June 30, 2010

It’s only Wednesday – but the weekend will be here soon enough! And this week I’ve got to say I’m pretty excited. With the long weekend both here in Canada and in the US I’m sure most folks are right there with me. Have you made any plans? I’d love to hear about them.

Things have been really hectic the last few weeks – and this week especially. So yesterday, out of the blue, we decided we should go away this weekend! What was supposed to be a day of hiking on nearby Bowen Island has turned into a weekend there. And really, with all of the research I’ve done, I’m wondering if it’ll be our next home. Just 3,000 people live on this island paradise – lots of beaches, trees, and it’s said that everyone’s pretty darn friendly too. I was stunned to learn that it’s so safe that no-one bothers to lock their doors.

I haven’t shared any favorites from flickr lately – but I came across this beautiful collage that has me daydreaming about our weekend getaway, so I thought it would be perfect to share.

This collage was put together by talented photographer and curator Jessa Mae.

Images:
1). nikolinelr 2). the thicket 3). acido
4). morphicx 5). citrushearts 6). laney hearts
7). Antonio Ysursa 8). The Lost Princess 9). rachelbbloom

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
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June 29, 2010

Today I’ve got my eyes on the work of Peg and Awl… Their Etsy shop stocks a clever collection of upcycled homewares and accessories, with everything from candles and bookends to art and jewelry. Each of their pieces is one of a kind and their source materials are found in their own neighborhood or neighborhoods around them. This husband and wife team, Margaux and Walter, have an eye for making what is old, new again, and helping the environment in the process!

Click here to visit their Etsy shop.

Category: Eco Friendly, Handmade Finds, Home Decor | Comments Off
Tags: peg and awl, upcycled

June 28, 2010

I came across Dawn Ng’s work this weekend and was particularly taken in by the first image above. It’s so beautiful – it reminds me of that feeling you get in an art gallery or museum when you stumble upon something so unique and beautiful in it’s construction that you find yourself tugging the shirt sleeve of whoever you’re with – because you want them to come over and see it right then, with you. I think you’ll want to read Dawn’s beautiful words about the piece here too.

I’ve also included some of Dawn’s street art installations that caught my eye. I love the beautiful simplicity I see in each work and how they brighten up the urban landscape and bring some needed sweetness to the otherwise mundane concrete surroundings.

Hope your weekend was great – and you’re feeling ready for the week ahead! I’ll be back tomorrow with more finds.

Found via Of Paper and Things post on Dawn Ng here .

~Posted by: Amy

Category: art | Comments Off
Tags: dawn ng, paper artist

June 25, 2010

This tiny Victorian Cottage, measuring 9 feet by 14 feet, is the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a while. Renovated and decorated for just $3,000 by it’s owner, Sandra Foster, each corner, nook and cranny is filled with beautiful details. Once homeless, this little cottage represents the fulfillment of one of Sandra’s life long dreams. I spotted this space on Thistle & Clover’s blog (great independent boutique offering up Vancouver favorites like dace and lily + jae) and they found it via this New York Times article where you’ll find more of Sandra’s story.

The weekend is almost upon us – hope yours is great!

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Home Decor | 3 Comments »
Tags: shabby chic, tiny, victorian cottage

June 24, 2010

Summer DIY’s & Handmade Decorations

I’m guessing you’re hosting at least one event at your place this summer, either a barbecue or baby shower or something along those lines! Even if you decide not to go all out with the decorations, there are lots of sweet DIY’s and wonderful handmade items to be found. Adding a simple bunting or lovely cakestand is enough to give any gathering a special feeling without feeling pressured to decorate to the 9’s.

I spotted these pretty diy drink tags here at Eat Drink Chic.

You can send guests home with something sweet to remember the event with this candy diy from Style me Pretty.

Spotted this lovely pink summer party on Hostess with the Mostess and paired it with finds from these Etsy shops:

1). Vessel and Wares
2). Paper Flowers
3). Pink Dotted Owl

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, crafts | 1 Comment »
Tags: decorations, diy, handmade, summer

June 23, 2010

Little Brown Pen – New Photos

I’ve long been a fan of Nichole’s artwork and when I popped in to her shop today I was delighted to see this new series of photos – all in bright yellow, a perfect summer pick me up!

Not only is Nichole a talented writer and photographer, she has a love for Paris that I’d say is unparalleled and also very inspiring. It’s so fun to read her story – she and her husband choose to forgo many every day luxuries to finance trips to Paris every 4-6 weeks. It’s a city that she loves not for it’s fashion or the hot spots, instead it’s something in the energy she finds there that keeps her going back for more. Again. And again. And again!

I know for a lot of us who are self-employed we choose to forgo certain things so we can be more dedicated to our craft. Do you have things you sacrifice so you can spend more time or money on the things you’re most passionate about?

Click here to visit her Etsy shop.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, art | 5 Comments »
Tags: little brown pen

June 22, 2010

Allison Wonderland – Fall 2010 Preview

You say summer – I say Fall! With the weather we’ve been having around here, perhaps it’s not too tough to get the seasons confused. Either way – I’m pretty thrilled to share a preview of Vancouver designer Allison Wonderland’s Fall 2010 collection with you today. All of the fun pieces from Allison’s fall collection have been cleverly named after films from the 1970’s, such as the plaid Annie Hall blouse and the Kramer turtleneck. You’ll be able to purchase the collection online and in stores beginning mid-August!

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Indie Fashion, Vancouver | 3 Comments »
Tags: allison wonderland, fall 2010, preview, Vancouver fashion

June 22, 2010

Studio Shop – Vancouver Events

It’s shaping up to be another very fun weekend in Vancouver! A wonderful group of local artisans is teaming up to bring you Studio Shop. You’ll find a beautiful selection of handmade pottery, art, jewelry, handbags and more from some of the cities most talented makers. With a few of the designers offering special discounts and wine and cheese at the ready – this is a sale not to be missed.

Sale Participants:

Handbags & Accessories
Bronsino
Patina Designs

Pottery and Ceramics
Dahlhaus
Cul de Sac
Eikcam
Hey Day Designs
Kelly Austin Design

Jewelry
Su Foster Jewellery

I’ve had my eye on Eikcam’s gorgeous handmade pottery and jewelry for quite some time and felt this sale is the perfect opportunity to highlight it. Each one of her pieces is so unique and wonderfully detailed – do take a look at the rest of her work here.

Studio Shop Event Details:
975 & 965 Vernon Drive, East Vancouver (Mergatroid Studios)
Sat. June 26th & Sun. June 27th: 11am-5pm daily

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Events, Handmade Finds, Vancouver | Comments Off
Tags: handbags, handmade pottery, jewellery, vancouver events

June 21, 2010

Vancouver Events

Swap-o-rama-rama Vancouver is here! What is swap-o-rama-rama you ask? Well, it’s a super fun opportunity to swap your gently used clothing and crafts with other locals this Saturday, June 26th. Not only will you get to trade for fun, new to you items – they’ll also have a station set up if you’d like to do some upcycling right on the spot – with screenprinting and sewing machines available. Admission is just $5 if you pay in advance, $6 if you pay at the door.

Click here for all the details.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Events, Indie Fashion, Vancouver, crafts | 1 Comment »
Tags: swap-o-rama-rama, upcycle, vancouver events