What’s so Interesting About Pinterest?

Anyone who has their own business, especially an online business, knows how important Social Media can be to their success. There are so many outlets for social media now including the most common Facebook and Twitter, as well as less popular sites such as Stumbleupon, Kaboodle, Digg, and on the list goes. I’m not going to go into detail on any of these because there are people out there who have much more expertise to answer all your questions. Today I just wanted to share a couple of interesting things I have found about Pinterest.

For those of you who haven’t come across Pinterest yet here’s a brief explanation. Basically think of it as an online “Pin Board” where you can stick pins in all your favorite things online to share and come back to later. You might think “isn’t that what my favorites and bookmarks are for on my computer?”. It’s the same concept but what’s better about Pinterest is that you can connect with others who love the same things, share the items you pin for everyone to see, organize everything into categories and you have visuals of the things you’ve pinned because they show as an image. I’m a visual person so for me Pinterest is a great solution to help me organize and share all the fabulous things I come across online!

Until now I was just re-pinning items that others had pinned but I wanted to learn how I could pin something I found on the web. There are easy instructions to do so here depending on the browser you are currently using. The other thing I found that I was excited to share is that you can easily add a “Follow Me on Pinterest” button to your blog or webpage (just like I have on the left hand side of this page) so others can easily find and follow you. The instructions are simple and you can find them here.

I’m not one to jump onboard with every new social media site that appears but I definitely think this is one that is useful and fun! Maybe I’ll see you there! ♥

Art Squared Vendor Call

Lakeshore Arts is accepting vendor appliations for thier upcoming Art Squared Show being held July 17th, 2011. This is juried outdoor show located in Mimico Square in Etobicoke. For a link to more information about this vendor call and others choose the “Calls for Vendors” page from the top menu.

Beautiful Pottery from Lurearts

I’ve said before that one of my favorite things about participating in craft shows is having the opportunity to meet other vendors. At the recent Toronto Etsy Street team show (Check out a video from the Toronto Etsy Street Team show here) I had the pleasure of having a table beside Pam from Lurearts. Although she’s a fellow team member we had never had the chance to chat before and it was wonderful to be able to meet her and spend the day getting to know her. Not only is she a kind and fun person but she had beautiful pottery and ceramics in her Etsy Shop Lurearts. Here is your chance to get to know a little about her! Enjoy! ♥

What inspired you to first learn pottery?
I remember the first time I touched real clay in Elementary school. I was so excited that the teacher had to send me out in the hallway to calm down… Sad but true… Then I took a class in University and was hooked.

Toronto Etsy Street Team Craft Show Video

I recently was a vendor at the Toronto Etsy Street Team Craft Show. This was such a fun day and it was so great to meet so many other local Etsy Sellers and fellow team members from the Toronto Etsy Street Team. The husband of one of the vendors there created this video of the day and he did such an amazing job I wanted to share it! Enjoy! ♥

New Vendor Call for Made By Hand Show

Vendor Applications are being accepted for the Made By Hand Show. This is a new show being held November 5th at the International Centre in Mississauga. With a large space they are able to accept 150 handmade vendors. This is a juried show with the focus to offer high quality handmade items from artists and artisans.

For a link to more information for this show and others check out the “Calls for Vendors” page from the menu.

Swarovski Crystal Vs. Cubic Zirconia

Anyone who knows me or my jewelry can tell you that I love things that sparkle. I’ve always love Swarovski Crystals and have offered some one of a kind pieces using them.

I just recently launched my Lotus Collection that includes an exclusive collection of one of a kind pieces using high quality semi precious stones and solid sterling silver findings. I’m so excited to be able to offer these special pieces and I very much wanted to incorporate high-end crystals into at least a few of the pieces. I was lucky enough to find a fabulous supplier who offers a great selection of the semi precious stones I needed. While I was there I noticed they carry Cubic Zirconia in a huge variety of colours and cuts. This was a store that only carries the best quality stones and findings so I was surprised to find Cubic Zirconia instead of Swarovski Crystals. I decided to do a little research before I decided if I would stick with my original plan to included Swarovski’s or if I would use Cubic Zirconia. Here is what I found after a little research.

More than Metal and More Vendor Calls

Just wanted to share a few recent vendor calls I’ve come across.

More than Metal is a “one-day showcase for the diversity of material, concept and creativity in Toronto’s handmade jewellery world”. Being held July 10th at the Women’s Art Association of Canada house, this is a juried show meant to embrace jewelry made of a variety of mediums.

The Beaches Spring Studio Tour just finished but already they are busy getting ready for their Fall Studio Tour being held October 21st to 23rd. Applications are now being accepted so if you want to be part of this prestigious show. They are looking for high quality artists and artisans that work with a variety of materials including potters, photographers, metalworkers, woodworkers, fine artists and more.

The Beach BBQ and Brew Festival is looking to add craft vendors to their festivities this year. Being held at Woodbine Park on Father’s day weekend (June 17th to 19th) this sounds like a fun and family oriented event with lots of music, activities and great food.

For links to more information about these shows and more visit the “Calls For Vendors” page from the top menu. Hope this helps and please remember to post a comment if you have anything to share about any of the shows I post vendor calls for or if you know of any vendor calls I’ve missed! Thanks! ♥

Spend a Day in The Beach

Are you planning to be in the city (Toronto) this weekend? If you are then why not spend the day in The Beach! Take a stroll by the lake, get an ice cream and while you’re here you can visit the Movies and Makers Craft Show where you’re sure to find something you’ll fall in love with. There will be vendors offering all sorts of treasures from Sock Monkey’s to Organic Body Care Products to Pottery and of course I will be there with my jewelry! The show is being held in the historic Fox Theatre at 2236 Queen Street East in The Beaches this Saturday May 24th from 11:00 am to 5:30pm. For introductions to many of the vendors and more details check out the Movies and Makers Blog here.

Grace Design is Having a Sale!!!

One of my favorite Etsy Shops is having a 24 hr sale and I wanted to be sure to let all my readers know! If you follow my blog you may remember reading a Blog Post about Alison from the Etsy Shop Grace Design. Alison makes beautiful purses and bags using linen, ultra suede and kimono fabrics and has just introduced some pieces this spring that incorporate screen printing. There are some amazing items and even some of her new spring line available at reduced prices! The sale is on only today and will end at midnight tonight so check out her shop now!

Ultra Suede Cheetah Bag

 

Vendor Call Arts Market

There’s a new market coming to town. Although no location has been confirmed for the market it is planned to begin early in June offering a weekly location for vendors to sell their wares. The idea is to offer a regular venue for artists and artisans to sell their work and bring them together with the buying public to increase their likelihood of being able to make a living from their art. They are currently looking for vendors so if you create something you would like to sell check out their website here and fill out a vendor application.