FESTOON, 1101 Queen East, 416-554-0414, www.festoon.ca Rating: NNNNN
“Festoon” is one of those charming vintage verbs that conjures up images of rose garlands and potpourri. Phil Raby sells neither at his Leslieville gift shop, but he does stock retro-style goods to beautify your home, garden and wardrobe.
Since it’s patio season, the shop is stocked with colourful recliners, watering cans and café tables to outfit your outdoor space. Indoor rooms in need of some adornment can benefit from a back room full of budget-priced vintage furniture and kitschy accessories like a chrome Alaron walkie-talkie set or a bow-tied penguin lawn ornament.
There’s also a growing selection of art items, including greeting cards featuring Raby’s travel photography from trips to Belize, Portugal and PEI, as well as kids’ clothing by Raby’s wife and partner, Anna Rodrigues. Robert Shuttleworth’s robot sculptures made from espresso-maker tops, temperature dials and circuit boards are worth the trip to Queen and Pape alone.
Festoon picks: Outdoor loungers come in black, blue and orange ticking stripes, $95 toddler-sized ponchos are made from Dalmatian-print fleece, $35 spin in a 60s-era Robin Day swivel chair, $95.
Look for: Sarah Palmer’s exaggerated character paintings when Festoon opens its doors for the Riverdale Art Walk (www.riverdaleartwalk.com) June 2 and 3.
Hours: Monday to Friday 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm.
