One of a Kind show 2011 recap

I hope by now that most of you have finished your Christmas shopping and are smugly laughing over cups of hot chocolate at the frazzled last minute shoppers as they scrap it out in the malls this week. I'll be among them, so please don't laugh too hard.  I don't have too much left to go though, thanks entirely to my new holiday shopping secret weapon - craft shows!  Yes, once again my Mom was right; craft shows are a great place to snag unique gifts, while avoiding the mash of holiday shoppers.

This year I snagged some media passes to the One of a Kind show, one of the biggest holiday craft fairs in Canada.  I heard there were a couple hundred stalls this year, so undoubtedly one can find something for everyone right?

I managed to get away with a good sized bag of goodies, but just like Santa, I won't be revealing what they are until the 25th!  For now, check out some of the highlights from the show:

Roasted soybeans may make you go "huh?" but seriously you have got to give these a try. The Bean Ladies have been making these highly nutritious and highly delicious snacks since 1998 and I really am thankful to have found this new snack obsession.  These humble soybeans are packed with flavour and contain tons of fiber and protein, no salt, are gluten free, and high in omega 3s!  Flavours range through the rainbow from salty balsamic, to sweet chai tea.  My favs were the Chai Tea and the Canadian Maple!

For the more artistic person on your list, I'd suggest checking out the unique creations by Mizzonk.  These amazing paper art creations make your grade school cut-out snowflakes look like crap.

One of my favourite stalls at the show was the gorgeous jewelry at the Dotted Loop table.  Creating one of a kind vintage remixes, designer Teresa Smed showcases how she's a master of finding hidden treasures and bringing them together into an entirely new creation.  Many of the charms and jewels on her necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are one of a kind and no one piece is like another.  I fell in love with a chunky layered necklace like the one above as it would look AMAZING with a LBD, but alas, I declined.  Why, I can't even recall now, but I'm sure it was for some stupid practical reason.

Another serious temptation on my wallet were the beautiful leather bags at the Hoibo table, particularly the doctor like bag in the upper left of this image.  In person, this bag came in several leather tones and was soft to the touch. I loved how it came with the option of either the wrist handle, or a long shoulder strap, making it versatile for when you feel prim, and for when you feel a little edgier.

Last but not least, is the table that I think I spent at least 10 minutes at.  Nugs are these little mythical creatures made by 2 pretty cool geeks that were a riot to meet.  Nobody at the show had as much personality and it shows in their awesome table setup and their adorable little creations.  Definitely check out the website to find out just what a Nug is and why you need one.

Thank you One of a Kind for an awesome time! I will definitely be coming out next year!