Etsy's Handmade Blog
Canada Day Special: Karyn Valino of The Workroom
Story by kvalino
Published on July 1, 2009 in Spotlight 		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!

Shop Local Toronto | More Canada Posts | More Etsy International Posts

Tags Canada, Canada Day, Etsy International, holidays, Karyn Valino, kvalino, Shop Local, shopping, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, the workroom, Toronto
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99 comments     Login to add your own!

July 1, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. yaelfran

I LOVE dearsukie!!!!!!!!!!

July 1, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. PrairiePeasant

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. LabyrinthLeather

Yah Canada!
Thank you so much etsy for including us here in the white north =:)

July 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. VintageEyeFashion

Yeah Canada! Great picks!

July 1, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. HandKnitHugs

Happy Canada Day Everyone!

July 1, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. BeadinBabe

Very cool. Go Canada! :D

July 1, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. woodandfabric

Happy Canada Day!!

July 1, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. stringmealong

Happy Canada Day!! Fabulous picks!

July 1, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. kristimcmurry

Happy Canada day! I love the collection you've put together. It's great that Etsy offers a venue for items from so many different places!

July 1, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. zeropumpkin

cool i like the plush heart :D

July 1, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. daniellexo

What gorgeous picks! I've heard a lot about the Workroom - hope to visit one day.

July 1, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. paisleybaby

Happy Canada Day! Great collection!

July 1, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. theeye

happy Canada Day

July 1, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. SewnNatural

Happy Canada Day from Ottawa!

July 1, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. madebysam

Happy Canada Day from Toronto, Yay!!!!!!!!

July 1, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. pipapiep

Love the list!
Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. LuttrellStudio

Awesome!! Happy Canada Day from Muskoka!!!

July 1, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. emmsgems

Happy Canada Day!

great finds!

July 1, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. bovinebubbles

lovely!

July 1, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. bovinebubbles

Happy Canada Day from North Central Saskatchewan!

July 1, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. pandawithcookie

I love that picture with the fabric bolts so nicely lined up in the back. It suits both my fabric and organizational obsessions.

July 1, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. ptitebaloue

Happy Canada day from Quebec city :)

July 1, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. girlscantell

really gorgeous picks!

July 1, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. littlepinkpebble

wow~!! I agree gorgeous pick. I esp love the envelop

July 1, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. poesia

Happy Canada Day!!!great items!

July 1, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. travellingcircus

Beautiful selection.

A very happy Canada Day to everyone! I'm going out to celebrate...woo:)

July 1, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. AutumnLeavesJewelry

Happy Canads Day to neighbors up North!!! :-)

July 1, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. AutumnLeavesJewelry

*Canada

July 1, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. momijistudio

Happy Canada Day from Vancouver!

July 1, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. PAINTINGSBYSAM

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. salonskacollections

Yeaye CANADA!!! Have a great day everyone. Man Canada's getting old, but still no wrinkles.

July 1, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. SeaFindDesigns

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. FlanneryCrane

Happy Canada Day.

July 1, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. jswrites

Happy Canada Day from Ontario!

July 1, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. neawear

Niiiice!! Way to go Karyn!! :)

July 1, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. breadandroses

Yay Canada! Beautifully curated selections and the palette resonates. Love the vegie mobile and wish I could find vintage fabric w/ those colors. I like every single pick!

July 1, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. tinewiggens

Happy Canada Day from Port Moody, B.C.!!!

July 1, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. HibouCards

What a great store kvalino!!!! I wish there was one here in Boston, I'd probably live there ;) Great picks too! Love the felt vegetable mobile... can't wait for the store to reopen to check out all their items!
Bonne Fete Canada!
A fellow French/English speaker!
Hibou

July 1, 2009 at 12:07 p.m. pandacub

Hi Karyn! So great to see so many lovely fellow Canadians on Etsy. If you're ever in Toronto, you must all visit Karyn's shop, the workroom - it's AMAZING! :)

July 1, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. atouchofvintage

oh! congrats on this article girls!!

July 1, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. worksofwhimsy

I wish we had something like the Workroom in my hometown. What a great idea. Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. BenefitJewels

Happy Birthday Canada! Great picks!

July 1, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. JRoseAtelier

Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!

July 1, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. mgibson

Happy Canada Day! Beautiful selections

July 1, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. tanisalexis

happy canada dayyyyy!!! I'm personally and madly in love with ALL of your splendid picks here. yay!!!

July 1, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. stitchface

So happy to see this article about some seriously awesome homegrown talent here in Canada and in Toronto too (my city :D)!!! Happy Canada Day everyone!

July 1, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. smidgebox

oh what a great article! happy canada day :) great picks...

July 1, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. Khristinne

Woohooo! Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. jackieks

Happy Canada Day!!! I love these picks, and I love Canada!

July 1, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. DesignedbyRJ

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. deliverusbeads

Hey, Happy Canada Day! My name is Karyn too :)

July 1, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. variation

Nice selection. I love to discover new etsy artists, from Canada or otherwise. I especially like Shannon Gerard's crocheted heart!

July 1, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. beautifulbridget

Happy Canada Day!!

July 1, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. WynkenBlynkenandNod

Happy Canada Day from a Yukoner living in Los Angeles!
(ps: I'm offering free shipping crocheted maple leaves)

July 1, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. cindylouwho2

Happy Canada Day! Nice feature

July 1, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Happy Canada Day, great finds and read as well.

July 1, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. Studio410

Happy Canada Day!!

July 1, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. tascha

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. Vitrine

Happy Canada Day from Toronto!! I'll be sure to visit!

July 1, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. mgilinfo

Happy canda Day!

July 1, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. Radness

Yay Canada!

July 1, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. CutieDynamite

Really cool. That crochet heart is amazing!

July 1, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. zuppaartista

happy canada day! :)

July 1, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. mojospastyle

Happy Canada Day! Really like the picks.

July 1, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. missmoustache

Happy Canada Day! I am a Proud Canadian Crafter :)

July 1, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. voleurdebijoux

Lovely selections! Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. mofunkdesigns

Happy Canada Day! We have so much creative talent to celebrate, thanks for doing that so well.

July 1, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. babook

love it Secret Message Envelope : )
http://www.babook.etsy.com

July 1, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. Viejana

Happy Canada day! Great article :)

July 1, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

Happy Canada Day!

gorgeous selection of works here!

July 1, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

Great picks and
happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. sleepypillow

Small ceramic house's soo cute!

July 1, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. DearSukie

Hi Karyn! Happy Canada Day! Thanks for including my wallet in the article. The Workroom is awesome! Everyone should visit :)

July 1, 2009 at 4:26 p.m. pupa

Yes, happy Canada day folks!

July 1, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. blackeyedsuzie

...oh, to have a workroom in Montreal! Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. Zygopsyche

The workroom sounds like a wonderful place!

July 1, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. TheLoudLion

YAY for Canada Day ! (I miss Canda)

:)

July 1, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. FrogPicklePie

Love seeing all the Canadian sellers. Fabulous shop nestingemily -- those jars with the doilies rock!

July 1, 2009 at 6:24 p.m. GemmaBeads

I <3 Canada and can't wait to go back for a visit! Happy Canada Day!!

July 1, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. thelittlereddoor

Happy Canada Day! Thank you for including my little Canada house :)

July 1, 2009 at 9:08 p.m. thehouseofhemp

thanks :)

July 1, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. TrackandFieldDesigns

I was in TO for the Spring One of a Kind Show and sooo many people told me about The Workroom. I'm so jealous we don't have something like that here in Vancouver!
ps - thanks for including my laptop bag!!!

July 1, 2009 at 10:04 p.m. Abbeyroadbeads

The pirate pants are cute and so are the kids!!!! What a great store, would love to come there!!!

July 2, 2009 at 12:27 a.m. pinkpandafabrics

I love everything and will be going on a shopping spree shortly :). Happy Canada Day (although I guess I am a few minutes late on this)

July 2, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. Iammie

Happy Canada Day!

July 2, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. PipocaHandmade

The perfect article for celebrating Canada Day! Hurray for Canadian crafters!

July 2, 2009 at 1:45 a.m. theheydayshop

Happy Canada! I love your picks!

July 2, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. withanindiantouch

Happy Canada Day from Toronto!!!

July 2, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. PawPawsWorkshop

Nice stuff

July 2, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. Jujie

Happy Canada Day xo

July 2, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. modernemotive

Happy Canada Day!

July 2, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. minouette

Hope everyone had a great Canada Day!
Great list Karyn :)

July 2, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. tigersanddragons

Happy Belated Canada Day!
Wish I could of enjoyed it, but spent the day working hard in the studio, and then sleeping. Missed all the Fireworks.
Cute picks, it's great to see other Canadian sellers.

July 2, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. ehmio

lovely canada!

July 2, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. Stockton

great feature, the workroom is one of my favourite places!

July 2, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. knitrgal

Wow!! Love the idea behind your Toronto shop. I will have to try and get there soon to check it out!!! Kudos on your success!!

July 3, 2009 at 12:06 a.m. littlepinkpebble

lovely room

July 12, 2009 at 8:07 a.m. heahea

I love Etsy and Toronto Craft Alert. The feature is great and I look forward to goung to your Workroom!

Aug. 9, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. MeghanT

How awesome to see local Canadian artist featured!

Gooooooooo Canada!

I live near Toronto too so it was nice to read up on another Etsian who is local to me. I wish their was a workroom type place for jewelry artists. It sounds fabulous Karyn. Great idea. I'm going to go check out your blog to see what's going on craft wise in good old Toronto.

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