Happy Monday

I need this print for my desk at work. Happy Monday, y'all!


(image courtesy of Print Press by Flea Market Trixie).

White Faux Taxidermy

There is something about this golden skull that I can't get enough of. He's the perfect addition to seasonal Halloween decor but I'd also love to use him year-round as an unexpected addition to a bookshelf. On that note, this guy is on my wish list as well for the living room.

Visit White Faux Taxidermy's shop for more unique pieces (they do custom colour orders)!



(image courtesy of White Faux Taxidermy).

stamp happy {3}

I love using stamps, especially unexpectedly (the recipients of our wedding invitations can attest to this); therefore, I'm always on the hunt for new, clever/ funny/ awesome stamps to add to my collection. Ann Marie Loves Paper is right up my alley.

My favourites: noted (I say this several times a day), this is how we do it (for obvious reasons), and love it (which I say upwards of 100 times a day). There are many other gems in her shop, as well. See: here + here.

... and if you STILL haven't had enough, there's more stamp inspiration can be found in stamp happy instalments one and two.


Images courtesy of Anne-Marie Morris (etsy shop).

wedding project [two]: the boutonnières

The second wedding DIY project is completed in full: hurray!

progress:

details:

Originally inspired by this boutonnière, I played around with size, shape, and assembly logistics, eventually coming up with similar yet smaller version. As an added bonus, this project was easier and more cost-effective than I had imagined.

The pièce de résistance was the black and white guinea hen feather. Once I sourced a package of these beauties from Pegasus 22's etsy shop the remaining elements fell into place. The stems of the faux pink berries (from Michael's craft store) were originally green; however, I didn't like how they looked with the pink, black, white, and grey, so I painted over them with a brown Sharpie paint pen. A bit of extra florist wire was used to secure the bottoms, the ribbon was then affixed with hot glue gun.

Although it remains to be seen how easy these will be to pin to the suit jackets, they're quite pretty to look at.

up next:

I've acquired a bit more canvas for the table runners (thanks to my future mother-in-law, Lin, for running across the boarder on a craft mission) and once the remaining fabric and lace have been purchased the table runners will be a completed project.

Also, the vases are almost complete (I have several more to add to my collection and paint); more photos and details to come.

Finally, I returned to Kamloops last weekend with several amazing window panes (complete with original glass). These beauties are resting in my office, waiting to be sanded, windex-ed, and prepped for our guest list.

1, 2... Go!

wedding project [one]: the napkins.

It is with great joy that I announce I have completed a wedding project.  In full.  The napkins have been measured, cut, ironed, serged, ironed again, and now reside in a beautiful pile of completion.

progress:

 

details:

I envisioned our napkins as a bold pop of colour against an otherwise neutral tablescape; however, after searching locally for several weeks, it became clear that the amazing patterned fabric I dreamt of wouldn't be so easy to find.  Enter: my fiance, who cleverly diffused a bridal meltdown with his suggestion of etsy.

It didn't take long before I stumbled across Bobbie Lou's Fabric Factory: the answer to my (bridezilla) prayers.  The shop is full of many-a-patterned fabric, one of which being the coral chevron print I had imagined.  I liaised with the shop's owner, Chelsea, and delightfully received a hefty box of zig-zag fabric.  Success.

To be economical and sustainable, my intention was to make the fabric go as far as possible and, as per the measurements of the fabric, decided 14" x 14" was the perfect size for our napkins.  Although somewhat smaller than "traditional" napkins, I decided they are sufficient for the casual nature of our reception. (Furthermore, it helps that the edges are serged rather than finished with a folded edge, subsequently maximizing the surface area of each napkin).  Each napkin has been tri-folded and pressed, ready to be arranged on the tables, 4 months from now.

gratitude:

I must thank my Grandma who serged and pressed a pile of 100 cut napkins whilst listening to Canucks games in her sewing room; my cuzzies Nick (pictured) & Kirsten were there for moral support.  Her work and one-week turnaround period makes my serged pile of 56 look rather insignificant.  Thanks, Grandma!

up next:

I am really pleased with how the napkins turned out.  This project was a great re-introduction into sewing.  On that note, I'm currently doing just that: sewing table runners!  Unfortunately, I only purchased enough fabric for 12 of the 17 runners I required so - needless to say - this one is categorized as "in progress."  Lesson learned: trust your own math and don't get distracted by the cute fabric attendant.

I'm also fiddling around with the boutonnieres so expect an update on those this month, too.

Onward and upward.... Go!

spring fun: coral.

It's no secret that I'm continuously inspired by all things coral.  Here are a few of my favourite (coral) things:

1. fun bags for weekend getaways and trips to the beach
2. pretty bowls to hold trinkets or adorn dressing tables
3. leather moccasins to add a punch of colour to a neutral outfit
4. letterpress thank you cards to acknowledge thoughtful gestures
5. a light organic tee with my favourite pattern
6. library cards to keep my books organized
7. confetti garland. because one never knows when a party is going to start.

what colour have you gravitated to this season?



(Images courtesy of etsy shops Made by Nanna, Up in the Air Somewhere, Santoki Vintage,  Akimbo, Jessalin Beutler, Knot and Bow, Kristina Marie).

Bits + Pieces of Springtime

Oh, hey.  I'm back.  I took an impromptu week off of blogging to get things in order, off line.  I then realized that - try as I might - that's not going to happen (I'm much more organized in my head).  It's spring time which means I'm distracted by everything: a hallway of balloons as a birthday surprise for B, pretty spring flowers atop my mantle, and the blue blue sky, to name a few.

I've been plugging away at wedding projects (check back tomorrow for a status update) and attempting to get things in order.  Today is the four month countdown to our wedding which simultaneously makes me dizzy, smile, and sick to my stomach, in the best way possible. I have some fun wedding posts lined up so - I promise - more on this soon.

I hope your week is going well.  Mine has been messy, but then again...

(Poster by Amanda Catherine Designs).

one must remember...

As of late, I've found myself reciting this quote in my head whenever I encounter a particularly challenging individual, friend or foe. It reminds me that things shouldn't always  be taken personally; in fact, most of the time the emotions, moods, actions, and reactions of my peers have absolutely nothing to do with me.

Breathe. Let it pass. Continue. Everyone is fighting their own battles.



(Poster is courtesy of Moiselle Eve's lovely handmade etsy shop).

Gold Initial Bangles

Aren't these gold initial bangles by Frosted Willow sweet? At $18.40 (CAD) a piece they'd make the perfect 'just because' gift for your favourite lady.

Visit Frosted Willow's shop for more personalized pieces.




(Image courtesy of Frosted Willow).

Paulova Ceramics

I recently stumbled upon Paulova Ceramics, a San Francisco-based etsy shop full of the handmade creations of Paula Lopez-Otero. As a huge fan of turquoise and white, these beauties are right up my alley. I love the clean simplicity of her work and her clever use of colour; any of these picks would be a very welcome addition to my kitchen (the salt & pepper bowls have been officially added to my wish list).

Visit her shop to see more of her work.



(Images courtesy of Paulova Ceramics: sugar jar | salt & pepper bowls | herb garden labels).

love notes.

While reviewing my recent etsy favourites, I noticed a theme: love notes. As a fan of the 'post-it on the mirror good morning message' Ben and I sometimes leave each other, I enjoy these subtle yet thoughtful ways of incorporating romantic endearments throughout the home.

Seriously. I think I need these pencils...



(Mr. Darcy Proposal Dish Towel $11, Brookish; Hello. Also I love you pencils $10, the big harumph; oh darling, let's be adventurers screenprinted poster $25, fifi du vie).

Irene Suchocki Photography

No words are needed to accompany these gorgeous images. I would love to have any one of these blown up over my fireplace. Her work is just breathtaking.

To view more of Irene Suchocki's work, visit her shop.



(Photos courtesy of Irene Suchocki: Far Away, So Close, Breathless, and The Power of 10).

etsy gift guide: the nephew.

Our sweet nephew turns 1 today (happy birthday, Michael! we love you) and I have quickly realized that one year olds are even more fun to shop for than newborns!

I have been scouring etsy since before this beautiful child was born so - needless to say - I have amassed quite a collection of awesome things. Without sounding too much like Oprah, these are a few of my favourites...


skittles set by Wee Waldorf



Arctic Animals Poster by Banquet.



giraffe print booties by Bug-a-booties



Bicycle Prints ( in English, Italian, and French) by English Muffin.



Sock Monkey by Lil Hipsters.




What is your favourite gift to give a toddler? They seem to enjoy almost anything they can get their hands on, don't they!?



(Photos courtesy of their corresponding etsy shops).

Up in the Air Somewhere

I stumbled upon this sweet etsy shop last week and I have returned to it every day since. (I cannot decide which piece I'd like to own)! The artist, Susan Dwyer, creates sophisticated and elegant works of art in my favourite colours, peach, gold, and aqua. Her craftsmanship is so unique and precise. I've never seen anything like it.

Don't you think any one of these lovelies would look perfect on top of a stack of books on a coffee table or filled with rings or small trinkets on a dresser?



(peach fade vessel, small gold paper bowl, and aqua fade bowl. Photos courtesy of Susan Dwyer).

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Peaches are one of my favourites and this recipe sounds divine. I just so happen to have received an order of peaches, fresh from the Okanagan, this morning. Perfect timing for a weekend treat.

The poster is equally as fantastic and I'm thinking it would like to live on a wall in my kitchen...

Happy Friday.



(Grilled Peaches print by Claudia Pearson).

summer fun: pink

Summer is the perfect opportunity to adorn one's walls and - moreover - one's self with fun pops of colour. What better colour to do so with than pink? This (aptly named) print "All The Single Ladies" and this fun pink pom pom flower would do the trick, don't you think?

Happy Wednesday.



(Photos via United Thread's etsy shop & ban.do).

little girl love

A certain couple we know is expecting their first child.

I can't wait for this baby, affectionately known as Delilah (short story: mama + papa bird are keeping the baby's name under wraps so I gave their unborn daughter a pretty name for the interim), to be born... particularly so I can dress her in outfits from The Measure's Midsummer Nights Dream collection.




Not only are these outfits adorable, they are also ecologically sustainable: many of the pieces are made with 100% upcycled, repurposed men’s button-up shirts. With that I have to ask, when did little girl's clothing become more fabulous than women's?


Photos courtesy of The Measure via The Senses Five.

Chalkboard Horses.

This has to be one of the coolest gift ideas I've ever seen. Who wouldn't want a sweet chalkboard horse for their kitchen counter to jot down a love note or a grocery list? The figurines themselves are quite stunning. It's also adorable for wedding photos!




Check out the many sizes and styles of horses available at Houndstooth Design.




Photos Courtesy of Houndstooth Design (1 + 2) and Once Wed (3).

Mobile Homes Mobile

Because "mobile homes mobile" is fun to say and this concept is altogether clever and wicked sweet.



a teepee. an igloo. an a- frame. an airstream. a log cabin. hung from drift wood. yes, please.


View this mobile + more in the shop.




Mobile by Kim Baise via jikits.

Martha's Holiday Craft Sale

You gotta hand it to Martha & co. who do such a great job of supporting up and coming artists. (They have also put together an amazing collection of their favourite etsy wedding vendors). The Crafts Department is currently hosting the Holiday Craft Sale and taking votes for the top five sellers.

Make sure you check out the front runners & get your vote in before Friday (November 12) at noon (Eastern time).

Here's a peek at some of the finalists (+ my three favourites).

Maptote

Tote Bag. Wine Tote. Onesies.


kg + ab porcelain

Boxer. Bears in Love.


Kiki & Polly paintings

The Girl in the Yellow Suit. The World Looks Different. Grey Day.


Who is your favourite artist? What is your favourite etsy shop?