Trans-Canada Etsy Team Blog

Featured Seller - Prairie Peasant

2011-09-17T15:18:00.000-04:00

Our new featured seller is Winnipeg-based Laura from PrairiePeasant and PrairieThreads. Laura is the creator of upcycled handbound journals and fabric goods.

There have always been two creative passions in Laura's life.
From her early beginnings of finger-painting and hand sewing doll clothes, Laura was torn between creating with paper or fabric right from the beginning. Primarily self-taught, she has developed her artistic skills through local classes including marbling, bookbinding, fabric dying and quilting, and through small guilds devoted to bookbinding, calligraphy and quilting. Laura is employed part-time as an Occupational Therapist at a local hospital where she must think creatively to help her clients maximize their ability to function independently outside of the hospital.

Laura has been on etsy for over three years.
Laura first discovered Etsy through a craft magazine and soon became hooked. After a few months, she opened her PrairiePeasant shop (3 years ago) where she sells handbound books, envelopes and cards. A year and a half later she opened her PrairieThreads shop, where she sells hand sewn and hand knit items. Etsy has proven to be an ideal venue for her, allowing her to invest as much time and effort as she has available, while balancing work and family time.

Creativity is a family affair.
Laura is fortunate to be married to a very creative man, and to have two artistically inclined daughters. She loves nurturing her daughters’ creativity, making jewelry with them, teaching them to sew and even bind books. Her family is very supportive of her endeavors, and she knows she has a good product when her daughters beg for it not to be listed, but to be used at home instead.

Re-Purposing materials
Both of Laura’s shops, PrairieThreads and PrairiePeasant, have a focus on using re-purposed materials to make something new and useful. Her Rebound Journals are made from once-loved-but-now-discarded old books and her coiled matts use vintage clothing and fabrics in a new way. When she is not in her studio, she can often be found searching for new materials at thrift shops and garage sales--or maybe relaxing with a book or digging something up in her flower gardens.

A bonus for our readers
From now until October 1st, Laura is offering 15% off all items in both her shops, with the coupon code CANADA2011. Click the photos above to be taken to her shops.

Featured Seller: Minouette

2011-08-29T18:33:00.001-04:00

Our newest featured seller is Minouette.

There's a science to Minouette's art!
I'm a printmaker and a scientist. I joke that I'm a marine geophysicist by day and a printmaker by night. My professional training is all in physics. As a marine geophysicist I use physics and build giant machines to image what's below the ocean floor. I find I really need balance and to also use the right side of my brain,
so art making is very important to me. This might seem a funny combination, but it turns out that printmaking is particularly popular amongst scientists who make art, and science seems popular amongst printmakers.

Most of what I create uses the technique of relief printing. This involves carving an image in reverse, say on linoleum or wood, applying ink and burnishing it onto paper or fabric. Some printmakers use a press. I work from my home so I've adapted techniques from traditional Japanese 'moku hanga' woodblock printing. I employ a baren (a flat disk wrapped in abamboo leaf) to print fine art prints and textiles. When I print on fabric I make pillows and stuffed animals and the like. I first learned printmaking as a child when I had the chance to take courses at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Science often meets art in Minouette's pieces.
So, now that you know my day job, I think you can see my left-brained interest in science comes out in my art. I have a whole series of portraits of scientists because I love the history of science.

Most of my prints depict some sort of natural history - from microorganisms, to mushrooms; to the moon, to the classification of clouds.There's physics visible in the Cloud Chamber print; and paleontology in my dinosaurs, and ocean science in the abundant sea life.

And travel is an influence, too.
I love travel! It's one of the great perks of my 'day job' as a scientist. Obviously, I'm inspired by getting to spend time at sea. You wouldn't believe the sort of sea creatures (including jellyfish, octopi, crustaceans, and even microorganisms like giant bacteria mats) you get to see when using a ROV (remotely operated submersiblevehicle) to position equipment on the seafloor. Many marine animals appear in my art. I think also the way one's fate is intimately tied to the weather, inspired the cloud classification prints. The moon reflecting on the water is obviously something inspired by travelling on a boat. I've had the great good fortune of spending weeks off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada and the US (still working on getting to that Arctic coast) as well as in the South Pacific off Chile.

I also had the opportunity to spend a month in Tokyo, where I used my spare time to see as much art as possible. I am definitely influenced by traditional Japanese printmaking techniques. I think I also learned
the importance of business cards in Japan. ;)

On getting started on Etsy.
I create almost compulsively, and used to do a lot of swapping of handmade goods on Craftster.org. I first found out about Etsy when it was starting up through Craftster. I didn't join right away; I wasn't sure the idea could really work. Eventually (by late 2007), I thought I was creating so much I may as well give it a try - especially since I make prints and have the benefit of having multiples (so I can always keep a copy for my own collection). Also, many of my close friends are in the arts and make art. I wanted to inspire them to try
to sell their art. In the process, I found I could readily sell my own art.

Minouette loves the international aspect of selling her art.
I love having a creative outlet. It's really gratifying to see that people would like to own my art and know that it's spread around the world.

On handling adversity, Minouette offers these words:
Friends! Seriously - it really is all about networking and making connections. When I was younger I would have thought the idea of a role model was rather corny, but in my professional life, as a woman in a highly male-dominated field, I've found that it is really important to have someone to relate to who has done what you want to achieve. When I first started selling on Etsy I was really pleased to find the TCET so there was a smaller group I could connect to, who had something (Canadianess... if that's a word?) in common. In my personal life, whenever I face any adversity, I always call my friends. You can't discount the help you can get from having people to communicate with, to seek advice from, to offer another point of view or ideas to conquer a stumbling block or setback. You need people you can rely upon for solidarity and support.

To see all of Minouette's fantastic prints, visit her etsy shop, Minouette.

Minouette is also pleased to offer free shipping, for the next two weeks, to any buyer who includes "TCET Profile" in the messages to seller at checkout.

Featured Seller - Chicki

2011-08-10T18:31:00.002-04:00

Our next Featured Seller is Chicki of Chicki. and ChickiBeads. Chicki hails from nearSaskatoon, Saskatchewan. Her shops offer up beautifully crafted handmade jewelry and the supplies to make your own.

Chicki is a master of finding ways to fit her love of crafting into her busy family life:

"I am a proud stay-at-home mom. I love my children and am very grateful that I get to be at home with them. I have always loved creating, crafting and making an artsy mess! This is what I do when I have free time, which is usually when I can squeeze in a minute here or there. I have been known to work at night when the kids are in bed sound asleep. I also have a very supportive husband who is a great help!!"

Chicki's love for working with polymer clay has lead to the start of her jewelry line and had brought her some fame too:

"Several years ago, I dove into the exciting world of polymer clay and have not looked back. I absolutely love working with clay and the versatility clay has. It can mimic many things, makes great jewelry, and is so lightweight!

I started with polymer clay and bead making and started to accumulate a lot of inventory. I sold a few pieces locally and I had compliments on many of my pieces and thought I would start selling online and found Etsy. It looked like a great place with a lot of wonderful handmade goodies and I thought my stuff would fit in. The rest is history!

I have recently had my work published in Polymer Café Magazine in the August 2010 Reader’s Gallery."

Recently she's started to move beyond clay into new and exciting jewelry creations:

"My newest interests are of wirework and chainmaille. I have recently started working with wire and metals and find it very enjoyable as well! I love to create free-form pendants of sterling and copper as well as funky and fun earrings!" [Blogger's note: I have a pair of Chicki's copper hoop earrings that I love]

Chicki shares the ups and downs of have a small home-based business:

"I love the flexibility it brings. I can work how much or when I want. But the unpredictability of sales and even views can sometimes be frustrating and hard. But being able to do what I love and stay home with my kids is a reward in itself."

She has many different influences when it comes to creating:

"I love nature and the outdoors. Some pieces are influenced by that. I personally love earthy type creations. I also enjoy colour, which influences my work as well. I love to look at all the talented works others have created as well which sometimes fuels my creative fire.

I love music and always have. My ipod has almost 1000 songs on it and when it is time to create I take it with me down to my small studio. I put it on random and just let the music play. I like all types of music from pop, rock, hip hop and even a bit of country. Quite an eclectic mix actually. I just go with the flow and see where it all takes me. Sometimes great things are created, others not so much. These pieces are set aside and reworked later."

Thanks for sharing Chicki!

You can see and purchase Chicki's fabulous pieces at:

chicki.etsy.com

chickibeads.etsy.com

And you can visit her blog at: www.chickismusings.blogspot.com

Smells Like Canada, Eh? New Handmade Perfume Spray by Mythical Matters!

2011-07-31T19:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.mythicalmatters.com/Canada_Spray.html

Featured Seller - String Me Along

2011-07-15T09:16:00.002-04:00

Our newest Featured Seller is Carol of String Me Along from Halifax, NS.

Jewellery design was a serendipitous accident.
Carol says:
I have a very scattered background. I graduated from university with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Anthropology. Truly, not the most useful degree. It led to a variety of yawn-worthy office jobs, that did their part in helping me break free of the student loan debt. Once those were done, I took a look at life a little more thoughtfully, realized that the jobs I had been working made me truly miserable, and were just not worth it in the grand scheme of things.
So, I decided to return to a job that I loved while I was in University, which was at a local bookstore. I am now a manager there, and my days are much happier.
At the same time I also returned to jewellery making on a more permanent basis. My foray into jewellery making also began in university. It started with a quest for a necklace that I saw in a movie that I loved. I could not find a version available for sale anywhere, so one day as I passed a bead store, I spied some beads that looked like those on the necklace. I went in, bought a package, asked for some quick instructions and - BAM - I was hooked. I made several versions of that necklace for myself, and then started making them for friends. Finally, I booked a table at an annual December craft market near my university. I needed to broaden my scope a bit for the market so learned how to make some earrings, and bracelets, and the rest is history.

Of getting started on etsy:
When I left the office world behind, I decided that being creative and crafty was what I most loved. I decided to make it a permanent addition to my life and founded String Me Along jewellery as a result.
I learned about etsy from a crafter at a Toronto craft show. I set up shop here in January 2007. I loved the idea of having a global audience. In 2008, we moved from Toronto to Atlantic Canada which meant access to fewer craft show opportunities. At that point, I needed a way to get my work out there, and it has therefore become a much more important venue for me.

Carol's favorite thing about crafting

Basically, I just love creating. Some days when I feel blue or frazzled or bored with life, just sitting down in my studio and pulling out vials of beads, and clipping bits of wire has a truly uplifting effect. It also means that I can on occasion spend gobs of money on beautiful beads and supplies, and just call them a tax write-off when my husband raises an eyebrow at me. LOL

What influences her creative process?
I love to both travel and read. I get great inspiration from travelling. From the cobbled streets of Paris to the secluded beaches of Atlantic Canada, there is usually something that is visually stimulating.
Reading is also great for breaking me out of a rut. A quick tour through some Austen classics and I am filled with wonderfully romantic images that find their way into my pieces.

And a special offer for you.
I am happy to offer a 20% discount on all items in my shop. Simply use coupon code TCET20 at checkout.

Fables and Fairy Tales by Prairie Peasant!

2011-07-11T23:27:00.000-04:00

Hemp and Glass for Earth Mamas!

2011-07-08T09:21:00.001-04:00

Coloured Hemp Macrame Bracelet by TawnyBee!

For your 'Blackout Emergency Preparedness Kits!'

2011-07-06T17:19:00.001-04:00

My Analog Blog! by MyHandBoundBooks

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

The Trans-Canada Etsy Team wishes all Canadians a safe and happy Canada Day. Thanks for celebrating with us!

Click here to see the fabulous Canada Day promotions some of our team shops are running:
http://transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com/2011/06/buy-canadian-handmade.html

If you'd like to join the team please click on the red "join the team" box on the left hand side of the page. And remember to check back here for all the exciting things the TCET has coming.
Happy Canada Day!

Tickled Pink!

2011-06-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Canada Day with this sweet pink TCET treasury by FiveForty: Canada Day in Pink!

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Canada Day Shout Out

2011-06-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

Brigitte of Brigitte's Button Bijoux say:

"I love that Canadians have a reputation for being polite. Whether we live up to that reputation or not it's a nice thing to be known for :D"

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

A Little Canadian Glamour

2011-06-28T18:26:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Canada Day with a touch of Canadian Glamour with the TCET treasury Red White and Glamour! by bnazar

Happy Canada Day July1st!

Red Canadians

2011-06-27T18:32:00.000-04:00

Red is one of those truly Canadian colours. Celebrate Canada Day with this TCET and friends treasury Red for Canada Day! by ZigZagStitches!

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Canada Day Shout Out

2011-06-26T08:37:00.000-04:00

Ashley from OfftheHooks and Hazeltweed says:

"Little known fact: did you know that even in the midst of a blazing hot summer, Canadians will often dig out their woolens when one of our famous winter snow storms hits? Time to stock up!"

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Canadian Class

2011-06-25T18:22:00.002-04:00

Celebrate Canada Day with this classy TCET treasury Celebrating Canada by FiveForty!

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Canada Day Shout Out

2011-06-24T08:45:00.000-04:00

Carol of String Me Along loves the natural wildreness of our fair land. Jumping from province to province over the last four years has been an adventure in biodiversity. Every year, every season a new crop of mystery wildflowers to explore.

What a grand source of creative inspiration!!

OffTheHooks makes gorgeous yarn!!!

2011-06-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

Canada Day Shout Out

2011-06-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

Tawny B. from TawnyBee says:

"Every Canada Day, wherever Tawny Bee is, the sun is always shining. Don't let the hot hot sun ruin a sparkling and fun holiday for the kiddies. And be patriotic at the same time!"

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Handmade Top 10 Team Challenge

2011-06-23T07:38:00.000-04:00

Come show our team how much you love us.

We are honoured to be part of the Handmadeology's Handmade Top 10 Team Challenge. You can show your support for the team by clicking the vote graphic below and casting your votes for our member's items.

Thank you so much from all our members.

Sweet Canadians!

2011-06-22T18:12:00.005-04:00

Strawberries, one of the many wonderful flavours of summer.

Celebrate strawberries, summer and Canadian Day with this sweet treasury from bnazar: Strawberry Canadians, featuring Members of the Trans-Canada Day with a few Canadian Guest Stars!

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Canada Day Shout Out

2011-06-21T07:28:00.002-04:00

"Storm and Shadow of Mythical Matters LOVE all the foul weather Canada has to offer - give us storms, sleet, tornadoes, and snow - we'll take it all!"

Happy Canada Day, July 1st!

Canada Day is Coming

2011-06-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Trans-Canada Etsy Team blog! We are once again getting ready to celebrate Canada Day in TCET style.

Stay tuned for truly Canadian shout outs, Canada inspired treasuries and more!

Click here to see the discounts and promotions some of our team members are offering in honour of Canada Day:
http://transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com/2011/06/buy-canadian-handmade.html

Canada Day is July 1st and we can't wait!

And if you'd like to join the team please click on the link in the red "join the team box" on the left hand side of the page.

Start getting in the festive mood with this fabulous treasury:
Red White and... You! by TCET team member String Me Along!

Lots more cheer to come as we head toward one of Canada's biggest celebrations!

Buy Canadian Handmade!

2011-06-19T06:00:00.004-04:00

As we commence our Canada Day celebrations, members of the Trans-Canada Etsy Team would like to make buying Canadian even more affordable!

String Me Along: From June 20 to July 1, use coupon code CANADA20 for a 20% discount on all items (excluding shipping).

Mythical Matters: We'll offer a free random surprise gift worth $20 or more with each purchase. Just add a note referring to CANADA DAY GETS ME FREE AWESOME STUFF in notes to seller!

RJ Charms: Free shipping to Canadian addresses only with code CANADA. From June20th to July 3rd!

Brigitte's Button Bijoux: June 20th-July1st 10% off with the coupon code GOCANADA.

Prairie Peasant and PrairieThreads: 15% off with the coupon code CANADA2011, from June 20-July 1st.

And remember it's never to early to start shopping for the festive season;)
Happy Shopping!

Kitchen Party

2011-06-15T08:07:00.001-04:00

Want to know my favorite room in my house? It's the kitchen. Not simply because it is warm and inviting. And not just because it's the place where good meals and great conversation are born. And not even because as a kitchen in Atlantic Canada it is the spot where every good party will end. I love it because it is home to some of my favorite items from fellow team members.

When I stand in my kitchen, either to wash dishes at the sink or to stir a pot on the stove, I have to shuffle my upcycled wool sweater rug to where it will cheer my weary feet. These amazing rugs are handwoven by member fiveforty. The felted wool sweater strips provide excellent cushioning, and provide a warm barrier between toes and a cold floor.

Waiting in the cupboard is a hand thrown casserole dish. Cool white with a lovely blue trim, and
beautifully formed decorative handles, this dish came to me from the shop of adornyourself. An absolutely perfect size for a slow baked ratatouille side dish or a generous single-serving of rich onion soup.

Easily the most fun accessories that my kitchen boasts are darling polka dot fabric coasters from paisleybaby that ended up being a serendipitous match to a set of sweet button wine charms from bnazar. Honestly, a match made in heaven, no?

Be sure to check all the great team shops. There are loads of treasures to be found.

Welcome to the TransCanada Team!

2011-06-13T16:43:00.003-04:00

Are you visiting us thanks to an email we just sent you?

Thanks for dropping by!

Click here to meet some of our members!
http://www.mythicalmatters.com/TransCanada.html

Enjoy!

TransCanada Team

http://www.mythicalmatters.com/TransCanada.html

Canadians Like to Chill Out!

2011-06-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

Relax this Canada Day (July 1st) with the wonderful items in soothing colours from the Trans-Canada Etsy Team, showcased in the treasury: Chill Out Eh? Happy Canada Day! by team member bnazar

There's nothing like some R & R on a warm summer day!

New member item!

2011-06-11T13:17:00.002-04:00

New item from team member MyHandBoundBooks!

Canada Day Reds!

2011-06-09T23:31:00.001-04:00

Team member Minouette handmakes lots of things in red!

Summer Fun Team Treasury!

2011-06-08T21:39:00.002-04:00

Maple Syrup

2011-06-07T22:06:00.002-04:00

Little known fact - Canadians are made almost entirely of maple syrup!

Jump Into June

2011-06-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

June is here and it's bringing summer with it. Get summer ready with the Trans-Canada Etsy Team!

Looking to take up knitting or crochet as a relaxing summer hobby? Start your yarn stash off right with the fabulous vintage yarn from Hazeltweed.etsy.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74107927/instant-stash-lot-of-4-jaeger-monte?ref=pr_shop

She sell's fabulous vintage patterns too!

Looking for that perfect piece of summer wedding jewelry? Look no further than the beautiful creations of PrairieBlossoms! Like this Dramatic White Rose Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74825664/dramatic-white-rose-necklace-with-red?ref=pr_shop

Write the next great "Twilight" series on your lazy summer days in this fabulous rebound journal by prairiepeasant.etsy.com.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46001567/a-lot-like-love-rebound-journal-by?ref=pr_shop

And carry your kids' swimsuits home in style in this fabulous wet bag by Paisleybaby.etsy.com!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40823997/zipper-snap-handle-wet-bag-in-blue-2d?ref=pr_shop

Just a few of the many summer ready treats offered by the Trans-Canada Etsy Team. Bring on the summer fun!

How To: Tawny Bee Teddybeds

2011-06-01T12:47:00.004-04:00

Hello again! I'm back for another exciting Featured Seller Tutorial. How would you like to get all those wayward stuffies up off the floor and still be able to feature them proudly in your child's room?

Teddy Beds are the answer!

_________

This tutorial was originally posted on my blog The L-T Experience on February 17th, 2011

Awww... super cute storage for all those wayward stuffies!

Want to make one for your kids?

Skill level required:
- machine sewing
- sewing on trim can be tedious

Supplies Needed:
- 1 metre cotton fabric, or netting
- thread
- 0.5 metre of coordinating fabric for trim (or 2 packages of bias tape)
- you will need three hooks to hang your finished Teddy Bed as well

Step One:
- find a suitable corner in your child's room and measure how much room you actually have. The photo above is Lane's room. Notice the window is sorta in the way. I was able to hang her Teddy Bed by putting the hooks above the window rod.

Logan's room was much easier to measure. Basically you want the Teddy Bed to hang in a corner, with one hook in the corner and the other two hooks stretching out along each wall. As in the photo at the beginning of this tutorial.

I decided to make Lane's 34 inches along both sides of the 90 degree angle. Logan's measured 44 inches or the entire width of the fabric I bought.

Step 2:
- Cut out your triangle of main fabric. Since I wanted Logan's to be the largest I could get, I basically just folded the fabric at a 90 degree angle and cut it across. I think cut along the diagonal to make a nice large triangle. You can double the fabric if you want the picture to show up on both sides. I don't find this very necessary because when you hang it, you won't ever see the side that is facing up. You'll have your teddies in there anyway. :)

I used the rest of the fabric to make Lane's a little smaller (34 inches along both sides). I cut along the diagonal that I already had from the leftover fabric after cutting Logan's large one.

Step Three:
- Cut long strips from your coordinating fabric. Make sure you have enough to cover all three sides of your triangle piece, plus several inches to make loops. Press each side in and then press in half to make a bias-tape-like trim. Or you can just use prepackaged bias tape.

I love the look of my own pressed trim. You can use almost any coordinating fabric to make it and create all sorts of new looks. Love, love, love.

Step Four:
- starting at the 90 degree angle corner, start sewing your trim onto the short sides.

Step Five:
- make sure to fold the trim under a little to give the corner a finished look. I use a zig zag stitch to make sure the trim is sewn on nicely. I have sewn on enough trim to know that I'm not the world's greatest at this task. When sewing a straight line, I usually don't catch the underside enough and end up having to redo the whole thing. Zig zag stitch is much more forgiving. And it looks nice too!

Step Six:
- Attach the trim to the diagonal, leaving about 3 or 4 inches of trim on each side to form into loops for hanging the Teddy Bed.

If you run out of trim while sewing, you can just fold the new piece of trim under and attach it where you left off.

Step Seven:
- Turn the extra fabric that you left at the ends of your diagonal under and sew in place to form a loop. You should have one loop at each end of your diagonal.

Step Eight:
- take some of the trim you have leftover and fold it into a loop. Sew it in place at the 90 degree angled corner of your Teddy Bed.

Step Nine:
- Hang your finished Teddy Bed in the corner! And place all your valuable stuffies into their new hammock.

Step Ten:
- Make more Teddy Beds for the other children in your household. Or stack them for maximum storage with a large one close to the ground, a medium sized one halfway up the wall and then a small one at the top. That would look really cool. If only we had the room for something like that.

What do you think? Isn't this an awesome way to store some of those wayward stuffies?

As always, you are free to make as many Teddy Beds as you please from this tutorial. Make them for yourself, your kids, your kids' friends, your friends, your neighbours and acquaintances. Even make them to sell in your shops (although it would be really nice of you to give me some sort of credit in your listings). Do whatever you like with the tutorial in the spirit of a free and happy Internet. :)

And if you don't want to attempt one yourself, but think they would be awesome for your home, you can purchase one at Tawny Bee.

Kids Dream Ship Teddy Bed - Medium

Baby Blue Zig Zags Teddy Bed - Large

Baby Blue Zig Zags Teddy Bed- Medium

Note: I've been getting a lot of questions about the toys featured in the photos of the teddy beds. No they are not handmade, and they are not for sale hehehe. They are my daughter's very favourite toys. And the monkey wall decal that is featured in the photos of the teddy beds in my son's room was purchased by another talented Etsy artist here.

How To: Tawny Bee's Summer Reading Bookmarks

2011-05-28T08:41:00.008-04:00

Since I (Tawny Bee) am the featured seller on this awesome blog for a few weeks, I thought I''d share a tutorial or two... or three. And not just any tutorials - they'll be tutorials on how to make some of my shop's most popular items! :D

Today I'll show you how to make some summer reading bookmarks. These make great grad gifts, or birthday party favours. I've had teachers buy them up for their students' year-end parties. If you still read actual physical books (like me!) then these bookmarks are a must have!

The following blog post originally appeared on my blog The L-T Experience on May 5th 2010 (of course, I've made some changes to update it and make it even more spectacular for all of you treasured TCET readers)

________________

Don't you just love sitting under a big apple tree in the summer sun and reading a book cover to cover? Oh wait... I'm a mommy - we don't have uninterrupted time for that! Instead, we have to be watching our children out of the corner of our eye while half glancing at the book. We maybe get a few pages read (or reread because we missed a bunch while the toddler was throwing mud at his sister), then we gotta bookmark our page and get on with life.

No one said that we couldn't have a pretty bookmark though! :)

I make a pile of these bookmarks to put in with orders. I think it's a nice little extra surprise. My last pile of bookmarks is down to one, so it's time to make some more.

Supplies Needed:

- you can make these bookmarks out of scrap fabric, or make a bunch out of a fat quarter. One bookmark is two pieces 3 inches by 7.5 (or 8 or 9 inches) You don't have to use the same fabric for both sides.

- fusible interfacing (also 3 by 7.5 inches) or fusible webbing will work as well (I've actually been making most of mine out of this lately)

- ribbon - 2 cuts (1 is 4 inches long and the other is 3 inches long)

- contrasting thread

Skill Needed:
- easy
- some machine sewing

Time Needed:
- To make one it'll take about 20 minutes

Step One:
Cut out the pieces you see in the above picture. Two pieces of fabric 3 by 7.5", One piece of interfacing 3 by 7.5", and two pieces of ribbon (3" and 4")

Step Two:
Place your fusible interfacing glue side to wrong side of one piece of fabric. Sandwich your two pieces of ribbon in between and fuse interfacing in place. This give a nice thickness to your marker and holds the ribbon in place for stitching.

Step Three:
Place your second piece of fabric wrong side to interfacing piece and pin in place. It's OK if the interfacing or the pieces of fabric don't match up exactly. We'll trim it down later.

Step Four:
If you have a fancy sewing machine like mine (actually it's not that fancy, but it is to me), then you can choose a fun stitch to decorate the edges of the bookmark. This is a good chance to try out some of those decorative stitches that I know you've been dying to try! I used a contrasting thread colour so that it really shows up when stitched. If you don't have a sewing machine - never fear, you can also stitch around the edges by hand. If you know any embroidery stitches, this is a good place to try them out. Leave some room on all edges for trimming.

Step Five:
Trim around the edges to make it all lined up and nice. If your pinking shears are not in dire need of some serious TLC, then use them. It looks really cool. Otherwise, plain scissors will work as well.

6) Get to your book learnin'

________

As always with a Tawny Bee tutorial, you may use it in any way you see fit. Make bookmarks for the whole family, for the mailman, for your local sexy librarian. Make them to sell - whatever you like. If you don't really feel like making a pile of them yourself, you can purchase some really nice ones from Tawny Bee:

10 Fabric Bookmarks - Girlie Set

10 Fabric Bookmarks - Boy Set

10 Fabric Bookmarks - Solids Set

10 Fabric Bookmarks - Assorted Set

Featured Seller: Tawny Bee

2011-05-26T07:11:00.000-04:00

Our first featured seller is Tawny B of Tawny Bee from Winnipeg, Manitoba!
Tawny's shop is a wonderful mix of children's accessories, geekery and mama products.

Creativity runs in her family! Of her creative process Tawny says:
"I get my creativeness from both my mother and my father. My mother is an incredible seamstress and taught me how to sew at a young age. My dad designs buildings and that's where I get my design sensibility. I love mixing these two characteristics (sewing and designing) into the pieces I make for my shop."

As does running a business. Tawny share's her business role models:
"Running a business for me is hereditary. My great grandparents owned a gift shop back in my hometown (Lethbridge, Alberta) called Hong Kong Imports. My grandparents owned a Chinese Food Restaurant. And my dad owns his own home design business. They are all my role models. They taught me that I wasn't crazy for having a dream to create something and to pay careful attention to detail. They inspire me everyday to try new things and keep working. And maybe they taught me that people in my family are too stubborn to work for someone else? hehehe. Sometimes being a stubborn hard head has its advantages!"

On getting started on her business Tawny says a gift from her husband got her going:
"I am a stay at home mom and although that keeps me very busy, I found that I was losing a bit of myself in being "just mommy." My husband bought me a sewing machine for my birthday when my son was almost a year old. He knew that I had enjoyed sewing when I was younger and thought a sewing machine was a great gift. He was right! I rewarded him by making him Tux the Linux Penguin (he's kind of a computer geek). Tux became the first and, to this day, most popular item in my Etsy store. I found Etsy when a friend of mine suggested I sell my little penguin creation online and suggested Etsy."

Creating trumps business in Tawny's world:
"I love the designing and creating. The promotion, shipping and money stuff all take a back seat to the creative process. I like to create whatever my heart desires first and foremost. Of course, not all of those items turn out well, or even get sold in my shop, but I love trying to create something new and fun."

Sometimes our customers truly make the ups and downs worthwhile. Tawny shares one of her favourite sales experiences:
"In November of 2009 I received an Etsy conversation from a customer in California who loved the moccasin slippers that I make for children. She wanted one of the pairs that I had in my shop in a different size for her daughter's Christmas present. I said that was no problem because I had enough materials to create another pair. Then she said that her other daughter was obsessed with horses and she just happened to have the perfect fabric for a pair of moccasins. Would I mind if she sent the fabric and I could sew them for her? Cool! The fabric arrived along with foot tracings of both daughters (so I could fit them perfectly). What an awesome experience to make a custom fitted order for two very happy girls on Christmas morning!"

When not creating for her shop and being a Mom, Tawny keeps busy learning:
"I'm always trying to learn new creative things. Right now, I'm working on learning the lost art of Macramé. It's been going pretty slowly, but it's given me a new appreciation for how things are put together. It's also taught me how to design a more detailed pattern, which believe it or not has helped me immensely with designing sewing patterns as well. Maybe I ought to take up painting next? Or archery? :D"

To see all of Tawny's fabulous creations visit Tawnybee.etsy.com and from now until June 9th, use the coupon code: TCETFEATURE2011 for a 10% discount of your purchase.

Other places you can find Tawny B:

Blog: http://tawnykw.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tawnykw
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winnipeg-MB/Tawny-Bee

Thanks for sharing Tawny!

Coming Soon...

2011-05-23T18:34:00.002-04:00

Get ready for the Trans-Canada Etsy Team Featured Seller Series!

Meet some of our hardworking team members. Learn about their lives, their creative processes, how they wound up selling on Etsy, and more!

Stay tuned...

Metallic May

2011-05-10T18:13:00.004-04:00

Gold, silver, brass and copper. Nothing exudes glamour and luxury quite like the metallic shades do!
Kick your spring wardrobe into high gear with these metallic beauties from the TransCanada Etsy Team:

Chase away the last of the April showers with these sweet Brass Umbrella Charm Earrings from RJ Charms:

Roses are sure to smell sweeter wearing this gold bead and copper chained Ivory Rose Necklace by String Me Along:

Chicki breathes a new and beautiful life into copper electrical wire with this Recycled Copper Swirl pendant:
P.S. It's on sale!

Dream of all the summer beaching ahead with this Oxidized Sterling Silver and Teal Glass bracelet by Wild Woman Jewelry:

And get ready for the sunshine a head with this Yellow Square Silver Necklace by Fiveforty:

Just a few wonderful TCET metallic pieces that are sure to glam up any outfit. So strap on your favourite metallic sandals because spring is here, summer is coming and a beautiful piece of handmade Canadian jewelry never goes out of style!

And the Winner Is...

2011-04-28T19:56:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the winner of our $50 TCET gift certificate. Elan, who posted a comment on our blog will have the chance to shop in one of our participating shops.

Elan, we will be in touch with you soon to tell you how to use your prize.

Thank you to everyone who shopped in our shops, supported our team, and showed love for Moms everywhere.

Last Chance

2011-04-21T23:00:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder that TCET's "We ♥ Moms" promo closes tonight at midnight EST.

To earn ballots into our prize draw for a $50 TCET gift certificate simply shop from any of the participating shops, or leave a comment on our blog telling us a little about your own Mom. Click the Moms icon to the left for all the details.

Thank you so much for following along with us everyday this past week, and for your continued support of the TransCanada Etsy Team.

Stayed tuned over the next couple days as we announce the winner.

We Heart Moms: Brigitte's Button Bijoux

2011-04-21T08:22:00.000-04:00

Brooch: Purple and Gray Stripy Button Flower

Today's post comes to us from Brigitte of Brigitte's Button Bijoux in Stratford, Ontario:

Almost a decade before I was born my Dad took a post doc position in Houston, Texas and he and my Mum moved south for 5 years. One of their longest lasting souvenirs from their time there is a small paperback cookbook titled "Just Like Mother Made Ozark Recipes" by Louise Henderson. The only recipe I can ever recall my Mum making from this cookbook is the "Strawberry Cake".

This cake is legendary in our family. Except for a brief stint when my brothers and I were teenagers, and she was feeling really generous, my Mum makes this cake once a year, for my Dad's birthday in December. It is a rich, decadently sweet, strawberry treat that starts off gooey, and ages to chilled perfection in the fridge as you find any excuse to consume another slice.

The highlight for us kids in the cake making process was the icing. My Mum would haul out her avocado green mix master (a wedding gift that is still giving more than 40 years later) and mix up a glorious concoction of butter, cream cheese, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained), and copious amounts of icing sugar (just how much depended on how well she'd drained the berries). Once mixed the pink icing was spread all over and between the two layers of cake.

Then came the best part: Licking the beaters. There are three of us kids, and only two beaters. So for a troubled time between when my younger brother grew old enough to be able to lick beaters, and my older brother grew too old to care, one of us got stuck with the scraped out bowl. The bowl might have had a bit more icing, but the beaters were far better. They were layered. The top layer was the sweet delicious strawberry icing. But below that were bits of cream cheese, butter, and strawberry chunks that hadn't quite mixed in. The contrast of flavours was hard to beat.

About five years ago we celebrated Mother's Day at my brother's house. I could not tell you what I gave my Mum as a gift but I do remember the card. It is my own personal card buying triumph. On the front it read "Good mothers let their children lick the beaters." And inside "Great mothers turn the mixer off first!" The cake involved is a bright gooey pink. We howled. (Maybe it's a Nazar thing).

Cheers to "Great Mothers" everywhere!

Here's my Great Mum's well-loved Strawberry Cake recipe:
She uses two 9" round cake pans, and follows the recipe on the cake mix box for how long to cook.
Make sure to drain the strawberries very well!

************************

From April 14th-21st Brigitte offers 10% off in her shop:

use the coupon code: LuvMum at Brigitte's Button Bijoux

Click the "we heart moms" icon in the sidebar for all the details on participating shops and how you can win a $50 gift certificate to spend in a participating shop!

We Heart Moms: Paisley Baby

2011-04-19T08:11:00.001-04:00

Overnighter Cosmetic Bag Pouch in Blush Peacock Feathers

Today Maria from Paisley Baby shares a special mother/daughter story with us:

Paisley Baby is actually a mother/daughter shop! I have been working with my mother, Dianne Gilker, since 2003. My mother taught me to sew, knit, embroider, and needlepoint in elementary school. I went many years without touching a sewing machine but when I had my own children I had the urge to start creating again. I am so lucky because my mother and her 60 years of sewing experience are invaluable resources - whenever I have a question I just pick up the phone! There is so much about sewing that they don't tell you in the patterns - take your time, use a lot of pins and press, press, press! My mother's knowledge about the unwritten rules and tricks of sewing is priceless.

Photo of my mother with my children Alex & Jackson:

Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/paisleybaby
PaisleyBaby is offering a special Promo:
15% discount on entire shop - use coupon code PB15
*********************

Click the We heart Moms icon in the sidebar to view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back tomorrow for another great We Heart Moms post!

We Heart Moms: PenelopeKuhn

2011-04-18T13:25:00.002-04:00

Custom portrait - Unique photo illustrations- photo of you

Today, PenelopeKuhn shares her special Mom story with us:

My Mom had a horrific doctor when her first child was born, he took lousy care of her and she ended up losing a kidney. Three years later she was brave enough to conceive again (new doctor)! She successfully delivered another baby, and then a few years later she had me! When I was preparing to deliver my own child (see image) I drew on my Mom’s bravery and strength to help get me through.

***********************

PenelopeKuhn Shop

Penelope is offering 25% discount on orders placed during promotion
Use coupon code 2A3B4Z

Click the We heart moms icon in the sidebarto view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back tomorrow for another great We Heart Moms post!

We Heart Moms: StringMeAlong

2011-04-18T08:19:00.001-04:00

White Rose and Turquoise - A Romance Necklace

Today, Carol from StringMeAlong from Nova Scotia shares her special Mother's Day anecdote with us:

To me, Mom means everything.

My father passed away unexpectedly when I was quite young. Despite her own grief and personal upheaval my Mom made did everything in her power to make sure that our lives remained stable.

She has always been my strength, my confidant, my friend. She kept me on the straight and narrow, while allowing me the freedom to explore the road less traveled. I can always count on her, and to this day, as I approach my 40th birthday, she is still my go-to girl when I have something exciting to share, or need to wallow in self-pity.

I know that without my Mom, I would not be half the person that I am today.

*****************************

StringMeAlong shop

Carol is offering a 20% discount on all items in her shop. Please use coupon code: MOM20 at checkout. (Discount does not apply to shipping fees)

Click on the icon on the side of the page to view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back for another great We Heart Moms post!

We Hearts Moms: RJ Charms

2011-04-17T14:29:00.000-04:00

Dainty in Olivine Vintage Rhinestone Necklace

Today we visit RJ of RJ Charms in Ontario who shares why she hopes to be just like her mom:

My mom is an all around pretty awesome lady! I didn't always appreciate her growing up (what kid does, really?!), but I sure do now. While raising two kids and going through a divorce she put herself through university and started a new career. She's now an award winning teacher and an amazing role model.

She's always up for an adventure, like camping for Thanksgiving, and her love of the arts played a huge role in my life choices. Sharing her love of British humor (and Hugh Laurie!), travelling, and delicious food and wine, my mom is also a great friend to have and hardly a day goes by when we don't chat (or at least text).

Now that I'm a mom myself, I can only hope to be the type of mom she was (and still is!). Supportive, inspiring, and pretty cool actually! Love you mom!

RJ shares a photo of her mom holding RJ's new daughter:

**************************

RJ is offering Buy 3 Get a 4th Free on all items at RJ Charms!

Let her know which free item you would like in the notes section at checkout (do not put the free item in your cart!). Free item must be of equal or lesser value than paid items, and this promo can not be combined with any other deals or offers.

*********************

Don't forget to check back tommorow for another We Heart Moms post!

Click the We ♥ Moms icon in the sidebar to find out how you can win a $50 gift certificate in a participating shop!

We Heart Moms: Willow Cat Studio

2011-04-17T08:35:00.000-04:00

Willowcat's Creepy Beasts - 2010 artist series -Specemin 50- one of a kind greeting card

Today Dre from Willow Cat Studios in Manitoba shares with us a special message to her mom:

My mom has always been totally out spoken, a force to reckon with, independent, strong, quick to rebut and a not always the best listener for the little things but the best one for the big things. She has always always always made it known that I am her first priority growing up. She is gorgeous, has an unforgettable presence and sense of style and I often wondered if she missed her calling in fashion or interior design, but no, she was a natural at caring for people, my grandparents and me. Tough as nails and soft and custard this woman bent over backwards to ensure I had everything I needed and given the opportunities to experience life. I am sure she sacrificed freedom, love and dreams so that her little girl would want for not. My mother turns 60 this month and she is just as much the wonder she has ever been, less the arthritic thumbs and the wonky knee that cause her both annoyance and amusement.

So my beautiful mom, I send the biggest and bestest Happy Birthday as well as my heartfelt gratitude to You, the heavens and universe that I was given the gift of being your daughter.

*****************************

Willow Cat Studio is offering:
::::::Free Shipping worldwide for all paper products cards and paper items:::::
surprise wee something if you include a mom haiku during the checkout process

*****************************

Click the We Heart Moms icon in the sidebar to view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back tomorrow for another great We Heart Moms post!

We Heart Moms: Prairie Peasant

2011-04-16T09:26:00.007-04:00

Marbled Mystery Softcover Journal

Today Laura from Prairie Peasant in Manitoba shares how inspirational her mom is with us:

My mother is very special to me. She's been a role model and inspiration for me all of my life. Looking back on some of the things she did as we were growing up, I'm so amazed. With four young children she managed to go back to school--I still don't know how! We went on road trips and went camping as a family every summer—I'm sure it must have been less work back then! She also showed me that it was possible for a mother to balance work, family time and personal time.

My mom worked as a nurse, had several hobbies, and still had time for her children. Back then, at times my mom may have created out of necessity, including sewing a lot of our clothes, but this still nurtured my love of making things. I remember endless hours playing with my mother's button jars, yarn scraps and boxes of fabrics. Now I have my own button jars, yarn scraps and boxes of fabric for my daughters to play with.

Thanks Mom! I love you.

*****************************

Laura is offering 10% off when using the coupon code mother2011 in either of her shops: Prairie Peasant or Prairie Threads.

*****************************

Click the We heart moms icon in the sidebar to view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back tomorrow for another great We Heart Moms post!

We Heart Moms: Chicki

2011-04-15T14:22:00.006-04:00

Bye Bye Birdie Glass and Brass Necklace

Today Tina from Chicki in Saskatchewan shares a special memory of her mother with us:

I have always been very close with my mom. She has always been the one I go to for advice first. Mom always made a point of telling me ever since I was young that I could come to talk to her and I know I can do that. I am very grateful of that and I try to tell my young daughters that as well.

I have many fond memories of mom from when I was young but one thing that I fondly remember is all of the barbie doll clothes she sewed for me by hand when I was a little girl. I loved to play barbies and thanks to mom I had a very cool collection of barbie clothes. Many of the patterns she used were patterns that she had made herself. I had very stylish barbies.

Crafting has always been something that I enjoy very much and I thank my mother for that interest. From a young age, mom taught me how to sew and knit and crochet. I remember crocheting scarves and blankets for my dolls. Mom made all of us scarves almost every winter out of bright yarns. I loved my scarves!

We would also make handmade gifts for loved ones at Christmastime. Mom taught me from a young age the value of handmade and I credit her with my appreciation for all things handmade!

Mom also taught me how to bake and cook. Once I was a little older, I was in charge of baking cookies, or muffins or cakes that we packed in our school lunches. I also had the chance to make supper on occasion, which was a real treat for me. My meal of choice was usually chili. I still enjoy making a good batch of chili!

I love my mom very much and am grateful that she is in my life every single day. She had taught me many skills that I hope will help me to be a successful mother myself. Thanks mom!!

*****************************

Tina is offering 10% off at both Chicki and Chick Beads as part of this spring promo. Please use promotion code SPRINGMOMS10.

*****************************

Click the We heart moms icon in the sidebar to view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back tomorrow for another great We Heart Moms post!

We Heart Moms: Prairie Blossoms

2011-04-15T09:20:00.003-04:00

Splendor Chrysanthemum Necklace in Aqua

Today, Lenora of Prairie Blossoms in Saskatchewan shares with us just how amazing her mom is:

I am so proud of my mother, Grace. She has suffered with diabetes and heart disease for many years. There have been days filled with pain, heart attacks, and exhaustion. Then, two years ago while preparing for heart surgery, we learned she had leukemia. The heart surgery was put on hold and she started chemotherapy. My mother spent eight weeks in the hospital while receiving intense chemotherapy treatment. She lost a ton of weight and all of her hair, but remained strong, positive, and faithful. The doctors and nurses always commented on the positivity and humor my mother had.

Yesterday, we learned that my mother will only need to receive one more "round" of chemotherapy. She has been in remission for nearly two years and has been undergoing chemotherapy for the entire time. We're so happy for this good news! Her diabetes and heart still bother her most days, but she remains optimistic and has a great will to live. I admire her strength, her faith in Him, her humor, and her undying love for family. I feel so blessed to call her "mom".

**************************

Lenora is offering 10% off all purchases made during the promo event at Prairie Blossoms.
Use the coupon code: Spring11 at checkout to receive the discount.

*********************

Click on the We Heart Moms icon in the sidebar to view all the We Heart Moms participating shops, plus the details on how to win the $50 gift certificate.

And be sure to come back for the next We Heart Moms post!

We heart Moms: OffTheHooks

2011-04-14T14:30:00.001-04:00

Mint Blossom handspun, hand-dyed merino art yarn

Today we visit Ashley of OffTheHooks in Alberta who shares some thoughts about her grandma and great-grandmother:

My great-grandmother passed away when I was really young. Though I did not get to know her because I was so young, I always feel her presence and influence which is passed on to me by my grandma. On September 16, 2009, I reached 80 sales in my etsy shop. It also coincided with my grandma's 80th birthday. Here's a quote from my blog post from that day:

Alright. I'm having one of those "whoa" moments. I just put the puzzle pieces together. Today, I reached 80 sales in my shop. Today is also my paternal grandma's 80th birthday, AND I just noticed that this is my 85th blog post!! And, my first front page on etsy was on August 8, 2008 (08/08/08), which was a tea cozy that I named after my great-grandma; Mrs. Peterson's Tea Cozy.

What's with all the 8's??? I sometimes wonder if my great-grandmother is out there cheering me on; it seems a little too coincidental. I think about her often, even though she passed away when I was quite young. I think she's a big part of who I am today- through my grandma, I have inherited her sense of thrift, hard work, and strength. It's something I'm really grateful for, and its so amazing that I get these little reminders periodically- it's so encouraging!

**************************

OffTheHooks shop

Ashley is offering 10% off for the duration of this promotion, but her shop will be closed on

April 16 while she sets up at a local craft fair!

Use the coupon code MOM11 for 10% off your order.

*********************

Don't forget to check back tommorow for another We Heart Moms post!

Click the we heart moms icon in the sidebar to find out how you can win a $50 gift certificate in a participating shop!

We ♥ Moms

2011-04-14T07:07:00.004-04:00

The Transcanada Etsy Team is emphatic in this statement: We love Moms. We love our own Moms; some of us love being Moms, and; some love the women who have become Mother figures to us.

This coming week we want to share that love. Ten participating members will share with you tales of Motherhood. Starting this afternoon, join us everyday until April 21st as we hear from our members.

Starting today, we are also offering a chance to win a $50 TransCanada Etsy Team gift certificate which you could use to treat your Mom to a wonderful handmade Mother's Day gift. The gift certificate will be valid in the participating shops, which you will find listed below.

RJ Charms
String Me Along
PrairieBlossoms
PrairiePeasant and PrairieThreads
bnazar
offthehooks
paisleybaby
PenelopeKuhn
chicki and chickibeads
willowcatstudio

For a chance to enter simply make a purchase from any of the participating shops. You will earn a ballot for every $10 spent in a shop. Or, if you wish to simply tell us here in our blog comments, why you love your Mom or why you love being a Mom, we will give you one no-purchase-needed-ballot.

Remember, this promo only runs until April 21st.

Something Odd - Winner

2011-03-05T09:20:00.008-05:00

Congratulations to MyHandboundBooks, who received the most votes in our Something Odd challenge. MyHandboundBooks is hereby awarded the TCET Challenge Winner Badge to display proudly.

MyHandboundBooks won this challenge with her oddity, "Mask - an accordion book":

Thanks to everyone who participated in the challenge, and to everyone who voted.

Something Odd - Vote for your favorite

2011-02-28T10:57:00.004-05:00

Our February challenge theme is "something odd"! Here are the entries and you can vote for your favorite. Click on the pictures to see a full description of the item and see extra photos of each. Voting will close at the end of the day on March 4th. The one with the most votes will win the challenge and be presented with the TCET Challenge Winner badge to display proudly!

An Arsinoitherium Lady Multimedia by minouette

A Balanced Book Mini Money Journal by PrairiePeasant

Green Striped Paper, Yellow Rubber and Silver Earrings by fiveforty

Mask - an accordion book by MyHandboundBooks

February Challenge - Something Odd

2011-02-10T10:25:00.003-05:00

Let's kick off our new year of challenges with something odd. This month, you are being challenged to be creative and show us your talent inspired by the theme "something odd"!

Your challenge entry should be listed in your Etsy shop by February 27th. The entries will be posted here on the blog so everyone can vote for their favorite. Voting will be open until March 4th, then the winner will be announced. The item with the most votes will receive the TCET Challenge Winner Badge to display proudly. Have fun with this!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

2010-12-08T09:02:00.003-05:00

We have selected our Grand Prize winner from the "Twelve Days of Christmas" promotion. We had 680 ballots, and # 395 was chosen by random generator.

Hearty congratulations to Lavender Pug!

Our winner will be receiving this fantastic prize pack with gifties from TransCanada Etsy Team members:

We wish once again to thank everyone who participated in the contest.

Happy Holidays from the TransCanada Etsy Team.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas

2010-12-03T09:41:00.005-05:00

Welcome. This is the final day of our promotion and your final chance to enter to win our fantastic prize package and to take advantage of great member offers. Click the the graphic at the bottom of the page to discover all the details.

We have greatly enjoyed sharing our Holiday memories and traditions with you. We do hope that you may have found an inspiration among them, or were given a chance to reflect on some of your favorite things about the holidays, too.

Today, we will leave you with some Christmas did-ya-knows.

Across Canada, there are 2933 farms that grow Christmas trees. In all, that equals 37,612 hectares of Christmas trees.

While, we all know that Santa hails from the North Pole (the Canadian part!), he might have a fondness for these other places in Canada: Christmas Island, Nova Scotia; Reindeer Station, Northwest Territories; Stocking Harbour, Newfoundland, or; Chimney Lake, British Columbia.

A traditional Inuit Christmas dinner might include arctic char or seal, caribou, tea and bannock.

Winnipeg, Manitoba is unofficially known as the Christmas capital of Canada. This is because "Winterpeg" is one of the few places in Canada that is able to virtually guarantee its residents a white Christmas.

The first Christmas carol to be written in an Aboriginal language was "The Huron Carol". Originally written in the native language of the Huron/Wendat people by missionary Jean de Brebeuf in 1643, it was re-written in English in 1926.

The TransCanada Etsy team would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. Thank you for supporting our team throughout the past year.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

2010-12-02T08:12:00.010-05:00

Good day, and welcome to our second last day of Christmas with the TransCanada Etsy Team.

Today, we meet one final member, paisleybaby.

Paisleybaby is the mother-daughter team of Dianne and Maria. Hailing from the Montreal area of Quebec, they are the creators of fabulous fabric accessories for babies and Moms.

Maria shares the traditions that she has begun with her own young family.

As I mentioned during last year's promo, my children, husband and I are creating our own family holiday traditions, as my parents and I had during my childhood. After searching for a very special and unique Advent Calendar, I decided to have one made by fellow TransCanada Etsy team member rikrak. It is gorgeous and everyone in my family loves it!

We've made these delicious cookies for five years so I think they qualify as a tradition! They have a rich, dark chocolate flavour combined with peppermint candy canes are super easy to make. Mint Chocolate Truffle Cookies 6 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1-3/4 cups flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/3 cup crushed candy canes MICROWAVE chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until well blended after each addition. Add combined flour and baking powder; mix well. (Dough will be very soft.) Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. HEAT oven to 350°F. Roll heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place, 2 inches apart, on greased baking sheets. BAKE 10 to 12 min. or until tops are set. (Do not overbake.) Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy. Cool 1 min. on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Thanks for sharing.

And once again, we remind you that any purchase from paisleybaby's shop or any of the shops of participating members will earn you ballots for our prize draw. Please click the badge below to view the prize, read the rules, and see the list of participating shops.

Time is running out. Tomorrow will be your last day to enter.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

2010-12-01T07:39:00.009-05:00

Huh, I thought I just saw a lord leap by. I must simply be too giddy from the past few days.

Anyway, welcome back, and today we want to introduce you to members rikrak and ellecools.

Kristal of rikrak is located near Toronto, ON. Her very fun shop is filled with eco-friendly patch-work projects.

One of my favourite Christmas memories is our family tradition of handmaking ornaments for the Christmas Tree. Since we were little, our parents always encouraged creativity and handmaking in our home, and especially at Christmas time. Delightfully now, there is a collection of our creations thru the years that grace many family trees: cheerfully lopsided wreaths, adorably handpainted mini-masterpieces; each adorable, unique ornament telling a special story. I LOVE that. Now we happily carry on this tradition with our own little one! I'm already tearfully nostalgic about ornaments our son made just a few years ago! Yay handmade Holidays making great memories!

Now, let's meet Leila of ellecools. look in her shop for fantastic fused glass pendants.

One of my favorite holiday memories is when I use to vend at Queen and John in Toronto on Christmas eve. There was a great energy. I love to be out on the street on Dec 24th when the stress and frenzy is giving way to calm resignation and holiday cheer. These days, I make sure to leave plenty of shopping for Christmas eve!

Thanks for sharing ladies!

Now, remember that purchases from these two shops, plus from any of our other participating members earns you ballots for our great prize draw that is coming up very soon. Also, remember that there are only a few short days left to take advantage of great deals that our members are offering.

Click the badge below to see the prize and how to win it, and how to score a great deal, too.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

2010-11-30T08:56:00.001-05:00

Welcome to day 8. Only a few more short days to go.

Today we meet OffTheHooks and PrairiePeasant.

OffTheHooks is the shop of Ashley from Lethbridge, AB. Ashley creates wearable pieces, housewares, and more from yarns, much of which she dyes and spins herself.

Ashley, like many of us, claims that her favorite part of the holiday is all the food, but also really enjoys bringing a DIY aspect to her holiday season.

I was thinking about how to make the holiday a little more green and did some googling. This website has an extensive listing of DIY gift ideas

http://ecobites.com/green-celebrations/green-christmas-new-year/1239-christmas-a-time-for-green-giving

Now, we meet Laura of PrairiePeasant. Located in Winnipeg, MB, look in her shop for eco-friendly journals, cards and envelopes.

Laura shares this favorite family tradition and recipe.

My family has a Christmas tradition of gathering for the day, beginning mid-morning with breakfast. Since my parents have downsized from their home, my home is often the gathering place now. This year I think I'll be making these German Apple Pancakes for breakfast. I often double the recipe and use a 9x13" glass baking pan for baking. They are delicious! GERMAN APPLE PANCAKE 2-3 apples 3-4 TBSP. butter 1 tsp. cinnamon 3-4 TBSP. sugar 3 eggs 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup milk Additional butter and cinnamon and sugar. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Peel, core and slice apples. Melt 3-4 TBSP. butter in a heavy iron fry pan. (The number of apples and amount of butter is dependent on the size of the apples.) Put sliced apples in the pan and fry for about 5 minutes to soften. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, stir to mix. While apples are frying mix eggs, milk and flour until well blended. Pour batter over fried apples. Place on center rack in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and dot with thin pats of butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar to taste. Return to the oven for another 3 minutes or until the pancake is brown on top. Remove from oven. Serve hot.

It was wonderful to meet these two team members today. Remember that purchases from either of these two shops, or our other participating members will earn you ballots for our prize draw. Click the badge below to learn about the prize and all details for entry. Also, be sure to look for great shop promos.

And remember to join us again tomorrow.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas

2010-11-29T09:26:00.001-05:00

Thank you again for joining us today for the eighth day of Christmas, when we meet two more team members, motivatedmotion and PenelopeKuhn.

Lynn of Newmarket, Ontario is behind motivatedmotion. Look in her shop to find unique jewellery and felted pieces.

Here, Lynn shares her holiday traditions:

The celebrations start on December 21st and continue until January 6th. We encompass the Celtic traditions and begin celebrations on the Winter Solstice. The we celebrate traditional Christmas, and we end by celebrating the Orthodox Christian celebrations continued by the Newfoundlanders as the 12 days of Christmas, taking us to old Christmas Day. During the 12 days of Christmas we may get visits by Mummers. Mummers are folks who visit and entertain with song and dance from house to house in payment of drinks and food.

Now, we meet Penelope of PenelopeKuhn. Penelope hails from Dartmouth, NS and offers custom portraits.

Penelope shares her family traditions with us as well:

For our family Christmas eve was always a big event. We would get dressed up, have fancy hors d'oeuvres and some type of fondu (one time the peanut oil from a meat fondue caught fire and our large globe paper chandelier went up in smoke - that was memorable)! After dinner we'd sing carols. I'm keeping these traditions going with my family, minus the peanut oil fires!

What fun traditions, ladies. Thank you for sharing.

Remember that purchases from either of these shops can help you win a fantastic prize.
Click the badge below to learn how. And come back tomorrow as we meet two more members.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

2010-11-28T10:16:00.002-05:00

Hello again, and welcome to the seventh day of Christmas.

Today we meet team members, stringmealong and tooaquarius.

First, let's meet Carol of stringmealong. Carol now resides near Halifax, Nova Scotia. She crafts jewellery and accessories from a variety of materials.

Carol shares this Christmas memory.

One of my favorite things about Christmas has always been decorating the tree. When we were children, we always went as a family to pick a giant, bushy Scotch Pine. My mother insisted they smelled the best. Unboxing the ornaments year after year brought out more and more memories. We would hang the ornaments that my nana had made from upturned prescription bottles with miniature trees and figures stashed inside. Out came the various school craft projects: a lollipop made from strips of rolled felt; a lopsided stuffed snowman. Eagerly we would grapple for the ornaments that my mom had made with styrofoam balls with strips of velvet rikrak, and various beads pinned in place. They seemed so opulent!
Finally, out would come the "chocolate chip cookies", silver ornaments with streaky dots of blue and purple. Mom would mist over year after year as she lingered over these ornaments, the first ornaments that she and my father ever bought. Years later, all four of the children have one of these oraments to hang with pride of place on our own trees.

Now we meet Elaine of tooaquarius. Elaine is from Swift Current, Saskatchewan and is a crafter of gorgeous polymer clay beads.

Elaine shares this lovely memory of a Christmas past:

My favourite Christmas memory would be the one in second grade. I was still six and we were very poor that year. My mom warned me the holiday season might be a little lean in terms of gifts and extras. Still, we woke up to our little wrapped boxes under the tree and in there was the Cabbage Patch Kid I had been praying for every single day for months. The absolute joy that one doll brought me is still a treasured memory. She's now my daughter's Cabbage Patch Kid and she still makes me grin when I see her.

Thanks for sharing your memories.

Join us again tomorrow as we meet two more of our team members. In the meantime, click the badge below to see how a purchase from RJ, Minouette, or our other participating members can earn you a ballot to win our great prize.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas

2010-11-27T08:36:00.002-05:00

Welcome back. Ready to meet two more of our members?

Today we will meet RJCharms and Minouette.

RJ is from Orangeville, ON. Look in her RJCharms shop for jewelry pieces that feature sweet little charms.

RJ shares a recipe for a delicious sounding gingerbread cake.

I'm a December baby, so my birthday is often a time I gather family to help decorate my tree and house for the holidays. I whipped up this delicious cake last year to share and it was a big hit. Not overly sweet with a strong sense of old style gingerbread. It will definitely be making a holiday appearance chez nous again this year! Gingerbread Cake Ingredients: 2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour 1/4 c. instant espresso powder 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tbsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 c. packed dark brown sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tbsp. peeled and grated fresh ginger {I cut this back by 1/2 tbsp.} 2 c. unsulphured molasses 1 large or 4 small candy canes, crushed {my addition} Melted butter, for greasing pans. Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in center position. Brush the inside of your cake pan with melted butter; dust with flour and tap out excess. 1. In a small bowl, whisk flour, espresso powder, ground ginger. baking powder, salt and pepper. Set aside. 2. Put the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a mixer with paddle attachment; beat on medium-high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Mixture must be very light and fluffy and may take 3 to 4 minutes of beating. 3. Reduce speed to medium and add eggs one at a time, beating on high for 30 seconds to a minute after each egg. The mixture may look curdled, but that's ok. 4. Beat in the fresh ginger and molasses, mixing on medium for 1 to 2 minutes, until completely smooth. 5. With a spatula, fold in dry ingredients, until incorporated. 6. Pour batter into cake pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until top is springy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer cake to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen and unmold. Turn the cake over so it cools right side up. 7. When still slightly warm, top with crushed candy cane. Serve warm or at room temperature. Notes: The original recipe is from Baking with Julia, with only a few tweaks by me.

Now, please meet Ele of Minouette. Ele is from Toronto, ON and her shop is filled with block print and linocut housewares.

What is one of Ele's favorite things about the holidays?

"One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to make cookies! I love sugar cookies, gingerbread and shortbread! Here's a recipe for Whipped Shortbread: 1 cup butter (that's the good part) 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup icing sugar Beat butter with beater until well whipped, gradually adding all ingredients: cornstarch. icing sugar and lastly flour. Drop by the teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 320 degrees F for 15 minutes.

Well, I must now get baking. Both of these recipes sound delicious!

Join us again tomorrow as we meet two more of our team members. In the meantime, click the badge below to see how a purchase from RJ, Minouette, or our other participating members can earn you a ballot to win our great prize.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

2010-11-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Fifth Day of Christmas, this is the day when typically everyone sings "... five golden rings" in an off tune warble.

As we recover from that attempted high note, let's take a moment to remind you about the prize that you could win.

There are two ways to win.
1) Simply make a purchase from one of our participating shops. For every $10 spent you will earn one ballot.
2) Write a letter to Santa in our blog's comments. Tell us what items you would love to receive from one of our shops.

Click the badge below to find the complete list of participating shops, plus some great deals and discounts. And remember to join us again everyday until Dec 3 for fun stories, traditions and recipes from our members.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

2010-11-25T10:49:00.003-05:00

Welcome back!! Would you like to meet two more of our fabulous team members? Well, you're in luck as today we meet, bnazar and mythicalmatters.

Brigitte, of bnazar, is one of the team's newest members. Located in Startford, Ontario, Brigitte uses buttons as her chosen medium for creating wonderful jewellery, magnets and wine charms.

And with a big turkey feast in many of our sights, Brigitte offers up her Grandma Davidson's Sage Dressing. She assures us: whether it's used as stuffing or cooked in a foil packet beside the bird the smell and taste are irresistible. Even to the vegetarians in my family. It even won in a Thanksgiving dressing cook off with one of my close friends. Grandma Davidson's Sage Dressing For 4 cup. My Mum makes approximately 1 cup for each pound of turkey. 4 cups soft crumbs 1/4 cup butter (or less) 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 1 tsp sage Melt the butter. Add the celery, onion and seasonings. Cook until onions are soft. Add to crumbs 2 or 2 tbsp at a time. Use as stuffing or bake at 325F for an hour in foil. Variations: My Mum uses white crumbs and finely chops the veggies. I prefer whole wheat or rye and a more coarsely chopped mix. Both are delicious!

Thanks for sharing, Brigitte.
Next we meet Storm and Shadow of MythicalMatters. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, MythicalMatters is home to bath and body products, as well as room sprays.

Storm and Shadow have provided us today with a brief lesson on where some of our favorite traditions originated:

While we were developing our Smells Like A Christmas Tree Spray we sought out as much as we could about the ancient history of the Christmas tree. This involved collecting as many books as we could and now we're quite thrilled to share with you a custom from Ancient Europe that sure sounds like a Christmas tree to us! During winter solstice the ancient Druids would do a wonderful thing. They would head out into the forest and find some wonderfully majestic oaks and firs. With what we imagine was a night full of magic and ritual, they would proceed to tie apples upon apples to the branches of oaks and firs as a thank you to the god Odin for his blessings to them throughout the year. Good for them for showing some gratitude! They would also make cakes shaped like fish, birds and other animals, and leave them as offering around the trees. This would probably really help out the local fauna in the dead of winter when food is so scarce - so it's win win! And finally, in the midst of the frozen night, they would fill the boughs of the trees with lighted candles for the god Balder. What a wonderful way to spend the solstice - on December 21, we're going to find a tree in the forest, and decorate it with food for our local animals. Can't think of a better tree trimming night! (The Solstice Evergreen, by Sheryl Ann Karas)

Remember that any purchase from either of these shops will earn you ballots for our Grand Prize draw. Click the badge below to read all the details.

Join us again tomorrow as the 12 days of Christmas continues.

On the Third Day of Christmas

2010-11-24T10:21:00.005-05:00

Welcome to our third day of Christmas.

Today we give you an opportunity to meet with two of our team members: Pixel8ed and myhandboundbooks.

Nadine is the talented Canadian behind Pixel8ed. Located in St John, New Brunswick, her shop features pretty cards and gorgeous marble coasters.

Nadine shares this treasured Christmas memory.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions was started by my Mom. I had little experience with death, however when I was 12 my cousin of the same age passed. As Christmas drew nearer I realized how hard it was going to be to pass the first season without him around. My Mom, being the smart woman she is, went out and purchased a small angel ornament, which she hung on the tree and said would represent him and look down on us as we celebrated. Such a small gesture that meant a lot to a young girl. As the years passed and we lost other loved ones we slowly added to the angels on the tree. They are stored in their own special box and they are the first ornaments to be added. Since I've moved out I've continued the tradition myself and I have a special box of carefully selected angel ornaments that are the first to grace the branches of the tree.

What a beautiful Christmas tradition. Thank you for sharing this with us, Nadine.

Next we meet Rhonda of myhandboundbooks and mymarbledpapers. Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, myhandboundbooks is home to a collection of wonderfully constructed journals, many of which feature Rhonda's own marbled papers.

Today, Rhonda shares both a tradition and a recipe for gingerbread cookies.
1/2 c shortening
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c molasses
1/4 c water
2 1/2 c flour
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp baking soda

Cream shortening and sugar. Blend in molasses, water, flour, salt, soda, and spices. Cover and chill for a couple hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough to 1/4" thick. Cut cookie shapes and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.

And this is my mother's standby recipe for gingerbread cookies and it is the one that I have used for several years for making gingerbread houses. It makes very tasty cookies and it makes very sturdy building material too. I plan out the houses using paper cutouts and when the dough is rolled out, use the paper templates to cut the walls, turrets, balconies, roof tiles, etc. If you want to try this, roll the dough directly onto the baking sheet, cut the large walls and simply remove the extra bits from around the edges - so you don't have to actually try to transfer large floppy wall pieces up from the counter onto your baking sheet! And when they come out of the oven, if you think you might have to trim it to accommodate for any malformations caused during baking, do the trimming while it is still warm (if you wait until it's cold, you might crack the whole wall!)

Rhonda was even kind enough to share photos of past Gingerbread creations:

Remember that purchases from either of these shops will earn you ballots for our prize draw. Click the badge below for all the details.

Tune in again tomorrow to meet two more of our participating shops.

On the Second Day of Christmas

2010-11-23T08:52:00.006-05:00

If you haven't heard yet, the Trans-Canada Etsy Team has its own team shop. In our shop's little corner of etsy, you will find selections from our team members.

The team shop is a great place to begin your holiday shopping. Whether you are looking for a gift for your favorite Canadian, or hoping to deck your halls, you can find it here.

Canada Leaf - a fused glass pendant from ellecools, now available for sale in the TransCanada team shop.

An eco-friendly felt stocking in festive red and ivory, from rikrak, also now available in our shop.

Remember that any purchase from the TransCanada team shop will earn you ballots for our grand prize draw. For full details, click the badge below.

Tune in tomorrow as we meet a few of our team members, and hear what they just love about the holidays.

On the First Day of Christmas

2010-11-22T08:00:00.004-05:00

HoHoHo!!!

Welcome to the Trans-Canada Etsy Team's Second Annual "12 Days of Christmas" promotion.
We could not be more pleased to have you join us again as we kick off the start of the holiday season. There is a great line-up of shops taking part this year, including some of our newest members.

This year's shops are:

RJCharms - Buy 3 Get One FREE (Indicate free choice at checkout – do not include it in your cart! Free item must of equal or lesser value to all purchased items. Promo offer is valid until Dec. 3 on new transactions only, and can not be combined with other offers.)

MyHandBoundBooks - Free Shipping on almost everything.

Pixel8ed - 15% off all items for the duration of our promo.

minouette - Check out Minouette's Sale Section, with free shipping on many of the items.

bnazar - 10% off orders of $20 or more (not including shipping)- refund through paypal or convo for an adjustment before purchasing. Quote "TCET Holiday" to receive the discount.

mythicalmatters - 10% off and a free Fortune Telling Miracle Fish!

tooaquarius - Free Shipping!

stringmealong - Save 20% when you enter coupon code TCET12DAYS. Also, free international shipping on most items.

motivatedmotion - Motivated Motion has many of its stock on sale. Savings of 10-25% are reflected in the description, and the items are already reduced for our customers convenience.

PenelopeKuhn - Receive 25 personalized note cards FREE with any custom portrait order!

offthehooks

prairiepeasant and prairiethreads - 10% off all items in either shop before shipping. Just state "12daysTCET" in the message to seller at checkout, and you will get a refund for the discount through Paypal.

rikrak - 15% off any purchase during the promotion. Enter the coupon code "2010HandmadeHolidays" during the Etsy check out process.

ellecools - 20% off all items in shop from November 22 through December 3. Mention '12 Days' in convo, email or comments, before or after purchase, and receive a 20% discount or refund. Free international shipping as always.

paisleybaby - 15% off the entire shop! Please use coupon code "PBABY15" at checkout.

TCET team shop

Join us over the next 11 days as the participating shops share some of their favorite things about Christmas.

And, now for the most exciting part of this event!! We once again have a fabulous prize package filled to brimming with exciting gifts from all the shops listed above.

There are two ways to win:
1) Make a purchase from any of the shops above and for every $10 spent per shop, you will receive a ballot.
2) Write a letter to Santa, telling him which item/s from our shops you would like to find under your tree this year. Just type it into our blog's comments.

We will draw for the prize on Dec 6th.

Remember to check back daily for lots more fun. And thank you for visiting with us today.

It's Official...

2010-11-21T07:23:00.002-05:00

"The 12 Days Of Christmas" is now an annual TCET promotion. We had such a great time last year with this promotion that we decided to do it again.

Join us tomorrow for the official kick-off where we will reveal our fantastic prize package and share the list of partipating shops. We also plan to whet your appetite for some of the best handcrafted Canadian items by announcing some great shop promotions.

And once again, team members will be entering our member confessional, where they will tell us about their favorite holiday memories, traditions and more. Check back daily, starting tomorrow until Friday, Dec 3.

Red for Remembrance - Winner

2010-11-15T23:32:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Emma, DarlingDilemma, who received the most votes in our Red for Remembrance challenge. You are hereby awarded the TCET Challenge Winner Badge to display proudly.

Emma won this challenge with her gorgeous Phoenix Fire and Ash Beaded Necklace.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the challenge, and to everyone who voted. We will select a theme for our next challenge from the comments during the challenge - stay tuned to find out if we pick your suggestion!

Vote for your favorite - Red for Remembrance

2010-11-11T07:49:00.005-05:00

Our team members were invited to submit their creative projects for a team challenge, with the theme "Red for Remembrance". Click on each photo to get a full description and more photos. Then vote for your favorite using the poll below. Also please take a few minutes to remember our heroes today and everyday.

Voting will continue until the evening of Nov 15th. Whoever receives the most votes will be awarded the Trans Canada Etsy Team Challenge Winner Badge.

We also want your suggestions for future challenges. If you have an idea for a theme that we should try, please leave a comment to tell us. We will select one of the suggestions for the next round.

A. Peace Poppies Journal
by PrairiePeasant

B.Fingerless Gloves
by OfftheHooks

C. Earth Peace Zippered Pouch
by PaisleyBaby

D. Weekend Bag
by Crysto

E. Poppies Linocut
by Minouette

F. Fire and Ash Necklace
by DarlingDilemma

G. Eco Felt Stocking
by rikrak

H. Red Rose Earrings
by DesignedbyRJ

I. Button Poppy brooch
by bnazar

J. Sculpted Poppy beads
by tooaquarius

Musings of a TransCanada Etsy Team Newbie

2010-11-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

Last month I joined my very first Etsy team: The TransCanada Etsy Team. Although I'd been selling on Etsy for almost a year, the teams section was still one many Etsy mysteries to me.

Here’s how it happened. I was fortunate enough to join a fantastic promotions thread early on in my Etsy career. It was one of my many friends there who, sensing my desire to participate in the Etsy community, suggested that TCET might be the right fit for me.

I'd heard of the team through the thread and through participating in their fantastic Handmade in Canada Day Party so I was definitely intrigued. I like to meet other Etsy sellers, to participate in the Etsy community and I'm interested in learning about and supporting the handmade arts community across Canada too. So I decided to join.

A quick convo to the membership coordinator and I was on my way. The joining process was quite simple. I filled out a questionnaire that confirmed that I was willing to be an active member of the team, paid my membership fee (the small fee that helps to cover the contest prizes, shipping, and advertising this active team does) and was officially invited to join the team.

Buttons make fun brooches.

I was worried it would be intimidating learning the ropes but it's been anything but. The team members have been quick to answer questions along the way and in a few short weeks I'm already: Posting my photos in the flickr group. Participating in the November Team Challenge. Signing up to be involved in the 12 Days of Christmas contest and the Secret Santa exchange. And blogging on the team blog too!

I recently attended my first team meeting, another Etsy first for me. I'd never been in a Virtual Lab before. It was very apparent from the meeting that this is a team that likes to get things done. Much ground was covered in a short period of time and in a respectful and friendly manner.

Nothing says celebration like fun wine charms.

I think I'm going to be very happy as a member of this team. I'm learning a lot and enjoying all of the new opportunities to participate with this group. The team is now accepting new members. If you think this team might be the right fit for you, contact the membership coordinator at: transcanada.etsy@gmail.com

November is here

2010-11-04T15:11:00.024-04:00

November has begun. For the Trans-Canada Etsy Team, November brings changes. We're excited to see that Etsy has introduced their new Teams feature, and we're just starting to settle into the new on-line home they've made for us. We have our November - Red for Rememberance Challenge. Here in Canada, in November, the temperature drops, the leaves fall, and we start to think of winter. Here are some great items from coast-to-coast, which remind me of late autumn.

Get a pop-up book of raking leaves A Time for Patience - An Autumn Pop-up Book by MyHandboundBooks

Winter is a time for parties. Be prepared with the Snowflake Button Wine Charms Mixed Set of 8 by bnazar

It's time to bundle in warm textiles, like this Felted Wool Cuff Bracelet.by fiveforty

Bundle yourself, your pet, and even your tea pot, in cozy hand knit items from OffTheHooks, like the Buttercup. Autumn Tea Cozy

"It is all about the moodiness of a season - those days where a mild day leads to a crisp cold night." Wear the Moonlight and Ice - A Necklaceby stringmealong

Let the colours around you be your guide and wear the Autumn Skies Chunky Polymer Clay Bracelet by Chicki

Or let nature inspire and wear Nature - Pine Cone Charm Earrings. by rjcharms

Wood smoke makes me think of fall. Enjoy the scent of Smells Like A Campfire Body And Room Spray by mythicalmatters

If autumn inspires craftiness, be prepared with the Autumn Orange Pumpkin Polymer Clay Cane E346 by claychicks

As the leaves fall, wear the Original Photograph - Tree Pendant by mybellebijoux

Team Challenge - Red for Remembrance

2010-10-27T08:46:00.005-04:00

Try to spend a few extra minutes remembering our heroes as we prepare for the next team challenge. The theme is "Red for Remembrance" and the deadline is November 10th. Have your item listed in your Etsy shop and send the link to MyHandboundBooks via Etsy Convo by the end of the day on the 10th.

On November 11th, the entries will be posted here on the blog and voting will begin. The item with the most votes will receive the TCET Challenge Winner Badge to display proudly.

East Coast Representing

2010-10-20T09:53:00.005-04:00

The Trans-Canada Etsy Team is thrilled to welcome a few new members to the group, all from Canada's eastern provinces!

First up we have Allison of Just Say It our of Saint John's, Newfoundland, whose shop is full of quirky and kitschy badges and magnets!

Not to be confused with Saint John, New Brunswick, from which we welcome Emma or Darling Dilemma. Emma creates beautiful beaded jewelry, and currently has a rocking sale on!

And another big welcome to Crystal-Lynn of Crysto', also out of Newfoundland! Crystal-Lynn's shop is full of beautiful handmade handbags and other sewn fabric goodies.

A big welcome to all our new crafty ladies! Be sure to hop on by their shops and check out their fabulous work!

Autumn Memories - Winner

2010-10-07T14:31:00.007-04:00

Defending her title from last year's Fall challenge, is Bev with her leather journal, winner of our Autumn Memories challenge! You are hereby awarded the TCET Challenge Winner Badge to display proudly.

Congratulations to Bev of lapaperie.Etsy.com!

View poll results below.
Stay tuned for details on the next challenge.

Autumn Memories - Vote for your Favorite

2010-10-01T08:48:00.016-04:00

Our team members have created the following items to reflect the challenge theme, "Autumn Memories." Now we invite everyone to pick a favorite! Click on each picture to see more photos and read a full description. Then come back and vote using the poll below. The artisan who receives the most votes will be awarded the "TCET Challenge Winner" badge! Voting will continue for one week, closing on Oct 7th.

We would also like to get some ideas for our next challenge so if you have a theme suggestion, please leave a comment and tell us. We will select one of your suggestions for the next challenge.

A. Life Moments Coasters
by pixel8ed

B. MOD DOG Hand Knit Cowl
by OffTheHooks

C. Piecing the Harvest Journal
by Prairie Peasant

D. Autumn Memories Leather Journal
by lapaperie

E. Halloween Kids Zippered Pouch
by zigzagstitches

F. Autumn Leaves Journal
by MyHandboundBooks

Thank you!
Remember to leave a comment and tell us what theme we should use for our next challenge!

Team Challenge - Autumn Memories

2010-09-07T19:46:00.005-04:00

September has arrived and soon it will be the first day of Autumn! We are going to have a team challenge to produce something creative this month and the theme is: Autumn Memories.

If you want to participate, just have your creation ready by the end of the month and add it to your Etsy shop. Send a link to your Etsy shop listing, to me (Rhonda, MyHandboundBooks) via Etsy convo by the end of the day on September 30th. The next day, all of the entries will be posted here on the blog so that our blog readers can vote for their favorite. The winning entry will be awarded the "Trans Canada Etsy Team Challenge Winner" badge and the creator can use the badge in her Etsy shop or on her blog.

The next challenge theme will be determined by our blog readers! During the voting for this challenge, our blog readers will be invited to leave us a comment to suggest a theme for the next challenge and we'll select a winner at random.

Great Items, Great Prices!

2010-09-03T13:49:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love a sale?! Check out these great items from Trans Canada team members, all are currently on sale!

{Rhubarb Rose Chalcedony Pearl Necklace by Five Forty}

{Creamsicle Soapsicle by Carvel Country Soaps}

{Sweetheart Earrings by Chicki}

{Naughty Cow Whipped Buttercream Pink Sugar Typen by Bovine Bubbles}

The Winners!!

2010-07-02T15:20:00.002-04:00

All the votes have been entered from our Handmade in Canada Party and the lucky winners have been drawn!

Drumroll please........

The lucky winner of the Team Goodie Bag, is treasure hunter, thelittlereddoor.

Congratulations!!

And the winner of the grand prize - the gorgeous woven rug crafted by fiveforty, is: Luv2Have.

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to both of our winners. And thank you once again to everyone who shopped Canadian and Handmade over the past week.

Final Day of the Party

2010-07-01T07:37:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind week this has been - a cross-country trip with visits to so many of our friends!! What fun!!

We hope you enjoyed our Handmade in Canada party. Now, don't be sad that its almost over. There is still one more day to take advantage of all the promotions and sales in our participating shops.

AND... even more exciting, you still have chances to win the two fabulous prizes on offer.

The Grand Prize is a woven T-shirt rug. Using T-shirts collected by her teammates, Pegg of fiveforty, has crafted this incredible rug. It has been woven out of T-shirts supplied by our team members. The colours red and white represent the colours of the Canada flag, with the black representing the stretch of TransCanada highway that links us all from east to west, and for which our team was named.

You can win this rug by shopping with any of the participating shops. (Just look back over the last few days to see who they are, and to read some fun tidbits about them, too.) All purchasers will receive one ballot per every $10 spent, per shop. Be sure to check out our team shop, where you can sample a selection of items from an even larger selection of our members. Purchases from the team shop also count toward the Grand Prize draw.

Our second prize is a fabulous goodie bag, home to a variety of gifts donated by the participating members. The value of this gift stands at approximately $225.00.

To be eligible to win this prize, play our treasure hunt. One of the following symbols (a Maple Leaf, a Canadian beaver, a Tim Horton's coffee cup, or hockey sticks) is hidden in each of the particpating shops. Find them and convo stringmealong to tell her how many of each you were able to find. If you are correct, you will earn a ballot for the draw.

Our contests close at midnight tonight. We will draw for both of these prizes tomorrow.

Many, many wishes from the TransCanada Etsy team for a HAPPY CANADA DAY! And thank you to everyone who shopped our shops, and hunted for treasure over the course of our Party. We hope you had as much fun as we did.

Handmade in Canada - Central and West

2010-06-30T07:12:00.000-04:00

Our party ends today as we travel through the Prairies to meet TooAquarius and into the West to meet CarvelCountrySoapworks.

Swift Current, Saskatchewan is home to Elaine of TooAquarius and ClayChicks. These shops are home to beautiful and intricately crafted polymer beads and jewellery.

Elaine would love to have the opportunity to meet Canadian authour, Margaret Atwood.

I'd love to go have a poutine with Margaret Atwood. I'm not sure how much more Canadian I could get then a nice bit of comfort food with one of my favourite Canadian authors!

As a special bonus, Elaine is offering Free Shipping in both of my shops and she promises to tuck in a bit of Canada themed goodness as an extra treat!

Now, we cross into Alberta. Take a moment to gaze at the Rocky Mountains before meeting Krysta of CarvelCountrySoapworks. As you might guess, CarvelCountrySoapworks offers handmade soaps, scrubs, lotions, and other tempting bath and body treats.

Krysta would love to meet hockey great, and former Edmonton Oiler, Wayne Gretzky.

How amazing would it be to meet Wayne Gretzky and go for an old fashioned skate on a homemade backyard rink? I think my 3 kids would agree this would be pretty cool.

Be sure to visit CarvelCountrySoapWorks to take advantage of a 15% off discount - to be refunded through paypal. Be sure to add the discount code *TCET Promo* at checkout.

Today is the last day to take advantage of the generous offers of our team members. Remember that any purchase made by midnight (EST) tonight will also earn you ballots in the Grand Prize Draw to win the gorgeous Canada rug from fiveforty.

And, it is also last call to search our participating shops to look for the symbols that can earn you our goodie bag, filled with goodies donated by the team members, and valued at approximately $250.00.

Click the badge below for all the details regarding rules and to view the prizes.

Thank you for joining us this past week, and for supporting your Canadian crafters and artists.

Happy Canada Day from the TransCanada Etsy Team.

Handmade in Canada - Central Canada

2010-06-29T07:15:00.000-04:00

The party carries on as today we enter Central Canada - Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Meet PrairiePeasant and Chicki.

First stop, Winnipeg, home to Laura of PrairiePeasant. The PrairiePeasant shop is home to handbound journals, with covers made of up-cycled papers, fabrics and other materials.

Laura has chosen a classic Canadian literary character as someone she would love to meet.

I would like to meet the fictional Anne Shirley, also known as Anne of Green Gables. She had enough drive and spunk and honesty to share with everyone. I'm sure she would make any event interesting, and would probably have some ideas to boost my creative energy.

As a special party favour, PrairiePeasant is offering free shipping to Canadian destinations for the duration of the promotion.

Now into Sasketchewan, where we meet, Tina of Chicki. In Chicki's shop you will find gorgeous metal and bead jewellery and polymer clay pieces.

Tina would love to have the opportunity to meet singer/songwriter, Sarah McLachlan.

There are so many great Canadians and I am truly proud to be Canadian. One such talented and artistic Canadian I would love to meet would be Sarah McLachlan. I admire her work and am a fan of her amazing music. I would love to meet her and talk with her about her work and philanthropy over a cup of Tim's coffee. To me Timmies is a truly Canadian tradition.

Be sure to check out the sale section in Chicki's shop.

Remember that all purchases in any of our participating shops also earn you ballots for the grand prize draw - a gorgeous rug woven by fiveforty.

Click the badge below for more details.

Handmade in Canada - West and North Ontario

2010-06-28T06:51:00.000-04:00

Ontario seems to be an exciting place for crafting. Today, we move on across the province, introducing you to our final two Ontario team-members: jenmerritt and fiveforty.

JenMerritt, of Chatham is a designer of handmade scarves, totes and accessories.

Jen has a great dream date lined up with CBC media personality, Jian Ghomeshi.

I'm big time crushin' on Jian Ghomeshi - that smart, sophisticated, witty voice of Q and hero of the CBC. We would go berry picking. And discover some unique form of banana berry or something that would be TOTALLY newsworthy!

Visit JenMerritt to take advantage of a 50% discount on all pre-made items.

We are now off to the northern edge of Lake Superior, to Terrace Bay where we meet Pegg Campbell of fiveforty. As you may know, Pegg is the designer behind our grand prize rug. What a beauty... and there are many more for purchase in her shop. She also designs beautiful jewelry and suncatchers using a vast variety of beads, many of which are eco-friendly options.

Pegg has a fabulous date dreamed up, with none other than Canadian children's entertainer, The Friendly Giant. (Wonder if I could tag along for this date?)

We would bake butter tarts together while he read me a story from the book bag! Of course, Rusty the Rooster and Gerome the Giraffe could come along too!

Remember that all purchases in any of our participating shops also earn you ballots for the grand prize draw - a gorgeous rug woven by fiveforty.

Clickthe badge below for more details.

Handmade in Canada - Ontario

2010-06-27T07:16:00.000-04:00

Lingering for a little while longer in Ontario, today we meet two more of our team-members: ellecools and motivatedmotion.

Leila Cools is the designer of ellecools very cute, fused glass pendants. She resides in Toronto.

Her dream meeting with a famous Canadian involves singer/songwriter, Leonard Cohen.

I'd really like to hang out a bit more with Leonard Cohen. Ha, ha, ha. No, I just met him once at his concert. After 3 hours of amazing music, he just stuck around and chatted for ages with his 'guests'. What activity would we take part in on our meet-up? Whatever he wanted!

Take note - ellecools always offers free worldwide shipping for my pendants and earrings. She also has several pendants that are on sale with a 20% discount.

Now, on to Orangeville, just a short drive away from Orangeville, where we meet up with Lynn Tucker of motivatedmotion. In her shop you will find a variety of handcrafted items, including needle-felted critters, steampunk jewelry and more.

We had to ask Leonard Cohen to free his schedule, because he is going to meeting with Lynn as well.

If I had a chance to meet one famous Canadian, it would be Leonard Cohen. I would love to do a jamming and writing session.

You will be interested to know that there is a sale on at motivatedmotion until July 1st. Almost everything is 10-25% off - no coupon codes required. PLUS, she has an ongoing sneaky shopper promo, which gives you great discounts on shipping.

Remember that all purchases in any of our participating shops also earn you ballots for the grand prize draw - a gorgeous rug woven by fiveforty.

Click the badge below for more details.

Handmade in Canada - Ottawa and Toronto

2010-06-26T06:17:00.000-04:00

The party leaves the Atlantic Coast and heads to Ontario. We are stopping today in Ottawa, our nation's capital, before heading on to the urban hustle and bustle of Toronto.

In Ottawa, we meet up with lively crafter rikrak. In the rikrak shop you can expect to find a colourful assortment of one of a kind & limited edition modern, sustainable, eco-friendly patchwork projects.

If rikrak was to take a break from her busy sewing schedule, she would love to have the chance to spend an enlightening afternoon with this famous Canadian:

"I'd especially love to visit with the inspiring humanitarian, community activist and philosopher Jean Vanier. I have been much moved by his amazing work for many years, and I'd love to have an afternoon to sit peacefully by a beautiful canadian summer lake and talk with him."

Rikrak would also like you to know that as a special treat for our readers, she is offering 25% off all purchases, with the promo code *summer!* This offer is good until midnight July 1st.

Now on to Toronto, where we meet RJCharms. RJ uses a fantastic selection of charms, mixed with a colourful selection beads to create whimsical jewellery designs and bookmarks.

RJ would love to let her taste buds be tempted by this tasty Canadian:

"I'd love to meet Ricardo Larrivée {from the Food network}, to cook a meal alongside him and then of course enjoy the efforts!"

At RJCharms, you will always find free shipping to Canada and the US. As a special treat, for the duration of our promo, RJCharms will also include a sweet keyring with all purchases over $25.

Remember that all purchases in any of our participating shops also earn you ballots for the grand prize draw - a gorgeous rug woven by fiveforty.

Click the badge below for more details.

Handmade In Canada - Nova Scotia

2010-06-25T07:09:00.002-04:00

We are starting our Cross-Canada tour near the Atlantic, where we will meet two Halifax area sellers, SeaGlassDesigns and stringmealong.

Rita Laidlaw of SeaGlassDesigns makes perfect use of her coastal location. Offered in her shop are one of a kind jewellery designs featuring seaglass found on the beaches of Nova Scotia, or silver pieces inspired by the seaside.

Rita says that if given the choice to meet and share a day with a famous Canadian, she would spend the day with authour Margaret Atwood.
We could drink pots of tea and she could tell me all about herself.

StringMeAlong is another of the TCET's jewellery shops. Carol, the designer, uses a mix of colourful glass, lucite, and various other natural and man-made materials, to create fun and fresh jewellery.

Her dream is to meet scientist, activist, and authour David Suzuki.

David Suzuki has made the science of the natural world fascinating for as long as I can remember. I admire his commitment to environmentalism, and he has greatly inspired me to be more thoughtful in my approach to daily life. If ever I had the chance to meet him, I would discuss with him how I could do more to lessen my impact.

Stringmealong is offering 25% off all orders (excluding shipping) for the duration of the promotion. Add promo code *TCET Summer* in the notes to seller.

Remember that all purchases in any of our participating shops also earn you ballots for the grand prize draw - a gorgeous rug woven by fiveforty.

Click the badge below for more details.

You Are Cordially Invited to the ....

2010-06-24T06:30:00.001-04:00

Handmade in Canada Party, hosted by the TransCanada Etsy team, and just in time for Canada Day!

Join us over the next seven days as we travel from east to west, to introduce you to the following TransCanada Team Members:

seaglassdesigns, stringmealong, rikrak, rjcharms, ellecools, jenmerritt, motivatedmotion, fiveforty, chicki, tooaquarius, PrairiePeasant, CarvelCountrySoaps, TransCanadaTeam.

*Be sure to click each of the links above to check for special offers and promotions.*

To add to the excitement, everyone will have a chance to win one of two amazing prizes.

The Grand Prize is a woven T-shirt rug. Using T-shirts collected by her teammates, Pegg of fiveforty, has crafted this incredible rug. It has been woven out of T-shirts supplied by our team members. The colours red and white represent the colours of the Canada flag, with the black representing the stretch of highway that links us all from east to west, and which our team was name for.

You can win this rug by shopping with any of the participating shops listed above. All purchasers will receive one ballot per every $10 spent, per shop. Be sure to check out our team shop, where you can sample a selection of items from an even larger selection of our members. Purchases from the team shop also count toward the Grand Prize draw.

Our second prize is a fabulous goodie bag, home to a variety of gifts donated by the participating members. The value of this gift stands at approximately $225.00.

To be eligible to win this prize, play our treasure hunt. One of the following symbols (a Maple Leaf, a Canadian beaver, a Tim Horton's coffee cup, or hockey sticks) is hidden in each of the particpating shops. Find them and convo stringmealong to tell her how many of each you were able to find. If you are correct, you will earn a ballot for the draw.

Our contests close at midnight EST on July 1 (Canada Day). We will draw for both of these prizes on July 2nd. Stay tuned for fun and enlightening interviews with the TCET members, special offers from the shops, and be sure to enter to win these great prizes.

Now for Something a Little Different....

2010-06-21T18:15:00.004-04:00

Today, the TransCanada Etsy Team would like to introduce you to a fantastic group of fellow Canadians.... another etsy team, EtsyAlberta.

The Etsy Alberta Street Team is made up of members who either live in or have a connection to Alberta. They currently have 185 members with a total of 207 Etsy shops ranging from accessories to vintage and every category in between. It is their goal to create an online community that is supportive, helpful and fun. They are interested in promoting each other, sharing advice and experience, chatting about their shops and lives, and running successful events and projects. For a complete list of Alberta Team member shops, you can visit the team blog.... http://www.etsyalberta.blogspot.com/.

You can also find them here.....
Etsy: Search “Alberta Team” or visit our team profile page, http://team.etsy.com/profilest/ab.shtml
Twitter: #EtsyAB
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=96684478126
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/etsyalbertastreetteam/
Window Shopping Feature: http://www.nordinfarms.com/blog/albertateam.php5

For the next week, EtsyAlberta will be joining the TransCanada etsy team in an attempt to excite the world about Handmade in Canada crafts. EtsyAlberta will be running a team event with fun giveaways and promos. Check out their blog for all the details.

In the meantime, stay tuned tomorrow as the TCET team kicks off our own fun and excitement.... just in time for Canada Day!

Team Shop Feature: Prairie Peasant

2010-06-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

New in the Trans Canada Team Shop are these Oh Canada Map Envelopes by Prairie Peasant.

Laura makes books and other paper products from a variety of recycled materials, such as discarded vintage atlases, old unwanted books and more. She handmakes all of her goods in her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba and loves "transforming something that might otherwise end up in a landfill into something beautiful, functional, and one-of-a-kind".

You can also visit Laura on her blog and on twitter!

Team Shop Feature: jenmerritt

2010-05-31T09:48:00.002-04:00

New in the Trans Canada Team Shop is this original 5 x 7 painting by jenmerritt.

This sweet apple painting is the first in a series of inspirational sparkly fruit. Jenmerritt is not only a painter, she also works with repurposed yard, vintage buttons and other reclaimed materials. In her shop you'll find pottery, jewelry, upcycled sewn accessories, vintage items, and of course original artwork!

You can also visit jenmerritt on her blog.

Team Shop Feature: Off the Hooks

2010-05-17T16:52:00.004-04:00

New in the Trans Canada Team Shop is this beautiful skein of hand-painted local Angora and Merino yarn by Off the Hooks.

Ashley runs a one-woman fibre studio in the prairies of Alberta. She's developed an eco-friendly dyeing process that doesn't use harsh chemicals, but still gives deep, vibrant permanent colours! Because Ashley does small-batch dyeing, most of her yarns are OOAK {One of A Kind!}, so if you see one you like, act fast!

You can also visit Ashely at the Off the Hooks blog.

Sales, Specials & Giveaways

2010-05-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

Shop Canadian, Shop Handmade and Save! Check out these Canadian shops by our members for great savings and fun events!

MyHandboundBooks
Save 15% on your order!
All TCET blog readers can save 15% on any order from MyHandboundBooks. Just mention the "TCET Special Offer" when you order and wait for a revised invoice before paying.

OffTheHooks
Winter Clearance Sale!
Stock up on discounted hand-knit and crocheted items for next winter when you visit OffTheHooks.Etsy.com.

Team Shop Feature: My Handbound Books

2010-04-29T17:36:00.003-04:00

New in the Trans Canada Team shop this week is this Honey yellow Handbound Leather Journal by Rhonda of My Handbound Books:

Rhonda has been making books for several years, ever since taking her first bookbinding course. She's currently focusing on historic book structures from the Medieval and Renaissance eras and is member of the Canadian Bookbinders and Books Artists Guild, as well as the Pacific Center for the Book Arts.

I can personally attest that Rhonda does fabulous work, as I've been using one of her journals as a book diary for the past couple of years! The craftsmanship is fabulous, and the leather is so supple... it's such a treat to write in it!

Pop on by the Trans Canada Team shop to learn more about the Honey Yellow Journal, and browse all the other fabulous Canadian-made items on offer!

Team Shop Feature

2010-04-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

New in our shop this week are these (luscious!) Lush. Gemstone Bauble Earrings made by Nicole of DesignedbyRJ:

Nicole has been making jewelry for 10 years, and joined Etsy shortly after its inception. In her DesignedbyRJ shop you'll find earrings to suit every personality, little bittie earrings, and beautiful jewelry pieces to wear around your neck or wrist.

To read more about Nicole and her jewelry endeavors, recent nuptials, home renovations, and culinary adventures, check out her blog, A Life Designed, by RJ.

Congratulations to MyHandboundBooks!

2010-04-02T16:17:00.002-04:00

The wonderfully apt and whimsical In like a Lion, Out like a Lamb - recycled journal by MyHandboundBooks won the March 'In like a lion, out like a lamb' challenge! Using all recycled or repurposed materials she created a one of a kind journal featuring a front cover showing the Lion, who had a "green and yellow tie on" and a back covers shows the farmer's boy and his "master's lambs." The pages in this journal are all "found" papers saved from the recycling bin including blank and lined paper from discarded notebooks, used business envelopes, posters, brochures, covers from old sketchbooks, misprints from the computer printer and photocopier, outdated calendar pages, tyvek envelopes, etc.

Dimensions:
Book size is about 6¼" x 4¼" and 1" thick (16cm x 10.5cm x 2.5cm).

Structure:
The journal is handbound with an exposed spine. The sewing is a blanket stitch, sewn with green linen thread. There are 224 pages (when you count both sides of each sheet).

In like a lion, out like a lamb - March challenge!

2010-03-24T18:59:00.024-04:00

Has March fit the old adage, "in like a lion, out like a lamb" where you are? It's looking pretty lovely out there right now, where I am. The Trans-Canada Etsy challenge for March theme or lions and lambs produced some great entries. Vote for your favorite below!

A. In like a Lion, Out like a Lamb - recycled journal by MyHandboundBooks

B. Lions and Zebras Pillow by minouette

C. Here Come The Lions Mini Journal by PrairiePeasant

D. Handmade Lion Cufflinks by Enthral

E. Stroller Blanket in Java Brown Jungle Jam and Sage Green Chenille by paisleybaby

F. Boxy Bag Zippered Pouch - Sheepby zigzagstitches

G. Snake and Leaf arm (lambswool) warmers by inkyspider

H. HAITI CHILDREN'S RELIEF FUND - Baaad Sheep - Zipper Pouch by louloubelle

I. Woolies - Cute Sheep Charm Stitch Markers (6mm). FREE SHIPPING US/CANADA by rjchams

World Water Day

2010-03-22T14:29:00.007-04:00

March 22nd is World Water Day, an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The Trans-Canada Etsy Team thought we would use some watery creations to illustrate, and bring a little attention to the issue and the site: 2010: Clean Water for a Healthy World. You can find events in your region, by clicking on the map.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day from TCET!

2010-03-17T12:52:00.004-04:00

Top (l-r): RJBeads, paisleybaby, tooaquarius
Mid (l-r): carvelcountrysoaps, inkyspider, PrairiePeasant
Bot (l-r): fiveforty, seaglassdesigns, mymarbledpapers

March Challenge: In like a lion, out like a lamb

2010-03-05T17:45:00.005-05:00

Handmade Lion Cufflinks by Enthral

Small Wet Bag in Brown Java Jungle Jam by PaisleyBaby

Lion and Lioness Linocut by minouette

This March the Trans-Canada Etsy Team is (hopefully) celebrating the on-set of spring with the In like a lion, out like a lamb challenge! We want you to make something inspired by the old adage about March - hopefully, this year, wherever you are, it will prove true.

Team members can submit their entries inspired by the lion, the lamb or both (!) to minouette via convo. The deadline for entries is Wednesday afternoon (March 24). Please provide a link to a listing with pictures of your item that I can use, or provide a good quality photograph. On Wednesday evening, March 24rd, I will post the entries on the blog and voting will begin. On March 31st, the winner will be announced. Have fun and think of spring!

Woolies - Cute Sheep Charm Stitch Markers by rjcharms

Baaad Sheep Zipper Pouch by louloubelle

3 to 6 Months White Cotton Beanie by loopy4ewe

Congratulations to WildWomanJewelry

2010-03-01T10:49:00.005-05:00

These pretty 'snow bound' earrings by WildWomanJewelry won our February "Snow" challenge! They were created with vintage white faceted glass rounds and pretty silver metal filigree snowflakes, and she says they "are inspired by this challenge and her own feelings of winter cold and snow - bound and waiting for spring!" Earwires are oxidized and polished sterling silver.

Congratulations! Check out more of her jewelry at:
www.etsy.com/shop/WildWomanJewelry.

Thanks to everyone who participated by submitting snowy creations and also thanks to everyone who voted.

February Snow Challenge: Vote for your favorite!

2010-02-23T20:23:00.014-05:00

Presenting our February Snow Challenge submissions! Click on the photos to see larger pictures and descriptions of each item. Then pick your favorite and cast your vote in our poll (located on the right side of the screen). Voting will continue until February 28th.

A. White Faux Fur Handwarmer Muff
by jenmerritt

B. Eye of the Snowstorm polymer clay pendant with necklace
by Chicki

C. White Vintage Glass Filigree Snowflakes and Sterling Silver Earrings
by WildWomanJewelry

D. Snow Storm Hardcover Journal
by MyHandboundBooks

E. Snow Cloud Fingerless Gloves with Upcycled Yarn and Thumb Sleeves
by OffTheHooks

F. Silver Snowflake Necklace
by Enthral

G. Moonlight Snow Accordion Book
by PrairiePeasant

H. Snowflake Brooch Set
by minouette

I. Snowflake Winter Charm Earrings
by rjcharms

Now that you have seen all our Snow-inspired creations, cast your vote in our poll (located back up near the top of the screen, on the right side).

Edit:
March 1, 2010
Final results:

February Challenge: Snow!

2010-02-10T09:11:00.005-05:00

This month, the Trans Canada Etsy Team is hosting a new challenge for its members. We want you to make something inspired by our great Canadian winters and all that snow. It might be a love-hate relationship for some people, but however the snow inspires, let it drive your creative energy to make something for our challenge!

Team members can submit their entries to MyHandboundBooks via convo. The deadline for entries is Tuesday afternoon, February 23rd. You must either provide a link to a listing with pictures of your item that I can use, or provide a good quality photograph. On Tuesday evening (Feb 23rd), I will post the entries here and voting will begin. On February 28th, the winner will be announced. Have fun!