hana

hana's slogan is "lets eat jujubes and wear pretty dresses" - I think that makes a lot of us feel pretty good. You may remember Hannah Richardson, the dynamic creative force behind hana, as the owner of Foundlings. Her new spring 2012 line features limited run art print textiles that are eco-friendly and chemical free. All products are made locally in Toronto.
hana's limited run gillyflower cotton/silk scarf is available in 6 designs 1. dolls 2. books 3. roboto 4. deer & owl 5. paint by number and 6. gummy bears. You won't find these whimsical and vibrant prints anywhere else. Available online and at different retail locations throughout the GTA.

Congratulations on your newest venture, Hannah - we hope it is a huge success!

401 Artisan Marketplace

This year the 401 Artisans Marketplace is returning for its 19th year. As part of FROLIC, the marketplace will be celebrating the art, culture and community that make the 401 marketplace so unique. An Artist Open Studio, Galleries + Shops, Tours and a Frolic Soiree are among the events that will be running from December 8 -11th. With the shops, tenants and local artisans offering unique gifts for sale this is the perfect time to discover this amazing space while getting some holiday shopping done too.

You can get fresh made soup and salads, sandwiches and fabulous baked breads from the Roastery Coffee House, they are a wireless hotspot too!

This year the market will showcase an amazing array of vendors. Including the fantastic creations of Chocosal Trader, artisanal chocolate with a soul. There will be everything from books, fair trade body products, hand knit accessories to hats and handbags. 100 mile finds will be there too! We will be holding a raffle and letting you know all about our website supporting local artisans.

The 401 Artisans Marketplace is located at Richmond just east of Spadina in the heart of Toronto's design district in the old tinware manufacturing factory originally occupied the MacDonald Manufacturing Co. Saved by the wrecker's ball in 1994 by the Zeidler family, the building was transformed from a rundown factory into thriving arts centre. Today the site is 200,000 square feet, housing over 140 artists and entrepreneurs, a vibrant urban community of fine artists, designers, milliners, architects, filmmakers, galleries, musicians, arts organizations, and magazines. The site also houses beautiful rooftop gardens and a courtyard, featuring eco-restored elements from tree planting to vertical gardens, biowalls, plants and vines. Year round there are tours offering a closer look at the architecture and the gardens but FROLIC is your only chance to get a peek inside the artists studios.

401 Artisans Marketplace (401 Richmond St. W. just east of Spadina)

Thursday 11am - 8pm
Friday 11am - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Recycled and Re-Sewn

100 Mile Finds is excited to be heading north with new vendor Teresa of Recycled and Re-Sewn. Teresa makes her wooly creations in Sault St. Marie Ontario so she has first hand experience in what it takes to keep warm!
Her hand made mittens have their origins in your old favourite sweater with the irreparable elbow. Re-purposed they find a new life in cozy mittens or scarves.

And Teresa makes these cool accent pillows out of re-purposed denim and wool. Great decor accent for a family room or a child's bedroom.

Welcome to 100 Mile Finds!

Katnip

Kathryn, (a.k.a. Kat) is the founder of Katnip. Kat has created a unique fashion line of clothing and accessories specializing in handmade crocheted designs/crochet embellishments. One of a kind baby clothes, kids clothes, and adult clothes can be found here! All clothing is machine washable and 100% organic cotton, shirts come in all sizes.
Most of Kat's designs are inspired by nature and wildlife. Initially, Kat had a hole in her shirt and didn't want to throw it away, so she designed a crocheted chick and sewed it on, inspiring her clothing line. And we are glad she was inspired.
Welcome to 100 Mile Finds Kat!

The 17th Annual CBC Charity Craft Sale

Curious Oddities

This year the CBC Employees’ Charity Appeal will be presenting the 17^th Annual CBC Charity Craft supporting UNICEF on Nov. 30th. In honour of Dec. 1, World HIV/AIDS Day, the 17^th Annual CBC Charity Craft sale will be donating all proceeds from vendor fees and day of donations directly to Child Protection around the world, which includes HIV testing, and prevention in Africa and other nations for mothers, babies and children.

Torched Studio

The event will be held at the atrium of the CBC building at 250 Front St. W. (Front & John St.) from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Admission is free. There are over 60 vendors participating in 12 different categories ranging from art to Christmas to Kids and Knitting. With this amazing array of vendors, this show promises to be a good one. How great is it to be able to support a great charity AND get a little Christmas shopping done.

Suzie Saxx

Kynk Naturals, Echoes in the Attic, Torched Studio, Suzie Saxx, Curious Oddities, Odalis Petit Menagerie, and Fumiko Maehara are some of the high calibre vendors that will be selling their wares at the show. You should be able to find something for everyone on your list.

The CBC Employees' Charity Appeal has been supporting charities for decades. It is run by a committee of volunteers of both current and retired employees of the CBC, it's focus is to raise money from CBC employees. The CBC has many of it's own initiatives, but the CBC Employees Charity Appeal is separate from that, although supported by CBC management.

Cori Lee Marvin watercolours

Cori Lee Marvin is an artist living in Port Hope, Ontario, and recently joined us here at 100 Mile Finds. Her non-traditional approach to watercolour combines a flowing and loose medium with a precise and detailed style. Crisp, clean images and deep, saturated colours give her painting amazing clarity and depth. In many of her pieces, highly realistic subjects emerge in unusual surroundings and this juxtaposition creates intriguing visual stories. Cori Lee's love of nature and the pull toward still-life have resulted in an unexpected yet compelling pairing.
One of my favourites is Fellow Yellow, it looks like this little bird has found his soulmate. And my son likes Crow Wants a Pickle - I think he can imagine this scene at the cottage.
Cori Lee Marvin was recently picked to showcase her work in the Artist Project Toronto 2012.
Welcome to 100 Mile Finds Cori Lee Marvin!

Mummi Quilts

Stroller Blanket

Adorable personalized, designer blankets and accessories for babies and there is great new stuff for their Mommies too.

You can also DESIGN YOUR OWN blanket with designer fabrics in stock.
Mummi Quilts carries baby blankets, pullover bibs, security blankets "lovey", diaper bags, changing pads, fun summer hats, crochet Monkey hats....
MEMORY BEARS and MEMORY QUILTS made of old baby clothes, T-shirts, receiving blankets...

Did you know "Mummi" means Grandma is Finnish? It all started when Eeva the owner/designer of Mummi Quilts created a quilt for each of her own grandchildren. From there friends and family ordered their own quilts and Eeva was inspired to re-start her sewing on a larger scale.

Pullover BIB

Mummi designs are unique and practical everyday baby items and luxurious baby gifts. They are personalized, adorable and designer! What more could a Mom or Mom to be ask for?

Owl Beanie

Eeva from Mummi Quilts is always coming up with adorable new offerings like this adorable Crochet Owl Beanie!





If you've got a new Mom in your life, check out Mummi Quilts, you will be so glad you did! She's got diaper bags, totes and she is adding stuff to her store all the time.

And Have Fun tonight with all your little spooky ones.

Mistletoe Magic Holiday Craft Show and Sale

Mark Thursday November 24th from 5pm to 9pm on your calendar. Dubbed Don Mills' own "One of a Kind show" with something for everyone and every budget, this years Mistletoe Magic Holiday Craft Show and Sale promises not to disappoint! Norman Ingram School, 50 Duncarin Rd. in Don Mills.
With more than 25 local artisans, selling everything from art, clothing and accessories, specialty foods, home decor, jewellery, kids' products, handbags and much more, this is the perfect venue to find that unique gift.

Organized by the Norman Ingram School Council as a school fundraiser and community spirit event, and supported by local businesses, this event is a huge success year after year. There is a raffle with over 25 prizes, and the first 300 guests receive a free shopping bag (courtesy of the Shops at Don Mills). Wait, that's not all, there is bake sale, free parking AND babysitting is available while you shop!

Saracino Designs

There are a ton of amazing vendors at this event. One of my personal favorites is Saracino Designs. Susan and I have had the pleasure of showcasing Jane's bags at several craft shows. Her work is amazing. They are beautifully made, no attention to detail is spared and they are soooo fun! Jane doesn't sell at a lot of shows so you don't want to miss your chance to see her work up close and personal!

Lulu & Mika

Another favorite here at 100 mile finds is the Lulu & Mika! Their sock monkeys are adorable, as are their baby hats and kimonos, yes I said kimonos! and they also create fabulous jewelery for Mom, wait I almost forgot their newest creation, cuff links made out of LEGO! How cool is that?!

There really is something for everyone on your shopping list at this show. Tarquin from Henna Planet will be on hand selling gift certificates, candles, magnets and photo holders. Her work is beautiful and what teenage girl wouldn't love a Henna Tattoo? Tarquin hosts parties and small events too! Hmmm...

Another great opportunity to get some of your holiday shopping done!

Wandering Winter Craft Show

For the 2nd year, Shop Cats will be presenting it's annual Wandering Winter Craft Show. Two dates, two locations, two chances to buy handmade this holiday season! Here at 100 mile finds we are big fans of Shop Cats! How can we not be?! Their mission is to showcase local crafters and artists and exhibit their locally made handicrafts and goods at one of a kind pop-up craft markets! What's not to like?

Shop Cats is the brain child of Emma, of landfill designs. She has had a varied career including everything from the theatre, retail to manufacturing and quality assurance, and she's always been crafty along the way! All this experience adds to being one heck of a craft show organizer!

The shows are being held on Saturday November 26th from 11am- 5pm at the Church of the Holy Trinity (it's beside Sears on Trinity Way by the Eaton Centre) and on Saturday Dec. 10th at the Gladstone Hotel in their Ground floor Ballroom (1214 Queen St. W.)

Candiware

They will have over 20 vendors at each show, showcasing a really cool bunch of local talent. There are painters, card makers, to toys for the kids and a great selection of jewellery. With vendors ranging from Candiware, offering the cutest little mini food jewellery to the Polished Penny, an artisan who specializes in fine sterling silver jewellery, you are sure to cross off some of your "hard to buy fors" on your list.

The Polished Penny

Susan and I will be hosting a raffle at the show on November 26th, we'd love it if you came by and said Hi! You can enter the draw, you might even win $250 worth of goodies and gift vouchers just for signing up for our newsletter!

23 degrees roastery coffee part 2

As you may have heard, as a member of the Borden Team Influencers Program, I have had the pleasure of tasting/testing two different flavours of a new locally roasted coffee by 23 degrees roastery. I chose DECLAWED a medium/dark blend decaffeinated coffee and MORNING STAR a light/medium coffee. This way I can enjoy one fully caffeinated coffee first thing, possibly a combo mid-morning and straight decaf later in the day if I just need the experience and not the caffiene!

I'm the type of girl who HAS to have her morning coffee, or it ain't pretty! About a year ago my husband and I bought a Nespresso maker. My husband is strictly an espresso drinker and I've been enjoying Americano's every morning and more than the occasional Latte. It was all good, UNTIL I started testing the 23 degrees roastery coffee! Nothing beats grinding your own beans and having that smell waft through the kitchen. I didn't know I missed the aroma until I was reintroduced to it! Now I'm looking for my own coffee maker that grinds the coffee and then brews it all in one step! Between all our various coffee/espresso making options there isn't going to be any room left on our counter top! So be it! This is a sacrifice I am prepared to make!

You've got to check out the 23 degrees roastery website, it is full of fascinating information about the coffee bean in all it's glory! I've learned a lot about Fair Trade coffee and a whole lot more and whoever wrote the text is pretty funny!  If you are looking for some new dinner time or cocktail party fodder, this might be the ticket!
For me the most important information is, one, what the packages look like, it's got to be easy to spot! and, two, where the heck it can be found! They are available at specialty stores all over Toronto, way too many to mention them all here! A couple of my personal favorites are Healthy Butcher, Max's Market and Cheese Boutique!  I gotta go and figure out exactly which coffee maker I should get to maximize my new coffee drinking experience!

LAST MINUTE UPDATE! Seems like I'm not the only one that loves 23 Degrees Roastery coffee! I've just heard that they are expanding the Roastery to double the space are getting a larger roaster put in! I love a local success story! Congrats!

The 17th annual Swansea Craft Show

The 17th annual Swansea Craft & Bake Sale is being held on Saturday November 19th, 10am to 3pm at Swansea Public School. There will be over 70 amazing vendors on hand selling everything from baked goods to Christmas gifts for the whole family.

Not only will Susan and I be at the Swansea Craft Show but some great 100 mile finds vendors will be there too! Susan and I are running a raffle, you've got to drop by, say hi, and enter the raffle! You could win $250 worth of merchandise and gift vouchers from the site! Just for joining our mailing list!

If you are looking for a personalized gift, make sure you check out CITRUS SILVER. Citrus offers stunning sterling silver pendants and charms that are stamped with words, names or dates that are important to the person wearing it.I have one of my own. It's one of my favorite pieces of jewellery!

Kaotic Ekko Curiosities is another really cool vendor participating in the show. If you are looking for something off-beat, may I say, a bit wacky, this is the booth to visit!  Pictured here are her adorable BLING! pins, from the Holdiay Hoopla Collection. See, you can still love Christmas, and retain your coolness!

Lilian O'Meara, is another artisan on our site that will be showcasing her work at the show this year. She always showcases and amazing array of work, definitely worth visit! This is just a little taste of what Lilian has to offer.

Happy 'beginning of the official holiday shopping season'!

23 degrees roastery

There's a new roastery in town and I'm checking it out! As a part of the Borden Team Influencers Program. I'm occasionally called upon to check out a new product on the market. Since my focus is local, as well as being a coffee lover, and of course having a social conscience, checking out a new, local, fair trade roastery seemed like the perfect match!

First maybe I should address how the heck a coffee company can call itself local!? Clearly it can't have been locally grown. If part of what factors into your purchasing decisions is supporting your local economy then supporting brand of coffee that is roasted locally and owned by local residents is better than something that is roasted in a far away land, and owned by a big conglomerate.

If you make your purchasing decisions with a social conscience, and I try to, then whether or not the coffee is "fair trade" will factor into your decision making process too! So far so good!

But who's kidding who! We're talking about coffee, if it doesn't taste good I don't care where it's from, who roasted it or who harvested it and under what conditions.The most important thing to me about a cup of coffee is how it tastes, okay, and how it smells! I didn't realize how much a part of the experience the smell of coffee was until I started to talk about this coffee! Man, it really smells good!

My day starts with a cup of coffee, or it just doesn't start. My kids learned very young that Mommy needed her coffee or it wasn't going to be pretty. I don't drink a ton of coffee, but that first cup is a real morning ritual for me. Occasionally I will have a second coffee mid morning and sometimes, on a particularly rough day, a mid afternoon decaf can really turn my day around! Sad but true! You what, all this talk about coffee, I'm gonna go and make myself a cup of 23 degrees 1/2 decaf, 1/2 morning star!
I'll be back in a bit...

Rememberance 2011

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

The Polished Penny

The Polished Penny recently joined 100 Mile Finds - welcome! Owner Penny Cook makes this beautiful hand-made silver fine jewellery. She loves to work with metals to bring out the unique qualities that the materials offer.
The featured sterling silver earrings catch the light with their hand textured surface.

And this daisy pendant is imprinted with overlapping flowers for a little touch of summer regardless of the season.

Penny also always welcomes custom orders, so if you are looking for that perfect one of a kind gift.....

Toronto Waldorf School Arts & Crafts Fair 2011

The Toronto Waldorf School is holding it's annual Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday November 19th, 9-6pm. It has held it's annual Arts & Crafts Fair along side their children's fair, The Candlelight Fair for the last 20 years with great success. This year they are working really hard to make sure the Arts & Crafts Fair is the absolute best it can be.

For the first time ever, the show has been juried. The organizers have gone to great lengths to make sure that they are showing top notch vendors in a variety of categories with an emphasis on being handmade and eco-friendly. All this in an effort to provide an amazing craft show that exemplifies what the Toronto Waldorf School stands for and believes in.

The Toronto Waldorf School strives to inspire their students to evolve into creative thinkers. The special subjects in the primary grades include watercolour painting, drawing, modelling and knitting by Grade 3 the students are introduced to gardening and crocheting.

With over 40 vendors ranging in categories from Toys to jewellery to clothing and an emphasis on eco-friendly this sounds it's going to be a great show!

In the spirit of keeping the event as eco-friendly as possible attendees are asked to bring their own water bottles and shopping bags, HOWEVER there will be TWS water bottles for sale at the event, just in case! There will also be "swag bags" available full of goodies from vendors and sponsors of the show for the low cost of $2. All the proceeds from the door, booth fees, swag bags, water bottles and children activities will benefit the Tuition Adjustment Program.

The Village Market an Organic Market at the Toronto Waldorf School will also be running from 8:30 - 1:30pm, you can get your groceries, pick up some Holiday gifts at the Arts & Crafts Fair and then the kids blow off some steam at the Candlelight Fair! Sounds like a great day to me!

Wise Daughters Craft Market

Mary Breen, owner and founder of Wise Daughters Craft Market is an amazing spirit and a great champion of the local artist. It's a great place to drop by to find the fun and wonderful, each piece beautifully hand crafted by gifted artisans and crafters.
Let's check out her store now!