It’s an almost magical moment for a kid. Getting everything ready for the jolly old elf’s arrival. Hanging (or placing) your stocking, putting out the milk and cookies, and trying (really trying!) to feel sleepy so that morning can come THAT much faster. The stocking is so special, and it is so much fun to dig through it the next morning and see all the little goodies inside. I know that as a new parent, one of the things I am most excited about is watching my little girl experience the holiday magic for the very first time.
So what to do if your stocking is looking a little worse for wear? Or you have a new little person who needs a stocking of their own? Try a handmade felt stocking from Rikrak! They are stylish and fun, and even eco-friendly. Custom work is also available for those truly unique folks (or critters) gathered around your tree.
So pretty! I love the cool white and bright turquoise together.
You can even personalize it with the name of your precious pooch.
A holiday classic.
Don’t miss these stylish retro themed ornaments to dress up your tree!
These colourful ornaments are so fun and pretty!
You can find the whole selection at the Rikrak Etsy shop. You can also visit the Rikrak Studio Art and Design blog to see all kinds of beautiful, inspiring, and creative things. Or, if you like to Twitter (and you know we do!) follow the Rikrak twitter stream.
Wishing you all a beautiful day,
~Jennifer
UPDATE: The RikRak Studio is running a fabulous Mega Happy Holidays contest on their blog – gorgeous handmade goodies to be won! Head on over there and get your entries in (tons of ways to enter!) Click here for all the details.
I have stopped going inside of card stores. I rarely find a card that says exactly what I am feeling or trying to convey. Often I find the “humour” is very generic (really?? a ladies birthday card that cracks a joke about chocolate? or shopping?? how creative!), and I end up leaving disappointed. So instead I have started making my own cards, or finding handmade cards that fit my style and sense of humour. When searching for a card the other day I came across Navy Blue Notes, and honestly started laughing out loud. The inside of the cards are blank, (no horribly corny and painfully forced rhymes here!) so you can compose your own message, and the fronts have a little bit of fun attitude to bring some levity to almost any situation. The Navy Blue Notes tag line says it all: “Simple, social notes to amuse the lighthearted & antagonize the humourless”.
Surprised by your feelings? This card has you covered
Sometimes we all need a little tough love. Just don't forget the Love part!
My Dad once scored an eight-ender... Wish I'd had this card then!
Hee! You're darn right she is!
You know you're thinking it...
I originally found Navy Blue Notes on Cosa Verde, then discovered that they also have an Etsy shop, Cargoh shop and a blog. Made from eco-friendly 100% post consumer recycled paper, these cards will make both the recipient and the earth feel good! Especially in this digital age, a handwritten note is something special and heartwarming. Taking the time to write a personal note really shows someone you care, and if you can share a laugh while you are at it, what could be better than that?
Wishing you a day filled with smiles,
~Jennifer
Sometimes it is the little things that really do make a difference. Spoiling yourself just a bit every day, or that one extra touch of decorating that really makes you feel festive. Sometimes, it is even possible to do both at the same time. A fun and festive soap can act as decor, while still making you feel a little bit pampered. That’s where Batty’s Bath comes in. This London, Ontario company has whimsical halloween themed soaps that are all natural and will leave your skin feeling great. There are plenty of vegan products available, and everything is earth and body friendly. Even their name fits with this fun season!
Give your guests a little fright with these creepy skull soaps
Pumpkin Cheesecake flavoured lip balm... Yummy!
They smell like maple + pumpkin...but they look like brains!
I know the spider in this soap isn't actually real... but I'm still not sure I could make myself pick it up! Shudder.
Jamie is the creative force behind Batty’s Bath. She absolutely loves Halloween, but you will also find plenty of non-ghoulish bath and body care products to use once all the trick or treaters have gone home. Want to know more? Check out the Batty’s Bath home page ,the blog, or fill your virtual shopping cart at her Etsy shop. You can even be a friend or follower by joining the Facebook page and Twitter stream.
Here’s to spooky suds!
~Jennifer
I love this time of year. The days are still comfortably warm (usually), and the nights are cool and clear. It does, however, add an extra challenge when making daily wardrobe choices. How best to be prepared for variable temperatures without taking a whole closet along wherever you go?
A search for comfortable, versatile layering options led me to find Anny May‘s Etsy shop. I immediately loved the drapey soft look of her pieces, and was even more delighted to find that Anny May items are eco-friendly! Everything is made with either recycled or natural/organic fabrics like hemp and bamboo, and they still look fantastic.
This bamboo poncho is perfect to keep the fall chill off your shoulders
Just in case you aren't quite ready to let go of summer just yet...
The texture and detail in this bamboo shawl give it added interest while keeping you warm
Anny May also has fingerless gloves, hats, and fun little flower pins like these:
What an easy way to add a bright accent to any outfit!
Anny May is a multi-talented Quebecois, and has other great Etsy shops for you to check out too! La Chiffonierre focuses on rag dolls, plush items and quilts. Meanwhile, Mayapar is home to kits, patterns and supplies to help you create your own fantastic outfits. You can also stay informed with all of her creative works on her Facebook page.
~Jennifer
Today marks the beginning of a new school year for many students across the country. Having been a student for many (many!) years myself, September always feels like a time for new beginnings, a clean start, and getting organized. One of my favorite things about back to school was all the clean, new supplies. Aaaahhh… the bliss of fresh, unmarked notebooks, a set of highlighters with every colour, pens and markers galore, all neatly housed in a new pencil case and backpack.
Within a few weeks I was always down to one blue pen, a random highlighter, a couple of markers with no lids, and my notes were falling out of their once-organized binders. But for a few precious days everything was bright and new, full of possibility and opportunity. So in honour of the first day of school, may I present some school supplies that would definitely have made the cut for my backpack: courtesy of Smackeral of Books.
This journal is begging to be filled with special thoughts and dreams.
Protect artwork and other projects with this stylish portfolio case!
This little notebook is eco-friendly, made of upcycled materials, and small enough to be handy for lists and reminders.
Smackeral of Books (aka: Beth) works from her home in St. Catherines, Ontario. All her notebooks are hand bound and unique. In addition to notebooks, journals, and portfolios, she also has a few pieces of abstract art available. You can see the whole selection at her Etsy shop.
Beth also has a blog (head over there and read about the super-exciting Levi-Strauss project!), and a facebook page so you can stay in the loop.
Here’s to all the students and teachers in our lives… have a great year everyone!
~Jennifer
I often find that choosing gifts for the men in our lives can be somewhat challenging. Once you’ve exhausted the favorite sports team logos and cliche’d golf gadgets, it can get pretty tough! What if you are looking for something a little more classy or unique? Something a bit luxurious, even?
Then be sure to check out Green Leaf Wood Studio. They have a selection of hand turned pens, pepper mills, and gorgeous bowls, but my favorite are the shaving sets. What better way to pamper that special man in your life than an old-school shaving brush, paired with an elegant and sleek handcrafted razor?
Fits Gillette Mach 3 razors, for a modern shave with retro charm!
I love the feel of a good, solid, smooth-writing pen. A little bit of luxury.
This peppermill wasn't originally intended to be purple, but I think "plan B" looks pretty wonderful!
The man behind Green Leaf Wood is Steven, he hails from Ajax, Ontario. He chooses reclaimed and responsibly harvested wood, and uses safe finishes on all his pieces. You can learn more about Steven, his work, and wood turning, on his blog. Or, if you prefer, follow him on Facebook and Twitter!
~Jennifer
Candles offer such a soothing ambiance to any room. They are warm, relaxing, beautiful, and often smell delicious! Unfortunately not all candles are great for the environment and the air that we breathe. The solution to having the beauty and warmth we all love without the negative environmental impact?? Soy Waxes! The Firefly Candle Company from outside Ottawa specializes in beautiful soy candles with a minimal eco-footprint. They make their products using EcoSoya wax, which is all natural, biodegradable, and supports North American farmers, among many other health and environmental benefits. Not to mention they look fantastic!
Almost too pretty to burn...
Keep the beauty of fall, all year long!
There are lots of fun colourful options available to suit your every mood!
Many of the candles are infused with essential oils, so they smell good enough to eat! There are also unscented selections available, and you can even request dye-free choices if you prefer. Check out the full selection on the Firefly Candle Company’s Etsy Shop. I think they are excellent for housewarming or thank you gifts, or just to add that soft and relaxing touch to your own home.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Jennifer
Like a lot of women, I never feel like I have enough clothes. I am always on the lookout for something new and fabulous that can make me feel and look my best. It’s even better if it can be a unique piece that can’t be found in every single mall across the country. Lucky for me, while cruising online the other day, I came across Ureshii and fell in love with their soft and gorgeous styles!
Ureshii’s Ebay shop features drapey tops, dresses to flatter any woman’s curves, shrugs, tunic tops and so much more. Each piece is elegant and suitable for office or classroom, but still sexy and flattering enough to make you feel like a vixen! Everything is handmade in British Columbia, and many of the items are even made from eco-friendly bamboo. I honestly can’t decide which ones I love the most.
This gorgeous drapey top is made from bamboo and is available in a variety of colours!
Perfect for pear-shapes, this dress is soft and sweet!
This dress is smokin' hot... pick your colours and make it your very own!
Cute and Comfy, this Girlfriend tee is perfect for any time/anywhere!
Best of all, Ureshii is currently having a summer sale! At the Etsy shop you can find things marked up to 60% off! As every girl knows, the only thing better than a great fashion find, is a great fashion find on sale…
You can also join Ureshii on Facebook and Twitter.
Enjoy!
~Jennifer
Soap is something we use so many times a day, usually without even giving it a second thought. However some soaps contain all kinds of ingredients that may not be so great for us, or our skin. Maple Creek Soapworks makes handmade soaps, lotions, lip balms, and all kinds of bath goodies to pamper yourself. Over the past 12 years, they have been making these organic skincare products without any parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, or propylene glycol.
Not only are these products good for your skin, they also come in some great shapes and designs. Now you can put a little bit of personality on your bathroom vanity. There are great options to help your kids learn to love being clean, and even manly choices like “Dude Soap for Men” that will suit even the most rugged members of your household.
Looks like a dinosaur, smells like sweet oranges!
These would make a great gift for that sports fan who already has everything.
These mini turtle soaps are absolutely adorable!
Wouldn't these be a great thank you gift at a baby shower?
Handmade soap is less drying to the skin, and Maple Creek uses all organic and fair trade ingredients. There are so many wonderful products available, and even a baby care line called Baby Maple.
You can join them on Facebook, or check out the Etsy shop for more!
~Jennifer
I think puppets are wonderful toys. They are cute, cuddly friends that encourage creativity, language skills, teamwork, and a host of other developmental benefits. Not to mention they are fun too! When I was pregnant with my little one last year, I found myself looking long and hard for gender neutral, environmentally friendly, safe and creative toys. A bit of a tall order, I know, but Cate & Levi fit the bill in every aspect.
Everything they make is made from all natural and reclaimed fabric, (eco-friendly? check!). Puppets and animals are certainly just as much fun for a girl or a boy (gender neutral? check!). Everything is baby friendly with no buttons to choke on, or pieces to pull off, and fabric construction means no lead paints or sharp plastic edges (safe? check!). And best of all, the toys allow you and your little one to come up with your own games and stories, and it can be different every time (creative? you bet!). From puppets, pillow pals and stuffed animals, to “zoo cubes”, wall art, and organic clothing, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. I know this to be true, because I think I spent 20 minutes debating the merits of different puppy puppets before choosing *just* the right one to bring home with me from a craft show last fall.
This moose puppet definitely calls for goofy voices and hours of laughs!
Zoo Cubes come in a variety of animals, but the expression on this cow just cracks me up!
Who wouldn't want to snuggle up and count the rest of the flock with this little guy?
Check out Cate & Levi online to see the complete critter collection.
Today we also have the opportunity to get to know a little bit more about Josh, the owner and founding Dad behind Cate & Levi. He took a moment to answer our Feature Friday Q &A. Here’s what he had to say:
1. What started the creative fire burning for you? Do you remember a particular moment, a favourite childhood activity, something you saw and wanted to recreate or improve upon?
-my first creative pursuit was constructing a travel backgammon out of a beautull suede material
2. Where do you look for inspiration?
-always nature – if time permits, Algonquin
3. What part of creating your pieces gives you the most joy and satisfaction?
-seeing it through from concept to prototype
4. What is it about your creations that sets you apart?
-Made In Canada but available at a reasonable price worldwide
5. Why do you choose to work in this medium or format?
-reclaimed wool chose me – it was fate – we met at a “green” show
6. How long does it take to create one of your pieces?
-depends on the item
7. Do you feel that living in Canada has influenced your work?
-yes, there’s less brand noise than in the US so more ability to dream
8. What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?
-rewards come to those who persist
9. Who has provided you with inspiration or mentorship on your journey?
-wife, child and my family and friends
10. Where can we find you online? (webpage, twitter, facebook, etc)
www.cateandlevi.com
Thanks for sharing Josh!
Have a great weekend,
~Jennifer
