I met Christine from Sugar Soul Studio last year and have made it a personal goal to buy one of her hats this year. No, really, they are that cute!
Lots of people make the “Oh, I’m not a hat person” claim, but I personally think everyone can be a hat person, they just aren’t used to seeing themselves wearing the RIGHT hat. Maybe a fab Sugar Soul cloche is your style – like this one:
This is a summer-weight hat (I'm wishful thinking, here in snowbound Alberta!)
Or, the inspired Cadet - a little touch of femininity goes a long way! There are sparkle accents on that bow, friends!
Such a cute look for a wintery day!
Love the bright colour, and the upcycled sweater-turned-toque!
With the change to a new year, Christine decided to challenge herself to work on a 365 Hat Project. She’ll be making and posting a new hat to her blog (and to her Etsy shop) each day. She’s on day 11, and it’s been fun seeing new fabrics and styles pop up every day. You can check out her blog here.
My favourite from the 365 series so far was Day 6′s beige and blue plaid. It sold at a local market this past weekend, I’m told, so I’m just going to have to keep watching for my next favourite!
The one that got away...
You can see all of Christine’s offerings on her Etsy shop (she also sells bags and hair accessories), drop by her blog or follow her on Twitter and Facebook! If you live in the Edmonton area, she’s a fixture on the local craft show and market scene – even heading to Calgary and Vancouver once in a while – and has a great selection of styles and one-of-a-kind offerings! Come join me on the “hat person” team!
Cheers,
~Sarah
I am always intrigued by miniatures. Anything at all can be cute and adorable if you shrink it down into a teeny tiny version of itself! Case in point: these itty bitty tombstones from The Little Red Door:
See what I mean? Cute!
You can add a little bit of dark humour to your fishtank, especially if you have goldfish. (They do have a notoriously short life span after all, especially if you have a cat!). These ceramic miniatures are so much fun that I am tempted to get some fish, just so I can tuck them into the tank! I especially love this little igloo:
It is winter after all, why should your fish or plants be left out of the snowy fun?
Even the tiniest critters need a proper home, and you can choose custom colours.
Even a fish tank can be home sweet home.
Or, spell out the name of a child, pet, or your family’s last name as a mantle decoration!
Mix and match colours, or keep one pallet to match your decor
The little houses would be cute wedding favours, or fun decor for a baby shower. They could serve as a little reminder that home is where your heart is. If you want to see more, you can find The Little Red Door in their Etsy shop or on Twitter! Check it out!
Thanks for letting me share a little bit of cheery fun on a snowy Wednesday…
Stay safe and warm!
~Jennifer
About 7 years ago, while planning my wedding to my wonderful husband, I wanted to get a little crafty (of course). Not quite as crafty as my mom however, who crocheted her entire wedding dress herself (wow!), but crafty none-the-less. So I decorated my white sandals to make them fabulous, spray painted candle holders, and we did our own invitations, etc… etc… My favorite handmade part of our wedding though, was the stones we made for our centerpieces. My dear little brother helped me paint several hundred smooth stones, and ended up with some lovely blue fingers to show for his hard work. Then I spent countless hours painstakingly writing our names and wedding date on one side, and a word that is meaningful to us on the other. Words like “family”, “laugh”, “celebrate”, “together”, and “love” were scattered across every table to remind us all to put the most important things first in our lives.
Why am I telling you all this? (besides being a little extra emotional today as baby is at daycare for the very first time… sniff!). Because I am wishing that I knew about Monkeys Jewels back in 2004, as it would have saved me sooo much time, and kept my brothers’ fingers their natural colour! Based in British Columbia, Monkeys Jewels does custom stone engraving, giving you a meaningful and beautiful keepsake.
It's a love nest!
Timeless inspiration, a perfect reminder for someone in need of a little boost.
Now these would have been a way easier option for those centerpieces! You pick the words, and Monkey Jewels will sandblast them into the stones for you!
I love the smooth weight of the stone, and the emotion and significance behind the word.
But I also really love this:
Seriously, why didn't I know about you in 2004?!?!?!
So many people are struggling every day with health issues, sometimes a little reminder to hold on and keep fighting can mean the world.
A reminder to hold on tight to Courage, Hope, and Strength...
You can also find engraved stone pendants, and medical alert bracelets that are enduring and gorgeous! All the stones are naturally polished by the ocean before being engraved. Visit the Monkeys Jewels Etsy shop to see the endless possibilities.
Counting my blessings and feeling a little bit sentimental,
~Jennifer
A dear friend of mine is expecting her first baby in just a few weeks. Everyone is understandably very, very excited, and hotly anticipating the big arrival. But there is one problem: they don’t really know what to do with the nursery. You see, baby’s gender is remaining a mystery, and Mommy and Daddy-to-be prefer a modern style. Cheesy over-the-top teddy bears or overtly “babyish” cartoony animals just won’t cut it. So, being the good friend that I am, I have used my “expert googling internet-thingy” skills to hunt up some pretty, gender neutral, and 100% cheese-free wall decor that would be perfect for any nursery.
Leo Little Lion is based in Montreal, and they create unique, original wall decals and work with you to make sure that your decal is exactly the way you envisioned it. To top it all off, every purchase you make from Leo Little Lion is a purchase that makes a difference. A percentage of all Etsy sales is constantly reinvested at Kiva.org to support micro-loans that change lives all around the world. That’s something that can make you feel as good as your newly decorated walls look!
These adorable koala's look downright huggable!
This "tweet tree" evokes spring, a time of rebirth... fitting, no?
A little bit abstract, this one is inspired by the way our dreams seem to slip away from us as we wake. I think it's beautiful.
There are also decals that can go anywhere in your home, so baby doesn’t get to have all the fun. I particularly like this bouquet of tall roses:
Ideal for an entryway or powder room, and so easy to apply!
You can find Leo Little Lion on their website, the Etsy shop, Cargoh shop, Facebook, and Twitter. What a fun and easy way to add some style to any room, and simple to change whenever the mood strikes!
~Jennifer
I’m in love. It’s true – this cuff from Ruby Star Designs has me swooning. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to wait until this post goes live before I buy it (I like to give you guys a shot, but all’s fair in love and war, right?!)
I'm already picturing the outfit I'd wear this with...
The artist is a photographer and graphic designer from Vancouver, who doesn’t share their name on Etsy but does let us know that as a child they once made a set of blue corduroy, satin trimmed shoes for their cat. That’s creativity that I can get behind. What I’d like to know is whether or not the cat deigned to wear the shoes!
Back to the current project – the cuffs are decorated with the artist’s own illustrations and photos, mixed up with some vintage illustrations as well. They are unique, modern yet retro at the same time, and somehow the thought of wearing a moose on my wrist seems classic and elegant in this form.
Pair this with your favourite LBD. Dare you. You'll be the best-dressed in the room!
*dreaming of Spring*
Someone we know well here at Canadian+Handmade (ahem *mygirlthursday*) is planning a craft-themed tattoo. The less adventurous among us craft-lovers might choose this cuff instead!
Classically elegant machinery
The cuffs are all adjustable for small to medium sized wrists, and some are available in a narrower version as well. You can check out the full selection on the Etsy shop at Ruby Star Design!
Cheers,
~Sarah
Lately Sarah and I have both been feeling the need for a little “me time”, some quiet space within our busy days that is just for us. A peaceful moment filled with things that inspire us and make us happy. Since lovely jewelry always makes me smile, I knew that I wanted to share some with you today. Billy Would Designs are made with reclaimed hardwood, and feature smooth, elegant, organic shapes and designs. The moment I saw Adea’s work, it was as though a wave of calm washed over me, and it was just what I needed during an otherwise hectic morning!
This serene tree within a circle is just perfect
Let go of what is weighing you down and soar with these graceful feather shaped earrings!
Of course we believe that men should accessorize too, and Billy Would has a whole selection of items made from used and broken skateboard decks that would be perfect for any gender! I know that Sarah’s husband received a fantastic pair of cuff links for Christmas, and I am tempted to play follow the leader* and get a pair for my dear husband! I also really love the belt buckles and the vintage feel… so cool.
The wear and scratches are a constant reminder to have fun and let loose, just like whoever used to ride this board.
You can find Billy Would products in her Cargoh store, or click here for a list of retail locations, maybe there’s one near you! You also won’t want to miss her website to see an even bigger assortment of her beautiful work. If you tweet, then follow along on Twitter, or join the party on Facebook!
~Jennifer
*hey, I am the little sister, and while I heartily deny ever “copying” Sarah, I will admit that from time to time she has been known to get to a good idea first! At which point it’s not so much copying as it is a vote of agreement. :-p
In less than two weeks my baby girl will be celebrating her first birthday. In the midst of all those “how did my baby grow up so fast?” moments, I am planning a small but joyful little celebration fit for an energetic, cuddly, and all around amazing little girl. Yes, I am admittedly biased, but I think that is my prerogative as her mother! I have a plan for a couple of gifts (handmade, of course!), and intend to bake a delicious cake that I will hopefully manage to transform into a monkey. But, as this is my first attempt at planning a birthday party for my very. own. child (eek!) there are many details that I haven’t ironed out quite yet. One of those would be a topper for my hopefully magnificent monkey cake. So off to the internet I went, and boy, did I hit the jackpot! Lesley Wellington Cake Toppers (aka: The Cat’s Pajamas), are unique, fun, and super-cute. Just right for any happy celebration you can possibly imagine.
When you find that perfect person, it's like a puzzle piece just fits!
How perfect to top off a delectable valentines day dessert!
Monkeys. Need I say more?
Lesley also has fabulous ornaments that will capture your heart and personality. I know it’s a little early for holiday shopping (ok, a LOT early – our 2010 tree is still in our living room), but why not do it now while the holidays are fresh on your mind, and the storage boxes are still easy to reach!
This penguin is so cute, and you can customize it however you like!
Lesley sculpts her little creations from polymer clay at her home in Hamilton, Ontario. She also welcomes custom work, just let her know what you are looking for, and she can make it happen!
You can learn more about Lesley on her website (it includes fun pictures and a blog), on facebook, or visit the Cat’s Pajamas Etsy shop to see the whole selection of toppers and ornaments.
Here’s to celebrations all year round!
~Jennifer
This post is part of a series related to the C+H Handmade Holiday Shopping Challenge. This holiday season, we attempted to purchase all of our family’s gifts from Canadian handmade sources. I had plans to make a few gifts as well, and we allowed ourselves the exception of purchasing books from a local independent retailer. You can see all the details in the original post here, update #1, update #2, and update #3!
My friends and family will tell you that I took this challenge to heart this year, and it was really a fantastic experience and for the first time in years, I thoroughly enjoyed shopping for Christmas gifts! I’d estimate that, in the end, the gifts that we exchanged within our immediate family were about 80% handmade in Canada. There were a few exceptions that we just couldn’t purchase handmade (a Strider prebike for our youngest, cross country skis for the oldest, a couple of shirts for my husband and some iPad accessories for me, some new board games and the books that we just couldn’t imagine Christmas without!), but the gifts under the tree and from Santa’s elves were overwhelmingly handmade. I’m happy to say that I didn’t even step foot in a mall this holiday shopping season :) It can definitely be done, especially when you have younger children who aren’t gunning for new iPads or the latest video game console!
On a personal note, I was so pleased that my husband got into the spirit of the Handmade Holiday Challenge as well, registering for both an Etsy AND Cargoh account of his very own and even making a beautiful crokinole board for the family. We both grew up playing crokinole over the holidays with family and grandparents, and I love that he wanted to continue that tradition with our girls. I had planned to make some gifts as well, but ran into that old problem of “not enough time even though you start planning in August”. I ended up making just 2 canvasses (like these – full disclosure: that’s my own little Etsy shop, empty right now because I spend all my spare time here!), although I had hoped to get more done. There’s always next year, right?!
I attended no less than 8 craft shows in November and December, in Alberta and BC, and spent lots of time checking out online markets looking for the perfect gifts. In the process, I discovered so many more fantastic artists, and learned that even if you don’t think it’s possible, it probably is. And someone is out there making it!
Some of the big hits Christmas morning included:
Beer bottle glasses from Artech Studios for my husband (found at OOAK Vancouver)
Yes, they hold a full beer ;)
Locally made bunk beds for the girls’ many dolls, with bedding made by Grandma in Ontario (mattress, quilt, knit blanket and pillow with pillow case! Grandma rocks.)
They've been moved all over the house - much loved!
Our youngest daughter and my niece (Jenn’s little girl!) each received this sweet fishing game from Cerra.
A big hit with our littlest... and also the cats, unfortunately!
I already blogged about Redfish Kids here, but wanted to share a quick snapshot of our girls – they LOVED their dresses (Emily kept trying to see the bow in the back, and Julia spent the day spinning!)
Emily is the little one, Julia is the oldest.
I gave a pair of these armwarmers (from Banbutsu, found at OOAK Vancouver) to one of my best girl friends, and I’m pretty sure she squealed when she opened the package. Then she wore them for the rest of the morning. A hit, I’d say!
So cozy and lovely!
Grandma also likes to be cozy, so we sent her this lovely cowl from Impossibly Alice (thanks, Sheryl!)
So warm and cuddly!
Our girls each gave Daddy a pair of cufflinks – one set from Billy Would Designs and one from Nostalgic Links… he was confused, until he opened the next box with 2 new cuff-link-ready shirts ;)
Nostalgic Links has tons of different choices - Julia thought the Lego bricks were fun, too!
My husband found me a lovely bag from Saskatoon’s Refresh Accessories and earrings from Dominic Design:
Love Love LOVE all the textures in this bag!!
The earrings really DO make me look this stunning! Big *wink* ;)
There were plenty of other purchases, many from artists that we’ve featured here in the past, like Nisse.Works, Cloud+Lolly, Dombot, Prairie Peasant, Penny People, Soul Sister Soaps, Tall Buildings and Her Flying Horses! I also wanted to thank our friends and family for choosing handmade for many of their gifts as well! Spread the love!
Will we do it again next year? I’m not sure that we’ll aim for 100% handmade, but there will always be a huge percentage of locally made, lovingly crafted gifts under our tree and in our stockings. Thanks for following along on this journey with me. I hope that you had a joyful holiday filled with family, friends and lots of laughter!
Cheers,
~Sarah
