A Soft Spot for *Hotshot

By Kasandra Bracken

We’ve all been there―after weeks of awaiting the holiday gift exchange, days of patiently repressing the urge to peek inside others’ shopping bags, tiptoeing around on the morning of to shake and guess the contents of each gift, and, finally, ferociously ripping open a carefully wrapped package to uncover a pair of atrociously knit gloves, flower-scented soap, or of course, the inevitable socks and underwear combo. Even imitating reactions from Best Buy commercials can’t save you now. While it’s disappointing, it’s important to understand that it is the thought that counts. But there’s nothing wrong with encouraging higher thinking, especially when it gets you something you might actually want. Why would someone want to waste their gift-giving opportunity, a chance to sign their name in your good books? Think of it this way―you’re helping them help you.
So instead of suggesting they forgo next year’s gift, kindly point them in the right direction, by way of the handmade gift gallery―this ain’t your granny’s typical craft sale. Dead astronaut dolls and three-eyed Jesus T-shirts hang from the walls at *Hotshot. Soap cakes are reinterpreted as extravagant, layered cakes topped with intricately crafted flowers of all colours. Vinyl is reworked into wacky wall art. There are lovely feathered bands to wear in your hair, silk-screened bags to wear over your shoulder, and jewellery made of glass to adorn your neck, ears, wrists, and fingers―all on display and for sale in a unique collection of handcrafted wares. Handmade Handpicked is a month-long art show and shop event in Kensington showcasing―what else?―the work of nearby artists, artisans, and designers. Come out to browse or to buy, support and stimulate the local economy, or just enjoy a hot shot of house espresso and breathe in the coffee and the culture.
Handmade Handpicked runs every day between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 181 Augusta Avenue until January 1.
Photos by Kasandra Bracken/Torontoist.