March 24, 2010

These photos certainly make me want to take a holiday. Europe anyone? Ok maybe that’s not in the budget – but I can still dream that it might happen this summer… At the very least it’s a good time to start planning some spring weekend getaways. On my radar, Harrison Hot Springs and Whistler – both very easy day trips from Vancouver. If you’ve got other great locations to suggest around the Lower Mainland I’d love to hear them!

Photo credits:
Top row: 1). I define nothing. 2). vroom…vroom… 3). Everything but…
Middle row: 1). Taking a break 2). Lovely Clouds at Flemings 3). Untitled
Bottom row: 1). Happy Bank Holiday! 2). Summer time 3). picnic

Thanks to Photo Puddle for putting together this collage.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: art | Comments Off
Tags: inspiration, Photography

March 24, 2010

Feisty Elle has just launched some new designs and colors for Fall 2010 that I’m excited to share with you. Leslie Yang is the owner and designer of this San Francisco based jewelry and accessory line. I definitely appreciate her commitment to using sustainable products, including merino wool felt that is laser cut (her own unique method). The end result is lightweight jewelry, especially when compared to items made from metal and other more traditional materials! She just released her Fall 2010 designs, and you can get 15% off your orders by using the coupon code “FALL10″ at checkout, good thru 3/26.

Click here to shop Feisty Elle.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Eco Friendly, Handmade Jewellery, Indie Fashion | Comments Off
Tags: Feisty Elle, Handmade Jewellery

March 23, 2010

We usually focus on North American stores, but when I saw the unique patterns and bright colors of Kalla, I couldn’t resist sharing these creations.

Hitomi Kimura is a textile designer and screen printer who hand prints all her designs using water-based inks. She works out of her home studio in Ibaraki, Japan, and I love how her products bring a bit of cheerfulness to any room.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor | 1 Comment »
Tags: etsy, Home Decor

March 23, 2010

How great are these fences? I learned about this innovative company, Lace Fence, the other day on Love it Alot and am excited to share them. While these fences are commissioned by companies for any number of spaces – they immediately made me think of public art. With having just had the Olympics in town, our city has a lot of new art in various public locations. So many of the pieces are great conversation starters, and along side all of our green spaces they break up the “concrete jungle” and give our city a more fun and livable feel.

When I saw these fences, I’ve got to tell you – I wished they were my own creation. It made me realize another dream of my own too. True, I’m already living out my dreams as a freelance web designer – but I do dream of other jobs too! One is to work either part or full time for a non-profit. Another — to have the talent, skills and vision to create art for public spaces. I’m not sure if that’s a dream I’ll hold on to or one that I’ll actively pursue at any point but I think that’s part of the fun of dreaming. Some you decide to go after and others are more fanciful. Both are important I think!

~Posted by: Amy

Category: art | 2 Comments »
Tags: art, Lace Fence

March 22, 2010

We were happy to hear from the gals at Broken Doll Clothing about the new collection for spring/summer 2010. Enter beautiful dresses for all body types from Canadian designer, Leah Bohnet. Each of the wearable dresses in her collection is made from eco-friendly fabrics like tencel, modal, bamboo and organic cotton. Perfect for summer days on the patio or strolling on the beach.

Click here to see more from Broken Doll Clothing.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Indie Fashion | Comments Off
Tags: broken doll clothing

March 22, 2010

Easter’s just around the corner! Maybe you have a niece or nephew or friend who would appreciate an Easter card? I found a couple cute ones on Etsy that I wanted to share.

1). Card on Left – Vintage Paper Parade 2). Card on Right – Monkey Mind Design

On a side note – hope everyone had a great weekend! We had a sunny Saturday, which meant time on the seawall with my wonderful husband. So happy he’s back – after a week out of town for work. We had some showings of our apartment (it’s up for sale), and so far so good – some definite interest. Could be an interesting week!

~ Posted by: Amy

Category: paper goods | Comments Off
Tags: easter cards, etsy, stationery

March 19, 2010

Peacock Invitations recently put together an amazing collection of Etsy finds to be considered for the front page of Etsy, that I was lucky enough to stumble upon the other day. One neat thing about Etsy is that about half of their front pages are chosen by users of the site, and this one deserves to be chosen in my opinion – isn’t it gorgeous?

Top Row: 1). Leaping Gazelle 2). One Little Dove 3). Lara Lewis

2nd Row: 1). Originals by Lynnette 2). Lippincott Soap Co. 3). Tuscany Studios

3rd Row: 1). Sheena Lu 2). Roberta Grove 3). Sugarlily

4th Row: 1). Monkeys Always Look 2). Faeried Treasures 3). Bethany Lorelle

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Uncategorized | 5 Comments »
Tags: etsy

March 19, 2010

Julie Hebb, owner of Forsya Boutique in Vancouver, has launched a house label filled with flirty and feminine pieces. The new collection uses beautifully light fabrics and soft colors. This reasonably priced local line is available exclusively at the boutique and gallery, and Julie plans to offer online shopping in the near future.

Forsya is also hosting a new art show and the opening night is tonight, from 6:30pm to 9:30. It features the whimsical works of Emily Miles.

Forsya Boutique and Gallery
2206 Main St. (at 6th Street), Vancouver

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

March 19, 2010

I got word of a new shop that I had to share! Susan at Very Inviting Paper creates hand drawn and watercolored cards and invitations in her California studio. Check out her shop for playful party invitations, personalized note cards, and more. We’re glad to see that Very Inviting ships to the US, Canada as well as internationally!

~Posted by: Amy

Category: paper goods | 2 Comments »
Tags: stationery, very inviting paper