As the parent of a toddler, it sometimes feels like I am living in the eye of a hurricane. My girl is one pudgy-cheeked ball of motion, noise, and sometimes utter chaos. So when bedtime arrives and she is feeling snuggly and quiet, my husband and I really soak up those moments! Of course when a kiddo feels like cuddling there is nothing better than a special squishy friend, and these adorable buddies from Stephanimals are so cool that every kid is bound to love them.
Each one is handcrafted to be “Unique Like Nature”, and they even come with a soft story book that helps kids learn about the animal and their habitat! The quiet moments are a great opportunity to talk with kids about things that are important to your family, and Stephanimals share stories of conservation and knowledge about the world’s critters.
This sweet duck would make a great Easter gift, don't you think?
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At the moment, my girl makes a "Roar" sound for almost every animal... perhaps she is trying to tell us she wants a lion?
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But wait! It gets even better! Stephanimals donates $2 from every single sale to charity, (in 2011 all funds raised will go to Nature Canada) Awesome, right? They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk… and you can too!
Counting sheep never looked cuter!
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There are lots of different fabric choices for each animal, make sure you visit the Stephanimals site to see them all. There’s also links to lots of eco-friendly groups and products, a fun page full of activity ideas, and an animal info section where curious minds can go to learn and explore!
~Remembering my special childhood bedtime buddy. Her name was Ellie… she was an elephant. Yes I know, the creative juices run deep in me, can’t you tell?
:-) Jennifer
Oh my. If you love shoes, have I got the indulgence of a lifetime for you. Forget the Manolos or Jimmy Choo’s… how about custom, hand-painted, made-to-order super-swank stilettos?!
Welcome to the world of Vancouver’s Cocopunkz. Just feast your eyes on these:
These are called "Infatuation". Why, yes, yes I am infatuated!
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Or these:
"Mystery Shoes - Rain City"
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Ada Fu and Miranda Pang love shoes and love to paint, and the combination of their creative talents is pretty spectacular. They have a selection available on their website (specific sizes and paint treatments) but the part that intrigues me the most is the custom option – send them your shoes, give them a theme to run with and voilà, you have a one-of-a-kind shoe to knock ‘em dead with.
Seriously gorgeous, these yellow tapered heels are called “Ink Flared”. I’m seeing a night out on the town, little black dress, and these. Who needs jewellery when you’re wearing shoes this freakin’ fabulous?!
*swoon*
You can see more of the girls’ past work at cocopunkz.com, and on their Etsy shop. You can also follow along on the blog, Facebook and Twitter for more fun with Ada and Miranda!
Cheers,
~Sarah
I admit it, I sport a ponytail more days than I’d like. If I had some of Melissa Abram’s fun hair accessories, I might feel a little happier about that fact!
A simple, organic print
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A splash of pretty brocade on this headband
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Okay, here’s another confession – I cannot make bobby pins do what they’re supposed to do. They just don’t stay in my hair… but if I ever figure it out, I’d like to add these pretty kimono pins to my collection, please!
Little black dress, red shoes and these in your hair? Gorgeous.
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Robots are, shall we say, “trending” these days and this handsome little dude is featured on one of Melissa’s necklaces and more retro robot styles on rings as well!
Robot!!
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Melissa hails from Quadra Island, BC and has a great line of semi-precious jewellery as well. Be sure to drop by her website, her Etsy shop or her Facebook page to see more of her designs including earrings, rings, bracelets and more hair accessories.
Enjoy!
~Sarah
P.S. I found Melissa via the Artzi Stuff shop in Nanaimo, BC! If you’re in the area, definitely check it out – over 40 Canadian artists are featured!
I love it when something just catches your eye and captures your imagination. When I saw these gorgeous lampwork beads from Flame on Glass, I immediately started dreaming up ways of incorporating them into my daily life. I was drawn to the colours and shapes, and just couldn’t look away.
The silver foil detail adds an extra fun touch!
This one is feminine and sweet, it's like a mini garden!
I am picturing gorgeous beaded book markers, key chains, wine glass charms, and of course some bold, chunky, and utterly fabulous jewelry. There are so many possibilities for creative projects that would be perfect to showcase these super-fun beads.
These ones feel a little "cosmic" to me. Far out!
You can wear your heart on your sleeve... or your wrist, or anywhere you like!
Flame on Glass is the brainchild of Linda James from Salt Spring Island, BC. Her love for melting glass has been going strong for more than a decade, and I think it shows in her beautiful beads. Check out her Etsy shop to see all the different colours and styles, you’ll be glad you did!
Cheers,
~Jennifer
For folks in some parts of the country, yesterday was Family Day. It’s a holiday where we are encouraged to celebrate our families and those we hold dear. At my house we had a sleepy morning full of toddler belly laughs, then an afternoon of noisy and crafty fun with the in-laws, and a turkey dinner feast to top it all off. It was pretty nice, I must say!
One of the crafty projects that my mother in law had prepared were wooden plaques which we decorated with things like “Home Sweet Home” and our last names. It was a fun project and captured the spirit of the day. While my painting skills left something to be desired (ok, a LOT to be desired), I still think our little name plaque is something special. So of course I came home and went online to see what kind of spin someone with much more talent than myself could put on a similar project. I was not to be disappointed when I immediately found The Snowshoe Loft. These rustic and beautiful wood-burned signs are a lovely way to put your name on any space, be it a cabin, cottage, or even just a favorite room.
It's like a warm welcome home, personalized just for you!
My husband *dreams* of having his own man cave. If/when that happens, it would definitely need one of these!
Coral is a hawaii-born creative type who fell in love with winter and fall when her family moved to Canada. She is currently an urban woman, but dreams of a cabin in the woods, surrounded by nature’s beauty. She burns all her signs by hand, without using any stencils or machines, under the watchful eye of her wiener dog named Walnut.
The cabin and tree image adds an extra special touch
I also really like these pretty little woodland animal blocks. They would be great mixed in among family photos on a mantle or shelf!
They are all lovely, but I think the moose is my favorite.
You may not be encouraged to carve your initials in a tree these days, but Coral’s signs send the same warm and enduring statement of love, and are way more portable than a huge tree! Or they can even be used as directional signs to an intimate outdoor wedding.
LP and SW, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g....
If you want to see more, or to order your very own custom sign, visit The Snowshoe Loft’s Etsy shop. While you are there, make sure you browse around, and see if you can find a picture of the adorable Walnut!
From my family to yours, have a wonderful day!
~Jennifer
As many of you know, I have recently returned to my “outside-the-home” job after maternity leave with my little munchkin. This also means, among other things, a return to planning and packing lunches. So far I have managed to get something together every day and avoid starvation (or a desperate McDonalds’ run). However, usually my lunch has ended up thrown into a big ugly shopping bag. So what’s the big deal with that? Nothing really, but picture this: Me, attempting to look “professional” and “put together” (ha!), carrying my purse, baby’s daycare bag, and a grocery bag lunch, while balancing the baby on my hip and fishing my keys out of a pocket. Yeah, that’s what I thought.
So, while it might not be a huge deal to have a stylish and pretty bag to carry my lunch, I think it will make a difference in how I feel about myself each day as I dash off to work. Enter: Urban Harmonie Designs. I think these eco-friendly, reusable, and super-chic lunch and snack bags are fantastic!
This is light years better than a shopping bag, am I right?!
The pink polka dots are girly and cute, but not over-the-top. Perfect for work or school.
These bags are made with laminated cotton, and are free of all the nasty stuff that normally accompany most plastic items. Even better: you can just wipe them clean with warm soapy water! Vicki (aka Urban Harmonie) has a love for all things vintage, so her fabric choices often have a retro feel. Her bags are all handmade in her Vancouver studio.
I know one rainbow-loving girl who would probably eat just about anything as long as it came from this colourful snack pouch!
This one is even reversible, you could change it up depending on your mood!
Urban Harmonie can be found on Cargoh, Etsy, Twitter, Facebook, and her very own website. Why not pop by and say hello?
Now if only I could be as inspired about what to put *in* the lunch bag!
~Jennifer
There is something so magical about the ocean. How anything so huge and powerful can also be calming and soothing is a mystery to me. Whenever I am near the sea I find it almost impossible to tear myself away. I love that feeling of being a part of something so much bigger than yourself, and the beauty of nature as the water crashes into the shoreline.
It has been a few years since I have been able to sit ocean-side, and lately I am definitely feeling like I need to feel some salt water in my hair! But, since that is not in the cards at the moment, I have been feasting my eyes on jewelry that has been touched by the sand and surf. I especially love the light and lovely pieces by Victoria BC’s Swept From The Sea Designs.
sea glass + beach pottery pieces + freshwater pearls + sterling silver = one fabulous bangle!
The little turtle charm looks perfectly at home on the green glass, so cute!
Picture the warm glow when the summer sun hits these sweet earrings.
I love the soft, tumbled look of the sea glass. It has an earthy feel that sets it apart from straight coloured glass (of which I am also a HUGE fan, as many of you know by now).
I love the deep blues in these pretty dangly earrings! Sea glass in those shades is apparently quite rare, that must be why I like it so much!
Would a little bit of sea glass be the perfect finishing touch to a crafty project you have in mind? Swept From The Sea Designs has groups of glass pieces for sale in different colours, and even some sea glass buttons that could be just the ticket.
Indulge your inner mermaid with a visit to the Etsy shop, and don’t miss the Winter White sale section! I am off to feast my eyes on a little piece of the west coast… Enjoy!
~Jennifer
Originally from Ontario, now living in the Prairies, I miss having giant maple trees, oak trees and lush, leafy green-ness out my windows. Maybe that’s why I love the artwork of April Lacheur so much! Her fluid, colourful, graphic trees are immediately recognizable as her work. A self-taught artist, she also works part-time as a nurse, which I think is a lovely way to combine the best of both the sciences and artistic disciplines. April works mostly with acrylics, but often adds textural elements to her pieces including fabric or metal. Deriving inspiration from the natural world around her and from her travels, her pieces are bright and bold and, I think, reflect the joy she gets from painting.
One of her most popular pieces, "4 Seasons"
This piece, "Element Tree", includes copper and brass accents
Recently, April has been working on a series of “lofty” birds – long legged, fabulous birds that have so much personality and vibrancy. I love them!
The lofty canary, woodpecker, swallow and fantail!
One thing that I appreciate about April as an artist is her willingness to try new avenues for her artwork, and if you read C+H regularly, you know I love a good handound book! Yapes Paints and Victoria-based company “Those Great Little Books” have collaborated on a unique project. A one of a kind journal (could be used as a guest book, photo album or sketchbook too!) is created by Those Great Little Books, covered in canvas which April paints with an original painting! What a fabulous way to bring a little piece of original art into your life.
Handpainted journal collaboration with Those Great Little Books
April also works with Shi Studio, a Victoria-based contemporary jewellery design studio, to make some wonderfully bold and gorgeous wearable art using her images printed on canvas. A few of my favourites currently showcased on YapesPaints.com:
What a gorgeous accent piece!
Definitely a conversation piece!
April’s artwork will soon be featured in a solo show (“Roots and Feathers“) at Lüt Boutique in Vancouver, with a lovely grand opening event happening this Thursday (Feb 3, 6-9 pm). Her work will be on display from Feb 3 – April 30th, so if you’re in Vancouver be sure to stop in and see her original pieces in person.
To see more of her past, present and available for purchase works, visit Yapes Paints or check out her Facebook page or chat on Twitter.
Enjoy!
~Sarah
Here at my house we are in the midst of a not-so-fun baby milestone. My little girl is getting her first molar(s) and it is turning out to be a pretty difficult experience for all involved. The poor kiddo is either whimpering in her sleep, sobbing in pain, or clinging on for soothing snuggles and cuddles. We are doing our best using all the standard teething tips and tricks, and hopefully soon those sneaky teeth will come through and all will be well again. In the meantime, anything that offers comfort to my little girl is golden in my books! I think these adorable hug-able fleece pillow monsters from LemonPie are just the ticket.
Toothy the Hippo would be a perfectly squishy friend to help sooth a teething baby
Lobby the Lobster has cozy claws!
Chimpi is a great monkey friend, perfect for bedtime cuddles.
These pillow pals would be perfect for a kids bedroom, or playroom, or the living room for a fun-loving family! I believe that every day should have smiles and snuggles, and these LemonPie monster creations supply plenty of both. The pillows come in regular size (about 7″ x 7″) or large (about 9″ x 9″) if you want more squeezable fun. Visit the Cargoh store or the Etsy shop to meet the rest of the LemonPie monster family. Head to the blog , facebook, or twitter, and get to know Klaudea and Lawrence (aka: the LemonPie team). There is even a giggle-worthy Monster’s Day Out video on YouTube!
Because everyone deserves the comfort of a warm, friendly hug… even if you aren’t busy growing molars!
~Jennifer
There’s just one month until Valentine’s Day – that Hallmark-branded day that’s supposed to remind us all to treasure the ones we love a little more. How about, this year, we all spread a little handmade love instead of buying those sad grocery store floral department roses, mmmkay?!
The lovely graphic prints from Rosy Designs are a great place to start. The print below is actually called “Love is in the air”!
Rosy Hung, the artist behind the adorable characters and hearts, lives and works in Vancouver. Her designs and illustrations are reminiscent of vintage children’s picture books, and have a really lovely esthetic for Valentine’s Day – innocent, joyful and full of love and hearts. This postcard collection (below) would be great for children to pass out to their friends at school, or to send a little collection off to Grandma and Grandpa, and the “9 Ways to Say I Love You” card can be a nice alternative to the sappy sentiments at the mall card shop.
Do you have a favourite love song, maybe from the “first dance” or “first kiss” that reminds you of the early days with your loved one? Here’s my V-Day tip – the print below (appropriately called “Love Songs”) packaged up with a copy of the original album with “your” song on it. Valentine’s Day worthy, right? But don’t stop there! The prints on their own are gorgeous and creative, but when you add in the fact that Rosy will customize them for you, they jump up a few notches on the “perfect gift” scale. You can choose hair colour and style, skin tone as well as include a personalized message that she types on her typewriter and then digitally inserts them into the image. Brilliant!
While we’re talking about love, Rosy has a really lovely selection of wedding-themed prints that are, once again, fully customizable. I love the Bride and Bridesmaids, as well as the happy couple prints (same sex couple options available too! I love Canada.)
You can find more (many more) of Rosy Designs in her Cargoh and Etsy shops, as well as keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter and her own website. Visiting RosyDesigns.com where I discovered she and her partner haverecently launched a new joint venture, which you can check out in their new Etsy shop, NicRo Designs.
Share the love,
~Sarah
