by Shelley Budd
Portobello West – it’s $2 to get in, and it’s the last Sunday of every month from 12 to 6.  That means this Sunday!  Below are my suggestions for DO-NOT-MISS stalls at the

Market; it takes over the Rocky Mountaineer Station on 1755 Cottrell Street – plenty of free parking, short walk from the Main St, Science World Skytrain (THIS Sunday).

Heydey Designs! The awesome Claire Madill.  She makes dreamy, unglazed porcelain jars shaped from a slipcast of original vintage glass canning jars (they’re glazed on the inside though, making them foodsafe and watertight).  They come out bone-white, and are lovely as a vase – think luscious pink peony pouring out the top – or functional to hold crayons, pens, markers, whatever.  She also makes funky cubic porcelain earrings, and the best part is that designer Claire Madill, who was working the stall when I picked up a small pair of single cube earrings that I now wear over 5 days a week, is a wholeheartedly nice, warm, welcoming, modest, friendly and funny gal.   The deal for her is combining 2 things she loves, “ceramics, and all the fantastic vintage stuff that calls her name in thrift stores.”

Seaweed Salon – this might make the trip worth it on it’s own – Tantric Oils anyone?  I’ve heard “Tantric” as a reference to Sting, and I think there’s a scene in American Pie where Finch is seen practicing some kind of Tantric mediation.  Anyway, while a little weary of the idea that you can meditate to have a longer orgasm, which may not even be close to what Tantra really is since I think the word’s rooted in Hindu Philosophy and Religion (stop me now), but I am intrigued by these oils, even if the final result is just a nicely scented massage lube.  Who knows, maybe some of the irresistible, deeply-sexy magic charm that got Finch Stiffler’s Mom in the end will rub off!  On their website you can read the blurb on Massage at the end of the page, you may be inspired to pick up a bottle too.  Hell, I’m willing to give a little massage in pursuit of making “evolutionary love” – I’m willing to give that a try once or twice. 

I’m also really excited to try out this Shea Butter, or “Women’s Gold,” from the African Fair Trade Society – it’s a good cause, and it’s nourishing, moisturizing, protecting to extra dry, sensitive skin, and an anti-oxidant with regenerating and restructuring properties.  The Shea or Karite butter that the group sells is imported from West Africa, a process that employs hundreds of women, helping them to support themselves and their families.  Buy a little butter here for softer skin – know that you’re helping create a source of income for a woman who could be just like you in West Africa.   Not a bad deal!  Butter with benefits! 

Penelope Brown, artist of a Robot print I’d love to buy!  She also makes a nice peacock.  

And finally, keep an eye out for the artist who made my current pocket mirror that has two raggedy bunnies on it, leaning back to back in love – there was nobody at the table when I wanted to buy the thing, so the artist next-door took my payment; I now have no clue the name or person who designed it!  The table will be covered in little coastery-looking, drawn and painted discs, and on the other side is a mirror – this thing makes a seriously cute mobile tooth and lipstick checking device, I highly advise you pick out the image you like best and gift it, or keep it for yourself.   And if you find our the artist – send it in! 

Map to the market.