Who's New Monday: Of Course You Can!

It's Monday, time to welcome some more WESTie's to the team!  Say hello to Celeste Cote and Dandy Denial

Where are you from?
Alberta and Nova Scotia, respectively. However we both currently live in Ochre River, MB

What is your shop name?
Of Course You Can!

When did you start your Etsy shop?
In the Spring of 2010

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
We were already obsessed crafters and recyclers, and sold most of these things at festivals and on consignment in stores. We had heard of Etsy, and it seemed like a corner of the internet that we would be well suited to, and thrilled to be a part of!

What do you sell?
All kinds of things! Recycled designer clothing, hand bound books, jewelry, print art (patches, posters, postcards, etc.), photographs, one inch buttons, zines, the list goes on. The common denominator is that we try and use recycled or repurposed materials as much as possible, and many of our items are entirely made from previously used materials.

What is your favorite item to make?
Celeste is really into crinolines these days. Dandy loves to stitch together blank journals.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
Currently our store provides enough to gently supplement our income from other sources. We'd love to see it play a bigger role in supporting us financially in the future. But more importantly, we just want to see it continue to help us spread the things we make far and wide!

Here's a few ways you can follow Celeste and Dandy:
Etsy Blog
Celeste's Comic Blog
Dandy's Photo Blog

Who's New Tuesday: Kirstyn Rathert Photography

Let's welcome another new WESTie to the team, Kirstyn Rathert!

Where are you from?
A small town near Winnipeg called Treherne

What is your Etsy shop name?
KirstynRathertPhotography

When did you start your Etsy shop?
April 2013

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
I wanted a way for my products to reach new people and give my current customers a new way to shop and buy things from me.

What do you sell?
I am a decorative art photographer so I sell framed art and wood transfer images. Soon I will be adding photo candle holders, small photo bottle ornaments and bottle cap necklaces with photos on the inside!

What is your favorite item to make?
My favorite part of the entire process of making my products is definitely taking and editing the actual images I use.  But if I had to choose an actual physical product, then it would be the wood transfer images. I find it so interesting and unique how each individual wood image turns out differently even if the photos I use are the same, because different parts of the image gets rubbed away each time.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
My long-term business goal is to be able to fully support myself from the income of my decorative art photography.

Follow Kirstyn's Photography journey on her Facebook, Blog, and Website!

Who's New Tuesday: Once Upon Time 13

Let's meet another new WESTie team member today: meet Paulo Delgado

Where are you from?
I live in Winnipeg, but I came from Portugal 3 years ago. In my country I did this for 5 years before I came to Canada. In Canada I only started at the beginning of this year.

What is your Etsy shop name?
Onceupontime13

When did you start your Etsy shop?
I started my shop in April of this year

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
I find it interesting, and it was a good way to promote my work

What do you sell?
I sell decorations for the kids' rooms, including handles, drawer pulls, mirrors and name tags for doors.

What is your favorite item to make?
The drawer pulls!

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
I hope I can get a strong presence on Etsy through my work, and if possible do only my crafts full-time.

Make sure you become of fan of Once Upon Time 13's Facebook page to follow along the process!

Who's New Tuesday: Lace & Pearl Vintage

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Let's get to know a new member of WEST-Teri Hofford

Where are you from?
Winnipeg, MB

What is your Etsy Shop called?
Lace & Pearl Vintage

When did you start your Etsy shop?
I started my Etsy shop in the middle of May 2013.

What made you decide to open a shop on Etsy?
I realized I was curating all of these amazing vintage finds for photo shoots and just keeping them because they were too amazing to just give to a place that would throw them away or treat them improperly. My aim is to find the perfect home for all of my perfect items. I have always been inspired by vintage goods...I swear I grew up in the 70's! I believe previously owned items have amazing stories and it is always fun to imagine who wore it, where they wore it and how they used it...then I want to supply people who love the same things with the opportunity to create their own stories with the same pieces!

What do you sell?
I sell curated vintage clothes, accessories and decor, plus prints.

What is your favorite item to make?
I also do cross stitch with funny sayings, but those aren't in the shop just yet!  I also love to do my prints because photography at the moment is my full time job!

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
I hope to become very successful with my vintage shop and would like for there to be a change in jobs...where my shop becomes my full-time and then I can focus on being creative and selective with  my photography.

Lace & Pearl Vintage has a blog and also a Facebook page you can keep up with!

Who's New Tuesday: Leather Aspirations

Let's meet another new WESTie-Sheralyn Dunlop

Where are you from?
I originated in rural Manitoba on a grain farm. In my younger years I went to Killarney Collegiate School. After graduation I went to the University of Manitoba and completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. I have always loved making things with my hands; unfortunately I never had time during the school months.

What is your Etsy shop called?
Leather Aspirations

When did you open your Etsy shop?
My shop opened in late winter.

What made you decide to start a shop on Etsy?
I love leather and wanted to be able to make something truly unique. Everything I make is unique in some way. No bag is identical!

What do you make?
I make unique leather crafts that range from clutches, handbags and rabbit fur mitts.

What is your favorite thing to make?
My favorite items to make are handbags. There are so many options out there, and I love a challenge.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
Right now my goal is to continue to make bags as a side business so I can keep sewing! I would love to start making custom bags based on what my clients want.

Want to follow Leather Aspirations? Check out the Facebook page!

Who's New Tuesday: The Sweetest Treats

Who's new this week? Let's meet Grayson Taraschuk.

Where are you from?
I'm from Winnipeg

What is your shop name?
The Sweetest Treats

When did you open you Etsy shop?
I started my shop in late December, 2012

Why did you decide to open a shop on Etsy?
I decided to start my shop because all my family and friends loved my charms and they would always tell me that I should try to sell some of them because other people would love them also! To this day I still meet people who are amazed by my charms because of how small and detailed they are. I heard about Etsy from a friend of mine and decided to check it out. After researching about Etsy, I made my shop.

What do you sell?
I mainly sell cute handmade charms made out of Polymer Clay, which is a clay that you bake.  Mostly food items (donuts, pop tarts, a few 1:12 scale miniatures, etc.), but I also sell a few game controller charms and other charms. I try my best to make sure that each one of my charms is as realistic as possible so that when you see one you can't believe that it is just a little charm!

What is your favorite item to make?
My favorite item to make is probably my pop tart because that was the very first charm I started my shop with and it is a lot of fun to make :)

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
My long-term Etsy goal is to make friends who I could share ideas and stories with. Also to make the best quality and most realistic charms that everyone will love. And to have great customer service because you should treat your customers the way that you would like to be treated.

Make sure you follow all things Sweet on Facebook and Twitter

Who's New Tuesday: Says The Stone

As another Tuesday roles around, let's find out a little bit about Susana Milmann

Where are you from?
I live in Winnipeg.  I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  We (myself, husband, two boys, cute but super-hyper dog) moved to Winnipeg eight years ago.

What is your Etsy shop name?
Says the Stone

When did you start your Etsy shop?
I started my shop in January, 2011

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
I wanted to expand my activity opening an online shop, and I found Etsy to be an exciting platform to showcase my designs.

What do you sell?
I design and make unique mixed media jewelry.  I use reclaimed and vintage components:

My signature polymer clay roses, which I like to combine in asymmetrical statement pieces.  These have been very successful on vintage style weddings; A huge trend right now:

I also hand make wire-work nest necklaces, using freshwater peals, my own polymer beads, brass, copper and sterling silver:

What is your favorite item to make?
My favorite item is the one I am about to create.  An empty beading pad is like an empty canvas for me.  I love the excitement of the unknown.

I love making those big upcycled statement pieces, where I can use my imagination to the fullest to combine vintage quality jewelry parts in an unexpected yet stylish way.  Besides, it allows me to go hunt for interesting and high quality pre-loved treasures; Pretty intense fun!

Recently I added my Bunny Locket necklaces.  They have been very well received by younger clients, especially after being feature in April, 2013 on Martha Stewart's Bride's Guide blog!  She dubbed them "Will you be my flower girl?" lockets.

I also enjoy working together with my clients on their custom orders.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?

I want to reach out to a broader audience, expand my shop, and keep the high level of customer satisfaction I get today.

Make sure you follow Susana's creative journey here:

Facebook-Twitter

Who's New Tuesday: The Bandit Hat

Missed meeting someone new last week? Well never fear, this week we've got another lovely new member to introduce!  Meet Joanna Dowhos!

Where are you from?
I have lived in Winnipeg for 14 years.  Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario.

What is your shop name?
The Bandit Hat

When did you start your Etsy shop?
March 2013

Why did you decide to open an Etsy shop?
I opened my shop after my decision to stay at home with my one year old son, Odin.  I had always wanted to sell on Etsy but I wanted to commit fully to starting up a shop, and that just wasn't an option before.  I loved making cases for personal use and finally have the focus and time to commit to selling them on Etsy!

What do you sell?
Fabric covered Smartphone cases and soon I will be doing Fabric iPad cases.  The cases are handmade and the fabric allows for a lot more "depth" to the case allowing it to really stand out compared to a mass produced digitally printed smartphone case.

What is your favorite item to make?
I love to make anything with fabric!  I'm not so great a sewer so the smartphones allow me to use the fabric that I love without the frustration and scary results that usually come with my sewing projects

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
I think my long-term Etsy and business goals are to have a strong presence on Etsy through my shop, networking, and social media.  I would as well like to start doing craft shows as I think allowing your customer to see your physical product is such an awesome opportunity!

Thanks for sharing Joanna!
If you'd like to follow all things The Bandit Hat, here's how:
Twitter, Facebook, Blog

Who's New Tuesday: Destyne LT

It's time for another WESTie new member intro!  Today's new member is Lamide 'Togun

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Nigeria

What is your shop name?
DestyneLT

When did you start your Etsy shop?

I joined Etsy in July 2010, but I restarted it a few months ago.

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?

I started my Etsy shop because I wanted to broaden my sale and social network.  Most especially to showcase to everyone, what I love doing.

What do you sell?
I sell mainly apparel, female wears mostly, but I am adding male wears to my work this summer.

What is your favorite item to make?

Oh, hard to say!  I have quite a lot, but my favorite item at the moment would be my Print Blazers.  In a few weeks I will be having a different favorite.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?

Once I'm done both my textile science degree and Apparel diploma, I hope to extend my horizon further than Etsy.  I would only owe that possibility to Etsy because it is and will always be my starting point.

Want to follow Lamide? Check out the following links:

Facebook

Blog

Who's New Tuesday: Seaweed & Sage

It's time to welcome another new WESTie member to the team! Let's learn a little more about Michelle MacIver

Where are you from?
I've lived in Winnipeg for over 7 years now, but I grew up in rural Saskatchewan and later rural Manitoba.

What is your shop name?
Seaweed & Sage

When did you start your Etsy shop?
I just opened in February, 2013

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
I have always loved Etsy-and always dreamed of opening a shop. When I decided to start making bath and body products, I realized I would need a website and instantly thought of Etsy. I love Etsy! And I mean everything about Etsy: the people, the community, and the creativity that it fosters and ensues!

What do you sell?
Vegan and Organic Bath and Body Products. I love baths and always have. I was never a soap kind of girl, but loved bath melts, bombs, body washes, bubble baths and bath salts, and wanted to create products that I felt good about and that were vegan and organic.

What is your favorite item to make?
I love making bath melts! I love creating new and different melts using different organic butters, oils and herbs. I like that they are fun and versatile!

What are your long-term Etsy goals? 
I haven't thought too much about my long-term goals yet, since I just opened. I want my shop to grow and I want to always keep creating new products!

Who's New Tuesday: Mira on the Wall

Our new WESTie member intro is from Miranda Waldner

Where are you from?
I live on an acreage near Portage la Prairie, it's within an hour of the farm I grew up on.

What is your Etsy shop name?
Mira On the Wall

When did you start your Etsy shop?
January 2012

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
I though a lot of the stuff I had to offer would be a good fit for Etsy.  I really like the fact that the fees are so low and the listing period is 4 months.

What do you sell?
All sorts of vintage and antique items.

What are your favorite antique or vintage items?
Books and anything art deco.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
My goal is to build my shop up so that it has at least 10 pages of items at all times.

Who's New Tuesday: Hummingbird Jewelry

It's Tuesday and we've got a new WESTie intro for you!  Welcome Judy!

Where are you from?
I am from the Interlake Region around Stonewall.

What is your shop name?
My shop name is Hummingbird Jewelry

When did you start your Etsy shop?
I started it around January 15, 2013

Why did you decide to open an Etsy shop?
I decided to open a shop because I love to make hand crafted jewelry at prices people can afford and I was gathering quite an inventory.

What do you sell?
I sell hand crafted jewelry

What is your favorite item to make?
I can't really say I have a favorite as each item brings with it it's own design challenge.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
My long-term Etsy goals are to grow my store and hopefully help others to grow theirs as well.  I believe in supporting my fellow Etsians and I enjoy their originality!

Want to follow Judy's hand crafted journey? You can here:
Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Pinterest

Who's New Tuesday: Rag Quilts and More

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's WESTie introduction comes from Patricia Hayes.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Winnipeg and we raised our family here too. My husband and I relocated from Winnipeg to the Beausejour area 13 years ago.

What is your Etsy shop called?
Rag Quilts and More

When did you start your Etsy shop?
My Etsy shop opened in January of 2011.

Why did you decide to open an Etsy shop?
It was born out of a newly discovered passion for sewing. I sewed blankets and quilts for each grandchild (they began arriving in 2008). I soon had too many blankets, bibs, quilts, soother clips, etc. My daughter and daughter-in-law shop on Etsy and they introduced me to the Etsy experience. It just made sense to open up a shop of my own.

What do you sell?
I still sew rag quilts but have added a lot of the 'more'! I like to sew aprons, for kids and for adults. I love vintage looking fabrics and styles. I like to make handbags, coin purses, cushion covers and the list goes on.

What is your favorite item to make?
Right now I am enjoying quilting a block of the month sampler quilt (ok...I have two on the go). I am learning new ways of piecing and am loving it! I am also learning to free motion quilt - so much fun!

What are your long-term business goals?
I see my projects and 'creations' and want to share them with people. Etsy gets me out there. And as hard as it is for me to part with some of my best loved creations, selling on Etsy helps me support my fabric addiction!

It's hard for me to think in terms of goals for my shop. I want to grow it. I have so many projects here in my studio (my studio doubles as a kitchen) that haven't found their way into the shop. I want to keep creating and sharing my creations. I want to meet other Etsy 'vendors'...and I love shopping on Etsy too!

Make sure you follow along with Patricia on her Facebook page!

Who's New Tuesday: Emms Pocket Shop

This Tuesday we welcome Emily to the WEST team!  Let's learn a bit about her shop...

Where are you from?
Winnipeg

What is your shop name?
Emms Pocket Shop

When did you start your Etsy shop?
Summer 2011

Why did you decide to start an Etsy shop?
My Pocket Shop is my second shop on Etsy.  I started with a jewelry shop, emms gEM's, and then I decided to add sewing to my portfolio because there are so many great fabrics available.  For me, beads and fabric are a lot alike; You can mix and match textures, patterns and colors!  As a seller and buyer on Etsy for over 4 years, I've seen a lot and have picked up bags of inspiration.

What do you sell?
I sell little bags made from fun and colorful fabrics: reusable snack and sandwich bags, change wallets and coupon keepers.

What is your favorite item to make?
I like to make my zipper pockets because I get to match a zipper to the fabric.  Sounds silly I'm sure, but rifling through my tin of zippers is fun!

Want to follow Emily?  Here's how:

Facebook

Twitter

Who's New Tuesday: Creations By Cindys

Today's new WESTie intro comes from Cindy Storozuk

Where are you from?

I am from Selkirk Manitoba

What is your Etsy shop called?

Creations by CindyS

When did you start you Etsy shop?

I just started my shop a few months ago

What made you decide to open a shop on Etsy?

I decided to start an Etsy shop to try and get my jewelry more out there, I do have a website creationbycindys.weebly.com that I have had for about 2 years, but it's hard to get noticed other than word of mouth...

What do you sell?

I sell handmade jewelry

What is your favorite item to make?

My favorite item to make is my handmade leather warp bracelets.  

What are your business goals for the future?

My goal is to have people love and enjoy wearing all of my handmade jewelry!  Not much pleases me more than to see people wearing and loving my jewelry and bragging about how much they love it :)

Make sure you check out more of Cindy's Shop, and become a fan on her Facebook page!

Who's New Tuesday: Stitch Buy Stitch

Got another new WESTie to introduce to you today, meet Wendy!

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB

What is your Etsy shop name?
My Etsy shop name is Stitch Buy Stitch

When did you open your Etsy shop?
I opened my Etsy shop in the Fall of 2011

What made you decide to open an Etsy shop?
I decided to join the Etsy team as a means to share my love of crafts especially crochet.  I inherited my passion for crocheting from my grandmother.  She always said "your gifts should come from your heart" and this is what Stitch Buy Stitch is all about.  I make each item as if I was making it for myself or my family.

What do you sell?
At Stitch Buy Stitch you will find high quality, stylish and unique crochet photo props, flower hats, caps, beanies, cowls, scarves and miscellaneous gifts for everyone on your lift from newborns to adults.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Although I enjoy creating all of the items in my Etsy, I especially enjoy working with customers on custom orders where we can work together to make their visions come to life.

What are your long-term Etsy goals?
My goal is to impress Etsy viewers with handmade crochet items that are of excellent quality and workmanship but at an affordable price.