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

Friday Finds: Ecco Friendly Shawl

This ecco friendly unisex shawl is named Breezy Pomegranate.  The creator is annymay.  In her shop you will find fashion clothing and accessories made from ecco friendly fibers and materials.  She designs and makes all her items, creating clothing that is comfortable and respectful to the body and the environment.  Some of the ecco friendly materials she uses is bamboo and tencel, which is woodpulp made from ecalyptus.  In her shop you can purchase such things as scarves, hats, dresses and jewelry.  

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and annymay.
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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

And the Winner is....

Congrats to JackdawPilate! She is the winner of the Oh, Canada! Team Treasury challenge.

Thank you to all the outstanding team members who curated 23 amazingly beautiful treasuries.

JackDawPilate has chosen her Rhodium Antler Necklace on Sterling Silver.

The rules:
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.

Then, come back to this blog post and put the link to your treasury in the comments. (The icon for that is at the end of the post)

The Challenge will end on Wednesday February 23rd at midnight EST. You then have 5 days to vote for the most popular Treasury.

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and JackdawPilate

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

Oh, Canada! Team Challenge Finalists Rd 1, 2011

It's time to vote for your favourite treasury curation in our first OCT Challenge of 2011. The last winner DarkRide chose her amazing Purple Chained Bohemian Necklace as the inspiration piece for this round of OCT Challenge entries. We had an amazing response from our Oh, Canada! Team with 23 creative and beautiful treasuries.

We have narrowed it down to 4 outstanding collections! Have a look at each of these treasuries, then choose your favourite in the poll at the right. The winner will pick a piece from their shop for our next treasury challenge.





They are:
1) "Fox and Garnet" by AnnyMay
2) "Rustically Hip" by Jackdawpilate
3) "Bohemian Valentine" by WestCoastGlass
4) "Things That Are Dark and Desirable" by StarryDreams

Voting is open until Sunday February 6th at 6pm EST. The winner will be announced on Monday Febraury 7th. Thank you to all who participated and for voting. Good Luck to our four finalists!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team