Introducing: StephiesCameraStraps

I'd like to extend a curtsey to our newest team member - Steph Temesy of StephiesCameraStraps. I found Steph using the BUY LOCAL feature on Etsy and requested she join the team. So glad to have you here, Steph!

Name: Steph Temesy
Shop Name: StephiesCameraStraps
Location: Chatham, Ontario


What is your favourite material to work with? cotton, flannel

What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy? My first sale and the excellent feedback i received, felt great!

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
I sell covers that are padded and fit over camera straps so the standard strap doesn't rub on your neck.

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business?
That i can expand to new items that were suggested to me, such as seatbelt strap covers, lanyards and keychain holders.

What is your favourite Etsy shop? Don't have one yet, still new and exploring

Favourite colour? Yellow

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it? Caramel, almonds and chocolate swirled throughout

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent?
My neighbourhood (otherwise known as "Pleasantville") great neighbours and lots of friends close by, always someone around.

Baking up a storm; pottery-style!

Baking in the non-literal sense, that is. I did not run the kiln, but I did shape and decorate these pottery pieces, and that was just as much fun as working with the heat!

(Mini Sushi Set for the Birds - 10$ US)

I recently finished a six week pottery course taught by local potter Andrea Vuletin, offered through the Thames Art Gallery. I had previously completed a one week beginner's pottery class with Beth Turnbull-Moorish through the Thames Institute for the Arts, and in that course we learned to use the pottery wheel. In this most recent pottery class, I thought I'd be using the wheel again, but when I arrived one week late (oh Paris!) I learned that we would be hand-throwing the pieces.



We started with pinch pots, of course, and quickly progressed to rolling the clay and draping over forms. The piece above is a pinch pot to which I added feet.


This piece was made by draping a thin layer of clay over a styrofoam tray, then decorated with underglaze. I like the way the posies turned out, and I'm not sure if I will keep it for myself, or post it in my shop.

The rest of these pieces are soon to be posted in my Etsy shop, so I invite you to pop by. The next pottery class at TAG has not yet been announced, but I plan to take it if I'm still kicking around town. I'd like to try making some little clay necklaces.

Jen

Painting with Wine, with Christy DeKoning

Christy DeKoning is an active member of the Chatham-Kent Etsy Team, and in February she will be teaching a class at the Thames Art Gallery. Read below for more information.

 

********************************************************
Painting with Wine, with Christy DeKoning - Use wine as your medium and
your muse!
Wednesday evening, 6:30 - 9:30 pm; Feb 3.
$25 +gst (membership discounts available)

 To sign up or for more information, please contact:

 

Thames Art Gallery
75 William Street N
Chatham, ON  N7M 4L4
T: 519.360.1998
E: CKCCC@chatham-kent.ca
www.chatham-kent.ca/tag
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Chatham-Kent Etsy Team Holiday Trunk Shows

The Chatham-Kent Etsy Team would like to extend a huge thank you to a few local shops for their support in hosting the first ever series of CK Etsy Team Holiday Trunk shows!

November 17/09 - William Street Cafe

I (Jen Merritt of Persephone's Awakening) wasn't able to attend the Trunk Show at the Cafe, but here's some feedback from participants and photos from the evening.

"I thought it was a great venue and atmosphere for the Etsy group and the place was fairly busy all evening. I'm glad I was able to meet my fellow CK Etsians and show some of my work. Although I didn't sell any of my photography I did hand out some business cards so that was good. I would definately do one there again (and hope next time to have a little more photography/art and maybe some other items on hand and be a bit more prepared). Unfortunately I wasn't able to come to check out the other two but look forward to hearing about them at the meeting."
Jess Wyma - Sunny Day Rain

According to Ann K. of It's Mine and Ann's...

"I think the Cafe event was a success. There was a great turnout. Sales were good. Because of the relaxed atmosphere it was easy to greet and talk with people whether they were just looking or buying. My only suggestion is to watch the temperature. My goodness it was boiling in there!!! Shoppers were making the same comment, but I don't think the heat chased anybody away."

November 26/09 - Eve Chocolatier

From Jen Merritt: "I was lucky to be involved in the Holiday Trunk Show, held at Eve Chocolatier and organized by Jenny O. of TwentySix7. Brenda supplied an excellent poster design, and the evening was filled with chocolate, a bustling boutique, and yule festiveness. Participants included: TwentySix7 (Jenny Oriet), PurplePeony (Brenda Braun), ChristyDekoning, TwistedByShannon (Shannon McDowell), JewellerybyEldon (Eldon Austin), and JenMerritt (aka Persephone's Awakening).

Shows aren't typically the best venue for my products, but I was excited to get together with other team members and meet those that I had only communicated with by email. Eve's was a perfect venue for our small group of artisans. We had a steady flow of visitors and each vendor sold something, including me (yay)! Pauline (of Eve's) was incredible and her shop set the personal, beautiful ambiance that I feel represents the Etsy ideology. I look forward to our next trunk show and team event."

December 17/09 - The Paper Pickle Co.

Hosted in the stamp and paper shop, this event consisted of team members: PurplePeony (Brenda Braun), ChristyDekoning, TwistedByShannon (Shannon McDowell), JewellerybyEldon (Eldon Austin), and JenMerritt (aka Persephone's Awakening), and ItsMineandAnns (Ann Kirkham).


Eldon states: "It was good exposure and I hope for much better in the future as the local people get to know me and my work. I do believe that there was a good time had by all." (Photo: Jewellery by Eldon)

Introducing: London . Art . Girl

We welcome our first Chathamite in the London direction. Laura spent a great deal of time in CK growing up, but has since migrated down the 401 to London. She's still involved in Chatham-Kent and writes for the Arts & Culture section of the Chatham-Kent Daily Post (online newspaper). Read on to get to know Laura.

Name: Laura Tetrault
Shop Name: London . Art . Girl
Location: http://www.etsy.com/shop/londonartgirl

Do you have a blog or other website you'd like to share?

• I have a portfolio site: www.ltart.ca
• And a blog: www.londonartgirl.wordpress.com
• And a Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Tetrault/30343017605
  

What is your favourite material to work with?
Acrylic paint!

What is your favourite Etsy shop? 
I don’t think I have an overall fav shop but there are I definitely have some favs in different categories.
I like Paintallnight Studios for art: http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintallnightstudios
Roia Obrien jewellery design : http://www.etsy.com/shop/roiaobrien
Unique objects at Cyber Moon : http://www.etsy.com/shop/CyberMoon
And the flower scarves at Persephone’s Awakening : http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenmerritt [editor's note: gee whiz! Thankee!]

What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy? 

I was thrilled with my first sale – I received it the same month I began uploading work to my shop (Nov) I had started to prep my shop in Sept but no work was up. I sold 6 of my small paintings in November and everytime I got a notice I was got a little jolt of energy!

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
I’m a painter primarily, although sometimes I do collage/mixed media work. As a personal challenge, I decided to create 30 small works of art on paper, one each day for the month of November. I opened my Etsy shop as a venue to help those paintings find homes. Then gradually I added some of my smaller works on canvas. I think it is important that art be reasonably priced and accessible to everyday people – so that is the mission of my shop: to help everyday people create their own personal oasis areas through art.

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business? 

Besides being so wildly successful that I can’t keep anything in stock... That it would successfully help people connect with art.

Favourite colour? 
That is a mean question to ask a painter! If it came down to it red would have to be my favourite but I really do love them all. Even brown = )

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it? 

Reeses peanut butter cups, pie pieces and milk chocolate chunks! Yum!

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent?
Legion Park, or in Williams Street Cafe. 

Have a Handmade Holiday! The Paper Pickle Trunk Show

On December 17th, 2009 from 7-10 pm, take advantage of extended hours at The Paper Pickle and come Get Your Craft On!

Not only will you be able to browse through the vast array of DIY paper art kits and supplies but Crafters & Artisans from across Chatham-Kent have gathered together to present their handmade wares, ranging from jewellery and accessories, artwork, buttons, bookmarks, knitted and felted wearables, gifts for all ages!

Have a Handmade Holiday!

Oops, made another scarf!

Tra la la... an update from Jen of Persephone's Awakening (that's me). I have been slacking in the crochet department, but I did complete this scarf last week, and am quite pleased with the results.



This scarf was created in mind of Rewind, a shop in Calgary that carries my products. She requested something in fall colours and I pulled various shades from my massive stash of yarn. I rescue it, you see - I can't stand when good yarn is throw away!

You  may recognize this scarf if you attended the CK Etsy Team Trunk Show at Eve Chocolatier. I had some of it assembled and was working on flowers as people wandered amongst the chocolate and handmade delights. If you'd like to see it up close and personal, drop by The Paper Pickle (44 Fourth Street, Chatham, Ontario) from 7 - 10 pm on December 17 (2009). The CK Etsy Team is having another Trunk Show and would love to see you there!

Etsy Treasury including CKTeam Members!

Hello everyone!

I was lucky enough to be online this morning and snag a treasury, which I then proceeded to fill with some of my favourite colourful pieces, including some by team members (although not all, since I was going for an Alice in Wonderland theme).

The treasury, I think, has a very whimsical, Wonderland feel, with lots of colours! Take a look and click on a few listings, or comment and maybe this treasury could make the front page!

Thanks all!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=98788

Holiday Trunk Sale

On November 26 from 7 - 10 pm, take advantage of extended hours at Eve Chocolatier (14 King St. West) and pick up some sweet nibbles while browsing local handmade goods. Crafters and Artisans from across CK join together to present jewellery and accessories, artwork, wearbles, ornaments, knitted and crocheted gifts, hair accessories, Christmas cards, pinback, buttons, children's gifts, recycled and upcycled crafts and more.

William Street Cafe Trunk Show

Our first team event! Thank you to Eldon for organizing this show. Looking forward to meeting everyone in person!

Introducing: PurplePeony

Everyone give a little 'heeeey!' to Brenda Braun, who owns three etsy shops as well as a brick and mortar boutique at her home in Palmyra.


Shop Names: PurplePeony, Decadence2artbar, Justabrenda
Location: Palmyra Ontario (subdivision of Ridgetown)

Do you have a blog or other website you'd like to share? http://brendabraun.blogspot.com

What is your favourite material to work with?
sterling silver for sure, gemstones that are raw and rough or very elegant faceted gemstones. Gold is pretty fun too. I like to throw fabric or paper into the mix once in a while.

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
Which one? Even though the stores are all different types, they all pretty much mesh together, facets of me?

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business?
That I get busy enough to hire someone to do the marketing and website work and to bring me coffee....lots of coffee....and I can hide away in my studio and just create.

What is your favourite Etsy shop? My own...I also haunt a few other metalworkers for eye candy and I scan through http://jenmerritt.etsy.com a lot...I like to see what she's up to! [awww thanks B!]

What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy? I would say, selling my first truly metalsmithed item that was fairly pricey (compared to most items on Etsy)...for someone to purchase 'blindly' on the internet a jewellery item of mine out of the thousands available...I may have cried a little...really. I had a Sally Field moment (they like me, they really like me!).

Favourite colour? In gemstones, I've been known to drool over peridots, garnets and London Blue Topaz (google it, it's gorgeous)...in home decor, I melt over blue and brown together. In clothes I like plums, browns and purples. I've always loved purple, I blame that on Donny Osmond's purple socks (if you're under 30ish...google it).

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it? oddly enough, my favourite ice cream is plain real vanilla. So...nothing?

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent? hands down, our house/property. It's my sanctuary. The ONLY thing that I wish we had was about 20 acres of woodlot...then it would be perfect! I also like to wander the local beaches but in the off-season, they are so much more interesting without humans.

Introducing: Modowl

Meet Jess Wyma Galbraith, photographer, artist, collector, and all-around neat gal. She owns two etsy shops - modowl (retro & vintage treasures) and sunnydayrain (unique photography and art).Shop Names: modowl and sunnydayrain
Location: Chatham-Kent

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
At modowl I sell retro and vintage clothing and accessories, fabric, sewing patterns, books, and lots of other home decor items and treasures (as I call them). I especially love fashions from the 1960s hence the name mod owl.
At Sunnydayrain I sell my photography (of nature, things, places, animals, and retro inspired) as well as photoprose which is a mix of my photography and poetry and mixed media art. I have just begun listing items for sunnydayrain so there are still LOTS more pieces to add.
What is your favourite material to work with? camera, retro, vintage patterns
What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy? I'm fairly new so it would be my first sale which was to Japan, being on a treasury, and knowing that some people heart my shops.
What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business? Creatively, to start doing more art and try some new styles and ideas. Business related, to get more traffic and to make enough money to supplement my other business photographing people. I'd like to make enough being self employed and enjoying what I do so I don't have to get a regular 9-5 job.

What is your favourite Etsy shop? I discover new wonderful Etsy shops every day - I don't think I could pick just one at the moment.
Favourite colour? I love silver,I love lime green, and all shades of blue...especially aquas and deep turquoise. Sorry I guess I have three favorite colours:)

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it? Hmmm, I think mine already exists - a scoop of Moosetracks which I think is a mix of chocolate and vanilla with peanut butter bits and then also a little scoop of lime sherbert...mmmmm!
Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent? The beach at Rondeau, I'm at home a lot these days with a little one so hanging out with friends and family at home, and I also look forward to my regular visits to Value Village or Villagio as my family calls it to scope out the latest cool retro finds for myself and modowl.

Marketing Your Shop

I happened across this handy marketing tool - free, which is great - that I intend to use to amp up my Persephone's Awakening marketing strategies.

The 30 Minute Social Network Kit

The author runs a website called Handmade Success, which is definitely worth a read. I'm adding it to our links for easy reference.

Fall CLEARANCE Sale Participants

The newly formed Chatham-Kent Team is having a Fall Clearance Sale!

Participants Include:

Christy Dekoning- watercolour artist
http://christydekoning.etsy.com/

Decadence2artbar- collage and assemblage supplies
http://decadence2artbar.etsy.com

Jen Merritt- fashions for self and home
http://JenMerritt.etsy.com

ModOwl- Vintage Treats
http://modowl.etsy.com

PurplePeony- sterling and gemstone jewellery
http://purplepeony.etsy.com

Twisted by Shannon- top hats, bookmarks & jewellery
http://twistedbyshannon.etsy.com

Take a look around and see whats on sale! (Find the rest of the team on Etsy by using the search tag CKTEAM) And a post about this sale can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6291772

A Story of Success!

As some of you may know, I have only been seriously promoting my craft for under six months. My success on Etsy has been very limited thus far, and while I have seen some sales at the Farmers' Markets in Chatham and Ridgetown, my products haven't been selling as I would have hoped.

So..... that changed yesterday at Rondeau's Monarch Migration Festival. This was my first real show (that hadn't been rained out), and I didn't really know what to expect. Imagine my surprise when I had sold over $30 worth of product and had a custom order before I was even finished setting up! My $5 butterfly pendents that I had made on a whim for the show sold out within the first half hour, and the rest of my pendants soon followed. All in all, I made over $240 at Rondeau, which is the most I've done in any event since beginning to sell.

I suppose that all the factors just combined to make yesterday the perfect day. The sun was shining and the weather was gorgeous; lots of families were out camping and biking and learning about butterflies, with little girls looking for a butterfly souvenir of their own; and my booth was placed right next to the barbeque, so as families lined up to eat, they looked over my product.

While I wanted to share this success story with the rest of the team, I also wanted to pass along the lesson I learned: Even if you've never heard of an event, even if you think it won't possibly be worthwhile, you never know when and where you'll find the audience that will appreciate your product!

Best of luck for the upcoming Christmas season!

- Shannon

Introducing: Persephone's Awakening

Err... I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce the owner of the shop Persephone's Awakening... me!


Shop Name: JenMerritt
Location: Chatham, Ontario

Do you have a blog or other website you'd like to share? Persephone's Awakening

What is your favourite material to work with? I have a really hard time narrowing anything down. I started out making purses, so I have an affinity for fabric, but I would have to say that what I love most right now is beach glass. The thrill of the hunt is fantastic!

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop. Much like my real life, I seem to be unable to focus on one thing for very long. Right now I make crocheted scarves, beachglass necklaces, button necklaces, and I have a few totebags left over from the summer. I'd love to narrow down my practice a bit, but I don't seem to be able to. Next journey: tshirts with appliques and bleach-imprinted designs, beach pottery painted stone necklaces, and accessories made from thrifted ties.

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business? I'd like to be in more brick and mortar shops. I don't expect to quit my day job (social worker), but it'd be nice to have a steady second income from Etsy. I'd also love to have my own space in an artist's collective building. It'd be so full of creative energy, to share studio space! Kind of like Blick Shared Studios in Belfast (incredible building!)

What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy? It was pretty exciting to have the CK Team approved, but my most exciting thing was when I sold four custom crochet flower scarves in a manner of two weeks. Until I realized I then had to MAKE the scarves!

What is your favourite Etsy shop? There are so many amazing shops, but I would have to say that I am always awe-stricken with TheBlackApple.

Favourite colour? Red + Aqua.

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it? It would taste like the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" soap/perfume by Lush.

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent? Somewhere with moss. It's such a magical plant.

Introducing: TwistedbyShannon

I'd like to introduce Shannon McDowell. We just so happened to attend the same grade school, and it was a pleasant surprise to discover the she is the on and only Shannon running her shop - Twisted.
Shop Name: TwistedByShannon
Location: Chatham, Ontario
Do you have a blog or other website you'd like to share?
Often I put my design ideas up on my deviantArt page to get feedback before deciding whether or not to sell something - so check there for previews! TwistedbyShannon.deviantart.com

What is your favourite material to work with?
Wire, for sure. I like what comes from my work with leather, but I often find it frustrating to work with.
What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy?
My first sale - proof that I was making something that people will buy!

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
My handmade philosophy revolves around creating unique designs from unexpected items. Most of the items in my shop are made from scraps and bits that would have otherwise been thrown out as garbage, but I think that anything has the potential to be made into something fantastic.
What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business?
That my experimentations continue to be well-received, and that I will continue to have fun crafting.

What is your favourite Etsy shop?
Merimask - I collect masks, and these are beautiful.

Favourite colour?
Blue - I haven't met a shade of blue yet that I haven't liked. :)
You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it?
I would bring back orange-pineapple ice cream. It's too hard to find nowadays.
Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent?
The old part of Maple Leaf Cemetery, actually. There's a large tree that I love to sit under and read. It's a very beautiful and peaceful place.

Fall CLEARANCE Sale

Tonight I started arranging my pieces on a tablecloth that I intend to use for fall shows, only to find that everything clashes. Pink and rusty yellow just don't seem to work. Bright, summer colours - although very cheerful - aren't necessarily bringing about the cozy, warm feel of Autumn that I'm ready to embrace in my shop.

I decided to do an inventory of all the items I have in my Etsy shop and found many that have been sitting un-loved (and unhearted and unviewed) for some time. [side note - to see who loves you and your items, check out the Heartomatic, shared by Christy DeKoning.] In an attempt to clear out some older items, I have set up a Fall CLEARANCE Sale in my shop. I lowered the price of the items in this new Section (if you aren't using sections yet, you may want to try. It's a great way to organize your shop and be more user-friendly) and well, we will see how it goes!

I invite any of you on the team to join in - perhaps we can make it a team-wide Fall CLEARANCE Sale. If so, I can email Etsy and they may publicize it for us. If anything, it's a good way to clean out shop, maybe make a few extra sales, and participate in our first group activity!

Jen

Introducing: JewellerybyEldon

Next on our list of Team Members, I'd like to present Eldon Austin owner and designer of JewellerybyEldon.

Shop Name: JewellerybyEldon
Location: Chatham, Ontario
Favourite material to work with? Anything I can get my hands on that interests me.

Do you have a blog or other website you'd like to share?
Creative Wire Jewelers (CWJ)on Delphi

What is your favourite Etsy shop?
Not sure yet. Still new to it.

What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy?
CKTeam and Gems in Bloom where I had purchased some beads gave me a good feedback when I first put up item.

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
Jewelery of all sorts and media.

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business?
That it makes me some money so I can continue purchasing needed supplies to keep making things unique things.

Favourite colour?
Favorite combined colours are pink, purple and turquoise.

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it?
Something with lots of sweet rich flavor.

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent?
Besides home not really sure, but would like to get together with the team on a regular basis.

Thanks Eldon! Welcome to the team.

CK Etsy Team Logo

Thanks to Chatham-Kent Etsy Team member Eldon, we now have a logo! In explanation of his design, Eldon says:

I like the idea of the clan badge as it shows that we are like a family team and a force to be taken seriously. The stylized sun shows our diverse creativeness. The maple leaf shows our Canadian and Chatham affiliations.

Anyone want to write up new lyrics of the Classic--- Made in the USA --- to --- Made in Chatham-Kent?

Please feel free to use our logo in any marketing you do involving the team. You are also welcome to use the banner at the top of this blog.

Thanks again, Eldon!

Lake Erie Beach Glass and Copper (oh my!)

One of the most exciting things in my trip to the beach involves scouring the shoreline for beach glass. It's a treasure. And really, it's one of Mother Earth's ways of naturally recycling. I'm upcycling to the max!

The first necklace was made with a piece of green beach glass found at Erieau. I wrapped it in copper wire and it is suspended from a thin copper chain. The second piece was made a year ago using a large piece of green glass, and a smaller white piece, which was then wrapped in copper wire. The third necklace is made from brown beach glass found at Erieau. It is also wrapped in copper wire and suspended from a copper chain.

Today seems to be copper day.

Each necklace retails for 25$ and is available in my etsy shop.

Etsy Buy Handmade jenmerritt

It begins...

The other day I wrote an article for the Chatham Kent Daily Post on the importance of 'Buying Local, Buying Handmade.' To read the article, head on over here. Well, I was pretty impressed with myself. The article turned out spankin' fresh, and I really enjoyed promoting local Etsians. That was fun. I'm great. Toot toot! (That's me tooting my own horn).

The problem is, I seem to be on a roll... first the article, then organizing a Chatham-Kent Etsy Team (in the process of approval as we speak), and now Brenda has re-awakened the Chatham Kent Handmade Market blog for the use of all the local artisans who want to be linked together, promote their work, and be cool like me. And Brenda. And the others that are involved, too.

So this will be our blog. We will post newly designed items, link to local 'Minions of Creativity', as we will hence-forth be known, and promote local creative happens in which we are involved. It will be good, and I am hoping you will enjoy your visits.

And to finish it off, here is the first CK Etsy Team promotion... look what I made tonight!

I have four of these, they are sold separately. They are made from small beach glass pebbles that I found on the Lake Erie shoreline, attached to hammered copper wire spirals. 25$ each, or 10% each additional necklace purchased, throughout my shop.
Persephone's Awakening - jenmerritt.etsy.com

Stay tuned for more from other members of the team. Till then, au revoir!

Jen Merritt

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP HANDMADE.

(revamping the blog. worth the wait. I promise!)