Just a quick post. Without talking too much about the elephant in the room these days, we've created this fun little post you can share on your social media to get some extra love. Whether it's now or three years down the road, it's just a quick reminder for your followers that one small gesture can go a long way. And hey, it only takes a minute or two to make it happen.




View this post on Instagram

We can all use a little help. We’ve created this fun post for you to share. You can only ask for one of the above a day. Today we’re needing some love, we’re asking for ❤️. Go ahead - your turn to post - use this image... have some fun, get a little support and don’t forget to hashtag #staystronghandmade to help each other out!
A post shared by Handmade Canada (@handmadecanada) on Mar 27, 2020 at 6:06am PDT


We posted this just today and so many of you are sharing and having fun with it. The general idea is you either share it in your story or your feed. When you do so, pick the colour of heart that means the most to you that day (only one). Let your followers know what you need a little extra love with. If you put it in your story, circle it, underline it, whatever... just let them know. If you post it in your feed (wall), just leave the colour of heart in the message. It's that easy.

We've created two images you can use, depending on where you'd like to post. 

Story:


Feed/Wall:



It's that simple. Lots of fun. For added bonus, use the hashtag #staystronghandmade so other makers can find you and help out. And if you tag us, we'll be sure to pop over and try and help you out.


Friday, March 27, 2020 No comments
March is quickly getting away from us. It started with a much needed vacay, now a staycay (okay work from home / isolation)... but we're not talking about that situation. This is a much happier blog post. We want to keep things upbeat, and there isn't a better way than with another maker feature. Littles & Spice filled our inbox with images and an interview that we just couldn't stop reading. We're very excited to share this handmade business with you. We won't keep you waiting any longer, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!



What is your name and company?
Sarah - Littles & Spice
 
Where are you from?  
Calgary, AB

What do you make?
Handmade Heirloom Children's Garments

Where can we find you and start shopping?
Instagram: @littlesandspice  
Website: www.littlesandspice.com 



The business side of the interview...


Tell us more about your company - what's your business' story or something unique that we'd love to hear?
 
What an honour to be shared on an all Canadian blog! We work hard at creating timeless pieces that tell a story. Heirloom inspired and we aim to create quality pieces that will be passed down from one child to the next and the next. We are all about recycling fabrics and reducing waste wherever we can. We often create limited edition drops and use all recycled fabrics as well ❤️





How did you get started selling? What made you finally take the leap? 

I got started selling my items by accident. My second daughter was very spirited since birth and I found myself wanting to escape to my sewing machine for some solace. I start sewing things for my girls, then friends. Then I shared a few things on my Facebook and the orders literally came pouring in from my sweet and kind friends. It made me think hard about what I wanted to do with this new “surprise business”. I created an Etsy account for a short time and then made a legit website I was proud of! I have never looked back. I LOVE fabrics. I love how the changes Of seasons bring new Colours and inspiration ❤️ 

There are hand makers around the world, we’re bound to meet up with someone that makes something similar. Tell us how you keep your product unique. Also, do you change things up season to season, year to year, etc? Any advice for others who are wanting to find their own style? 

This question is fully loaded! My best advice is to “stay in your own lane” basically, create something you love and DO IT WELL! Don’t worry about what others are doing. Get creative and think outside your box. Anyone can pop on the gram and take an idea or be inspired by an idea. Both of those are very different things. Be inspired by creators that have walked the road before you but don’t copy. There’s so much room at the table for creatives. Let’s inspire each other! 




Now the fun personal side...

What is your favourite colour? Why?

Fav color is blush! Omg. I light up when I see that color. I’m drawn to it on flowers, dresses, fabrics, wallpaper etc. I also have been blessed with three girls 💕




Would you rather spend your vacation at the beach or sight-seeing?

100% -at the beach. Sun, sand and well, the pool are my fav things!

Salty or sweet? What is your favorite of the one you chose?

Can I pick salty and sweet? Peanut m&m s are my FAV! 

What’s your favorite part about home? Are you a homebody?

I am 100% a homebody. I love the warm sun just off my kitchen in the afternoon. I also love the coziness Of my bed. 

Something unique about yourself that nobody really knows?

This is kinda crazy but a bird has pooped on my head in five Counties before I turned 25! 
1. Canada 
2. United States 
3. Australia 
4. Thailand 
5. Africa 
I wish I was kidding 😂 but I have read it’s a sign of luck?’l! Lolz 




Thank you so much Sarah for giving your time to us and letting us in on the person behind Littles & Spice, how it all started and some advice for others. We truly enjoyed it, and can't wait to team up for a fun giveaway or promotion in the near future - something we'll be doing lots of soon. In the meantime, show Sarah some love:

Instagram: @littlesandspice  
Website: www.littlesandspice.com


HC ♡

Saturday, March 21, 2020 No comments
Each and every one of you is amazing. The recent COVID-19 is becoming real for so many of us. With schools cancelling, stores shutting doors, people being asked to stay home and even loved ones falling ill with the virus, so many of us are facing many different struggles and worries. We understand the mixed emotions that come with each. And through it all we are seeing a lot of love and coming together within the handmade community. It simply amazes us and reiterates why we put our extra personal time into this. We really can't express how amazing it is and how many people have been sharing ideas for supporting handmade and small businesses. And how many more have jumped aboard to try and do so. 


We really started to notice the community coming together with a recent IG post (one that was very well received) and that's when we really started to notice what everyone around us was starting or already doing. We've been spending so much time trying to find ideas for supporting handmade, not just now, but anytime - it really only takes a few minutes of your time. But right now, during all of the chaos, worry, fears and hard times - we know there's one thing that really matters - making sure we take a few minutes, support those handmade and small businesses, and start spreading the love 💕


Ideas for Supporting Handmade + Small Businesses


So if you're like us, and wondering what you could possibly do, we've put together a list. It can be so simple and cost you nothing but a few minutes of your time. Something you may have a little extra of these days, as you self isolate and protect the community and those you love. So let's start with the small gestures that can make someone's day, especially during these hard times. We can't imagine why someone wouldn't want to:

1. Go to our Instagram @handmadecanada and check out even just 1 or 2 handmakers we have shared - like there IG, like a few of their posts, leave them a comment or say hi. Let’s start building up this community.

2. Tag your social media posts with #staystronghandmade and go check out the hashtag from time to time. Show some love and support to others who have done the same. People’s businesses are being effected and every little gesture helps.

3. Share, share, share. Help us grow, which only helps you grow. We want to keep our Instagram and blog features free. Even if we hit 5,000, 100,000 or even 763,456 followers (we can only hope 😉). Our current plans involve our features staying free and this being a community of support, where we help you grow! We’ve been there, we have/had handmade businesses and know how hard it can be. We love being able to help all of you.

4. Continue to shop and support small as much as possible. There are many ways, like this image depicts below (source unknown):

5. Visit our Instagram and tag a few customers, friends, handmakers in the comments of our post, that you know love supporting handmade and would definitely want to check out some of the amazing handmakers we have featured, or would want to get featured themselves.

6. Let us know how people have been helping you and what you need to help support you and your handmade business. Comment below if you'd like and we’ll share the different ideas we get that seem fit.

Which brings us to even more ideas that have came from a few of you. After our post we were able to find even more ideas or had received some in our inbox that we definitely loved. Here they are, for both makers / supporters:

- Do lives with other makers and promote each other (@pureessentialsyeg)

- Create an Instagram highlight with makers you love and ask followers to check it out and visit a few (@storywildstudios)

- Help small business get through this: (infographic (@commondeer))

COMMON DEER


- One a day rule. (@collected_joy) Visit one handmade or small business a day. (The original suggestion says in person) As this becomes harder, do so online. Visit them on social media, like their posts, comment, make conversation and follow them. Then, visit their online store or presence if there is another. If you're able to,and really like what they make, purchase something. Get an early Mother's Day gift, or maybe someones birthday present or even something special for yourself.

- Team up with your fave makers for a fun giveaway! (This was another one of our ideas and we hope to be doing this very soon)

- Start selling gift cards or purchasing, if you're a supporter. Again, gift to yourself or a neighbour, friend or family member.

If you’ve made it this far - thank you! Share this blog post, let’s get the community working together to love, support and uplift each other as we all face the COVID-19 virus differently. xo

HC ♡ 

 #staystronghandmade
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 No comments
February. The month of love, everything red, pink and hearts. It's been so much fun seeing all of the holiday handmade items. We even shared a few and did a blog post full of Valentine's Day Features. And while we are totally about the hearts, we also kept the month fun by just spreading the love for another great bunch of makers. In case you missed it, here's what was happening over on Instagram for the month of February.



Bailiwick



SEWNEST


Always and Forever Designs



Smart Jewelry TM
 

Lucky Lulu Goods



The Knotted Crown


Annah Felt Decor


Suspicious Package Handmade


Two Gems Design Co.


Little Knot Co.
 

Shortie Cakes


Sweetness
 

Jaxed Jeans


Pretty Ears


Wool & Knits


Phaw's Boutique


Days with Gray


Love of Littles


Nennoi Beauty



Saturday Stitch Co



Another month of love and fun! Want to be featured too? We have a couple different ways - check out our features page for more info.


HC ♡
Thursday, February 27, 2020 No comments
March is starting to look like lots of fun. We've been keeping an eye out for different shows happening across Canada, but we'd also love to know what else you have going on? In the meantime, here's a few of the shows we've got in the calendar...

If you're hanging around Edmonton in March, you may just want to stop in at the Make It Show. With over 150 makers, it's sure to be a fun day out. You may want to bring a few bags along, as we're sure you won't come home empty handed. Check out the Make It Show website for more info and show dates that may be in your area. 

make it! Emonton Handmade Market


The Eastside Flea is offering up many weekends of fun, with their bi-weekly spring markets. Starting in February through to April, you'll surely be able to find a weekend, if not a few, to join in the fun. Located in Vancouver - join them to shop a curated roster of locally-made and vintage goods. It’s definitely a great time to shop local!

http://www.eastsideflea.com/


Picks & Giggles plans to bring over 40 local and handmade shops to their All Things Handmade Market in Bowmanville, Ontario. Mark your calendars for the Sunday - they'll surely be lots of fun items and kids are free to attend.  

https://picksandgiggles.com/all-things-handmade-market/


Plan ahead and spend a day or two shopping handmade. Here's everything we've found happening in March:


Make It Show - Edmonton Handmade Market 
March 20 - 22
Edmonton Expo Centre

East Side Flea Bi-Weekly Spring Markets
Feb 8-9, Feb 22-23, Mar 7-8, Mar 21-22, Apr 4-5, Apr 18-19
Eastside Studios | 550 Malkin Ave, Vancouver, BC

Picks & Giggles All Things Handmade Market
March 15th
Garnet B. Rickard Arena | Bowmanville, ON

 iMade Local Spring Fling
March 22
Heritage Hall, Vancouver 


 
Did you know we have a craft shows + markets section on our website? Here you can see any upcoming shows that we've heard about (just check out the calendar) and also submit any shows you are going to be in - we'd love to know! 
Thursday, February 20, 2020 No comments
Happy Valentine's Day. We want to gift you with this cute decor print that is actually perfect for anytime of the year - a simple and fun reminder to follow your heart. Made for any spot in your home, office or shop, we hope you'll enjoy this fun free decor print, as much as we do. It's easy to download, print and make decor in no time. So much fun - we hope you enjoy.




We are big on designing our own decor. With many apps and software that can be accessed with computers, tablets and smart phones - it's quite simple to put something together in no time. From birthday invitations, to holiday cards and home decor, we always try and do it ourselves. But where do we get it printed? We love to use Costco or Staples Copy & Print. They offer so many sizes at amazing prices. If you go for staples, we recommend grabbing a heavier stock of paper. You can upload online and have some sizes printed and picked up in the same day.




Follow Your Heart - Free Printable Home Decor

So much fun! Download your free print here. And stay tuned for more fun to come. We're hoping to not only share some incredible makers and things happening around our corner of Instagram. But, we're also looking to share some fun DIYs and prints. We hope you love them as much as we do.


Follow Your Heart Free Home Decor Print - Download


If you print this and use it somewhere, we'd love to see it. Be sure to tag us or send us your pics. We love seeing that you used it and love it as much as we do. Don't forget to share it with your friends and family too.

HC ♡
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 No comments
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we've got Valentine's cards on our mind. We adore the handmade ones and are constantly thinking this year will be the year we do them. Unfortunately, another fail. This year was another pickup from the local store. But, for those of you who haven't picked any up yet, we've rounded up 10 fun DIY Valentine's Day cards that we happened to find on Pinterest. Now we're definitely wishing we would have went the handmade route - so much fun!



You Make My Heart Pop | Ring Pop Valentine from Made To Be A Momma

So simple and cute - we're loving this ring pop Valentine. With a quick printable, this can be assembled in no time and pack a fun little treat for friends. In a last minute pinch, this is probably one of our faves to pick. Check out Made To Be A Momma for the full details - click here.
Made To Be A Momma - Ring Pop Valentine

Sprinkled with Love | Valentine Donut Printables from Eighteen25

 Sticking to the treats - these are definitely fun for all ages. How about taking them to the office for a few of your favourite coworkers? We're loving how easily they can be made too. Head on over to Eighteen25 for all of the yummy details - click here.
Eigtheen25 - Valentine Donut Printables

You're ExSTRAW Special! | Easy Printable Valentine's Day Card from It's Always Autumn

Everyone loves sipping through a fun straw. We love the treat Valentine's, but we also love the ones that will bring endless fun. These cute Valentine's are sure to put a smile on some little ones faces. Get the full printable and details over on It's Always Autumn - click here.
It's Always Autumn - “You’re exSTRAW Special” Easy Printable Valentine’s Day Card

Valentine, You Make My Heart Pop! | Printable from Frugal Coupon Living

Who doesn't love popcorn? Perfect for date night, friends sleepover, kids movie time. This perfect little Valentine is super simple, but also sure to please almost anyone. We think it's super cute too. Get the full details from Frugal Coupon Living, click here.
Frugal Coupon Living - Valentine You Make My Heart Pop Printable

Valentine, You're Super | Tootsie Pop Super Valentine's from One Creative Mommy

Super heroes are all the craze these days - and we totally get it. These cute Valentine's may take a little more effort, but they're sure to get those hero fans smiling. A cute little treat and perfect afternoon project for those looking for something to keep little ones busy. Check out the full tutorial over on One Creative Mommy, click here. 
One Creative Mommy - Tootsie Pop Super Valentines {Free Cutting Templates}

You Blow My Away | Printable Valentine from Skip to My Lou

Have them blowing bubbles this Valentine's, with this fun little printable from Skip to My Lou. Bubble gum is always easily enjoyed. This cute little Valentine is also super easy to make, an easy stick and go for a last minute put together. For more info on how to make yours, click here.  
Skip to My Lou - You Blow Me Away Printable Valentine

Fun Dinosaur Jokes | Dinosaur Valentines from Wine and Glue

These not so "love" driven Valentine's are perfect for those looking to give out something super fun but not necessarily full of hearts. We're loving the fun jokes and little dinosaur toys that will surely be enjoyed by all. Check out Wine and Glue for all of the details, click here.
Wine and Glue - Dinosaur Valentine

Gem of a Friend | Printable and Gift from Bloom Designs

Another ring pop Valentine, but we just couldn't help but share. Why not print a few of each (see first idea) to mix it up a bit. We're seriously loving this little treat - the perfect Valentine that can be made in no time. Check out Bloom Designs for their version of this fun Valentine, click here.
Bloom Designs - Gem of a Friend

You Color My World | Free Printable Valentines from DIY Candy

Have some really young Valentine's on your list? Even the littlest of hearts will love these Valentine's. Buy a box or two of crayons and they can be colouring on the reverse side in minutes. A cute little Valentine that will keep 'em busy for a while after it's given. For the free printable and full details, visit DIY Candy, click here. 
DIY Candy -You Color My World Free Printable Valentines

You Make My Heart Race | Free Printable Valentine Favor from Hello, Wonderful


 This may be the last one on our list, but still just as fun and creative as the rest. These little race cars double down as a cute Valentine and a toy that can be enjoyed for hours. No question in our mind that this wouldn't make someone smile. Another one that's easy to put together, check out Hello, Wonderful for the printable, click here.
Hello, Wonderful - "You Make My Heart Race" Free Printable Valentine Favor

Seriously, just so many fun ideas - we're not sure we could choose just one. We spent our evening combing through Pinterest to find you some of the funnest and easiest to be made. If you're like us you may already have your purchased - but if not, consider these ideas perfect for some last minute fun. Or, give them a quick pin or save to make next year. We know that extra handmade touch will definitely be enjoyed by all.


HC ♡


Give us a follow on Pinterest - support handmade and get some fun DIY ideas. 

Saturday, February 08, 2020 1 comments
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