FROM THE DESK OF TCA: etsy shop and free print giveaway

Scissorhead Gocco Print by Becky Johnson

So, in honour of our Two Year Bloggyversary we are launching an Etsy Shop where original works by Toronto designers will be available for ogling and purchase. This shop serves multiple functions: highlighting the work of Toronto makers here on the TCA (a profile of each maker will be included with the announcement of new items), bringing their work to a larger audience through Etsy’s international reach, and raising some much needed funds for the TCA (that's right your purchases from this shop will help us keep afloat).

We are kicking off the shop with a print designed exclusively for TCA by star contributor and crafty rabble-rouser Becky Johnson. Becky has been generous enough not only to donate her design and printing time & skills, but also a number of FREE PRINTS as gifts to you loyal readers.

So here it is: THE FIRST 5 PEOPLE TO COMMENT WITH BLOGGYVERSARY WISHES (OR CURSES, WHATEVER) ON THIS POST WILL RECEIVE A FREE SCISSORHEAD PRINT! [DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL FOR ADDRESS SEEKING PURPOSES]

If you don’t make the five but would like to get your mitts on this fantastic homage to craft obsession (or perhaps carelessness) while supporting the TCA, head on over to the Etsy shop and have at. Or alternately pick them up at the Valentine's Trunk Show - and receive a hearty handshake on me.

Ok, on to Becky and more about why she rules:

Becky Johnson is a busy gal. For the past four years she has been chief operator of the Sweetie Pie Press, a zine and button (and more recently crocheted neckwarmer) factory. Her buttons have been featured in a British book. She embarks on epic craft tours of North America, bringing her crafts to audiences far and wide. She crochets hyperbolic models and teaches others how they can do the same. She writes plays and performs in them, like Aneroxican in last summer’s SumerWorks fest. She makes funny jokes on her own and as part of the improv team Iron Cobra. She puts on warm and fuzzy craft fairs, like the celebrated monthly series at the Good Catch General Store, and the upcoming Valentine’s Trunk Show (where vendors are setting up in suitcases and bringing snacks to share). I’m not entirely sure when she sleeps.

Becky’s finely tuned sense of humour is often evident in her craft work, like a neckwarmer colour scheme inspired by condiments, or self-affirming buttons that require a mirror to read them properly. She is not all jokes though – many of her projects reflect a commitment to building community and encouraging meaningful interaction. Her craft events are less about making a buck off of stuff we make, and more about connecting with each other and the larger community.

TCA owes lots to Becky’s brain – she initiated the Craft Toronto photo pool and should be credited for inspiring this Etsy shop concept. She is also one third of the City of Craft squad and is responsible for the fantastic postcard & poster image for the show. Look out for more of Becky’s brilliant contributions to this project and beyond.