Here they are - Now Go VOTE!

Hey OhCanada Team! Wow, I'm totally blown away and seriously pleased with the response we got from this month's Blitz! especially when we consider this the "bluest" time of the year! Congratulations all around!

Below are the 29 treasuries we received! Please look through them, consider each one for it's various merits and awesomeness. Choose your three VERY FAVORITE ones, in no particular order. Considering the difficulty we've had with posting here, please vote in the new voting thread on Etsy.

Voting closes 10pm Sunday (toronto time), tabluating will commence and the winners will be announced.... monday some time! (maybe tuesday, if life gets in the way...)

Copyright 2013 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Hemp Produce Sac

Our world now is all about recyling and reducing waste to preserve our Earth for future generations.  If you're eco-conscious or know someone who is, these reusuable hemp produce bags are perfect!  They are made by TheArtofReZen, a shop devoted to creating eco-friendly products for us to use in our everyday lives.  The owner of the shop uses hemp for her products.  As she states in her description of this product, "These produce bags are reuseable, light weight, stashable, washable, easy to use, handmade and made from an earth friendly product. These sacs are breathable, durable, lightweight and Machine washable and dry-able. These will last for years." 

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and theartofrezen.

Friday Finds: Ecco Friendly Shawl

This ecco friendly unisex shawl is named Breezy Pomegranate.  The creator is annymay.  In her shop you will find fashion clothing and accessories made from ecco friendly fibers and materials.  She designs and makes all her items, creating clothing that is comfortable and respectful to the body and the environment.  Some of the ecco friendly materials she uses is bamboo and tencel, which is woodpulp made from ecalyptus.  In her shop you can purchase such things as scarves, hats, dresses and jewelry.  

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and annymay.
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Shop Spotlight: soapstar

One of the most popular products to shop for on Etsy is handmade soap. Soap makers are so creative when it comes to combining colors, scents and shapes, that it’s no wonder shoppers can’t get enough of them. These shops are also a destination for anyone who prefers vegan or all-natural beauty products.

One soap maker that really stands out is our team member, Vicky of soapstar. She pairs her beautifully scented soaps with clever names and matching postcards for that extra special touch. Oh Canada has put soapstar in the spotlight!

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

Vicky: Hmmm, that’s a tough question! I love them all - but if I had to choose just one, it'd be my beach scent exfoliating soap bar, Baywash. It was the first of my 'soapstar' ideas to become a reality. I had such a strong image of what I wanted it to look & smell like in my head - it actually turned out better than I could hope for. The scent is SO fresh, like gentle waves washing away your cares...

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Vicky: I'm self-taught so from anywhere & everywhere I could gather information about soap making - books, websites & some friendly soapers. Then a lot of experimentation - trial & error (mostly error in the early days!)

I think I was also lucky to inherit some very valuable skills from my late parents - I've always found biochemistry & aromatherapy fascinating (my mum was a scientist who believed in the natural approach & the power of plants), so some of it must have rubbed off... and my dad was more of a creative soul - a renowned theatre designer and passionate visionary with an incredible sense of attention to detail when it came to design.

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

Vicky: I've always loved natural bath & beauty products, harnessing all the lovely good stuff from the wonderful world around us without the use of harsh chemicals - so imagine my delight when I realized I could make them myself!

I'm inspired by visiting new places & favourite old haunts - whether it's traveling to far away destinations or just walking up the road locally. I'm always uplifted by the most wonderful sights, scents and sounds - followed by a real desire to capture that special something that evokes the 'feel good' senses and brings a smile to the face.

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

Vicky: I adore objects made from glass, coloured or otherwise. It's translucent and light reflection qualities are so captivating - I would love to learn lampwork or fused glass techniques but I'm sure it's not easy, so for the moment I think I better stick to soap!

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

Vicky: I'm currently busy in my 'research & development department (my kitchen!) perfecting new bath & beauty luxuries like bath bombs, sugar scrubs & body butters. The nice part is having to test them all - my daughter & her friends are strangely keen to volunteer for this!

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

Vicky: Etsy has this wonderful sense of being part of a community of like minded souls who appreciate something unique, whether it be handcrafted, vintage or upcycled.

I feel this is true for buyers & sellers alike - it's akin to stumbling upon that perfect little market place but with all the benefit of simple esthetic design & clever, creative tech tools. I love it's clean minimal look and ability to evolve rather like something more organic.

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

Vicky: It's hard not to at times, but don't get too hung up on what others are doing. Researching other sellers & your competition is important, sure - but it can distract & de-motivate. Have faith in what you do - create things you love, with love, and others will love it too. Oh, and do not under estimate the power of great, well framed photographs of your pieces!

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

Vicky: If I won the lottery I could probably have it all spent in an afternoon browsing through the beautiful treasuries on Etsy - it's amazing how many talented artisans there are out there.

My weaknesses are supplies of one kind or another - essential oils, botanicals...and also gorgeous little shiny things like Venetian glass beads and silver charms. (I'm a magpie at heart!)

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

Vicky: My most popular item is my Lawn & Order soap - it really does smell of freshly cut grass - a scent which scientists claim can help people relax, relieve stress and enhance memory! I've had more than a few customers feedback they can't bear to use it as it's so beautiful! Hearing such kind words makes the time, effort & love put into each product totally worthwhile.

Vicky makes her lovely soap creations in Ontario. You can see more of her products in her Etsy shop, soapstar. To learn more about her craft and inspirations, check out her blog act natural * feel good! You can also follow soapstar on Twitter and Facebook.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and soapstar