Time for an Announcement!

I have an announcement that I’m very excited to share!

I’ve been blogging with Sea Flower Studios for over a year now and I enjoy it so much more than I ever thought I would. What started as a personal blog to share recipes, DIY projects and great handmade finds has taken a bit of a turn over the last year. As my followers know I started sharing vendor calls after realizing it was difficult to find a comprehensive list and that has brought many followers and helped me connect with many creative entrepreneurs in our community. Over the last few months that has become a large focus of my blog.

I’ve decided it’s time to branch out and split my blog into two in order to give my followers more focused posts. First off I will keep Sea Flower Studios and I will go back to posting delicious recipes, fun DIY projects, what I’m up to with my jewelry, great handmade finds and anything else fun I decide I want to share.

The big news is that I now have a second brand new blog called Handmakers Haven. Handmakers Haven is just that…a haven for artisans to come learn, get inspired and connect with other creative entrepreneurs. This new blog will be where from now on I will be posting vendor calls. I will still focus on Toronto and Area but will be posting more about shows throughout Ontario and across Canada. I will also post more resources to help creative entrepreneurs build their businesses and Handmakers Haven will be the new host of the Artisan Support Forum so we can continue building connections with each other.

I’m so excited about the growth I’ve seen in my blog over the last year and I expect with this change I will be able to give my amazing readers even more of what you want! If you are currently a follower of Sea Flower Studios and are interested in the creative  business side of things head over to Handmakers Haven and follow me there as well. For the next month or so during this transition I will post vendor calls on both blogs, but will be reminding readers to head over to Handmakers Haven.

Of course this also means new Facebook and Twitter pages so if you use those methods to follow please feel free to head over and follow Handmakers Haven those ways as well!

It’s a little scary to start fresh with a second blog and I’m sure the first few months will have ups and downs as work out any kinks with the new blog so I appreciate your patience and support and I look forward to being able to connect with even more readers! ♥

New Vendor Calls Added

It’s sadly nearing the end of summer and time to start planning for Christmas. As sellers of handmade goods we know that we have to always be ahead of our customers so we find ourselves listing items for the Fall now and very soon for Christmas. Also it’s time (or past in some cases!) to plan for the Christmas Season of Craft Shows.

Photo Courtsey of Pinterest

I’ve been searching the web to update the “Calls for Vendors” page with some upcoming shows. This summer I visited a few shows outside of Toronto and at each one I recognized vendors from Toronto. I realized that many people travel throughout Ontario and even Canada to attend shows that are well attended. Also I’ve noticed many of my followers are from cities across Canada so I’ve decided to start including some vendor calls from throughout Ontario and across the country. Obviously I can’t get every little show from coast to coast but I will be sure to post any that I come across or that anyone contacts me with information about. I hope this helps even more people with finding some great shows to attend!

I updated with way too many shows to list them all in my post today so if you’re looking for new shows to apply for please take a minute to visit the “Calls for Vendors” page and see if any are right for you!

As always if you are organizing a show or know of one I can include on the list please be sure to contact me! ♥

Vacation is over…Time to Catch Up (Vendor Calls!)

Sorry for the extended absence in my posts…I was enjoying a little family time (and escaping the heat of the city!) at my family cottage. It was a great little break but I’m happy to be back in the city and back online! While I was away I was able to spend some great time creating new jewelry (to be posted soon!) and becoming inspired with some great new ideas.

During my absence I know I’ve fallen behind on vendor calls so I wanted to post at least a couple today and I will be hunting for more to post in the next few days so be sure to check back (or sign up to follow my blog to be notified as soon as I post).

Dia De Los Muertos Festival of the Arts presents Craft and Cabaret at Revival Bar on November 6th, 2011. This event began in 2010 as a way to showcase local artisans and musicians who are unusual and unique. The event combines a Craft Fair from 11am to 6pm and is followed by a Vaudeville Cabaret show at 8pm. For more information about becoming a vendor their website.

The 2011 Pottery and Glass show still has vendor space available. This show is presented by the Ontario Clay and Glass Association and will be held at the CNIB Building in Toronto on October 14th to 16th. This is Toronto’s largest show focused on handmade Clay and Glass pieces. For more information check out their website.

The Toronto Waldorf School is currently accepting vendor applications for their Arts and Crafts Fair being held Saturday, November 19th. The Arts and Crafts Fair is being held at the same time at two other well attended events at the school ( The Annual Candlelight Children’s Fair, and the Village Market, a weekly organic farmers’ market). For more information see their Call for Artisans here.

As always don’t forget you can find a full listing of vendor calls by clicking the “Calls for Vendors” page from the menu above. If you know of any shows accepting vendors please be sure to let me know so I can add them to the list for others! Thanks! ♥

The Importance of Branding for Your Handmade Business

It takes only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. You want the first impression someone has about your business and handmade products to be memorable and recognizable and this can be achieved by proper branding. Branding is more involved than just picking a logo. It’s everything from your logo, colour scheme, packaging, the style of your product, photographs, websites, marketing materials, craft show displays, store displays and even how you write product descriptions. The goal of branding should be to make your product and business recognizable with just a quick glance. This way if a customer comes across your website, blog, Etsy shop, craft show booth or your product in a brick and mortar store they instantly recognize that it’s yours.

New Vendor Calls

Summer is just starting but already I’m coming across vendor calls for Fall and Christmas Craft shows! It’s so hard to think about planning for cold weather but it has to be done. Here are a couple new additions and be sure to check out the “Calls for Vendors” page for links for more information about these and a complete listing of upcoming shows.

Sage Fair is a bohemian marketplace that will showcase everything for the mind, body and spirit. The goal of this show is to offer educated consumers products and services that are local and work towards a happier, healthier and greener lifestyle. The event will be held at the Direct Energy Centre in September. The exact date is still to be confirmed but it will be a Saturday.

City of Craft is being held December 10th and 11th at The Theatre Centre on Queen Street West. This is an annual show and is has an indie aesthetic with interactive booths, workshops, installations and pop-up activities.

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.

Vendor Call Parkdale Bazaar

The Parkdale Bazaars are now accepting applications for 6 upcoming dates. The dates they are holding bazaars are May 14th, June 25th, July 23rd, Aug 13th, Oct 15th and Dec 3rd. The bazaars are held at the Parkdale Town Square at the corner of Queen West and Cowan Avenue. For a link to more information on this show and a full list of upcoming shows please visit the “Calls For Vendors” page. ♥

Dogs Are a Vendors Best Friend

I came across a great tip today that I wanted to share with everyone. I’ve been trying to share some ideas recently to help make craft shows as successful as possible and I thought this sounded like something that could really work. If you are going to be a vendor at an outdoor show that allows dogs consider bringing along a dog bowl with fresh water for them. On a hot summer day on the pavement the dog will appreciate it and so will the owner. Also it will give them an excuse to stop by your booth and browse while their pooch is having a nice cool drink. You might even want to consider having a few dog treats onhand and you can ask the owner if it’s okay to give their dog one and start up a conversation. Sometimes something simple like this is all someone needs to make them stop and fall in love with something on your table.

I would love to hear other creative ideas like this to encourage people to stop by your table so please take a minute and share!

New Vendor Calls Added

I’ve just come across a few new Vendor Calls in Toronto for those of you looking to book more shows.

They include the First Ever Toronto Mini Makers Faire being held May 6th to 8th. This will include commercial and non-commercial makers and they are looking for vendors who will offer interactivity: projects that attendees can try on-site, play with, see how they work, and/or build themselves.

Next is the well know Danforth East Arts Fair being held at the East Lynn Park on the weekend of September 17th and 18th. This is an outdoor show and you will have to supply your own tent and tables.

Last is a Spring Bazaar and Rummage sale held at the Central Eglinton Community Centre on May 6th.

Check out the “Calls for Vendors” page for links to more information and applications and for more vendor call listings! ♥

Craft Show Check List

As some point or another many artisans will decide to try selling at a craft show. The first show can be intimidating but being prepared makes it so much easier. I’ve done several shows now and I’ve developed a check list to make sure I have everything I need to be as successful as possible. I know several people who are hoping to do their first shows this spring and summer so I wanted to share this for everyone who is worried about that first show.

Set Up: Table and Chairs if the show doesn’t supply them for you and if you’re doing an outdoor show you may need to supply a tent. If you need any tools to assemble these items be sure to bring them. You will also want a table covering of some sort. Linens are most common. Think about using a colour or style that will be neutral and show off your product the best. If the show is supplying the tables find out the size to be sure you bring a large enough table covering.