STORY BY CAIT CARTER
The One of a Kind Show’s holiday tour ended Sunday after an exciting two weeks of selling unique and interesting crafts, jewelry and hand-made products.
The show ran from November 26 to December 6 of this year in the Enercare Centre in Toronto, providing over 800 exhibitors a chance to sell their crafts for the thousands of people who come to the show looking for presents for the holiday season.
Products included a variety of items like handmade soaps, jewellery, gourmet treats and clothing. The show also incorporated fashion shows, DIY workshops and competitions to keep people interested.
Rovena Tey, a stationery designer at the show, exhibited her posters, cards and calendars featuring chemical compounds along with funny greetings.
“I studied science. I’ve always loved arty things and being creative, but never had the chance to do that in school,” said Tey, a Milton designer. Her creations show chemical displays of items like bacon, guacamole, and even the chemical compound for being in love.
“It’s a fun way to get people interested in something that people think is intimidating. It tells them it’s not as complicated as they think.”
The One of a Kind Show can be hard on the budget and finding special items for people can end up being costly.
“Of course, everyone has a different budget and price range with the idea of what they want,” said Monika Peczeli, a jewelry designer at the show.
The amount of work that goes into the wares being sold can push prices to over $1,000.
However, some exhibitors feature products under $30 which helps students and people on a budget find a unique gift without breaking the bank.
The exhibition is not only a way to find gifts, but is a way for vendors to share and keep in contact with one another.
Alexandra Ratté, a potter from Quebec City, returned after a three-year break to sell her goods, but also meet and interact with others.
“I have a store in Quebec, but here it is a super time to meet people – to not only sell my work but also see this family of works together.”
Artisans work hard to get involved in the One of a Kind Show. Talent scouts search for new artisans at smaller craft shows around the country, but Peczeli insists “it’s hard to get into because it’s really an exclusive show.”
In this kind of refined collection it can be challenging to make your name stand out.
“Make sure you know who your customers are and find something that makes you different and stand out from everybody else,” suggests Jennifer Jansen, of The Blue House. Jansen creates soaps and lotions and insists on keeping the relationship with visitors personal.
“Customers connect more with the story behind the company. If the story behind it is good and the product is good, too, that’s going to make them want it more than ever before.”
The One of a Kind Show’s end means it’s harder to find artisanal gifts for people, but also marks the true beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
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