My Top 10 Canadian Makers at the One of a Kind Show
I’m also sharing how OOAK has played a significant role in my journey and my own story about my years as an artisan.
I’m Toronto born and raised, so the OOAK show (The One of a Kind Show) has been a staple in my holiday traditions since I was child. I remember first coming with my mum—she had her favourite exhibitors that she would catch up with like friends and then there were always new makers to discover. A curated group of the very best in the country.
Cut to 2008, I had graduated from Queens and was making my way in the world. I had developed a side hustle called muffymade and was actually seeing a lot of success. My tag line was 'it's all about who you know, keep in touch'. I had always made cards for my friends and family, but now it was a business. I was in about 150 stores across Canada and one of the stores I was carried in suggested I check out The One Of A Kind Show.
I got accepted into the Rising Star section—I was thrilled! The days were long but they were fruitful. As I stood there in the Rising Star section I thought, this is working, but in order for me to be able to afford a full booth, I have to put my designs on things that were more expensive. Mugs, Notebooks, Doodlewrap and even lipgloss was born! I came back for 2 more Christmas shows (full booth!) AND 2 spring shows.
My mum made us muffymade uniforms, I designed my booth (I think the shelves are still in my parents garage). It was a family affair.
the very first time I was on tv
The One Of A Kind Show was actually the first time I was ever on TV. Stylist Jenette Ewen saw my booth and decided to include muffymade in her holiday gift guide in CityLine. It was hosted by Marilyn Denis at the time and when I saw Marilyn holding up my cards on television I just couldn't believe it.
my full circle moment!
Being able to share the stage at OOAK this year as the cohost of BT has been a wonderful full circle moment. I viscerally feel how important those moments are for businesses in Canada and I take every opportunity I can to pay that back on BT.
THANK YOU OOAK, for being a huge part of my journey.
My lovely parents and me at OOAK
Running since 1975, One Of A Kind is the premiere showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects and represents the best of Canadian makers in the largest craft show in North America. You can support craft and its makers from November 21 - December 1 for the 2024 Winter Show!
MY TOP 10 PICKS
01. NIC NAK KNITS | Booth T-44
Meet the Maker: Nicole Salmon is a handmade enthusiast, mom of 2 kids and 2 rescue pups, and a mental health advocate who puts so much love into every piece.
My top picks: blankets, throws, baby blankets, pillows, tree skirts.
I love giving blankets as presents especially if it's a friend, family member or even romantic relationship that's long distance. I give one to them and get one for myself so that you are under the same blanket no matter how far away you are.
02. GUESS WHERE TRIPS | Booth T-48
Meet the Maker: Jessica Bax
I first learned about this Guess Where Trips because I received it as a gift from my dear friend Dayna. It was the BEST gift because it’s the gift of an experience and don‘t we all need less stuff and more time with people we love!
Guess Where Trips creates one-day, self-guided, surprise road trips that lead travellers to charming towns, hidden gems, and quirky roadside stops.
My top picks: One day mystery road trips, Festive Trips
03. STUDIO FRESH PRESS | (Rising Star) Booth D-43
Meet the Maker: Sarah Wetmore
Sarah is botanical artist and flower farmer from Toronto. She loves preserving the beauty of flowers and using them to create lasting art, textiles and gifts.
My top picks: love the tea towels and the tote bag, stickers, custom floral preservation for weddings, anniversaries and yes even prom.
04. VESPER COCKTAILS | Booth F-22
Meet the Maker: Philip Cole
Vesper has made a line up of sophisticated, deeply flavourful and enjoyable drinks. Whether entertaining or relaxing—just mix with your favourite spirits, juices or hot/sparkling water for zero-proof recipes to achieve the perfect beverage for any occasion and get sipping! Each cocktail kit comes in a reusable 32oz glass jar that contains dehydrated fruits, herbs, and organic cane sugar. Serves a party of 16.
Calling all wannabe mixologists—entertaining at home made easy + such a great host or hostess gift.
My top picks: Cranberry Whiskey Sour, Red Velvet Sangria, Hot Apple Toddy
05. EMBER WELLNESS | Booth Q-31
Meet the Maker: Amanda Schuler
Ember Wellness is redefining the skincare ritual through innovative solid beauty bars, high-quality oils, hydrosols, and tools. Each solid bar is designed to deliver powerful results while minimizing waste, making skincare both eco-conscious and effective.
My top picks: Scent-free, water-free, vegan and with no added colourants or fillers, The Serum Bar is the perfect all-natural addition to both morning and evening rituals. Plus, it’s GREAT for travel.
06. PAUME | Booth B-21
Meet the Maker: Amy Welsman
This is skincare for hands. Paume creates targeted formulas and luxurious tools for clean, smooth, hydrated hands and strong healthy nails. Best part? Made in Canada and designed in Toronto. Paume recieved the Marie Claire Beauty Game Changer Award, and was featured in Glamour, Forbes, WSJ, and Martha Stewart. Lady Gaga, Adele, Katy Perry all are big fans—and so am I!
My top picks: The Best Selling Trio
07. STUDIO 648 POTTERY | Booth E-52
Meet the Maker: Alicia Emmerson
Alicia describes her work as functional pottery for all.
I would describe her work as: the holder of a magic and the keeper of ritual in my day. I drink my coffee out of one of her mugs every morning.
She has 186 glazes in her collection, and has gone through 9,846 pounds of clay after 2 years in business!
My top picks: Everything! ;)
08. TWEAK | Booth D-46
Meet the Maker: Caroline Bruce
Caroline has been honing her jewelry game for the last 15 years. With an interior design degree (design is design, right?), addiction to colour and intense love affair with stones, Caroline combines natural materials and sparkly bits in exciting ways. She's a Canadian woman with Jamaican roots creating bold and unique pieces in hopes that people will love wearing them as much as she has loved designing them.
I wore Tweak on the cover of View The Vibe Magazine after I saw her at The Spring Show.
My top picks: There is a collection called Holiday Garden Party—chef’s kiss!
9. THIS IS J | Booth L-03
Meet the Maker: Jaimie Harris
This is J makes ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, stylish sleepwear & loungewear— hand printed with unique and vibrant designs that are 100% ethically made in Canada for 21 years.
My top picks: My fave designs from This is J are the Caftan and Henley Harem Set. Burgundy Tartan, Green Plaid are my two holiday faves!
10. THE CROCHET CARPENTER | Booth C-09
Meet the Maker: Aaron Hayden
The Crochet Carpenter brings yarn to life with his plush creations. Each item is handcrafted by Aaron himself in his studio in Toronto. To prep for this years OOAK, he made 540 items in just 34 days.
My top picks: Echo the Elephant, Anchor the Octopus, Earl the Cactus, Igor The Iguana, The YARNLEY
I hope you love these picks as much as I do. From November 21-December 1st you can SHAWP til you drop with over 600 Canadian artisans all under one roof! Everyone on your Christmas list will get checked off (and you’ll find a thing or two for YOU too!)
Here’s to supporting local and artisans this holiday season! As always, you check out more of my fresh fashion, beauty and lifestyle faves here.
