Holiday 2016 - WEST Etsy Market!

An amazing group of over 30 vendors!

Handmade toys, jewellery, wood, leather, pottery, soap and so much more!

Saturday December 17, join WEST for a last minute Holiday market
St James Civic Centre
2055 Ness Avenue, Winnipeg
11 am to 5pm
Admission is $2 with 12 and under free

Last minute shopper special!
Free admission from 4-5pm!!

WEST Fall Market Wrap Up

On a gorgeous fall day WEST held their annual Fall market at Holy Cross Gymnasium in the lovely neighborhood of St Boniface in Winnipeg Manitoba.

Many thanks to our customers who make our events special! Over 1700 of you patiently stood in line or shopped our VIP event to support our makers and curators! Thank You for Shopping Local.

And wow did you come to shop!

So many wonderful WESTies

With amazing products!

These are some of the people that make up WEST, a volunteer group that helps local Etsy sellers!

Many thanks to Rebecca of Bixipix Photography for the stellar snaps!


Completed your holiday shopping?
You have one last chance with WEST!

Pre shop our amazing vendors here - https://www.etsy.com/ca/local/event/48780932883/holiday-2016-west-etsy-market-december-17

WESTie Wednesday : ft Metamorphosis Glass Works!

WESTie Wednesday with Michelle of Metamorphosis Glass Works!

Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Learn about Michelle and her shop Metamorphosis Glass Works.

"At Metamorphosis Glass Works, I create stained glass and mosaic art, everything from stained glass sun-catchers and large window panels to mosaic key holders, wall art and house numbers.

What is nice about my work is that it appeals to a wide audience: seagulls on driftwood appeals for a 20-year-old in France, stained glass feathers at a cabin in BC, Birds on a Wire mosaic art for a 30 something professional from Regina. My client base is so varied and unique, it never gets boring!

Several years ago my universe as I knew it completely changed and it made me stop and take stock of my life and what I wanted out of it. After taking some yoga, reiki and photography classes I ended up doing an introductory stained glass class and fell absolutely in love. Since then I've taken several classes in Winnipeg as well as in Chicago and can't seem to get enough of the learning and evolving that comes with glass art.

About a year ago, after much encouragement from friends and family, I started to explore the idea of selling my glass art. Based out of Winnipeg MB, I have a lovely little boutique glass studio in my backyard that allows me to create anytime inspiration strikes.

My work tends to be a combination of natural themed pieces using driftwood from some of Manitoba's most beautiful lakes as well as modern interpretations of a traditional handcraft. I like to think of my work as fitting into the category of 'not your grandma's stained glass'!

We asked Michelle “Why Etsy?”

"The Etsy community is incredibly rich and diverse: including its events programming, celebrating milestones or helping each other out. These are just some of things I love about being part of a community of vintage curators and handmade artisans who support and encourage each other."

Want to see more? Be sure to check out Metamorphosis Glass Works on social media:

Facebook | Instagram

WESTie Wednesday : ft Imagine Yarn!

WESTie Wednesday with Anel of Imagine Yarn!

Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Learn about Anel and her shop Imagine Yarn.

"At Imagine Yarn, I sell two different lines. I sell crochet and felt completed purses which range in sizes. I love making these and they make great gifts. I have also put together kits to make the purses. The kits for the felted purses include a pattern I wrote with clear directions, the metal purse frame and 100% unwashed wool from Norway. I also have a makeup bag purse kit that includes a pattern I wrote, metal purse frame and 100% cotton. One of my favourite purses is the Miss Daisy. The kit includes a pattern written by a South African designer friend, South African 100% cotton or merino wool and a purse metal frame. The Miss Daisy purse includes a lovely quote that a friend helped me write.

I am originally from South Africa, a country with lovely cotton and merino wool. I believe crochet and knitting are moving in a very exciting new direction. Handmade crochet items are more modern with a lovely old world charm. This process is what inspired me to start my shop.

All we need is imagination to give free range to our creativity and create something beautiful. I look for new hardware to incorporate into crochet items. My focus is purses. A lot of my yarn is hand dyed in South Africa, both 100% cotton and 100% merino. I love their yarn. I also have South African artisan handcraft wooden crochet hooks for the shop. I put the kits together and create some completed purses in my home in-between my day job.

We asked Anel “Why Etsy?”

"My friends and family were encouraging me to sell the lovely purses I made for them, so I thought I would give this a try."

Want to see more? Be sure to check out Imagine Yarn on social media:

Facebook | Instagram

WESTie Wednesday : ft The InkPAD

WESTie Wednesday with Carla Giesbrecht-Wat of The InkPAD!

Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Learn about Carla and her shop The InkPAD.

"At The InkPAD, I sell hand screen printed apparel for babies/toddlers, totes, and cards/prints. My main demographic is young families, in particular, moms with young children."

I am a hard-working stay at home mom who loves to create things. I recently started screen printing and I fell in love. My goal is to create meaningful products that connect with the customer.

My process is pretty free flowing: I base my product on my history or memories, present life with children and images that can take you on a journey (with a little bit of humour). Right now my materials come from local/online stores that sell blank apparel. There are a few art stores that sell screen printing products in Winnipeg but I buy online most of my supplies. All the physical work is done in my basement and the digital designing is done on my laptop wherever I may be.
I do all my own product photography which is becoming another one of my passions and also have a very active Instagram feed which is growing daily.

We asked Carla “Why Etsy?”

"Being creative has always been a part of my life and now that I am lucky enough to stay at home with my kids, I want to dive in and support my family. It's the best combo I can think of, even though it can be crazy at times!"

Want to see more? Be sure to check out The InkPAD on social media:

Facebook | Instagram

WESTie Wednesday : ft flfcreations

WESTie Wednesday with Wendi Kuarsingh of flfcreations!

Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Learn about Wendi and her shop flfcreations.

"At flfcreations, I mainly sell children's items such as costumes, plushies and stuffies. I also touch on home decor and one of my more popular items locally would have to be my "home Manitoba" pillows and ornaments."

"I was initially inspired by my 2-year-old. I bought felt hoping to make him a giant robot. The robot was a success and I was hooked on creating new things out of felt! Four years later my products are in a couple of local shops and I have many online sales.

All my materials are purchased locally and are created with much love and patience.  

I specialize in stuffies as well as children's costumes and old school rag dolls. The options seem endless! If only I had more time in the day to create all the ideas playing around in my mind."

We asked Wendi “Why Etsy?”

"I decided to start an Etsy shop because locally I've done quite well and was hoping to expand my sales. I have been quite successful on Etsy."

"I encourage you if you have a passion and a dream to chase after it with all your heart."

Want to see more? Be sure to check out flfcreations on social media:

Facebook | Instagram

WESTie Wednesday with Nancy Blokland Pottery

Welcome to WESTie Wednesday, where each week we get to know a proud WEST member and their Etsy shop! Learn about Nancy and her Etsy shop Nancy Blokland Pottery!

"I make high fire porcelain and stoneware pottery. I sell online, at shows and markets in Manitoba and Saskatchewan as well as brick and mortar locations." 

"My life has been as a maker: my mother was a master seamstress and my dad was a farmer/gardener, and I have been continuing these traditions my whole life. I started clay making when I was 12, and this wonderful obsession has been part of my story ever since. Etsy allows me to challenge myself to take decent photos of my work, to be part of online commerce and a wonderful community of makers and curators."

( Source )

"I love making and selling, and using leaves and flowers from my garden along with the clay is energizing for me. I like hearing shoppers' comments, and this is how I started making yarn bowls and buttons--some of my best sellers!"

( Source )

"My (shop's) demographic is typically female, but increasingly more men show an interest in handmade work."

( Source )

 We also asked Nancy, "Why Etsy?"

 "To sell to a broader world wide audience and to keep up with current trends."

Want to see more? Be sure to check out Nancy on social media!

Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

WEST Handmade & Vintage Sale VII Vendors Part 8

Fabulous craft sale just one week away! There will be giveaways of handmade swag and gift certificates to spend at the sale! A great way to welcome spring and shop for grads and Mother's day!

  
Here is the last (but not least) group of vendors that you will be finding at our Winnipeg Handmade and Vintage Sale VI.
 

Recycled/upcycled computer part jewelry and book buttons PeriwinkleDzyns

One of a kind jewelry made with watch pieces Blue Pendulum

Modern baby wear & pillowcases Pink Blossom Design Co 

Hand crafted eco luxury artisan jewellery & accessories TBL Boutique
 

Be sure to check out all of our awesome vendors in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7.

WEST Handmade & Vintage Sale VII Vendors Part 7

Join us for the 

Winnipeg Handmade and Vintage Sale VII 

May 2, 2015 

at 980 Palmerston Ave (Wolseley), 

11am - 4 pm. 

$2 admission, children 12 and under free!

 
Some more of the amazing vendors that will be appearing at the sale:

Wooden quote/photo blocks to make you smile Daisy Thirteen

Baby and toddler wear, accessories and quilts Little Feather Designs

Top-notch subversive embroidery handmade with love Real Swanky

Hand crafted eco luxury artisan jewellery & accessories aeliosdesign

Check out our other vendors in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6. Stay Tuned for more Winnipeg Etsy Street Team Handmade & Vintage Sale seller showcases to come!