This past Saturday I ventured over to the Bronson Center for the 3rd annual PunkOttawa Flea Market.  It was my first time at the event, and I have to say it was pretty neat.  Handmade jewelry, thrifted clothing, and tasty baked goods - right up my alley!  I talked with a few great vendors, including Brandi Tweed (photographed above).  She's a crafter and designer and had a whole bunch of her unique stuff for sale.  I also scored a great sweater and some pretty rockin' red fringed booties for only seven bucks - a steal I tell ya!  While browsing the tables, I met a girl named Shanna Steals, the creative force behind Jaded Raven Creations.  She hand makes all of her products, which include hand felted pins (there was even a donut one! If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I LOVE donuts!) and round buttons with pictures of everyone from Willy Wonka to Sinead O'Connor (my personal fave).  Another really interesting vendor was Roselyn McDermott, the lady behind Country Rune.  She specializes in hand crafted jewelry and wood burning, something that I haven't really seen in such detail before.  I highly suggest checking out all these cool chicks and their work!  

Overall I'd say it was a pretty successful day, and I will definitely be back.  - J

Check out PunkOttawa here for updates and future events! 

Why we love it: The Papery (Glebe)

The Papery? The Paper! I cannot even begin to count the dreary mornings I spent waiting for the stupid 7 bus (which, as I'm sure a lot of you know, is nearly always late) staring longingly into this adorable paper shop on the corner of Bank and Fifth. And finally, on this particularly dreariest of dreary days, I decided to finally venture out and give it a post. The Papery is so much more than a paper store. They've got gifts, cards, books, craft supplies and lovely staff as well. The decor and window displays are reason enough to visit. Right now the window display is St.Patrick's Day-themed and although I personally find the holiday a disgusting excuse to get drunk and sell stuff (I'm bitter, it's raining!), the display is quite nice. Go to the Papery, it will not disappoint! -S


The Papery

850 Bank St
Ottawa, ON K1S 3W1

(613) 230-1313

www.papery.ca

THE SASSY BEAD CO.

Why we love it:

This store made me all nostalgic for arts and crafts in my summer camp days. I was super excited about Sassy Bead. With two locations, Sassy is a local crafty's favourite. The selection is mystical and mesmerizing and each bead has a witty name too. Sassy also has fabulous jewelry and even CLASSES. What's not to love about Sassy Bead!? Also, sometimes people call me “Sassy”...or at least I wish they did -S

Sassy Bead is perfect for all your unique gift making needs - and just in time for the holidays. I mean, who doesn't love getting a homemade gift? I can seriously spend hours in here just looking at the different beads. I also love sparkly and shiny things, but again, who doesn't? The Sassy Bead will bring back memories of making friendship bracelets during recess, and promising to keep them on forever. But this is not just a store for kids - not at all! Sassy Bead is for everyone, from the jewelry aficionado to the girl who just wants a cute new necklace. - J

THE SASSY BEAD CO.

Byward Market

11 William Street

Ottawa, ON.

613-562-2812

Glebe

757 Bank Street

Ottawa, ON

613-567-7886

www.thesassybeadco.com

S took a much-needed study break on Sunday and ventured out in the freezing rain and blistering cold to Somerset Street, Ottawa's Chinatown for some craft sale-lovin.' Shanghai Restaurant was packed with incredible vendors from all over the city and Raw Sugar Cafe, just down the street, was also brimming with the most creative and talented of Ottawa folk. Birthdays were celebrated (I scored free cake!!!), carols were sung by Miss China Doll herself, and the map jewelery, cuckoo clocks, dirty diaries, and baked goodies certainly made their way on to MY Christmas list this year. I'd tell you what I got...however I may or may not have done some gift shopping--shhh!!  -S