I finally have a moment to catch up and share more photos from my time in Toronto last week. This was my second year doing the show and that experience made things go so much smoother, starting with flying Porter.
I can’t say enough good things about that airline and it was perfect to fly into the island which is really close to the Exhibition Centre. On the flight was Allyson Simmie, who had taught a production jewellery course that I took while completing my degree at NSCAD University. Together we went directly to the show to start set up.
I mainly sell online and through boutiques so it is nice a few times a year to set up shop and showcase the entire line of Shibang, including curtains and wall pieces. Throughout the duration of the show several people said that they recognized me from Etsy or had seen my work in a shop. That’s always nice to hear!
There were many familiar faces and other exhibitors to catch up with including Grace of Eikcam, Simone of Simone Richmond Jewellery, Dermot O’Kane Photography and Wendy (a classmate from Capilano University Textile Arts Diploma) with her line Dahlia Drive.
As well it was great to see shop owners from across the country that carry Shibang in their boutiques. Chara of Love, Me (Halifax), Nathalie-Roze (Toronto), Christina & Bridget of Workshop (Ottawa) and Deb of The Velvetroom Boutique (Vancouver) were all there checking out the show.
On top of all the long hours of the show I got to catch up at night with my childhood friend, Mairin who I was staying with. My youngest sister Laurel, who’s lives in Montreal, came to Toronto to see me too. All of this plus friends from NSCAD, Laura and Steph also came to visit. Steph ( Coeur De Lion Textiles ) spent a couple of days with me and it was so great to have her company.
This spring I introduced a wider variety of styles in white, something I started last year with my bridal line. The response to the white clutches and purses was great at the show too. These and other spring items are starting to arrive in stores now as well as online.
These iphone sleeves are now spread out around the Toronto area. There was only one size available at the show and some of the new iphones with large bumpers didn’t quite fit. I’m back in the studio now and can do custom orders – making a purse in a colour that had sold out or an iphone case in a lager size.
Shipping is free on all items for the rest of the month.
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