March OCT Challenge Finalists!

It’s time to vote for your favorite collection in our latest treasury challenge!


Congratulations to the 4 finalists Buttonboxdesigns, WestCoastGlass, Yermit and TheSilverBobbin!


Have a look at each of these treasuries, then choose your favorite in the poll at the right. The winner will choose an item from their shop for our next treasury challenge!







Voting is open until April 9th at 12am EST. The winner will be announced on April 11th. Thanks for playing, and good luck to our finalists! Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Handmade Rag Doll

Isn't she a cutey?  When I was a little girl, I would have loved to have a doll like this one!  I love her little jean skirt and jacket.  This little rag doll can be found at La Chiffonniere.  In this shop you will find other dolls and plushes - all made with re-cycled materials.  Also, the shop offers doll clothes, cloth bags for Mom and for holding childrens' pencil crayons, and colourful, cloth wigs for children.  I also noted that there are some vintage childrens items for the collectors out there.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and La Chiffonniere.

Friday Finds: Beach Stone Ring

This unusal and unique ring is from LittleBearsMom.  The stone is one of many that Molly has collected during her walks along beaches - this particular one comes from Lake Michigan, and is sandstone.  In her shop you will find a large selection of rings, from her collection of beach stones, to gorgeous dyed paua shell, genuine stone cabochons and glass crystals. Her rings have been sold to customers throughout the world.  As well as rings, there is an offering of beautiful earrings, bracelets and necklaces, made with gem stones,  glass and shells.   

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and LittleBearsMom.

Shop Spotlight: Stayawake

At first I was going to introduce this shop as a children's shop, but who says grown-ups can't play with finger puppets too. Whether you're a child or a child at heart you'll definitely enjoy browsing the original and magical world of Stayawake. Find a finger puppet for you or your child and just let your imagination run wild.


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

Lindy: I have a large range of puppet styles available in my shop - my favourite to sew would have to be my mermaids! I've changed the style of them a little over the past year. But I love the embroidery on the tail, and the fun colours. Other than that, I love making custom puppets - puppets from my own customers imaginations and designs! That always gets my creative juices flowing, and creating something new always gives me a rush!

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Lindy: I'm self-taught, I guess! I've never had any formal training in sewing, in fact I almost failed home-economics in high school because sewing machines and I did not get along! I'm much more comfortable with small handwork. I've always loved embroidery and making small things with my hands! In the early stages, a library book taught me a few new stitches and that was all I needed.

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

Lindy: I am a stay at home mom to two preschoolers, and at the end of the day I feel empty if I haven't created something. The creation drive in me is very high, you could say! I'm always making things with my kids, but sometimes when they're playing or watching a movie I can sit beside them and sew up puppets. It allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment and still be with my kids all the time. The money I make supplements our income so I can buy wonderful handmade items for my family, and to buy art supplies and program materials for a summer camp I volunteer at.

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

Lindy: I love learning new art techniques - right now I've been playing with batik, stained glass, and collage techniques. I do love fabric though, so I hope someday I can reconcile my differences with my sewing machine and finish the quilt I started years ago!

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

Lindy: I am always adding new puppet designs! Many come at the request of my customers, and some are ideas of mine or my children. I have thoguht about adding mobile pieces, key chains, magnets or ornaments to my shop but I am kept busy enough with puppet sales at the moment.

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

Lindy: I love meeting new people! I love developing new friendships with customers and fellow sellers -amazing people I never would have met otherwise! I love the Etsy forums and teams too. Selling on Etsy gives me the freedom to buy beautiful handmade things that wouldn't normally fit in our family budget too!

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

Lindy: Treat your customers well - like they're gold! And make sure you are doing what you LOVE to do (or that selling here will enable you do what you love to do!) or you won't stick with it very long.

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

Lindy: Everything? LOL. I buy all my supplies on Etsy, when possible, and everything else, if I can find it on Etsy I buy from Etsy! Clothing, soap, gifts, jewellery, toys, art supplies. Everything. :) I am constantly amazed and inspired by the talent here!

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

Lindy: Biggest sellers are my woodland animals. They were the first to go into my shop two years ago, and haven't stopped selling well since!

You can see more of Lindy's handmade finger puppets in her shop. You can also keep up with Stayawake on Facebook.





Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

OhCanadaTeam Gift Guide: St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic.  ~Adrienne Cook


To transition from Winter into Spring here is a gift guide of various handmade items in shades of green. Not the traditional shamrocks and leprechauns, but I kept it green and fun. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let's let the luck of the Irish rub off on us all. Enjoy these beautiful creations. I hope they will add a dash of color to your day.

These are a must have for St. Patrick's Day. Tags by the dozen with St. Patrick's Day themed images from Stuff By Steph. Drop in to see these and other handy paper crafts.

A knit cable hat in a stunningly bold green. Perfect for this occasion. This hat is made with acrylic yarn and is washable. You'll find this at Hilary's Hats.

Accessorize your St. Patrick's Day festivities with this sea green tangle chain bracelet. Beautifully put together, this antique bronze and green glass bracelet can be found at Dark Ride.

Zen garden meditation. A beautiful soft felt sculpture. Fits right in with this gift guide in its various shades of green. This one is a custom order but you can get your own custom item at Eves Little Earthlings. You'll definitely need a zen garden after the festivities.

All natural cucumber and spearmint lip balm that is sure to please. Fresh and packed full of moisture rich ingredients. Will go on smoothly and feel divine on your lips. Get this top quality lip balm at Bubble Tub.

How about this fun pin cushion ring? Cool, original, and practical! Made with a felt bobble and adjustable ring base. This will most likely get you noticed. Get this neat gift at Frog Princess Designs.

What a wonderful way to keep your photos in plain sight. A gorgeous green and brown photo memory board. Made with a top quality quilting cotton and vintage buttons. Get it at Jen's Dream Decor.

Or how about a reusable bamboo and wool yarn blend coffee cozy. Hand knit, eco-friendly in a gorgeous moss green, and adorned with colorful heart shaped buttons. Get one at Doomsday Studios.











Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team