make it! (spring shows)

After a massive and far-away trade show like One of a Kind Toronto, I am so excited to be back on my side of the country getting ready to do a couple of quickly approaching shows that I just ADORE to pieces: MAKE IT in both Edmonton & Vancouver. No honestly, they really are my favorite… just read my testimony on their application page. I am also thrilled to see some of John’s family (albeit sadly without him), to catch up with dearly missed friends in both cities, and to visit with some pals who are also exhibitors in the shows! Make It has been great to me in the Christmas Season, so I am excited to see what a Spring Show brings, out here in the West. If you are living in or have friends who are in Edmonton, come visit me at the Enjoy Centre April 12th – 14th. And if you are nestled in Vancouver, visit me at the Croatian Culture Centre April 19th – 21st. Come say hi and introduce yourself, I would love to see you!

eastward bound – huge news

Sharing something super special with you today; I can’t believe I haven’t shouted this amazing news from every mountaintop in Canada yet! I hinted at the possibility of this news back in December with my post about meeting the ladies of Etsy Canada.  Shortly before the New Year, Elisabetta of Etsy CA personally invited me to apply to a special first time ETSY section at the Spring Toronto One of a Kind Show! I did an OOAK show once before in Vancouver, but it wasn’t halfway across the country, nor did it have anywhere near the attendance level of the long running Toronto Show. After a bit of deliberation, my beau and I decided that it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up, and that even though every big show I do is scary, we always make it out inspired, profitable and with a bigger and better business. At the end of January I got an acceptance letter from ETSY Canada & OOAK; I was selected as one of their 40 Canadian designers to be part of their special ETSY section!!! Can you spot yours truly above? I am so excited about this show, even though there is so much to prepare and make before Easter rolls around! It’s going to be a busy next few weeks leading up to our flight out east, but I can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes nature’s my friend. If you are in the Toronto area, you better come visit me! Click the image above to save $1 off admission :)

we “Made It”

My blog writing has been sporadic as of late, but with good reason: last week I traveled snowy roads with John to Alberta to participate in my most successful craft show ever at Make It!, then we drove all the way home to beautiful BC on Monday. Make It was a huge success, with over 10,000 people in attendance over the course of 4 days.  I made tons of new NMF art owners and fans, spoke to some awesome people about potential commission work, plus I even got to meet the EtsyCA girls (more on that tomorrow)! All in all, I was super proud of everything: my booth design and display, my fiance’s awesome selling skills, the event’s organization, the massive publicity, my record-breaking sales, the wonderful connections made with fellow talented artisans and of course many excited new customers. I made it, and I am so happy I did.