An Evening at The Mansion

The Chatham-Kent Etsy Team presents

A unique Christmas Shopping Experience like no other.

Enjoy light refreshments, a festive atmosphere

 and live entertainment at The Mansion on Victoria 

while you browse handcrafted items created by 

a select group of talented local artisans.

Tickets are only $10 each, and net proceeds from ticket sales to this event will benefit the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre.

If you've been pining away for an original piece of art to add to your collection, visit Christy DeKoning's  Etsy shop this weekend when ALL original ACEO paintings will be on sale!

Starting Friday, June 4th, every single original ACEO painting will be marked down to $10 at www.christydekoning.etsy.com

"What's an ACEO?" you ask...

A - art

C - card

E - editions

O - originals

It's a collectible, affordable, miniature piece of art that measures exactly 2.5 x 3.5 inches (like a hockey card)

"Well that's all good, but what am I supposed to do with it?" 

1. frame it and stick it on your favourite wall

2. trade it with your other cool friends

3. prop it up in a little tiny easel

4. keep it in a collector's album if you have too many ACEOs to display, or if you visit ACEO swaps often.

Here's a site to go and read up on the popular trend of buying and trading ACEOs: http://www.art-cards.org/about.html - and then when you've decided you really need to start your own collection, don't forget to drop by www.christydekoning.etsy.com this weekend for her biggest ACEO sale of the year. 

Sale ends Sunday at midnight.

CK Etsy Team wins Grant!

Guess who just received an Etsy Team Grant?

The CK Etsy Team, that's who!

Check 'er out!

Thanks to Shannon for putting it together... we're off to buy a CK Etsy Team banner and tent now, y'all.

Persephone wanders into a few treasuries

How very pleased I was this past long weekend to wake up to an inbox with two - that's right, TWO - Etsy Convos letting me know that I had two items featured in Etsy Treasuries.

Breath Taking was created by Tamar, and if you look in the third row, third column, you will see a vintage aqua vase that I have for sale. It's from my collection of glassware that has to find a new home before I move to England. I just don't think my brother is all that interested in vases.

Organic in all the colours of the rainbow is put together by bonnybaby and she selected my butterfly art to feature. Best news - the piece sold! But don't worry, if you want your own piece, I have others for sale.

Peace out, yo.

CAI: On the Edge

In celebration of the new CK on the Edge festival, July 8 – 18, 2010, ARTspace - our local artist-run gallery - is asking artists throughout Chatham-Kent to submit to the “On the Edge” juried community initiative! Participating artists are asked to respond to an edge through their artwork. This edge can be a physical edge, an artistic edge, or even a psychological edge. As the outline states, "This is a perfect opportunity to push your limits as an artist or artisan; all medium and subject matter are welcome." and as I always state...

It's time to push my growing edge!

I'm a busy girl this summer, so when another local artist - Christy Dekoning - invited me to join in on her On the Edge submission, I was over joyed. Christy, another artist on the CK Etsy Team, is an amazing fine artist, focusing many of her pieces in water colours. She does a lot of custom portraiture and how tickled pink was I when she asked me to pose for her painting?

Last weekend we trekked out to Lake Erie and pushed our edges. It was windy and the water was FREEZING. The sky was overcast and my clothes were blowing every which way... but we captured some (24) interesting shots and I am intrigued to see what Christy comes up with.

This initiative is open to anyone in Chatham-Kent and submission is only $5 (exhibiting members discount available). A cash prize will be awarded to the curator’s choice! All submissions are due at ARTspace by Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. No work can be accepted after this due date. An opening reception for this initiative will occur at ARTspace on July 8th 2010 @ 7:00! The exhibition will be on display at ARTspace from July 7 – 31, 2010.

CK Team Represents at Retrofest

Have you heard of Retrofest? It's a big deal, you know. A weekend (long weekend, this year, God Save the Queen -- Victoria--) of dreams for car lovers... check it out:

"Classic car enthusiasts and Chatham-Kent residents looking for some good ol’ fashion family fun will have the chance to flock to the annual Retrofest event in downtown Chatham. Sponsored by the Kent Historic Auto Club, more than 600 classic vehicles are expected to be on display. A Kid’s fun area will be available at the TD Canada Trust parking lot on King Street in downtown Chatham as well." (from CKDP.ca)

This year, the CK Etsy Team is jumping head first into the festivities. Several members will have tables in Downtown Chatham on Saturday May 22 2010. Want to know what else you can see that day? (Besides my friend Josh high-fiving the A&W mascot at Retrofest 2008...)

Enjoy a variety of foods and interactive entertainment all day long. Kids can visit the NEW "CK Children's Services Family Fun Area" located in the Downtown Chatham Centre parking lot. Also view the Twilight truck: "Jump into the twilight experience" with a virtually identical replica of Bella's truck from the first twilight movie, and the Mad Max car: A "spot on" recreation of Mel Gibson's mean ride from 'Mad Max', the General Lee from Duke's of Hazard and the Mayberry RFD Police car. Sing your heart out at the Kareoke booth in Zonta park.

Visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) Be Smart. Be Safe. Exhibit, next to the North Kent Mutual display in the TD Canada Trust parking lot. The exhibit includes the D.U.M.B. car, a simulator that tests drivers’ reactions to distractions. The car includes an actual-size driver’s seat, a gas pedal and brake, a steering wheel, a dashboard, and a plasma monitor.

Legendary Tributes Entertainment presents a 50's styled Sock Hop at The River Rock. Relive the spirit of the 50's while dancing to a live tribute band and artists of famous musicians such as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Patsy Cline, and more. Prizes will be awarded for best costume. Tickets are only $20.00 and are selling fast. Purchase your tickets online by visitingwww.legendarytributes.com. Doors open at 6:30.

Sock hop? I'm there.

JR Out!

Blood Ring

Christy Dekoning has been playing with paper. And metal.

And blood.

She says "I have a fun new ring called "Spatter Pattern" that I created while thinking about Dexter. Weird but true. I'll have a lot of new rings, each one completely one-of-a-kind, at RetroFest on Saturday May 23rd. I'll also be representing the team in some way out at Erieau for Art on the Boulevard on July 31st."

Want more? Visit Christy DeKoning, Fine Artist, at her website.

CK Etsy Team Easter Trunk Show

The CK Etsy Team would like to thank local photographer Julie Rhodes-Welch for hosting a trunk show and open house on March 27, 2010. It was a fun, successful event and best of all - filled with colour and sweets!

Team members ItLooksGood, ReJoyceDesigns, London.Art.Girl, ChristyDekoning, ItsMineandAnns, and ModOwl all seemed to have a good time, as did visitors. Congrats to all involved on a successful day!

Wings of Spring

A few members of the CK Etsy Team were vendors at the Wings of Spring event held at Rondeau Provincial Park this past weekend. Here's what they had to say...

"Had lots of fun Sat and Sun at Rondeau with Shannon and Christy. We chatted, we discussed, we needle felted, we visited with other vendors, even saw some birds and made a few sales. Christy did a lot of running here and there taking pictures, even lying on her belly in an attempt to befriend a cagey chipmunk who quickly saw through her ruse. She was then upstaged by my husband Doug who had no problem at all convincing 2 chipmunks to pose only steps away from him. While there weren't as many visitors to the park as expected, which meant our sales were down, it was a lovely way to spend the weekend. So pleased I got to know my 2 cohorts a bit better, even meeting some of their family members. I'm now looking forward to September when we can do it all over again, this time outside, at their Monarch Migration Festival."

...   Ann K.

"Even though it was quiet, I had a great weekend and it was so much fun learning how to needle-felt. I'll def be there for monarchs (Monarch Migration Festival).

- Christy

Shannon makes no formal comment, but I overheard her say that she made some sales and had a good time with her friends from the CK Etsy Team. Shannon's a seasoned Rondeau pro, so you can expect to see her at the next event.

Meet the Team: LooksGood

The CK Etsy Team would like extend a hearty welcome to one of our newest members - Jeanette Smith of Looks Good. She also has a brick and mortar shop on St. Clair Street where she peddles her wares.

Location: 129 St. Clair St., Chatham N7L 3J2 529 397 4588

What is your favourite material to work with? paper

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop. Custom, one of a kind, made just for YOU t-shirts, puzzles, mugs, key chains, coasters, and much much more . . .(Editor's Not: Jeanette and her husband Carleton own a photo-imprinting business, and have recently expanded their services to Etsy.)

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business? To be successful.

What is your favourite Etsy shop? Don’t have one yet (Editor's note: she's still working on it)

Favourite colour? Yellow (although I like teal, too, and yellow does not show up well on white!)

You could make your own dream ice cream... what would be in it? I do love plain old-fashioned vanilla, I also love Baskin-Robbins mint with chocolate chips. But, if I could make my own, WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS!!!!

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent? Well, I haven’t lived here for a year yet, and as I don’t drive, I haven’t seen that much of the “Kent” part, so I would have to say anywhere I haven’t already been. But, my own back yard in summer, or my front porch in spring and fall, are both pretty good places to be, especially if there is good company and a glass of white wine involved

Local Photography and Local Artisans = Spring Trunk Show!

Thank you Julie - of Julie Rhodes Photography - for having us! Come by to check out Julie's amazing photography studio, and view handmade work by these local artisans:

 

ReJoyceDesigns

SunnyDayRain

ItsMineandAnns

WearableArtbyKathryn

MunchkinBabyDesigns

ChristyDekoning

 

We are so happy it's SPRING!!!!!

Persephone's Giveaway!!!

By Jen Merritt

It seems that spring may be on the way... blue, sunny skies; temperatures above freezing; I even saw some crocuses poking their heads above soil. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the warm season.

In celebration of Persephone's Awakening (and welcoming in of Spring - get the reference? If not, read up on Persephone's Greek myth), I am giving away the scarf in the photograph above. This scarflette/necklace is made from red acrylic yarn and features circles that measure 1" in diametre. I think this looks like kelp or sea weed when worn. This scarf measures 68 inches long.

The contest is open to residents of the world. It closes on March 30th (my birthday!) and if you would like to enter your name to win, here are the details:

1. Visit my Etsy shops Persephone's Awakening and Persephone's Plunders, and chose your favourite item.

2. Visit my blog and leave a comment on this post and tell me which is your favourite item.

3. On March 30th I will randomly select a name from everyone who has entered the contest.

4. Open your mailbox once the prize arrives and enjoy!

Easy as pie, right? If you promote this contest somewhere (facebook, twitter, your own blog, etc.), leave a second comment on this post with a link to the promotion, and that will count as a separate entry.

Good luck!

Persephone's last scarf this season?

All done! This scarf, that is. I finished it last weekend, actually. I seem to be losing my crochet drive. Perhaps it's due to the sunshine outside. Perhaps its that I'm not adjusting well to the decreased heat in my apartment (16.5 C, a wee bit chilly). You'd think I'd want to wrap myself in yarn, wouldn't you?

As I sit here watching Relocation Relocation (a British real estate show following people who want to buy new property in England), I realize I haven't updated my blog in some time. Here's a tiny glimpse into what's new in Persephone's world.

This scarf is made from reclaimed yarn from various projects, patiently crocheted using a size 5 hook. A total of 26 flowers, this scarf is designed to wrap at the throat for warmth and lay flat beneath your jacket or coat. A 26 flower scarf measures approx 58" end to end, and approx. 3" wide. At this time it is for sale in my Etsy Shop, but will soon be shipped out to With Love boutique in Wiarton, Ontario. If you want it now, go buy it! 25$ US.

Like the idea of this scarf but not the colours? If this is the case for you, you might consider designing your own colour combination for a custom-made flower scarf! Listing here: Design your own scarf!

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - ART ON THE BOULEVARD

Artists are invited to display their talents (paintings, pottery, jewelry, music, etc) along the Erieau Boulevard, Saturday, July 31, 2010.  Artists from all communities are welcome.  This event will run rain or shine from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Five prize categories for artists are:  first registration, oldest artist, youngest artist, most creative display and people’s choice award.

Artists who are interested in renting a space for this event are invited to fill out the accompanying application and send it via mail along with payment (cheque or money order) to the address below.  A space (app.12ft long) can be rented for $20.  Tables (6 ft) are available for an extra $5 each. 

This event is coordinated by the Erieau Partnership Association: Chatham-Kent. To register your space, please make a cheque or money order out to Erieau Partnership Association and send to Box 226 Erieau Ontario, N0P1N0 no later than April 15, 2010. To ensure space in our advertising brochure, register early!

Questions or further information contact Mary Anne Patterson at erieaupa@gmail.com or visit www.eaubuoy.com.

Red, White and Maple - Citizens of the World, welcome to Canada!

Last night I couldn't sleep, so I hopped on my computer and around 3:30am snagged a treasury. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to feature, but being the Olympics, I thought it'd be nice to showcase some of the beautiful red and white handmade goods available from Canadian artisans. I did my best to feature artists that belong to the Chatham-Kent Etsy Team (ChristyDekoning, DancingJellybeanDesigns, TwentySix7, TwistedByShannon, London.Art.Girl, MunchkinBabyDesigns, PurplePeony, SunnyDayRain and me, JenMerritt) or the TransCanada Etsy Team. From across Etsy I searched for red items that were Canadian Made and caught my eye.
Which of these catches yours?

Go Canada!
xoxo Jen

Shop Local for Valentine's Day!

 ♥´¨)

  ¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)

(¸.·´ Join Chatham-Kent Etsy Team on Thursday, February 11th from 7 -9 pm at the Paper Pickle in Chatham (44 Fourth Street).

13 local artisans, lots of handmade goodies; you'll find your heart's content!

Are you looking for something special, something so unique that no one else will have for that certain someone for Valentines Day? 

Well look no further. 

Come on out to the CK Etsy Team's Valentines Trunk Show for that Locally HandCrafted piece of Jewelry, Bookmark, Warm Knitted or Crocheted Item, Individualized item, Painted Art, and much more. 

And don't forget that you will also be able to purchase scrapbooking items from the Paper Pickle to make that special One of a Kind Card for that Special Person in your life.

See you there!

A Spot of Colour by Jenny O

Jenny O of TwentySix7 did it again - another treasury featuring CK Etsy Team members! You may notice ChristyDekoning, PurplePeony, JenMerritt, SunnyDayRain, and TwistedByShannon. All aglory in red and aqua. Come visit us at A Spot of Colour.

Thanks Jenny!

Valentines Trunk Show at the Paper Pickle

Are you looking for something special, something so unique that no one else will have for that certain someone for Valentines Day? Well look no further. Come on out to the CK Etsy Team Valentines Trunk Show for that Locally Hand Crafted piece of Jewelry, Bookmark, Warm Knitted or Crocheted Item, Individualized item, Painted Art, and much more. And don't forget that you will also be able to purchase scrapbooking items from the Paper Pickle to make that special One of a Kind Card for that Special Person in your life.

If you were at the last Etsy show here at The Paper Pickle you will NOT want to miss this one!

(Thanks to Eldon for writing the promo, and Jess for designing the flier.)

Don't Push the Button!

Just a short post to promote my sister Caitlin's treasury (undonedesign on Etsy!). Former resident of Chatham-Kent now living in Hamilton, everything she makes includes buttons in some way or another - including my featured cuff!

Have a look and help us get onto the front page!

Resources for Etsy Badges, Treasury Clock and Lists

I just want to say CONGRATS for the Front Page action on Jen's treasury.

A reminder to all the artists who were featured - claim your fame, and put a badge on the featured item's page!

Here's where you can find the etsy badges
simply "right click" and "save to your computer" whichever badge you want to use (I have a separate folder called "logos" where I keep these kinds of things) then add it to your item by editing the photo section.

Take a look at my featured item, Bluebird Pendant as an example.

And for Etsy newbies, or anyone who has lost the link, remember you can always find out if you've ever been on the Front Page by checking "The Vault" section of CraftCult. Just click on "Search for Member" and enter your Etsy username.
Another helpful Treasury site is Craftopolis where you can see if you're currently featured in any treasuries, or check to see when the treasuries will open up (click on the Treasury Clock tab)

Have a great weekend!

Chase away the clouds - CK Etsy Team members featured in treasury

This treasury was put together by PersephonesPlunders and features artists from the Chatham-Kent area (and a bit beyond).


I have an item featured in this treasury! The sushi set (third row, second from the left) is mine. Other team members included are: Christy Dekoning, Brenda Braun, Shannon McDowell, Jess Wyma, Christina Seagrave, Laura Tetreault, Jenny Oriet and Steph Temesey. We would be grateful if you stopped by to visit the treasury, you see, the more views, the better! And who doesn't benefit from a bit of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day?

"Take a bit of sunshine and the whole world looks different."

xoxo Jen

Rainbowlicious Treasury featuring CK Etsy Team member!

I woke up this morning after a night (and morning) slept in my new mattress, high in the sky of my bedroom. The mattress and box-spring tower above the foot board, and almost completely clear the headboard, as well. So much for my bed frame!

As I was saying, I woke up and checked my email while eating a bowl of (delicious) Vanila Almond Oatmeal Crisp. Have you tried it? You should. Nom nom nom! Sitting in my inbox was an Etsy Convo from flossadornments, who wanted to let me know that she included something from my etsy shop, JenMerritt, in her most recent treasury. How sweet!!! Can you find it below?

If you want to be very sweet, and if you have the time to do it, visiting the treasury and clicking on each item may help us to make the front page... I would ever so graciously thank you!

Introducing:MixedMetals and TheWhiteRoom

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome our newest team member, Christina Seagave, of Mixed Metals and The White Room. Take a peek at what she has to show us...

Shop Name: Mixed Metals and The White Room
Location: Staples, ON

Do you have a blog or other website you'd like to share (and addresses)?
Artful Inspirations on Flickr

What is your favourite material to work with? sterling silver

Tell us about your craft and/or the items in your shop.
My Mixed Metals shop is my handmade jewellery. I am a lampwork bead artist and self-taught metalsmith and love working in metals and glass :) The White Room is my other shop from which I sell vintage things, and some of my handmade items as well in the mix.

What's the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you on Etsy?
I sold an item to someone famous :)

What is your one wish for your Etsy shop/creative business?
To have people enjoy what I make.

What is your favourite Etsy shop?
I have a huge list ! Not sure I could narrow it down to just one.

Favourite colour? black

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

Favourite place to be in Chatham-Kent? I really like Chatham. I love the downtown area, and there are so many nice shops. I love the Paper Pickle and William Street Cafe !