Graven Feather

This non-​descript print shop is just a wonderful secret hiding out in Queen Street. I spotted their signage and knew automatically that it was print shop, letterpress at that!
Erin was very friendly and knew all about each press and their process.
A lovely space to find ephemera and other printer matter for yourself or someone special.
They also have workshops and open calls!

BOTTOM LINE: A neat little store/​gallery for cards, arts and crafts and prints.
Located in the basement unit across the Candy Factory Lofts and Freshii, this place is easy to miss, even with their sidewalk sign! As others Unilocalers have noted, they have classes and workshops here so if you’re into/​interested in printing, this could be a good place to start.
For me though, I really only come here for their cards and their (at times, sparse) gallery. Their cards remind me of cover art for [insert indie band here] and usually of a monotone quality on dyed papers. They’re all blank and generally have no particular theme, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your use. Regardless, all my friends have commented on how radfully (it is a word now!) unique they are, which is a plus plus plus in my book. I only wish they had a larger selection than the paltry 4 to 5 that are usually on display. Additionally, they also make pretty cool calendars that serve as excellent gifts.

Unilocal + Crafts = Awesome!
If you’re up for an for a invigorating night of craft making then printmaking at Graven Feather does not disappoint.
Behind their unassuming Queen St. entrance is an inviting underground studio. The artwork of local artists and studio members adorn the wall for your viewing pleasure and creative inspiration. They also have a few handmade printed items (cards, notebooks, etc) available for purchase.
Upon arrival, I was enthusiastically greeted by the staff and offered an array of teas and treats while we waited for the rest of the art enthusiasts to arrive. The group of us were given an overview and demonstration of two print making activities:
1. Creating an assortment of typographic creations on the proofing press.
2. Mono-​printing with the intaglio press
Both activities were enjoyable but if I was pressed to choose, mono-​printing all the way! It’s good old collage making and printing all rolled into one. We were given a pre-​inked plate of glass and an assortment of papers, ribbons, feathers, etc from which we could create various textures, patterns and designs upon the plate. The results were pretty spectacular!
I also appreciated that we were given much leeway to create our own designs but were provided with friendly input and guidance by the staff when needed.
It was overall an enjoyable experience and my minds already whirring away with future ideas for my next visit.
Oh should note, a drop-​in session is regularly $ 25 (paper’s extra) and make sure to have cash on hand. No credit or debit machines available.

My first CMYE! (Stands for «Community Manager Unilocal Event»!)
This event transported me back to the days of art class! … and printing presses! I haven’t done any «crafty» hands-​on artwork since high school! So this was exciting!
The studio is this cute quaint haven tucked downstairs at one of the tiny shops along Queen St. West. The venue is an extension of Artscape.
We were immediately greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by the instructors, who happen to be local artists; Jessica Bromley Bartram, Pam
Lobb, and Erin Candela. The instructors were extremely sweet, friendly and informative about the process, and the use of the presses. Every student there learned quickly, and used the machines it like a pro!
Provided for us were textured paper, ribbon, lace, q-​tips, popsicle sticks, and paints in the colors of blue, red, and green. I’m sure other colors are available upon request. Then it was time to get dirty! (Oh behave! You know what I mean!)
Lessons today were Letter Presses and Monoprints! I was so delighted to see the vintage press machines! We commented on how ODD it felt to create anything hands-​on these days! Sigh …
The Letter Press is the use of block letters and characters (think large metal block stencils) to create type on paper.
Monoprinting meant creating positive & negative shadows & color to create a pattern. We used fabrics & paints & other scrap materials to etch patterns on an ink medium.
I thoroughly enjoyed the light music playing in the background! Nice soothing touch to add to the ambiance!
Given the small space, it felt spacious with it’s open concept, all-​white minimal décor and bright lighting! For such a small space, the maximum group size is 8 people. Any more and there wouldn’t be enough room, or time, for everyone to enjoy every station! Cost is typically $ 25 for a class, materials is extra. Our class tonite was $ 35 per person, including material. Yay! (NOTE: CASH ONLY)
I felt I didn’t have enough time, but that just means I was having TOO much fun! I highly recommend letting your inner artist loose here! It’s a fabulous way to spend a relaxed and inspired afternoon with the boyfriend, (or in my case, husband), mom, sister, or catching up with an old friend!
I’m so happy Toronto has this hidden gem! Awesome job, Vivek S!!! Now I’m feeling the Unilocaltitude!

Ask yourself when the last time was that you had a craft night. It’s probably been a while, particularly if you don’t have kids. A handful of us Unilocalers gathered for a CMYE on a cool, wet February eve to partake in the wonders printing.
After a warm greeting, some tea and cookies, and light conversation we got down to business to find out exactly what we were here to do. The staff took us through the process of using the letter press and mono printing. They were very thorough and gave us some ideas of where to start.
The letter press was pretty straightforward and once everyone had had a turn making a couple of cards we were able to use the remaining time to set up our own words and combinations. I came up with two of the following:
Unilocal
*****
and
AMAZING
LOVE
WELCOME
Eric M. and Vivek came up with some good lines too, but you can read them in their reviews.
The mono printing was fun and definitely the most creative side of the evening. We got a plate covered in black ink as our canvas of sorts. From there, there was a table full of goodies to cut, dip, and tear into. Who knew a popsicle stick, a q-​tip, some lace, and a piece of rolled up felt could turn into a personal masterpiece worthy of hanging on your fridge.
Check these guys out for a workshop. Totally worth the $ 35 for an evening of fun with your friends.
February Food-​Free Unilocaling Challenge ²²⁄₂₉

Graven Feather is a relatively new addition to Queen St W. I happened upon it by chance when a modest sandwich board stopped me in my tracks. Graven… feather?
Following a short flight of stairs I was led down into a wee little basement gallery. This brightly lit and warm space is serves double-​duty as a gallery and studio space. The lovely lasses working there told me they are planning on hosting workshops on screenprinting and lithography. Sounds neat.
The gallery, though small, was full of oil paintings. They are presently showcasing the work of Kari Minchin, though they change up the artist frequently. There were also some cool gift-​ables, like handmade notebooks, greeting cards, and these truly brilliant screen-​printed calendars. When I was there they had just put out a limited edition of the calendars which featured artistic embellishment and accents on each month. Those will probably get snapped up pretty quickly. A very pretty shop. I need to bring my kid sister here.
Obligatory Title Pun: CARVE out some time and get DOWN here.
Menu Readability: Their guestbook in a graph-​paper notebook was a nice touch.
Need to mention: Check the calendar on their website for events and workshops.
What this place teaches me about myself: Is there an Association of Twee? I’d like to be the treasurer.