Friday Finds: Yellow Tulip Vase

If you're lucky enough to have any surviving flowers in your garden, now might be a good time to bring them in for a few more days of summer color. Early frost has already come and gone in some provinces, letting us all know that winter is closer than we think.

This adorable handmade tulip vase is perfect for holding your favorite blooms. And while you're waiting for next seasons flowers to show their faces, it's still pretty enough to showcase year-round. To see a delightful selection of handmade vases, mugs and more, visit Janson Pottery.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Janson Pottery

Tag Workshop: Crocheted Magnolia Bookmark

Every Etsy listing can be broken down into sections, with each component serving a different purpose. The most important aspect of any listing is the photographs, which can invite searchers to click, encourage them to stay and look around, and convince them to make a purchase. But without really effective tags, even the best photos can get lost in the crowd.

Choosing keywords for an Etsy listing can be the toughest part of the job. Even when we know our own creations inside and out, we have to put ourselves in a shopper’s frame of mind to decide which terms will bring the most valuable search results. Every week, the Oh Canada Team shares some examples of which search terms shoppers and sellers use to locate different types of products.

White Magnolia Flower Crocheted Bookmark
by Joyous Treasures

This week, our Tag Workshop will focus on a pretty crocheted bookmark by Joyous Treasures. The description reads:

The flower measures about 2 1/4 inches across (5.7 cm), and has a raised yellow center for a 3D effect. Features a dark green stem with 2 narrow leaves.

When I looked at photos of magnolia flowers, I noticed that the petals are usually very irregular, each of the petals are a slightly different shape and size, nor where they perfectly arranged around the center. So I tried to create that effect with my crocheted magnolia as much as possible, so it would look like the real thing!

Did you know the magnolia is the Mississippi and the Louisiana State flower?

Favor My Party suggests these tags:

crochet, bookmark, page marker, sign,
state flower, magnolia, white, yellow,
delicate, silky, handmade

Dolls and Company recommends:

crochet, book, green, gorgeous, petals,
Mississippi, Louisiana, state flower, cotton thread,
high quality, 3D effect, reader, marker.

Oh Canada suggests:

books and zines, bookmark, magnolia flower, opaque white,
dark green, crochet, cotton, lifelike, state flower,
yellow, page marker, delicate, pretty, nature

And the actual tags are:

crochet, bookmark, flower, magnolia, white,
yellow, Louisiana, Mississippi, state,
handmade, green, beautiful, feminine,

Each list shows great examples of alternate terms that shoppers of different demographics might use to search for the same thing. When you’re absolutely stuck for those last few tags, try adding terms from the Thesaurus, or different languages to reach out for a new audience. Remember to only use tags that describe what you item actually is, and to place each individual search term on a separate line.

For more help choosing Etsy tags, visit:

Tag Wars
Tagging for Maximum Exposure
Guidelines for Tagging on Etsy
Etsy DOs and DON’Ts

Stay tuned to Oh Canada for more tagging suggestions every Tuesday!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Joyous Treasures

Friday Finds: Purple Daffodil Necklace

Purple Daffodil flower and antique copper necklace
Originally uploaded by KhalliahDesign.

This beautiful acrylic and copper flower necklace is a great anytime accessory for a jewelry lover. It’s simple materials and gorgeous design make it suitable for just about any outfit, and it can go from day to night or summer to winter!

Pairing bright colors with metals is a signature look at Khalliah Design, where you can find many more delicious jewelry designs like these. Visit the shop to see a great collection of handmade necklaces, earrings and more!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Khalliah Design

Shop Spotlight: bstudio

Have you ever had that moment when you find something so unique, and so beautiful, that you just have to have it? That is the effect that the designs of bstudio can have. The variety of pieces featuring gorgeous silk ribbon embroidery can make the princess in you do delighted cartwheels.

The artist, Brenda, has embellished cards, pillows and even jewelry featuring silk flowers, butterflies and hearts. Her classy designs have a lot of feminine appeal - exquisite enough for your most special occasions, and affordable enough for everyday. Oh Canada has put bstudio in the spotlight.

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

Brenda: That's a hard question to answer, it's like asking which one of your kids you like the best!

The major part of my shop features my silk ribbon embroidery and that is my favourite style. My favourite item would have to be my silk ribbon butterfly pillows. I developed the design and sewing technique to make the butterflies myself. It was prompted by a request for a custom ring pillow, up until then I only had my dragonfly ring pillow in my shop, and my client asked if I could change the dragonfly to a butterfly.

The butterfly design has also brought about a request from the Managing Editor of the publication Somerset Home. Two of my pillows were featured in the annual 2009 edition along with a how-to article that I wrote.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Brenda: The silk ribbon embroidery skills are completely self taught from books, magazines and blogs. My Mum was always making me clothes when I was growing up and I learned to sew from her, I also had some sewing classes in high school and night school.

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

Brenda: I have always had an innate sense to create and have been involved in art and design all my life.

In high school I took a unique arts course where we had three art teachers each specializing in different aspects of design. (We were also the first high school in our area to have nude models! We had to keep the window blinds closed and paper over the window in the classroom door whenever we had that class!)

In college I took a creative arts course where I was able to experiment with various mediums. After I graduated I landed a job in an interior design firm and that became my career.

My husband and I retired when we were both 55 and moved out of Toronto. As much as I loved gardening, it is a seasonal activity and I still needed to be creative. I started to focus more on my silk ribbon embroidery. Luckily I discovered Etsy and was delighted to find an outlet for my work!

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

Brenda: Lately I've been thinking about smocking and incorporating it into some of my work. It has a really interesting look to it. I think it would look great having just one part of a pillow with some smocking on it or mounting a bit of it in a card.

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

Brenda: I'm always thinking about what other smaller items I could introduce to my product line while still using my silk ribbon techniques so my shop has a cohesive look to it. I'll probably be introducing some hair combs, headbands and necklaces, all with silk ribbon flowers on them, into the lineup.

I'd also like to experiment with printing designs from my computer onto my silk dupioni fabric and then embellishing that with embroidery.

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

Brenda: I love the fact that I can sell to people from all over the world from the comfort of my home. I'm a relatively shy person and not very good at talking myself up to sell to others, and I really don't like the task of having to go to store owners and ask if they'll carry my work.

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

Brenda: Your photos are the most important aspect of your shop. A potential buyer can't pick up your item and examine it so you have to present your products clearly and in as much detail as possible, including your descriptions. Read everything that Etsy has to offer about how to improve your photos and your shop.

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

Brenda: If I had the room there, are all sorts of neat retro housewares that I'd buy. I have purchased bath and body items, business related items like my business cards, and some of my supplies from Etsy.

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

Brenda: My dragonfly ring bearer's pillow - I've sold 18 of them. It's obviously not for every bride since it's geared more towards the nature loving outdoorsy sort, but it is unique. It even made it to the Front Page!

You can see all of Brenda’s fantastic designs in her Etsy shop, bstudio, or on Flickr. To catch up on her latest inspirations, visit the bstudio designs blog or follow her on Facebook. If you're interested in trying out silk ribbon embroidery, you can pick up Brenda's Ribbon Art Book & Kit on Amazon.


Copyright 2010 Oh Canada and bstudio

Tag Workshop: Blue Flower Card

The Oh Canada Team recently asked some members to help each other with tag ideas. We’re going to share their products and tags here every week, and examine the different suggestions from each seller. We hope you will find some new tag ideas as well!

Blue Flower Silk Embroidery Card
by bstudio

This week’s Tag Workshop item is a beautiful silk embroidery greeting card by bstudio. The description reads: Pretty, variegated blue silk ribbon, shading from light to dark, is hand embroidered onto the white silk dupioni background to form this cluster of flowers on a stem of dark green embroidery floss. I have accented each flower center with a pale yellow French knot. The base of the stem has four leaves in green silk ribbon. This original design is mounted in a textured white photo frame card that is blank inside. Complete with a matching envelope.

Ocean Pearl Jewellery suggests these tags:

paper goods, greeting card, needlecraft, flowers,
lilac, blue, embroidery, hand stitched, blank interior,
ohcanadateam, unique design, floss, white, silk ribbon

Little Bear’s Mom recommends:

paper goods, cards, blank, silk, ribbon,
flower cluster, blue, teal, white, art
needlework, embroidery, unique, stationery,

Blue Jeans Jewelry suggests:

paper goods, card, floral, hand embroidered,
silk ribbon, blank, blue, paper, toronto, canada,
needlecraft, classic, elegant, all occasion

Each tag list features a variety of style and technique tags that shoppers might use to find such a unique design! When choosing tags for our listings, it’s always important to list the What’s and How’s that will help people locate exactly what they’re looking for. Remember that tags should only describe what an item is, but you can get creative when it comes to color, shape and size!

For more tips and information about Etsy tagging, visit:
Guidelines and Tips for Tagging on Etsy,
Tag-o-rama with Descriptive Keywords,
Tagging for Success,
and Etsy DOs and DON’Ts.

Stay tuned to Oh Canada for more great tagging examples!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and bstudio

Friday Finds: Copper Flower Pendant

Hand Painted Hand Forged Copper Flower Pendant
Originally uploaded by WabiBrookStudio.

The first flowers of spring are such a welcome sight, that at this time of the year, it's fun to wear as many flowery things as we can. This beautiful handmade pendant features a bezel set fused glass center, hand forged copper petals, and a lovely hand-painted finish. Wouldn't it make a wonderful Mother's Day gift?

These flower pendants are made to order, and each one is unique. To see more creations and accessories like this, visit Wabi Brook Studio. When shopping for one of a kind gifts made in Canada, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy.com!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Wabi Brook Studio
Text by Mortira

Flower of the Month: Daffodil

Petite Yellow Flower Earrings
by Dalim

The official flower for the month of March is the beautiful, yellow daffodil. These nodding flowers are a sure sign of spring. With their goblet-like petals, they are also quite charming - like a tea-cup for pixies.

Also known as Narcissus flowers, they are associated with the Greek myth of a man who was so vain, he drowned while staring at his own reflection in a pond. Because of this story, the daffodil is often associated with vanity in Western culture.

In Chinese tradition, the daffodil has a much more honorable role as a typical New Years decoration. It is a common symbol of wealth and prosperity throughout Asia. The yellow daffodil is also a symbol of friendship in many cultures.

Daffodils have a sweet fragrance, and are a favorite among many flower gardeners for their scent and beautiful color. They originated in the Mediterranean region, and are now grown in a variety of colors all over the world.

For an extra burst of flowery delight, Oh Canada Team member Dee’s Adornments shares this beautiful springtime treasury, Floral Canadian.

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

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Floral Scroll Pillow

Floral Scroll Pillow
Originally uploaded by bstudio18.

This week's featured item is a beautiful floral pillow. The pillow features Kaffe Fassett print fabric and hand embroidered flowers and leaves. The soft and feminine flowers would look wonderful on a bedside chaise or a sun room futon!

Visit bstudio to see even more wonderful silk and embroidery designs, from pillows to jewelry and more!

Also featured today is a lively treasury by Joanniel called Canadians Love Etsy. This collection features a unique array of designs from the Oh Canada Team.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Flower of the Month: Violets

Like birthstones, each month of the year has it’s own special flower, dedicated to those born within that month. In February, the official flower is the violet. Violets are common in many North American gardens, and are often given as gifts in indoor planters. Though they come in a variety of colors, the purple violet is the most common.

In addition to being mildly fragrant and very pretty, the petals and leaves of violet plants also have sweet taste, like pea pods. They are often used as garnishes in salads and desserts. These versatile little flowers are a wonderful preview to spring.

As a tribute to February’s flower, here is a selection of wonderful violet inspired items and purple picks from the Oh Canada team. To see even more designs like these, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy.com.

Featured Shops:

bomobob, She’s Batty Designs, Bovine Bubbles, bstudio
Piper Deggan Designs, Clara Clips, Joanniel Designs, A Lil’ Horseplay
Organikx, Nancy Wallis Designs, Footprint Designs, Kaleida Eclectics
mireilles, Barefoot Tams Creations, Lucky Lucy Style, Ferozas Jewellery

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com