modeco kids

This past weekend my husband and I went to the Spring 2008 edition of the One of a Kind show in Toronto. It was our first visit and it was really fun! I thought I’d show you some wooden toys that we bought as well as some other things for children that caught my eye.

The wooden car puzzle is by Sleepy Hollow Creations and is handmade in Quebec. You cannot tell by the photo, but the puzzle actually has two layers. The bottom layer shows the inside of the car with people and the engine under the hood. This company also makes unique three layer puzzles and there was a cute one with the different phases of development of a butterfly in each layer.

This wooden forklift truck has been a real hit with my boys since bringing it home! It, along with the wooden bus, is handmade by Thorpe Toys in Waterloo, Ontario. These pieces were excellent value: the car was $9.95 and the forklift was $19.95 CAD. They don’t have a website but I did pick up a business card with contact information if anyone is interested.

The bespoke uprising collection of children’s clothing is the creation of Halifax-based Roisin Fagan. The pieces feature hand-drawn textile patterns, and she hand-dyes, prints, sews and embellishes each article of clothing herself.

I’ve seen Mally Bibs featured on other blogs. These bibs are made in Canada using leather in great color combinations and have a very smart magnetic closure. They are carried in over 300 stores across North America. Mally Bibs is now offering leather applique art cards in designs that match the bibs.

The booth for Bookhou was so serene and their modern mobile is even more stunning in real life! Again, I’ve seen their nursery decor and children’s accessories featured on other blogs, but it is always nice to see in person. Did you know that Arounna of Bookhou is writing weekly craft projects for children at Bloesem Kids?

These cozy sheepskin slippers by Garneau were a new discovery for me, although they’ve been around for over 30 years. Smaller versions are available for babies size 4 through children’s size 3. The slippers are handmade in Quebec.

I’m so sorry that I don’t have any photos to show you of one of the major highlights of the show: the Rabbit Green collection of children’s clothing handmade from reclaimed fabric. I recall very sweet, one-of-a-kind dresses with small front pockets and interesting fabric combinations. The collection was very much “on trend” and I think Rabbit Green is one to watch. Click here to read a short bio on the Toronto-based designers behind Rabbit Green.

I also saw Parade Organics and Fidoodle, two companies that I’ve featured before here and here.

Technorati Tags: one of a kind, handmade, indie, independent designers, made in Canada

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March 25th, 2008 Lisa posted in KIDS, art + decor, clothes, gear, playtime |