Canada Day Special: Karyn Valino of The Workroom

kvalino

Story by kvalino

Published on July 01, 2009 in Shop

Photo by kvalino

Karyn Valino, a.k.a kvalino, is the owner of The Workroom, a “sew & craft by the hour” space in Toronto, Canada. The Workroom is stocked with books, patterns, fabrics and notions that are carefully selected to inspire handmade projects. The fully equipped sewing studio also offers classes in everything from clothing, quilting, beginner upholstery, pattern drafting, and natural dyeing. The Workroom hosts monthly Stitch ‘n Bitch events, craft fairs and recently hosted the Toronto meeting with Etsy Admin and local sellers. Karyn chronicles all her crafty adventures and projects on her blog, Make Something.

Happy Canada Day! I try to celebrate local and Canadian talent all year long. As much as I love to make things myself, I am always so thrilled to buy something handmade. When I’m not shopping at local craft fairs and trunk shows at the Workroom, Etsy is my favourite place to scout out gifts for others or special treats for myself. Etsy and the Etsy Labs were actually a big inspiration for me when I was working on my business plan for the Workroom.  The Shop Local feature is my favourite way to discover new Etsy sellers in my hometown, Toronto. It was so hard to narrow it down, but I’ve compiled a selection of my current Canadian-made favourites.

Plush Anatomical Heart (Chunky)

I heart Shannon Gerard’s crocheted anatomical heart. She is a crochet genius and this item blows me away and makes me smile. By shannongerard, $12.

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Canada House – Maple Leaf – Red White

This little ceramic Canada House by thelittlereddoor would look really cute in the terrarium that I made last year. $15.

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secret message envelope – it’s okay

This Secret Message Envelope reminds me of the elaborate notes I would pass to my friends in school. So clever! By sweetiepie, $3.

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Double Axe Silhouette Brooch

I have a growing brooch collection. In my opinion, you can never have too many.  This ax pin has got just the right amount of Canadiana. By touchthedutch, $130.

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Bottle Vase – Blue and Red Scallops

I’m in love with Krystal Speck’s colourful ceramics. I think this bottle vase would make the perfect summer wedding gift. By krystalspeck, $38.

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Pirate Pant

Patouche clothing for kids inspires imaginative playtime. These pirate pants have a special pocket for loot and a loop from which to hang your cardboard sword. $40.

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bunny

I collect handmade bunnies, so I bought one of pupa‘s sweet bunnies for myself. She uses hand dyed organic fabrics and wool stuffing to create her beautiful animal dolls. $37.

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The red silk balloon. Original artwork.

I just discovered tinewiggens‘ shop. Her simple and affordable textile artwork will brighten up your day. $15.

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Owl Laptop Bag in Red


Cool laptop bags are hard to find. This item sports one of my favourite birds (the owl!) and colour combinations (red and aqua). Score! By TrackandFieldDesigns, $48.

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Laughing and Crying HOLD porcelain and lace doily jar

I would buy everything nestingemily does, if I could. I already own one of her vases, but I’ve been eyeing her hold jars for ages. I love how she mixes porcelain with vintage textiles. Brilliant. $40.

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Felt Mobile- Vegetables- ON SALE

Petitflaneur‘s educational laser-cut felt mobiles are so unique. My favourite is the vegetable one. It’s probably the cutest way to get your kids to fall in love with beets and carrots. $46.

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Accordian Wallet Small – Windermere


I see so many customers pull out their DearSukie wallets at the shop. There are so many great prints and sizes to choose from. This one is my favourite. $16.

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How are you celebrating Canada Day this year? Post in the comments below!

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