Recent Project: mini mioche Spring Window
I worked on the mini mioche spring window display last week and it felt so refreshing to be thinking spring! I used the new mini mioche spring colours as inspiration and decided to go with a garden bird theme. I used a mix of origami birds along with some hand drawn birds I made to hang as the background. And then I added a few accessories - painted terracotta pots, bird cage (thanks to all my Twitter friends for the help on finding this!) and a wood bird house.
Current Obsession: Yellow
I'm a wee bit obsessed with hits of yellow in interior spaces right now. There's something so cheery and unexpected about the colour yellow.
Wish List: House of Harlow Spring 2012
I'm head over heels for every piece in the new House of Harlow jewellery collection. Bangles, rings, necklaces, earrings - I want it all. I can totally picturing myself rocking these edgy pieces with spring's light fabrics and soft colours. Love love love!
Crush: Jordan Grace
Jordan Grace is an artist, illustrator and maker. She offers custom illustrations and paper dolls. I absolutely love her custom work - so adorable! And it makes a perfect gift for someone.
Happy Monday!
{print by River Luna via Poppytalk Handmade}
Progress has been made on the studio - just a few more weeks until the launch and big reveal! Hope you had a fab weekend! xo
Progress has been made on the studio - just a few more weeks until the launch and big reveal! Hope you had a fab weekend! xo
DIY: Wood Spool Art
I wanted to add a vintage touch to my new art wall so I decided to incorporate vintage wood spools in an art piece. This project is super quick and you can pick any shape you want to make it fit in with your décor.
What you’ll need:
Wood spools – I found mine on Ebay
A scrap piece of wood
Paint (optional)
Glue gun
1. Paint the piece of wood and set aside to dry. Alternatively you can leave the wood bare.
2. Decide on the shape you want to create. I decided to go with a heart shape so I placed the spools on the piece of wood and played around with the shape until I was happy.
3. Glue each spool in place.
What you’ll need:
Wood spools – I found mine on Ebay
A scrap piece of wood
Paint (optional)
Glue gun
1. Paint the piece of wood and set aside to dry. Alternatively you can leave the wood bare.
2. Decide on the shape you want to create. I decided to go with a heart shape so I placed the spools on the piece of wood and played around with the shape until I was happy.
3. Glue each spool in place.
Party Ideas: Guest Favours
I love the idea of having guest favours at any event, not just for weddings. And I especially love it when the favours are unique and handmade. I'm head over heels for all of these ideas and may need to borrow them for some upcoming parties!
I went to a wedding last fall and thought the favour was adorable. It was a Granny Smith apple with a mini jar of homemade caramel sauce - tasty and so cutely packaged! Have you received any memorable party favours?
Clockwise from top left: Perfume Bar - On to Baby, Packaged S'mores - One Simple Addition, Strawberries & Scones - Martha Stewart Weddings, Candy Bottles - Under the Sycamore, Pie in a Jar - Cooking Channel, Cake Pops - Hostess with the Mostess
I went to a wedding last fall and thought the favour was adorable. It was a Granny Smith apple with a mini jar of homemade caramel sauce - tasty and so cutely packaged! Have you received any memorable party favours?
Clockwise from top left: Perfume Bar - On to Baby, Packaged S'mores - One Simple Addition, Strawberries & Scones - Martha Stewart Weddings, Candy Bottles - Under the Sycamore, Pie in a Jar - Cooking Channel, Cake Pops - Hostess with the Mostess
My Favourite: Bath & Beauty Products
I'm not a huge make-up and skin care person but I do have some tried and true favourites that I use over and over again. Some of these products I've been using for years and others only for the past few months. Either way I love all of them and wanted to share them with you.
1. KORRES Basil Lemon Body Butter - I'm new to the KORRES product line but now I'm addicted thanks to this Basil Lemon cream. It feels amazing on my skin (I moisturize every time I get out of the shower) and I absolutely love the light fresh scent.
2. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation - I recently went on the hunt for a new foundation and through the magic of Twitter several of my followers recommended this one to me. It's the best foundation I've ever owned. It's light, has good coverage and blends perfectly!
3. MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Concealer - I wasn't super thrilled with the concealer I was previously using so while I was at Sephora testing out foundations, I decided to get a tester of this concealer. It's great! It has good coverage and lasts all day.
4. KORRES Quercetin and Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream - I've never used a night cream or antiaging/antiwrinkle product until just a couple of months ago. I started using the KORRES night cream since my skin is so dry in the winter and it keeps my skin moisturized and smooth. It has a nice scent and isn't too thick which is really important to me in a face cream.
5. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - I've been using this mascara for years and I love it! I've gone through other mascaras that are much more expensive than this one and to tell you the truth I can't tell the difference. I like my mascara to look natural which is why I'm a fan of Great Lash.
6. Polysporin Daily Lip Protectant - I am a lip balm addict and I always have about 4 lip balms on the go - one in my car, one in my purse, one on my desk and one on my bedside table. I started using this Polysporin one a couple of years ago and I love how smooth it goes on. It also has a really nice light scent.
7. Moroccan Oil - I've been using this product for a couple of years and think it's just great. Not only does it seem amazing but it keeps my hair looking shiny and healthy. I put a dab in my hair when it's wet and before I blow dry. Once my hair is blow dried and flat ironed, I run a little bit more through my hair to tame the fly aways.
8. ARBONNE Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment - I started using this acne spot treatment 3 months ago and it's a miracle worker! When I feel a zit popping up, I just dab a little bit of this on it and it usually goes away.
1. KORRES Basil Lemon Body Butter - I'm new to the KORRES product line but now I'm addicted thanks to this Basil Lemon cream. It feels amazing on my skin (I moisturize every time I get out of the shower) and I absolutely love the light fresh scent.
2. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation - I recently went on the hunt for a new foundation and through the magic of Twitter several of my followers recommended this one to me. It's the best foundation I've ever owned. It's light, has good coverage and blends perfectly!
3. MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Concealer - I wasn't super thrilled with the concealer I was previously using so while I was at Sephora testing out foundations, I decided to get a tester of this concealer. It's great! It has good coverage and lasts all day.
4. KORRES Quercetin and Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream - I've never used a night cream or antiaging/antiwrinkle product until just a couple of months ago. I started using the KORRES night cream since my skin is so dry in the winter and it keeps my skin moisturized and smooth. It has a nice scent and isn't too thick which is really important to me in a face cream.
5. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - I've been using this mascara for years and I love it! I've gone through other mascaras that are much more expensive than this one and to tell you the truth I can't tell the difference. I like my mascara to look natural which is why I'm a fan of Great Lash.
6. Polysporin Daily Lip Protectant - I am a lip balm addict and I always have about 4 lip balms on the go - one in my car, one in my purse, one on my desk and one on my bedside table. I started using this Polysporin one a couple of years ago and I love how smooth it goes on. It also has a really nice light scent.
7. Moroccan Oil - I've been using this product for a couple of years and think it's just great. Not only does it seem amazing but it keeps my hair looking shiny and healthy. I put a dab in my hair when it's wet and before I blow dry. Once my hair is blow dried and flat ironed, I run a little bit more through my hair to tame the fly aways.
8. ARBONNE Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment - I started using this acne spot treatment 3 months ago and it's a miracle worker! When I feel a zit popping up, I just dab a little bit of this on it and it usually goes away.
Inspiration 2.21.12
{print by Therese Sennerholt}
I'll be cutting back a blogging just a touch for the next few weeks while I focus on other projects. Please be patient with me :)
Weekly Round-Up
{via Blushing and Sweet}
A super cute new needlework studio in Hamilton via Beaux Mondes.
A great round up of free fonts from Going Home to Roost.
The most stunning wedding dress via Blushing and Sweet.
A great round up of free fonts from Going Home to Roost.
The most stunning wedding dress via Blushing and Sweet.
DIY: Pallet Frame
My apartment walls are full of cool art prints but I’m getting tired of the same boring frames. I decided to use the wood from an old pallet I found to make a rustic frame. This project requires a few power tools and saws, so I got a little help from my handyman boyfriend and his dad.
What you’ll need:
Pallet
Jigsaw
Table saw
Mitre Saw
Wood glue
Plexiglass
Metal ruler
Sharp utility knife
Staple gun
4 push points
Picture hanging hooks
Piece of cardboard
1. Use the jigsaw to cut off the planks on the skid.
2. Decide on the size of frame you would like. I made mine large enough to fit an 8 x 10-inch print. The outside of my frame measures 15 ¼ inches by 13 ¼ inches.
3. Use the table saw to cut 4 pieces of wood for each side of the frame to the desired width. The width of each of my boards is 2 ¾ inches.
4. Set the depth of the table saw blade to ¼ of an inch and cut a step into one side of each wood board (this is where the plexy glass will sit). Please see picture below for example.
5. On a mitre saw set the angle to 45 degrees and cut one side of each board making sure the step is on the inside of the shorter side of the angle.
6. In order to cut the other side of your wood board, place a ruler on the shorter side of the angle and measure 8 ¼ inches. Mark this spot with a pencil. Flip your wood board over and using your marking cut a 45 degree angle on the side that hasn’t been cut. Repeat on one more board.
7. Repeat step 6 for the remaining two boards but this time measure 10 ¼ inches instead of 8 ¼ inches.
8. Use wood glue to attach each piece of wood together so it forms the shape of a frame. Set aside to dry.
9. For extra support use staples on the back side of the frame across the seams. Please see picture below for an example.
10. Trim the plexiglass and piece of cardboard to size (use the same measurements as the inside of the frame) using the metal ruler and utility knife.
11. Turn the frame right side down. Place the plexiglass into the frame. Next put your art print and then top it off with the cardboard. To hold it all in place push the pointed end of the push points into the frame – one on each of the sides.
12. Add picture hanging hooks and hang up your new frame!
What you’ll need:
Pallet
Jigsaw
Table saw
Mitre Saw
Wood glue
Plexiglass
Metal ruler
Sharp utility knife
Staple gun
4 push points
Picture hanging hooks
Piece of cardboard
1. Use the jigsaw to cut off the planks on the skid.
2. Decide on the size of frame you would like. I made mine large enough to fit an 8 x 10-inch print. The outside of my frame measures 15 ¼ inches by 13 ¼ inches.
3. Use the table saw to cut 4 pieces of wood for each side of the frame to the desired width. The width of each of my boards is 2 ¾ inches.
4. Set the depth of the table saw blade to ¼ of an inch and cut a step into one side of each wood board (this is where the plexy glass will sit). Please see picture below for example.
5. On a mitre saw set the angle to 45 degrees and cut one side of each board making sure the step is on the inside of the shorter side of the angle.
6. In order to cut the other side of your wood board, place a ruler on the shorter side of the angle and measure 8 ¼ inches. Mark this spot with a pencil. Flip your wood board over and using your marking cut a 45 degree angle on the side that hasn’t been cut. Repeat on one more board.
7. Repeat step 6 for the remaining two boards but this time measure 10 ¼ inches instead of 8 ¼ inches.
8. Use wood glue to attach each piece of wood together so it forms the shape of a frame. Set aside to dry.
9. For extra support use staples on the back side of the frame across the seams. Please see picture below for an example.
10. Trim the plexiglass and piece of cardboard to size (use the same measurements as the inside of the frame) using the metal ruler and utility knife.
11. Turn the frame right side down. Place the plexiglass into the frame. Next put your art print and then top it off with the cardboard. To hold it all in place push the pointed end of the push points into the frame – one on each of the sides.
12. Add picture hanging hooks and hang up your new frame!
Recipe: Carrot Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Since Nate is a huge soup fan, I'm always in search of a yummy soup recipe to test out. I made this carrot ginger butternut squash soup a few weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing. It was so full of flavour and hit the spot on a cold(ish) winter night! Click here for the recipe.
Recipe: Poppy Seed Cake
{via Always with Butter}
This lemon poppy seed cake with lemon cream cheese icing looks like the most amazing, perfect cake. I'm definitely going to test this out sometime soon!
Current Obsession: Coloured Baseboards
I woke up last week from a dream about pink baseboards with a white wall. I can't seem to get the idea out of my head. It's rare to see bright coloured baseboards - believe me, I search the internet for hours and couldn't find any pictures except for the one below from Style at Home - but I think it would look amazing in the right space. I just may add a coloured baseboard to my new studio!
Cool Shit: Wood Trash Bin
This is the coolest trash bin I've seen around. It's solid Elmwood finished off with an ebony stain and cool grain pattern. Love!
Valentine's Day Craft Workshop
Last week was Re: Creative's DIY Valentine's Day craft workshop at Bicyclette. It was a great night full of silly girly chatter, tea, chocolate and shopping!
Happy Valentine's Day
{message in a bottle from Beauty Spot}
To me Valentine's Day is a celebration of love. It's about loving your friends, family, partner and most importantly yourself.
This past weekend we lost a music legend. Whitney's first album was my absolute favourite and the lyrics to The Greatest Love of All are ones I often belt out when I'm alone in my car. I love the message of the song: love yourself, never give up and be strong.
The Greatest Love of All (chorus):
I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I'll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all
Happy Valentine's Day!
Crush: The Penny Paper Co
Lindsay from Little House Blog has an online boutique called The Penny Paper Co. which is full of amazing paper products. She specializes in custom stationery and offers everything from notepads, calling cards, party invitations and birth announcements. Her signature style mixes modern, bright colours and a 'dash of cute'. And if that's not enough for you The Penny Paper Co. also sells custom stamps and art prints.
Happy Monday
{photograph from Bomobob}
I had a perfect weekend up north which involved snowmobiling, snow shoeing, relaxing and family time. Love weekends away!
I had a perfect weekend up north which involved snowmobiling, snow shoeing, relaxing and family time. Love weekends away!
Weekly Round-Up (Valentine's Day Edition)
{via Eat Drink Chic}
Perfect little brass Valentine from Camille Styles.
Adorable Valentine's Day kit from Design*Sponge.
Free printables including coffee cup warmers from Eat Drink Chic.
Super cute message in a balloon project from Hoopla.
A series of free printables perfect for a Valentine's Day spread from My Daily Randomness.
I'm heading up north this afternoon for the weekend to escape to a winter wonderland - have a good one!
DIY: Valentine's Day Mug
Valentine’s Day to me is all about being thoughtful towards a loved one. This personalized mug is the perfect handmade project for cupid’s holiday!
What you’ll need:
Porcelain mug
Porcelain pen or squeeze tube paint
Oven
1. Remove any stickers on the mug. Clean mug and dry well.
2. Use the porcelain pen/paint to draw out your design on the mug.
3. Set aside to dry for 24 hours.
4. Place the mug on an oven rack and bake according to the directions on the porcelain pen/paint package.
5. Allow to cool.
Gift ideas: Fill the mug with candy, tea bags or clip a little handmade Valentine to the handle.
What you’ll need:
Porcelain mug
Porcelain pen or squeeze tube paint
Oven
1. Remove any stickers on the mug. Clean mug and dry well.
2. Use the porcelain pen/paint to draw out your design on the mug.
3. Set aside to dry for 24 hours.
4. Place the mug on an oven rack and bake according to the directions on the porcelain pen/paint package.
5. Allow to cool.
Gift ideas: Fill the mug with candy, tea bags or clip a little handmade Valentine to the handle.
Recipe: Molten Chocolate Lave Cake
Yesterday was my mom's birthday so Nate and I went over to my parent's house for dinner. My mom is a chocolate lover so I decided to use my new custard cups I got for Christmas to make mini molten chocolate lava cakes for dessert (also a perfect dessert for Valentine's Day!).
I used this recipe and it was super easy! The dessert turned out great but a word of warning it's very rich so less is more in this case.
I wish I took more pictures but this dessert is best served hot so there wasn't much time. I would definitely make this again!
Valentine's Day: Free Printables
I LOVE me some free printables! Amy from Thank You Cards designed 18 free printable cards that are perfect for Valentine's Day. All you have to do is print them out on cardstock, cut out the conversation bubble and write a sweet little message on the back.
Happy 30th birthday to my sister Nicole!
Valentine's Day: Gift Guide
I'm a total cheeseball at heart so I'm a fan of Valentine's Day! I believe in sweet surprises all throughout the year as well but there's something extra special about cupid's holiday. I thought these items would make perfect Valentine's Day gifts.
1. love knot ring - Autumn Equinox | 2. candle - Indigo | 3. notebook - Fellow Fellow | 4. chocolate - Indigo | 5. wall decal - Drake General Store | 6. phone -Mod Cloth | 7. heart earrings - Mod Cloth | 8. anatomy of love card - Drake General Store | 9. pillow cases - Urban Outfitters
1. love knot ring - Autumn Equinox | 2. candle - Indigo | 3. notebook - Fellow Fellow | 4. chocolate - Indigo | 5. wall decal - Drake General Store | 6. phone -Mod Cloth | 7. heart earrings - Mod Cloth | 8. anatomy of love card - Drake General Store | 9. pillow cases - Urban Outfitters
Wish List: MoleSkine Luggage Tags
I never leave home without my mini Moleskine notebook, so these luggage tags are just perfect for me. Hmmm what colour should I get?
{via Design Crush}
Valentine's Day: Lingerie
As a female, sometimes we just want to feel a touch cute and a touch sexy. I think this round up of lingerie pieces combines a bit of both!
1 - Fortnight Lingerie | 2. Urban Outfitters | 3. Myla Nicole - Journelle | 4. Eberjey - Lille Boutique | 5. Zinke - Faire Frou Frou | 6. Gap
1 - Fortnight Lingerie | 2. Urban Outfitters | 3. Myla Nicole - Journelle | 4. Eberjey - Lille Boutique | 5. Zinke - Faire Frou Frou | 6. Gap
Cool Shit: Miju and You
I'm obsessed with Miju and You's collection of etched walnut jewellery pieces. Some of the pieces have been hand painted and others have been wrapped in coloured string. I'm in love with every one of their pieces!
Crush: Rosebud
All of Rosebud's cards and prints are handmade from scratch. I absolutely love a cute handmade touch! Their cookie collection are actual pictures of cookies they make from scratch and hand paint. The brush painting collection involves using a Chinese brush painting technique on silk and rice paper. The end result is super pretty!
Happy Monday!
I had a fun little photo shoot last week with super talented photographer Selina Whittaker. It was a night that involved some wine and lots of giggles! Remember when I was searching for some backdrop ideas (here)? Well I decided to go with three shades of tissue paper to create this fringe chevron look. It definitely took a lot of time (thanks for your help Alex!), but I think it was well worth it.
Weekly Round-Up (Superbowl Edition)
{via Amy Atlas}
Fun football shaped pizza idea via Buzznet.
Superbowl inspired food and drink printables from Paper & Cake.
The most incredible Superbowl table spread via Amy Atlas.
Yummy looking potato chip cookie recipe from Smitten Kitchen.
Quirky brownie burgers from Cupcakes & Cashmere.
I'll admit that I'm not a huge football fan, but I love me a good party with friends, food and booze! Happy Superbowl weekend!
DIY: Cupcake Flag
Sweet treats are always a Valentine’s Day favourite, so I decided to make these adorable cupcake flags to make that treat a little more special.
What you’ll need:
Pattern paper
Scissors
Double sided tape or glue
Printer and computer
Lollipop stick or bamboo skewer
1. Cut the pattern paper to measure 6-inchesby ¾-inch.
2. Fold the paper in half.
3. Apply some glue or a tab of double sided tape over the centre of the inside of the paper.
4. Stick the bamboo skewer or lollipop over the glue or tape and fold over the paper and secure shut.
5. Apply glue or tape to the remaining paper to attach both sides of the paper together.
6. Print and cut out cute Valentine’s Day inspired sayings. (I used a 20 p font)
7. Glue onto the pattern paper.
8. Trim off a triangle on the edge to finish off the flag.
9. Cut your stick or skewer to the correct length if required.
What you’ll need:
Pattern paper
Scissors
Double sided tape or glue
Printer and computer
Lollipop stick or bamboo skewer
1. Cut the pattern paper to measure 6-inchesby ¾-inch.
2. Fold the paper in half.
3. Apply some glue or a tab of double sided tape over the centre of the inside of the paper.
4. Stick the bamboo skewer or lollipop over the glue or tape and fold over the paper and secure shut.
5. Apply glue or tape to the remaining paper to attach both sides of the paper together.
6. Print and cut out cute Valentine’s Day inspired sayings. (I used a 20 p font)
7. Glue onto the pattern paper.
8. Trim off a triangle on the edge to finish off the flag.
9. Cut your stick or skewer to the correct length if required.
Recipe: Organic Amaretto-Almond Fondue
There's times when a piece of chocolate is all you need to make your day better - works for me anyways! This fondu recipe from Green & Black's organic chocolate looks so delish...perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients:
1 100g Green & Black’s Milk Chocolate and Almond bar
1/8 cup plus 1 tablespoon Water
2 tablespoons Amaretto
Directions:
Conventional method
Break the chocolate into small pieces and blend in a food processor to break up the whole almonds. The chocolate should resemble breadcrumbs. Put in a saucepan with the water.
Over low heat, stir with a small wire whisk until ingredients are smooth and combined.
Add the Amaretto and stir.
If the resulting sauce is too thick, add a few drops of water and whisk to blend.
Serve with desired fruit and nuts.
If fondue becomes cool and thick, microwave for 10 seconds and stir. Repeat if necessary.
Microwave
Break the chocolate into small pieces and blend in a food processor to break up the whole almonds. Place in a heat-safe bowl with the water.
In a microwave, melt chocolate in 10-20 second intervals, whisking in between.
Do this until blended and warm.
Suggested dippables: Strawberries, peach slices, grapes and almonds.
Makes: 2-3 servings
Ingredients:
1 100g Green & Black’s Milk Chocolate and Almond bar
1/8 cup plus 1 tablespoon Water
2 tablespoons Amaretto
Directions:
Conventional method
Break the chocolate into small pieces and blend in a food processor to break up the whole almonds. The chocolate should resemble breadcrumbs. Put in a saucepan with the water.
Over low heat, stir with a small wire whisk until ingredients are smooth and combined.
Add the Amaretto and stir.
If the resulting sauce is too thick, add a few drops of water and whisk to blend.
Serve with desired fruit and nuts.
If fondue becomes cool and thick, microwave for 10 seconds and stir. Repeat if necessary.
Microwave
Break the chocolate into small pieces and blend in a food processor to break up the whole almonds. Place in a heat-safe bowl with the water.
In a microwave, melt chocolate in 10-20 second intervals, whisking in between.
Do this until blended and warm.
Suggested dippables: Strawberries, peach slices, grapes and almonds.
Makes: 2-3 servings
Current Project: Studio Makeover
I am just about to begin my first ever renovation project and I couldn't be more excited! Nate and I are completely overhauling a space to turn into a workshop studio where I will be holding regular DIY workshops for my new biz Re: Creative.
I don't want to give away too much but here's a little peek to see what some of our ideas are. I'll be announcing more details (location, pictures, classes) in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
I don't want to give away too much but here's a little peek to see what some of our ideas are. I'll be announcing more details (location, pictures, classes) in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
Cool Shit: Geronimo Valentine's Day Balloons
I'll admit that I've never been much of a balloon person, but the over-sized balloons adorned with streamers from Geronimo are so fun! I'm loving their heart shaped balloons for Valentine's Day.
Cool Shit: IDS Auction Chairs
I really enjoyed looking at all of the different chair designs from the Cherish Auction at IDS (I first mention the auction here). Each chair was based on the Julian Chair so it was incredible to see all the creative ideas the designers came up with. Here are my tops picks:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)