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Author: Valerie

  • Giving Back – Charities of Choice 2025

    Giving Back – Charities of Choice 2025

    Supporting Vancouver Organizations Making Real Change

    We’re incredibly excited to support two fantastic Vancouver organizations that are making real, lasting changes in our community. Our chosen charities focus on two groups close to our hearts: seniors in East Vancouver and single mothers facing tough times. Let us share why Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors’ Society (RCSS) and Mom2Mom mean so much to us.

    Some Background on Why These Organizations Stand Out

    Both RCSS and Mom2Mom are doing incredible work right here in Vancouver. They’re not just helping people – they’re changing lives in our own backyard. We love that we can see the direct impact of our support in our community.

    What really impressed us about these organizations:

    • They’re experts at what they do, with years of experience
    • They make every dollar count
    • They create lasting positive change
    • They’re deeply connected to our local community
    • They tackle real problems with practical solutions

    Our Personal Connection

    Val’s Story – Why I Chose Mom2Mom

    As a mom of three kids, Mom2Mom’s mission really hits home for me. When I learned about their work supporting mothers and children dealing with poverty, it just clicked – this was exactly the kind of impact I wanted to make.

    What really got me excited about Mom2Mom was how they do things differently. Sure, they provide the essentials that families need, but what really makes them special is how they build real connections in the community. Being a mom myself, I know just how important it is to have a strong support system around you. The fact that some moms in our community are facing huge challenges while raising their kids without that support – well, that’s something I knew we had to help change.

    Anita’s Story – Why I Chose Renfrew Collingwood Seniors’ Society

    You know how sometimes you drive past a place a million times without knowing what goes on inside? That was me with the Chown Adult Day Centre. Then my dad was diagnosed with dementia, and suddenly this place became a game-changer for our family.

    RCSS has been amazing. They give my mom, brother, and me much-needed support, but more importantly, they give my dad a place where he can socialize, exercise, eat (top of his list) and feel comfortable. The staff there are incredible – they don’t just know everyone’s names, they really get to know each person.

    Our Impact Through Markets

    As market organizers, we’re all about building up our local community. Our craft shows do more than just showcase amazing local talent – they create a platform where local businesses can thrive and grow.

    Upcoming Markets

    • February 8 – TOO CUTE POP-UP Market – Heritage Hall, Vancouver BC (tickets on-sale now)
    • May 17 & 18 – Spring Pop-Up Market – Pipe Shop Venue, North Vancouver
    • September 27 – Fall Pop-Up Market – Robson Square, Vancouver, BC (FREE ADMISSION)
    • November 29 + 30 – Holiday Pop-Up – Pipe Shop Venue, North Vancouver

    Make a Direct Impact

    Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors’ Society (RCSS)
    Donate online: www.rencollseniors.ca/donate
    Your donation helps provide affordable, quality care for seniors in our community

    Mom2Mom
    Donate online: www.m2mcharity.ca/donate
    Every contribution helps support determined mothers and their children

    Whether you join us for a day of local shopping or make a direct donation, you’re helping create positive change right here in Vancouver. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our seniors and families in need.

  • A look ahead at 2025 and some changes!

    A look ahead at 2025 and some changes!

    Dear Maker Community,

    We want to share an important update about our February 8th Maker Supply Market and reflect on how our maker community has grown.

    Our Journey

    In 2022, we identified a unique opportunity in our maker community. We saw the need for a specialized market where makers could offer their samples, seconds, off-prints, and clearance items. This concept filled an important niche in our community, providing both makers and shoppers with a dedicated space for these specialty items.

    How Things Have Evolved

    As our BC maker community has grown and evolved, we’ve seen this niche flourish. What began as a unique concept has now become an established part of our maker ecosystem. This natural evolution has given us the opportunity to pause and reimagine our February 8th Maker Supply Market.

    Why We’re Pivoting

    The maker supply market format is distinctive because:

    • It relies on specific inventory types (samples, seconds, off-prints)
    • These items are naturally limited in quantity for each maker
    • Vendors need adequate time to accumulate these special items
    • The market for these items has matured since our 2022 launch

    With this maturity comes the opportunity to innovate once again. Just as we identified this niche in 2022, we’re excited to explore new ways to serve our community’s evolving needs.

    What This Means

    For our vendors:

    • The February 8th date is currently under review
    • We’ll be reaching out personally to registered vendors
    • Full refunds will be processed promptly
    • We welcome your input as we develop our next innovative concept

    For our shoppers:

    • Stay tuned for updates about our revised plans
    • All other 2025 market dates remain unchanged
    • We’re exploring new ways to bring unique value to our community

    Looking Forward

    As pioneers of the maker supply market concept in our community, we’re proud to have played a role in establishing this vital market niche. Now, we’re excited to channel that same innovative spirit into creating something new.

    We remain committed to:

    • Supporting our local maker community
    • Creating sustainable opportunities for vendors
    • Identifying and filling new market needs
    • Developing events that truly serve our community

    What’s Next

    We’re taking time to:

    • Evaluate emerging opportunities in our maker community
    • Consider new formats that address unmet needs
    • Explore ways to innovate within the market space
    • Gather input from our maker community


    Stay Connected

    • Follow our social media for the latest updates
    • Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed
    • Share your thoughts and suggestions with us

    Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Just as you trusted us to introduce the maker supply concept in 2022, we ask for your continued trust as we evolve to meet our community’s changing needs.

  • Magik Moments Photo Booth Rental: A Vancouver Success Story

    Magik Moments Photo Booth Rental: A Vancouver Success Story

    In the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Vancouver, some of the most successful businesses are born from a simple observation and a willingness to take action. This is precisely the story behind Magik Moments Photo Booth Rental, a local company that has quickly become a favorite for event planners and party-goers throughout the Lower Mainland.

    A Local Idea Takes Root

    It all began in 2018 when Inder & Reena, proud Vancouver residents, noticed something intriguing in their community – there was a gap in the market for photo booth rentals. In an age where memories are increasingly digital, the charm of instant, tangible photographs at local events was missing. This observation sparked an idea that would soon blossom into a thriving Vancouver-based business.

    From Gastown Concept to Lower Mainland Reality

    Armed with a clear vision and a modest investment, Inder and Reenae took a leap of faith. They launched Magik Moments Photo Booth Rental, pouring their hearts and souls into the venture. The early days were filled with intensive research, meticulous planning, and continuous refinement of their concept, all while navigating the unique business landscape of Vancouver.

    Overcoming Challenges in a Competitive Market

    Like any new local business, Magik Moments faced its share of challenges. The Vancouver event scene, while vibrant, was not without competition. They had to differentiate themselves, offering a unique experience that would captivate clients and party-goers alike, from Stanley Park weddings to Granville Island corporate events.

    These obstacles were met head-on with the perseverance and creativity that Vancouver entrepreneurs are known for. Every hurdle became an opportunity to innovate and improve their service. The team’s dedication and hard work began to pay off as word spread about the magic they were bringing to events across the Lower Mainland.

    Growing with the Community

    Through sheer determination and a commitment to excellence, Magik Moments Photo Booth Rental began to grow, becoming an integral part of Vancouver’s event scene. What started as a simple idea has now blossomed into a successful local business, bringing joy and creating lasting memories at countless events throughout the city and beyond.

    Today, Magik Moments stands as a testament to the power of Vancouver’s entrepreneurial spirit. Inder and Reena continue to innovate, always looking for new ways to enhance the photo booth experience for their fellow Vancouverites.

    Experience the Magic at the Fall Pop Up!

    We’re thrilled to announce that Magik Moments, your local Vancouver photo booth experts, will be on-site at our Fall Pop Up on Saturday, September 21 from 12-3pm, offering free digital photos to all attendees with their cool Mystik booth!

    Here’s what you can expect from this Vancouver-made marvel:

    • Choose between a photo, video, GIF or boomerang.
    • Media is sent directly to your email.
    • Use real props or digital stickers.

    Digital photos are free however, you are welcome to make a donation to our charities of choice Baby-Go-Round and Make-A-Wish BC/Yukon!

    Don’t miss your chance to experience the Mystik Booth at our Fall Pop Up – RSPV now for free tickets and your chance to win market cash. Come create some magical moments with us and support a great local Vancouver business!

     Supporting Local: The Magic Continues

    Remember, when we support small local businesses like Magik Moments, we’re not just getting great services – we’re investing in our community, creating jobs, and helping Vancouver thrive. Let’s celebrate and support the local businesses that make our city unique!

    Contact Magik Moments for your next event:

     

  • Get Ready to Fall in Love with Local at the Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop-Up 2024!

    Get Ready to Fall in Love with Local at the Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop-Up 2024!

    Calling all  local shopping enthusiasts! 🍁✨ Are you ready for a celebration of all things handmade and homegrown? We are back with our fabulous Fall Pop-Up 2024, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

    What’s the Buzz About?

    Picture this: Over 100 of the BC’s most talented artisans, designers, and makers, all in one spot. That’s right – we’re transforming Robson Square into a treasure trove of Canadian-made goodies. It’s like your Instagram feed came to life, but better because you can touch (and buy) everything!

    So, what to expect?

    Our vendors are bringing their A-game with:

    • Accessories that’ll make your outfit pop
    • Art to jazz up those bare walls
    • Adorable baby stuff (warning: extreme cuteness ahead)
    • Body care to treat yo’self
    • Fashion finds to freshen up your wardrobe
    • Home decor that screams “adulting done right”
    • Jewelry to make you sparkle
    • Stationery for all you paper lovers
    • Pet accessories (because Fido deserves nice things too)
    • Vintage treasures for that one-of-a-kind flair
    • and for the first time ever- a dedicated food section featuring 17 local food & bevvy vendors!

    Psst… Want a sneak peek? We’re dropping a lookbook soon that’ll have you drooling. RSVP and/or join our mailing list to be the first to know when it lands!

    Curious about the creative geniuses behind the goods? Hop over to our VENDORS page and start your window shopping early!

    Free Fun Extravaganza! 🎉

    Hold onto your hats, folks, because the shopping is just the beginning! We’ve got a lineup of FREE activities that’ll knock your socks off:

    🐾 Calling all pet parents! Swing by our PET CORNER with water to keep the doggos hydrated!

    • Lucky Tail will be giving out treats and have a selection of Canadian dog treats/toys for sale!
    • PetParker will be demo’ing their dog stations that you might’ve seen around town!  This is a great opportunity to test it out,  see how big they are, the safety features and more!

    🔬 Got little Einsteins? Let them loose at the STEM ACTIVITIES corner, powered by UBC Geering Up. Watch their eyes light up as they dive into the world of science and tech.

    🎨 Channel your inner artist at our BUTTON MAKING station with Vancouver Etsy Co. Create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to pin on your jacket or bag. It’s like wearable art, but way cooler!

    📸 Strike a pose at PHOTOBOOTH provided by Magik Moments (12PM to 3PM) is ready to capture your fabulous self. Grab your squad and get ready for some Insta-worthy shots! Digital pics are delivered right to your email!

    And here’s the kicker – all these activities are 100% FREE! That’s right, you can shop, learn, create, and capture memories without spending a dime. Now that’s what we call a win-win!

    Do Good, Feel Good

    Feeling generous? Your button-making donations will help BabyGoRound and Make-A-Wish Foundation BC Yukon. Or strut away with our exclusive tote bags – stylish AND supportive!

    Shop Local Prize Ballot:

    Yes, we are bringing back the shopping ballots!

    • Pick up your ballot card from one of our volunteers or at the Vancouver Etsy Co info booth.
    • When you make a purchase, have the vendor initial the back.
    • After three purchases, you can drop the ballot off (with your info) in the ballot box at the Vancouver Etsy Co booth!
    • Each card filled out will have a chance to win the prize back. (more info coming soon and it will be displayed at the info booth).

    Digital Passport:

    This is market number three of four! If you have been collecting your digital stamps, don’t forget to stop by the Vancouver Etsy Co booth for the pin code!   It’s not too late to start collecting! More info. The grand prize is going to be awesome!

    The Nitty-Gritty

    • When: Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
    • Where: Robson Square Ice Rink, Downtown Vancouver
    • Admission: Free!
      • RSVP for Extra perks:
        • We’re drawing for market cash every 100 RSVPs (cha-ching!)
        • First 50 in line score market cash or swag (early bird gets the… cash?)

    So, what are you waiting for? RSVP now and get ready to shop ’til you drop, eat ’til you pop, and support local ’til you… well, you get the idea! See you there, savvy shoppers! 🛍️🎉

  • 2024 Market Passport

    2024 Market Passport

    Discover the Vancouver Etsy Co Market Passport: Your Ticket to Exciting Prizes!

    Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the Vancouver Etsy Co Market? We’ve got an exciting opportunity for you to engage with our talented vendors and win fantastic prizes along the way. Introducing the Vancouver Etsy Co Market Passport, a virtual passport that will make your market experience even more rewarding!

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Attend the Vancouver Etsy Co Market event.
    2. Locate the QR code at the event and scan it with your smartphone.
    3. Enter the exclusive 4-digit pin code provided at the event.
    4. Fill in your contact information to complete your virtual passport registration.

    Each time you visit the market, you’ll receive a virtual stamp in your passport. These stamps are your key to winning the grand prize, which will be announced after our last market in November. The more stamps you collect, the higher your chances of winning!

    But wait, there’s more! If you manage to collect all four stamps by attending our fourth market on November 16th and 17th, you’ll receive double entries into the grand prize draw. That means you’ll have twice the chance of winning compared to those with fewer stamps!

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the Vancouver Etsy Co Market, support local artisans, and potentially win an amazing prize. Start your virtual passport journey at our next event and keep coming back to collect those valuable stamps.

    Stay tuned for more details on the grand prize, and get ready to immerse yourself in the creativity and talent of our wonderful Etsy community. See you at the Vancouver Etsy Co Market!

    Save the dates for our 2024 Market Dates

    • Maker Supply Market – February 24 – Heritage Hall, Vancouver
    • Spring Pop Up Market – April 27 – Heritage Hall, Vancouver
    • Fall Pop Up Market – September 21 – Robson Square Ice Rink – Vancouver
    • Holiday Pop Up – November 16 + 17, 2024  – Pipe Ship, North Vancouver

    Oh, what’s the prize? It will be a huge collection of items from our markets!

  • Giving Back – Charity Choices for 2024

    Giving Back – Charity Choices for 2024

    Giving back is important to us. Having both worked in not-for-profits for most of our working careers, we know first hand the impact of financial donations on a charity’s success.

    We believe our role as market organizers, is not only limited to supporting the crafting community, but our local community at large. From the beginning of our partnership, we have committed to donating half of the proceeds from ticket sales at our pop ups charity. Each year, Anita and I choose a charity we’d like to support.

    Since 2022, we have donated over $18,000 through this initiative.

    2022 Charity Choices – Dress for Success Vancouver & BC SPCA
    2023 Charity Choices – BC Children’s Hospital Foundation & Greater Vancouver Food Bank

    We are excited to announce the charities we are supporting for 2024.

    Baby Go Round and Make A Wish Foundation

  • What is Maker Supply?

    What is Maker Supply?

    In 2022, Anita and I got to planning. After wrapping up our first couple in person shows, we were excited to plan what 2023 could look like.

    We had no intention of hosting a gazillion shows. We pour out so much for each event in terms of planning and promotion for our vendors that it wouldn’t be sustainable nor beneficial for everyone. So we settled on four.

    Our goal was to give our vendors an opportunity to offload their older inventory, not-quite-perfects, display and crafting materials sustainably! Anita had so much wool from Make More Happy and I had loads of fabric and older inventory of scarves from Veespoke – we figured other crafters had it too! So Maker Supply was born!

    So what is Maker Supply?

    Think sample sale. Think warehouse sale. But for local goods. But not just that, you can find crafting materials, displays and more.

    Listing of all items you can find at Maker Supply

    In March 2023, we held our first Maker Supply and were blown away but the support from the local community. This is a smaller market than our others, only 40 vendors and held at Heritage Hall on Main St. in Vancouver.

    We will be back again on February 24, 2024 from 10-6pm. Admission is FREE to this event, but RSVP here and let us know you are coming. Every 100 RSVPs will trigger a draw for Market Cash to spend that day!

    Also the first 50 in line at opening will receive a special treat (to be announced!) in addition to market cash.

    Can’t wait to see you there!

  • Vancouver Etsy Co Holiday Pop UP 2023

    Vancouver Etsy Co Holiday Pop UP 2023

    Join us at our annual Holiday Pop Up Market on Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26, 2023.

     

    Shop from over 105 local makers, designers, creatives, and artists. Explore a range of items, including ceramics, home goods, delicious food and drinks, apparel, jewelry, body care, and more.

     

    For the first time ever, we will have a KIDS ZONE area!

    UBC Geering Up will be on-site with fun and interactive STEAM activities (Saturday only).

    We’re thrilled to host 12 Mini Makers! These budding young entrepreneurs, aged 7 to 14, are taking their first steps into the craft show world. They’re showcasing their incredible crafts, including bracelets, bath bombs, soap, crocheted goodies, Perler bead magnets/ornaments, earrings, and much more.

     

    Our 2023 choice charities:

     

    We are donating 50% of ticket sales to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Last year, we raised over $9,000 for Dress for Success Vancouver and BC SPCA.

    Tickets

    $5 (kids 12 and under are free) and valid for both days!
    Also, the venue is pet-friendly!
    Perks of pre-purchasing your ticket:
    • Skip the line at the door; have your QR code ready, and you’ll be a VIP!
    • Every ticket purchased will be entered to win market cash (a draw is triggered for every 100 tickets sold).

    Event Details:

    Vancouver Etsy Co – Holiday Pop Up Market
    the Pipe Shop, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Van
    Sat, Nov 25 + Sun, Nov 26
    11 am to 6 pm
    $5 for the weekend. Kids 12 and under are free. (50% of proceeds go to @bcchf and @vanfoodbank)
  • What is The Etsy Market?

    What is The Etsy Market?

    The Etsy Market is series of virtual shopping events created by Etsy that pop up across different cities around the world. Over the past 2 years, with Etsy’s help, Vancouver Etsy Co has hosted 4 virtual markets!

    This year, #theetsymarket will look a bit different. It will span over the course of 2 weeks instead of 2 days and will focus on the lookbook rather than a separate event page as the jump off point for shopping!

    The Etsy Market 2022 Dates

    • May 6 to 20 (applications close April 15)
    • July 15 to 29 (applications close June 1)
    • November 11 to 26 (applications close Oct 1)

    Some of the benefits of participating in the Etsy Virtual Market

    A virtual market is not only about sales, it is also a huge marketing opportunity, which has ripple effects long after the market closes.

    • Participate in the virtual market concurrently with other markets
    • Etsy is trusted & well known for quality sellers/products
    • There has been a substantial increase in Canadians shopping online since the onset of the pandemic that is expected to continue
    • Exposure to a new customer base – concentrated locally (but also to a wider audience)
    • Boost in SEO from published vendor lists and look book that remain online
    • Participation in Lookbook (The holiday and spring look book had 33,000 and 23,000 impressions respectively)
    • Motivation to take a fresh look at your shop by investing energy in your shop listings, photos and marketing
    • Build traction on your Etsy shop (increases in visits, sales and reviews will help you rank higher in the Etsy search algorithm)
    • Promotion from Etsy Corporate (market listing on their site, localized email sent to customers)
    • VEC promotion through blog, FB and IG advertising and newsletter distribution

    Applications are now OPEN for the Etsy Market. You can apply for all three markets with one applications*.

    *Acceptance to one market does not indicate acceptance to all markets – shops must be in good standing and compliant with all policies set by Etsy.

    Apply Now!

  • The Etsy Market Maker: Amara of Lonely Mountain Embroidery

    The Etsy Market Maker: Amara of Lonely Mountain Embroidery

    Hello! My name is Amara and I am the creator behind Lonely Mountain Embroidery.

    My grandmother taught me basic embroidery skills when I was a wee child, and I took the hobby back up in my teens. I mostly embroider while watching TV or films (It’s hard for me to sit still) and am at my happiest working with all sorts of colours and styles. I live with my wife and our chunky orange cat and spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen.

    How do you stay creative?

    It can definitely be a challenge to feel creative! I find a lot of inspiration from pop culture as well as embroidery patterns from the 50’s and 60’s that my grandmother has given me. I do go through slumps where I don’t feel creative or motivated to work on anything, and I have learned to embrace those times instead of dread them.

    Is this your full time gig? If not, what is your day job?

    By day I work in a city public library system as a library technician. Most of my job revolves around researching information on all sorts of topics, providing community resources, and assisting with hands-on technology help. Of course, I also do readers advisory and try to push graphic novels on as many patrons as I can.

    Were you born and raised in the Vancouver area or do you come from afar?

    I was born in Vancouver and spent a lot of my childhood moving around the Lower Mainland. I work in Vancouver but call New Westminster home.

    Tell us about your favorite customer?

    My favourite customer, really, is anyone who is interested in and loves what I make. It does make it easier when a customer has a general idea of what they want, but leaves me with some wiggle room to be creative with their idea.

    Tell us about how your product is made. What is your favourite part?

    My favourite part of the embroidery process is when I can get down to stitching. Once I can get my needle threaded and start sewing, that is the best part.

    What’s the most challenging part of your business?

    My least favourite part of the process is creating patterns and putting them onto the fabric. It can be tedious, time consuming, and doesn’t always work out the way I want it to.

    What do you wish customers knew about you or your business?

    There are times where I really wish expectations of me and my skills can be managed better. As much as it pains me to admit, there are some things that I can’t do. Whether it be because I don’t have the skills or something just cannot be done, sometimes the idea in your head can’t be exactly brought out onto the fabric and thread. I will always work with an idea and make the best of it, but some things won’t work out.

    Is your workshop / creative space neat & tidy or a beautiful mess?

    My materials are all neat and tidy! Everything has a specific box or drawer. I need to be especially careful with stray threads and a cat who might try to gobble them up.