Etsy: Made in Canada Toronto FREE Workshops!

Once again for our 6th year, the Toronto Etsy Street Team and 416Hustler are proud to present a series of FREE workshops for the public at our Etsy: Made in Canada Toronto Show! Come out on September 28th and shop the show with 130 of the best local handmade and vintage Etsy sellers and take part in a handmade workshop for free! SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE TICKET TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! All the tickets can be found at this lin!

Lorraine & Chris from the Maker Bean

3D Printing Workshop by The Maker Bean at 10:30AM

Come learn about the art of 3D design and printing with the Maker Bean! During this workshop, you'll learn how to: Use a 3D design tool to create objects in space, Incorporate existing 3D designs into your work, Get your design ready for 3D printing, Load and operate a 3D printer. You'll finish the workshop with your own 3D Design! All supplies and materials will be provided.

Macramé with Victoria

SWIFTPOST Modern Macrame Plant Hanger by The Handmade Jungle at 11:00AM

Learn the basics of macramé knots to create your own modern macramé plant hanger. This class will be led by Victoria of Handmade Jungle. It is for beginners to macramé or those who have some experience in knotting crafts such as weaving or bracelet making. You will be taken back to the days of friendship bracelets as we navigate together the process of basic macramé. These knots can be used in other types of macramé crafts such as wall hangings, or more intricate plant hangers. All supplies and materials will be provided.

Miniature mittens by Joanna

Make a miniature pair of wool stroud mittens by atelierNORTH at 12:15 PM 

Workshop: Join Joanna McMann of atelierNORTH and learn to make a miniature pair of wool stroud mittens, just like those worn in the Canadian north. Participants will bead a small decoration on their mittens and embroider them together to make a zipper pull/holiday ornament/parcel topper. No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. This is not a class for little peeps, 18 AND OLDER ONLY please. All supplies and materials will be provided.

A Handmade Jungle pompom wreath

Fall Pom-Pom Wreaths by The Handmade Jungle at 12:30PM

 Learn how to make pom-poms out of yarn and create your own fall-theme wreath using faux florals and embroidery hoops with Victoria of Handmade Jungle. All supplies and materials will be provided.

Learn to make a sealskin flower by atelierNORTH at 2:00PM

Workshop: Workshop: Join Joanna McMann of atelierNORTH and learn to make a sealskin flower that you can wear as a pin, hair clip or ponytail holder. Some sewing experience would be helpful, but is not necessary. This is not a class for little peeps as we will be using a very sharp glover's needle to sew with, 18 AND OLDER only please. All supplies and materials will be provided.

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Succulent Kokedama Workshop by MikaFleur at 2:00PM

 Learn how to create and care for Kokedama with Mika of MIKAfleur using succulent, moss, and bamboo charcoal.​ All supplies and materials will be provided.

Chromatin rainbow by thepurplelilac

Bead your DNA Workshop by thepurplelilac science crochet at 3:30PM

 Make a double helix DNA with beads. You will be learn beading basics and you will be guided step by step by scientist, author and crochet maven Tahani Baakdhah of thepurplelilac on how to create your DNA! All skills level are welcome. Tahani is the author of Crocheting Neuroscience: The Retina and will share her knowledge of illustrating biology through textile art! All materials and supplies will be provided.

T.E.S.T. Interview: POEssentials

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 85th in our series and is with Tamika from POEssentials. 

Tell me a bit about yourself. 

My name is Tamika Martells, living in Toronto Canada. I'm the owner of a handcrafted business called Prevailing Organic Essentials, or Poessentials, which is its name on Etsy.  I specialize in organic/vegan and natural beauty products. The business name came to me over 2 years before this business even came into existence and for that I'm humbled.

How long have you been practicing your art/craft?

It started off as a hobby a few years ago due to the fact my kids and myself have sensitive skin.  From there it blossomed into something special for myself and others.


What training have you had -- or are you a self-taught? 

Both. I am not dealing with any harsh chemicals for the skin, so it was very easy to experiment on what works best on myself and my family. I notice the result and continue from there. Attending a few workshop on how to get a better handle on using Essentials Oils did wonders for me.

What is your favorite handmade item you own and why? 

Each year my kids would make these cute little cards/handmade items on Mother's day/special occasions and I will  store them away. At any given time I would  look at how they have evolved over the years as little men in my life. These are my favorite handmade items, these you can't buy in a store.

Do you blog, twitter, facebook or participate in any other social media networking? 

Yes, Facebook and Instagram. I find networking very important for any up and coming business or even businesses that has been around for years. With so many businesses out there Social Media will, and can, allow you to set yourself apart from the competition. By interacting with others on Social Media right there you can have a long lasting friendship and customer at the same time.  Because of modern technology/social media we are able to set our individuality apart which we could never do 15 years ago in business.

How has it helped your business? 

Social media has help my business come into its own. Customers are able to interact with me, make suggestions and be a part of my everyday life and that is because of social media.

Are your products available anywhere besides online?

Yes, I have been participating in craft shows, Bazaars, etc for a few months now and I'll be at St. Leonards Church's "Spring Into Summer" Bazaar on June 20th. They are also in Crafters Plus in Windsor, KaKafafa Ideas (275 Dundas Street West, Toronto) and Expert Nails (1921 Eglinton Ave East).  





Why did you go from hobby to business or was business always your goal?  

I would say hobby to business. Never in a million years was I thinking of being a business owner. In the process I am still learning and experimenting. I hope to continue for as long as I can and, who knows, this could one day be a full time job.


Check out the other items available from Tamika in her Etsy shop. You can also find her at:
Facebook page: Prevailing Organic Essentials
Instagram Page: Poessentials 
Upcoming show: 
St. Leonard’s Church "Spring into Summer Bazaar"
Address: 25 Wanless Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 1V5
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015
Time: 10:30 am to 2 pm


Interviewed by Tahani from PurpleLilacAmigurumi, June 8, 2015

T.E.S.T. Interview: PurpleLilacAmigurumi

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 84th in our series and is with Tahani from PurpleLilacAmigurumi. 

How did you get started with your craft? 

My journey started 5 years ago when I saw some beautiful crocheted toys (amigurumi) on twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  Amigurumi is a Japaneses word for stuffed crocheted dolls (ami=crochet gurumi=doll).  I really liked what I saw and decided to start learning the ins and outs of crochet.  I'm self taught.  I watched many youtube videos illustrating crochet techniques and amigurumi basics and I became more experienced with time.

What motivates your creativity? 

Following talented crafters on social media and watching their youtube videos.

What have you found a struggle with your venture this far? 

Advertising  and figuring out how to reach my target customers.  I need to offer new ideas to attract customers and keep advertising to reach more people.

Where do you see yourself in this business in 5 years? 

Currently I have an Etsy store and social media accounts. I hope in the upcoming years to open my own website, reach more customers through promotions and participation in bazaar exhibits and pop up events.

What have you learned that you would like to pass on to others who're interested in starting their own business? 

Patience is key, invest more time and explore the crafty and creative side of your personality.Show your talent to people around the world, share happiness with everybody and colour their life.

Check out the other items available from Tahani in her Etsy shop. You can also find her at: 
Twitter @thepurplelilac
Instagram @thepurplelilac
Facebook: /thepurplelilacamigurumi
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LilacAmigurumi/
Tumblr: thepurplelilac.tumblr.com/
Website: www.thepurplelilac.com



Interviewed by Tamika of POEssentials June 5, 2015.