I just got back from travelling to North Vancouver to check out the Etsy Vancouver Market at The Pipe Shop Building.
You know I am in serious adventure mode when I take the seabus across the water to North Vancouver!
The Venue
Unlike when I went to the Etsy market back in September 2014, there was a $5 charge to get in but 50% went to the charity KidsSafe.
As you can see, the turnout was great!
The The Pipe Shop Building is so rustic and gorgeous! I love the evergreen boughs decorating the wooden pillars of this heritage building. Nice artistic touch.
Made With Love
The first vendor I took an interest in was Made With Love: Delectable Edibles. They had many of their spice blends for sale that are naturally gourmet, to help make food easier and tastier.
Karla’s Specialteas
Karla’s Specialteas was very smart! They had hot tea samples and I tried her Earl Grey with Lavender.
It is astoundingly beautiful! I loved every drop. It is made with freshly picked lavender buds and if it was available in decaf, I would have bought it in a heartbeat.
Her teas are natural and organic. Karla is a Tea Sommelier and Registered Aromatherapist with an emphasis in Herbalism! Could I ever tell by the Earl Grey with Lavender tea. It was not just tea, it was art.
That was just the first aisle of the market that stood out to this foodie! There were many different types of makers there.
Short and Sweet Cookie Co.
Short and Sweet Cookie Co. had many fabulous cookies for sale and they even had a sign that said, Don’t be shy! Ask for a sample! Which I wanted to do but they were so busy I did not get a chance. Their Baileys Classic Toffee Cookie had my eye in particular but I was only going to buy one treat. Too bad! Had I had a sample, this might have been where my money went.
Raincity Prints
Raincity Prints is a great name and OMG, so appropriate right now! I do live in Raincity!!! I immediately had to photograph these dish towels that have been screen printed with quotes from Julia child such as, “If you are afraid of butter, use cream.” The little illustrations that go with the quotes are priceless! Good job Hilary.
Art & Soul Creative Company
Art & Soul Creative Company is owned by Laura Uy and she publishes some of the happiest and cutest cards I have ever seen, often with food-related themes.
“My style is child-like and whimsical. I am constantly inspired by animals, nature, and food…” which is absolutely clear in her artwork.
Get this, she has a food alphabet colouring book! I have never been interested in colouring books before but that? That sounds fantastic!
Fancypop Handmade Jewelry
Fancypop Handmade Jewelry is special. Absolutely inspired by food, her jewelry made me hungry and smile.
Absolutely inspiring! I can totally relate, as I am a self-taught foodie and jewelry-maker. You rock Fancypop Handmade Jewelry!
Showcase: Silver Trumpet Jewelry
Andrea is on the left, BTW
Unlike everyone else I have written about so far, Silver Trumpet Jewelry has nothing to do with food. And I don’t care. I love Andrea’s work.
The colours drew me in immediately, as did all the charms. When she told me she was a treasure hunter, I knew I had met a kindred creative spirit.
She mentioned that she finds unique buttons and turns them into pendants. I believe she said these are Czech buttons and what stunning pendants they are! Just look at those colours. Brilliant. Literally!
On her bio on Etsy she shares that the name of the store is the result of a silver trumpet she sold so she could buy a one way ticket to Europe to find herself. Since then, jewelry making has been a source of art therapy.
Anyone who makes a pendant with a Victorian lady in a teacup is a creative spirit I want people to know about. Coming across Silver Trumpet Jewelry was a highlight of my trip to the market. I know exactly what is like to yearn to use your hands to help heal your spirit.
Food!!!
What did I end up spending money on? Who got my cash? Made With Love was the winner!
I absolutely had to try their organic Aztec chocolate truffles. The sign said that you could buy one for $4 but apparently I was the only one who did because she had to break into one of her packages to sell me an individual bite.
I enjoyed it on the way back to downtown on the seabus. It was totally a wild foodie ride! The crunchy top juxtaposed with the creamy ganache was shocking. The slow build up of heat as we neared the other side of the water? Surprisingly overwhelming. Suddenly I found I was quite warm despite such a dark and gloomy day in downtown Vancouver. Foodie magic!
Special Mention
I absolutely fell in love with the print A Grand Adventure by A Cagey Bee. Although I would love her to be reading a cookbook and dreaming of all the wild and crazy kitchen adventures. Still, pirates will do!
Foodie Conclusion
The Winter 2016 Etsy Vancouver Market was absolutely inspiring. I love all things creative and being with artists is always life affirming for me. Whether they make greeting cards with illustrated hamburgers or pendants out of baubles, art feeds my spirit.
If you did not make it today, not to worry, it is open on Sunday December 4 from 10 am to 5 pm at the The Pipe Shop Building, located at 115 Victory Ship Way in North Vancouver.
It is absolutely worth the travel and $5!
Wow, Suzie – This was fun to read and to see all the pictures.
Wonderful! I am so happy you enjoyed it! It was a blast to go to and cover for my site.
Lovely look into the Etsy Market. They have one in San Francisco and I’ve been busy so far every time. I’m going to have to try to make it this year! Thanks for sharing, Suzie.
Thank you Janet and yes, try and make it to your Etsy Market, that would be awesome!!! 🙂
Thank you so much for the awesome review! We absolutely love the Aztec Chocolate Truffles too! Everyone on our crew is totally addicted! Find Made with Love on facebook.com/earthmarket <3
My pleasure and wow, those truffles are insanely good! So glad we connected. 🙂
Wow, Suzie, that’s amazing that there were so many things that spoke so beautifully to you. That tea sounds divine! Yay you for going on such a great adventure. Your coverage of the event is magnificent. I wish I could have been there!
(btw, your holiday background is just delightful!)
Thanks Jamie and wow, that tea was unbelievably good. You would have loved it Jamie! So many creative people in one spot sharing what they love. Thank you! That background is from the PC party. 🙂