will make One of a Kind look a little different this year, but we also know that by implementing our full set of health and safety protocols and ensuring that we are working with everyone to adhere to these guidelines, ‘We are taking a measured but exciting step to bring our community together to reconnect and rebuild, ”says program director Janice Leung.

The Seasons Christmas Show also returns to the International Center, Mississauga, Nov. 12-14, with over 150 exhibitors, including a mix of food and holiday decorations. Hidden within it, shoppers can browse Makeful Market, a curated holiday market featuring 80 local artisans. The program plans to hold Christmas-themed craft workshops and stage demonstrations. Buyers will also have access to the Fall Cottage Life Show, which runs simultaneously, giving visitors access to both shows for the price of one ticket.

For manufacturers, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with customers, says Erinn Wright, show director for the Seasons Christmas Show. “We have heard stories from the creators of their struggles during the pandemic, such as delays in the postal service, and how this severely affected their business. For emerging manufacturers, face-to-face transactions at events like Seasons continue to be very important in growing their business and building lasting relationships with customers. “

Ceramic artist Paul Stewart says that most of his sales happen at fairs. “For more than a year, my sales were practically nil. I couldn’t do craft shows, lessons, or school workshops in person. All the usual sources of my income disappeared due to the pandemic, ”says Stewart, who is a 20-year veteran of OOAK and owner of Pottery, a studio and teaching space in the west end of Toronto. “I’m looking forward to seeing customers and getting authentic feedback, you can’t do that online.” Stewart will be at the OOAK with ceramic ramen gift bowls, travel mugs and a new line of hanging planters.

For artists just starting out, shows make a difference, says Ali Harrison, a paper-cut artist who has been a salesperson at OOAK for seven years. “This is how I got out and started my business. Many of the people who buy directly from My Web site He found me at the OOAK or another show, ”says Harrison. The intricate hand-cut paper designs started out as a hobby, eventually turned into a business, and now include charming laser-cut Christmas decorations, wall hangings, cake toppers, wreaths, and customizable advent calendars made from cut birch wood. To be.

It is Aimee ruoffThis is the first time he has exhibited in person at OOAK. Ruoff began working as an artist in the summer of 2020 and participated in a virtual edition last year. “I look forward to the joy of the creative community, seeing smiling faces or eyes, and meeting other manufacturers and lovers of crafts, food and art,” says Ruoff. Look for his oil paintings and prints inspired by the fleeting moments of everyday life.

What started as a pandemic hobby has grown into a growing business for Haley odegaard, a candle maker exhibiting at the OOAK for the first time. Odegaard makes decorative and sculptural candles in his London, Ontario garage. “It’s like a mini-factory,” says Odegaard, whose candles are made from 100% soy wax in Christmas-themed shapes like trees, snowflakes, snowy owls and famous figures like the Venus de Milo or a statue of David. .

Monika jacket She turned her extra job making personalized cards, stationery and stamps into a full-time business after being laid off from her job as a travel agent due to the pandemic. His stationery designs are hand painted and then printed as greeting cards. Giacca will be at Makeful Market with various holiday-themed merchandise, including holiday card sets, notebooks, and decorations.

Mari Kimsto’s Scandi-inspired felt gnomes dressed in festive hats are made from repurposed fabrics sourced from local thrift stores near her studio in Paris, Ontario. According to Scandinavian folklore, mythical creatures represent good luck and protection for your home. Mari’s gnomes will be at the Makeful Market.

Kristen Campbell does seed bombs, nutrient-packed clay balls, earthworm molds, and native Canadian wildflower seeds. “Launching a seed bomb doesn’t take time, but the ecological impacts are huge … and the flowers that grow look stunning,” says Campbell, who is also a first-time seller at Makeful Market.