When we starting planning the Spring Made by Hand Show, it got us thinking about how to attract MOMS THAT LOVE TO SHOP - okay that was the easiest part, but how to keep the kids happy too ... that's easy free stuff for kids.

Join us for the Spring Made by Hand Show, Saturday April 21, 2012 at the International Centre, Hall 4, Mississauga Ontario. 11:00am - 5:00pm.

It's a celebration of all things handmade - with 30,000 square feet of shopping and 150 exhibitors there is something for everyone.  

FREE FACE PAINTING

SPECIAL GUEST: CINDERELLA

All door proceeds will benefit Crafting for a Cure -  a not-for-profit registered charity that looks for opportunities to insure children are having a positive experience when a hospital visit is necessary. 

Admission is only $2 (donated to Crafting for a Cure) - children are FREE!

MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE www.madebyhandshow.com

Who doesn't love to shop?  Mommies, save the date and join us on Saturday April 21, 2012 for a shopping experience not to be missed.

The Made by Hand Show is returning to the International Centre, Hall 4 in Mississauga, Ontario on Saturday April 21, 2012.  This show will feature over 150 artists, artisans and designers from across Canada including wood, glass, ceramics, clothing, fashion accessories, art, jewelry, original paintings, photography, knitting, pottery and gourmet goodies.  Bring the children for face-painting special guest appearance from a Disney Princess.  With a variety range of prices and styles, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to pick up something for yourself too. 1st 100 shoppers receive a free swag bag filled with goodies from our vendors/sponsors. Admission is a $2 donation to Crafting for a Cure.  For more information please visit us at www.madebyhandshow.com.

We are presently seeking handmade exhibitors, and looking for sponsors to assist with advertsing costs.  If you can help, or would like to exhibit your handmade creations please contact the Show Manager at madebyhandshow@yahoo.ca

Have you ever received a gift and thought "that's beautiful - where did you get it", and get a reply "it's handmade".  It's a feeling of pride that someone had taken extra thought into your gift, or better yet took the time and effort to make it.  Whether it's a birthday, wedding, valentine's day, baby shower there is something handmade to be bought. 

If you have never thought about supporting local artists, think again.  Here are my Top 5 reasons to buy handmade.

http://www.madebyhandshow.com/2011/11/buy-handmade-this-holiday-season.html

Starting out a with your own business can be scary. Most of us start online through an online source (ie. Etsy).  A great way to gain exposure for your company is to showcase at local trade shows and fairs. It’s an opportunity to network and give customers a chance to see, smell touch your products.
As we begin a new year, I thought it would be a good time to share my 10 TIPS TO ROCK IT AT YOUR NEXT CRAFT SHOW, however these tips can be applied to trade shows as well.

http://www.madebyhandshow.com/2012/01/10-tips-to-rock-it-at-your-next-craft.html

LET'S BUY HANDMADE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!

(I posted this article on my website yesterday, and thought I'd share it with all my Canadian Mom friends - please share on Facebook and twitter) (read full article)

This holiday season, I am trying to buy as many gifts as possible from local and independent handmade artists. So I was thinking, why would someone buy handmade?  Here are my Top 5 reasons why I will buy handmade this holiday season.

1. SUPPORT - Buying handmade shows your support for local handmade artists. Most of us (including artists) are struggling with the economy the way it is, and by purchasing handmade gifts you may help a struggling artists pay for life’s necessities. I would much rather buy a handmade gift rather than a supporting the big-box stores.

2. UNIQUE - Handmade artists make one-of-a-kind gifts, something truly unique. Just the other day I was wearing a necklace from a local artist, I got so many compliments, and people asking "Where did you find that?"

3. QUALITY - Handmade artists pride themselves in providing quality with every item that they sell. For example, if I make a card and it's not perfect, I often discard the piece and start again. Another example is a handmade knitted hat that I recently purchased, you can feel the quality. Many handmade artists will ensure that every stitch, clasp or whatever is perfect. When I buy handmade I know I am getting a quality piece of work.

4. CUSTOM - I have purchased so many customizes pieces over the years. How many time have you been shopping and seen the perfect item and though "if only it was in another colour". When you buy handmade it's as simple as 'can you make this in pink!".

5. ECONOMICAL - Buying handmade is affordable (which I know is surprising to many). I would much rather spend $20 on a piece of jewellery that will last many years, then $5 on a piece that will tarnish or break in months.

So before you buy something that is in mass production, stop and think. So with the holidays right around the corner, and all the rush and fuss, don't forget about the little "gal" or "guy", the shops that are owned by local small business owners. There are so many reasons to shop handmade, I hope I have opened your eyes to just a few.

I have a great list of over 150 quality handmade artists and artists on our website. Everything (art, baby, toys, body, candles, clothing, décor, jewellery, glass, pottery, fabric, food, knitting, paper goods, stain glass, wood and more).  Shop handmade with our vendors ...

I hope you will take a little time this holiday season and support handmade.

~ Jacqueline

(read full article)

Made by Hand Show

Saturday November 5th, 2011

International Centre - Hall 1

www.madebyhandshow.com

Calling all Crafty Moms in Ontario ....

VENDOR CALL:
Vendor applications are now being accepted for the Made by Hand Show. This is a juried event that is restricted to handmade vendors only. The event will be held in Hall 1 of the International Centre (6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario) on November 5, 2011.

ABOUT THIS EVENT:
The primary focus of this event is to showcase the work of handmade artists and crafters in a large venue. Booth Fees are reasonably priced at $160 (plus HST) which includes a 10’ x 10’ area with a 8’ table and two chairs. A limited amount of 5’ x 8’ booths will be available for $90 (plus HST) which includes a 4’ table and one chair (based on juried selection).

Advertising will include newspaper ads, flyer distribution (minimum 10,000), portable signage rentals, online/email marketing with more to come. The event will also be displayed on the International Centre Website and on the two large LED signs in front of the International Centre. The full advertising strategy is outlined in detail on page 2 of the Vendor Application Package.

ABOUT THIS FACILITY:
The International Centre is a well-known venue and has held some of Canada’s largest and most popular events. The International Centre is conveniently located in northeast Mississauga on Airport Road south of Derry Road (minutes from Toronto’s Person International Airport). The facility is accessible from all major highways, 401, 410, 427 and 407. The facility has complimentary (free) parking for 5000 vehicles around the perimeter of the building. To read more about this facility please visit http://www.internationalcentre.com/.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
In order to be considered for the first round of jurying, applications must be received by July 1, 2011. All applications received after the 1st round of jurying will continue to be reviewed and considered. In order to be considered for the 2nd round of jurying applications must be received no later than August 15, 2011.

Vendor Application Package are posted online (click here) or request one by email at: madebyhandshow@yahoo.ca

 

Do you have a couch or chair in your home that lacks a certain je ne sais quoi?

And you want add a dash of awesomeness to it but don’t know where to look?

Well then I have the perfect place for you.

Everyone meet Nisse Works.

Can you say ridiculously adorable?!

Since my dog stopped chewing on my lovely things, I have started on a quest to find that perfect accent piece for our living room. I came upon Nisse Works while perusing on Etsy and I immediately fell in hard love.

Stacey is the creative fingers behind Nisse Works. Everything she creates is magic in my opinion and I love her attention to the fine details in her embroidery. It truly makes each piece unique and one of a kind. 

Come on over to All Work And No Play to read more about this awesomesauce store!

Wow ladies ... if you have visited my blog this week you have seen that I have been busy crafting up a storm; I thought I'd share my 3 favourites from this week ... I hope you enjoy.

Ohh .. and there is a huge giveaway on my blog - check back on April 1st (no fooling)

Hugs. Jacqueline

I made a bunch of fun handmade cards this weekend and I wanted to share with you.  I hope they bring a smile to your face.

They can be viewed in detail on my blog http://madebyjacqueline.blogspot.com

LADY BUG SHAPED CARD           

DOGGIE BIRTHDAY CARD:

HOPE YOUR FELINE FINE CARD:

SHOPPING BIRTHDAY CARD:

I just had to share this adorable card I made last night -  I think it is so adorable;  I posted the photo and all the supplies I used to make this card on my blog: http://madebyjacqueline.blogspot.com/

I hope it brightens your day - enjoy

Jacqueline