Get Pinned!
Welcome to IndieNorth! Introduce Yourself!
So…lately real life has been getting in the way of all my online fun, and I’ve been feeling horribly out of touch with all the awesome folks who come together to make IndieNorth what it is. I miss you folks!!! I think this is a fairly normal thing that happens after the Holiday season…we all start to hibernate a bit, wrap ourselves up in blankies with yummy goodies and refuse to come out until the nice weather comes back.
Well, no more!
I want to reconnect! Leave a comment below so we can get to know you, what you do, what you love and what you’re struggling with! Go check out the sites of your fellow Canadian Indies…there’s a lot of talent out there…lets show a little love!!!
(Don’t panic if your comment doesn’t appear right away…my spam filter often holds comments for my approval. I’ll be checking back in throughout the day and approving them as we go)!
I’ll start!
My Name is Beth, and I am a Professional Enabler. I’m making it my job to encourage, cajole and sometimes bully people into taking the steps necessary to live their dreams as self sufficient business people. I’m in the process of putting together a new site that will help me do just that!
I live in Northern Ontario, with my husband and two jam eaters.
I live for coffee.
Okay…it’s your turn. Tell us about yourself, and your company. Tell us what you love about your business, and what’s holding you back. Tell us your dreams for your company this year.
(And remember, it’s not spammy to talk yourself up. You’ve been invited. I want to know who you are, and what’s making you tick)!!!
Always wonderful to meet new people…and fun to re-introduce ourselves from time to time…
My name is Diana Evans and I am a full time artist and illustrator…I have 2 picture books out and 2 on the way….
you can check out more about my picture books by heading here
http://www.dianaevans.ca/html/picturebooks.html
I also have a blog that I update daily….you can pop by to see projects that I am working on and the fun things that pop into my head…and become a doll…or something on paper….
http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/
I also opened up a Rubber Stamp shop…called stamped…where I sell art stamps with my original artwork…you can shop here
http://www.etsy.com/shop/stamped
and my mixed bag of art shop is
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dianaevans
and I also have a custom shop for special gifts here
http://www.etsy.com/shop/customstuff
I work in my studio each and every day and love to create new things….I have been working on all kinds of new projects and look forward to meeting more of you…so pop by and say hello!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
Kindest Regards,
Diana
oh and I almost forgot to add my main web site…
http://www.dianaevans.com/
HI I’m Tawny,
I am a stay at home mommy and I run a small business called Tawny Bee. Right now I’m working on a full month of upcycling. It’s called Upcycle for Heart 2010 and half the proceeds from all the sales of all the strange and wonderful creations I’ve come up with go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
I was born with a heart defect and now have 3 holes, no pulmonary valve and a pacemaker. So this is a cause dear to my Heart (pardon the cheesiness of that last statement
)
Anyway, the best way to check me out is to go to my blog: http://tawnykw.blogspot.com
It has all the links along the side to the other places to find me on the interweb.
My dream for this year is just to survive potty training my 3 YO (I know, I’ve totally put it off) and a teething 6 month old. If I survive that then maybe I’ll have some aspirations to launch into a new project – that of getting my husband to shave off his crazy beard hehehe
Ok enough about me. Looking forward to reading about everyone else! Thanks to Beth for the opportunity!
Hi Diana!!! Thanks for coming by! Everyone needs to check out Diana’s site. If you need inspiration from someone who’s living the dream, you’ll find it there!!!
Hi Tawny!!! I have been loving your Upcycle for Heart series!!! So many awesome ideas!
Good morning!
My name is Pegg, and I am a weaver of recycled textile rugs, and I also make one of a kind beaded jewelry! I love working with colour and texture!
I live in a small tiny town in northwestern Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Superior. It’s truly a gorgeous place! My husband and I live with my mom and our two Inuit dogs. Our two children are grown and live away.
I will admit, weaving rugs and working with colour really get me excited. I have a few things I would like to change in my finishing techniques on my denim and corduroy rugs so that will be my goal for this year.
When I am not weaving or beading you can find me in the kitchen cooking up a storm, I am a foodie, in the slow food fashion!!
http://www.fiveforty.etsy.com
I’m Tara – I run Boutique Karma – I sell an big mix of sewn goods. It sounds weird because a lot of sellers concentrate on one or two things within their stores.
I sell items I like to think of as comfort items: Aromatherapy eye pillows, coasters, bobo packs for childrens bumps & bruises & crayon roll ups.
Like Beth, I’m a coffee junkie – I crave caffeine and almost live with the motto ‘if it isn’t caffeinated it isn’t worth it’. Going with that theme I recently launched a Cafe / Coffee shop line: coffee cuff / sleeves for your takeout cup of java, mug huggers for your warm beverage of choice around the house. This line is a natural extension of myself. I’ll be adding tea bag wallets, tea cozies, and the return of hot mats.
I’m selling on three different venues right now. Etsy seems to be the popular choice right now for many buyers and sellers, but there seems to be a cloud of negativity over there right now. I’m trying artfire and icraft also – they have great features for sellers and great fee structures, but the buyers aren’t there yet. I’m willing to bet they grow.
my boutique name on all three is BoutiqueKarma
I’m also running a little blog that I’ve been working hard at over the past few months. I like to feature my work, the work of others and I also have a few other personal cute features.
you can check it out at : http://boutiquekarma.wordpress.com
(contact me also if you’d like to do a feature – that could be fun)
I love to tweet – so please connect with me ’boutiquekarma’
Hiya!
My name is Arien – pronounced Erin, old Celt for sunshine; although ask anyone I tell them it depends on the day! lol
I live in Kentville, Nova Scotia which is part of the Valley area. Just bought a house here, and I share it with my husband & my black lab Adara.
My shop is called Celticcrossing. It’s on Etsy and I make jewelry. I mostly do wire work pieces and I absolutely love it! I am always trying to find new designs, new techniques, & drawing out ways to wirewrap things! I will be honest in saying I’d love to do this more often, or shall I say spend more time doing it but I do have a full time job that involves shift work so it doesn’t always lend itself to enabling my joys of making jewelry.
My goals this year are to get more pieces of work done and get around to local shops to see if they will take them on consignment. I’ve already got one shop! I want to make my shop more visible. I would like to keep learning and expanding my craft as well.
So that’s just a little bit about me. Thanks Beth for being the Professional Enabler that you are! (that cracks me up!) You’ve done wonderful things in bringing Canadian Artisans together. You Rock!!
Cheers,
Arien / CC
FB @http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Kentville-Nova-Scotia/Celticcrossing/251035837901?ref=ts
Etsy@ celticcrossing.etsy.com
Hey Tara, so glad you came to post!
I picked up a couple of Tara’s crayon roll ups to give to the kiddos for Xmas, and they were a huge hit!
Hi Arien! I always love dropping by your shop to see what you’re up to…so many beautiful designs there!!!
Hi there my name is Christie Sproul- I run a home created business of Jewelry and Hair Accessories.
http://72studios.etsy.com
I live in Oshawa Ontario and am a married mother of an almost 7 year old daughter…boy time does fly!
I also run a NING group called Durham Region Handmade Cafe….we are a group of crafters, artists, designers and artisans in the Durham Region of Ontario. We are all about supporting each other and supporting local. We are only a few months old but there’s over 40 members and growing. http://durhamregionhandmadecafe.ning.com
Right now, I am stay-at-home and I concentrate on my house and the above business!!
I have a facebook fanpage that’s growing http://www.facebook.com/pages/72studios-Jewelry-and-Accessories/211851947283 if you’d like to fan me and support a fellow Canadian and I will certainly fan you back!
I twitter too http://twitter.com/hannahmumma
Hi Pegg!!! Pegg makes the most beautiful rugs…you really need to check them out!
Hey Christie! I love you bobby pins! They’re just so pretty! I also just love what you do for Durham…you’re turning it into a handmade haven!
My name is Redd and I’m the head honcho at Dame Named Redd Designs. You can find me at http://www.DameNamedRedd.com.
I make fun jewelry, knit and crochet goodies and lip balm. I hope to branch out this year and make soap and eye shadow but we’ll see how it goes.
I’ve been working for myself since February 2008.
I just moved into a new house so once I’m all set up, I’ll be adding LOTS of fun and awesome things in both my Etsy shops http://reddhynes.etsy.com & http://damenamedredd.etsy.com
2010 is going to be totally awesome!
(I love the word awesome and exclamation marks!)
Hey Redd! Good to see you back after your move! I bought an awesome hat from Redd earlier this year…it just tickles me every time I put it on! Can’t wait to see your newest additions! Eye shadow sounds pretty exciting!
Good morning!
Love to meet you all, what a fun thread this is:) Let me now introduce myself…
My name is Patricia Wood. I am a glass artist, jewelry maker, painter, compulsive knitter and corporate drop out. I now do what I love and love what I do:) I am from Montreal, Quebec.
My shop is called VerreDesign and you can find it on Etsy. I try to list new items everyday as well as write on my blog:)
Did I tell you I love IndieNorth? Yes, I LOVE IndieNorth and can’t wait to see your new site Beth!
Before I forget, here is the link to my blog. You’ll find all the info and links there to my shop, Twitter, FaceBook and newsletter: http://www.verredesign.blogspot.com
Have a wonderful day everyone,
Patricia
Hi Patricia! It’s no secret how much I love your work! I have some pieces from VerreDesign that get compliments all over the place!
Hi! I’m a basket weaver living on Cape Breton Island. I split my time between Sydney and St. Ann’s Bay. I’ve been weaving for 10+ years and last year decided to open a studio to the public in a tiny little barn on the Cabot Trail. It’s a great life being able to do what I love and live in such beautiful surroundings. I’m working towards a website (www.sharimacleod.com) but right now it takes you to my blog. This time of year is supposed to be spent getting ready for the all important summer season but there’s so many distractions like Indie North! Nice to meet you all. Cheers, Shari
Hi there Shari, is it ever lovely to meet you! I was just peeking at your blog…what beautiful work you do!!! Make sure you let me know when your site is up and we’ll set of a feature for you!
hi! My name is Ashley and I am a fiber junkie.. I run OffTheHooks (www.offthehooks.etsy.com), which is an ever evolving experiment & collection… it all started with crochet, then I learned to spin yarn, then knit, now I am perfecting my own non-toxic dyeing techniques. I also unravel vintage & second hand sweaters for their yarn for reuse in my creations. I love, love, love that this work enables me to create, and continually learn and experiment.
A couple of my goals for 2010 are to used more locally-sourced fibers (I just took a field trip out to a local spinning mill… SO FUN!), write some patterns, and make a DIY guide to non-toxic dyeing.
Right now, I work a full time job so its always a bit of a struggle to keep up and find time to try new things. But I love supports like IndieNorth and how they bring us makers together to support each other.
Thanks Beth!
Hey there Ashley, it’s good to hear from you again! For those who don’t know, Ashley spins some of the most gorgeous art yarns I’ve come across…all my yarnoholic friend have got to check out her work!
Hi there, I’m a fan on facebook and read your notice. I live in Chase, B.C. (in the Okanagan near Kamloops) and an artist that works with polymer clay. I do this almost full time (still have my day-job 2 days a week) and work together with my hubby under the name of 2 Good Claymates. We do several larger shows throughout the year and the remainder we sell on-line. Our jewelry collection is sold through Art Fire:
http://2goodclaymates.artfire.com
We also started selling our handmade clay beads and buttons on Etsy:
http://2goodclaymates.etsy.com
We also have a blog that we try to post as often as possible with some tutorials, etc.
http://2goodclaymates.blogspot.com
I just want to say I’ve enjoyed your site very much and is nice to meet others with similar passions.
Carolyn Good
Hello!
My name is Carol and I am a magpie! Ok, not really. But I do get very distracted by shiny baubles and such. To cure this I started String Me Along Jewelry Design.
I sell online at etsy:
http://stringmealong.etsy.com
I also have goods for sale at the RareFunk boutique in Kitchener, ON.
I have a blog here:
http://stringmealong-carol.blogspot.com/
which I mainly use as an excuse to browse through pages and pages of etsy goodies.
Nice to meet everyone!
And thanks to Beth for continuing to promote Canadian handmade. *applause*
Hi Carol! I love the fact that you’re a magpie, and I can totally relate! You guys have to check out Carol’s cocktail rings…they are stunning and fun at the same time!
Hi Beth!
My name is Laura, and I love to make new things out of old, formerly loved books and fabrics. I try to use as many repurposed materials as possible in my journals and cards at:
http://prairiepeasant.etsy.com
and I have a new fibre and fabric creations store just in its infancy at:
http://prairiethreads.etsy.com
My goal is to start to use up some of the bins of materials I have collected before I start “refreshing” my supply stash!
My blog is:
http://prairiepeasant.blogspot.com
Cheers!
Well Hi Neighbor Beth!
My name is Debbie and I have crafting ADHD, there I said it out loud….not like the people living here don’t know that but it’s always good to admit it at the get go…lol
I was a reporter for The Sudbury Star for 16 years before health issues forced me to stay at home and do laundry…and raise my three boys alone. That was 10 years ago this month, wow…..and after fretting about not having a “real” job for a few years, then moving here to North Bay, i began to see that I actually had time to do what i love and that’s create.
Course I haven’t determined just what one or two things I should focus on, thus the ADHD speculation, but i’m never without a project and seeing as how I hate to repeat anything my etsy shop is an eclectic collection of this and that, with crochet, decoupage and photography being three areas i can narrow down. Even made my own pattern for sale!
There is one theme throughout though, and that’s color. I love color and I hope that shows….and i also love nature and I’ve developed a love for macro photography…if you’ve ever stopped to carefully examine a flower or the grain of a piece of driftwood or….let’s just say my parents used to complain about how I dawdled along as a kid, stopping to notice this and that and taking forever to get somewhere…
This year I’m working hard to recover from open heart surgery I unexpectedly had late last summer and that hasn’t been all that easy going…but I have a new aortic valve that ticks like a Swiss watch and I’m hoping things get better…
However the best news is that my partner and i just discovered we are going t be “grandparents” late this summer!!!! His son and new daughter-in-lay in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia are going to be new parents!
Got lots of ideas going on there, trust me…
And I want to focus more on my photography and am debating the idea of opening another shop just for the photos…i’ve been getting mixed reviews regarding having multiple Etsy shops…more opinions are more than welcome…
Glad to meet you all, and Beth we do have to do coffee sometime….I’m an addict too!
I’m heading back now to check out all these neat crafting sites!
Hi there Laura! For anyone who doesn’t know, Laurie conttinually feeds my addiction for awesome notebooks! The new site is looking great too Laura!
Hey Debbie, glad you came by! I am seriously in love with that gorgeous yellow baby hat and matching booties you’ve made! Almost makes me want another baby! (almost) lol.
Carolyn, I’m so happy to meet you! I really love your jewelery…those flip flop earrings are cute as a button! If you’re ever up for a feature, please drop me a line! (There’s a link at the top of the page).
Hi all!
My name is Dawn and I am a full-time work from home Mom, living my dream of creating and inspiring! I LOVE quotes and love to paint quotes! Canvas turns into beautiful inspirational wall art, picture frames turn into unique and treasured gifts.
Please visit my website: http://www.prairielaneboutique.com
Or my etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/prairieboutique
My fanpage:
http://www.facebook.com/prairieboutique
I live in rural MB with my loving hubby of 11 years, and my 10 year old and 8 year old sons. And I can’t forget my 8 year old dog Lucky! Yep….I live in a house of males! lol
I am blessed to be able to work from home, and my only wish with my business is that it grows and keeps letting me work from home, doing what I love!
Oh ya…my personal goal this year (a huge one that many will laugh at!). I am trying my hardest to get a hold of Ty Pennington and donating a variety of my handmade items to one of his extreme makeovers. What does a girl need to do to get Ty to notice??? lol
Looking forward to checking out everyone’s websites and getting to know you all!
Thanks for taking the time to read a little bit about me!
Hi Dawn, glad you came!!! I’d be pretty thrilled to see your work in an extreme makeover! Keep us posted, there’s probably lots of people who would love that kind of exposure! (Nobody’s laughing, I promise you…big dreams are necessary)!
Hi, I’m Brenda and I’m featured on indienorth today! *squeals*
Since discovering the site (thanks to PersephonesAwakening who was featured recently too!) I think I’ve read every single page…twice! lol
Anyways, I have 3 main loves, paper, fabric and metal. I tend to flip from one to another every once in a while, I think it keeps me from being bored with one genre and Im constantly amazed at what you can do with a piece of fabric, paper or metal!
I have my main jewellery store at http://decadence2.com, Im on Etsy as http://purplepeony.etsy.com , http://justabrenda.etsy.com, http://decadence2artbar.etsy.com and http://warmly.etsy.com …
phew! I’ve also just this week opened a little emporium just for my shabby pretty craft supplies at http://decadence2emporium.etsy.com I wanted somewhere to sell ‘by the each’ and in Canadian currency.
I am married with 2 adult children (ha!) and one simply adorable grandson who is Grandma’s Boy…we live in a c.1840′s stone farmhouse in rural southwestern Ontario.
You can find me on facebook as http://facebook.com/decadence2boutique or http://facebook.com/brendabraun
Each sale is STILL a thrill, I have a young man coming out today to pick up a ring he is buying for his girlfriend, to think of ALL the jewellery out there, he picks mine!!!
man, if you read this far, you deserve a gold star!
Hi Brenda, I’m so glad you came by to introduce yourself! I can’t get over how busy you are! I love the fact that you had someone come to pick a ring for his girlfriend…he must be a keeper! lol
I love IndieNorth – it’s a daily tradition to check in, and see the lovely goodies featured.
My name is Beverly, self-bookbinder and book artist. I own and operate La Paperie & Cozy, a small one-woman bookbinding studio by the ocean in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada – purveyor of unique handmade leather journals, sketchbooks, and albums. All are loving handbound using centuries old craftsmanship. I also offer other paper “nummies” such as literary-related notecard sets.
My work pays homage to favourite authors and classic literary greats – perfect for any enthusiastic literati.
SHOP: http://lapaperie.etsy.com
BLOG: http://lapaperie.blogspot.com
I just wanted to comment on how amazed I am at ALL the people who commented here…finally got to all the sites and ……WOW!! I’m in some amazing company here, time to pick up my bootstraps and get serious and thanks for all the inspiration….oh, and favorites saved for gift giving and treating myself!
Thanks Beth. Will be sure to follow up when I get a website sorted out. It has been fun and inspiring to see all of the artisans that said hello here.
Amen, Debbie!
I just discovered a typo — I’m not a self-bookbinder, I’m a self-taught bookbinder. LOL!
Howdy!
My name is Veronica and my hubby, James, and I own Painted Turtle Wooden Toys in lovely and picturesque Muskoka, ON. We specialize in creating beautiful, heirloom quality wooden toys. The wood we use is sourced from a local, environmentally responsible sawmill and the finishes are all 100% non toxic and Canadian made! All our products are “baby tested and approved” (aka drooled on, gnawed, dropped, and played with)! Hubby is the artist, I am the marketing guru/office & website administrator/cheerleader!
I work full time and hubby stays at home with our 1 year old son, who was the inspiration behind the creation of our company. We have a small etsy store, but are constantly thinking up new ideas for toys–so keep your eyes peeled for more cool stuff!
Our plans for 2010 are to get our name better known (both online and in the retail world) and to start a small “for mom and dad” line of household products.
Please visit our site! http://www.paintedturtlewoodentoys.ca
Our blog: http://www.paintedturtlewoodentoys.blogspot.com
Cheers! (and GO CANADA GO!)
Beverly! It’s great to hear from you again! You’re another one who feeds my addictions! LaPaperie&Cozy was actually one of the first shops I ever featured, and I haven’t stopped drooling since! (And don’t worry about the typos…we artists are able to read between the lines)!
Debbie, I know, It’s awesome, isn’t it? This is why I love doing posts like this…I love see what everyone’s up to!
Shari…so glad to hear it! I look forward to hearing from you. Good luck setting up your site!
I’ve mentioned it before, but like Redd, I sure use a lot of exclamation marks! lol
Honestly, I speak like that as well!