Local Mother's Day

Monday, April 28, 2014

Show your Momma some love by shopping local this Mother’s Day.  By shifting just a portion of your spending, you can help create more jobs, a stronger economy and build a better community here in Toronto.  So take a short peruse through these charming Mother’s Day gifts from our favorite Toronto Etsy Shops.
Cat's Cradle Dish - $45.00
Local Father-Daughter Team, Una and Aleks, from Whistle And Work created this amazing hand-painted, ceramic dish.  The illustration is an intricate game of Cat’s Cradle, which my Momma taught me how to play at a very young age.  We certainly did spend a lot of time futzing with the Cat’s Cradle string.  This ceramic dish is perfect for any nostalgic Mother-Daughter pair.  The dish is very versatile and can be used to store soaps, jewelry or candies.  I can picture my Mom eating a big piece of chocolate cake off it.  Whatever Mom will use it for, it will always remind her of her babies.

Kostimusha is such an amazing Etsy shop – it’s impossible to pick a favorite piece. Kostimusha’s pieces are often asymmetrical, rough and purposely imperfect. They celebrate individuality, uniqueness and creative freedom.
Leather Necklace - $65.63
All items in the shop are handmade with an emotion and with great attention paid on detail.  I love the idea of a leather statement necklace as a gift for Mom as these types of necklaces are rare and instantly upgrade a look to edgy chic.  My Momma is a motorcycle biker and a school teacher.  This statement necklace is edgy, feminine and unique – just like Mom.  It would also compliment her everyday clothing like jeans, leather or even a little black dress.

Mom makes life more beautiful.  Why not reciprocate her pretty ways and send her a little bouquet of beauty?  
Mother's Day Card - $7.88
I’ll be sending Mom a card this Mother’s Day and I am especially loving this sweet and savvy greeting created by Rovena at Handmade By Rovena.  The handmade card features a gently raised bouquet of p
ink cherry blossoms and sweet white flowers. The bouquet is wrapped up with baker’s twine for a nice finishing touch – perfect for Mom.  Be sure to check out Handmade By Rovena for all of your stationary needs. Rovena has a heap of quirky cards that reflect her life as a mother, a scientist and a creative paper artist.
Grizzly Bear Tote Bag - $22.00
My Mom is a total sucker for tote bags.  She uses them to carry school work, as a plastic bag alternative and to haul around her usual stack of library books.  This grizzly bear tote bag is designed and screen printed by Heart’s Haven.  The tote is called “Setting Free the Bears!” which is named after the famous John Irving novel.  We know book-loving Momma would adore this tote.  And who in their right mind could resist the grizzly bear?!  This strong cotton tote bag is also perfect for Mom as it can probably carry 100 times more than she can carry.  Go check out Heart’s Haven shop you for more awesome handmade accessories.

Vegan Seaweed Salt Scrub – $11.88 CAD
Does your Momma love bubble baths and beauty products?  It’s certainly the case with my Mom and I.  As a fellow bath and beauty lover, I feel like I have the authority to tell you not to miss out on this local ‘n’ lovely organic beauty shop called The Basic Elements.  The best part about The Basic Elements is that their products are 100% safe for Moms skin!  Their products are free of chemicals, detergents, dyes, synthetics and preservatives.  This restorative seaweed scrub is perfect for pampering Momma.  The scrub will detoxify, polish and massage her skin.  But wait, there’s more!  The seaweed scrubcontains nourishing grapeseed and essential oils that condition and soften the skin.  Check The Basic Elements Etsy Shop frequently as they are often rolling out new products every few weeks.

Potato Masher – $8.00 CAD
Because our Momma makes the best mashed potatoes!  I love, love, love the Coco And Bear Etsy Shop.  Coco And Bear is full of unique vintage finds for your home, office or business.  It’s really well merchandised and we love their style of photography.  This farmhouse style potato masher is simply amazing.  I remember a similar masher in my Mothers kitchen.  Just looking at this photograph, I can picture Mom rattling those pots and pans during a long holiday weekend.  Often she would pass the wirey potato masher to me over a pot of steaming potatoes and say, “Have at it!”  If your Mom loves that shabby chic style, this would be a great lil’ addition to her home.

So there you go Toronto.  Local homegrown goodness for the coolest lady in your life.  Be sure to check out Etsy for even more local Mother’ Day gifts.  Nothing could make your Momma more proud than buying products absolutely unique to your area.  Happy shopping locally!

Etsy and West Elm Pop Up in Toronto

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

This Saturday, there is an Etsy pop-up shop at West Elm Toronto (from 1:00 to 6:00 at 109 Atlantic). You can read about it on the Etsy blog or on the Front & Main blog and RSVP here.

There are some great local sellers involved, including TEST's own Avril Loreti Modern Home, Paper Parade Co, Fitzy Designs, and CSFootprints!

If you can't make the Pop Up in person, you can shop the curated collection, via the West Elm Etsy Page:
Toronto Shops
curated by west elm on Etsy

Quit Your Day Job Featuring Cubits

Sunday, April 20, 2014

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.etsy.com%2Fen%2F2014%2Fquit-your-day-job-cubits%2F
The Cubit’s family on the farm.

The Etsy blog Quit Your Day Job series featured TEST's own Cubit’s and their growing ethical seed company! They've managed to expand their urban farming to include a full farm in Prince Edward County. We love seeing our members grow and succeed and commit to supporting their fellow local small businesses. Read the full post.

Thanks to Laura and for citing, "joining the Toronto Etsy Street Team five years ago" as "one of the best business decisions I ever made"! That's a tremendous compliment.

Happy Easter from TEST

Thursday, April 17, 2014



We hope the Easter bunny is good to you! Enjoy your long weekend and best wishes from the Toronto Etsy Street Team.

FAT - Fashion Art Toronto

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Arts & Fashion Week


APRIL 22-26, 2014 / 585 Dundas St E

 

FAT is back for 2014 and will include TEST's own Masha Apparel and Simone's Rose as well as a collaboration between Simple Smiles & Co and Sainte Genovefa.




Masha Apparrel's Ombre Maxi skirt

 
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/163725567/victoria-minimalist-doubleknit-dress
Victoria minimalist doubleknit dress by Simone's Rose Boutique

See SS&Co's collaboration show Formal Rebellion April 25th
Also check out the Formal Rebellion teaser video here

The Toronto Etsy Street Team 5th Annual Spring Marketplace!

Monday, April 14, 2014

It's that time of year again! As we finally start to feel the onset of spring we are pleased to announce the 
Toronto Etsy Street Team 5th Annual Spring Marketplace!

To celebrate the time of year when crafty Torontonians like to get out and see the world, join us June 7th, 11 am to 5 pm at:

Church of Saint Stephen-in-the-Fields
103 Bellevue Ave at College St, in the Kensington Market neighbourhood.
We're planning a spring-themed show at this central venue, and we will be accepting a juried group of 24 handmade vendors.

To apply to the show please fill in our on-line form. Please read it carefully and note that we will be changing things up a bit for this show.  

If you are interested in teaching a workshop during the show please fill in our workshop application form here! Please note that TEST members are welcome to participate in the workshop series whether or not they are a vendor. Volunteers can help man vendor tables to allow vendors the time to teach a workshop.

Please note: The 5th Annual Toronto Etsy Street Team Spring Marketplace is exclusively for members of TEST - no exceptions.  If you are not a member of the team, but run a Toronto-based Etsy shop, you can apply to the team here. If you live outside of Toronto, we cannot accomodate you. If you are a Toronto-based handmaker who doesn't yet sell online, just open an Etsy shop, apply to the team here, and then apply to our show. You can find all the instructions you need to launch your Etsy shop in our TEST Etsy Seller Newbie Bootcamp!

Newbie Spring

Thursday, April 10, 2014

It's finally feeling like spring! Celebrate with some springlike Newbie finds!
 
http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:skippingfox/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F156501641%2Fthank-you-card-blue-and-pink-bird
Pink and blue thank you card from SkippingFox

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:Ana/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F181244477%2Fgeometric-plant-bandanas-with-snap-clasp
Geometric Plant Bandanas from AnaDiosdado

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:hwbp/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F164614607%2Fballoon-pug-t-shirt%20
Balloon Pug T-shirt from HWBP

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:fashionelle/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F178279031%2Fgeometric-infinity-scarf-womens-printed
Infinity scarf from FashionelleStudio

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:Guevera/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F150446294%2Foleaje-ocean-strings-necklace
OLEAJE-ocean-strings necklage from micheleguevera

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:riempie/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F176949091%2Fmulti-coloured-screenprint-on-birch-wood
Screenprinted Birchbark Nightlight by Riempie

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:WICK/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F179761218%2Fdusty-pink-knit-triangle-scarf-with
Dusty pink triangle scarf by WICKandPoppy

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:KooCoo/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F184687069%2Fooak-ice-dyed-green-dress
One of a kind dyed green dress by KooCooCarillo

 The Toronto Etsy Street Team loves Newbie shops! You can find some of our favorite listings from talented Newbie sellers, including those featured in this class in our new TEST ♥ Newbies section. Be sure to stop by often to see what's new in this evolving, curated treasury of amazing Newbie finds!


TEST Etsy Newbie Bootcamp: Class 18 Custom Orders

Monday, April 7, 2014

Welcome to our Etsy Newbie Bootcamp! If you want to take part in Bootcamp and get one-on-one mentoring, or answers to any of your questions, please drop us a line at TorontoEtsyST@gmail.com.  

If you want to open an Etsy shop, just follow this link!

We have new sellers joining our Bootcamp all the time, so even though this is Class 18, you can join now or anytime! You can complete the classes at your own pace. The entire series so far: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, Class 5, Class 6, Class 7, Class 8, Class 9, Class 10, Class 11, Class 12, Class 13, Class 14Class 15, Class 16 and Class 17.



If you are just starting out, be sure you've checked out our first module of 6 classes, which cover how to open an Etsy Shop, making your shop look its best including: {Branding & Shop Banners, Shop Profiles Bios and Photos, Make Listings Tempting} and providing the information to your customers about who you are and how you run your business: About Pages, and Shop Policies. These introductory classes should get your shop up and running!

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:handstampology/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F175023025%2F20-custom-love-is-sweet-labels
HandStampOlogy offers many customizable listings
including these wedding favour labels
Today we're going to cover how to offer and complete Custom Orders for your customers. 

 Custom orders may not be a good fit for all sellers, but since Etsy is about small nimble businesses, it is often something we are able to do much more than bigger businesses. If you can customize your products for buyers it is a good service to offer! You'll find you can attract new buyers and come up with new product ideas based on what people ask from you. Vintage and supply sellers may find buyers want them to set up custom listings from certain bundles of products. Handmade sellers can choose to make different versions or entirely new things on request. Remember: the goal is a mutually beneficial transaction. You want the buyer to get exactly what he or she wants, but you also want to make sure the order works for you - that you are getting a fair price and that if you're making something new, it's something you want to be doing. See Class 10 The Dark Art of Pricing for tips on how to ensure you don't undersell.

Nuts and Bolts: Offering custom items with private listings

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:SheTheWolf/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F152447499%2Fdouble-chevron-friendship-bracelet
SheTheWolf offers custom orders. Check out her
modern friendship bracelets. Maybe you'ld like one made to order!
Anyone with an open Etsy shop can go to Your Shop > Options (under Shop Settings) and save the Request Custom Order setting as Enabled. This shows buyers that you are ready and willing to offer made-to-order items. A "Request Custom Order" button will show up on your listings. By default, the button appears on all listings, but if you wish for some listings to appear without this button, simply edit the listings and and remove the check mark next to Accept custom requests from this item. 

With Custom Orders enabled, a buyer simply pushed the "Request Custom Order" button to produce a text window where they are prompted to describe what they are seeking, and if applicable, enter a date by which they would need it on a calendar. When the "Send Custom Request" you receive their form in your Etsy mailbox, like any other Convo, but it will be in the Custom Requests folder. You and your buyer can communicate back and forth until you establish whether you can help them and wish to offer them a custom order. You'll want to establish a clear description of what they want, when you can provide it, when they want it, and how much it will cost. If you're both happy, you can proceed to set up a private custom order that only they can see. See Class 7 for tips on effective communication with your customers.

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:401/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F166126787%2Fpersonalized-custom-name-sign-poster
Route401 offers custom name sign posters like these
Convos in your Custom Requests folder come with a time line to lead you through the process. When you have settled on a plan with your customer you can create a custom, private listing directly from the original thread. Simple enter a title, description and a shipping rate (either from a shipping profile or set a different specific rate - see Class 8 Shipping & Packaging). You'll need to add one photo. If you don't have the custom item to photograph, you can add a sketch, an image of a similar item or even the words "Custom Order" saved as a jpeg. As soon as you press publish, a private listing will be available for your customer only. It will not appear in your public shop or in searches, so it cannot be purchased by the wrong person. Your customer will automatically receive an email from Etsy to let them know their listing is ready. You can view the listing by navigating to Your Shop > Currently for Sale where it will appear, and be labelled Private. You aren't charged for this listing unless you customer purchases it, which is rather nice, because sometimes, even if a person gets offered pricisely what they wished for they opt not to purchase it. When your customer does purchase the listing, you are charged the same as a regular listing, and the listing will appear in your Sold Items page.

If your buyer sends you a regular convo without clicking "Request Custom Order" you can nonetheless make a private listing by clicking Make this a custom order and proceeding as above.

You can read more on the Custom Order FAQ.

If your customer contacts you in some other way, for instance in person or by email, you can either ask them to send you a Convo or you can set up a regular listing and write RESERVED in the title. Be aware that it is possible that some other person is so tempted that they ignore the word RESERVED and they purchase the listing for themself. Though, if you are willing and able to make more than one, this might not be a bad thing!


How to make sure your Custom Order is a great experience for both of you

Class 7 we covered some tips for successful communication with customers, and that's really key here. Remember, while we always want to treat customers with friendliness, curtesy and respect, occasionally the customer isn't right. If they are asking the impossible, it's okay to politely decline. So, you want to make sure you really understand what the customer wants, why and when.
http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:Beaconsfield/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F181478789%2Fcustom-wine-labels-table-numbers-wedding
BeaconsfieldCards offers Custom Wine Labels Table Numbers
Now that you know how the procedure works, there are some things you'll want to consider to make sure you both get what you want and the transaction is a great success. 

Ask questions to make sure you understand their vision:
  • What does the customer want? Is it a simple variation on what you already offer or something altogether new?
  • When do they expect this item, and is that something you can acheive? Sometimes, the date is not important, sometimes the item is a birhday present and required at a specific time.
  • What dimensions will the item be?
  • What colour? Pattern? Or any other variable.
  • Does the buyer have a specific vision, or do they like your style and want you to make decisions for them? If a customer doesn't volunteer any suggestions when asked, try making your own suggestions and see if they like your ideas. Occasionally, customers want something unique but they do not have a lot of preconceived ideas or confidence that they can imagine what would work and they would rather trust you - the expert.
  • What inspired the request? This might include things like which of your other products they most admire, or something about the recipient or intended purpose. Sometimes you can learn something which can allow you to add that extra special detail which will keep your customers coming back. You may also learn that you can make a more suitable suggestion and guide the customer to get something which will be a better fit than their initial idea.

Make sure you communicate what you can and will do. Ask yourself some questions:

  • Is the item described something I know I can produce?
  • Do I have the time to do so?
  • How long will it take?
  • Is it something I want to do? 
  • Does it fit with my shop and my brand?
  • Do I have any concerns? These can include anything from whether you've understood to practical or ethical concerns. I'm allergic to feathers, so I am not going to agree to make something feathered. Maybe you wish to avoid animal products or working with anything which could be harmful to your health or the environment. If a buyer asks you to make a knock-off or infrige on someone's copyright, a polite explanation and declining the job might be your best bet - but you can always try suggesting an alternative.
  • Do I have the materials I need?

It is up to you to decide. You can always politely decline if the request is unreasonable, unfeasible for you at the time or straight up impossible.

Be sure to make a reasonable quote! And by reasonable, I do not mean cheap! I mean fair. Pay yourself for your time, energy, materials and all the extra energy, creativity, and effort which goes into a custom order. See Class 10 The Dark Art of Pricing and if anything, quote a little higher than you think you should. Sometimes you'll encounter some unforeseen cost with a new product.

Make sure you and your buyer are agreed to the plan. Volunteer information on:

  • When you expect to complete the item
  • How it will be shipped
  • When payment is required. Hint: Require payment upfront, unless you would be willing, able, and happy to sell the item to someone else, should your buyer back out. You can also do things in stages, or request a deposit. Sometimes it might be appropriate to sell your buyer a prototype, proof or a sample of materials before launching into a large transaction agreement. 
  • If you will allow your buyer to make revisions, how, when and how many?
  • Your shop policies about exchanges and returns

Make sure you keep your buyer in the loop. Let them know how the project is advancing, when it is completed and when it is shipped. Let them know if there is anything unforseen.

Make something which says "you", your shop and brand as well as matching your customer's request. There's a reason they wanted you to make it.

How Custom Orders can help your shop

http://prf.hn/click/camref:10l3tr/pubref:SweetIngenuity/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F182426921%2Fcustom-art-portrait-commission-anime-and
You can get custom portraits in a comics or anime style from SweetIngenuity
Not only is a Custom Order another sale, it provides you insight into the market. What do people want? How does the set of things people want intersect with the set of things you can make and would like to offer? Is this a new product which you should offer to all buyers? Do you, for instance make screenprinted tees and get repeated requests for screenprinted baby onesies? Do you get repeated requests to add monograms to your handbound journals? Are you an artist and find customers want you to make their portraits?

Making a Custom Order can be a way to prototype a new product - and get paid to do it! Once you've made an item, you know precisely what it cost you to produce and ship it.

You might also learn that it would be useful to simply add variations to an existing listing.

You may also want to add a regular listing to let shopper know that you do make custom listings, say like custom portraits, or design-your-own toy (out of standard elements) or select-your-materials for jewelry or [fill-in-the-blank with what you make] products.

Making just the thing for a customer, and collaborating with them on ideas can be a really rewarding - an interesting challenge and a way to connect with a new fan.

You can find more tips on managing Custom Orders and customizable listings in articles on the Etsy blog.




The Toronto Etsy Street Team loves Newbie shops! You can find some of our favorite listings from talented Newbie sellers, including those featured in this class in our new TEST ♥ Newbies section. Be sure to stop by often to see what's new in this evolving, curated treasury of amazing Newbie finds!



Vendor Call: Danforth East Arts Fair

Sunday, April 6, 2014



September 13 & 14 at East Lynn Park
1949 Danforth Avenue – between Coxwell and Woodbine
September 13 and 14  /  10 am – 5pm

Early-bird application deadline is April 13, 2014

Final deadline is May 31, 2014

ceramics • photography • t-shirts  •  jewelry • fine art • soap  •  children’s toys 
& clothes and much, much more!

Vendor Call: Toronto Indie Arts Market Small Press & Literary Festival

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Toronto Indie Arts Market Small Press & Literary Festival.
The application deadline has been extended, so there's still time for people to apply.


VENDOR APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED – REMAINING SPOTS WILL BE ALLOTTED ON A “FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED” BASIS UNTIL THE EVENT IS FULL.

Here are the details of the show:

Sunday, May 25 10:30am - 4:30pm
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
www.torontoindieartsmarket.com

Vendor Call: Christie Pits Arts Festival

Call for artists, vendors, foodies, musicians, crafters, community groups, bakers, cyclists. Set up a pop up shop for a day in the park. Email mongupta@hotmail.com if you want a 10x10 space only $25.

Christie Pits Arts Festival
Sunday May 25th
12-5pm
Christie Pits Park
rain or shine

Vendor Call

Leslieville Tree Festival

Join us for the Leslieville Tree Festival in Leslie Grove Park (corner of Queen St E and Jones Ave, Toronto). Featuring green groups and vendors, exciting live performances, a kids’ zone, native plants, local artists and woodworkers, a ceremonial tree planting and tasty local food, this fun-filled celebration of our urban forest includes activities for the whole family!

Very affordable. $30 table. Apply now! (it's almost first come first serve).

Vender Call



CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!

The next Maker’s Market will take place at Crawford Bar on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 11-6pm.

We are looking for artists, hand makers, and vintage sellers. Space is limited!

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014.

To apply, please e-mail the following information to themakersmarketTO@gmail.com with the subject line “Makers Market – April 26th Submission”:

-Name:
-Company:
-Phone Number:
-Website (online store/blog):
-Products you sell:
-Price point of products:
-Brief history or description of your company:
- 4-5 attached images of your work:

In your email, please state the size of space you will be requiring. Tables/furniture/spaces are provided in a few different sizes and heights in combinations of bar height round tables, rectangular tables, coffee tables, arm chairs, love seats, bar space, and more, so we will do our best to accommodate your needs!
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