Workshop: #SocialMediaEssentials for Makers

SOCIAL MEDIA for Makers & Creative Indiepreneurs
-->eg. Makers, Freelancers, Vintage Vendors, Coaches, Small Retailers
Sunday July 31st, 11am to 2pm
Instructor: T.E.S.T.'s own Nathalie-Roze Fischer
WHERE: The Simple Craft Co. (Gerrard & Main, East-End)

Are you struggling to use social media to help grow your business & feeling a bit overwhelmed? Or maybe you've experimented a little, but need help figuring out how to consistently engage with your community in an authentic way? Even if you sort of have a handle on social media, you might benefit from brainstorming with an established maker & social media specialist re: how these digital tools can help you promote yourself as well as increasing revenue without being sales-y.
This introductory workshop will show you how to connect with potential clients, fellow creatives & influencers via 3 key platforms (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) in a way that feels genuine and also triggers growth.
Social media essentials will be covered that are specifically useful to crafters, designers, indie retailers and creative freelancers/entrepreneurs, including useful resources, shortcuts, case studies & tips - including specifics re: how to create strong visuals.
This will be a small group and there will be dedicated time for your questions. All you need to participate is a smartphone (& an appetite for social)...

YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:

- What differentiates the platforms & which ones best suit your business
- Getting Started: Who to follow, what to tweet/post & why (The 80/20 Rule)
- Best Practices/Online Etiquette
- Hashtags & IG Challenges that will help grow your following
- The power of strong Visuals (& how to create/find them for free)
- Designing a schedule (pacing, seasonality, banking & automation)
- Networking with authenticity
- Events, Contests & Collaborations
BONUS: We'll have some light refreshments, time for questions re: your business & ideas as well as a chance to connect with the other indiepreneurs in the workshop.


Facebook Event Page

Artscape Discount for Etsy Sellers

Etsy Canada has teamed up with Artscape to offer Etsy sellers a discounted rate on Creative Entrepreneurship programs geared toward newer entrepreneurs and those with an established business who want brush up on some foundational business skills. Using curriculum designed specifically for artists, designers and makers, program participants will learn how to create value for loyal, enthusiastic, paying customers; study branding, marketing, business administration and financial management - all while working hands-on to launch or expand their own business.

To access your 20% discount, follow the instructions at this link!

Vendor call: Pop-up Marcatplace Event

WHAT: Pop-up Marcatplace Event

WHEN: Friday, August 12, 6pm-9pm

WHERE: Purina PawsWay, 245 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON, M5J 2K9

COST: FREE to participate, and free entry for consumers

WHY: Opportunity to directly engage with consumers in downtown Toronto, cross-promotional opportunities via our website (http://www.pawsway.ca/) and social networking channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

MORE: We’re looking for cat-centric vendors to take part in our first-ever Pop-up Marcatplace featuring products for cats and cat enthusiasts! The event is part of our larger Cat Week program – appealing to cat owners and cat lovers alike. We’re open to products unrelated to cats, but we’d like cat items to be the main attraction. We are owned and operated by Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada so food items for pets will not be permitted. 
 
The event will take place indoors in our 3,500 square foot Pet Park (+ mezzanine area) with set-up time for booths, tables and the like beforehand. We have our own tables, chairs and other items that may be used if required. Photos of the space and additional information about onsite equipment are available upon request.

CONTACT: Melissa Eckersley, Events and Education Manager at Purina PawsWay, melissa.eckersley@purina.nestle.com or 416-360-7297 x227

Vendor CAll: Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival

Have a great vegan food, beverage, or item for sale?! Come market it to your community at the Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival! Happening on August 13th from 11am-7pm at Fort York Common Grounds, our second Toronto festival boasts an impressive line up of vegan comfort food, craft brews, and outstanding entertainment. This year, we've expanded our marketplace to feature unique crafts, clothing, and speciality items - everything from vegan lipstick to soup mix. We have two opportunities for participation, either as an independent vendor or as part of our marketplace tent. Head over to https://www.vegandrinkfest.com/toronto/vendors-sponsors to apply today! 

 

 

 

Our website: https://www.vegandrinkfest.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/vegandrinkfest/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/vegan_festival/

T.E.S.T. Interview: JoiedeVivreTO

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 98th in our series and is with Rebecca Kinio of JoiedeVivreTO.  

When did you start jewelry making?

I started making jewelry last year (2015) as a hobby and a way to decompress after work. I had a lot of fun doing it, but unfortunately had many events in my family life and personal life at the time that required my attention. I fell out of it, and fell back in love with it earlier this year when things seemed to settle again. I made a few pieces and wore them to my current job. Many of my co-workers complimented me and asked if I would make custom pieces for them. This opened up a whole new door for me, and I am loving every moment of it.  

From your products I see you use a lot of pearls. Is there a particular reason for the choice?

I am glad you asked - there are so many reasons I am completely and utterly obsessed with pearls. Firstly, my mother, who sadly passed away when I was 15, always wore pearls. They remind me so much of her, and I think I am naturally drawn to them in the same way she was. It has a very strong and personal meaning for me. Secondly, pearls are a classic piece that has never gone out of style. Pearls have been worn for centuries, and represent so many different things to so many different cultures and individuals. I think that on it's own is pretty cool! Lastly, pearls take a long time to form - sometimes upwards of 2 years in an oyster. For me, this symbolizes the beauty that can form out of mother nature's patience.  

Are those hand painted cards you include with the jewelry piece paint by you? Are you a painter as well?

I paint all of my cards by myself. The writing is a font I have purchased, however the drawings (diamond rings, balloons, etc.) and watercolour drips are done by myself. I am not a painter per se, but have always had an artsy streak. I went to an arts high school for visual arts for a little while and have continued to draw as a hobby since.  

Where do you get your jewelry design inspiration from?

It's hard to pinpoint where my inspiration comes from. I only make things that I would wear myself, so I think a lot of my pieces come from my own personal style. Often I will be taking the subway, or washing dishes and an idea will come to me. I stop what I'm doing and sketch it out/write it down before I forget. I love simple, clean cut, and elegant pieces. For many of my pieces, I use a 'less is more' logic.

Check out more of Rebecca's things in her Etsy shop, JoiedeVivreTO. 

You can also find her here:
Instagram is: @joiedevivreto


Rebecca was interviewed by June of Junettie on July 12, 2016.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Junettie

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 97th in our series and is with June of Junettie. 

Your shop name "Junettie" is very unique, where does it come from? 

When I started my shop this year I want a name that reflects my name June and the word knitting together. I want a shop name where people can associate immediately with the items I am making. I was very happy when I puzzled out "Junettie". I like the way the word looks and the sound. When you pronounce "Junettie" it really does reflect the two words knitting and June. It is a fun name!

 

When did you first start knitting?

I start knitting when I was in my teens. I don't remembered when exactly but I have a cousin who is really into knitting and she always made me beautiful scarves and sweaters.  Then one day I just decided that I want to start making my own things. I asked my cousin to teach me how to knit the basics and just last year when I get back to knitting, Youtube taught me a lot of different stitches ;).

Your designs and colour palettes are gorgeous. Where do you get the inspiration for them from?

My design is inspired by the yarn. My design pattern is created according to the type of yarn. I simply just pick up my needle, yarn and start knitting. I design as I knit and just experiment with the different colours and stitches.

Will you be selling your items at any markets in the near future? Where else can shoppers find your items?

I will start showcasing my products in local community craft shows later this year as I am still very new. I just signed up for a show in Etobicoke on Saturday, November 26, 2016 called Winter Wonderland of Gifts. (www.facebook.com/events/1676312059323143/)

You can find more of June's items in her Etsy store, Junettie and be sure to check her out at this market later in the year:
Winter Wonderland of Gifts
10am-4pm, Saturday, November 26, 2016

Etobicoke Olympium Swimming Pool

590 Rathburn Road, Toronto, Ontario

June was interviewed by Rebecca of JoiedeVivreTO in Toronto, July 12, 2016

Latest Update on Shipping with Canada Post via Etsy

Happy Mail Enamel pin by Queenie's Cards

We know our Toronto Etsy Street Team members are watching the news from Canada Post. This is the latest message from Etsy, for those of you using Canada Post, especially if you print your postage directly from your shop:

"We are reaching out to inform you that Canada Post has withdrawn its lockout notice that was scheduled to take effect today, Monday, July 11. As a result, Canada Post services will not be interrupted while negotiations continue.

If you’ve taken actions within your shop to account for a service disruption, like change your Shop Policies or place your shop on Vacation Mode, you should now feel confident to continue shipping with Canada Post and may update your shop information to reflect that.

Should there be any notice or update from Canada Post with any changes, we will notify you as soon as possible. For more information, see our post in Forums here.

Best,

Etsy Shipping Team"