Dec 23, 2010

Merry Christmas, Canada!

We all know that the holiday season isn’t about getting presents. It’s about family, friends, hope and generosity. But the presents are pretty great!

This year some of our team members participated in a fun, cross-country Secret Santa exchange. Artists were paired up to trade small gifts from their shops in the spirit of giving. Here are some of the wonderful things that made their way around Canada:



From Blue Jeans Jewelry, to Karen's Rope Work, a wonderful handmade necklace.



From The Backyard Bear, to Wave Song, handpainted wildlife art.



From Frog Princess Designs, to Dark Ride, gorgeous handmade jewelry.



From Dark Ride to Butler Pottery,
a gorgeous handmade necklace.



From lepetitreve to Christine Sherriffs,
an adorable owl door tassel.



From Joanniel Creations to Little Bear’s Mom,
a delightful pair of handmade earrings.



From Batty’s Bath to Annabelle’s Art,
a delicious smelling handmade skin care set.



And last, but not least, the host of our Secret Santa exchange, The Backyard Bear,
received a wonderful selection of handmade body bars from soapstar.



From all of Oh Canada, to all of you - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team


Dec 16, 2010

Friday Finds: Fluffly Pink Bunny Ring

Fluffly Pink Bunny - Kawaii Ring



How cute is this ring? I can imagine a little girl opening up her present and her eyes alighting on this bunny! This pink bunny ring comes from the shop of Berry Sweet Treats from Ontario, Canada.

In this shop you will find cute handmade accessories and paper goods that will appeal to the little girls you know or even to your sense of girliness. There are hair accessories, earrings and even license plate stickers in girly colours.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Berry Sweet Treats


Dec 10, 2010

Friday Finds: Blackbear Stocking

blackbear stocking



Charming, is the word I thought of when I saw The Backyard Bear's stocking on the fireplace mantle. When you visit her shop you will find all kinds of delightful items that she has re-claimed and created something completely new with them! Often she has used her artist skills to paint norhern creatures - birds, ducks, bears, and even a porcupine grace her work.

If you are looking for something truly unique please take the time to visit The Backyard Bear.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and The Backyard Bear


Dec 5, 2010

Canadian Gift Guides

A handmade gift is a treasure to behold. Our Canadian artists have gathered together some fantastic collections of gift ideas, featuring fantastic handmade and vintage designs.

Made in Canada Blues

Made in Canada Blues Under $50
by Lostcode



Your Man Will Love

Your Man Will Love...
by Bunny Safari Pottery



Have A Holly Jolly Christmas

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
by Tarapparel



Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com


Dec 2, 2010

Friday Finds: Felted Wool Bucket

Felted Wool Bucket Bag Front Detail



This felted bucket immediately caught my eye! The colours! Rich blue, brown and green. This work of fiber art has been done by Woolbrain Knitter In her shop you will find hand dyed shawls, scarves, knitted, and felted items for sale.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Woolbrain


Dec 1, 2010

Tag Workshop: Peppermint Soap Whip

This week our Tag Workshop features a luxurious whipped body wash by Bubble Tub. We’ll compare tag suggestions from our helpful volunteers, to see what search terms shoppers might use to find it. The description reads:

Cool, refreshing, mmm minty - this one is a winner. What could be more decadent than dipping into a jar full of whipped creamy dreamy frosting soap! Use in bath or shower, dip in and slather all over your body for a truly luxurious cleanse. We added all sorts of healthy oils for your skin such as almond oil and avocado oils so you could get the full benefits while in the shower or taking a bath.

Peppermint Snowflakes Soap Whip by Bubble Tub

Peppermint Snowflakes Soap Whip
by Bubble Tub



Tarapparel suggests these tags:

bath and beauty, bath, body, soap, wash, shower,
whip, peppermint, scented, blue, icy,
winter, snow, refreshing

Khalliah Design recommends:

bath and beauty ,soap, skin care
, relaxing, whipped soap, fragrant,
limited edition, peppermint, cozy moments, almond oil,
avocado oil, refreshing, moisturizing

Sunshine Jewls suggests:

bath and beauty, soap, body wash, bath,
almond oil, snowflake, mint, peppermint,
winter, snowflake, blue

Fuchst Bags recommends:

bath and body, soap, body wash, creamy,
shower, fragrance, moisturizing, almond, avocado,
oil, peppermint scent, frosting, fresh, bubbletub.

And the actual tags are:

bath and beauty, soap whip, peppermint scented,
snowflakes, winter, moisturizing, bubbletub, safe team,
blue, shower, body wash, tt team, ohcanadateam

For more help choosing Etsy tags try:

Tag Wars
Holiday Merchandising Tips
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Bubble Tub


Nov 26, 2010

Friday Finds: Champagne Berry Bracelet

Beaded Bracelet - Champagne Berry



I spotted this beautiful bracelet by Ocean Pearl Jewelry and immediately fell in love with it. The colours she uses are fabulous! The clasp she chose is just right for the style and colours of this bracelet.

Please visit Ocean Pearl Jewelry to find beautiful beaded items such as pendants and bracelets. Perfect gifts for Holiday gift giving - these beaded beauties take time and patience to complete.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Ocean Pearl Jewelry


Treasury Challenge Tie Breaker

For the first time ever in an Oh Canada Treasury Challenge, we have a tie!

Flash Back by Dark Ride and Colour Me Butterfly by Stuff by Steph are tied for first with 26% of the votes each.

Our next treasury challenge will begin in the new year, so we're going to have a poll throughout the holidays to see which of these stunning treasuries takes the cake!

Have a look at these great collections and cast your vote in the poll at the right. We'll announce the winner and the new theme in 2011!

Flash Back

Color me Butterfly



Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com


Nov 24, 2010

Tag Workshop: Aqua Briolette Earrings

This week our Tag Workshop features a pretty pair of briolette earrings by Khalliah Design. We’ll compare tag suggestions from our helpful volunteers, to see what keywords shoppers might use to find them. The description reads:

From the collection ~ Flower scents, these earrings are so feminine and delicate! Beautiful for everyday or a special occasion.

~ Dimension of the teardrop: 15X8mm
~ Material used: Oxidized copper wire, Acrylic bead, Antique Copper Leverback Earwire


Aqua Briolette Leverback Earrings by Khalliah Design

Aqua Briolette Earrings
by Khalliah Design



Tarapparel suggests these tags:

jewelry, earrings, dangle,
blue, aqua,
copper, leverback, briolette, drop,
teardrop, delicate, crystal, wire, feminine

Sunshine Jewls recommends:

jewelry ,earrings, wire wrapped, acrylic, robins egg blue,
teardrop, faceted, briolette, aquamarine, brass,
copper, blues and browns

Bubble Tub suggests:

jewelry, earrings, aqua blue, sparkling, tear drops,
copper, ohcanadateam, Khalliah Design,
handcrafted, crystal, beads

Fuchst Bags recommends:

jewelry, earrings, oxidized, copper, faceted crystal,
tear drop, lever back, dangle, simple, elegant,
aqua, blue, everyday, khalliahdesign.

And the actual tags are:

jewelry, earrings, dangle, aqua, teardrop,
tear drop, contemporary, blue, fall, winter,
nickel free, wire wrapped, ohcanadateam, handmade

For more help choosing Etsy tags try:

Tag Wars
Holiday Merchandising Tips
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Khalliah Design


Nov 19, 2010

Friday Finds: Breezy Mango Eco Friendly Shawl

Breezy Mango Eco Friendly Shawl



Today's Friday Find is a gorgeous mango orange eco-friendly shawl by Anny May. Gloriously long at 94 by 13 inches when unfurled, this is the perfect accessory as the days grow colder. I imagine it would go equally well thrown over a beautiful sheath dress as it would with a cozy turtleneck and jeans. The bright colour is the perfect pick-me-up, and the 100% tencel yarn looks nice and soft.

Tencel is made from the wood pulp of the eucalyptus tree, and its production method is biodegradeable and non-toxic. Eco-friendly and beautiful. Who could ask for anything more? Visit Anny May's Etsy shop for more lovely handmade clothing and accessories made from ecological materials.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and annymay


Nov 18, 2010

Butterfly Necklace Challenge Finalists

It’s time to vote for your favorite collection in our latest treasury challenge! This round our theme was a lovely butterfly necklace by Pulp and Paisley. We‘ve had some amazing and lively entries!

We have narrowed down the entries to six beautiful collections. Have a look at each of these treasuries, then choose your favorite in the poll at the right. The winner will choose the theme for our next treasury challenge!

Beauties in Brown and Blue Color me Butterfly

Beauties in Brown and Blue and Color Me Butterfly

Flash Back Butterflies to Wear

Flash Back and Butterflies to Wear

Spread Your Wings Quirky and Colourful

Spread Your Wings and Quirky and Colourful

Voting is open until Tuesday, November 23rd. The winner will be announced on November 25th. Thanks for playing, and good luck to our finalists!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com


Nov 16, 2010

Tag Workshop: Citrine Convertible Diaper Bag

This week our Tag Workshop features a beautiful handmade diaper tote by Fuchst Bags. We’ll compare tag suggestions from our helpful volunteers, to see what keywords shoppers might use to find it. The description reads:

A versatile bag that can convert from a shoulder bag to messenger bag to a backpack by simply changing the position of the straps. The bag is very roomy with lots of interior pockets. The large exterior zippered pocket is big enough to store all your daily necessities, such as wallet, keys, cellphone, sunglasses, ipod, and lipstick. It will also make a perfect diaper bag for the stylish new mom!

The fabric for this tote is a highend designer fabric by Waverly - Sun N Shade Sundial Citrine. This is a 100% Sprun Polyester upholstery fabric. It is so gorgeous and versatile, and has a soil and stain repellent finish. The Colors include in this fabric are shade of olive green on a cream and white background.


Citrine Convertible Diaper Bag by Fuchst Bags

Citrine Convertible Diaper Bag
by Fuchst Bags



Tarapparel suggests these tags:

bags and purses, backpack, messenger, purse,
tote
, yellow, brown, white, floral, convertible,
versatile, zipper pocket, summer, roomy

Khalliah Design recommends:

bags and purses, durability, unisex, versatile,
Fun, bag, zippered pocket, cotton
fusible, lime, chocolate, functional, strong

Sunshine Jewls suggests:

bags and purses, diaper bag, purse, tote,
shoulder bag, convertible, backpack, fabric,
canvas, cloth, cotton, messenger, zipper, custom

Bubble Tub recommends:

bags and purses, diaper bag, designer, citrine,
pattern, large, carry all, versatile, olive green,
polyester, fuchst bags

And the actual tags are:

bags and purses, backpack, diaper bag, laptop,
messenger
, extra large, canvas, stylish, brown,
fuchst bags, handmade, convertible tote,
citrine green, designer fabric

For more tagging help, try:

Tag Wars
Etsy Tagging Suggestions
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Fuchst Bags


Nov 10, 2010

Treasury Challenge: Butterfly Necklace

I Can Sing a Rainbow

The votes are in, and the winner of the Alphabet Keychain treasury challenge is Sing Me a Rainbow. Congratulations to Karen’s Minis, and a big thanks to all of our participants and voters.

And now it’s time for a brand new treasury challenge! The contest is open to anyone, and we invite all Etsy members to participate, even if you’re not an Oh Canada Team member or a shop owner!

The winner will receive the opportunity to select the theme for our next challenge. It could be an idea, a color, or even an item from an Etsy shop, to be featured in our next Treasury Challenge. All you have to do is make a treasury using the current theme.

The Rules

1. Your treasury must incorporate the challenge’s theme, and include at least 8 Oh Canada Team members. Check out our team roster for members, or search for the tag OhCanadaTeam when choosing your featured listings.

2. You must include the words “OCT Challenge” somewhere in your treasury’s title.

3. You must tag your treasury with “ohcanadateam” and “OCT challenge”

4. In your treasury’s description, let viewers know that it is an entry in an Oh Canada Team challenge, invite them to join, and provide a link to our main blog, or this post.

5. Please do not use your own shop(s) in your entry, including alternate shops.

How to Enter

To enter your treasury, add a link to it in the comments section of this post.

Only treasuries that are submitted on the blog before the deadline will be included in the judging round.

The deadline for entering the “Butterfly Necklace” challenge is Tuesday, November 16th. Our judges will select 6 finalists, and voting will begin on Thursday, November 18th. Screenshots of all the entries will be uploaded to our Flickr challenge album before the judging round begins.

Voting for this challenge will close the following Tuesday, and the winner will be announced along with our next theme on Thursday, November 25th.

Everyone is welcome to play - including Etsy shoppers and non-team members. If you’ve never made a treasury on Etsy before, you can get some handy tips in this tutorial: How to Make Etsy Treasuries.

Retro Butterfly Necklace by Pulp and Paisley

The Theme

Our previous challenge winner, Karen‘s Minis, has chosen a fellow team member’s creation to the be focus of this challenge. You can create a treasury using any theme that you desire, but you must include this listing in your selections: Retro Butterfly Statement Necklace.

Challenge Judges

Not ready to make a treasury yet? We will also be looking for guest judges to help narrow down the finalists. If you would like to participate, let us know in the comments section of this post, along with a link to your shop. The first three volunteers will be contacted by our Treasury Challenge admins with more details about the judging process.

Please feel free to contact our team admins if you have any questions.

Good luck!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Pulp & Paisley


Nov 9, 2010

Tag Workshop: Harvest Fossil Gemstone Pendant

This week our Tag Workshop features a lovely handmade pendant with gemstones and crystals by Sunshine Jewls. We’ll compare tag suggestions from our helpful volunteers to see what keywords shoppers might use to find it. The description reads:

Beautiful fall colors! A fossiled jasper pendant hangs from a sterling silver chain. Carnelian, smoky topaz, unakite gemstones and swarovski crystal bicones hang atop the jasper. All high-quality gemstones are wire-wrapped by hand. Chain and findings all made of sterling silver. Finished with sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

Harvest Fossil Gemstone Pendant by Sunshine Jewls

Harvest Fossil Pendant
by Sunshine Jewels



Tarapparel suggests these tags:

jewelry, necklace, pendant, swarovski crystal,
brown, rust, green, orange, gemstone,
cluster, bunch, wire wrapped, high quality, round

Khalliah Design recommends:

jewelry, necklace, earth lover, sterling silver,
smoky topaz, rare fossil, organic,
geology, swarovski, gemstone,
natural, funky, earthy, rustic

Bubble Tub suggests:

jewelery, necklace, fall colors, precious gems,
autumn, sterling silver, jasper,
sunshinejewls, beads, bold

Fuchst Bags recommends:

jewelry, necklace, earthtone, rust, olive, sterling, silver
chain, wire wrapped, semi precious, stone
fall, cluster, sunshinejewls

And the actual tags are:

jewelry, necklace, cluster, fall,
autumn, warm, green, brown,
neutral, fossil, orange, olive, pink, pendant

For more tagging help, check out:

Tag Wars
An Alternative to Renewing
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Sunshine Jewls


Nov 5, 2010

Friday Finds: Bird's Nest Sachet

Rustic bird's nest balsam fir sachet



When the temperature drops and it's time to start turning up the thermostat, it's not always easy finding the time to open a window and get a little fresh air moving around. These things have to be perfectly timed, so you're not wasting energy or freezing your toes!

Luckily, there are lots of natural ways to keep your home feeling fresh throughout the cooler months. This adorable sachet from bstudio is made with repurposed linen, and fragrant balsam fir needles. The bright red eggs and handy ribbon tie would look fantastic in any holiday decor.

To see more handmade decor and gifts by Canadian artists, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and bstudio


Nov 4, 2010

Alphabet Keychain Challenge Finalists

It’s time to vote for your favorite collection in our latest treasury challenge! This round our theme was a colorful keychain from Design by Cassandra. The entries are full of color!

Our wonderful judges have narrowed down the entries to six beautiful collections. Have a look at each of these treasuries, then choose your favorite in the poll at the right. The winner will choose the theme for our next treasury challenge!

Colour by Letters Creatures

Color by Letters and Creatures

Colour or Not Canadian Kaleidoscope

Colour or Not and Canadian Kaleidospope

Rainbow of Canadian Colours I Can Sing a Rainbow

Rainbow of Canadian Colours and I Can Sing a Rainbow

Voting is open until Tuesday, November 9th. The winner will be announced along with our new challenge theme on November 10th. Thanks for playing, and good luck to our finalists!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com


Nov 2, 2010

Tag Workshop: Beaded Necklace and Bracelet Set

This week our tag workshop series features a handmade necklace and bracelet set by Tarapparel. We’ll compare tag suggestions from our volunteers to see what keywords shoppers might use to find them. The description reads:

This elegant set features dark purple and green beads on small wire hooks that are looped together.

Both have a barrel clasp closing.


Beaded Necklace and Bracelet Set by Tarapparel

Beaded Necklace and Bracelet Set
by Tarapparel


Bubble Tub suggests these tags:

jewelry, necklace, bracelet, matching, sparkling,
royal purple, forest green, elegant,
ohcanadateam, silver, Tarapparel

Sunshine Jewls recommends:

jewelry, necklace, bracelet, set,
indigo, blue, purple, green, dark, AB,
beaded, seed bead, wire, two-piece set,

Khalliah Design suggests:

jewelry, necklace, bracelet, set, purple, green,
wire wrapped, handmade, feminine,
dressy, office wear, metal,

Fuchst Bags recommends:

jewelry, necklace, choker, bracelet, wire-wrapped,
set, fun, casual, purple,
faceted beads, chain, Tarapparel

And the actual tags are:

jewelry, bracelet, necklace,
beadwork, beaded, wire wrapped,

purple, dark purple, green, dark green,
elegant, beautiful, delicate, ohcanadateam

More tagging help:

Tag Wars
Tag-o-rama
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Tarapparel


Oct 29, 2010

Friday Finds: Knitted Cord Bracelets

Knitted Cord Bracelets -Set of three in Black Shades



Hand knitted scarves and mittens can be incredibly stylish, but what could be more fashionable than jewelry made with the same techniques? These beautiful soft bangles in shades of black and cream are a great way to stay cozy and look fabulous at the same time.

Visit Anny May to see more eco-friendly handmade clothing and accessories, like shawls, hats and hand warmers.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Anny May


Oct 28, 2010

Treasury Challenge: Alphabet Keychain

Sleepover feat. Candy PJs!

It’s time for a new treasury challenge! Our readers have voted, and the winner of the Cupcake Pajamas challenge is Sleepover feat. Candy PJs. Congratulations to the curator, Design by Cassandra, and thank you to all of our participants and voters!

Our next challenge begins today! The contest is open to anyone, and we invite all Etsy members to participate, even if you’re not an Oh Canada Team member or a shop owner!

The winner will receive the opportunity to select the theme for our next challenge. It could be an idea, a color, or even an item from an Etsy shop, to be featured in our next Treasury Challenge. All you have to do is make a treasury using the current theme.

The Rules

1. Your treasury must incorporate the challenge’s theme, and include at least 8 Oh Canada Team members. Check out our team roster for members, or search for the tag OhCanadaTeam when choosing your featured listings.

2. You must include the words “OCT Challenge” somewhere in your treasury’s title.

3. You must tag your treasury with “ohcanadateam” and “OCT challenge”

4. In your treasury’s description, let viewers know that it is an entry in an Oh Canada Team challenge, invite them to join, and provide a link to our main blog, or this post.

5. Please do not use your own shop(s) in your entry, including alternate shops.

How to Enter

To enter your treasury, add a link to it in the comments section of this post.

Only treasuries that are submitted on the blog before the deadline will be included in the judging round.

The deadline for entering the “Alphabet Keychain” challenge is Tuesday, November 2nd. Our judges will select 6 finalists, and voting will begin on Thursday, November 4th. Screenshots of all the entries will be uploaded to our Flickr challenge album before the judging round begins.

Voting for this challenge will close the following Tuesday, and the winner will be announced along with our new challenge theme on Wednesday, November 10th.

Everyone is welcome to play - including Etsy shoppers and non-team members. If you’ve never made a treasury on Etsy before, you can get some handy tips in this tutorial: How to Make Etsy Treasuries.

Alphabet Soup Keychain by Design By Cassandra

The Theme

Our previous challenge winner, Design by Cassandra, has chosen a fun and colorful handmade keychain to be the focus of this challenge round. You can create a treasury using any theme that you desire, but you must include this listing in your selections: Alphabet Soup Keychain.

Challenge Judges

Not ready to make a treasury yet? We will also be looking for guest judges to help narrow down the finalists. If you would like to participate, let us know in the comments section of this post, along with a link to your shop. The first three volunteers will be contacted by our Treasury Challenge admins with more details about the judging process.

Please feel free to contact our team admins if you have any questions.

Good luck!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Design by Cassandra


Oct 27, 2010

Behind the Lens: Splurge Jewelry

Modern Leaf Earrings by Splurge

Photography is usually the number one concern for Etsy sellers. Taking great pictures, and choosing the right images for our listings, is an important part of having a successful shop. Oh Canada Team member Darcy, of Splurge, shares some of her secrets to fantastic Etsy photos.

Oh Canada: What type of camera do you use?

Darcy: I use a Canon PowerShot SD850 IS. While I bought a much fancier camera last year, I haven't had the time nor desire to begin using it. I love that this one fits in the back pocket of my weekend jeans. What I don't like is that it has limited options for focus and close up shots.

Oh Canada: How do you light your images?

Darcy: I try and use natural light as much as possible. I do have 2 natural light lamps though I rarely use them in spring and summer. As the days get shorter in Calgary and good lighting harder to find, I will begin using the lamps again.

Smoky Quartz Earrings by Splurge

Oh Canada: Do you ever use a light box?

Darcy: No, I don't use a light box. I did make one last year and spent a lot of time with diffused lighting and product staging but felt my end result was too sterile for my designs. I have seen many photos on Etsy taken with a light box and they are excellent - it's just not for me.

Oh Canada: What materials do you like to use for backgrounds?

Darcy: I prefer natural wood backgrounds. I find the easiest background to use is grey weathered cedar as it works with almost every colour. The soft background also makes those photos easier to include in treasuries with a mix of items (in my opinion). I've moved more to a different wood background for aesthetics but I do miss grey, especially when working with blue and green items.

Oh Canada: Do you ever use models or props for staging your photos?

Darcy: No, I don't use props other than display items to show earrings hanging or a necklace on a bust. The design of my jewelry is simple and modern and I want the photos to have the same feel as my work.

Geometric Sterling Silver Earrings by Splurge

Oh Canada: What’s your best tip for staging product shots?

Darcy: Watch your lighting!

Oh Canada: What’s the minimum number of photos you take per item?

Darcy: I take at least 10 photos per item, but often more if I find the layout or the lighting is tricky.

Oh Canada: Do you edit your photos before using them?

Darcy: Yes and no. I run the photos through free Picasa software but the edits don't seem to stick once I've transferred the photos to Etsy. I'm afraid that what you see in my listings may be exactly how the photo was taken. My goal in 2011 is to learn and use the PhotoShop software I've got stashed away.

Apple Green Jade Earrings by Splurge

Oh Canada: In your opinion, what makes a great “first photo” on Etsy?

Darcy: I would have to say it depends on the product category. I like when you don't necessarily see all of the item in the first photo or it is taken at an angle to pull you into the photo. Ideally the first photo gets people into the listing and the rest of the photos get them into your shop.

Oh Canada: When making treasuries, what do you look for in a first photo?

Darcy: Well, the easiest answer is kids and pets. If you've got one or the other in a treasury, you are likely to have more people clicking. Aside from that, strong photos with good lighting and good clarity.

Oh Canada: Can you share any more Etsy photo tips?

Darcy: Use the macro setting on your camera if you want to highlight details in a small piece. Adjust your white balance on your camera if you find photos in a light box or light background to be too yellow or blue. Use the forums to search for more information on photography.

Modern Circle Necklace by Splurge

One of the best things about using a distinct background and angle for your lead shots like Splurge is recognition. When people see your thumbnails, do they think "I know that shop!"?

Want to get more Etsy photo tips? Here are a few popular forum threads and blog posts with helpful ideas:


Etsy’s Guide to Photography
Stop Being Invisible
How to Improve Your Photos
Lightbox Shmightbox

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada and Splurge


Oct 26, 2010

Tag Workshop: Melia Crochet Bib Necklace

On Etsy, the default search function is powered by 14 small but important lines of text. Each listing a seller creates can use these keyword spaces to categorize and label the items for sale. How we use these keyword spaces can greatly effect how often our products are found, and by which types of shoppers.

Studies show that the majority of visitors to sites like Etsy will look for what they need by typing in search terms, rather than by using the category trees provided by the site’s sort function. So the tags that we choose are essential for putting our products in front of the right shoppers.

Melia Bib Crochet Necklace by Lavender Field

Melia Necklace
by Lavender Field



Every week, the Oh Canada Team shares some examples of which search terms shoppers and sellers use to locate different types of products. This week, our Tag Workshop will focus on a unique crochet necklace by Lavender Field. The description reads:

My newest Melia Bib crochet necklace formed with leaf shapes and loops in seafoam, slate grey, light aqua and ivory, dotted by tiny Delicas© Japanese glass beads in teal, seafoam, and ivory which are worked into the design.

This necklace measures about 22" (54 cm).

It has a steel chain with twisted links in gunmetal and closes in the back with a swirly hook, which you can hook into any of the links, making the necklace a bit shorter, if you wish.


bstudio suggests these tags:

jewelry, necklace, fiber, crocheted, needlework,
blue, white, purple, botanical, nature theme,
woodland, statement, adjustable, beaded

Dot Stitch recommends:

jewelry, jewellery, leaf leaves, circles, bib necklace,
international ship, seafoam, slate grey, light aqua,
ivory cream, modern crochet, handmade, contemporary, art jewelry

Dark Ride suggests:

jewelry, necklace, fibre art, crochet, organic quality,
bib collar, aqua blue, sea foam green, lavender mauve,
bead embellished, japanese glass, feminine, gunmetal chain, lace like effect

And the actual tags are:

crochet, jewelry, necklace, leaves,
aqua, seafoam, teal, ivory, wearable art,
fiber, unique, slate, lavenderfield, cyprus

Each list covers the basics of tagging like style, function, color and theme, with variations on some keywords that reflect different terms that shoppers might use to find the same item. The more products and listings you have, the more ways you have of reaching out to potential customers. You don’t have to use tag variations, locations or usernames in every listing to be found, but they are a smart choice when you have the extra space.

For more tagging help visit:

Tag-o-Rama
Tag Wars
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Visit Oh Canada every Tuesday, or subscribe to our posts for more tagging ideas from Etsy members.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Lavender Field


Oct 23, 2010

Shop Spotlight: Jinx Murphy Designs

One of the most fabulous things about Etsy is being able to find one of a kind designs that match your own unique style. And it’s not just about fashion. The home décor category is full of amazing creations to help make your living space as unique as you are. One shop that takes decorating your home to the next level is Jinx Murphy Designs. The artist, Vanessa, creates beautiful hand cut wooden wall art and table décor. Oh Canada has put Jinx Murphy Designs in the spotlight.

Oh Canada: Of all the things that you sell, which item or style is your favorite?

Vanessa: My flowering branches and bird silhouettes are still my favourites. They’re a slightly tweaked version of the very first design I listed in my shop.

As a close second, I have a soft spot for the personalized pieces in my shop. The address plaques sell really well as gifts for weddings and housewarmings, so each one is a piece in a story of its own. The original was a gift for a close friend so it will always be special.

Custom Wooden Initials Plaque by Jinx Murphy Designs

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Vanessa: My dad taught me to cut on a scroll saw when I was about 10 years old. I started out cutting children’s puzzles and simple shapes. I started to enter small competitions when I was about 13 and found it a thrill to beat the boys in my age group.

I took a cabinet making course for fun after college and learned more about joinery and finishing. I think that the techniques I learned there have helped me to improve my art. That course may have been the most valuable I’ll ever take. I learned to love woodworking for a second time and I met my fiancé in those classes.

Oh Canada: Everyone has different motivations for making their unique wares. What drives you to create?

Wooden Squirrel and Acorn Trivets by Jinx Murphy Designs

Vanessa: I need to make things. Most of my designs come from either a need for something around the house (and it might as well look good too) or from an idea that keeps nagging at me to try it just to see if it will work.

Oh Canada: If you could learn to use any new technique or material, what would it be?

Vanessa: I hope to incorporate silk screening into my work soon.

Oh Canada: Any plans to incorporate a new product into your shop this year?

Vanessa: We’re getting close to the end of the year so I’ll probably rely mostly on my current products to take me through the Holiday season and introduce a few new ideas in the spring. I’m planning on experimenting with fabric goods to coordinate with my woodwork, like tea towels and napkins with screen printed designs.

Tea Time Handmade Chalkboard by Jinx Murphy Designs

Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?

Vanessa: I love knowing that pieces of my work are in homes all over, and on the other side of the world.

Oh Canada: Do you have a number one tip for new sellers?

Vanessa: Put your best into your work. It is your name that will be attached to everything you send out. Make a creative, unique and quality product that you are proud of.

Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing to buy on Etsy?

Vanessa: I’ve been buying bits and pieces for my wedding on Etsy. I love the personalized stamp that I ordered for our invitations and the headband that I’m going to wear.

Custom Wood Address Plaque by Jinx Murphy Designs

Oh Canada: What is the number one best item in your shop right now?

Vanessa: The little bird address plaque is what I’ve been selling most lately

You can see more wooden creations at Jinx Murphy Designs on Etsy. To get the latest news and updates from the shop, follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada and Jinx Murphy Designs


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