Winter Wonders Artisan Profile - Sophis Grace Aprons

Another new and exciting introduction to the flock & gather community is Sophia Grace Aprons.


In her words:
"My story began in December 2010 when I wanted to give my sisters and friends something more original and thoughtful for Christmas. I set out to make them something unique, something that would represent what mattered to us and that they would be able to keep for years. I found my inspiration in what I love the most, spending time laughing with friends and family along with a great meal. After handcrafting an apron for myself in vintage and retro patterns I soon discovered that everyone wanted one for themselves. They loved the colorful designs and putting one on just feels sassy and fun. True to my inspiration of family get togethers I named the aprons after my grandmothers’ “Sophia” and “Grace”. 

Starting with just a few aprons in my home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Sophia Grace is starting its first year. I am excited to watch it become a heirloom for women and families all over. At the heart of the brand is the rule, “promise yourself to enjoy life’s little pleasures”. It’s in these special moments that I find my inspiration. Sophia Grace is about feeling fun, flirty and fabulous. It will forever invite laughter and the gathering of friends through its playful designs, inspirational quotes, passionate commitment and proud Canadian craftsmanship."


www.sophiagrace.ca

Winter Wonders Artisan Profile: Jessica Wynne Designs

flock & gather is pleased to say that Jessica Wynne Designs will be joining us once more for our Winter Wonders Handmade Market. Some of you might remember her from our market earlier in the year.



Jessica is a massage therapist by trade but loves to spend her free time making jewellery or practicing photography. Her jewellery is made from mixed metals, primarily copper but also brass and silver. She also does some work with feathers. To see more of her work, please visit her Etsy site at www.etsy.com/shop/jessicawynnedesigns or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Wynne-Designs/206046139406340

Winter Wonders Artisan Profile - Ron Cooley

May we introduce the first in our Artisan Profile series for our Winter Wonders Handmade Market. Over the next few weeks watch this space to get a preview taste of the Wonders you'll find at the market. We're pretty excited about the amazing talent we have to share with you and hope you'll be impressed as well. We've got heaps of local talent and some traveling artisans as well that we are thrilled to introduce to the Saskatoon community.

Our first profile is local Saskatoon Photographer Ron Cooley!


A lifelong enthusiast photographer, Ron began working in the chemical darkroom over 30 years ago. Excited by the possibilities of digital imaging, he is gradually making the transition to a serious fine-craft photography practice. His work involves landscape, cityscape, and nature photography, often with an element of abstraction. Many of his favourite images highlight the glorious accidents of pattern, colour, and texture found in our urban and natural environments. He likes to call these “second glance” images—images made by attending to things we pass every day without giving them a second glance.
Contact Information. Phone(306) 244-3689; email ron.cooley@usask.ca

Save the Date!

Winter Wonders: A Handmade Market
December 9th & 10th
Watch this space for artist profiles and updates about the event.

WINTERGREEN – Emerging Artist and Market Experience Booth

CALL FOR EMERGING CRAFT MARKETERS to participate at the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s WINTERGREEN Fine Craft Market, this November 18-20 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.

WINTERGREEN is an annual three day craft show and sale at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, featuring Juried Professional members of the Saskatchewan Craft Council. SCC markets are organized this way to foster an environment where excellence in craft is nurtured, recognized and valued. However, the SCC is also committed to aiding Saskatchewan craft artists to flourish creatively and economically. The SCC values education, mentorship and a supportive community of craft people.

In order to achieve these ends, the SCC has on occasion invited emerging craft artists into our sales in order to experience the market environment first hand and expand their contacts with the Saskatchewan craft community.

A 10x12’ booth space has been reserved at this year’s Wintergreen fine craft market especially for emerging craft artists. The SCC represents members in a variety of mediums including:

- Clay, Metal, Glass, Fibre and Wood

- Jewellery, Candles & Soap, Paper

- Visual Art including Painting, Printmaking and Photography

- Mixed Media

The booth would be able to accommodate a limited amount of work from up to 6 artists (depending on the size of the work). In order to qualify to take part in this initiative you must:

- Be or become an SCC member (Professional, Affiliated, Craftsperson or Student category - contact for info to join)

- Have fewer than 3 years craft market experience

- Be committed to pursuing a career in craft

There will be a $150 fee for taking part in the Emerging artist Market experience booth. In addition, because this initiative is also meant to give you hands on experience in exhibiting at markets, you must also commit to set up and take down of the booth, and working at the booth for the weekend. After the market, you will need to fill out a questionnaire to give us feedback about your experience at WINTERGREEN.

Please contact Amanda Bosiak by October 15 to apply;

Amanda Bosiak

Member Services Coordinator

653-3616 ext 24

scc.memberservices@sasktel.net

Handmade Nation Movie Night!

Well if you haven't heard about the documentary Handmade Nation it's about time you did. Faythe Levine is an American doco queen that set out to document the rise of D.I.Y. and the new wave of art, craft, and design. Talk about a film stuffed to the brim with inspiration for all you crafters and artisans out there.

"The 65-minute movie documents a movement of artists, crafters and designers that recognize a marriage between historical techniques, punk and DIY (do it yourself) ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art. It includes interviews with more than 50 artists in 15 cities who explain how the new wave of craft, "forges a new economy, lifestyle and burgeoning art community that is based on creativity, determination and networking," says Levine, co-owner of Paper Boat Boutique - Gallery in Bay View and organizer of the yearly indie craft fair Art vs. Craft. (source)

So flock and gather have been given permission from the lady herself to share this adventure into indie craft culture with you and so we shall. Set aside the evening of September 28th, 7pm, and meet us at the SCC on Broadway for some good times, some popcorn and a great movie to boot.

Any questions drop us a line @ caroleepp@yahoo.ca
and in the meantime I encourage you to find out more about this amazing film and filmmaker here.

Craft night and materials swap

flock and gather are please to announce our next craft night - this time with a craft swap as well. Got some extra materials kicking around the studio that you would like to pass on to a good home? If you've got them, then bring them along. Any craft materials that might have a new life under someone else creative guidance. Scraps of fabric, yarn, sparkle glue, an old bedazzler, you name it!

As for the evenings' craft it'll be an open craft night so bring along whatever project you happen to be working on. Got nothing on the go? Great time to start something, maybe you'll be inspired by the materials in the swap. Don't worry we'll have some ideas kicking around the studio.

Bring a friend, come for the conversation, stay for the crafty goodness.

Craft Night - Thursday August 25th at 7:00PM

Location - 1932 St. George Avenue beside Adam's Lumber (entrance behind the building)
Saskatoon.