Crush: Kari Herer

I'm completely smitten with the work by photography Kari Herer. With a background in fine arts and graphic design along with her love for nature, her photographs are just stunning. I love the simplicity of her work and the mix of textures and use of colour. I would love to add one of Kari's pieces to my apartment!

Inspiration 4.30.12

{via Workisnotajob}

So true. I'm grateful that I am able to do what I love everyday.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Weekly Round-Up

{image via Eat Drink Chic}

A drool worthy Leek Shallot Pancetta Galette recipe via Spoon Fork Bacon.

Big time coveting this gorgeous office space via Shimmer Like Gold.

The most perfect iPhone wallpapers (did I mention they're free?) from Eat Drink Chic - here, here and here.

A fantastic + very thorough Mother's Day gift round up from Creature Comforts.

Great tunes from some talented ladies via For Me, For You.

I'm looking forward to a great weekend ahead! Have a good one!

DIY: Word Vase

I love having fresh flowers on hand and it makes them even better when they’re in a cute vase. These custom word vases are the perfect gift idea for your loved one!

 

What you’ll need:

Glass vase

Spray paint primer

Glue gun 

1. Clean the vase.

      2.  Use the glue gun to spell out a word. Set aside to dry for ten minutes.

      3. Spray paint the entire vase using quick light strokes. Allow to dry and repeat with a second coat.

*flowers courtesy of Coriander Girl

Wedding: Amy + Julian

I'm completely smitten with all the adorable handmade details from this Australian wedding. You can just tell that everything was put together with so much love and thought. All the vintage and DIY touches plus the obvious happiness of the couple makes this wedding absolutely perfect!

{via Green Wedding Shoes}

I heart...

 

...this stunning vertical succulent wall piece.

Current Obsession: Printed Bedding

I'll admit my current duvet cover is very neutral in a subtle black and white graphic print, but after looking at all the bright coloured printed duvet covers Urban Outfitter has, I'm rethinking my bedding. How amazing are these prints?! Love!

How about you - do you prefer plain or printed bedding?

I heart...

...this adorable inspiration doll that has been silk-screened by hand.

DIY: Cut-Off Denim Shorts

 

I a huge lover of denim so these DIY projects from Refinery 29 are right up my alley. Cutting a pair of old jeans into shorts isn't as simple as just grabbing a pair of scissors and snipping away. There is a little technique involved if you want them to fit properly. Above are 3 super cute ways to turn an old pair of jeans into the perfect summer shorts!

Current Obsession: Contrast Toe Caps

It's that time of year that I want to start wearing a transition shoe. I don't always want to be wearing boots and it's too cold for sandals, so a ballet flat is perfect. I'm obsessing over ballet flats that have a contrast toe cap. They look a bit newer and fresher than just a solid coloured shoe. And if you want to DIY it just take an old pair of ballet flats, tape off the toe and give it a coat with glossy spray paint!

1. Wanted - About.com | 2. Shoes of Prey | 3.Tory Burch - Net-a-Porter | 4. Le Muda | 5. Lanvin | Bergdorf Goodman

Crush: Hungry Workshop

The creative designers behind Hungry Workshop are letterpress printmakers that have a passion for design, illustration and typograhy. The duo resides in Australia and continuously come up with unique designs. Their 'YOU CAN COUNT ON ME' print was printed on page ripped out of a Yellow Pages book. Each one is available for only one cent (and no I didn't make a typo!) in addition to the shipping charges. The aerogram (a letter and envelope in one) done in neon colours with a Native motif is my personal fav!


as seen on Poppytalk

Inspiration 4.23.12

{via The Fancy}

Don't ever let anyone put your down or stand in your way. Haters always gonna be hating!

I had a great weekend full of amazing friends, yummy food and a steady flow of cocktails!

Weekly Round-Up (Canadian Edition)

{print via My Daily Randomness}

My favourite combo ever in the form of muffins via Pinecone Camp.

A stunning modern farmhouse via Realty Queen.

The perfect inspiration print with a free download from My Daily Randomness.

New gourmet food truck in Toronto run by chicks in heels (love!) via The Hip & Urban Girl.

Drool worthy bridesmaid and bridal gowns via Hoopla.

And big thanks to Design Sponge for featuring the Re: Creative studio make-over!

Have a fab weekend!

DIY: Straw Decor

I’m all about the cute details at any party or event. These straw decorations are the perfect add on at your next party and can easily be customized to fit your party theme. They cost next to nothing and are super quick to make!

What you’ll need:

Plain or decorative straws

Computer + printer

Coloured or patterned paper

Glue or double sided tape

Scissors

Ruler

Hole punch

1. Using the coloured or patterned paper, cut out triangles that measure 2- inches on the one side and 3-inches on the other two sides.

 2. Print out the chosen message from your computer using a font you like and in the appropriate size (I went with a 20 pt sized font).

3. Cut out the printed message in the shape of a triangle that measure 1.25 inches on the one side and 2.25 inches on the other two sides.

4. Glue it in the centre of the larger triangle.

5. Punch out two holes on the shorter side of the triangle.

6. Slide the straw through the holes These are perfect for any event and can easily be customized for a wedding, shower, birthday party, bachelorette etc.

Party Ideas: Chalkboard Details

One of my best friends is getting married this summer and I'm in the midst of helping her decide on the decor details at the reception (my favourite part of wedding planning!). She's getting married at the Steam Whistle Brewery, so the space itself is rustic which is the perfect setting for the vintage rustic themed wedding she is going for.

Her colours are coral and grey, but the chairs at the venue are black. I was brainstorming ways to tie in the black chairs so they don't seem too harsh against the other two softer colours. I thought adding some chalkboard details would be the ideal solution. Here's a round up of some inspiration I found:



1. Unveiled | 2. The Wedding of My Dreams | 3. Green Wedding Shoes | 4. A Savvy Event | 5. Green Wedding Shoes

I heart...

...food in jars! There's something about cute packaging that gets me every time. I love these mini single sized servings of all my fav foods.



salad - Chatelaine | chilli + cornbread - Giverslog | cake - I am a Baker | cheesecake - My Baking Addiction | pie - Cooking Chanel TV

Re: Creative Mother + Daughter DIY Workshop

I'm excited to announce this mother and daughter DIY workshop which is taking place just in time for Mother's Day. Enjoy a Saturday afternoon crafting with your mom or daughter making cards and colourful lined envelopes. Not only are all the supplies and tea offered, but everyone will leave with a cute gerber daisy along with a sweet offer from Shopgirls to help you with your last minute Mother's Day shopping.

I hope to see you and your mom (or daughter) there!
To sign up for the class, please click here.

Cool Shit: Mutts & Co. Traveling Market

I am so excited about this Traveling Market hosted by Muttonhead. I had planned to pop by yesterday but time didn't permit, so I'm going to check it out tomorrow. The market is a collection of Canadian made threads, hand crafted accessories, food and furniture all brought together under one roof in Toronto.

And if the shopping isn't enough for you they also have daily events happening:

Wednesday: Raw food cooking demo by foodie Gillian Young (6-7)
Thursday: Craft Brewing 101 + Beer tasting (5-7)
Friday: Urban Gardening installation (all day)
Saturday + Sunday: Maverick is providing gentlemanly shaves + cuts 50% off (11-5)

Style Ideas: Music Festivals

In honour of Coachella this past weekend, I decided to do a style post on music fest looks. The laid back boho look goes hand in hand with music, sun and beers!

Hitting up one of the big musical festivals is definitely on my bucket list. I'm super jealous of everyone who attended Coachella!

{click on each image for info on where to buy each piece}

Shopping Time!

I've definitely been to my fair share of sample sales while working in the fashion industry for 7 years, but I have to admit they still get me pretty stoked. Everyone loves a good deal on their fav brands! Here's a sample sale that you won't want to miss out on.

2770 Dufferin Street suite 206 + 208
Wednesday April 25 12 pm - 7 pm

Thursday April 26 12 pm - 7 pm

Friday April 27 12 pm - 4 pm

Crush: Shannon Lee Simmons

I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Shannon Lee Simmons aka Barter Babe last month at a tax workshop I attended that Shannon was hosting. I thought since I was starting my own business it was about time I learn a thing a two about taxes and the financial info involved in running a business.

Shannon breaks down all of the tax info and financial jargon so 'normal' people can understand it. I left the workshop feeling great! I then had the opportunity to sit down with Shannon one on one to go over my own finances and to set a plan in motion. Shannon was absolutely amazing!

Shannon offers one on one financial advice, hosts tax workshops and provides help to businesses.

Thoughts + Inspiration

{print via Sarah Winter}

This Dolly Parton quote is everything I need to hear right now. In order to follow your dreams and succeed, you need to be strong and hard working. Sometimes though it's not always easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm going to be very honest right now in the hopes others are either going through what I'm going through or perhaps have already been through it. It's about starting a business. Starting Re: Creative is single handedly the hardest thing I have ever experienced. Not only do you work more than you ever have in your life, but you are constantly worried about paying the bills and trying to survive. There have been so many moments of doubt and fear - something I've been lucky enough not to have to worry about in my life until now.

I often have thoughts of going back to the Monday to Friday 9-5 gig that comes with that steady pay cheque to get rid of the constant anxiety and exhaustion I now feel. But I know deep down that a few months of that would equal unhappiness and regret.

Success comes to those who believe, work hard, stay positive and who stay true to themselves! Believe me it's not always easy to do this, but the only thing I can do is try.

Weekly Round-Up

{image via Poppytalk}

The perfect romper that I so need via Oh Joy!

Simplified dinner etiquette (with cute illustrations) we all need as a reminder from time to time via A Cup of Jo.

My dream kitchen via Poppytalk.

A yummy looking macaroon recipe (I love coconut!) from Marion Housebook.

The perfect floral jeans from Cocorosa.

Have a great weekend!

DIY: Rope Jar

I always become a little obsessed with nautical details during the spring and summer seasons. I decided a touch of nautical to my desk area was just what I needed to satisfy this craving!

What you’ll need:
Empty can, jar or pot (I used a mini terracotta pot)
Rope
Glue gun
Scissors

1. Start at the bottom of the empty can and glue an end piece of the rope onto the can.

2. Begin wrapping the rope around the can and glue the rope to the can on every other row. Be sure to keep the rope taunt with no space between each row.

3. Continue with step 2 until the whole can is covered.

Current Obsession: Mint + Orange Combo

I was browsing through Pinterest and came across this mint and orange dessert table (first picture). I immediately fell in love with the colour combo. Mint always has a retro vibe to me and a touch of nostalgia whereas orange is just bright and fun. The colours combined just screams amazing - perfect for a table setting, room decor, an outfit and accessories.

Here's my Pinterest account if you want to follow along with my pins and inspirations!



{from clockwise from the top: Amy Atlas, Lime Crime, Lookbook, A Creative Mint, Bella Lulu}

Recipe: Starlight Spritzer

I'll admit it - I'm a girly drink kinda gal. I love me some wine, prosecco and sweet cocktails! I have a ton of showers coming up (wedding and baby ones) and I think this cocktail from Girls' Night Out is the perfect drink to serve for a day with the ladies.

DIY Clock Workshop

The latest class listed for the Re: Creative craft + DIY studio is this DIY clock workshop. Make your very own clock using a variety of techniques and options. It's perfect for any space in your home, office etc! You can sign up for the class here.

I also listed new class dates for the stationery workshop, chain bracelet workshop and wrap bracelet workshop.

Hope to see you there!

DIY: Marshmallow Treats

Who doesn’t love a fun little treat on a stick? These marshmallow sticks are super easy to make and not only will the kids love them, but the adults will too!



What you’ll need:
Marshmallows
Coloured chocolate wafers
Lollipop sticks Sprinkles
Microwavable mug
Waxed paper

1. Put the chocolate wafers in the mug and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted.

2. Stick the lollipop sticks in the centre of each marshmallow.

3. Dip the marshmallows in the melted chocolate and let the excess drip off.

4. Dust the sprinkles over the marshmallows being sure to cover all the chocolate.

5. Lay the marshmallows on the wax paper and put in the refrigerator until the chocolate is hard.

I heart....

...these incredible dresses from Bicylette's new capsule collection titled Bespoke. The collection is designed by Bicyclette and are made in here Toronto. The exclusive dresses retail for $178 and are limited edition (only 6 are available per style).

These dresses just scream summer. They're perfect for every day paired with a cute pair of wedges, flats or a great platform pump!

Wish List: Brave Clutch

This bag by Brave is the most perfect AND practical clutch. Not only does it look cute, has super buttery soft leather, but it also has a little strap to slide your hand in which means you don't have to hold it like most other clutches. And love this colour combo. Can you say perfect bag for dance party nights?

Crush: Sage & Berries

I recently came across Sage & Berries and it's become my new obsession! It's a site full of web and graphic design goods and tips. Not only are there weekly freebies (see all the amazing wonderfulness below), but owner Joy also gives amazing tips and tutorials which are perfect for all of us amateur designers who could use more than a few tips! Sage & Berries also has an online shop full of amazing prints & patterns as well as web banners & buttons (loving this lace border).

Inspiration 4.9.12

{via Shannon Pix}

Life is a journey. There are good days, bad days, happy days and sad days. There are opportunities and there are failures. All you can do is try to enjoy the ride and be the best you you can possibly be.

Hope you had a great long weekend!

Weekly Round-Up

{ombre cake via Style Me Pretty}

Fantasizing over these whimsical florals via Coco + Kelley.

Neon aerograms equals so amazing via Design Crush.

Loving the super cute details from this yellow + grey inspired wedding via Style Me Pretty.

Perfect classic casual style from Fashion Bananas.

Drooling over this chocolate mint mousse cake via Creature Comforts.

I'm so excited it's a long weekend! Happy Easter!

Party Ideas: Mini Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup

{via Oh Happy Day}

I love this adorable way to serve grilled cheese and soup - perfect for your next party!

Cool Shit: Casamania Chairs

I enjoyed a yummy dinner at Piola on Saturday night and I couldn't take my eyes off their chairs. Our awesome server was super helpful and was able to get the info on them for me. The chairs are made out of recycled jeans and tees that have been soaked in resin and dried into the shape of a chair. The chairs are part of Italian designer Casamania's Remember me collection.

Current Obsession: Bright Blazers

I've always loved a great blazer and really believe you can never have too many in your wardrobe. They tend to be my go to item for any type of event. You can pair them with denim, wear one over a dress, you can dress them up or dress down - they truly are super versatile. But why not get one in a bright colour for spring - I love this look!

{click on the image for info on where to purchase each piece}