We're back! If you haven't been following too closely on Instagram - there is a whole lot of fun happening over there. From the soft launch of an online store (accepting applications to consign), to releasing our ebook... we also have some pretty amazing giveaways coming in the future. But, today... we are trying to get back on track with our blog features, and we're excited to bring you Erica from Onsight Care. We're eying up some of her items to try, but also love all those places she's been exploring (seriously, check out their IG). Anyways, we'll let you read about it all for yourself. And, welcome back to the blog ;)

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?

Our shop is designed for travellers and climbers. So even though our products are a lot like other zero waste handmade items, we can market towards a community group that we are already a part of. Find your community and start there! 

What does your dream storefront look like? Is it online or brick and mortar, do you work all week long, do you have employees, etc?

We would love to have a brick & mortar one day that is also a coffee shop! Our sister company Onsight Coffee is what truly started this venture, so combing the 2 in a climbing community would be the ideal! But who knows what the future holds, gotta go with the flow and currently online is key.

Now the fun personal side...

If you could only choose one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fav meal is spaghetti.

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

When you spend a lot of your life on an endless road trip it’s the best, easiest go to! Can I say rock climbing on the beach, like in Mallorca? That’s the dream vacation! 

Are you a book or movie person? Recommendations for the one you chose?

Bookworm for sure, fav book right now is Love Does by Bob Goff, pulls around the heart strings for sure! 

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Fav place is for sure New Zealand! So gorgeous, so much nature to explore, can’t wait to go back!

You can eliminate one world problem, which would you choose? Why?

Human Trafficking is definitely number one in wanting to see eradicated! We love being able to come alongside organizations like Radiant Hope in seeing a different future for people caught in unfortunate circumstances! Once you see how easy it is for someone to be stuck in such awful places you can’t help but want to make a difference! 

Okay, this business couldn't be any dreamier. Making such amazing natural ingredient products and focusing on exploring and traveling. Thank you Erica for giving us a little insight into your amazing business, we truly hope your brick and mortar comes to life someday. We loved hearing about your items but also your fave places to be. Be sure to show Erica and her amazing handmade items some love, you can visit her:

HC ♡

Ho, ho, ho! We have some very exciting news for you. This year we have 12 amazing makers who have graciously offered to give something to you. It's our biggest giveaway on Instagram we have done yet, and it is soooo much fun. We are super excited and can't wait to get started. Today, we're sharing the details, so you can mark your calendars for the big days because you won't want to miss it. 

Here's how it's going down. From December 1 - 12 we are going to introduce you to each of the makers who are participating in the giveaway. Over those days, you can comment, like and follow - be sure to show them lots of love. Here's a sneak peek at who they are... but what they're giving will be a secret! :)

Jars by Jodi

PinkPeony by Kirsten

Misiyo Candle Co

Heartfelt Bundles

Hunny Tree Hollow

Southern MB Comforts

Always and Forever Designs

Sweetness

Designs Barn

Leigh's Clays

Sweet Magnolia Designs

Mar's Scrunchies

On December 13, we are going to pop on Instagram (@HandmadeCanada) with the giveaway post and details. You'll need to follow each of the makers, as well as do some other, super easy stuff. You'll have until December 15 to participate (we'll have the full deadline in the post). Then, ONE WINNER will be chosen. That's right - one winner is going to win all 12 items! That means 12 days of Christmas parcels will be showing up at your door!! How fun is that?? 

We really can't wait to spread some Christmas cheer and make someone's Christmas one to remember. Be sure to mark your calendars for December 1, and to follow along until December 13th for all the fun. 'Tis the season to give handmade!

HC ♡

The last part to our holiday gift giving guide is for the little ones. Finding gifts for babies, toddlers and kids is easy peasy - we know that. But finding something unique, handmade and that supports our local makers, well, that can be easy peasy too. Because we've put together this really fun gift guide that is full of some really great items for those little ones you need to shop for.

1 | We're starting off with the littlest on your list. The NOVA Silicone Teething Ring from Wilde Baby and Co. is perfectly neutral for any little one. 

2 | Do you have a little princess at home? Check out the Floral Crown Headband from Madelyn + Dot Handmade  - the perfect accessory for dress up or play. 

3 | Looking for a gift that grows with them? The Stacking Wood Mountains from Wild Wonder Co. will take them from tot to school age, as they grow with their learning and exploring stages. 

4 | Know a little Star Wars fan?? Then we've found the perfect gift - a Crocheted Baby Yoda from Amanda C Crafts.

5 | The gift that all kids put on their list, and is great for the stockings too - grab some Plant Based Dyed Dough from  Play Grow. It'll keep them busy for hours! 

6 | Have a little one on your list that doesn't open gifts yet? Grab a Macrame Rainbow - the perfect keepsake gift and the cutest decor for years to come. Shop now at Bowen Co.

7 | We're loving the Rainbow Acorns from Whiskey Rose Studio. They're cute for learning colours and small fingers to grab and explore.

8 | Grab some Felted Wool Hearts from Coastal Felting. One, they're great for little hands and two, how cute would these be strung into a garland once they've outgrown them - creating the perfect decor. 

9 | Have a little one that loves their stuffed toys? Check out the Crocheted Lennie the Lama from Ava & Evey. Too cute and one they'll keep for years.

10 | Grab the cutest Wood Stacking Gnomes from Create & Play Co. Another great gift that sparks creativity and exploring for all different ages.

11 | If you're looking for natural, eco-friendly, imaginative play then Creating Explorations has you covered. Checkout their Christmas Playdough and other exploration kits.

12 | Stop by Trouvaille Décor for Wood Teepee Shelves that will look great in any room makeover or for the newest addition's nursery.

13 | Have a little one who loves her hair bows? Check out the Wildflower Wall Hanging for Bows - the cutest decor and bow organizer. Stop by Dolores Jane Designs to gift one to that special little one.

14 | Hair accessories are a must stocking stuffer or gift topper. Check out the Christmas Print Hair Bow Bands from Dawn & Ruby Designs to add to her collection. 

15 | There are so many gifts that allow for exploring and imaginative play. The Christmas Exploration Kit from Grace and Rose Valley Creations is another that will keep them learning and playing for hours. 

16 | Keep them warm this winter, we are in Canada after all. The Rainbow Knit Sweater from Matilda Street looks so cozy warm and perfect for our Canadian winters.

17 | Little ones love to touch, feel and play as they learn of their surroundings. Check out Crinkle Taggy Toy from Homemade by Janine for those little ones of your list.

18 | The more bows the better. Every little girl has a collection, and you can add more to hers with the Elegant Hair Bows from Scarlett Dove.

19 | Know a little one that's teething. The Bubble Tea Teether from  MJ Made That is absolutely the cutest and perfect little accessory.

This round up has been so much fun. We wish we were little again so we could receive these unique handmade gifts for babies, toddlers and kids. There are so many amazing items to choose from. We hope you'll be able to get a few more names ticked off your Christmas list.

In case you missed it, we also have a Handmade Gift Guide for Her and a Handmade Gift Guide for Him. Get all of your shopping done with small shops that are Canadian. Finding unique and personalized gifts has never been so easy!

HC ♡

Next up on our handmade holiday gift guides, is gifts for him. Anyone out there have some hard to buy for guys in there lives? Maybe you have one of the ones that says "I don't need anything - don't buy me anything this year"... but, how fun is that? If you're like us, giving is what Christmas is all about. We love seeing the excitement of those around us and to make others feel special. With men sometimes being the hardest to surprise, we've rounded up some pretty cool gifts that will definitely impress them and be more special than that item from the hardware store! Here's what we have gathered for this year's handmade holiday gift guide for him.

Where to shop:

1 | Toronto Skyline from Thread & Bark. You can have one custom made of a special location of your choice, or choose from one of their many amazing designs.

2 | Do you know a badass bearded dad? Get him the perfect mug. Pop on over to Courtney's Custom Creations to grab one before they're all gone!

3 | That tie dye t shirt colour combo, or any combo for that matter, is the perfect gift for him. When you shop By Sofia's Dreams, not only do you get a great tie-dye, you'll also support a young nine years old entrepreneur.

4 | If you've got one of those picky, hard to buy for guys... not to worry. You can always grab them a Christmas Cheer card from Letters of the Forest and put a gift card or two in it. These simple cards are perfect, plus you can still support handmade when you aren't sure what he'd love.

5 | Grab some plant based artisan soap from Get Naked Soaps and he'll be helping the planet and smelling delicious all year long. Also perfect for stocking stuffers!

6 | A custom painted saw is a great addition to the man cave. Oh, and while you're picking out a design and ordering your saw, you can also slip in a custom embroidery for yourself. Don't say we didn't warn you - Homebody Handmade has something for everyone.

7 | Let's get eco friendly on you. Did you know that natural jujube cups from Siempre Eco make perfect additions to his camping gear? They are extremely lightweight, easy to carry and promote hassle-free cleaning. Also pretty stylish if you ask us, even the non camper would love one.

8 | Looking for that something comfy with a statement? Rebel King Designs has the perfect hoodie for that guy who isn't afraid to speak up for what's right. #communityovercompetition 

9 | Help him tame that beard with the Victorian Grooming beard bundle, filled will all the essentials for grooming. You definitely can't go wrong with this one.

10 |Do you have a Griswold fan in your life? Stop by Montgomery Creek Designs, and get him this funny "Home of the Jolliest..." Sign that will surely be approved of.

11 | Paper Posh Artist makes the most amazing paper cutouts (like this Adventure Awaits one). You'll be able to make it custom too - making the only tough decision what you'll choose to have made.

12 | Calling all coffee lovers. Street Brew is specialty craft roasted coffee that he'll surely love. And if you're lucky enough, you may be able to score one of their sweet mugs too 

We're loving so many items on this handmade holiday gift guide for him, I'm not sure we'd be able to choose just one. But that's okay, we love supporting handmade and think this is a great start. For more ideas, you can also check out our Canadian Made Gifts for Him post. It's full of more great ideas, in case you still need some. 

Know a Canadian handmade business that has perfect gifts for him? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. 

HC ♡

We're putting together gift guides over the next few days starting with gifts for her. Let us tell you, this is jammed pack with so many amazing handmade items.Whether you're shopping for a friend or family member - you'll ace it, with something fun and unique. Plus, you'll be supporting Canadian all the way. Fellas, if you're reading this... she'll be happy with any - just pick a few ;)

Excuse us for the overwhelming picture - we couldn't not share them all. 

Here's how to shop:

1 | Make it personal with a Family Wreath Sign from Custom Tales by K which is perfect all year round.

2 | Sew Spang has the perfect Heart Embroidered Sweaters. If you know a nurse, these are the perfect gift!

3 | The Learn to Weave Kits from Suspicious Package Handmade are so fun for the creative ones you have on your list. Such a fun way to learn something new.

4 | Have a jewelry lover on your list? We have a few items to choose from, with the Purple Bead Cluster Dangles being first and a very good choice from KF Jewelry Boutique.

5 | Make it personal with a Custom Felt Dog Magnet from Heartfelt Bundles. Just grab a photo of their favourite pup and send it over. 

6 | Luxuria Studios has all the Beeswax Skincare Products, that are organic and chemical free. Giver her a reason to pamper herself.

7 | The Let It Snow Door Mat is all the fuss this season. Get it for her early so she can start displaying it right away. Head over the Designs Barn to shop now.

8 | Long hair, don't care? If she's always sporting the top bun, an Orange Plaid Scrunchie from The Scrunchie Tribe is perfect.

9 | If home decor is her thing, grab her a sign from Montgomery Creek Designs, like this Make Yourself at Home Sign.

10 | Fruit & Flora have small batch clay earrings that are to die for, just like the Polymer Clay Floral Dangles above. Head over to see their whole collection and to check another name of your shopping list.

11 | Keep her warm and in style with a Crocheted Headband from Plain Jane Artistry.

12 | Whether she keeps it simple or not, the 14kt Gold Filled and Sterling Silver Star or Heart Earrings are stunning. Stop by StellaLuna Creations to shop them and other beautiful jewelry.

13 | If she loves to cook, you should check out the pyrographed Today's Menu Chalkboard Sign from Plaid & Peaches. A fun piece of decor for the kitchen too!

14 | Back with another fun scrunchie. Because you know a girl can never have too many. This time shop Prairie Girl Threads to get this cute Cabin Collection Scrunchie that is so Canadian.

15 | If she's all about the keepsakes, Prints from My Instax has the perfect gift. They can turn your photos into Polaroid Photo Prints, reminding her of her childhood too, when polaroids were the big thing.

16 | Beautiful, timely and classic. If this describes her, then a Linen Skirt from Charlotte St. Apparel is perfect. We just love the yellow one in the guide above.

17 | Another set of beautiful earrings are the Sarah Classic Hex Dangles in Holy Mother of Pearl + Sidney Large Forget-me-knots in Moss. How stunning are those. Stop by CLAYD Collective to shop those and more.

18 | Another set of beautiful earrings - seriously, you could shop earrings all day, with so many talented makers. For simple from day to night, the Sea Sediment Jasper and Crystal Earrings from Crave Jewelry are stunning.

19 | Get her something versatile, like the Cork Zipper Pouch from LauLauBird Handmade. It can easily be used as a fun little clutch, a little make up bag or it's even perfect for travelling.

20 | Shop Little Dove Boutique for some beautiful Resin + Brass Hexagon Dangles but that's not all, you need to check out their Rose Gold + Snowy White Studs, as well. So many options - seriously, you could buy earrings for days around here, with each being so unique!

21 | Let's face it, we're in Canada and it's not warming up any time soon. So, grab her something to keep warm, like the Mustard Yellow Pompom Toque from Lady Tricot.

22 | Bracelets are a girls best friend, especially ones that stack. Eleven Hints has so many to choose from, including the Bedazzled Stackable Beaded Bracelets shown above.

23 | Do you want something truly different and sentimental? How about hitting up Arts Speak for a Willow Charcoal Portrait created of something or someone she'd love to have.

24 | A fun stocking stuffer must have - Handmade Magnets. Sugar It Up has so many fun designs to choose from - and she'll surely love them for the home or office.

25 | Looking for a necklace? How about a very casual and versatile Turquoise + Silver Bar Necklace from JMN Handmade.

26 | Last but certainly not least, pamper her with a set of Faux Macaron Aroma Stones from Boutique Rosée Hartley.

Oh what fun it is to shop handmade! There are just so many amazing Canadian makers, we could keep sharing for days. We love that we can keep it small and shop handmade this holiday season - it really means more than you'll ever know. For more fun and unique ideas, be sure to pop by our Instagram - Handmade Canada.

HC ♡

When Ri from PrintFromMyInstax reached out about gifting us some of her amazing polaroids and postcards, of course we said YES! These are so perfect for everything - from everyday keepsakes to gifts, or business cards and marketing material. They are so fun and unique, we knew we had to share.

Who doesn't remember how exciting Polaroids can be? They are small, with that fun vintage look - they seriously bring us right back to our childhood. When we received ours in the mail, the first thing my 6 year old said was "I want the dog one for my room". They are just so much fun for any age and a great way to capture your memories.

 

Then of course there are just taking all of your family photos, your recent trip to the beach or some fun photos from a walk around town. We know you'll smile when this nostalgic item shows up at your door step. Let's not forget the cute packaging that makes the order feel that more special.

And then there are the personal ways you could use the postcard. Birthday card for a loved one, Christmas cards for friends and family. Either way, its a fun way to offer that special memory that they can cherish for years to come. Who doesn't love that? It's a very fun alternative to your regular Christmas cards.

So much fun, with so many ideas. Pop over to their Instagram or stop by and shop their Etsy. Prints from My Instax was so generous to gift us our beautiful polaroids and postcards - we wouldn't have accepted unless we knew it would be something that you would love too. If you purchase, we'd love to know what you chose them for. If you have some other fun ideas, be sure to share them in the comments below. 

HC ♡

Can you believe we're almost halfway through November? With the colder weather and less busy schedules (hello Covid), we have a notebook full of goals for the community. It seems we've been plugging away even more so these past days to get things rolling. And, with that comes another maker feature - something we've been neglecting a little lately. We can't wait for you to meet Charlotte the maker behind Exile Jewelry. She has the complete story behind taking those first steps and getting the support to keep at it. And definitely a fun side you'll love to learn about. Take a peek:

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?

I started metalsmithing almost three & a half years ago after my obsession with sea glass started to take over my dining room. My boyfriend decided I needed to find a way to get rid of it, knowing I would never stop collecting.

 

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

 

I started selling almost a year after I started smithing because one of my very good friends encouraged me. She had started small artistic sea glass business, and wanted a partner in crime for the craft shows, and also saw the potential in my work. After a few coworkers & siblings asked for custom work, I decided it was time. It was a very small church Christmas craft show in Halifax and I sold three items. I was SO EXCITED my work was good enough that strangers wanted to buy it!

 

 

 

Give us your best advice for others that want to start making and selling. Which did you wish you knew when you had started?

 

Research and networking are both super important. I found a great community of smiths on Facebook - I swear there is a group for just about everything! Even being a passive observer in this environment has taught me a lot of things I would have never considered on my own & made me more confident in creating. Industry entities (like @metalsmithsociety on Instagram!) that bring the community together exist, and the more you immerse & invest yourself in the community, the more you’ll find.

 
Are you a messy creative or an organized creative? What does your workspace really look like? Can you give us some of your storage tips?

  

My workspace actually looks like chaos. I’m very messy and I like to work on about 20 projects at once, so I never get bored with one thing. Because I’m part time, I can pick and choose what I feel like working on with benefits my creativity. The vast majority of my customers are super understanding. I have a lot of tools like pliers, hammers, setting tools and gravers and use a variety of pop-up racks for the lighter items (kitchen isle of the dollar store). I’ve also found that modifying my work bench by drilling holes in it for commonly used tools has been really helpful in deterring me from misplacing things. 

 

 

 

Now the fun personal side...

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

 

I am not known to ever pass up a beach day! Any opportunity to find sea glass!

 

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

I am a total homebody! I love my outdoor garden, but my favourite place is my home studio.

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

I have a wicked sweet tooth & I’m a prolific baker. Bad combo! 🤣

Something unique about yourself that nobody really knows? (IE, one thumb is longer than the other, skipped a grade in school, etc)

Before the age of two I had several seizures including a grand mal seizure for which I needed an ambulance.

Three favorite Instagram accounts you think we should all follow, and their main focus.

@stringtheoriesca is the sweetest human and makes gorgeous macrame wall art & plant hangers. Her work often uses driftwood for the perfect beachy feel!

@metalsmithsociety for anyone interested in metal work and what goes into it!

@slightlyirreg for beautiful, handmade Nova Scotia Earthenware ceramic work.

 

 

 

Ahhh... Thank you so much Charlotte for telling us more about your handmade business. We loved hearing the honesty about building courage and knowledge to achieve your dreams. And of course, it's always nice to know that a passion can be very messy and sporatic - we can certainly agree! Your jewelry is absolutely beautiful and so unique, we hope all of your dreams come true with your business. Once again, if you want to see more stunning jewelry or get in touch with Charlotte, here's where you can reach her:

Instagram: @exilejewelry

Shop: Etsy + Website

HC ♡