Oh Canada Team Annual Christmas Gift Exchange

Hello, everyone! The leaves have turned, and it's already snowed in some parts of the country, so now is the time to turn our minds to the festive times ahead. As we ready our shops for the busy Christmas season it's time once again to also think about our annual OhCanadaTeam Christmas gift exchange.

How does it work, you ask? Go to this thread and read the instructions in the first post. Jen, of JensDreamDecor, will be handling the match-ups between shop owners and will inform you where, and to whom, you are to send your gift. Please let her know before November 21st if you'd like to participate. Usually after we receive our gifts we share pictures of ourselves with our gifts here on the blog and on the team Facebook page. It's always lots of fun...come join us!


Copyright 2014 Oh Canada Team

OhCanadaTeam Secret Santa 2011

Once again the OhCanadaTeam held a secret santa gift exchange and it was tons of fun! We decided to host the event on Elfster this year which made matching up givers and giftees a bit easier. It was also fun to be able to ask anonymous questions! Many thanks again to Mary Ann of TheBackyardBear for organizing and coordinating the event. Below are a sample of some of the happy recipients with their gifts.







Isabelle of IGBijoux received a gorgeous scarf and bracelet from Josy of JDArtStudio.
Josy, in turn, received an assortment of lovely paper items from Christina of j2studios.







Jen, of Jensdreamdecor received beautiful and toasty mittens from Mary Ann of TheBackyardBear










and Mary Ann received several stunning pieces of turquoise jewelry from Leanne of LeanneDesigns.







And finally, Karen of KarensRopeWork received a gorgeous necklace from Isabelle of IGBijoux, and Molly of LittleBearsMom received a lovely, romantic necklace from Caroline of DarkRide.
















The 2nd annual OhCanadaTeam gift exchange was lots of fun for everyone involved. Who doesn't like to receive a suprise package in the mail? Happy Holidays to all, and here's hoping that at least some of us get to enjoy a white Christmas. Stay warm, enjoy time with friends and family, and see you in the New Year!!!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Icewalk by ljangphotography

This glorious picture of Maligne Canyon, at Jasper National Park Alberta was shot by Larry of ljangphotography. Taking avail of a rare opportunity to actually walk below in the canyon (which isn't possible during summer as the water thunders down as a waterfall), the viewer can see how the water here has frozen in time, up close and personal. The walls of the canyon are 50 feet high and it must be breathtaking to do the walk on the riverbed during winter. It's now on my bucket list! Larry has done a brilliant job of letting you almost experience it yourself!
See more of his stunning photography here.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and ljangphotography

Friday Finds: Curly Maple Wood pen by Anterosurbanwood

 Michael of Anterosurbanwood has worked in different fields but has now found his niche in woodworking. His new shop on Etsy features his woodworked pens in a variety of woods and colours.

I was intrigued by this pen. It features Curly Maple Wood that has been dyed and worked under pressure to result in a beautiful grain. Coupled with a chrome finish, this makes for a sleek pen. It would be a beautiful souvenir or a classy gift when you don't know what to get someone!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and Anterosurbanwood

Friday Finds: Rustic Wheat Sheaf Necklace

I'm partial to sterling silver jewelry, so when I saw this gorgeous silver necklace I did a double take!  Add to it the imprint of a sheaf of wheat - it got this prairie girl's attention!   This necklace is simply a beautiful piece to add to anyone's collection of fine silver jewelry.  It is part of a collection of silver pieces found at jakecleo.

In their shop you will find sterling silver jewelry with botanical and geometric themes.  Their jewelry is modern, eco-friendly and made with care.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and jakecleo

Merry Christmas, Canada!

We all know that the holiday season isn’t about getting presents. It’s about family, friends, hope and generosity. But the presents are pretty great!

This year some of our team members participated in a fun, cross-country Secret Santa exchange. Artists were paired up to trade small gifts from their shops in the spirit of giving. Here are some of the wonderful things that made their way around Canada:

From Blue Jeans Jewelry, to Karen's Rope Work, a wonderful handmade necklace.



From The Backyard Bear, to Wave Song, handpainted wildlife art.



From Frog Princess Designs, to Dark Ride, gorgeous handmade jewelry.



From Dark Ride to Butler Pottery,
a gorgeous handmade necklace.



From lepetitreve to Christine Sherriffs,
an adorable owl door tassel.



From Joanniel Creations to Little Bear’s Mom,
a delightful pair of handmade earrings.



From Batty’s Bath to Annabelle’s Art,
a delicious smelling handmade skin care set.



And last, but not least, the host of our Secret Santa exchange, The Backyard Bear,
received a wonderful selection of handmade body bars from soapstar.

From all of Oh Canada, to all of you - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Canadian Gift Guides

A handmade gift is a treasure to behold. Our Canadian artists have gathered together some fantastic collections of gift ideas, featuring fantastic handmade and vintage designs.

Made in Canada Blues Under $50
by Lostcode





Your Man Will Love...
by Bunny Safari Pottery





Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
by Tarapparel

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com

Friday Finds: Champagne Berry Bracelet

I spotted this beautiful bracelet by Ocean Pearl Jewelry and immediately fell in love with it. The colours she uses are fabulous! The clasp she chose is just right for the style and colours of this bracelet.

Please visit Ocean Pearl Jewelry to find beautiful beaded items such as pendants and bracelets. Perfect gifts for Holiday gift giving - these beaded beauties take time and patience to complete.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Ocean Pearl Jewelry

Tag Workshop: Superstar Me Gift Box Soaps

Most Etsy sellers will tell you that having a really great first photo is the key to getting views, and ultimately, sales. It’s true that a fantastic and interesting photo invites people into your shop, but having really great tags is what helps you turn up in their searches. The Oh Canada Tag Workshop aims to help sellers find new ideas for tagging their items that will help shoppers find them.

Superstar Me Gift Box with Wooden Soap Dish
by soapstar

This week, our tag workshop will focus on a wonderful collection of all natural soaps by soapstar. The description reads:

If you want to bathe someone special in the spotlight with the perfect gift or just treat yourself to the starring role in your very own 'soap' opera - this fabulous 'soap box' is just the ticket!

This gift box listing includes 3 full size soaps of your choice, a wonderful wooden soap dish, a set of full colour postcards of the gorgeous locations that inspired the soaps and an extra soap sample from the soapstar range. All beautifully presented in an eco friendly Kraft box with gift tag.

Heather Lair Designs suggests these tags:

bath and beauty, wooden soap dish, ohcanadateam,
handmade, scented, woman, postcards,
ecofriendly, gift set, boxed, soap

Joanniel Creations recommends:

bath and beauty, handcrafted, cold process,
wooden dish, soap bar, gift box, diva,
scented, spa set, travel size,
refreshing, artisan, lather

Oh So Sweet Prints suggests:

bath and beauty, soap set, gift set,
handmade, gift box, soap dish, aroma,
natural, travel, cleansing bars, postcards,
calming, soothing, soapstarcanada

And the actual tags are:

bath and beauty, soap, scented,
pamper, boxed, soap dish, postcard,
handmade, natural, bath,
ohcanadateam, kraft, eco

Each list contains some great action keywords! These verb tags are a great way to reach out to new customers by describing what your products can do. When choosing creative terms for your tags, remember to avoid words that could possibly, or maybe, describe your products. Describe what your item is now, and what it actually does, and the right shoppers will find you!

For more great tagging ideas, visit:

Shop Makeover: Tagging for Success
Guidelines and Tips for Tagging on Etsy
Tag-o-rama with Descriptive Keywords
Etsy DOs and DON'Ts

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and soapstar

We Love Moms Everywhere

There are all kinds of families out there, and all kinds of moms, too. Chances are, you know a wonderful lady who deserves a special treat on Mother’s Day. There’s the hockey mom, the stay-at-home-mom, the step mom, the foster mom, and don’t forget grandma!

The Oh Canada Team wants to help you find the perfect gift for all the Moms you know. Here are some of their favorites:

With Mom in Mind by The Art of Zen…Crochet



Treats for Mom by Fosten Greetings



Mother’s Day Celebration by Joanniel Creations



What I Would Like for Mother’s Day by Ocean Pearl Jewellery



Everyday Treasures by The Sage’s Cupboard

Find the perfect handmade gift for the mom in your life! Add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy to see more great creations by Canadian artists.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Etsy.com
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