Stella Bottles Spring…
When updating your wardrobe for spring, don’t forget about your scent — typically, women prefer a lighter fragrance for the season of fresh beginnings. One of the loveliest options on the market is the limited edition Sheer Rose from Stella McCartney, a more subtle take on her signature scent. This dreamy and feminine medley of spicy white rose, peony, freesia, pepper, musk and raspberry with a hint of amber is as distinctive and gorgeous as Stella’s coveted fashions and just a fraction of the price ($63 for 100mL) — stylistas will also love the soft pink milk glass bottle adorned with a squiggly purple line-drawing graphic of a rose. Available at The Bay. Note: Sheer is only available while supplies last.
SpeakEasy Craft Show & Sale…
If you didn’t make it to the One of a Kind Show, but still crave some handmade goods by local artisans to wake up your wardrobe for spring, then don’t miss tonight’s SpeakEasy Craft Show at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W.) on the second floor lobby and studios. More than 25 crafter/designers will be selling their few-of-kind wares from 8 p.m. through to midnight, so head over, have a drink and peruse all the lovelies. There will be several jewelry designers showcasing new collections this evening, and plenty of quirky-cool accessories as well. Notables include candy-coloured glass pendants, rings and pendants by Nadia Tasci, sterling birds by PaperSnake, vintage-inspired danglies from Heart Apart and boldly romantic statement pieces by Ashley Winnington-Ball, who cleverly designs pieces that morph various found metal objects (old keys, nails and plumbing bits) into stunning “trashion.”
Admission is pay-what-you-can ($4 suggested).
DIY Delight
If you’d rather make your own wearable art, peruse the offerings at Toronto’s various do-it-yourself hubs. Two stand-out workshop options include:
• Silkscreening on Silk at C1 Artspace (44 Ossington, north of Queen), a four-week series of classes during which participants learn how to transfer images onto clay (ceramics) — whether they be for home decor, art for its own sake or even ceramic jewelry designs. Cost: $145, including all materials. Start date: April 8, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Visit www.c1artspace.com.
• Knit A Simple Summer Sweater at Sew Be It (2156 Yonge St., south of Eglinton).
This class will help beginners complete their first customized sweater project in just four weeks. Participants will learn how to take measurements, knit in the round, follow a simple pattern, basic garment shaping and more. Note: Basic knitting skills are a must. Sessions start this Sunday (April 6) from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost: $120 + GST (yarn & needles not provided). Visit www.sewbeitstudio.com.
