Storque articles by kvalinohttp://www.etsy.com2009-07-01T10:20:00-05:00All the news that's fit to serve for kvalinoCanada Day Special: Karyn Valino of The Workroom2009-07-01T10:20:00-05:00kvalinohttp://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/canada-day-special-karyn-valino-of-the-workroom-4246/
<p><em>Karyn Valino, a.k.a </em><a href="http://kvalino.etsy.com"><em>kvalino</em></a><em>, is the owner of </em><a href="http://www.theworkroom.ca" target="_blank"><em>The Workroom</em></a><em>, 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 </em><a href="http://www.theworkroom.ca/images/the_workroom_calendar.pdf" target="_blank"><em>Stitch 'n Bitch events</em></a><em>, craft fairs and recently hosted the </em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/notes-from-etsys-canadian-meet-up-3896"><em>Toronto meeting</em></a><em> with Etsy Admin and local sellers. Karyn chronicles all her crafty adventures and projects on her blog, </em><a href="http://www.makesomething.ca" target="_blank"><em>Make Something</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<div>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 <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop_local.php">Shop Local</a> 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.</div>
<div>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26443539">Plush Anatomical Heart (Chunky)</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26443539"><img style="border: 0;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/1/11a/cde/il_430xN.75403348.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<div>I heart Shannon Gerard's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26443539">crocheted anatomical heart</a>. She is a crochet genius and this item blows me away and makes me smile. By <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://shannongerard.etsy.com">shannongerard</a>, $12.</div>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26443539">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://shannongerard.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26348830">Canada House - Maple Leaf - Red White</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26348830"><img src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/a/a68/025/il_430xN.75085671.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>This little ceramic <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26348830">Canada House</a> by <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://thelittlereddoor.etsy.com">thelittlereddoor</a> would look really cute in the <a href="http://makesomething.ca/2008/10/01/making-a-terrarium/" target="_blank">terrarium</a> that I made last year. $15.</p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26348830">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://thelittlereddoor.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25409231">secret message envelope - it's okay</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25409231"><img src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/4/4b6/1d1/il_430xN.71942585.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25409231">Secret Message Envelope</a> reminds me of the elaborate notes I would pass to my friends in school. So clever! By <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://sweetiepie.etsy.com">sweetiepie</a>, $3.</p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25409231">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://sweetiepie.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10574745">Double Axe Silhouette Brooch</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10574745"><img src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/06/double_axe_brooch.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<div>I have a growing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/category/jewelry/brooch">brooch</a> collection. In my opinion, you can never have too many. This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21560519">ax pin </a>has got just the right amount of Canadiana. By <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://touchthedutch.etsy.com">touchthedutch</a>, $130.</div>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10574745">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://touchthedutch.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25143041">Bottle Vase - Blue and Red Scallops</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25143041"><img src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/06/bottle_vase.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<div>I'm in love with Krystal Speck's colourful ceramics. I think this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25143041">bottle vase</a> would make the perfect summer wedding gift. By <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://krystalspeck.etsy.com">krystalspeck</a>, $38.</div>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25143041">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://krystalspeck.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23645148">Pirate Pant</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23645148"><img src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/5/5c6/946/il_430xN.73450103.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<div><a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://patouche.etsy.com">Patouche</a> clothing for kids inspires imaginative playtime. These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23645148">pirate pants</a> have a special pocket for loot and a loop from which to hang your cardboard sword. $40.</div>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23645148">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://patouche.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22444223">bunny</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22444223"><img src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/0/046/422/il_430xN.61994281.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>I collect handmade bunnies, so I bought one of <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://pupa.etsy.com">pupa</a>'s sweet <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22444223">bunnies</a> for myself. She uses hand dyed organic fabrics and wool stuffing to create her beautiful animal dolls. $37.</p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22444223">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://pupa.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26664825">The red silk balloon. Original artwork.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26664825"><img src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/5/549/d9b/il_430xN.76148819.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<div>I just discovered <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://tinewiggens.etsy.com">tinewiggens</a>' shop. Her simple and affordable textile artwork will brighten up your day. $15.</div>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26664825">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://tinewiggens.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22280616">Owl Laptop Bag in Red</a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22280616"><img src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/06/laptop_bag.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></span>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 <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://TrackandFieldDesigns.etsy.com">TrackandFieldDesigns</a>, $48.</p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22280616">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://TrackandFieldDesigns.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19537970">Laughing and Crying HOLD porcelain and lace doily jar</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19537970"><img src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/06/hold.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>I would buy everything <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://nestingemily.etsy.com">nestingemily</a> does, if I could. I already own one of her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=1228&section_id=5435095">vases</a>, but I've been eyeing her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19537970">hold jars</a> for ages. I love how she mixes porcelain with vintage textiles. Brilliant. $40.</p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19537970">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://nestingemily.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19737346">Felt Mobile- Vegetables- ON SALE<br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19737346"><img src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/8/8d4/903/il_430xN.52924161.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://petitflaneur.etsy.com">Petitflaneur</a>'s educational laser-cut felt mobiles are so unique. My favourite is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19737346">vegetable one</a>. It's probably the cutest way to get your kids to fall in love with beets and carrots. $46.</p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19737346">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://petitflaneur.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26327467">Accordian Wallet Small - Windermere</a></p>
<p><span style="color: #0192b5;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/admin/article/4246/<img src="><img src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/06/wallet.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="color: #000000;">I see so many customers pull ou</span><span style="color: #000000;">t their <a style="color:#0192b5" href="http://DearSukie.etsy.com">DearSukie</a> wallets at the shop. There are so many great prints and sizes to choose from. This one is my favourite. $16. </span></span></p>
<p><a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26327467">View Item</a> | <a style="color:#0192b5;font-weight:bold" href="http://DearSukie.etsy.com">View Shop</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>How are you celebrating Canada Day this year? Post in the comments below!</em></p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop_local.php?place=Toronto%2C%20Canada">Shop Local Toronto</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/canada/">More Canada Posts</a> | <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/etsy-international/">More Etsy International Posts</a><br /></strong></p>