I dropped in to the One Of A Kind craft fair preview at Salt Cellar a few days back, and right off the bat I want to be clear that when I say craft fair I am fully aware of how hokey that might sound to the Gap-raised. I want to assure you that I’m not talking about a slough of crochet dish cloths, pet rocks and needlepoint art.

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At this teaser show I saw some great and mostly local stuff. New designs from old fave Blackdrop (the crow pendant is great) and some lovely cards from Hobsnobs (including contributions from the super-fantastic Beautiful Project). I also quite liked the set of dishes from The 5pm Studio (located in Oregon) and the matryoshka dolls from Vancouver based Little Red Caboose. I tested the Thai Lemongrass body cream by All Things Jill (strong and refreshing) and made note of the cute polka-dot ‘Paris’ dress by Vancouver designer Cheryl Densky of Schaart Clothing Co… (definitely want to stop by this booth at the October event to check out her Fall line).

If you are one of those people who is ‘on the ball’ (I’m not, but find it easy to pretend that I am in order to justify going out to what will inevitably turn in to an evening of shopping for myself), the timing of this show (October 8 – 11) makes it a perfect event to effectively and efficiently deal with your Christmas list before the crowds. And you’re supporting the local economy.

October 8, 9, 10 | Vancouver Convention Centre | $10

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives by the beach in Vancouver and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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