Weathering the Storm

Walking along Yonge Street, north of Lawrence, I spotted a cool sign today. "If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm", it read, and it's so true. Literally speaking - in our climate, at least - and metaphorically, too. When I'm going through a burst of inspiration and make a whole range of cards that are beautiful, and intricate, and eye-catching, I leave a bit of a tornado of paper scraps and card stock behind that I first need to clear before I can tackle the next creative sunburst. Also, I'm bound to make the occasional cards you don't like in order to arrive at the ones that will become bestsellers. And outside of card-making, as a mom, I sometimes have to deal with tantrums and crankiness that will make my baby's rays of sunshine - his smiles and his curiosity - even more special. What do I do to weather the storms in my life? I'm creative. I craft, and I dance. Yup, you read that right. I'm not just a paper artist, I'm also a dancer. (And the too are related!)

It's that time of year again when my dance company is taking the stage. This year's show is entitled Weathering the Storm: we dance our way through the seasons, and all types of weather they throw at us! From the snow storms we're so familiar with as Canadians to spring rain, you'll see it all on stage. We hope to brighten your day with 22 original numbers in styles ranging from ballet, to tap, to jazz.

Our show dates are:

The Paper Turns "Four Seasons" card set

• Wednesday, June 13, 8pm
• Thursday, June 14, 8pm
• Friday, June 15, 8pm
• Saturday, June 16, 2pm (matinee)
• Saturday, June 16, 8pm

Venue: 
Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Avenue, Toronto (across from Spadina subway station).

Don’t let all tickets blow away! Get yours HERE. I hope to see you there.

If you want to learn more about my dance company, PushPULL Dance - "Dancing Professionals, Not Professional Dancers", go to http://www.pushpulldance.com/toronto.html.

A Summer of Farmers' Markets and Outdoor Events

Paper Turns at the Evergreen Brick Works Etsy Market - Photo: Evergreen Brick Works

 

 

 

Summer is my favourite season. Sure, it could be a wee bit cooler on certain days, but overall, I love being able to spend hours on end outside, without a jacket, soaking up the sun, and enjoying some gelato. I also love farmers' markets. Walking from tent to tent in the morning and then creating a summer salad with fresh produce for dinner makes for a perfect day, in my opinion.

Made of paper, Paper Turns greeting cards are obviously sensitive to the elements, which limits my ability to participate in outdoor markets, but the combination of fresh summer air plus a roof in case of rain is still irresistible. This is the reason you've seen me pop up at the Etsy Markets at the Evergreen Brick Works every summer for the past few years. Sheltered by the Pavillions and yet outdoors, and usually with a farmers' market a few feet away, it's a perfect environment. If you enjoy this as much as I do, you'll be pleased to hear that Paper Turns will participate in two Etsy Pop-Up Markets at Evergreen Brick Works this summer! Here are the details:

     Etsy Marketplace at the Sunday Market

Come explore 30+ Etsy artisans, local food, and refreshing drinks at Evergreen’s weekly Sunday Market on July 30, 10am-3pm.

More information at https://www.evergreen.ca/whats-on/event/etsy-marketplace-at-the-sunday-market/

     Etsy Marketplace: A Summer Wednesdays Pop-Up Market

Bask in the setting sun at Summer Wednesdays! Explore local Etsy artisans and enjoy the tastes of local food trucks, wood-fired oven platters and ice cold beer. Wednesday, August 23, from 5:30-10pm at Evergreen Brick Works.

More information at https://www.evergreen.ca/whats-on/event/etsy-marketplace-a-summer-wednesdays-pop-up-market/


Last weekend I had the pleasure of being part of the Makers' Market at the Withrow Park Farmers' Market for the first time. I shared a tent with Green Eyed Kitty Jewelry, and we all had a wonderful morning. The organizers made a short video that gives you an idea of the creativity represented at the market (you'll see Paper Turns at 2:35min). The Makers' Market takes place twice a year, and the next one will be on September 30. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be back for that one, and if you look closely at the picture below, you'll know why. But hopefully again next summer!