Craft Sales Dec 3 and 4

Along with Crafty Minions already posted
WESTies
PeriwinkleDzyns
Thesilveragenda
BitchinKitschKitchen
Marathon1981
SewDanee
MaryandMaude
more.....

Here are the craft sales for this coming weekend

Tuxedo Community Centre Craft Sale
368 Southport Blvd
Sunday Dec. 4 from 10am to 3pm
3 Buildings with over 60 crafters

WESTies
Monkeybusinesscardco
Magination
Heartfeltyarnwreaths
Lemondear
Zinniahandbags

Miles Macdonell Craft Sale
757 Roch Street
Saturday Dec 3 from10am to 3pm
133 crafters at 165 tables

WESTies
Monkeybusinesscardco
SoGaSoap

8th Annual Holidaze Craft Show
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10am-8pm, 2011
Location: The Exchange Community Church, 2nd floor, 75 Albert St..
WESTies
?

Springs Christian Academy Sale
595 Lagimodiere
10am - 4pm. $2 admission
Dec 3
WESTies
Cowsandudderthings
Heartfeltyarnwreaths

AWRA Craft Sale
Dec 3
WESTies
Deannewatsonjewelry

CraigStreetCats
Sunday, Dec. 4
R.A. Steen C.C.
980 Palmerston
10 am to 4 pm
Flytimes
Cowsandudderthings

Crafty Minions December 3

WESTies:
Many!

New items from WEST

TawnyBee
Childrens Christmas Advent Calendar - Tree and Snowman

PrairiePeasant
Wedding Guest Book or Journal Silk Fabric Softcover Journal by PrairiePeasant

justthegoods
NEW Vegan Natural Deodorant in Refillable Glass Roll-On - No Aluminum, Propylene Glycol, Parabens, Artificial Fragrance - 50 ml

 

lemondear
embroidery pattern set: cats and kittens (set of 4)

kirstenneil
Pebbles (original water colour)
 

flytimes
Christmas bunting Candy cane - 14 flags

CloverleafFibreArt
Pocket Purse Needlefelt Scarlet Tanager on Upcycled Cinnamon Heather Wool One of a Kind

aeliosdesign
Recycled Bronze Studs Oxidised Black Bronze and Gold

Jynxx
Christmas Charm Bracelet Baking Gingerbread Man Cookies Sweet Treats OOAK Eclectic Original Vintage Style Beads Charms & Trinkets LOADED

thesilveragenda
Blue Swarovski Crystal and Hematite Coiled Wire Wrapped Earrings

deannewatsonjewelry
Fresh Water Pearl Wire Wrapped Silver Plated Bangle

NancyBloklandPottery
Pottery Covered Butter or Cheese Dish in Blues and Gold

PeriwinkleDzyns
ON SALE Custom Geek Lanyard Badge or Eye Glass Leash - Resistors and Beads

 

BitchinKitschKitchen
Norman Rockwell Cameo Hallmark Ornament Jolly Postman 1985 Jadeite In Original Box

hoshiidesigns
Square Wool Felt Wristlet-- The Rising Sun Wristlet

feature Friday: Bitchin' Kitsch 'n' Kitchen

I am usually a bit jealous (let's be sincere: very jealous) about those who have the amazing talent of finding treasures wherever they go, from thrift stores to garage sales and beyond. With their keen eye and artistic sensibility they find vintage goodness that most of us would never notice. Lisa from Bitchin' Kitsch 'n' Kitchen is one of those talented vintage hunters and today we talk to her about her passion for vintage, some of her outrageous finds and some of her personal preferences. Enjoy!

Bitchin' Kitsch 'n' Kitchen

Vintage is fascinating, how did you get into it? 

I started going to garage sales when I was about 7 years old (in the mid-'70s), and it just sort of grew out of that. I started going to auctions regularly about a year ago, and it just kind of got out of hand :)

Do you have a pre-established notion of what you are looking for when you go on a vintage hunt? 

No, I just like the thrill of the hunt! I just like to see whatever catches my eye.

What are the most odd / outrageous / rare finds you've made? 

Hmm... I got the world's creepiest doll last week in an auction box. She looks like the child of Chuckie from those old movies about the killer doll. I also found an amazing Bagley Marine bowl for $2 at a yard sale a couple of years ago. Apparently it's worth over $200. It's sitting in my dining room right now.

I like vintage because... so may reasons - it's beautiful, unique, environmentally friendly, well-made, funky, unusual, and on and on...

I choose (to sell) vintage because... if I didn't, my house would collapse. And then they'd call me a hoarder instead of a picker ;)

I am currently reading... Moab is My Washpot by Stephen Fry and A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. Both are hilarious. I don't usually read more than one book at a time, but I had been on a wait list for Moab from the library, and it just came up.

I am currently listening to... the new Jim Cuddy album, Skyscraper Soul, and God Willing & The Creek Don't Rise by Ray LaMontagne.

What is your favourite item in your shop and why? 

Either the anodized bird canisters, because they're beautiful & very unusual, or the Royal Haeger Gazelle lamp, because it's so gorgeous!

Long term aspirations for your shop? 

To sell lots, and make some room in my house to display the amazing stuff I want to keep!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales in WEST

Now that we've got your attention!
The following WEST shops are offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales:

PeriwinkleDzyns 25% off all items

hoshiidesigns 20% off all neckware & Free Fortune cookie change purse with $50 + before shipping

lemondear 20% off by applying the 20TURKEYS coupon at checkout! from Nov 24-28

NancyBloklandPottery 15% off till Saturday

Jynxx coupon code BLACKFRIDAYSALE for 10% off

Craft Sales November 26 & 27

Manitoba Craft Council
Handmade Holiday Sale of Fine Contemporary Craft
Friday, November 25, 5-10 pm
Saturday, November 26, 10 am-5 pm
318 Ross Street, just West of Princess St.

Westies:
CloverLeafFibreArt

Mall in the Hall
Glenwood Communty Centre
27 Overton Street
Winnipeg, MB R2M 0H2
Phone: 233-6698
Saturday, November 26, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WESTies:
JustTheGoods

Winnipeg Center Vineyard - November 26

WESTies:
Marathon1981
NancyBloklandPottery
SoGaSoap

feature Friday: Nancy Blokland Pottery

Today we talk to Nancy Blokland of Nancy Blokland Pottery about her experience in pottery, what Etsy means to her and she also shares some business advise with us. Enjoy Nancy in her own words:

In pottery all pieces thrown on the wheel must be "centered". 

This has been a good metaphor for life.

I have been in the crafting business, primarily selling pottery for more than 25 years.  I still continue to learn and try to keep up with emerging trends in finding my pottery “new homes” (read sell).  What I have learned is that it is really important to pick your venues both retail/wholesale and sales.

Researching who your client population is, or who you want it to be is key. Is the store/sale I will have my work at a draw for who I think buys my products, or could it lead to future sales. I  have found that doing fewer, bigger sales is a better investment of my dollars and time as I can check  out the sale the year before, talk to other vendors and have a sense of how I need to set up my booth and what products to take. 

When considering venues, I need to be smart about how much packing and carrying of those fragile items I want to do, i.e. The Winnipeg Folk Festival, Handmade village. If my objective is to move product there, it makes no sense to take a lot of teapots or serving dishes, they just won’t move.  For a sale like that, where people are walking and carrying things in backpacks, the item needs to be small and well packed. Customers need to know that what they have bought will get home in one piece, literally.

Etsy for me is not moving lots of product, but I enjoy having yet another on-line presence and the spin offs of posting my up to date works for sale on both my blog and Facebook.  At 20 cents per item, that is pretty inexpensive advertising. I also get a kick out of having mugs and tumblers go to Texas, England and California.

My favorite item in my shop is my wine tumblers, new, different and easy to ship. This is a serious consideration for a potter. 

My long term aspiration is to build up my on line presence and sales and reduce my need for doing so many shows in the fall.

Yellow Ribbon Craft Sale

Yellow Ribbon Craft Sale
Saturday, November 19th 10am-3pm
17 Wing Recreation Centre
682 Whytewold Road (on the Air Force base, north of Ness & Sliver)

More than 35 crafters, and one vintage seller!

WEST members:
Bitchin' Kitsch 'n' Kitchen
Magination
Monkey Business Card Co.

Festive Artisans Market - November 18

WEST members:
Kelly Ruth
Periwinkle Designs

Creative Collection Craft Fair - November 20

WEST members present:
NancyBloklandPottery
PrairiePeasant
Tawny Bee
Monkeybusinesscardco

Fall Colour Trends Design Challenge Entry #3

Here is our third entry into our November Design Challenge based on the colour Quarry from the Fall Colour Trends from Pantone:

Modern Elongated Swarovski Crystal Hoops Earrings, Light Denim Blue and Argentium Sterling Silver - Roxie by Toxie Designs

Jennifer says earlier this year she purchased vintage crystal in the colour Indian Sapphire, which she thinks best matches Pantone's Quarry hue. These crystals are in a discontinued shape in a large 10mm size.

Vintage light grey blue faceted crystal saucers floats on an arced earwire which meets at the bottom latch. These sexy earrings, made of Argentium Sterling silver* (anti-tarnish, nickle free and ethically mined) are hand-shaped and hardened by me. The crystals are brilliantly cut vintage saucer beads in pale light denim blue or quarry blue from Swarovski. These are limited edition earrings as only three pairs will be made.

You can find more of Jennifer's Modern Geometric Jewelry in Silver and Gold in her Toxie Designs shop!

NEW items from WEST member Oct 30 - Nov 5

Sorry for the delay posting - Here are some new items from WEST members

HeartfeltYarnWreaths

Yarn Tree Christmas Decor. Red, white, green and bronze Christmas trees. Set of three. Table Centerpiece. Modern Christmas and holiday decor

 Yarn trees - the perfect Christmas decor! Green yarn-wrapped trees feature red, white and bronze felt ornaments, complementing a gold metallic thread accenting the tree. Each tree is completed by a double-thickness felt star in marigold. Featuring the traditional colour scheme of green, red, white and gold (bronze), these yarn wrapped trees would be beautiful as a table centerpiece, or displayed on a window sill or mantle.

This listing is for a set of three trees, as pictured. Trees (including stars) measure 12 inches (30.5 centimetres), 8 inches (20.3 centimetres) and 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) high.

deannewatsonjewelry

Turquoise, Agate and Fresh Water Pearl Pendant Necklace

This necklace features a 1x1.5 inch rectangular turquoise stone wrapped in antique bronze wire, crystals and seed beads as a unique feature. The necklace is made of blue crazy agate, blue crystal beads, bronze colored fresh water pearls and seed beads to bring out the natural colors of the turquoise. I finidhed the necklace with an antique bronze flower toggle clasp.

Necklace measures 11 inches both sides from clasp to bottom of pendant.

TawnyBee

Upcycled Peace Stars Winter Hat - Size 6 Mos.

Keep Winter Peaceful and Starry!

Features:
- fits approximately 6 months
- made out of upcycled cotton knit (Peace signs decorate half of the crown pieces, orange decorates the other half)
- quilted for extra warmth
- lined
- A cute cartoon star is appliqued on the front
- earflaps to keep the cold wind away from baby's ears
- closure at the neck with two snaps
- extra cutesy pom pom decorates the top
- padded and soft for warmth and coziness
- one of a kind (please check my other listings for more winter hats for girls and boys in various sizes)

MakeupSecret

Purple and Blue Wrapped Ear Cuff/Ear Wrap

- Color Coated Copper
- Rainbow bead
- Purple bead with silver and blue design


BitchinKitschKitchen

Red Plastic Canisters Nesting Set of 3 With Spare Lid Made in Canada White Lids Flour Coffee Tea       

Set of three nesting plastic kitchen canisters. One each for flour, coffee, and tea. Includes the lid only for the sugar canister.

Flour measures 6 3/4" (17.145cm) tall, and 6 1/2" (16.51cm) square.
Coffee is 5 1/2" 13.97cm) tall, and 5" (12.7cm) square.
Tea is 4 3/4" (12.065cm) tall and 4 1/4" (10.795cm) square.
*Measurements are without lids. Lids add approximately 1 1/4" (3.175cm) to height.

NancyBloklandPottery

Pottery Cereal Bowl in Blues, golds and purple

This little bowl measuring about 3 inches deep and 6 inches across has limitless possiblities. It is great for cereal, soup, or gift giving filled with somebody's favorite treats.

Dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.


ToxieDesigns

Simple Dangle Glass Fringe Earring, Vintage beads and Argentium Sterling Silver, eco friendly, modern, everyday

5 peridot green teardrop beads hang along the front of these sexy hand-shaped earwires creating swaying fringe. The earrings are made from Argentium Sterling Silver (anti-tarnish, nickle free and ethically mined) and Vintage teardrop beads and feature a hammered paddle end (not a simple bent loop) and a longer back leg.

Front Length is 1 1/8" or 29 mm
Back Length 1 3/8" or 35mm


kirstenneil

White Orchid

An original watercolour painting I completed in November 2011.

The finished size is approximately 10" x 15" on 140lb paper. I will send the piece to you in a mailing tube.

Fall Colour Trends Design Challenge Entry #2

Here is our second entry into our November Design Challenge based on Fall Colour Trends from Pantone:

Cafe Latte Fingerless Mitts by MonCherieCreations

Just the thing for a cool fall day in November! Miriam notes: I love the colours for this challenge! This was a pattern I'd been wanting to make for a while, and I had two perfect colours with which to make them.

With these fingerless mitts, you'll keep your hands warm with comforting colours and style. Perfect for running errands or an evening out, these mitts will keep you hands warmer but leave your fingers free to use the outdoor ATM, pay your parking, order at the drive-thru, or fasten your kids' seatbelts. A great gift for yourself, a teacher, a bus driver, or anyone else for whom you'd like to get a thoughtful gift.

You can find more of Miriam's handmade crocheted bags, hats, headwraps and more in her MonCherieCreations shop!

Fall Colour Trends Design Challenge Entry #1

It's only November 3 and we have our first entry in the November Design Challenge!

Susana from lemon dear made a very cool moustache calender for 2012:

2012 calendar. Printable PDF. Original illustrations. Moustaches by lemondear

Susana writes:
Ever since I was a child, I've always found moustaches to be absolutely charming - and I don't mean just Clark Gable and John Waters' cooler than cool pencil thin moustaches. My fascination has always included the magical bearded lady of the amusement parks, fairs and circuses of yore, and of course, Groucho Marx's grease moustache and the millions of imitations that followed in the form of "funny guy" masks. While thinking of a calendar idea, something one will see all through the year, I thought: I'd like to see colourful moustaches. It was a huge aid to have this challenge and the Pantone colours available, since I am still a bit scared about colour--hence one of the lines of my manifesto goes "Do not be afraid of colour." This was a perfect chance to run wild with the amazing hues presented. Using the suggested colours was like writing an exquisite corpse: no one knows what the previous verse was or what the following one will be, but somehow, they match beautifully.

You can find more of Susana's embroidery patterns, embroidered hoop art, customized colouring books and 2012 calendars in her lemon dear shop!

W.E.S.T. November Design Challenge: Fall Colour Trends

It won't be long before our world in Manitoba will be enveloped in--dare I say it--snow! Soon we will be longing for more colour to brighter our moods and our days. This month's design challenge is based on the Fall 2011 colour trend forecast from Pantone:

Bamboo. Emberglow. Honeysuckle. Phlox. Cedar. Deep Teal. Coffee Liqueur. Nougat. Orchid Hush. Quarry.

Mix and match. Use these colours for inspiration--don't be worried about matching the exact hue! Consider adding texture, contrast and colour in your work: pair masculine with feminine, warm prints with cool metals, include both old and new influences and create an intriguing balance between the colours.

For inspiration, here are some examples of existing listings from WEST members:

I just love the contrast between these "cedar" coloured jasper beads and the silver clay beads on these earrings made by Wendy from thesilveragenda!

Fine Silver Metal Clay Grass Jasper Bamboo Earrings by thesilveragenda

Carla Dyck's stunning photograph of the "honeysuckle" coloured daisy with the textured wood and rope in the background is simply gorgeous!

Honeysuckle Rose Coloured Bloom Floating on Wood and Twine Background.Fine art photo entitled Floating - 8 X 10 by Carla Dyck

Here's how each design challenge works: 
Check the forums and blog at the start of the month to get the inspiration topic. As you mull over what that particular idea means to you, jot down some notes in the discussion thread or leave a comment on the blog. Take pictures of your process and finished item and post them in the forum thread. We would love to hear the story behind how you arrived at your finished object! I will post a separate feature for each item entered into the design challenge with a round up at the end of the month. 

A few notes: 
Create something new, especially for the challenge. Entries for each month should be finished by the last day of the month. Vintage and supply sellers are welcome to participate too, with a focus on artful photography and careful choice of item. 

Happy designing!