April 30, 2010

Design Trend – Color Coded Book Shelves

I think in our homes and in our day to day lives sometimes it’s really the little details that make all the difference. That’s probably why this fun trend caught my eye when I spotted it the other day on the Die Frau im Haus blog. I’ve found a couple other examples on Flickr to share. If you’ve already got a large book collection it seems like just the way to work in a splash of co-ordinating color to a room without having to spend a thing.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Images – Clockwise from top: 1). Die Frau im Haus 2). daft girly 3). chotda

Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor | 3 Comments »
Tags: color book shelves, design trend, Die Frau in Haus blog

April 29, 2010

Today’s Handmade Finds are from Etsy shop Cutie Pie Company. This delightful shop features fun items like the above envelopes made out of vintage maps. Included in their stationery packages are vintage stamps that can be used on your letters. I know there has been a lot of talk over the years about how the art of letter writing has been lost – replaced by emails and facebook… I agree that it’s not only nice to send a letter the old fashioned way – I also think it’s nice how these types of things take you away from the computer. Refreshing, really! It’s sunny here so I think I’ll be off to run some errands and to do just that.

Click here to visit Cutie Pie Company’s etsy shop

Category: Handmade Finds, paper goods | 3 Comments »
Tags: handmade, stationery

April 28, 2010

Design Trend
Over the last few months (years even?) I’ve noticed vintage suitcases popping up here and there in beautiful photographs, in decor magazines and on blogs. When I saw this diy transforming a travel trunk into a moving bar on Ready Made I knew it was time for a post on “suitcase furniture”, as I’ll call it. It made me think how every day items take on a huge significance in our lives – suitcases bring to mind vacations and weekends away – but also new homes and relationships, and when we move from place to place – the relationships we leave behind.

Top Photos: Left – Ken Fulk for House Beautiful via Style Carrot
Right – Photographer Max Attenborough via Style Carrot

Bottom Photos: Left – Etsy shop Dandelion Daydream
Right – Etsy Shop One Blue Wren

-Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor, art | 2 Comments »
Tags: design trend, Home Decor, suitcase furniture

April 27, 2010

Homes like this one always remind me to look on the bright side of life! And, yes, lots of white in this space. Definitely one of my favorite looks these days – what I really like about this space is just how fun it is. I love that each of the rooms has a few different pops of bright color – making it friendly and vibrant and not at all stuffy or pretentious.

Wish I could share more about the home’s owner – but I found the room on a European page of Styleroom – click here to see more images.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor | Comments Off
Tags: Home Decor

April 26, 2010

Portland’s Crafty Wonderland

I’ve got to say the line-up at this spring’s Crafty Wonderland is pretty unreal. Looking through the vendor list – I found the names of so many of my favorite artists and crafty types whose work has been featured in the past on Handmade Evolution. So if you’re in Portland here’s a great opportunity to see their work up close and in person!

Where: Oregon Convention Center – 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Exhibit Hall D
When: Saturday, May 1st + Saturday, May 2nd: 11am-5pm both days
More Details: Click here for Crafty Wonderland’s website

Above shops: 1). Abby Try Again 2). Pigeon Toe Ceramics 3). Michele Maule

Category: Events, Handmade Finds, Portland, art, crafts | Comments Off
Tags: crafty wonderland

April 26, 2010

This post is from one of our sponsors, jewelry designer Patsy Kolesar – you can see her beautiful jewelry here.

She’s got a wonderful contest for all the brides to be that you’ll want to read all about.

The Love Story Necklace Contest

The Love Story Necklace, just like any great love story is complicated. It has twists and turns, highs and lows, and has been hammered and polished.
It is the perfect necklace for a bride who has been through a lot but who has always believed in finding her true love.

The idea for the Love Story Necklace came to me when I realized that my favorite love stories are often complex and drawn out. I spent a weekend doing research. I watched all of my favorite romantic movies, the ones that have shaped my ideals of love, and I became inspired to create unique pieces of art that honored the curving, unique path that relationships can take us on.

The pieces that resulted were intricate, stunning and highly original, featuring precious metal, colourful enamel, and freshwater pearls. Each Love Story Necklace, just like the story it was inspired by is truly one of a kind.

If you think that a Love Story Necklace is perfect for you, and you want to wear one on your wedding day, here’s your chance – all you have to do is tell me your love story in a maximum of 800 words.

My creative team and I will read the submissions and choose the one we feel most inspired by, and I will create a Love Story necklace based on it. The winning love story will receive a custom-made Love Story Necklace valued at $450, and the story will be posted on my blog. Good luck!

Contest details:

To enter please tell me:
1. Your love story in up to 800 words
2. Your wedding date
3. Please include a photo of you and your fiance

Submissions will be accepted until May 7th 2010.
Winner will be notified by May 21st 2010

Please send submissions to: info@pkkdesign.com

~Post by: Patsy Kolesar

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Tags: handmade, Handmade Jewellery, patsy kay kolesar, wedding

April 25, 2010

Sweet Eventide was recently featured on Vicki’s blog: Click here to visit the shop.

Photographer and blogger Vicki Dvorak recently wrote to let me know about the new look at her blog – Simply Hue. I’ve got to say it’s just gorgeous! Her blog has recently taken on a new focus – and even more of her posts will now feature artists and designers. I’m really enjoying the new concept – click here to take a peek.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor, art | 1 Comment »
Tags: art, Home Decor, Photography, simply hue

April 23, 2010

Got Craft shows us year after year that Vancouver is home to so many talented artists and creative types. The above is just a sample of the work from a long list of very talented individuals you’ll find at this spring’s show.

Visit Got Craft here to find many more wonderful vendors.

Pictured Above: 1). Lockette 2). Track & Field 3). kove 4). Laura Bucci 5). The Beautiful Project 6). Billy Would

Got Craft’s Spring edition is May 2nd at the Royal Canadian Legion – 2205 Commercial Dr., Vancouver

*Not in Vancouver but want to do some shopping? Not to worry – all the ladies above have their own online shops, click the links to visit.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Events, Handmade Finds, Vancouver | 2 Comments »
Tags: got craft, handmade, Vancouver, vancouver events

April 22, 2010

Studio Sale – Gailan Ngan

A friend told me about this wonderful studio sale, and the work of talented potter Gailan Ngan (thanks Leigh)! In preparation for her move to Hornby Island Gailan is opening her doors this weekend, everything will be up to 40% off.

If you’re not in Vancouver do check out her work online – I noticed she has an option for Mail Orders too. Click here for Gailan’s website.

Sale Details:
898 East Georgia St, Vancouver
Sat. April 24th: 1-6pm
Thurs. April 29th: 5-8pm
Up to 40% off all pots

Celebrate 14 years at the East Georgia Studio with a glass of champagne and some wonderful deals.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Events, Handmade Finds, Home Decor | 1 Comment »
Tags: gailan ngan, handmade, pottery, vancouver events