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.

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

Friday Finds: Doctor Horrible

Have you decided on your Hallowe’en costume yet? If you’re thinking of going handmade, now is the time to shop and plan the perfect get-up! There are so many unique possibilities for dress-up on Etsy - from handmade costumes to unique vintage pieces. And while you’re browsing, you never know what imaginative things you’ll find.

Dr. Horrible Yermit Doll

This horribly adorable character is part of the Yermit family of fabric dolls, handcrafted in Guelph, Ontario. His shiny goggles make the terrible effects of his freeze ray even more intimidating! To see more wonderful characters and creations like this guy, visit the Yermits shop!

Whatever’s on your fall shopping list, chances are the Oh Canada Team has something for you! Include the phrase "OhCanadaTeam" in your searches on Etsy.com to see what our talented artists are making.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada and Yermits

Friday Finds: Cute Comfort Doll

Comfort Doll
Originally uploaded by sarahraymond1.

Over the past few weeks, stores have been filling up with candy, toys, and all manner of treats in pastel colors and spring shapes. Everything from bunnies to eggs are transformed into delightful treasures for kids to enjoy over the Easter holiday.

Many kids will be lucky enough to receive something handmade and unique, like this Comfort Doll by Wooldebeast. This adorable upcycled plush friend is more than just a great gift - it is also part of a series that contributes to an important cause. When you purchase one of these cuddly creations, a second doll will be donated to ICROSS. To learn more, check out the selection of handmade Comfort Dolls by Wooldebeast.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Shop Spotlight: Wooldebeast

Anyone who grew up watching Sesame Street knows that there’s nothing fuzzier, friendlier or more cuddly than a monster. And the only thing better than a cuddly monster is one that is also kind to the Earth. The adorable Wooldebeast friends are kind as can be, made with repurposed wool and recycled Ecofill stuffing. Shop owner and designer Sarah makes these fuzzy friends, along with a selection of fashionable felt bags and fur-ocious mittens from her home in Toronto, Ontario. Oh Canada has put the spotlight on Sarah and the beasts.

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

Sarah: I love designing and sketching beasts, playing colours against each other and hand-embroidering their faces.

Where did you learn your skills?

Sarah: When I was a wee little thing, I used to sit on the spare bed where my mom quilted and I’d embroider. I was a country mouse then, and everyone – me, included – took 4-H classes and learned to sew. Later I went to art school and specialized in craft design and making. I teach, too and learn lots from students!

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

Sarah: Drawing and making are a way of life, and something akin to breathing. If I’m not making something, I get restless!

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

Sarah: Although I embroidered alongside my quilting mama, I didn’t pick up her craft. I’d like to know how to assemble and bind a quilted wall-hanging -- of beastly faces, maybe?

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

I’d like to make mother and child beast combos, or even families. People have asked for beastly mittens for adults, so I’ve got to get on that for next season.

What is your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?

Sarah: Making is a solo gig (although I team up with my neighbour Jocelyn for weekly sew-fests) and so Etsy is great for giving community to craft. I’ve recently joined the Plush Team via Etsy, and the support from that group is fantastic.

Do you have a number one tip for new sellers?

Sarah: Research! Check what’s out there – there’s so much information on Etsy about what buyers love (“heart”) and buy, so use it! On the other hand, make something you love enough to sustain your interest.

What is your favorite thing to buy on Etsy?

Sarah: I bought a gorgeous crocheted scarf from AuntieDawn for a Christmas present. I search out local Canadians for gift-buying.

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

Sarah: Beasts! I have two sizes, but people seem to like the larger, 12” ones best.

You can see all of Sarah’s creations in her Etsy shop, Wooldebeast. You can also stay up to date on her latest additions and sales by following her on Twitter. To see even more fantastic art by Canadians, add the tag “OhCanadaTeam” to your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog