Back when I was a student I had the opportunity to have some very unique and interesting summer jobs. One of my favorites was the summer that I got to spend as an interpreter at a historical village. While I was teaching visitors about the site, I was also learning things like how to capture chickens, how to card and spin wool, and even how to make hooked rugs. Despite the expected jokes about me spending the summer as a “hooker”, I had a great time practicing these often forgotten skills. I must say though, that none of my projects ever ended up looking as phenomenal as these ones by Marzipan Road. Karen has always loved needlework, but fell in love with the medium of hooked rugs and hasn’t looked back since! Her colour choices and artistry are lovely, and the results are fantastic.
I can almost smell the salt air and hear some east coast tunes!
This piece uses special fibres, like alpaca, to give added texture and dimension.
I love this cool blue mountainscape, inspired by Icelandic scenery.
If you want to see more you can check out Karen’s blog, or become a fan on facebook. Of course, the Marzipan Road shop on Etsy has a selection of pieces inspired by the nature and scenery from Karen’s travels. The images she creates are so pretty that I am almost tempted to pick up my long-retired hook… but I think I’d better leave that to the truly talented folks like Karen.
~Enjoy!
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
My little girl is nearly seven months old, and she doesn’t have a doll to play with. Now before you think the poor child is deprived, she does in fact have toys, books, puppets, and several stuffed monkey buddies, just no actual dolls of her own. I am beginning to think that it is time to remedy this situation (preferably before she starts trying to put clothes or diapers on our long-suffering cat).
So of course I was thrilled to find Third Street Handcrafters from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Andrea and Sonia are sisters (anyone sensing a theme here?? We are all about the sister-teams!!), who make one of a kind cloth dolls that would make a great new friend for any little girl or boy. Each doll is completely unique, often using up-cycled fabrics, and comes complete with details about your new buddy’s personality.
Like many little boys, this guy wants to hunt for frogs, and avoid the bathtub!
This sweet girl is ready for all kinds of fun, and her pigtails are adorable!
Ready for bedtime in her purple monkey jammies. A perfect friend to share stories, snuggles, and lullabies
Visit the Third Street Corner Store on Etsy to see more of these huggable little friends. You can also check out their blog for all the latest happenings on the street, a peek into the sister’s lives, and even a touch of humour (if you’ve ever had glitter stay in a carpet for more than a year-and I have- you will definitely chuckle).
~Growing old is mandatory, but growing UP is optional~
Jennifer
I love the personal touch of a handmade card. The trouble is, I am not a very talented artist, and am unable to draw much more than a stick figure. So I needed to find a way to put beautiful images onto my cards without having to employ an illustrator or resorting to clipart. Needless to say, I have become a huge fan of stamps. I love how quick and easy they are to use, and the results leave me feeling like I am not completely without artistic merit!
All this has led me to find the Old Island Stamp Company. Working out of Lions Bay, British Columbia, they have been making handcrafted rubber art stamps for over a decade. Many of the images are original works from west coast artists, others are sourced from rare books or antique typesets.
I can think of all kinds of uses for this beautiful bonsai stamp!
The expression on this adorable puppy is priceless!
I am already planning my Christmas cards around this gorgeous snowflake.
The online catalogue has countless options for any occasion or theme. Whether you are looking for traditional, funky, ornate or simple, you will certainly find something that catches your eye. I have already started my own wish list, and am dreaming up new card designs!
Check out The Old Island Stamp Company online, or find out if they will be coming to a craft show near you. Inspiration for your next project is just a click away.
Happy stamping!
~Jennifer
I love a good cup of tea. My problem is that these days I tend to make a cup, take a sip, and then get so busy that it gets cold before I get a chance to drink any more! Yes, I could just put it in the microwave to warm up, but that doesn’t taste as good, and it also doesn’t give me an excuse to use these adorable mug huggers from Boutique Karma.
Helps to keep your hands and your drink warm and cosy.
On the go? No problem! This sleeve fits over any standard takeout cup, no need to double cup or use disposable sleeves!
Mug huggers use reclaimed vintage buttons for clasps, and are lined with Thermolam batting for insulation. Tara, the Montreal mom behind Boutique Karma, also has some other great products available in her shop. I must say that after a tiring (but absolutely wonderful) weekend travelling with friends and family, these eye pillows are calling my name!
Filled with flax and lentils, you can have cool or warm soothing comfort.
Check out Boutique Karma on Etsy, you’ll feel more relaxed just by visiting! You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook for all the latest scoop,
Have a great day,
~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
In my pre-baby days, I never saw the need for a nightlight. I would either just turn on the light, or fumble around in the dark keeping my eyes as closed as possible. However, since having my little one I have discovered how invaluable a nightlight (or two or three!) can be. Not only can they save you from stubbing your toe on the edge of the crib and waking that baby you just spend 45 minutes rocking to sleep, they can also let you see enough to change the diaper or find the pacifier without waking you up so much that YOU can’t sleep once baby finally does!
In fact, I am now a huge fan of nightlights (especially the part where I’m no longer running into things in the dark). I have already decided to keep a light or two even once baby is no longer feeding at night. I’m told that happens eventually, right??
Even if you don’t have a little one, you can’t deny the beauty and usefulness of Nikilites by Nikki Winterhelt Creations.
Nikki’s floral line of lights are decorated with flowers and grasses that she and her mother personally pick, press, and arrange. Many are also covered with handmade papers to complete the look.
Calm and relaxing, and suitable for almost any decor!
The beautiful colours are lovely to look at, day or night.
There is also a decorative line, using printed vellums. This line offers a range of characters, sayings, and images tailored to appeal to wee ones and parents alike.
"Babies are such a nice way to start people" How sweet!
You can also purchase Nikilites frames, insert your own images and make your own custom nightlight. Swap pictures out as seasons change, the kids grow, or whenever you feel like changing things up a little bit.
You can order Nikilites online, or contact Nikki for more information about retail locations or craft shows that she may attend.
I love it when something practical can become something beautiful too, don’t you?!
~Jennifer
It takes a special talent to take an age-old material like wood and transform it into something sleek and modern. 3dots has managed to do just that. The Modern by nature line of jewelry is exactly what the name brings to mind. The pieces are modern and dramatic, while still holding on to the natural warmth of the wood. The result is a unique balancing act between trendy style and traditional materials that will leave you wanting more!
Wouldn't this be perfect with a cosy sweater dress this fall?
This necklace is called Fallen Leaves, so pretty!
The wooden circles can spin and move on the cord, like your very own mobile!
Dramatic and elegant, "Orbit" is out of this world!
3 dots is the brainchild of Lucie, a full time furniture maker, part time artist extraordinaire in la belle province of Quebec. You can see more of her work on her flickr stream, or check out her Etsy shop to order one of her beautiful pieces. Custom orders are also available if you have something particular in mind.
3 dots gets 5 stars in my book!
~Jennifer
