There’s something about the One Of A Kind Show that almost makes me feel like it’s an art gallery. Think about it – artisans and their hand crafted goods, under one roof, admired by passers-by… doesn’t that sound like an art exhibition?
I love taking the time to talk to each shop (or booth) owner to get to know their products a bit more. You’ll find that why they create what they sell is so inspiring (and is definitely the biggest selling point for the pieces). I noticed that most of the vendors at the One Of A Kind Show produced what they did because they believed in their mission – whether it was to repurpose garbage, make us look at discarded wood a different way, or growing their own organic lavender.
Just immensely inspiring.
I can only lust over the passion and love they have for their crafts. To never give in to mass production and stay true to their purpose will be their biggest challenge. Until then, I thoroughly enjoyed every booth I entered, tasted, and felt.
Here are some highlights from the biggest commodities at the One Of A Kind Show, what caught my eye, what they inspired me to learn, and what you missed out on.
Lesson: pamper yourself properly
Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
There’s nothing like a great smelling lotion to calm you before bed or a nice essential oil to rub on your temples for a bad day. What’s even better is when these scents don’t smell like that plastically sweetness that’s common in a lot of commercialized candles and creams. A lot of the candles, lotions, and scents I came across at the One Of A Kind Show were hand poured, mixed, and locally manufactured. I also loved the amount of lavender booths there were at the One Of a Kind Show. I’m basically a lavender fiend right now 
My favourite stall by far was Love Fresh . The owner was so incredibly kind, subtle, and extremely humble. The lavender lotion is literally my addiction right now (not to mention the packaging of the products are just so lovely 
). I’m definitely going to try the linen sprays next, in – you guessed it – the lavender scent!
Lesson: the details in food preparation make a big difference
Mouthwatering Sauces and Snacks
Personally, I’m not the chef in my home. Dave is 
. And while this is basically the most ideal situation for me, I still take an active interest in the food we eat, how it tastes, and how it’s prepared. I’m like the food critic of my home 
So when we were walking around the food stalls around the One Of A Kind Show, you bet I was right up in there where they were giving out samples (and they were might generous with them 
. The sauces and ma-and-pop type shops literally had my mouth watering. We picked up some maple sauces (literally 30 different flavors all made from maple syrup – can you get anyone Canadian?!) which strangely enough, didn’t taste like maple. Apparently maple actually helps give you the natural texture of sauces, without all the manufactured grossness.
Lesson: your decoration is your best conversion starters
Deco To Wow Dinner Party Guests
I’m normally a fan of modern, sleek interiors; but there’s something about a unique statement piece in your home to really make a room stand out. I loved the repurposed pieces at the One Of A Kind Show, featuring parts you would never expect. From an artistic perspective, I think it brings attention a lot of important issues beyond just being a cool conversation piece. Your new interior piece might actually be a controversy all in itself. And hey, y’never know, you might just pick up a piece from the next “new Banksy”.
Lesson: handcrafted pieces to perfect an outfit
Accessories To Make People Stare
You’re sure to find your next new statement piece at the One Of A Kind Show for your outfits too. Unique and hand crafted jewelry and fur is definitely what dominates the show; but you’ll also see some nifty novelty pieces.
For me, the heavy hitters were the architecturally inspired, minimalist pieces. I loved how simply they made their statement. And, like everything else at the show, there was meaning behind each piece. And you know how I’m a sucker for wearing a piece with a hidden meaning
“Matu” definitely won my heart as my favourite accessories booth at the One Of A Kind Show. The prices were reasonable, the craftsmanship of the leather was on point, and the girl behind the designs was so sweet and genuine.
I give a great big rating of 10 
s / 10, to all the vendors, artists, and participants involved in the One Of A Kind Show. It’s so lovely to see that “buying local” and “ethically manufactured” still kind of exists. Sometimes we skip out on buying unique, handmade pieces for fast and cheap pieces. At the end of the day though, you get what you pay for… and I kind of like knowing the amount of passion and time someone put into something I own
