T.E.S.T. Interview: Darling Adornment

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 65^th in our series with Michelle of DarlingAdornment.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your shop.

I am a 20 year-old performing artist from New Brunswick, and I recently moved to the GTA to pursue my dreams! I have always been a huge fan of all kinds of art, and I am forever making DIY projects, knitting, or bedazzling my belongings. My friends developed an interest in what I was creating, so Etsy seemed like a perfect place to display what I have been working on and to facilitate transactions!

How do you balance your performing arts career with your craft business?

When I'm not singing or acting, I am usually being artistic in other ways, such as working on my crafts. For me it is a time to relax and still be doing what I love, while managing to earn a few extra dollars.

What inspires your work?

Recently I've been mostly doing custom orders, so the inspiration comes from others. When beginning a new craft, I am inspired greatly by the feminine touch (bows, rhinestones and girly colour schemes). That is how I came up with the name "Darling Adornment", because the items I make are perfect for the "Darling" in your life, and the items themselves are "Darling" as well!

You love to bedazzle. What would be a dream item that you’d bedazzle if you could get your hands on it?

I love bedazzling picture frames, jewellery boxes, and other items that could use a little sparkle to accent a room. I would love to bedazzle a musical instrument like a ukulele, or a microphone! The possibilities are endless when it comes to bedazzling!

What does being a part of the Etsy community add to your life or work?

Being a part of the Etsy community, especially the Toronto team, has made my transition into the big city a lot easier because I realize how many artists share my interests. Crafting has always been a hobby that makes me happy, so Etsy has been an amazing outlet for me.

And what are some of your favourite Etsy shops?

A couple of my friends have Etsy shops that I love. My friend Alex has a handmade jewelry store, and another friend makes crochet accessories. I love browsing people's Etsy shops in my spare time, especially handmade arts and crafts!

Check out the other items available from Michelle in her Etsy shop! You can find more of her work on Twitter and follow her performing arts career on Facebook.

Interviewed by Una of Whistle+Work in December 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: FitzyDesign

Hand Painted Leather Cube Earrings with
Solid Copper Earring Wires by FitzyDesign

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 55^th in our series with Robin Fitzsimons of FitzyDesign.

How did you get started making jewellery and other goodies?


In September of 2012 I started a 365 project as a way to bring more spontaneity to my artistic practice. (I’m an artist by trade and hold a BFA in Sculpture/Installation from OCAD University.) Since then, I have been making something every single day, and posting it on my tumblr (robinfitzsimons365.tumblr.com) by midnight. The pieces I’ve made so far run quite a wide range of media including drawing, graphic design, textiles, video, and a whole bunch of leather craft. Many of my daily pieces have been various styles of leather jewellery, and so after numerous comments from friends and fans who follow the blog, I decided to start selling my jewellery, and Fitzy was born.

Leather Hair Bow by FitzyDesign

What influenced your choice of materials?

I have always loved working with natural, hardwearing materials. When I first started working with leather, I knew that I had found my perfect material. Leather has so many of the qualities that I love about wood, it’s natural, durable, develops a gorgeous patina as it ages, but is much easier to cut with an x-acto knife, a huge plus since my current studio is my living room.

What inspires you in your designs?

Hand Dyed Leather Key Chain by FitzyDesign

I have always employed a clean, simple visual aesthetic in my work, and Fitzy is no different, this way my materials speak for themselves.

What is your process in making jewellery and other goodies?

I’d rather keep my processes under wraps.

There's usually a story behind a shop's name, so could you tell me the story behind the name Fitzy?

I wanted to choose a name that was short, simple, and related to my name, Robin Fitzsimons, but without being a direct copy of my name, and so I settled on Fitzy.

Is your career making jewellery and other goodies or do you have a day job as well?

Wide Mystery Braid Leather Bracelet by FitzyDesign

Right now Fitzy is my full time job. I’m lucky enough to have a great support system, so that I can put everything I have into making Fitzy a success.

What goals or plans do you have in store for your business over the next 6 months, 1 year, 2 years?

Six months from now, I hope to have a number of steady wholesale accounts, at stores across Canada, a year from now I hope to be spending every weekend at summer craft shows, and two years from now I hope to have my own studio.

Hand Stitched Leather iPhone Case
with Removeable Cord by FitzyDesign

How do you promote yourself? Do you find social media an effective form of promotion?

Right now my primary form of promotion is social media. On any given day you can find me tweeting, tumbling, instagraming and facebooking all the goings on at Fitzy. I think social media is a great way to keep Fitzy fans updated, but I still believe that word of mouth is the best way to get new customers.

Do you do craft shows?

Leather Cycling Leg Strap by FitzyDesign

I did my first shows this summer: the Parkdale Flea (July 7th) and Big on Bloor Festival (July 20, 21). My next show is the Junction Flea on October 27, at the Evergreen Brickworks

Leather Headphone Cord Keeper by FitzyDesign

Check out the other items available from Robin in her Etsy shop FitzyDesign! You can find more of her work on her website Fitzy.ca, on Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Interviewed by Brenda of SilverFoxDesigns6 in 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Hellhound Fashion

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 54^th in our series with Luka of HellhoundFashion.

What is your most significant achievement (i.e., your proudest moment) with your creative business to date?

I'm still only starting to fully put myself into the business so I haven't seen much by way of results just yet. I think my biggest accomplishment is probably that I haven't given up yet. It's easy to get discouraged by a slow startup, which I've already experienced (this is my third attempt at my own business!), you've just gotta believe in yourself enough to keep going even - or especially - if you haven't made any money after a year. That and finally getting likes on Facebook from people I don't actually know!

Tell me your story about who you are and how it all started.

I'm a 20-something life-long art kid and animal lover. I started sewing when I was a kid, going through bags of hand-me-down clothing from my cousin and reworking them to fit my size and style. Hellhound Fashion started with me making geeky jewellery for myself that I couldn't find anywhere else, and a business plan I had to write in college. After years of my friends asking for me to make things for them and telling me I should sell elsewhere, I decided to open up my Etsy shop. I liked the name, tagline, and branding I'd developed for my marketing class assignment so much that I decided to use it as the basis for the shop.

Where and how did you learn your craft?

I first started sewing on my mother's machine some time in the '90s after a little instruction from her on how to use it. It was years before I realized bobbins could be wound on the machine and not just by hand! It wasn't until my last year of high school when I actually took my first sewing class, and after taking a couple years off after graduation, I went to college for a three-year Fashion Arts program.

The jewellery side of things was entirely self-taught starting with one boring rainy day in my first year of college. Lastly, my screen printing started in my high school art class. Admittedly, I did little to nothing to improve my printing skills until the last couple years. My general artsy skills can be attributed to genetics (my mother was a craft painter when I was a kid, and my dad is a very talented drawer even if he doesn't practice much anymore), and having an amazing art teach in high school.

Describe your creative process and inspiration(s).

My creative process is quite lengthy and a bit annoying at times. It used to be that I would just go straight to making something without any clear idea of how I was going to go about it. Just stitching things together and awkwardly fitting it to myself while wearing it. Since college, learning new techniques and why my old ones weren't necessarily good, that's all changed. Sometimes my ideas come from the fabrics I buy, sometimes the fabrics I buy are specific for my ideas. Either way, once I have a solid idea floating around in my head, I try sketching it out as best I can, but it never really translates the way I want it to. That's all different once the drafting starts!

With clothing, I sew up a quick muslin from my pattern blocks (think the plainest item of clothing ever), throw them on my mannequin, and start drawing on the lines of how I want the finished item to look. Once that's all said and done, I trace pattern pieces from there and begin sampling. Because you can't really tell how something will look until it's made from the final fabric, how the fabric hangs with the cut and if that armhole really sits where its supposed to or if it cuts into your armpit, the sampling can sometimes take days. Days of fussing over small details, screaming bloody murder at my sewing machine, realizing I have a better idea and having to start all over, until finally I end up with something I'm proud of. That's usually when I leave it be, grab a cup of tea and celebrate by being lazy for a full day before getting into the real constuction.

This translated into my other forms of art as well. Now, when I decide to do a new painting, I draw out the idea first. Then I work out the colouring and shading on paper with pencil crayons and ink before getting into the actual painting. It definitely helps to avoid being let down by your own mistakes if you work out your approach beforehand!

My inspiration comes from all over the place. The fabrics I buy, street and runway fashion, comic characters' costume design, the graffiti on the back streets of Queen West where all the best fabric shops are. Bright colours with dark contrasts, the right attitude, architecture and multicoloured hair. Inspiration can be found anywhere once you open yourself up to it!

Is this your full time job? What is life like outside of your creative world?

Hellhound Fashion has just recently become my full time job. That's not to say it's sustainable just yet, but I'm fortunate that our country believes enough in small business to help fund the beginning stages. I'm in development for all kinds of things that will hopefully see the light of day before this year ends. Outside of Hellhound, my life revolves around music. My house not only serves as HF HQ, but also as the jam space for many Toronto bands thanks to my very talented musician roommates. If I'm not buried in some sort of creative outlet (sewing, drawing, painting), or immersed in whatever music I might be listening to be it live or a recording, I'm probably spending time with my best friend in the world: my dog, Maila.


How do you envision you and your creative business growing in the near future?

Later in the year I plan on expanding into clothing. Using oversized t-shirts with licenced prints, my plan is to create edgy but feminine clothing for all us she-geeks out there who are tired of the same old boring t-shirt, but still want to show off our nerdy side. But it won't just be clothing, it will be purses as well! I have more ideas than I know what to do with, so my visions of the future are always changing, but I do know that I'd like to have a full (even if small) women's line by this time next year, and to expand on my mens accessories. Look for cufflinks around Christmas time!

Check out the other items available from Luka in her Etsy shop! You can find more of her work on her Tumblr, blog, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Interviewed by Rovena of HandmadesRovena in May 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Two Cats Boutique

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 52^nd in our series with Annafay and Lionelle of TwoCatsBoutique.

How and when did you meet?

We are two mothers who love crafting. We are both recently moved to Canada but from different countries. We've met just last summer on internet and found many common interests. We both were dreaming about some place where we could share with the crowd the stuff we make. Later on we've decided to open a jewelry and accessories shop together on Etsy.

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

Annafay: A few years ago me and my friend decided to make a shop on Etsy with some sewing supplies. We both were homestaying busy moms, so it gave us the association for mom cats and kittens. From on to another it led us to this name - Two Cats Boutique.

After a while the shop was closed, I moved to Canada and met Lionelle. When we thought about opening shop on Etsy, it naturally came to me to stay with this name - same situation- homestaying mommies with kids. Lionelle liked the idea and we've kept this name for our rebranded shop.

Do you sell via other channels - craft shows, retail space?

Lionelle: I used to sell on craft shows in Ukraine, but since moved to Toronto I sell only on Etsy, but really want to go to craft shows some time soon.

You have a variety of techniques across your range - which is your favourite?

Lionelle: I really like wire wrap technique. Also enjoy using stamps on polymer clay and then adding some mica powder or inks on jewelry.

Annafay: Well, it depends on current mood each time I sit to work, no favourite technique for all times.

What do you do when you are not making jewellery and accessories?

Taking care of kids, exploring Canada.

Where would you like your business to be in 5 years' time?

We would like to create a place with creativity spirit all around, with workshops and other crafty events! So hopefully in 5 years we will have a studio in the city along with the online shop.

What does your Etsy life add to your life?

Etsy is not just a place to sell, it's a big community. When you need a creativity boost you just look around on different shops and see how many wonderful things people make.

Check out the other items available from Annafay and Lionelle in their Etsy shop! You can find more of their work on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Interviewed by Kate of HandmadeInToronto in May 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Maybe Made

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 32^nd in our series with Jessica of MAYBE MADE



What inspired you to create an etsy shop?

There is something so special about purchasing handmade goods. There is a connection there that is truly exceptional. You can actually contact the maker, speak to them, and learn more about them and their process. You can feel their personality in every piece that they design. Etsy has created an environment where this connection is possible!

I started to create when I was very young because I wanted an alternative to what could be found at the big box stores in the small town where I grew up. I wanted to be different and I wanted to stand out, so I would spend the hours between school and supper sewing up crazy party dresses and making my own accessories. I believe that I have always known that I would eventually create a shop of my own. It just took me a while settle on that one brilliant idea that I would sell - until I had a lightbulb moment! When I figured that out, I felt that it was time to finally become a part of the Etsy seller community :)

What do you believe is the significance of a pouch in an average persons life?

Have you ever bolted out of the house and arrived at your destination only to realize that you left your favourite lip gloss in your OTHER purse? Yeah, me too. The pouch idea started because I felt the need to make one for my own forgetful self! Then I realized, "Hey, wait a minute.. maybe other people have this same problem and I could provide them with a stylish solution!" That's how MAYBE MADE was born.

What/who are your designs inspired by?

I'm so inspired by all of the cute, quirky ladies that I see around my city. Toronto is filled with smart, bold, confident women who aren't afraid to show their individuality. They sport pieces that are fresh, functional AND fun! That's the type of design I strive to create.

I'm also inspired by the myriad of prints and fabrics I stumble across around the city and online. My pouches are made to showcase those fun prints that I choose. I keep the design simple so that the print doesn't get lost in the shuffle.


As a part of T.E.S.T, what do you believe your shop brings to the team?

On a personal level, I'm really looking forward to meeting other sellers and learning from their experiences. I think that I will be able to offer some of my own thoughts and ideas, as well! It's really important for small business owners and crafty folk to stick together. Generally, we're all in it for the same reasons and we can learn so much from each other.

What can we expect in the future for "MAYBE MADE"?

My shop is still relatively new, so I feel like the sky is the limit! I plan on continuing to create the simple yet sturdy classic pouch design, but I would also like to expand my vision and create some fancier pieces for special occasions. I'm also really excited to create some items for the cyclists out there. I'm an avid cyclist myself and I'm always looking for cute bike stuff to show off my own style. Look out for that in the near future!

Check out the other items available from Jessica in her MAYBE MADE Etsy Shop!. You can find more of her work on her MAYBEMADE website and blog, the MAYBEMADE Facebook page and followe MAYBE_MADE on twitter.

Interviewed by Raechel from DaisyandBoss in July, 2012, in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. interview: foundlingsvintage

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 eighth in our series, an interview with foundlingsvintage.

Why vintage? What would you say to someone who has never shopped vintage before?

I've always been a scrounger and lover of things of olde. There's something about the discarded that I find intriguing; the mystery, I suppose. I can't pass a junk shop without poking my head in and rifling through a few boxes. The hunt is as rewarding as the find! I'm a collector, but my obsessive neatness prevents me from hoarding! Etsy is the perfect place to share my treasures. To the new vintage shopper, I would say don't be afraid to mix decades. A true time traveler shouldn't be afraid to wear a wacky wardrobe or fill their home with a mish-mash of kitschy goodness!

When were you first introduced to vintage? What is it about vintage that you love? How do you qualify an item as vintage?

I come from a family of collectors. Growing up, my mom loved all things fifties, and my dad was a bibliophile and anthologist - a book collector and assembler of short story collections. The collector gene was passed down to me, I guess. I also have really great memories of rooting through the garbage as a kid! A discarded piece of furniture or clothing has a history. I've always loved imagining the story behind a particular vintage piece. I get the same feeling when I look at old photographs. It's not just a material object, it's a chunk of the past.

Technically speaking, the cutoff that marks the distinction between contemporary and vintage is twenty years. That would make anything dating back to 1990 vintage, and everything after that contemporary.

What is your criteria for choosing a piece? Are there particular things you look for? Where or when do you find your best pieces?

Aesthetically, I am more attracted to certain decades, particularly within the fashion realm. The seventies were pretty ugly - enormous lapels and brown polyester. Few can pull off this look without looking a little silly! The sixties, on the other hand, were fantastic! An eye-popping psychedelic print can be a real statement. An outfit should be a work of art! I look for pieces that are original and eye-catching, often the fabric is key here, though construction does come into play as well.

I saw in your etsy shop that you create your own original pieces using vintage materials and supplies. What is your creative process for repurposing materials

I source and up-cycle old old drapes, sheets, and tablecloths, transforming and giving them new life. Eco-friendly options are appealing to me, and I am attracted to vintage prints. Combining the old with the new is really what Foundlings is all about - whether it's a new take on an old look or simply re-introducing the old to contemporary life.

Can you tell me more about your designing background? How long have you been designing? Have you always been attracted to vintage styles? How important is recycling and sustainability to your designs?

I studied Creative Fashion Design and got my start ten years ago in the costume design world, as a sewer for "Mamma Mia". I discovered that ABBA was a vintage rock better left unturned! Eco-conscientious design is tremendously important to me. Repurposing is an excellent way to create something stylish and unique, while at the same time squeezing a few more years out of a scrap of fabric that would otherwise be discarded.

How do you strike a balance between designing vintage pieces and sourcing them? What brings you the most joy?

I enjoy both! It all depends on where my feet lead me on a particular day, and what treasures I stumble upon.

Can you share your top five tips for choosing vintage? What should I look for and how do I care for my vintage purchases?

1. Don't be afraid of a little dust.
2. Do mix and match decades.
3. Fill your home and wardrobe with prints and colours that make you smile.
4. Use your imagination.
5. Don't think about what Stacy and Clinton would say!

When it comes to fabric care, polyester is pretty much indestructible! Generally, I suggest hand-washing and laying garments flat to dry. Watch for sun-damage when re-purposing vintage curtains (I learned the hard way).

What's next for foundlingsvintage?

In addition to my Etsy site, Foundlings is also available at Fresh Collective in Toronto. Look for Foundlings at The Clothing Show Spring 2010 Show and Sale May 14-16.



Interviewed March, 2010 by Melanie Hillier