Going Green ~ Airplants and Succulents

October 15, 2010

succulent

airplant

miniature succulents

unique airplant arrangement

I’ve had my eyes on some wonderful etsy shops stocking airplants and succulents for quite some time now – and before too long I think I need to make a few of these gorgeous pieces my own. Above I’ve shown just a few of my favorites, I know it’ll be tough to decide which ones to get!

Featured shops:
1). Tortoise Loves Donkey 2). Mudpuppy 3). To Hold

The weekend is almost here – and I’m pretty excited to go shopping for Hallowe’en costumes and for some r&r. Hope yours is great!

~Posted by: Amy

Thanksgiving Table Settings

October 8, 2010

thanksgiving table setting

thanksgiving table setting

thanksgiving table setting

thanksgiving table setting

Thanksgiving Table Settings

It’s just about that time in these parts – yes, Thanksgiving! I know my American friends and family don’t celebrate for another month or so. But here in Canada we like to celebrate a little bit early. So, this Monday, many a Canadian will be enjoying turkey with all the fixings. As someone who doesn’t find my way into the kitchen to cook as often as I should, mainly due to my crazy work schedule (10:30am-12am most days) I can’t wait for our family dinner, for both the great company and the food!

I thought it was a good time to get festive here on the blog too so I found some fun Thanksgiving table settings from this gallery on Martha Stewart, and this one on Country Living.

And if leading into the weekend you’d like a giggle or two – check out this Martha Stewart blooper reel. So funny!

Hope your weekend is great!

~Posted by: Amy

Johnny Vintage

October 6, 2010

johnny vintage

If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile you’ll know my taste is all over the place, especially when it comes to home decor! As I collect inspiration here – with hopes of some day having a home that we know we’ll be settling in long term – I’m finding my tastes are becoming even more varied. One thing I do know – I like white, and great color combinations, often with some bright colors thrown in. I’m even starting to wonder – is it weird to have each room of your home in a totally different style? I would love a kitchen inspired by Johnny Vintage, or even by the paintings of Janet Hill – and then a living room that is much more understated and modern. One thing I know is that I don’t love the process of narrowing it down, and I’m glad that for now I can keep daydreaming!

All pictures above are from Johnny Vintage – click here to visit Johnny Vintage’s shop.

~Posted by: Amy

Erin Reynolds Photography

September 27, 2010

erin reynolds

erin reynolds photography

erin reynolds photos

Today I’m inspired by the photography of Ontario based Erin Reynolds. So many beautiful nature shots throughout her store. Click here to visit her shop and to see more of her work.

~Posted by: Amy

Brinja’s Home

September 22, 2010

brinja

brinja2

brinja3

I stumbled upon Brinja’s blog recently – and was very inspired – as a shop owner and new mom, I’m sure her life is very busy. I love how she still finds the time to share lots of fun happenings on her blog and I had a great time trying to distinguish in each of her home photos, which photo was her home, or a miniature version of it. For almost a year now, Brinja has been working on this project – a miniature replica of her own apartment. At times her progress has been slowed by lots of lovely life events, from having a new baby, to celebrating her shop’s 5 year anniversary – yet she has returned time and time again to work on this much loved hobby. Click here to visit Brinja’s blog for more photos.

~Posted by: Amy

Restless General Store

September 9, 2010

restless general store

I usually like to find shops from a bit closer to home to post about – but there were just too many great vintage finds in this shop to pass up. Norwich based Olivia Jeffries owns this shop, as well as another shop you can peek at here, featuring her fine art. I think the vintage paper pack was my favorite find in the shop. I’ve been going through old photos a bit lately, trying to get them organized. Some of my favorites are those of my grandparents, taken when my mom and her sisters were just little girls. They’re weathered now like these ones, but it’s fun to wonder what their lives were like and to see bits of their personalities shine through the photos.

~Posted by: Amy

Wapa Design Studio

August 30, 2010

wapa design studio

Here on Handmade Evolution I usually feature artists from North America – but today I’d like to focus on an international artist whose work has caught my eye, big time! There are so many pieces from Wapa’s store that I’d like to call my own. Wapa is owned and operated by Ada Shapira who lives in Moshav AVihail, Israel. From the moment she sat at a potters wheel Ada knew that pottery was her calling. Since receiving a degree from The Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem she has been working with pottery – creating lighting objects, home decor items, jewelry and more.

Click here to visit her shop

The House of Bouton

August 23, 2010

the house of bouton

I think it’s safe to call me a details person, so when I come across a sweet little shop like The House of Bouton – I get pretty excited. Cassie Bouton has formal training as a printmaker and earned her MFA at the University of Southern Maine. She creates lovely screenprinted tea towels and art to add a fun burst of color to any kitchen.

Click here to visit the shop.

~Posted by: Amy

Beach time…

August 18, 2010

These photos make it pretty clear to me that it’s just about time for a trip to the beach! This house just looks so cozy to me – and the cloudy skies, refreshing. The rest of the photos from this space are available here, on House Beautiful.

woodsy beach home

woodsy beach home

woodsy beach home

~Posted by: Amy