Light by Lilach Lotan

We are inspired by people with that something extra that pushes them to take their talent and ideas and turn them into something tangible. The folks behind the annual One Of A Kind show and sale are on the same page. They make a business of gathering a swarm of these people – designers, artists and artisans all – together under one roof so that we can hop with ease from one to the next.

The line-up for the 2009 One of A Kind (Oct 8 – 11 at the Vancouver Convention Centre) promises to impress.  With a focus on local designers and Canadian made products, its a great way to support and get to know homespun talents while also getting some early Christmas shopping done, too.

At this year’s show I’m looking  forward to seeing the latest creations by ceramic artist Lilach Lotan (her coral and flower shaped ceramic lights are beautiful) and the Flightpath handbags by Vancouver designer Naomi Joy Yamamoto. I also always dig whatever Lindsay Brown at Ouno has to share. She’ll be there with her own table (check out an interview with Lindsay here). She turns vintage textiles into beautiful  pillows, bags throws and bedcovers…

Because I’m a bit of a jewelery junkie I’ll be scoping out the latest trinkets by cool Vancouver designers like  Dina Gonzalez Moscara and Julie Patson at Even Design, as well as necklaces from Lemon Park and whatever Adea Chung brings. Her work for her own Billy Would brand has become a staple in my wardrobe. I just picked up a lovely pair of earrings from Favourite in North Vancouver and am looking to add to my collection.

Filou Design and Black Drop will also be on hand. Filou Design’s (pictured in intro to this post) handcrafted solid sterling silver and 24K gold vermeil jewelry (created by Fiona Louie) are cut-outs and organic medallions in exotic, natural and whimsical motifs sketched that perfectly compliment any outfit. And I want to see what new pieces Jade Pelleren has on display – her acrylic pendants bearing silhouettes of winter trees are wonderful but her website also hints at some fresh stuff  that’ll make for good Christmas presents.

There are some out of town vendors that I want to visit, too, like Biko and  Matter Company from Toronto. I’m a tea drinker,  so I also plan on browsing the selection from Naturel Tea based in Banff.

Finally, with several friends sporting newborns and not a few toddlers with birthdays on the horizon, I’ll be zeroing in on at the cute kids stuff by Toronto designer Kessa Laxton and the adorable toys (soft Matryoshka dolls and felt crowns are so great) made by local gal Ella Pedersen at Little Red Caboose.

Last year, I was pretty naïve. I went in to the show imagining I would check off everyone on my Christmas list. I honestly had no intention of buying for myself. But I did…pretty much exclusively. This year I have no illusions, but do have a plan: one pocket of dough for gifts, and one pocket of dough just for me. Plus I’ll reserve a couple of bills for a beer or two at Chambar afterwards.

Visit the One of a Kind website for a full list of participating artisans. We’ll see you there.

Oct 8 – 11 | Vancouver Convention Centre | $10

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