T.E.S.T. Interview: MunchiesandMusings

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 107th in our series and is with Rebecca from MunchiesandMusings. 

 


What was your experience with Etsy so far?

Etsy has been great. The community is very supportive, and I've had the opportunity to see some of the events that the local teams organize. Etsy is such a great way to take action on an idea brewing in your mind without a lot of risk, which is important to someone like me who has no entrepreneurial background. The Etsy atmosphere gets me so inspired to help support other local crafters.

What was your inspiration in creating your products?
 
I created my himmelis during the time I planned my wedding earlier this year. I made a larger version of the 'octahedron' as part of our table numbers and fell in love with the many ways you can create himmeli shapes. I've always been drawn to geometric shapes and I found that this was just my calling. Since starting my Etsy shop and making basic shapes, I wanted to find a way to add my own personal touch to my himmelis. That’s when I started making letters and uncommon shapes (e.g., stars and cats). It’s fun challenging myself to create different shapes.  

Tell me more about functional qualities of your designs. How can customers use it at home?

Himmelis are décor pieces so they can be displayed anywhere whether they are hung, mounted on a wall, or displayed on a surface. I actually used the orb himmeli as a little pen holder at our wedding welcome table! Himmelis look great with airplants and greenery in them, but also something simple like candles is beautiful as well. They really modernize and add a nice touch to any space.  

What’s the creative process from the idea to the final product?

I usually try to imagine anything as a geometric shape – they’re all I see now, especially since I started making himmelis! Imagining is the easy part, it’s creating the shapes that’s most challenging for me. I’m not exactly a numbers person and I like to visualize everything first so I draw the shapes out. Measuring out the different lengths of tubes to create what I envision takes a bit of time as well as trial and error, but when everything works, it’s the best feeling.  

What is your goal for the next year as an Etsy seller?

As a person who loves multi-purpose products, I hope to somehow make himmelis more functional beyond wall or home décor. I also want to tap into different industries because himmelis look beautiful anywhere! In addition to growing my Etsy shop, I also want to create great relationships with my customers. Stay tuned for my shenanigans!




You can also find Rebecca at the following:
Website 
Instagram
Twitter
 
Interviewed by Tanya of AbstractFiguresShop December 8, 2016.

T.E.S.T. Interview: AbstractFiguresShop

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 108th in our series and is with Tanya of AbstractFiguresShop. 

When did you start painting and why did you choose to paint all of your work using watercolour rather than to other types of paints?

I have started drawing and painting since childhood and was taking art classes on and off. Four years ago I have finished a certificate program at George Brown colleague. While studying I have experimented with a lot of mediums and found that I am attracted to watercolours a lot- to its fluidity and transparent effects.  

What is your process from when you think of an idea to when you complete a painting?

Most of my paintings are custom couple and family portraits. I receive a photo reference or a description from my customers. They also choose dominant colors of the art work and we together finalize other details, like adding flowers, landmarks, special outfit, etc. In brief, I want to show love and joy in my paintings.  

Have you ever completed a painting for a customer that you loved so much you didn't want to mail it out?

I paint in series, for example: mom and babies, couples, women and flowers, etc. One or two paintings from series I leave for myself since it usually have an emotional meaning and reflects my story. Custom works usually capture a meaningful moment from my customer's life and I try to capture it as close as possible to the expectation of the person. For example , the last customer wanted to highlight the shoes of the couple and specific pattern on them. We worked together to make the painting look as best as it can be considering the wishes of the customer. I have incorporated the pattern on the background and made the shoes stand out with the contrasted background.  

What is your favourite part so far about having an Etsy shop?

In addition to the creating process, I love to communicate to my customers and make them happy by creating a unique painting that captures the happiest moment in their lives. Most of my customers purchase custom portraits as wedding, anniversary or birthday gifts.  

It's interesting that you don't paint faces on your subjects, was there a particular reason why?

My style is figurative abstraction which refers to painting the figure in non realistic way. I chose to show the resemblance by painting silhouette like figures and put a focus on a mood of the painting rather than facial features.  

I love that you'd rather focus on mood than facial features. How did you discover your style?

My style is a result of many years of drawing and painting. I always was attracted to abstract painting and classic figure painting, and practice sketching models on ongoing basis. My goal was to combine both and make it unique that it won't repeat anybody else.  



Tanya is offering 20% off towards the order of custom portrait till January 7, 2017. Coupon Code: winterholidays

Interviewed by Rebecca of MunchiesandMusings on December 8, 2016

T.E.S.T. Interview: 1000CrowsVintage

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 105th in our series and is with Yvette Bessels from 1000CrowsVintage.

How did you come up with the name of the store?

I already had a shop '1000crows' while I lived in the UK. I chose that name as I wanted something that was slightly odd yet memorable. I love ravens and crows (who doesn't?) but I didn't want to opt for anything too generic. 'A murder of crows' was therefore soon out of the running. The '1000' in front of the name makes it higher priority in alphanumerical order, depending on how you execute a search. When I moved to Canada, I discovered that the back end of the shop (my bank account) could not be moved over by Etsy so I was forced into opening a new shop (the alternative being paid in GBP to my UK account and having to deal with currency conversions every step of the way) - but that also made it possible to add the 'Vintage' to the name, clarifying what I actually do.

Why did you start collecting vintage things?

Oh well, there are a few reasons; The foremost being that some of these objects are amazingly beautiful, but not being made anymore. Either because the market is too small, or the craftsmanship has been lost. Second, some of the objects I find would have been quite expensive when new - I certainly would not have been able to afford them! I am a pennypincher at heart, and nothing makes me happier than feeling I got a good deal on an item. Lastly, it feels amazing to find an object a loving new home. If needed, I will slightly alter or repair an item to give it a present-day use or appeal. Can you imagine all the items being saved from landfill like this? There is actually not much that I personally collect. I have the odd weird or pretty object floating about the house until I grow tired of it and put it up for sale, and numerous photographic items which I actually use. I have moved house so many times it has become easy to let go!

What was you first item in a collection?

To be honest, I can't really remember. I used to trawl flea markets when I was a kid and many, many objects have passed my hands since then. I did have a large stash of stuffed animals back then - haha! For the present day - I would have to say my Microflex TLR (an English made Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera). I had a job as a studio photographer a number of years ago and was getting obsessed with famous photographers of the 1920-1960s. I found more than a few of my favourite images were shot using a TLR camera, so I got myself one. Since then, I have upgraded to a Rolleiflex and an antique plate camera to shoot my images, but I still have the Microflex (which is presently up for sale). If you are curious, you can see my photography on www.yvettebessels.com

Where do you go to search for the vintage?

In the UK, I used to go to local (and less local) carboot sales. I was up at 5AM and in my car by 6AM every weekend, throughout the year. I also visited antique fairs and antique centers and local auction houses to find my items. Being fairly new to Canada, I'm still finding my way around. I mostly visit local thrift stores and garage sales, as well as the weekly antique market in town.

Why do you think vintage is interesting to people?

It gives people an opportunity to own an object that is (near) unique, for a much lower price than buying newly made items. If you wear vintage clothing, there is much less chance of someone rocking up in the same outfit. Many items were better made; furniture was built to last and people took pride in craftsmanship. And, it gives people a vast range of styles and colours to choose from. Instead of having to wait for trends to 'come back round' - why not just go for the original?

You can also find Yvette and 1000CrowsVintage at these links:
Website : www.1000crows.com
Twitter: @1000crows
Instagram: @1000crows
Pinterest: @1000crows



Interviewed by Darya from KvitkaWorld on Nov 18, 2016.

T.E.S.T. Interview: CheapThrillsCompany

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 104th in our series and is with Ky Teale of CheapThrillsCompany. 

How would you describe your Etsy store in five words? 

Kitschy, Quirky, Cute, Coney Island.

Where did your love for ghouls and “offbeat art” come from? 

I am a huge horror movie nerd. I try to keep everything as cute as possible in the shop, but you will definitely see the fan girl in me slipping in from time to time ;). I created my version of the Girl Gang movement with the Ghoul Gang Collection.

For those of us not in the know, what's the "girl gang movement"? Does it refer to a comic or anime?

It's an online movement of girls supporting other girls through, art, business, and lifestyle.

What is your favourite TV show?

I am more of a movie buff, but I am currently really enjoying Scream Queens :)

How do you decide what your next product will be?

I have a sketch book and draw from daily inspirations.

Have you always sketched – do you have formal art training?  Or, where did you your creative talents spring from?

No, I actually only picked up sketching in the last couple of years. My mother was an artist so growing up I actually shied away from the arts, and because of this I am not formerly trained. I began sculpting ten years ago and from there started sketching and painting. At the time it pulled me out of a massive depression and I have found art to be an amazing therapeutic tool since.

You have a wonderful variety of products in your shop. Are you inspired by seeing the format (embroidered labels, tote bags, etc) as a canvas for your ideas, or do you source them to match the original sketches? (Or perhaps it's a combo ;) 

Yes, my shop is definitely not shy of diversity as I do like to work with various mediums. I think it's a bit of a combo, however, I typically come up with the design first and then decide what medium might be best.

Do you have favourite programs for creating the graphics for your totes and patches? 

I use Photoshop and I do the bare minimum. My images are completely hand drawn and I vector them without changing the original.

If you were a monster, what kind would you be?

A zombie, I would ALWAYS be a zombie.

You can keep up to date with Ky and the CheapThrillsCompany here: 
Instagram: @CheapThrillsCo

Upcoming Shows 
-Nov 20th Gladstone Flea @ The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
-Dec 3+4 Pink Market @ 519 Church St, Toronto
-Dec 17th Test Etsy Christmas Market @ 365 College St, Toronto
-Dec 18th Punk Rock Flea @ Club Absinthe, Hamilton







Interviewed by Ayisha Gariba of TheBaconBerryCardCo on Nov 18, 2016 in Toronto. 

T.E.S.T. Interview: KvitkaWorld

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 106th in our series and is with Darya Kucherenko of KvitkaWorld. 

How did you come up with your shop name?

While creating the shop name I wanted something that would reflect what I'm selling. As my background is Ukrainian and I live in Canada, I decided to unite somehow these countries in my shop name. "Kvitka" is flower in Ukrainian, this shows my Ukrainian part as well as describing that I'm using live plants in my work, and "World" shows my Canadian part and explains that my goal in to create a mini world. And KvitkaWorld means I'm doing miniature worlds using live plants, all of them have their stories.  

Talk me through making one of your miniature gardens - how and where do you start?

Every miniature garden starts with an idea, either I see some beautiful landscape I would like to replicate in a miniature version or a fictitious/imaginary garden. I love walking by houses and taking some ideas from the larger scale gardens. I decide on a plant combination (drought tolerant/or not) then think of the ideal arrangement of the plants, usually using a piece of paper and a pen. When decided, the magic begins -- all the plants are potted into the terrarium in the final arrangement, I add some decorations to give more life to this mini world.  

What does a regular weekday look like for you?

Every day starts with an idea of searching for a creative terrarium :) these are hard to find, and every time I visit any store I look at things as "would this fit and look good in a miniature garden?" While working I need to sit by myself near all the plants, usually I get help from my chihuahua who sits beside me and we start thinking together on the perfect arrangement. When not having orders I work much slower as I spend hours watching my new propagation babies growing.  

Do you have favourites in your plants? One in particular?

I never thought about which plant is my favourite. I love experimenting and having new plants for the florariums. Therefore I usually keep a wide variety of plants from drought-tolerant to higher maintenance plants.  

Your miniature decorations (benches, lanterns, etc) are super cute! Do you buy or make them?

The decorations in the florariums -- some are manufactured, some are hand made by other artists and some I make myself. I love making the decorations, but when I find something interesting I can't help purchasing, as every time I see a decoration piece I immediately have a florarium arrangement made in my head.  

What are your favourite stores to look for terrariums? Do you build them or ever considered building them yourself?

 I like glass florariums the most, there are several stores that offer such, but I currently have a person who supplies me with my favourite designs, which help reduce the cost for the florariums and saves me some time.

Where do you see yourself (and your shop) in five years' time?

In five years it's hard to predict what I will be doing, but I'm sure that my store will grow as my passion for plants will be always with me! :)

You can also keep up to date with Darya and KvitkaWorld here:
Instagram: @KvitkaWorld
Facebook: @KvitkaWorld






Interviewed by Yvette Bessels of 1000CrowsVintage on Nov 25, 2016. 

T.E.S.T. Interview: TheBaconBerryCardCo

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 103rd in our series and is with Ayisha Gariba of TheBaconBerryCardCo.

Why did you open up shop, and why the name?

I started The Bacon Berry because I’d already been making greeting cards for years, and they started getting really good so I thought - why not sell these? The Bacon Berry was a YouTube username that I came up with when I was younger, and when I was looking for a name for my business - I chose that one because I love bacon and berries.

What mediums do you enjoy to work with?

I love hand-drawing cards from time to time, but now I primarily work digitally. I use photoshop and a Wacom Cintiq.

Where do you see your Etsy shop in 5 years?

Hopefully with a larger following, more products and as a more important part of my day-to-day business operations.

What do you do outside of your shop?

I’m a university student in my first year at UofT hoping to either major in Anthropology or Women and Gender Studies. Other than that, I’m a filmmaker, graphic designer, and photographer (which all help me with my business, so I guess that’s kinda cheating). When I’m not working on the bacon berry you’ll most likely find me babysitting my nephew, cooking, or watching Netflix.

I don't think that's called cheating! What kind of films do you make photographs do you take? Is there a connection to the card making?

I am trying to break into documentary filmmaking at the moment. I've only made one short documentary and I'm currently working on finishing another one for January. I also just started adding "photographer" to the long list of titles that I mention when I introduce myself. Thankfully, all of my skills are able to help with my business, whenever I need a promo video or product photos, I'm able to do those myself which saves a lot of time and money.

What's your favorite way to eat bacon?

That’s a tough question but I’d have to say with pancakes, maple syrup and hot sauce. I’ve been told that sounds weird but I stand by it!

Besides her Etsy shop, you can also find TheBaconBerryCardCo here:
Website:  www.thebaconberrycards.com
Facebook: @thebaconberrycardco
InstaGram:  @thebaconberrycardco

Upcoming Shows
- Nov 20th Trinity Bellwoods Flea @ Studio Bar
- Dec 4 The Post Market @ The Great Hall
- Dec 10 Woke Tings Holiday Market @ Hashtag Gallery, 801 Dundas St West, 5-11pm
- Dec 18th Trinity Bellwoods Flea @ Studio Bar



Interviewed by Ky Teale of CheapThrillsCompany on November 16, 2016.

The 3rd Annual Toronto Etsy Street Team Christmas Marketplace - LOOK BOOK IS HERE!

Saturday December 17th, 11AM to 5PM come on down to St. Stephens in-the-field church and check out over 30 vendor and their awesome handmade and vintage wares! Take a selfie with Santa! Try not to anger Krampus! And have grab a tasty treat from Phancy Food Catering!

Our vendor list is now confirmed, check them out in our Vendor Lookbook below

We hope to see you there!

Vendor call: Humbercrest Public School 2nd-Annual Holiday Craft Fair

VENDOR CALL

Are you a crafter, artist, designer or have interesting products to sell? Be a part 

of the festive season at Humbercrest Public School and market your hand-crafted 

creations to holiday shoppers at our 2nd-Annual Holiday Craft Fair. This year, 

we will offer photos with Santa, a bake sale and craft activities for kids! 

Almost 500 families attend this 100 year-old school that is situated in the west end of the 

city neighbouring the Baby Point, Bloor West Village and Junction communities.

Vendor Fee:

Tables (6 ft) are available for rent at $40 each. Two chairs will be provided with each table

Please submit product description online or with application via email

You are guaranteed a space once full payment has been received

Student Vendor Fee:

Students will receive a 50% discount for the vendor table

PLUS - the first SIX students to register will only pay $10 for their table thanks 

to the generous sponsorship of Metro Coin & Banknote - supporting young entrepreneurs

If you're a currently enrolled student, email sofun@humbercrestcouncil.ca 

to receive your coupon code to enter online (at check-out)

Apply:

All interested vendors must fill out a brief application form online by 

December 9, 2016.

All vendors welcome! 

Click here to register online

OR email sofun@humbercrestcouncil.ca for an application 

Payment:

Please make your payment online at: http://humbercrestps.3dcartstores.com/ 

OR send a cheque to the school made payable to “SoFun” 

Event day logistics: 

1. Set-up will start at 2:30 pm and end at 4 pm 

2. Load-in will be from 2:30 to 4:00 pm  

Please note: student pick-up begins at 3:10 pm. There will be three parking spots RESERVED for vendor unload on Brookside Avenue near the gym. However, vehicles must then be moved to legal street parking in the neighborhood. Limited parking is available in the Teacher Parking Lot under 

the school building, off Watson Avenue

3. Crafters must remain open for the duration of the fair (until 8 pm) 

4. You are required to clean and vacate your space no later than 8:30 pm 

5. No refund on craft fair fee if you're unable to attend  

Additional Promotional Opportunity!

If you’d like additional promotion before the event, consider donating a raffle prize. We will give extra promotion to those companies who donate a small prize (value $10-30) in our pre-event electronic promotion to school parents

For additional vendor information, please contact:

Irene Papadimitriou 647-879-1177
Kristen Juschkewitsch 416-561-6479

T.E.S.T. Interview: Florés Boticario

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 102nd in our series and is with Melissa Oré of FloresBoticario.  

Tell me about your Etsy shop.

My sister and I opened our Etsy store over 2 years ago: Florés Boticario, a handmade natural skincare line. We created our company/products in memory of our great grandmother, a holistic healer in our native country of Peru. Our luxurious skincare line are for those who appreciate a delicate and natural skincare regimen. Each product is made-to-order with high quality essential oils.

 What does Florés Boticario mean?

 Florés means “flowers” and “Boticario” means “apothecary” in Spanish.  

Why did you join the T.E.S.T team?

We joined The Toronto Etsy Street Team because we wanted to band together with our fellow Etsy makers for marketing and business support/inspiration/collaboration. We believe that teams win and appreciate all the expertise and experience that each individual in the group possesses. We’re all paving our own path and navigating through uncharted waters and it’s a breath of fresh air to know that we’re not alone.  

What is your favourite thing about being on Etsy?

We love the tools and support that Etsy provides shop-makers in order to succeed – from the Etsy Seller Handbook, Etsy Success emails, wholesale opportunities, Holiday 101, Etsy teams, to the Etsy Up Conference in NYC and everything in between. We’re so thankful to be part of the Etsy community.  

You mentioned the Etsy Up Conference in NYC, did you go?

Yes my sister and I did go to the conference. It was a motivating and kick a** 3 days in one of my favourite cities. The guest speakers were incredible (especially Nely Galán) and I found the workshops very helpful. The swag bag was the icing on the cake!  

What’s new and exciting?

We’re counting down to the Holiday Market at Shops at Don Mills. We will be there Friday December 9th – Sunday December 11th. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

You can keep up to date with FloresBoticario at the following:
www.floresboticario.com

Instagram: @floresboticario
Twitter: @floresboticario
Facebook: floresboticario



Interviewed by Gwen Duda of GwenDudaStudiosGwen Dud in Toronto, November 7, 2016.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Gwen Duda Studios

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 101st in our series and is with Gwen Duda of GwenDudaStudios.  

Why did you join the TEST team?

I moved to Toronto about 8 years ago and joined Etsy 7 years ago. Joining the TEST team is a way to find out more about Toronto and make connections with like-minded Etsians!  

What is your favourite thing about being on Etsy?

That your work is online, ready to be seen and/or purchased from anywhere in the world at any time. If you do a professional job presenting yourself and your work, coupled with a definite attractive and unique look for your store, excellent photos, customer service and all those wonderful things that even if you have constraints that keep you from being in a brick and mortar store that doesn't limit you or what you can attain. Having said that, selling on Etsy is as part of my marketing strategy, not the whole of it.  

What is your not so favourite thing about being on Etsy?

I think it's the same as what a lot of people have voiced their concern over and that is that it is not a juried marketplace so the buyer has to literally search through hundreds if not thousands of items to find your product. However, this is also a strength of Etsy's in that the customer has hundreds if not thousands of products to choose from. It's weakness can be it's strength, if you will, and vice versa.  

What have you bought on Etsy?

I've bought leg warmers, rosaries (that I did a partial trade for), candles, jewelry, jewelry supplies, and other things. In the near future I will be looking for a pair of rad winter slippers as well as furniture, so hey fellow Toronto Etsians feel free to convo me if you make those things!

By the way, just what is it that you do/sell on Etsy?

I have two shops; GwenDudaStudios where I sell my nature-inspired abstract expressionistic original acrylic/watercolor/oil paintings and TheBadCatBeacery where I sell boho beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

If you could share just one thing that you would want people to know about you, what would that be?

That the work I do is done in as eco-friendly a way as possible and that I care about the earth, the environment, even people! The work I do is done out of, well, love. I want to create work that is joyful, beautiful and evokes a sense of wonderment to lift people out of the grind of the every day mundane, even if just for a moment. That is worth it to me.  

What's next on your plans for your work/product?

I really want to learn how to use woodworking tools safely as I want to build my own frames for my paintings. I feel that framing is really crucial to the aesthetic success of an image and oftentimes I just can't find the frame I am looking for. Also framing can be horrifically expensive, so, I'd like to build my own frames and pass that savings onto my customer/collector.  

Any final words?

Yes, it's been said before and it bears repeating, do what you love.

Instead of going with fine art I had trained as a commercial artist and worked as an art director for television, ad agencies and freelanced. It was a part of what I wanted to do so I could bear it, but really, just being free to create as the spirit moves is a complete liberation and the work I produce is just so, so much better as a result.

I remember hearing an interview with David Gilmore of Pink Floyd and the interviewer asked him a question about if he thinks about his audience when writing or playing. Something like that. His response was that he always just played for himself that way if nothing were ever to come of it (financially) then he'd be happy regardless. I think that is a very good mindset to have.





You can keep up to date with GwenDudaStudios and TheBadCatBeadery at the following:
Website: www.gwenduda.com
Twitter: @GwenDuda
Facebook: GwenDudaStudios


Interviewed by Melissa Oré of FloresBoticario on November 5, 2016.

So, your friend is an artist...

This is a busy and exciting time of year for handmakers. It can also be a punishing schedule and workload. We spied a great post from our member Alison of EyespotDesigns about how to support your artists friends and we wanted to share! 
 

Acrylic Painting Greeting Cards by EyespotDesigns

You probably have at least one friend who is an artist. Maybe you already own one or more of their pieces, and sometimes buy from them to give pieces as gifts. Alternately, you would like to, but can't afford it. Or, their work isn't to your taste. That's okay!

There are lots of ways you can support your friend.

•  Offer to help them set up or take down, or staff their booth, at shows. They might pay you, or at least feed you, for your effort.                                                                                                     
• Come to their shows & openings! They really appreciate the support. Of course, they also understand you can't possibly do everything, and won't be able to come to every show, besides which you'll see the work quite a few times if you do. Maybe you don't really even like or "get" art, or you hate shopping, or crowds, but if you can show up once a year or so, that's awesome. Bonus if you are able to come to a big or new show, or when they have new work.  
• Share! You know your friend is an artist, and your friend knows you care about them. Maybe you have other commitments or live too far away to get to their event? Help them by sharing their website, social media links, show invitations, business cards, and telling people about their work (and where to find it). This helps a lot in getting the word out, and the work seen, by those outside their immediate circle.

The Toronto Etsy Street Team @ The Gibson House Musuem

Saturday November 12th & Sunday November 13th!

Get a look at our awesome vendors!!

Details on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/176322866142629/

Vendor Call: Waterfront Artisan Market

After a very successful pilot year we are ready to launch a weekly market at HTO Park with a guaranteed audience of 10,000 visitors daily. Details as follows:

May 20th through October 7th – 21 weeks total10x10 space – vendors responsible for own tent, signage, furniture, fixtures, etc.Vendor rate - $100 per day plus HST. Reduced rates available for shared space.
Space is limited. Please reply with interest!


Please contact Karen Hardinge at karen.hardinge@gmail.com. 

The Toronto Etsy Street Team at Gibson House Museum

Hello North York!!

We are pleased to be partnering with the historic Gibson House Museum for a weekend of historic interpretations, crafts and tea!!

Join the Gibson House Museum and the Toronto Etsy Street Team (T.E.S.T) for a weekend market of crafts and unique handmade goods. Vendors will be located throughout the historic house offering their hand-crafted wares for sale and providing demonstrations of their work. 

Get your holiday shopping done early in the warmth and comfort of the historic house before enjoying tea and festive treats in the Tea Room.

Included with regular museum admission.

Facebook Event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/176322866142629/

Vendor Call: Let is Snow Craft Fair

 Let it snow Craft Fair - December 16 -18 at Artscape Youngplace

Calling all artisans!

We are looking for 16 fabulous artists to show off & sell their work! We are offering spaces for only $150 for ALL THREE (3) DAYS! Reserve by Oct 15th and receive $30 OFF! Hurry, limited time offer only! Spaces are limited!

We will be marketing the event with the distribution of 1,000 postcards in the neighborhood, posters at local shops and on local streets, our website and through social media campaign, in addition to prizes.

We want to feature new and exciting products not seen anywhere else! If you are interested, have a look at our floor plan & application. This promises to be a fun filled worthwhile event for vendors & visitors alike!

Application and more information here

Vendor Call: Bloordale BIA

Hello Vendors,

The Bloordale BIA will be hosting it's fifth Parkette Markette of 2016 this October the 23rd! This market aims to showcase local artists, crafters, and independent businesses in a collective environment and a thriving neighbourhood.

The name of October's market is "The Spooky Season Markette." While vendors do not need their art or goods to have a Halloween focus, the Bloordale BIA will be donating pumpkins to residents as a fun way to be involved with the neighbourhood and to create foot traffic for the market. There will also be live music for its duration!

The market will take place in the Susan Tibaldi Parkette, which is just north of Brock and Bloor on October 23rd from 10am until 3pm.

The fee to participate is $40 and includes a 10'x10' space. If you require a tent, table, or chair, please let us know as soon as possible as there is a very limited supply. Once these are claimed, vendors must supply their own materials.

Tents or other materials cannot be pegged into the grass or tied to the trees. We want to respect our neighbourhood and our park! Be aware that the park does not have access to electricity. The market will be taking place rain or shine.

If you are a food vendor your information must be submitted to us at least a week in advance in order to be passed along to a city health inspector.

Payment can be sent electronically to biachair@gmail.com. The security password is bloordale. Please note that until payment is sent, your spot in the market will not be secured.

If you have any questions about this event please email isla.cowan.23@gmail.com

Etsy: Made in Canada Toronto - Triumphant 3rd Year!

We're so happy to see crowds of people throughout the day in the airy, light-filled MaRS Atrium (photo of the east end of the show: Peter Power)

Crowds in the west, University Ave end of the MaRS Atrium (photo: Peter Power)

A huge thank you to everyone who made our third Etsy: Made in Canada such a success! Thank you to 130 talented, gracious and generous vendors! Special thank you to our workshop teachers and our amazing staff and volunteers; we couldn't do this without you! Thank you to all our partners, Etsy Canada and our hosts at MaRS Discovery District! And thank you to the thousands of Torontonians who came to shop the show, from the hardy earlybirds who lined up for one of the coveted swag bags to our workshop participants of all ages and tireless shoppers throughout the day. Our fans and customers who believe in shopping local, supporting handmade and vintage and come to meet the sellers and shop Etsy in real life, allow us to do what we do.

Rob Croxford (photo: Peter Power)

Sous Sous (photo: Peter Power)

Route401 (photo: Peter Power)

Vespertine CA (photo: Peter Power)

Once again this year, our show featured special sections for Fashion and Vintage sellers. This year we added a special Newbie Nook to highlight the work of new and upcoming Etsy sellers.

We hosted workshops on Photography, making Bath Bombs, Creative Holiday and Product Wrapping Design, Halloween Amigurumi, Beginner Hoop Embroidery, making Magnets & Hairclips and Wood Wobots!

We also had fun animating the space with suspended illustrations of crafty Canadian critters and paper lanters (with special thanks to Creative Bag).

Kid-friendly bath bomb workshop with Veelightful (photo: Peter Power)

Central atrium with suspended critters by LoveLetteringToronto (photo: Peter Power)

We hope you all had a fabulous time, vendors and visitors alike. Please share any pictures using #EtsyMICToronto and we love to hear your feedback here and at TorontoEtsySt@gmail.com

Ele of minouette, organizer (photo: Peter Power)

On behalf of the whole team (some, but not all shown below), thank you all and see you again soon!

Emma of Landfill Designs, organizer (photo: Peter Power)

Candice of CandiWareJewelry, organizer (photo: Peter Power)

Doris of LoveLetteringToronto, organizer (photo: Peter Power)

Adrienne of refluff, organizer (photo: Peter Power)