Friday Finds: Blue and Green Twisted Vase





This week's Friday Finds features the work of Janson Pottery from Ontario.  I love this twisted vase with the muted blue and green colours over a base of white.  The twist gives it a bit of character.  In this shop one will fine an eclectic offering of handmade pottery items:  cups, bowls, plates, tiles, vases, and even some beads and jewelry!  These items are perfect for someone who loves pottery and appreciates the time and skill it takes to create these pieces.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and JansonPottery

Friday Finds: Emerald Paua Shell Ring

Sometimes all a classy fall ensemble needs is a bold piece of jewelry. Cameo brooches and pendants are always a hit. Peacock eye earrings and opera length necklaces are also great as stand alone accessories.

This deep green ring by Little Bear's Mom is the kind of statement piece that can push any outfit into the "Wow!" category. And the great thing about rings is that you can wear them anywhere, with anything, no matter what your age or style.

This ring features an oval paua shell cabochon, dyed a vibrant emerald green, set into a silver plated adjustable ring. The shell is highly shimmery and reflective with a variety of shades of green.

To see more gorgeous handmade jewelry designs, visit Little Bear's Mom on Etsy. You can also add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your Etsy searches to see what our members are designing for fall!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada and Little Bear's Mom

Stone of the Month: Peridot

Modern Peridot and Silver Earrings
by Splurge

Anyone who loves the color green is usually envious of those born in August, for they enjoy one of the most beautiful birthstones in the spectrum. Peridots have an incredibly rich shade of green, and are one of the only gemstones that do not appear in various colors. Only the brightness of the green will change, depending on the amount of iron in a particular deposit. Peridots are also the only form of gemstones that have been found in meteorites.

Peridot is a gemstone quality form of olivine, or magnesium iron silicate. Most peridots are mined in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though deposits have been found in Asia and North America. Their rarity has fluctuated over the centuries, with small deposits being discovered only occasionally, as far back as Ancient Egypt and Rome.

Peridot Chainmaille Charm Bracelet
by Chicki

The word peridot comes from the Greek peridona, which means “richness”. It’s an excellent way to describe the unique green of these stones. There is an intensity to them that expresses a lust for life, which makes peridots an ideal gem for a summer birthstone.

Because their color remains true in all types of light, the Romans nicknamed peridots the “emerald of the evening”. These pretty green gems are excellent in glam jewelry, for a girls night out or night at the opera.

Fun, affordable peridot imitations are abundant in materials like glass and acrylic. The shades of green called “peridot” will vary by maker, but they are all deliciously beautiful. Both the real gemstones and the alternatives make great ocean and summer inspired jewelry designs, and pair well with almost anything. They look delightful with pale colors like turquoise, topaz and white, and elegant with sapphire, black or oxidized silver.

Peridot Cubic Zirconia Earrings
by Rock Fern

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Silk Ribbon Jewelry Box

Jewelry Box
Originally uploaded by bstudio18.

When you have a collection of special treasures, you need an extra special place to keep them. Whether you collect jewelry, pretty stones or sentimental keepsakes, there’s nothing like a decorative jewelry box for storing your favorite things.

Today’s Friday Find is a lovely jewelry box topped with silk ribbon embroidery. The assortment of white flowers and spring green accents add a touch of elegance to the spun gold tin. This beautiful design by bstudio would add a touch of class to any bedroom décor.

Want to see more? Whatever your tastes, chances are the Oh Canada Team has something for you! Include the phrase "OhCanadaTeam" in your searches on Etsy.com to see what our talented artists are making.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and bstudio

Friday Finds: Olive Bamboo Tank Top

Deep olive bamboo and organic cotton top
Originally uploaded by annymay.

Have you ever experienced the incredible softness of bamboo fabric? It’s like wearing a cloud. Woven bamboo is fast becoming one of the most popular organic textiles. It is incredibly sustainable, requires no pesticides to grow, and processing it is very low-impact. Bamboo is also considered hypoallergenic and bacteria resistant.

This beautiful shoulder-wrap tank top is made with a lovely deep olive fabric, spun with bamboo and organic cotton. It’s a wonderful piece for any summer wardrobe. This tank can be dressed up or down for any occasion! To see more unique, eco-friendly designs, visit Anny May: Eco-designer.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Anny May

Friday Finds: Wishing Star Purse

Wishing Star Purse
Originally uploaded by woolbrain knitter.

This week’s Oh Canada treasure is a charming Wish Purse in green and white. The tiny clutch has a jersey knit lining and zippered closure to keep all of your wishes and trinkets safe. It comes complete with a wish card to write down your secret wish!

To find more creative, functional purses and accessories, visit Woolbrain on Etsy. There are many colorful handmade designs perfect for summer!

Many of our talented team members have also been finding their way into some gorgeous treasury lists this week. One of our new members, aosta of Blue Jeans Jewelry, shares two fun collections entitled Oh Canada!

East to West by Vanti Designs features team members Chrissmith22 of The Art of Zen…Crochet and Liz-Anna’s on the Lake.

Chocolate Mint Goodness by The House of Hearts

The Sundaes of Our Lives by soapstar features a handful of Oh Canada Team artists, and a host of pretty pink creations.

Dollface DeVille has created a wonderful treasury with members of 3 Etsy teams: When Worlds Collide.

To see even more incredible creations by Canadian artists, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com
Text by Mortira

Stone of the Month: Emerald

Emerald and Antique Copper Earrings
by Khalliah Design

People born in the month of May are awfully lucky - they have one of the most beautiful birthstones. The pure, deep green of emeralds is a wonder to behold. It’s no wonder that the mythical people of Oz used it to decorate their wondrous city.

Though emeralds play in important role in L. Frank Baum's tales, they were even more important in the film adaptations. In Return to Oz, the Nome King's captives are all emerald in color, instead of royal purple as in the original Ozma of Oz. Though this may have been an attempt to tie the film to it's predecessor, The Wizard of Oz, it was certainly good for aesthetics.

Emeralds are also the traditional gift for a 55th wedding anniversary. They are made up of beryl, and get their green coloring from trace amounts of chromium. The first known emerald deposits were mined in Egypt, and today’s stones are generally found in Columbia.

Finland Earrings in Green
by Dalim

The most prized emeralds are not only uniform in color, but transparency as well, making them easy to imitate with glass or crystal. Other alternatives to emeralds include the laboratory grown variety, or green garnets. Peridot and tourmaline could also be used, but they lack the same deep green color.

Jewelry and accessories decorated with emerald green make wonderful gifts for May birthdays. To find the perfect Canadian handmade gift any time, visit today's featured shops, or add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy.com.

Elegance Beadwork Ring
by The Sage's Cupboard

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team
Text by Mortira

Friday Finds: Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

Swing Toss Eye Pillow
Originally uploaded by boutiquekarma.

With Mother's Day only a few short weeks away, it's the perfect time to look for a unique handmade gift. Presents that pamper are always a favorite, like candles and soaps and spa accessories.

This handmade eye pillow features a natural filling that can be heated or chilled for soothing relief, and dried lavender provides a relaxing aroma. The pretty decorative cover is removable, so it's washable and durable.

To see even more hand sewn accessories and gifts, visit Boutique Karma. Add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your Mother's Day searches on Etsy.com to find handmade and vintage gifts from Canadian artisans.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Pop-up Greeting Cards

New Home Pop Up Card
Originally uploaded by She's Batty

Nothing says "You're the Best" like a handmade card. Whether you take the time to make one yourself, or select one from an experienced artist, any gift can be made more memorable with the handmade touch.

This lovely card from She's Batty Designs is perfect for spring, with it's lovely green and yellow palette. To see even more unique stationery designs and handmade accessories, visit She's Batty Designs.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Green Turquoise Earrings

Green Turquoise Earrings
Originally uploaded by OceanPearl.

How gorgeous are the earrings in this photo? The pretty turquoise stones make such a great contrast against the yellow tulips, and are just begging to be worn with a sun dress. Spring just can’t get here fast enough! While we can’t make the weather change, we can bring ourselves a little cheer and indulge in some handmade treasures.

These earrings are made with vintage bronze wire and glass beads. To see more designs like this, including a matching necklace, visit Ocean Pearl Jewellery.

Also in the spotlight today are some Oh Canada Team members that were recently Pounced by Etsy Finds. One of the neatest shopping tools on Etsy.com allows shoppers and curators to locate items from newly opened stores, as well as shops that have just had a sale. Blue Elephant Stitch, Botanical Theatre, and Piper Designs were all “discovered” with Pounce!



Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Canada in the Limelight

Our hard working Oh Canada Team members are always busy creating fabulous new products, and curating gorgeous collections of handmade treasures. To see some of the latest listings and treasuries, check in with the Oh Canada Team chat thread in the Etsy forums. Here’s what we’ve been up to lately:

A beautiful treasury entitled Canada, Eh? features a variety of creations from across the country. This collection was selected by team member Leanne Designs.

The Good Earth features some beautiful nature inspired items, and a handful of earth toned creations by Oh Canada Team members. This treasury was curated by Soapstar.

Congratulations to Nancy Wallis Designs for making it to the Front Page in this beautiful collection by GetReadySetGO.

The Sage’s Cupboard is featured in Jungle Green by Khalliahdesign, along with a few other artists from Canada.

And finally, congratulations to these lucky Oh Canada Team members who were recently featured in Etsy Finds:



To see even more incredible creations by Canadian artists, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Lime with a Twist

This wonderful collection of Etsy picks features lime green items with a splash of cyan blue. Some of our Oh Canada Team members are featured, including a Fused Glass Pendant from Glass Circus, and a Crochet Flower Hair Clip from Footprint Designs.

You can view Lime with a Twist until February 5th.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog