One more Sleep Until Etsy: Made in Canada!

Did you catch TEST's own Ele of minouette and Bianca of Kid Icarus on the local CBC TV tonight? Tune in at 11:00 to see them.

Bianca and Mike of Kid Icarus, at their store in Kensington Market where CBC filmed the spot about our Etsy: Made in Canada show this morning

We hope to see you tomorrow at MaRS! Here's a taste of some of the fashion you may find:

Etsy: MIC Fashion
curated by Toronto Etsy Street Team on Etsy

and last, but not least, our biggest section, jewellery!

Etsy: MIC Jewellery
curated by Toronto Etsy Street Team on Etsy

CandiWareJewelry on Inner Space

Key Lime Pie Earrings by CandiWareJewelry

TEST's own Candice Ware of CandiWareJewelry is featured on this Inner Space TV clip! It's like a miniature cooking show for a key lime pie necklace. Check it out!

Local Mother's Day

Show your Momma some love by shopping local this Mother’s Day.  By shifting just a portion of your spending, you can help create more jobs, a stronger economy and build a better community here in Toronto.  So take a short peruse through these charming Mother’s Day gifts from our favorite Toronto Etsy Shops.

Cat's Cradle Dish - $45.00

Local Father-Daughter Team, Una and Aleks, from Whistle And Work created this amazing hand-painted, ceramic dish.  The illustration is an intricate game of Cat’s Cradle, which my Momma taught me how to play at a very young age.  We certainly did spend a lot of time futzing with the Cat’s Cradle string.  This ceramic dish is perfect for any nostalgic Mother-Daughter pair.  The dish is very versatile and can be used to store soaps, jewelry or candies.  I can picture my Mom eating a big piece of chocolate cake off it.  Whatever Mom will use it for, it will always remind her of her babies.

Kostimusha is such an amazing Etsy shop – it’s impossible to pick a favorite piece. Kostimusha’s pieces are often asymmetrical, rough and purposely imperfect. They celebrate individuality, uniqueness and creative freedom.

Leather Necklace - $65.63

All items in the shop are handmade with an emotion and with great attention paid on detail.  I love the idea of a leather statement necklace as a gift for Mom as these types of necklaces are rare and instantly upgrade a look to edgy chic.  My Momma is a motorcycle biker and a school teacher.  This statement necklace is edgy, feminine and unique – just like Mom.  It would also compliment her everyday clothing like jeans, leather or even a little black dress.

Mom makes life more beautiful.  Why not reciprocate her pretty ways and send her a little bouquet of beauty?  

Mother's Day Card - $7.88

I’ll be sending Mom a card this Mother’s Day and I am especially loving this sweet and savvy greeting created by Rovena at Handmade By Rovena.  The handmade card features a gently raised bouquet of pink cherry blossoms and sweet white flowers. The bouquet is wrapped up with baker’s twine for a nice finishing touch – perfect for Mom.  Be sure to check out Handmade By Rovena for all of your stationary needs. Rovena has a heap of quirky cards that reflect her life as a mother, a scientist and a creative paper artist.

Grizzly Bear Tote Bag - $22.00

My Mom is a total sucker for tote bags.  She uses them to carry school work, as a plastic bag alternative and to haul around her usual stack of library books.  This grizzly bear tote bag is designed and screen printed by Heart’s Haven.  The tote is called “Setting Free the Bears!” which is named after the famous John Irving novel.  We know book-loving Momma would adore this tote.  And who in their right mind could resist the grizzly bear?!  This strong cotton tote bag is also perfect for Mom as it can probably carry 100 times more than she can carry.  Go check out Heart’s Haven shop you for more awesome handmade accessories.

Vegan Seaweed Salt Scrub – $11.88 CAD

Does your Momma love bubble baths and beauty products?  It’s certainly the case with my Mom and I.  As a fellow bath and beauty lover, I feel like I have the authority to tell you not to miss out on this local ‘n’ lovely organic beauty shop called The Basic Elements.  The best part about The Basic Elements is that their products are 100% safe for Moms skin!  Their products are free of chemicals, detergents, dyes, synthetics and preservatives.  This restorative seaweed scrub is perfect for pampering Momma.  The scrub will detoxify, polish and massage her skin.  But wait, there’s more!  The seaweed scrubcontains nourishing grapeseed and essential oils that condition and soften the skin.  Check The Basic Elements Etsy Shop frequently as they are often rolling out new products every few weeks.

Potato Masher – $8.00 CAD

Because our Momma makes the best mashed potatoes!  I love, love, love the Coco And Bear Etsy Shop.  Coco And Bear is full of unique vintage finds for your home, office or business.  It’s really well merchandised and we love their style of photography.  This farmhouse style potato masher is simply amazing.  I remember a similar masher in my Mothers kitchen.  Just looking at this photograph, I can picture Mom rattling those pots and pans during a long holiday weekend.  Often she would pass the wirey potato masher to me over a pot of steaming potatoes and say, “Have at it!”  If your Mom loves that shabby chic style, this would be a great lil’ addition to her home.

So there you go Toronto.  Local homegrown goodness for the coolest lady in your life.  Be sure to check out Etsy for even more local Mother’ Day gifts.  Nothing could make your Momma more proud than buying products absolutely unique to your area.  Happy shopping locally!

Vendor Call: Toronto Indie Arts Market

The Toronto Indie Arts Market is hosting their Spring Fashion Extravaganza Saturday March 15th at The Gladstone Hotel

Accepting applications until January 31st

Open to artisans of handmade garments, jewellery and accessories only.

More info at www.torontoindieartsmarket.com

Love from the Newbies

TenseAndUrgent's funny illustrated take on the Valentine

Next month we celebrate love, in all its forms on Valentine's Day. Since TEST ♥ Newbies we thought we would show some of the great Newbie Etsy listings for all your Valentine's needs, starting with Valentines cards...

Falling for You card by RaineMoments	Let's Get Physical Magnet card by GertsGreetings	Will You Be My Love Bug? by HafsaCreates

You're purrfect by BeaconsfieldCards

...to sweets & little treats for your sweetie...

Lavender sachet from SewItWasByJudy

Get your Valentine's Day Desert Decor from raynamarlee

Add custom stamping of any message to the
lip balm tin from theautumnharvest

Purple Heart Stamped Moleskin from SlothMothAndZing

through supplies for your crafty Valentines gifts...

20 Heart pendants from YumYumObjects

Fuchsia fabric from SewPrettyFrabriques

5 Heart pendants from BreezeBeading

to fashion and jewellery and a little romance.


 
Romeo and Juliet brooches by StoryFolk

Screen printed camisole and panty by FrenchAndFauna

Wire-wrapped Amethyst by ViolettesBoutique

Love Bracelet from DBJshop

Fuchsia Tiger Shark teeth earrings in sterling silver by MicheleWittStudio

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: Pepin D'Or

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 61^st in our series with Katharina of PepinD'Or.

Tell us about how you started creating jewellery.

I remember making dresses and accessories out of leftover fabric pieces and whatever else I could find for my dolls when I was about 10 years old. They didn’t really look like much but I always had fun playing dress up. My first wearable jewelry, I made about 10 years ago, after one of my dear girlfriends taught me the wire wrapping technique. I had seen some of the rings and earrings she had made and loved their uniqueness. I wanted to learn how to make jewelry like that right away. I fell in love with it. Then throughout my extensive travels to Colombia and Ecuador I learned more techniques such as beading, knitting with beads, macrame, the process of sanding, dyeing and polishing natural materials. Even some welding by some very talented artisans.

Describe your style.


Bold eco chic jewellery with a tribal yet urban touch.

What are your sources of inspiration?

I get my inspiration mainly from nature, places I have travelled to, their cultures and people. I am half German, half Ecuadorian. Two very contrasting countries in every way possible. I try to combine these two opposing cultures also in my jewellery. The urban modern western world and the tribal, ethnic more naive cultures of third world countries. One thing both have in common is the ecological awareness. Indigenous and tribal cultures that I have had the privilege to get to know, use natural fibers, seeds, shells, animal skins and other natural materials. I love the raw beauty of those materials. In Germany on the other hand, recycling, up cycling, repurposing of all sorts of materials are methods we are taught from a very young age. I try to express myself through my jewelry. By naming each piece I try to tell a story, even share what inspired me to make that particular jewellery piece.

What tools and techniques do you use to create jewellery?


I love experimenting with paint, resin and natural materials such as horn, seeds and nuts. I try to not use too many complicated tools... I guess the most complicated ones would be my drill. :) For the sanding I prefer to use sanding paper rather than an electrical attachment on my drill.

Did you receive any professional training?

My teachers have been artisans from all sorts of backgrounds but I never attended a school to become a jewellery designer.

How do you promote your products?


Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. I also try to be a guest blogger and sponsor giveaways.

Other than Etsy, where do you sell your products?


Etsy is the only site I sell my jewellery at but I try to participate in as many shows as possible. I find it is important for potential buyers to be able to see, touch and try on my pieces, especially since a lot of people can't envision themselves wearing such bold pieces when looking at them online.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to Etsy?

Photography speaks 1000 words! Make sure you have some eyecandy. Quality control and customer care are very important components of being successful in this business. However the best advice I have ever gotten from a fellow artisan is to be patient, to create with care and love and to believe in yourself no matter what people might say.

Katharina has an upcoming show at the Leslie Fleamarket on December 15th.

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

Interviewed by Sophia of Affectionately Yours in November 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Keepsake

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 60^th in our series with Deborah of KeepsakeToronto.

What is your photography background?

I studied for a bachelor of Fine Arts where I majored in photography. This is where I discovered my passion for the traditional medium.

How much of your time is divided between Keepsake, and your fine art photography?

It's tough to not favour one over the other. Because of my background in photography, I already have quite an extensive body of work. Keepsake is only a year old, and there are more opportunities to sell Keepsake jewellery than there has been to sell art, so when I have free time I work on building the collection. I did promise myself that I would only create brand new Keepsakes once the photographic work has been printed and publicized; I only produce brand new subjects for Keepsake as fast as I create and publicize brand new subjects in my photographic art. Its a challenge, but it motivates me.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

It's tough trying to pursue a career as a photographer. Particularly in the arts industry. I have been searching for ways to make my product more marketable to the general public; I always thought my photographic art would translate well to jewellery. It took me a little while to figure out how to accomplish this, but sure enough, after some years, I figured it out. Keepsake is what is helping me overcome my challenge in trying to 'make it' in the arts. In other words, Keepsake is what has attracted more awareness to my art and vice versa. Both art vehicles to building awareness for each other. Its something that will be a continuous challenge, but it keeps me on my toes, and from getting bored. It makes success taste that much sweeter.:)

Was there a moment you can pinpoint that led you to work with the idea of capturing memories?

When I think back to my childhood, totally pre-photography, I just remember my father letting me borrow his little point-and-shoot camera when we went out on a walk. I was 8, and I was snap happy. The element of chance excited me. I took these photos, had no idea what they would look like other than what I saw through the view finder, but I had these moments collected and stored in a bank.
I've also always been fascinated by historical documentation. How is it possible for something to capture a reality and then display that reality so perfectly, in a future setting? It still blows my mind. Here, you can actually make time stand still.


For Keepsake, do your subjects mostly hold personal significance?

All of my subjects hold personal significance. These subjects caught my attention, and I felt the need to capture them and show them to the world. I am my artworks and my artworks are extensions of me.

What would you say is the main selling point of your products and how have you marketed that to your customers?

People have responded really well to the fact that my Keepsakes are miniature artworks. Most, if not all that have seen my work, mention how they have never seen this done before and how it is such an original idea. To hear that is such a compliment. All of my artwork (Keepsake and photographic works) are created the traditional way: either with my Nikon F2 or my Pentax point-and-shoot, 35mm film and a dark room. My pieces are mostly limited edition if not one-of-a-kind as well. Also, I have recently created a Keepsake vintages collection where I sought and source vintage jewellery from different places and re-purpose them with my fine art work. There is only one of each kind of these pieces. People have expressed the appeal to all of these aspects to them.

I find your product shots full of story, incredible depth and texture. Could you tell us what you use for the background?

Moving from South Africa to Toronto and acquiring all sorts of vintage furniture from late grandparents, my apartment is dressed with some of these pieces. The background you see in my product shots is of a hand carved vintage wooden table, I think from China. I feel it compliments my pieces really well.


Deborah's upcoming shows:

• Midnight MRKT: Nov. 22, 9 pm - 1 am, 461 King St. W, Toronto, ON
• Let It Snow Market: Nov. 23, 10 am - 6 pm & Nov. 24, 11 am - 5 pm, Annex Art Center, 1075 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON

Check out the other items available from Deborah in her Etsy shop! You can find more of her work on her website, fine art photography website,Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.

Interviewed by Christine of StoryFolk in November 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Kostimusha

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 59^th in our series with Snezana of Kostimusha.

Does the name of your shop have a particular significance?

I would say that it probably does not have a particular significance on some larger, human or philosophical level, but it does have a particular significance for my personal development and me. I established the shop in order to explore my own style, both as a designer and a consumer, and to discover what I am drawn to in terms of fashion design. All this was important to me as I do have education in fashion, as well as interest and love for it, but so far I did not have an opportunity to dedicate to that aspect of design. In a way, my Etsy shop is my baby step towards more independence and individuality in my work.

What kind of person/people do you envision wearing your pieces, and for what type of events?

I always imagined that woman who would wear my pieces will have a strong personality, with good sense of fashion and courage to express her individuality through her clothing. Events in this case would be less relevant.

How would you describe the "Kostimusha" style?

That is hard question… I am doing it, so I do not have to describe it ☺
I would say that my jewelry is eclectic, inspired by primitive ways of jewelry making but with modern twist to it.

Who or what are your main influences as an artist?

As a jewelry designer, my main influences are coming from African tribes, antique jewelry making, and fashion designers such as Haider Ackerman, Rick Owens and Damir Doma.

Where do you source your materials from?

There are a few stores in Toronto where I often go to check out their leather stock. I usually do not purchase big quantities and I need to touch and feel every single piece of material that I am going to use. For metal bits, I keep my eyes open wherever I go – from hardware and bead stores to old metal shops. Some of the metal that I use is custom made for me in those shops.

Check out the other items available from Snezana in her Etsy shop! You can find more of her work on Facebook and Pinterest.

Interviewed by Christa of ChristaRowley in November 2013 in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Jennifer Rong Designs

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 57^th in our series with Jennifer of Jennifer Rong Designs.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired your to start working with reclaimed wood?

I love the look and feel of reclaimed wood. I prefer it to new wood, and also believe in upcycling old material in order to keep production sustainable.

Is this your day job? What do you do when you’re not crafting?

I would like this to be my day job, but I do try to work a bit here and there, freelancing in the area of graphic/web design. When I'm not crafting, I'm thinking about it! My brain never stops thinking about my projects (and I have many on the go).

How do you source and choose your materials?

My materials come from a variety of places: parks, beaches, the scrap bin at the workshop, found objects at the side of the road, in the garbage room of my buidling, etc. Often friends will give me wood they have or random objects they don't need. My parents are also a great source; they help me find material as well. I choose wood based on character, type and quality. Everything else is usually based on need, type of material (I prefer metal and glass), and style/overall look and feel.

What inspires you when designing a new product?

A lot of the time the inspiration comes from a piece of wood, or an object and then just grows from there. Sometimes when I look at a piece of say driftwood, I can see what it will become. I fulfill their destiny. Other times in comes from out of need, to make something to serve a certain purpose. Design out of necessity, but never forgetting about aesthetics. Asthetics, function, and sustainable production are the core pillars of my business.

What is your creative process? What are your favourite and least favourite parts of that process?

My creative process is very random and quite ADD. I have at least 10 projects on the go, and often new ones being started. Sometimes I have to stop myself from starting new projects so I can finish up old ones. My favourite part is that I enjoy the spontaneity of it. I often don't know exactly what the end result will be (though I have an idea) and the piece may transform during production as the design stage is never quite complete. They often are in tandem with each other. I enjoy this approach, but sometimes than can lead to writers block that may halt the production of one piece for weeks or even months.

How long does it take you to create a piece?

It varies. Small projects can be done in a day, others could take months. There are still projects I started over a year ago that I have yet to finish.

Do you listen to music while crafting? What kinds of music help make the magic happen?

Sometimes I listen to the radio, often I'm in a woodshop where it's loud and that's not possible.

What are the most important things you’ve learned about business, your craft, and yourself through Jennifer Rong Designs?

It takes faith, determination and dedication. You have to believe in what you do before you can expect anyone else to.

What one item or design are you most proud of? What piece caused you the most agony (creative or otherwise)?

I grow very attached to every piece I create. it's hard to choose one but one of my favourites is my 3 tiered shelf/stand that's made from an apple wood branch and maple cookies.

A piece that has caused me a lot of agony is an unfinished ottoman which also turns into a coffee table. it's almost complete but has been in the works for a year now due to writers block.

Do you think living in Toronto has influenced your work in any way?

I think most of my life has led me to where I am today. I've always had a love for wood, I just didn't realize it until recently.

What future plans do you have for Rong Designs?

Hoping to become the next Eames or Miles van der Rohe (I believe in dreaming big).

Are there any resources you’d like to share with those starting out?

The internet! Ask it anything and it has answers. Also try to get out to as many craft/flea events as possible and network, network, network. Your peers are the best resources.

Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy, either online or in retail stores?

A number of my pieces are currently on consignment in a shop in kensington called A HOMERUN (165 Augusta ave). I've also been asked to sell on a French e-shop and to expand into the retail stores in France. I also sell at various festivals and craft markets.

What’s your theme song?

Work by Iggy Azalea (motivates me to work!)

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

Interviewed by Maggie of GiroofasaurusVexed in October 2013 in Toronto.