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

February 2013 Treasury BLITZ!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team


Welcome Back Team! Happy New Year, and here's hoping the first month of 2013 has been good to all of us.

Let's start the year off with a brand new Treasury Blitz focusing on a theme to get us back in the swing of things. This blitz the theme will be "Fresh and New" inspired by our hopes for the new year. Please take this theme in any direction you want, meaning spring, clean, green, original, colour, whatever!

We thought we might try something a little different for this Blitz - Prizes! This is something I've done with another team to fun results. We have two prizes donated so far, one from myself and from Brazen so far. We are looking for one more from any member of the team (preferably something small and letter-mail-able for ease of postage).

EDIT - The Treasury Challenge rule of SIX teamies in the top three rows will apply to this Blitz as well, just for continuity's sake. Sorry for any confusion my earlier post may have caused.
 The idea of the blitz is to promote each other, and the team, get as many views on our items, and get them looking fantastic in a group of complimentary items. Make as many as you want, make them beautiful, bold, interesting, and heck, maybe even front-pageable!

 Once you've made your treasury (or treasuries) post the link to your treasury in the comment section of this blog by midnight (Toronto time) Friday, February 8, 2013. If your treasury link isn’t here, your treasury isn’t entered for voting!

If you can't make a treasury, for whatever reason, please check out the others, fave, click, comment, heart as much as  possible to get our teamies out there! The purpose of a blitz is to have FUN and to get our teamies SEEN. And of course, PLEASE come back and VOTE.

WHEN: Our three day Blitz will run from Feb 6, 7, 8th. That's wednesday, thursday, friday. (perfect to get those bored-at-the-office browsers).

VOTE: Feb 9, 10 - saturday and sunday! Come back to this blog, cast your vote for your fav three (3) treasuries. Votes should be tabulated by midnight monday (toronto time).

PLEASE - contact me via etsy with any questions or confusion, or if you would like to donate a prize! I hope the little small changes add some variety to the Blitz, but there is bound to be some mix ups! (I'm still a little new at this blogging thing, we'll figure out the details eventually!)


One more thing - Here at the OhCanada Blog, we'd like to start up some of the features we've had in the past, as well as some new ideas. Some things like features and interviews we can conduct mostly through Etsy and email, but other things Like friday finds and wordless wednesdays would be greatly aided if we started posting items to flickr again! That way, I know I'm allowed to pluck you out of the pool and put you on display.... er, your items at least. Go here, join the team (I just did!) do this ---

OhCanadaTeam on Flickr

Can't wait!
Cari and OhCanadaTeam Leadership!





Copyright 2013 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Gemstone Wrap bracelet by Peacock&Lime

 

Today's find is a colorful wrap gemstone bracelet from Peacock&Lime. For those who love gemstones you can get your fix with this beauty! They've used a variety of gemstones like fancy jasper, rose quartz, fluorite, and aventurine coupled with metal beads and cultured pearls sewn onto dark brown leather and fastened with a vintage civil war/ military button. These wrap bracelets can be worn on the wrist or ankle and you can go for a daring look by wearing multiples.

 

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and Peacock&Lime

Friday Finds: uluwatu ankle snapper in amethyst

Triple strands of amethyst and fancy jasper  are wrapped onto black leather to create this organic yet pretty bracelet from peacock and lime.  This eye catching bracelet is one of a number of bracelets she has in her shop.  As well as bracelets there are some spectacular necklaces and lovely bookmarks for sale. 

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and peacock and lime

Alberta: Wild Rose Country

Eggplant Blank Notebook
By Farren Square

In the late 1700’s, the area that is now the province of Alberta was populated only by small groups of First Nations peoples, including the Blackfoot, Beaver and Sarcee tribes. As European settlers in Eastern Canada and the US increased, other tribes such as the Cree and Assiniboine also made their way into the Alberta area.

The first European settlement was founded by Peter Pond on behalf of the North West Company, at Fort Chipewyan. It was founded in 1788, and provided the departure point for Mackenzie’s exploration of the rivers of Western Canada. The Hudson’s Bay Company soon began planting it’s own flags on the westernmost prairie, sending David Thompson and Peter Fidler to explore and map the area. Later, the two companies would merge, and the entire area would be under the control of the Hbc.

Bicycletta T-Shirt
By Lucky Lucy Style

In 1870, the Canadian government claimed the lands for their own, and created the North West Territories. The territory stretched from Manitoba to the Rockies. The progression of the prairie settlements was slow, but steady. When the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Calgary in 1883, settlers trickled in with a bit more speed. After the end of the Long Depression, populations boomed.

The rivalry between Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, and the southern city of Calgary is a long standing one. It likely started with the arrival of the competing trading companies of Hbc and the North West Company, but it continues to this day. Both cities host NHL hockey teams, and games between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are viewed with excitement by fans on both sides.

Flower Shower Baby Quilt
By Blue Elephant Stitch

The metropolitan area of both cities is home to just over 1 million people. Edmonton is also home to the world famous West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping centre in North America. In addition to offering more than 800 shops, it is also an indoor amusement park. Visitors can enjoy miniature golf, roller coaster rides, submarine adventures and much more.

Calgary is famous for The Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo and exhibition. The event is host to a variety of trade shows, musical guests, amusement rides and agricultural exhibits. Each year the Royal Canadian Mounted Police perform the historical Musical Ride - a traditional display of skill that is a great symbol of our Canadian heritage.

Lavender and Rose Soap
By Maple Creek Soapworks

Alberta is also the paleontology center of Canada, and home to the dinosaur capital of the world. In 1884, J.B. Tyrell discovered the first Albertasaurus skull in the southern badlands. It would be the beginning of a unique and interesting future for the town of Drumheller. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the area, and dinosaur science, at the Royal Tyrell Museum.

The province of Alberta has been home to many important and famous Canadians. Some of our prairie-grown celebrities include Elisha Cuthbert, Kurt Browning, and the Hart family. Long before the invention of the television that helped to create these stars, there were many important personalities helping to shape the face of our country.

Owl Hair Bows
By Footprint Designs

The Famous Five - a group of strong minded women from across Canada - worked from the province to achieve equal rights for Canadian women. Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Nellie McClung are still inspiring young women with their determination and achievements. The work of the Famous Five contributed to the eventual success of the women’s suffrage movement, changing the country’s political and cultural landscape forever.

Thanks to women like the Famous Five, many Canadian women are able to make choices about their lives, families and careers. Many of today’s Canadians enjoy the freedom to create art, and run their own business. To see examples of these great entrepreneurs, visit some of our proud Albertan team members:

Knitted Snowman Hat
By Barefoot Tams

Pondhopper Handmade Upcycled Clothing and Accessories
Blue Root Press Floral Hair Accessories
Glass Circus Fused Glass Jewelry and Home Decor
Splurge Modern and Simple Handmade Jewelry
Golly Gee George Handmade Finger Puppets

To see more handmade creations by Canadians, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your seaches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Shop Spotlight: pondhopper

At some point in her life, almost every woman dreams of owning a garment by a famous designer. While wearing couture fashions may be luxurious, it will never beat the charm, and the thrill of wearing something that is one hundred percent one of a kind and unique. When we buy upcycled clothing, there is very little chance that any other person in the universe will have the same pieces. There is nothing more personal or stylish than a handmade wardrobe.

At pondhopper, artist and designer Lorraine turns forgotten fabrics and clothing into remarkable new fashions. She also creates a wonderful selection of jewelry, accessories and home décor items from reclaimed and sustainable materials. Oh Canada has put the spotlight on pondhopper.

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

Lorraine: I love variety, so it changes depending on the day you ask me! I like working on concepts that are not fully dictated in the beginning and the final outcome is a bit of a surprise because it has evolved throughout the creation process.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Lorraine: Formally, I pursued drawing, painting, papercrafts and sculpting throughout my school and college years, studied sewing and textiles in England and learned about jewelry in Montreal. Informally, I grew up helping my Mum sew my dance costumes and learning photography from my Dad – I can still remember going into the attic where the darkroom was and watching the magical process of pictures appearing on a blank sheet of paper (pre-digital of course!). I continue to devour new knowledge through many avenues – there is so much to learn!

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

Lorraine: I’d love to give you some noble or profound reason, but the truth is I am just addicted to everything about the process of creation - from the initial inspiration to the end result, I love it all! I really enjoy taking something that has a previous life and may otherwise be discarded and turning it into a unique new piece to be loved.

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

Lorraine: Well of course I have a list! But the top five would be: lost-wax casting, book sculpting, glass blowing, metalsmithing, carpentry, watercolour painting, and calligraphy. O.k. that’s seven!

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

Lorraine: No plans, but I’m sure there will be something new!

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

Lorraine: Meeting wonderful people from across the globe. I also love hearing the stories and comments about how my items are used by their new owners.

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

Lorraine: Don’t open up as a seller right off the bat - become a buyer first then take some time to thoroughly understand Etsy; hang out in the forums where there is a wealth of information to help you establish a successful shop (but avoid the negative and/or discouraging threads); purchase some items to experience the transaction process from a buyers viewpoint. This is valuable learning time that will help you decide how you want to present your brand - from the look of you shop, through policies, pricing and customer experience.

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

Lorraine: It would be easier to list what I don’t like buying! Prior to “pondhopper”, my shop was called “House of Mouse” (had to set up a new shop as Disney has that name trademarked!). I made hundreds of purchases (all in the name of research you understand!), but if I had to nail it down to one favourite I would have to say merino wool roving – gorgeous, beautiful, oh so soft roving in such delicious colours that came from sheep with names that I got to know – completely irresistible!

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

Lorraine: MADELINE. I love the contrast between the masculine wool tweed and the lacy, vintage cotton doilies. I also enjoyed the opportunity to create something for a little girl - I have two sons, grew up with two brothers and their friends, my husband has two brothers…not a girl in sight in my family!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and pondhopper