The Votes are in, the winners are....

 Hurray hurray OhCanada Team! We've got our winners! We put in some fantastic entries for this blitz, and I'm so proud of us all.

So, without further ado, your top three winners are ..... Drum roll.....

1) Well Red  by Caroline at DarkRide

2) Pure, white, Simple by Leigh-Anne of OceanPearlJewellery

3) Sunshine in Canada by Norma at Junquete

Caroline will be receiving a fantastic little something-or-other from Brazen!
Leigh-Anne will receive some awesome do-hicky from Cari!
Norma will receive a super-dooper what-cha-meh-callit from Laura!

I'm SO happy with the amazing turn out we had for this blitz, in the treasuries and in the voting! I hope everyone had fun,  and come on out for the next one!


Copyright 2013 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Canoe Charm necklace by RJCharms

When I first saw this Canoe charm necklace I immediately thought what a lovely gift it would be for a Canadian friend who's far away from home. To me, canoes are as much a symbol of Canada as beavers or Maple leaves! This pewter charm is included on a rhodium plated chain. Visit RJCharms lovely Etsy shop for more adorable and collectable charms!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and RJCharms

Friday Finds: Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Earrings by philosophiacreations

Lapis Lazuli is one of my favorite luxe gemstones, so I am so pleased to show you my latest find. These gorgeous earrings are made by Michelle of philosophiacreations and are not only sizeable but have beautiful flecks of gold pyrite running through them. These are available in sterling silver and copper, and for more designs, please visit her Etsy shop.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and philosophiacreations

Friday Finds: Roxie Green Fringe Glass earrings by ToxieDesigns

This vibrant pair of earrings is made by Jennifer from Winnipeg-based ToxieDesigns. In case you were wondering, Toxie is Jennifer's nickname for the Amazonian warrior and archer Toxaris. She has handcrafted these earrings out of Argentium Silver and included vintage glass beads as part of the simple and elegant design. Look in her shop to see more designs, some of which were featured in the movies!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and ToxieDesigns

Friday Finds: Labradorite & Sterling Statement Ring by LeChienNoirJewelry

This ring is a beautiful homage to Canada, made by Carla of LeChienNoirJewelry. Labradorite (named after Labrador, Canada where it is mined) has a gorgeous iridescence. Depending on how the light hits it, you will see a shimmer of grey, blue, black, silver and sometimes even orange. This cabochon's beauty is highlighted by the handmade oxidized sterling silver bezel. For more statement pieces please visit her Etsy store LeChienNoirJewelry.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and LeChienNoirJewelry

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

Shop Spotlight: IGBijoux

If you've ever thought your outfit was missing that little extra something, there's a good chance you'll find it at IGBijoux. Run out of Montreal, this great shop features the vibrant and refined jewellery creations of Isabelle Gaumont. Isabelle is also an actress, novelist, screenwriter and director. It's a wonder she has the time to make jewellery, but thank goodness she does. She has a wonderful eye for putting the right beads, stones, and colors together. Browsing through her shop is always such a delight.

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

Isabelle: I like all my necklaces for different reasons. The long and thin ones for their elegance, the chunky natural stone ones for their personality and versatility, and the multi-strand or crazy chain experiments for their uniqueness and sense of fun. I'm a fan of sparkly crystal, earthy gemstones, colourful glass, groovy resin, and combining all those in unexpected ways.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

My wonderful and generous friend Jennifer (shop name: Sparklepod) taught me everything I needed to know to get started. At every opportunity, I learn more techniques to help bring my new ideas to life. I make jewelry to relax. To me, it is not unlike meditation. I hope a little bit of the joy I feel when I compose a necklace can be seen in the finished product.

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

Isabelle: I'm a writer and an actress, so I'm constantly creating, but I guess what drives me to create jewelry is a little different. Writing novels is a long, drawn-out job and acting often depends on the schedule and choices of others. Making jewelry allows me to go from idea to finished product more quickly. I find it very satisfying. Initially, I began making jewelry for myself because I could never find exactly what I needed in stores and I hate to wear what everybody else is wearing. Also, as an actress, I audition for a lot of different characters... sometimes on the same day. Changing the accessories between auditions instead the whole outfit makes my life much easier... and my big purse much lighter. Colleagues soon started complimenting me on my necklaces, asking where they could buy them. Being on Etsy gave me a place where they could see more examples of my work.

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

Isabelle: Because every necklace I make is unique, I would have to say yes. I plan to add a lot more. 

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

Isabelle: With my crazy schedule, I would not be able to use a system that requires regular actions at specific times. Etsy allows me the freedom to feed it whenever I can.

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

Isabelle: Try different things with your photos and get it right before listing 70 items with bad pictures you'll have to spend a week replacing! And become part of a great team, like this one, and learn a ton from other members :-)

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

Isabelle: Steampunk storage and accessories to hide modern technology. Vintage treasures.

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

Tough call... but the necklace that got the most hearts and was included in the greatest number of treasuries is "Yellow Stone".







You can keep up with Isabelle on her website and on Facebook. You can also follow her on Twitter. And don't forget to drop by IGBijoux. You might find that special little something that you've been looking for. The perfect piece to add to your jewellery box.




Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

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

Shop Spotlight: Vitrine

Jewellery is something you'll find plenty of on Etsy I assure you. But what if you're looking for something that's unique? An original piece just for you that no one else will ever have. Well, then Vitrine is the place for you. Candice is the creative force behind these modern, contemporary pieces that are sure to turn heads. Her work has been sold in galleries in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, and now you can own one of Vitrine's original one of a kind creations.

Get comfy and take a moment to get to know Vitrine. It's always interesting to hear about the creative process that goes on behind the scenes.

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

Candice: I have a few that I call favorites and the thing that they have in common is that they're all wire wrapped. I love how wire wrapping showcases them as unique pieces because no two are ever alike.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Candice: I am by nature a very curious person. I like to find out how things are put together and then try my hand at it. So I ordered a few books on jewellery making from my local library and watched some Youtube videos, and, of course with trial and error perfected my wire wrapping techniques.

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

Candice: I come from a very creative family. My dad paints and my mum sews. My aunts all crochet, knit, or sew. So as young as 3, I remember asking my mum to show me how to embroider. I've never been able to sit down and not keep my hands busy! I love coming up with new ideas and projects. In fact, I usually fall asleep thinking of a new way to showcase a stone or bead. Sure beats counting sheep!

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

Candice: I would like to take a silversmithing course and learn how to bezel using gemstones.

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

Candice: I'd like to possibly introduce jewellery with some sort of fabric aspect. I have tons of ideas and never enough time to do them all!

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

Candice: Meeting people who are so talented. Some products on Etsy literally blow my mind, and inspire me to keep on creating. I am also lucky that I belong to a couple of teams(including the Oh Canada Team) where the camaraderie and support are so phenomenal that it almost makes you feel like you belong to a guild.


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

Candice: Take the best photos you possibly can of your items. And I'm not talking about getting an expensive camera. Find free software that can tweak your pictures so that they're brighter and more appealing to potential buyers.

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

Candice: Handmade soap. Totally luxurious to know a bar of soap was made just for you.

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

Candice: I love these AAA rutilated quartz earrings. It's quite rare to find so many rutiles in each stone- it's one of my best finds.


You can keep up with Vitrine by visiting her on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog.








Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

Shop Spotlight: Jen's Dream Decor

I love taking photos and I almost never have them up on display because I never know where or how to display them. How do you put your treasured photographs up in an elegant and fashionable way? Well, with beautiful photo memory boards from Jen's Dream Decor. Jen also works very hard to create beautiful magnet boards, jewellery holders, and other decorative items for your home.

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

Jen: I really love making my Photo Memory Boards the best. I have introduced a gathering technique which I do over double ribbons which really looks lovely and romantic.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Jen: I took a 5 year long night school program in Interior decorating which has helped a lot in the design of products and in fabric choice. A lot of the upholstery and sewing skills I learned in my previous life as a collector bear designer and maker.

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

Jen: What I really love is the feeling of timelessness that comes when you create, where you look up at the clock and can’t believe how much time has passed. There is simply nothing like it.

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

Jen: The art of upholstery is something I admire and love to do in my limited fashion in my shop. I would love to do more and larger projects like headboards.

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

Jen: Yes, a lot of plans…I’ve become re-interested in decoupage and plan to make book ends and expand on my line of key racks and coat racks.

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

Jen: I love having creative control and being part of this fabulous amazing group of talented artists.

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

Jen: Join this team (lol) seriously, joining a team to give you support and friendship is the best thing I ever did.

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

Jen: Supplies, I can’t believe how fabulous the sources are on this site. It would take years to find all these products if I didn’t have Etsy. I also love to support the other members of my teams as much as possible.

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

Jen: I love this frame(see photo to the left), which was a rare and wonderful garage sale find.



Keep up with Jen and see what new discoveries she has made by visiting her Facebook Fan Page. You can also follow her on Twitter and drop by her shop to buy a beautiful, handmade treasure for your home.





Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

Shop Spotlight: Sadie Designs

If you're looking to wear one of a kind jewellery pieces made with raw crystals you'll be in heaven at Sadie Designs. Sarah's unique and feminine style is remarkable and her shop represents all that is original and natural. You'll also find some beautiful wooden jewellery pieces to dress up your look. Wear a Sadie Designs original and you will surely get noticed. Please take a moment to get to know Sarah a little more.

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

Sarah: My favourite piece is always changing. Right now I really love geometric stone pendants, like the pink and green pastel triangles that I use to make my Miriam necklaces and the amazing crystal quartz pendants that I use in my pendulum necklaces.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Sarah: When I have an idea for something that I'd like to make I generally teach myself how to do it through a lot of research and trial and error. I do find that the people who work at local supply shops are really helpful in pointing me in the direction of new materials or helping me learn new techniques. When I was learning to use the laser cutter to make my baltic birch pieces I spent a lot of time watching amazing YouTube videos about drawing in Illustrator (the computer program that I use). I love that people take the time to make tutorials for others just out of their own love of the subject matter.

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

Sarah: As a landscape architecture intern, a lot of my design work stays in the computer and is done on the screen. I started making jewelry as a way to work creatively with physical materials. I love experimenting, the tiny scale of jewelry pieces, and making something that is 100% unique. Making jewelry makes me happy after a long day drafting architecture projects on the computer.


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

Sarah: While I was finishing up my degree I bought myself a steel bench block as a promise that I would teach myself more involved metalsmithing techniques this summer. I really want to start working with copper and repurposing some of the metal plates that I used to make etchings in my fine arts degree.

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

Sarah: I really do dream of adding photographs to Sadie Designs. I love taking pictures and have a bunch of really fun cameras. For now, my blog is where I share my photos, but I do hope to be able to offer some prints in the future in the Sadie shop. Perhaps even some large scale photographic posters.

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

Sarah: Etsy has been a great place to connect with other sellers. I love being part of national and regional teams and meeting like-minded creative types. Ultimately, though, I most appreciate Etsy for giving me a fun venue to connect with potential customers from all over the world. This week I shipped orders to Sweden, Germany, Australia and Winnipeg. I love writing out those addresses, it's exciting to think of people half the world away wearing a piece of jewelry that I made.

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

Sarah: Just keep going! It takes a while for people to learn about your shop and in the meantime you can spend your time perfecting your techniques and improving the appearance of your shop. Concentrating on making the best possible product you can will get you far, so stick with it!


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


Sarah: I love shopping on Etsy! I buy a lot of jewelry and supplies, but I also love buying paper goods and accessories. I'm planning my wedding for the fall and I know I'll be buying things from a lot of fabulous Canadian Etsy shops as we get ready.

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

Sarah: The best-selling items in my shop are definitely the dipped crystal pendant necklaces. Right now amethyst is the most popular, but around the holidays it was the citrine points. I've been making these necklaces almost since I opened my shop and I really can't see myself stopping any time soon.

Here's a special message from Sarah:
Thanks so much for featuring me on the team blog. As a special thanks to my Oh Canada teammates you can always use the coupon code "FRIENDS" in the Sadie shop for 10% off your order. Happy spring, everyone!

So drop by the Sadie Designs shop and buy yourself something special. You can also keep up with Sarah through her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Caramel Fudge Ceramic Ring

I love the richness of this ceramic bead.  It's aptly named - Caramel Fudge.  Wrapped with gold filled wire, it will make delicious finger candy for your hand!  This ring has been created by Vitrine.  She offers several rings made with gorgeous ceramic beads.  As well, Vitrine offers the buyer a selection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and glazed paper pendants.

Oh Canada Team Spring Thaw Sale
The votes are in, and the week of April 10-16 is when we'll be having our team Spring Thaw Sale! If you want to participate, come leave your information here in this special discussion thread.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and Vitrine.

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.

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

Shop Spotlight: Dazzling Dezignz

Part of the fun of browsing Etsy is discovering new talented artisans everyday. Finding unique handmade creations that appeal to something in you and evoke a sense of wonder. Being inspired by someone else's ability to create something from nothing. That's what Dazzling Dezignz has to offer. Beautiful jewellery designs with the ability to inspire.

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

Elisa: I can’t say that I have a favourite style. I love making a variety of different styles to suit the many personalities of women out there. I lean more towards items that are simpler and will go with a lot but then certain personalities and outfits need a more pronounced statement.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Elisa: I live in a city where, for some reason, jewellery making supplies are only available at the local Michael’s store. So therefore, jewellery making classes are also in short supply. I not only buy my supplies online (Etsy being the perfect place!) but I also research techniques and materials online. There are great videos on the web that show step by step instruction. Mostly I’ve learned by just practicing, practicing, practicing!

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

Elisa: I love being able to create unique pieces that will make the wearer feel beautiful. It all starts... and ends... with the perfect accessory! I sometimes dream about a design and then I can’t do anything else until I make it. Often I have one element in mind and then I work around that to create the perfect piece.

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

Elisa: Right now I’m researching through books and the internet about wire wrapping and making elements from wire. I’ve just started so you won’t see a lot of that in my shop probably until the summer. I love all the endless possibilities there are with wire in jewelry making. I can’t wait to learn it and apply it to some of my designs.

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

Elisa: Every year I do a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Last year I made bookmarks and half of the proceeds went to the CIBC Run for the Cure. I want to do it again this year but I’d like to do something different. I have a couple of ideas but there’s nothing concrete yet. I’m hoping to get it in my shop by the beginning of summer because that is when I start doing my fundraising for the Run.

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

Elisa: I absolutely love how friendly everyone is and how readily they give tips and advice. I have met a few wonderful people on Etsy. I don’t think Etsy would be the same if they didn’t offer the forums to meet people and discuss everything from their shop to what’s going on in their life. It really is an extension of your family and friends.

A Dazzling Dezignz necklace featured in Etsy Gifts

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

Elisa: Well, I’m still fairly new myself but my number one tip would be not to give up! It’s a lot of hard work but it’s fun and rewarding. Just keep with it!

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

Elisa: I’ve bought a number of things on Etsy. Mostly it’s jewelry supplies but I’ve also bought a few things for my kids. It’s amazing the different and unique things you can find here. I love it!

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

Elisa: I don’t have a number one best item as most of my pieces are one of a kind. You will find many different styles in my shop for the many different personalities of women out there. So please come back from time to time as I add more things almost daily. You never know what you might find!

You can keep up with Elisa from Dazzling Dezignz on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. Visit her shop to see more of her creations. She'll be glad to have you drop by.










Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and Dazzling Dezignz

Friday Finds: Mexican Carnival

I must admit I am familiar with this bracelet as it caught my eye when it was listed!  This week's Friday Finds features this very colourful Mexican Carnival beaded bracelet by AngelqueCreations.   I love the freeform style of the bracelet, the selection of differerent sizes of beads,  the brilliant colours of Mexico and the gold clasp she chose for the fastener.  In her shop you will find creative and colourful beaded items to wear.  Perfect for gifts or to treat yourself!

 

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and AngelqueCreations

Team Treasury Challenge 2011

The 2011 Team Treasury Challenge has begun!

Congrats to DarkRide for winning the last challenge of 2010 with this lovely T.

Purple Chained Bohemian Necklace

Please include this necklace in a treasury with at least 10 other Oh Canada Team Members. What would be really great is if the last 6 are also Canadian Etsians too, but they certainly don't have to be.

Also, be sure to tag your treasury with "OCT challenge", "ohcanadateam" and "etsyteams" and include the phrase "OCT challenge" somewhere in your title so your treasury can be easily found.

The Challenge will end on January 28th at midnight. Over the weekend we will gather the votes for the most popular T.

Good luck everyone.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and DarkRide

Friday Finds: Rose and Scissor Necklace

A vintage styled necklace by Dark Ride featuring  charming brass scissors and brass roses.  I have admired this team member's jewelry since she first opened her shop!  She has truly found a niche that is uniquely hers.
Her style?  Vintage meets goth meets Victorian meets fairytale.  In her shop you will find gorgeous necklaces, bracelets and earrings. 

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Dark Ride

Friday Finds: Fluffly Pink Bunny Ring

How cute is this ring? I can imagine a little girl opening up her present and her eyes alighting on this bunny! This pink bunny ring comes from the shop of Berry Sweet Treats from Ontario, Canada.

In this shop you will find cute handmade accessories and paper goods that will appeal to the little girls you know or even to your sense of girliness. There are hair accessories, earrings and even license plate stickers in girly colours.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Berry Sweet Treats

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