November 24, 2009

Vintage letters and typography add architectural interest to any design. I love this vignette on the mantle that I spotted on Real Simple, the modern letters balance out a classic fireplace. I even have a gold letter ‘A’ in my laundry room…looks great against the white washing machine and blue-turquoise walls. Does anyone else love letters as much as me? Perhaps I’ve been reading for too long…

I found some unique letters on etsy too, pictured above.
On left: Simple Sweet Design
On right: Vintage Embellishment

~ Posted by: Christine Davis

Category: Home Decor | Comments Off
Tags: Home Decor, typography

November 23, 2009

Handmade Evolution would like to invite you to attend Forsya’s Favourite Things Fashion Show. Vancouver boutique, Forsya, selects the best of local and independent Canadian fashion… you’ll see the latest from some fantastic local designers, who will be modelling their own designs on the catwalk. Enjoy wine and cheese and a chance to shop after the show – all merchandise will be 20% off.

The party is on from 6:30-9pm on Friday Nov. 27th, with the fashion show starting at 7pm at Forsya Boutique ~ 2206 Main Street in Vancouver.

RSVP for the Event
Get in the holiday cheer and RSVP today to Handmade Evolution: rsvp@handmadeevolution.com to receive a special gift bag when you attend the event. Include your first and last name in the subject of your email and “Forsya Fashion Show”. RSVP by Thursday morning to let us know you’ll be attending.

We’ve put together a small preview of the designers whose collections will be on the runway.

Allison Wonderland: Designer Allison Smith’s Fall 2009 collection is full of wearable, beautifully designed outerwear, sophisticated dresses and cute tops. An instant classic, I’m falling for the 1208 Le Travail Blazer. I’ll guarantee her designs will hang in your closet for many seasons to come.

Carny Love: Sound familiar? A Project Runway Canada contestant, Christie Clayton will be strutting her stuff wearing her own line of delightful Lolita style clothing mixed with artsy graphics and edgy street chic. My fave? The Chariot Shift, the peacock print is absolutely on trend.

Ultra Menswear by Christopher Bates: Superior construction and quality materials with a European edge.

Also see other great cocktail dresses for the holidays by Adhesif Clothing and Response!

~ Posted by: Christine Davis

Category: Events, Indie Fashion, Vancouver | Comments Off
Tags: fashion show, forsya boutique, Vancouver fashion

November 23, 2009

I don’t know about you – but I love having inspirational books of all kinds around our home. I find it refreshing to leaf through the pages and really soak in the images. The web is wonderful, but I still have an attachment to actual books and magazines. It’s relaxing to step away from the computer and get cozy with a book. I was happy to come across Suzanne Kasler’s new book: Inspired Interiors – and as a result I also found her gorgeous portfolio online too. I’m finding plenty of inspiration here. I love seeing how these looks are made fresh and vibrant with interesting paint colors and accessories. I’ve included some images from her portfolio below. I like how the neutral color palette in both the top and bottom images give the rooms a soothing feel. If you look closely at the images you can also see some interesting details – in the top image the railing appears to be made from branches, in the below image each of the pieces of art is framed with a very different size matting.

~ Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor | Comments Off
Tags: Home Decor, Suzanne Kasler

November 23, 2009

I love getting mail! Sure receiving an email or facebook message from a friend is always nice, but there is something great about good, old fashioned mail. It’s so enjoyable to receive a nice card or note.

CardsInk is based on a unique concept – they invite artists to submit designs, and whichever cards receive the most votes on their site – these get printed and are available for sale.

I heard from CardsInk the other day that they’d like us to put on a contest for you! To win 10 cards (your pick) just email us by this Friday, Nov. 27th and let us know which card on the CardsInk site is your favorite. Email us here to enter: info@handmadeevolution.com

Category: Home Decor | Comments Off
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November 20, 2009

It’s officially cold now – time to bundle up with a warm vintage coat, a scarf, and search for some gloves!

1). the aurora vintage
2). persephone vintage
3). Ninth Avenue Vintage

~ Posted by: Amy

Category: Indie Fashion | Comments Off
Tags: vintage

November 19, 2009

Chic tailoring and a great sense of style, Haley Gibson’s collection reflects the colours of the West Coast- grey, dark green, charcoal…which means it goes with just about anything. Haley doesn’t design according to trends, but rather according to her personal aesthetic stemming from uniforms, boating paraphernalia, antique furniture, and the insides of schools, music conservatories, libraries and hospitals. I’m loving the button detailing and school uniform meets milkmaid vibe of her latest collection. Dressed up with a pair of black heels or down with Wellingtons, the simple silhouette of the Ruff Dress is totally wearable!

Click here to visit the Birds of North America shop.

~ Posted by: Christine Davis

Category: Indie Fashion, Toronto | Comments Off
Tags: Birds of North America, Indie Fashion, Toronto

November 18, 2009

It is cold, dreary, and windy here in Portland today and I am already reminiscing about summer trips to the farmers market. I loved wandering the market, while loading up on fresh produce and local products. I think it is a fun alternative to grocery shopping, but it usually seems like a spring and summer activity. Now that it is November, I have to remind myself that the only option for farm fresh produce is not just winter squash (I’m already getting a bit sick of squash though I am enjoying freshly toasted pumpkin seeds as I’m typing this). If you’re like me, don’t forget about the rest of the in-season produce, including hearty greens, potatoes, carrots, leeks, broccoli, and cauliflower; not to mention apples and pears. You can find all of these and more at winter farmers markets and special harvest and holiday market days. Round out your shopping trip by selecting locally baked goods, meat, and artesian cheeses.

Check our your local farmers market to see what they offer this time of year (many have great websites making it easy to research vendors and products as well as find directions and hours). Here in Portland, the PSU market is still open on Saturday’s until mid-December and the Eastbank market has a Thanksgiving reunion market on November 24 just in time for us to grab fresh, local ingredients for turkey day. In Toronto, there are 4 winter markets and 4 year-round markets, providing shopping options over the holidays. Finally, in Vancouver, winter markets occur twice a month. As a bonus, if you need a gift for someone, Eat Local has gift certificates for purchase online! And the Holiday Market on December 12th. This is the 14th year and there will be hot food, a raffle, and musicians. If you have a great summer farmers market that is closed for the season and doesn’t offer a harvest/holiday market, then it doesn’t hurt to e-mail or call the organizers and let them know you’d attend if they offered one!

~ Posted by: Lisa

Category: Events, Lifestyle, Portland, Toronto, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Tags: Farmers Markets, Portland, Toronto, Vancouver

November 17, 2009

Is it too early to be thinking about – or mentioning – Christmas? Have you started shopping yet? I haven’t… These three calendars might get you in the right mood to start considering it! They’re all limited editions – so if you want one for yourself or to give as a gift you’ll need to get it soon.

Irene Suchocki of Montreal’s calendar is the first pictured below – click here

bomobob’s calendar is next – another very talented Montreal photographer – click here

Parrot Design Studio’s Letterpress Calendar is third – click here

~ Posted by: Amy L.

Category: Home Decor | Comments Off
Tags: calendars, gift idea

November 16, 2009

I met Mercedes, the creator and designer of bijougraphie, about 2 years ago through mutual friends. Little did I know she had an amazing jewelry line up her sleeve! I love the sleek, yet pretty design of the leaf and petal motifs (Laureates Only and Dearest Algy)…and the retro appeal of swirling lines and dots on Neuromantics. Finally, the beautiful simplicity of freewheeling streaks on Nixnay would complement any outfit. I wear my necklace alone, or layer with one or two other delicate gold pieces for a more bohemian look.

Visit the Bijougraphie online shop: Here

Christine: How long has bijougraphie been around for?
Mercedes: Unofficially, 27 years. Officially however, Bijougraphie launched in September 2009.

Christine: What was your inspiration for the line and how did you get the idea to start making the pieces?
Mercedes: It’s been a long-standing challenge to see how I can reconcile different views with one another and this extends to how I treat what I design. More specifically, it’s driven by the idea of mutating whimsicalness and sensibility. For Bijougraphie, it’s also how to project simplicity in ornamentation with moderation.

Christine: Do you have any background in fashion prior to bijougraphie? Any formal fashion education or work experience?
Mercedes: The fundamental background comes from the hands-on thrill of scouring, sourcing and haggling for materials and export overruns in obscure, dingy markets in the Philippines, being taught to sew by my grandmother on her Singer machine from the 40s, going to dress fittings for myself and mom, aunts and grandmothers for special events, going to the tailor with my dad and uncle and getting pants and blazers made as a kid. It’s having experienced and seen what’s behind fashion, the things that some people find boring and unglamourous; I just love it.

Christine: What type of materials do you use? Is there a reason why you chose these materials?
Mercedes: The primary material I use is wood for its practicality and versatility. It’s light, less prone to break and a great base to paint on. With wood, I’m allowed to make wearable and versatile pieces that have a great visual impact, without having to weigh too much.

Christine: What’s next for bijougraphie?
Mercedes: Well, while the pieces are exclusively available at select boutiques in Vancouver (Dream, Two of a Few and U Life Accessory Store) and Montreal (Headquarters Gallery, Boutique Unicorn and General 54) and are available as necklaces, I’m in the process of re-vamping the website and developing the next collection.

~Posted by: Christine Davis

Category: Indie Fashion, Vancouver | Comments Off
Tags: bijougraphie, jewellery