Happy New Year!

'Happy New Year from T.E.S.T.' by minouette

Toronto Etsy Street Team wishes you the best for 2013!

Hand made enamel ring TorchedStudio $45.00	Dew Drop - Swarovski C... NatBJewelry $23.00	SALE NOMAD Collection -... gracedesign $68.00	2013 Illustrated Monthl... thunderpeep $20.00
Snowbird leather mask, ... edenbee $90.59	2013 Calendar Tea Towel avrilloreti $25.00	Top Hat Headband CoutureByMay $25.00	Vintage 1960s 70s Union... MaPtiteChouett... $100.00
Holidays Parties More -... CiaraRebello $10.00	SALE /// Vintage 1980s ... RedRocketVinta... $32.00	Gold & White Monarch Bu... ocdCollection $145.00	Moissanite Pear Twig En... efratdeutsch $1157.00
Tiny crystal necklace -... littleglamour $27.00	Baby Boy Shoes Black an... ajalor $34.00	Nail Polish Glitter New... NailKandy $7.00	Bow tie - Berry Pink fa... SimonesRoseBou... $48.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Toronto Vintage and Retro Society

T.E.S.T.'s own Jacquie Jeffrey of Ma Ptite Chouette is launching a meet-up group for all you vintage sellers and enthusiasts.

For the love of all things vintage and retro! A group for like minded vintage/retro lovers who want to know more about the vast world and history of vintage. To help each other procure vintage/retro items for ourselves, our homes and our collections! Swaps, markets and road trips will most definitely be on the agenda. Vintage themed and inspired events will a eventual goal! We are not rare...but far between...lets meet up!

Find out more about the Toronto Vintage and Retro Society

T.E.S.T. Interview: Second Shot

We hope to introduce you to all the great Etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 40^th in our series with Lindsay of SecondShot.

Tell us about yourself. How did you decide to use recycled skateboards?

We are a husband and wife team from Orangeville, ON.  My partner John is responsible for developing and creating all the Skate Art and I take care of customer orders and marketing.

John has been riding a skateboard for fun most of his life and had a collection of broken boards. In the summer of 2011 he decided to make something with them so he could hang them in the house to display and not have to get rid of them. The first piece he ever made consisted of 5 recycled skateboards cut into ¼” strips, compressed together to make wall “Skate Art”. Almost everyone that saw couldn't believe it was old skateboards.

Because almost all skateboards consist of seven layers of cross laminate maple ply, with some layers dyed different colours depending on the brand and manufacturer, the finished Skate Art turns out unique, colourful and one of a kind because of the colours in the maple wood. After the first piece was done John was inspired to see what else could be made from recycled skateboards.

Is there a story behind the skateboards you use?

For sure! We don’t always know the story or person that it belonged to but all the skateboards we get are different from the scratches, dents, cracks, stickers, graffiti, etc. That gives us a little view into its story and life before we get it. We are often contacted and asked to do custom pieces using a certain skateboard that has special meaning to the person. We believe every board deserves a 2nd Shot!

How did you find out about Etsy and why did you decide to join?

I had bought a few things on Etsy before so I knew it was a great place to buy/sell handmade items! When we first joined we weren't sure if the Skate Art would sell, but it did in less than a week! So it began!

How long does it take you to create a piece?

Every piece takes a lot of time. Some pieces a few hours and some have been in the making for over a year. It is a definite process to use old skateboards, because we can’t just go to a store and buy old boards we have to put time in first just finding people, skate shops, skate parks, etc. to donate their old skateboards. Then we have to collect them or have them shipped to us. Once we have the old boards the grip tape has to be removed and both sides of the board are sanded. Now it is a workable medium for John to create with. From there it all depends on the project and details put in.

Where do you find inspiration?

John’s inspiration comes from all sorts of places. He has a real passion for creating functioning art so he’s also looking for something new to make that has purpose.

Tell us where to find you other than Etsy

You can visit our website at www.secondshot.ca to see past work and to order items that are available. If you are in the Orangeville area you can find some of our products at Icarus Skate & Snow at 94 Broadway. You can find us on Facebook (www.fb.com/secondshot2011), Twitter (@secondshot2011) & Instagram (@secondshot) As well, we have a few videos of John making some different Skate Art on YouTube.

What are your future plans for your shop? Any exciting new products in 2013?

We plan to continue to offer one of a kind art and watches made from recycled skateboards. As well, we have a few collaborations with other artists and companies coming in 2013. One we are really looking forward to is the Skate Guitar collab with The Canadian School of Lutherie in Toronto. You can visit our website in the New Year for updates as it gets completed.

Check out the other items available from Lindsay and John in their Etsy Shop! You can find more of their work on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Interviewed by Shabnam of MorningdewPhoto in December 2012 in Toronto.

Vendor Call: Spring Made by Hand Show

Made by Hand is currently accepting applications for the:

Spring Made by Hand Show
Saturday April 20, 2013
International Centre | Hall 6 |
6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON

Juried Show (applicants must submit 3-5 photos)
190 Exhibitors (Canadian Handmade exhibitors)
2000 – 2500 expected attendance
$5 admission (children free)/ Free Parking

ONLY HANDMADE ITEMS ARE PERMITTED AT THIS SHOW (handmade or a component of handmade).  All products must be made by the applicant, in Canada).  Photography is acceptable provided the photos are taken by the applicant. Non-handmade items are strictly prohibited.  Non-handmade items will be removed immediately and that vendor will not be invited to future events

Deadline to apply February 28, 2013

Made by Hand is a company that supports, showcases and promotes Canadian artists, artisans and designers. It's a celebration of all things handmade.  Our showcases feature 150-200 quality Canadian handmade exhibitors.  We assist local artists with an affordable way to promote and showcase their work.  As an exhibitor, you will not only have the opportunity exhibit and sell your products at the show but we will also be promoting and supporting you through promotion leading up to the show.

crafty happenings this week

Lots of opportunities for shopping for handmade goods in Toronto this week too! Here are a few of the events going on, December 10 to 17:



CBC Charity Craft Sale
250 Front Street West
www.cbccharitycraftsale.ca

Dec 13 Thurs 8:30-5:30
Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own ShoedawgzK9Apparel, knottednest, BlissfulSew, ellecools, torchedstudio, paper muse designs,


Alma & Local Artisans Holiday Gift Event
Event 7:30 - 9pm on Wednesday, December 12
Join us for a glass of wine and shop for great gift ideas from Alma and local artisans. Enter for a chance to win a Holiday Pampering Gift Package (Power Facial plus Peppermint Pedicure value $105). RSVP by Dec 11th to be entered either through Facebook or info@almanaturalspa.com

www.facebook.com/almanaturalspa

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own dylanadesigns, IntuitiveJewellery and aTana Designs

Holiday Art Market at the Artscape Wychwood Barns is both this week and next.
Sunday December 16, 12- 5
601 Christie St

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own clayshapes and bubyNoa

The Artisans Gift Fair
Is running several days including December 15 and 16, 12- 5
The Tranzac
292 Brunswick Ave.

On the 15th and 16th, vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own greenbeanthings.

Artisans At Work, Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale
2071 Danforth (east of Woodbine)
Is running several days including December 15 and 16, 9 am - 6 pm
This weekend's vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own ?

Movies and Makers
Fox Cinema, 2236 Queen St E
Dec 15, 11-5:30
Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own minouette, thunderpeep, girlcancreate, flowerpot designs, charlotteandstewart, Keri Rounding,
Grace Design, Avril Loreti and Papermuse Designs

Gift of my Hands Show
DECEMBER 15th 2012 from 11am until 6 pm
Sorauren Park field house (Sorauren and Wabash)

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own giftsofmyhands, Okkudesign, somedaysarah and yourheartshaven


Buy-the-Bag Vintage Holiday Sale in the Junction, 2573 Dundas St W
by T.E.S.T.'s own YouLuckyBirdVintage
Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 12:00 PM - Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM (PST)
Toronto, ON
buy tickets (for the bag you can fill) here

Next week, and for the rest of the month, look for T.E.S.T.'s own crywolf who will be doing a pop-up shop from Dec 18-30 at Narwhal Art Projects in the Junction!

2988 Dundas St West

Apply In Person with OOAK + Etsy

You might have heard that Etsy is teaming up with One of a Kind Show for their Spring show with their very own Etsy Section. This is a great opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their work and get their work in front of 60 000+ shoppers! As a bonus, you'll receive promotional opportunities from Etsy.com and your very own profile page on the OOAK website, along with access to exclusive Etsy workshops and one on one time with Etsy admin. Plus, it's going to be a blast! 

Now, we know we're in the Holiday show season and your time, energy (and sanity!) are extremely valuable to you so they've extended our application deadline to January 9th. So get in those Holiday parties, late night wrapping sessions and sleep-inducing turkey dinners, take a breath, and apply before Jan 9th. This is a great way to kickstart the new year, with new goals and opportunities to aspire for. 

So, you've got questions, you say? Worry not! Etsy is hosting an "Apply in Person" event at the Centre for Social Innovation in the Annex (720 Bathurst st.) for those who want to meet them in person. The OOAK organizers will be in attendance as well and would love to meet you and help walk you through your application process. 

If you've already applied and still want to come, please do! This is a great chance to meet us and ask us questions. Hope to see you there! 

Apply In Person with OOAK + Etsy

CSI Annex

720 Bathurs St. 2nd floor, meeting room #1

Toronto, ON

Monday, Dec 17th

6pm-8pm

Drop-in anytime between those hours!

http://etsyooak.eventbrite.com

Handmade Weekend!

Lots of opportunities for shopping for handmade goods in Toronto this weekend! Here is a review of a few of the events just this weekend:

Holiday Art Markets

Dec 8 Sat 10-5 & Dec 9 Sun 11-4

The Foundery
376 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own ShoedawgzK9Apparel

The third Wandering Winter Craft Show

Sunday December 9th, 11-5
Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen St. West

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own LandfillDesigns, CalliopeKitten, Drélin, minouette, CandiWare, and Jack and Willa Designs

Christmas Craft Sale
December 8 & 9, 2012 11am - 5pm both days
Where: Q Space; 382 College Street (this is the home of Quattro Books)

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own sproutspress
(on Sunday only)

401 ARTISANS MARKETPLACE
DECEMBER 6 - 9, 2012

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own stitchandspoke

Holiday Art Market at the Artscape Wychwood Barns is both this week and next.
Sunday December 9, 12- 5
601 Christie St


Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own clayshapes and artsyfasken

The Artisans Gift Fair
Is running several days, including this weekend Dec., 8 and 9, 12- 5
The Tranzac
292 Brunswick Ave.

On Sunday the 9th, vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own Torched Studio, Jacaranda Designs and Ciara Rebello.

Artisans At Work, Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale
2071 Danforth (east of Woodbine)
Is running several days including this weekend Dec., 8 and 9, 9 am - 6 pm
This weekend's vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own LureArts and thunderpeep

Nacho Mama's Craft Show is this Saturday, December 8 at Sneaky Dee's, 11- 5
431 College St


Vendors will include T.E.S.T.'s own your heart's haven, http://www.etsy.com/shop/charlotteandstewart">charlotteandstewart, http://www.etsy.com/shop/magpiemo">magpie mo Studio No.9 Design and the basic elements

Bloomsbury Holiday Show at The Caledonian Pub

Sat. Dec. 8th, 3:30 - 6:30pm
Sun. Dec 9th 3:30 - 8:30pm or later!

The Caledonian
856 College Street
Vendors will include T.E.S.T.'s own AshleyWinningtonBall


City of Craft
December 8 & 9, 2012
Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
$2 Admission
Children under 12 FREE

The Theatre Centre
1087, 1093 & 1095 Queen Street West

Vendors will include T.E.S.T.'s own FlowerPot

The Sassy Little Craft Show
December 9 at 3:00pm - 9:00 pm
The Central, 603 Markham St

Vendors include T.E.S.T.'s own SalmonNaturals

Mailing Dates

Well, it's that time of year, when many shoppers are seeking gifts to arrive by Christmas. For Etsy sellers in Canada, it's important to know Canada Post's Holiday mail-by dates.

For Within Canada:
Letter mail can be sent as late as:
Local Delivery: December 19
Within Province: December 18
Outside Province: December 17

Packages can be sent as late as:
Priority™ (Rush): December 20
Xpresspost™ (Fast): December 19
Regular Parcel™ (Most Economical): December 10

To the US: 
Letter mail can be sent as late as:
Letter-post December 14

Packages can be sent as late as:

Priority™ Worldwide (Rush):

December 20

Xpresspost™ (Fast):

December 17

Expedited Parcel™ – USA (Most Economical):

December 10

We have past the deadline (December 3rd) for letter mail to all other destinations, but there are still expedited (Xpresspost, Priority and in some cases, Air Package) options to get your items to their destination before Christmas.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Morningdew Photography

We hope to introduce you to all the great Etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 39^th in our series with Shabnam of MorningdewPhoto.

Tell us a little about yourself? What is your background in photography?

I’ve always been involved in photography one way or another, my dad is an avid photographer and always handed me the camera. When I met my husband David a little over three years ago, he got me back into it and encouraged me to upgrade my cameras and I’ve never looked back.

What inspired you start making your photos into calendars?

I had about eight calendars hanging in my office, all different, but not one had a nice photo or illustration on it. So I decided to spice it up for myself and it seemed others liked the idea too!

What brought you to ETSY? Where else can we find Morningdew Photography?

Sheer creativity of the people already on ETSY! Amazing talent! I love being part of this community and have to admit that I’m loving it! My website is http://www.morningdewphotography.ca. I am also on Facebook and run some giveaways, so I encourage everyone to join my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MorningdewPhotography

Where do you find your inspiration?

Quite literally my inspiration comes from everything around me. I look for a different angle when I point my camera and try to give the photo I take some life and mood.

What is your favorite listing in your shop right now?

My 4x6 2013 calendar, I really like how the shots and design turned out.

What are your upcoming plans and goals?

I would LOVE to do photography and paper products full time. David has been very encouraging and we would both love to run our own business one day!

Shabnam's work can be seen at the upcoming Holiday Crawl on Wed., Dec, 12, 2012, 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm at the TMX Gallery, 130 King St. W.

Check out the other items available from Shabnam in her Etsy Shop! You can find more of her work on her website and Facebook.

Interviewed by Lindsay of SecondShot in December 2012 in Toronto.

Vendor Call: Maurice Cody Winter Fair 2012

Cody Public Elementary school is seeking vendors with unique products and crafts for their upcoming Winter Fair on Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 11am - 3pm.  

Cody is a midtown Toronto public elementary school of 642 students. The Annual Winter Fair is a popular event at our school. The funds we raise are channeled directly back into the school to provide enrichment programs, technology, support for our music, library and sports programs. The Winter Fair will involve our entire Student Body, Teachers, Parents and Community members.  

If you have products that would appeal to parents of school age children and grown ups too, then please send an email with a description of products to shannonmoon@hotmail.com.  Only 5 spaces left (sorry no room left for jewellers)  The cost to participate as a vendor in the Fair is $50 and includes a 6 foot table.  Payment is made day of the Fair.

Vendor Call: The Budget Friendly Bridal Show

If there are any Wedding Vendors out there we are looking for vendors for our upcoming Budget Friendly Bridal Show in Caledon Feb 3rd, please contact Thebfbs@hotmail.com

The Budget Friendly Bridal Show Facebook Page

T.E.S.T. Interview: Nail Kandy

We hope to introduce you to all the great Etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 38^th in our series with Kate of NailKandy.

Kate Bland of NailKandy creates one of a kind nail polish, nail art, accessories, and jewellery. Her work is glittery, vibrant, and super fun, and she has been selling on Etsy since 2010.

First, a little background to get us started. Are you from Toronto? Did you grow up here?

I was born just outside of Toronto in a part of Mississauga called Port Credit. It is a little lakeside neighborhood at the bottom of Mississauga. I am living in downtown Toronto now and I have been there for just over 1 year and I'm loving it!

What do you love most about this city? Hate the most?

I love how connected and accessible it is here in Toronto. Everything is downtown, shopping, great restaurants, art and music venues, beautiful parks, and I love that it is on the lake. Since I grew up by the lake, I could never see myself living far from water. And even though the city is so big, it still feels small because I am constantly bumping into people I know.

I can't say I really hate anything about Toronto. But, I do miss the peace and quiet that I had in Port Credit. I used to love opening the windows to hear the birds chirping and the breeze blowing through the trees. Now all I hear are the GO trains from Union Station right below me. But you get used to it, they don't keep me awake.

By day you are a makeup artist. Tell us how you got into it. Was this something you always wanted to do?

By day I am actually an office administrator/personal assistant/project manager/etc etc etc, but my heart is in cosmetics. I became obsessed with makeup when I was a teenager. It was the first time I stumbled upon a Sephora in the United States. That was over 10 years ago and I'm still obsessed. I was always an artsy kid, and ended up taking cosmetic arts in college at Sheridan. It was just another outlet for my creativity and I really enjoyed it. I seriously tried to pursue makeup art as a profession for several years and really enjoyed it but always had to work a 2nd job on the side to support myself. I still do the occasional wedding or photo shoot.

When did you start Nail Kandy? And why?

A couple of years after being trained in makeup and doing that for a while, I discovered nail art and the crazy world of nail blogs. There are literally thousands of nail blogs and there is so much creativity there! Add the fact that it involves cosmetic products and I was hooked! I used to go to a nail salon to get my nails painted and the ideas I had for nail art were always too "far out" for the people working at the salon. I took it into my own hands (haha pun intended), and decided to do my own nail art! I got inspiration from other nail artists and quickly realized that it was something I could enjoy doing. Not too long after that, I had amassed an insane stash of nail polishes and nail art supplies.

(To this date I do not know how many nail polishes I have, but the last time I counted, a year ago, I had over 130 bottles. It's GOT to be up in the 200's now!).

With too many supplies and not enough fingers to paint, I thought of making nail art for others. I had seen people on blogs making glue-on nails with their own designs and so I created Nail Kandy.

Your designs are all so colourful and textural - where do you find your inspiration?

Thank you! I am inspired by everything around me. Fabric patterns, illustrations, feathers, insects, sunsets, candy, jewelry, cosmetics, ANYTHING glittery, and of course, other nail art! I love to create my own interpretation of existing designs I have seen. I will be inspired by a particular color or design on a nail and turn it into my own style.

Right now is Etsy your main focus with Nail Kandy? Do you see yourself pursuing other avenues from Etsy in terms of where to sell your products?

Right now Etsy is my main focus. Because of the detailed nature of my items, each piece takes me a long time to create and so I like the ability to just sell small quantities and that has been going well with Etsy. I also love getting customers from other countries! Now that I have started making nail polishes, I could see myself making larger batches (rather than 1 bottle at a time right now), and selling them in a shop.

Your shop has so many great gift ideas! What do you have lined up for the holidays?

Oh the holidays. I am always late for them! Right now I am making lots of nail polish jewelry (where you paint nail polish on the back of a clear glass or resin cabochon and turn it into earrings or rings. They really sparkle!). I've also made some special edition nail polishes in holiday colors, like Fruitcake and Tinsel on the Tree! (Did I mention I LOVE naming them?)

You also have some amazing earrings and rings in your shop. Do you plan on expanding your jewellery line?

Thanks! Well I do have the holiday earrings I'm working on, but I would love some extra free time to get more jewelry in my shop. I have boxes and boxes of findings and cabochons just waiting to be made into cute jewelry. Most of my items are summer themed so there will be lots more next year (and lots of nautical and beach inspired items).

Which colour and/or nail design is your go-to? (I love the sushi ones!)

The sushi ones are so much fun! They made me hungry when I painted them. My go-to design is anything animal print! Seriously. The world can't seem to get enough of Leopard and Tiger prints, especially in non-traditional colors. And animal prints are not as complicated to do as they look, sometimes they look even better when they are a bit messy because animal prints are not perfect in real life. Also, holographic colored polishes are very popular right now so any nails which have that rainbow hologram color change effect.

As for go-to colors, it depends on the season. Summer is definitely neons, but now that it's fall everything is darker and more neutral. Lots of jewel tones, greys and blacks. Christmas and New Years will bring back glitter, so lots of gold and silver glitters and more holographics. A newer trend is Rose gold and copper. I'm seeing a lot of Rose gold jewelry now and nails to match.

Check out the other items available from Kate in her Etsy Shop! You can find more of her work on her Tumblr and Facebook.

Interviewed by Katie of YourHeartsHaven in November 2012 in Toronto.