The Creative Heart Collective event took place on Saturday, April 16 & Sunday, April 17. 

The sales were held at the charming and eclectic Gladstone Hotel.

The unique variety of vendors were displaying and selling their wares in the Ballroom.

The vendors had works in various mediums and were selling products such as knitwear, jewellery, art, purses, cupcakes, body products, granola, home decor & clothing.

On Saturday, I was selling items from my collection alongside other vendors such as Rosetta Stone Gallerie, Sheebody, Theresa's Treats, Bottle This, Katnip as well as Beads, Buttons & Baubles.

After eating brunch from the Gladstone Cafe, I had dessert from Theresa's Treats. I shared 3 cupcakes! They looked so pretty and they were really delicious.

At my booth I featured a variety from my home decor collection and a few of my hand knit scarves. 

It was a charming event that was organized by the Creative Heart Collective along with the Love Collage, the Corsage Project & the Gladstone Hotel.  I was nice to meet many interesting vendors & new customers.

Thanks to Vanessa who did a stellar job at creating a great event for the vendors and visitors. She is the gal who creates under the name Rosetta Stone. She has a fun blog called the Love Collage.

Congratulations to all of the organizers, vendors and visitors who made a difference to raise $1000 for The Corsage Project! 

Rosetta Stone

The Love Collage

The Corsage Project

Photos: Sharon Dawn

I will be participating in the Creative Heart Collective Show & Sale on Saturday, April 16. This event takes place at the Gladstone Hotel in the Ballroom on the first floor from 11 am - 5 pm.

You will see a selection from my collection of my home decor and clothing designs. I am busy in the workshop working on some samples for the event.

Door proceeds (pay what you can) will be going towards The Corsage Project. 

The Corsage project is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation. They provide complimentary formal gowns and accessories to Toronto area high school girls who are unable to purchase their own prom attire.

The Creative Heart Collective

The Love Collage

The Corsage Project

The Gladstone Hotel

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

This is a photo taken at my west end studio of a very creative area in my loft. I would enjoy knitting scarves and making jewellery here. Here is a scarf that was being knit on a winter's day. I recently sold this scarf at an artisan market in the Annex.

My studio is really busy with planning my new designs, pattern drafting and the sound of my sewing machines. I am prepping for a variety of shows this month including The Clothing Show. There will be three days of shopping at the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place featuring a variety of vendors.

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

Design: Embroidered Purse 

This purse was made with upcycled denim with an embroidered dragon. The leather button, chain and lining is upcycled as well. The handles are new bamboo purchased at one of my favorite fabric suppliers on Queen Street West.

You can check out new designs from my clothing and accessories collection on May 27, 28 & 29 at booth 137 in the local designer section.

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

Model: Bridget

Design: Wood Bead Bracelet

The Clothing Show has a rich history beginning over 30 years ago initially appealing to vintage enthusiasts. The show has evolved over time and is a supporter of local designers and the arts community. You will see emerging talent, runway fashion shows, established retailers and sample companies with major labels. You will also find a wide variety of new accessories, antique and vintage jewellery. 

When I was studying fashion, I worked with a company which specialized in vintage and goods from various international destinations including Bali. My appreciation for vintage clothing lead to a position as a vintage clothing buyer. As a buyer, I would purchase clothing which would then be selected by clothing dealers and store owners in Australia, Japan, UK and across Canada. This opportunity was a part of my journey with my fascination with clothing and design. It allowed me a hands on learning experience which continued my appreciation of garments with heritage fabrics, various construction techniques and retro style. It furthered my education by being exposed to different materials that are not available now. Every buying day was like treasure hunting selecting various garments for inventory for various stores. I purchased items which had a certain je ne sais quoi from various decades in fashion. 

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

Model: Bridget

Purse: Retro Patch Purse

This design includes upcycled denim and the bamboo handles are new.

I am really looking forward to presenting a variety of my new designs at The Clothing Show. I will have an interesting selection from my accessories and clothing line which is currently in production. I will have a wide range of designs which will include a variety of new materials and selected vintage materials when they suit a particular design. Over the next few weeks I will be adding items to my online boutique.

Check out The Clothing Show vendor list to see the impressive selection which will be available at this event.

The Clothing Show

I am happy to be one of The Clothing Show sponsors contributing a $50 gift certificate for the $1000 Shopping Spree contest. The draw will take place at 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011. 

$1000 Shopping Spree Contest

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

Model: Bridget

Designs: Agate Necklace, Glass Bead Earrings with 925 sterling silver earring findings

Join The Clothing Show mailing list and you will receive news, special offers and coupons for the upcoming show. You will also have the opportunity to receive a 20% off coupon for Sharon Dawn designs which is exclusive to The Clothing Show event.

The Clothing Show Mailing List

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

Model: Bridget

Design: Wood Bead Necklace

Tickets for the show can be purchased at the show or online. You may check out The Clothing Show website for more details such as a $2 discount offer and other variations available.

Photo: Pamela Jimenez

This necklace entitled Bloor Street West is a part of my Vintage Mashup Collection. It includes a vintage pendant which I purchased from an antique dealer on Bloor Street West. I did a revamp and I placed it on a stainless steel hoop for a mashup of vintage and modern. I am also wearing a pair of beaded earrings with 925 sterling silver earring hooks.

This photo was taken in my west side loft a few years back. This was the beginning of a new phase in my creative career. I was ready to archive some of my work and venture forward to pursue my plans to go further with my creative interests. This led me to take a jewellery course with the Toronto District School Board. I learned to make bezel set gem stone pendants, chain construction, wire knitting, forging and other various techniques. I am looking forward to taking my jewellery to another level in the upcoming months as I introduce new designs using these techniques. 

Congratulations to Jehan L. of Toronto! 

She is the lucky winner of the April contest for the $30 gift certificate.

This necklace was designed with various materials that I purchased over time. It took a little while to construct, but when I went through my inventory of materials the piece came together naturally. This necklace was purchased over the winter holidays as a gift.

Photo: Sharon Dawn

Photo: Sharon Dawn

Title: Elora

My photo here won first prize in the photography category at an art show in Toronto.

This photo was taken on a spring day while strolling through the streets with friends. It was a memorable afternoon enjoying the views,  checking out various art studios and boutiques. 

The adjudicator for this art show was Kelly McNeil who is an associate of the Ontario College of Art and Design. Kelly specializes in editorial illustration. She has worked as a commercial artist and has painted across Canada, the United States and Europe.

"This is a very nice photo of the Elora Mill location. Sharon's photo gives a good composition, to the water way zig-zagging from the bottom towards the top, taking the viewer into the scene. The frame was a good choice of presenting her photo. The colour and shape lends itself to be almost stone-like, echoing the stone work at the Mill." ~ Kelly McNeil

The King City Secondary School 50th Anniversary Reunion takes place on May 13 & 14. The event includes alumni and their students with a variety of celebrations. There will be a family fun fair, musical performances, a classic car show, golf tournament, alumni pub night and a vendor marketplace.

I was invited to participate and be a part the vendor marketplace. You can check out a selection of my designs including accessories, home decor and clothing. The vendor marketplace runs from 10 am - 3 pm.

http://www.kcss50th.com/

Retail

My work is available retail through my website, craft shows, festivals and a variety of artisan style events. If you would like to see some of my designs in a boutique setting, there is a selection of my designs available at Periwinkle on Bloor Street West near to beautiful High Park. I also display my work in a truck show fashion in selected settings. I show items that are requested from my online boutique. I also give a preview of new items and what is next on my menu of designs. 

Wholesale

I have a rotating catalog and I am introducing new items weekly. I mainly do one-of-a-kind, but I also carry some limited edition lines of certain designs. Wholesale prices are available for boutiques for a variety of selected items if requested. Feel free to reach me with any inquiries at my email.

sharon@sharondawn.com

Custom

I do custom work here and there when time permits between orders, events and the development of my collection. I have had custom requests for jewellery for weddings, birthdays, special occasions, holidays as well as specific items to suit a customer's personal taste. Some requests have included knitwear, jewellery, clothing and specific items incorporating my photography. I continue to receive custom requests at a variety of the events that I attend. 

If you want something tailored to your taste, I am open to discuss your idea. My schedule varies from time to time depending on my various projects, but we can see what would work out to take your idea to the next level. 

Feel free to email me for any inquires or suggestions.  

sharon@sharondawn.com

Photos: Sharon Dawn

The above photos were taken at Underground Spring's Marketplace at Radiolaria and Speakeasy's Spring Craft Sale at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. At these events I featured a selection of items from my accessories and home decor collection.