The world outside my window is snow-covered and cold. Yes, it’s January in Canada, so I am not exactly surprised or even too dismayed by this. But that doesn’t stop me from dreaming of some place a little warmer, maybe even tropical. It has been far too many years since my husband and I last sat ocean-side with drinks in hand and the warm sun beating down. So I am looking for ways to infuse my snowbound daily life with some tropical colour and a fresh, summery, lively look. I definitely think these accessories from Rosella Resin are just what the doctor ordered!
The colour is so summery, and the delicate feather is so light and wispy!
Jessica & Gwynne are sisters currently living in Ontario. Rosella Resin was born when Jessica (a trained mold maker and resin caster) returned from living abroad in Australia. A self-proclaimed feather collecting junkie, Jessica realized that resin is a perfect medium to contain and showcase some of natures most beautiful items! Add Gwynne and her talent for design, and you have a winning combination.
Ooooh! The colour, the shells... it's like a little piece of the ocean even on the most snowy day!
The wheat fields may be covered right now, but their golden beauty is captured in this wheat bangle.
Rest assured that Jessica and Gwynne get all their feathers and shells from licensed vendors that are cruelty free. No creature great or small is harmed to create these fantastically fresh pieces.
Because we are *Canadian* + Handmade after all!
You can find Rosella Resin on their website, or at their Etsy shop.
Daiquiri anyone?
~Jennifer
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
Eye catching. Bold. Fun. Bright. Really, really cool. I could go on, but rather than break out the thesaurus to tease you further, why don’t I just get on with it and show you the awesomeness (thesaurus be darned) that is Pulp & Paisley.
So. Very. Fun! Youthful and bright without being childish...
The Pulp & Paisley shops (you can find them at Cargoh or on Etsy), are packed with really pretty and sweet jewelry for those who don’t mind standing out from the crowd… In a very good way!
A little bit preppy, a whole lot pretty. J'adore!
Make a statement without saying a word. This big, beautiful necklace is sure to catch the eye!
Cara (the talent behind Pulp & Paisley) calls Belleville, Ontario home. A happy wife and mom of two, she loves music, the occasional frosty brew, and creating fabulous jewelry.
Ok, normally I really do not like orange (it's a long story, ask my mother about her orange kitchen) but these earrings are CUTE!
If you know someone who would love one of her pieces, but you aren’t sure exactly which one, you can get Pulp & Paisley gift certificates at the Etsy shop. She can even email them to you if you need them quickly to top off a stocking or tuck under the tree!
Click over to the Cargoh store or Etsy shop to see more, then join in the fun on Facebook and Twitter.
I’m off to feast my eyes, and conveniently bookmark some favorites (*ahem, dear husband*)
;-)
Jennifer
No, I don’t mean poked on Facebook or even Punk’d by Ashton Kutcher… I’m talking about Pook Toques.What could be more Canadian than a toque, right? Add in a great sense of humour, some classic styles like the “moose”, the “turtleneck” and the “mullet” and we’ve got ourselves a winner! You’re probably confused right now. That’s okay, so was I.
At the OOAK show in Vancouver, my friends and I almost walked right past a rather empty-looking booth with a table of grey and red sock hats on it. Until the pitch started and we were hooked… Pook Toques are all about the variety, my friends. Made out of traditional grey wool socks, and lined with a cozy fleece, the hats are designed to offer a multitude of styling options. Roll up the “ears” or tuck them into the folded toque or flip it inside out and pull the toes over your ears… the Pook Toque manual offers over 30 ways of wearing this one ingenious little hat.
The original Pook Toque
Not convinced it’s possible to wear that hat 30+ different ways? Check out the manual. Go ahead, I’ll wait until you get back…
… See? Now, imagine you’re at a craft show and a guy stops you in the aisle and performs all of those varieties at top speed with full narration and explanations. It was, frankly, hilarious. My friend Shannon bought 4 hats.
Pook Toques is the creation of Tony Pook and Kevin McCotter from St. Mary’s, Ontario – it all started with a few (*ahem*) beverages, but has turned into a bit of a phenomenon to say the least. They’ve even pitched their business on Dragon’s Den! Since the initial hat design, they’ve also added Pook Dukes (mittens), the Pook Loop (a scarf), the Pookie Toquie (for the stylin’ little person in your life), Pook Boots (fleece lined socks – they sound so cozy!!) and, of course, a Pook Monkey.
Toques and Dukes come in pink for the ladies (or dudes who like pink!)
Cutie Pa-toquie!
For the hockey fan in your life, there’s also the Hockey Sockey, which is nothing if not arena-approved. The Hockey Sockey comes in a variety of team colours (13 NHL teams to choose from, plus Team Canada) and is made out of actual hockey socks.
Go Habs!
And here’s the Pook Toque in action:
You can shop online at PookToque.com or find them on Facebook as well!
Cheers,
~Sarah
P.S. for anyone suffering from a case of Bieber Fever, you might want to view this particular video.
Holiday parties and festivities are in full swing, and it is certainly a busy time of year for everyone. If you still have a few gifts to pick up, or have some room left in your budget for a special treat for yourself… be sure to look around for a craft show or handmade vendor to support, there’s sure to be last-minute shopping options in your neighbourhood!
Ottawa, ON: If you are lucky enough to live in our nation’s capital, there is still a big show that you can take in this weekend. The Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale wraps up this weekend, at Lansdowne Park. Doors are open today from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. There is still time to pick up that unique, handcrafted gift! Admission is $7.00 for adults, and $4.00 for seniors and youth, (re-entry is available). Want a sneak peek at who is participating? Check out the Exhibitor listing! There is plenty of on-site parking at Lansdowne Park, at a cost of $5.00 per day.
Toronto, ON: City of Craft is happening in several locations around Toronto this weekend – there’s the craft show event and workshops at The Theatre Centre (1087 Queen Street West), as well as installations at the Ontario Crafts Council Gallery and the Cream Tangerine Gallery. There’s a lot going on, but the craft show itself runs Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm. You can check it all out on their website, including a vendor listing and photos of this year’s products and past events!
Vancouver, BC: The “Last Stop Christmas Shop” features works from the artists behind Bronsino (gorgeous leather bags) and Patina (leather accessories), the stunning jewellery of Su Foster and the always lovely belts, buckles and accessories from Flight Path Designs. To check out the selection from these great artists, visit #225, 975 Vernon Drive in Vancouver.
Edited to add:
Calgary, AB: I knew there was another show that I’d heard about online! Calgary’s Market Collective is hosting an event this weekend with over 50 vendors and live music, too! Check it out at the old Ant Hill building in Kensington, Calgary (148 – 10th Street NW). Runs Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 11-5pm.
Have a safe and fun weekend!
~Jennifer & Sarah
A few weeks ago, I sent my brother and his fiance on a mission. There was a craft show in another town that I wanted to attend, (but couldn’t) and they were conveniently going to be in that very town, on that very day. So they happily became our C+H street team and off they went with instructions to “gather information on anything that you think is cool”. They had a great time, and soon reported back that they had found some really neat stuff. One of their favorites were these beautiful pieces from Sculpted Light. When I went online to see what they were talking about, I was pretty impressed too!
Joanne begins by making her own tissue-thin paper using unique fibers from plants like forsythia and hollyhocks. This gives her paper beautiful texture and depth. Then she shapes them into stunning free-form sculptures using reeds, and finishes them off by attaching a light inside. The result: gorgeous sculptural pieces that glow warmly from the inside out.
Is it ambient lighting? is it art? It's both!
A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, Joanne uses organic materials and found objects like leaves and feathers in her work. My favorite piece (called “Orchestra”) looks like this when sitting on a table or shelf:
Simply gorgeous!
Or it can be mounted on the wall and look a little something like this:
Elegant, romantic, and lovely...
Awesome, right? And if you are looking for something to make your holiday greetings stand out from the crowd, look no further! Sculpted Light has these fantastic holiday lantern cards that will definitely *not* end up in the recycling on boxing day:
Just roll the card into a cylinder and slide it over a votive candle, the glow shines through your holiday message for everyone to enjoy
These pieces combine the best of art and functionality, and give a warm, earthy glow that is truly unique.
You can see more from Sculpted Light on Joanne’s Cargoh store, her Etsy shop, Facebook, Twitter, or the Sculpted Light website.
Let there be light!
~Jennifer
Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Maybe you still have a few last minute gifts to pick up? Take a peek at some of the great events taking place this weekend! If there’s one in your neck of the woods, be sure to stop by and see what your local elves have been busy creating in their workshops!
Vancouver, BC: You won’t want to miss the One of A Kind Show and Sale, taking over the New Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend. Open daily at 10:00 am until Sunday (closing at 9:00 pm Friday & Saturday, 5:00pm on Sunday). Tickets are $10.00 each, or $6.50 for seniors/students. Click here to purchase & print your tickets online to save $2.00. Sarah sent rave reviews after her first visit yesterday, and I know she’ll be heading back later this weekend to give her feet (and likely her wallet!) another workout.
Vancouver, BC, part deux: It may be smaller, but no less awesome, don’t forget about Shiny Fuzzy Muddy. The 11th annual Holiday sale is happening at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street, Vancouver) this Saturday and Sunday. Hours are from 11:00 am to 9:00 on Saturday, and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sunday. Take a sneak peek at the blog, then visit the show, admission is free!
Edmonton, AB: The University of Alberta’s Butterdome hosts their Christmas Craft Sale. Doors will be open from 11:00 am to 10:00pm today, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Directions, transportation, and parking details can be found here.
Ottawa, ON: Visit the Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Show and Sale. The 36th annual show is being held at Lansdowne Park from now until December 19th (but closed this coming monday -dec 13th). Stop in on weekdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, or on the weekends from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Adult tickets are $7.00, Seniors and Youth are $4.00. Lansdowne is at the intersection of Bank Street and the Rideau Canal (onsite parking is $5.00).
London, ON: Dig yourself out from all that crazy snow, and stop by An Artists Affair at the Convergence Centre (999 Collip Circle, Western Research Park). Running on Saturday only from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $5.00, but if you bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank (and we suggest you do!), it’s only $3.00.
Winnipeg, MB: It’s the Last Chance Christmas Craft Sale, coming to the Canad Inns (Club Regent Casino Hotel). This event is running on Sunday only, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Click here for a map to the location. Admission is only $2.00 with half going to support Cancercare MB.
As always, happy shopping! And thank you for continuing to support Canadian artists and crafters!
Cheers,
~Jennifer
Winter has definitely arrived, with cold temperatures, and some snow (ok, in some places a LOT of snow). That means it’s time to snuggle up with cozy blankets in front of a fire, or stay just a few extra minutes tucked into your warm bed before facing the day. I love the feeling of a nice soft, comfortable blanket tucked around me just right. So when the weather dips into those dreaded negative numbers, out comes my stockpile of fleecy or knitted delights. If you want to wrap your little one in something a little more personal than a generic pink or blue blankey, you won’t want to miss Baby Magoo. I have seen them at shows over the years, and always end up coo-ing over their lovely designs!
I was obsessed with all things purple for several years as a kid... I would have LOVED this!
Choose a custom theme to suit your child's dreams!
If you have a baby shower coming up, or your kids are a bit older, you can choose one of the other styles without the custom work. They are just as soft and beautiful, and you can easily find one to go with any room decor too!
These colourful dots are perfect for a modern mama and her stylish baby!
They also have the most adorable hooded towels in fun animal prints:
This is one giraffe that I could just Eat. Right. Up. too cute!
You can find the full Baby Magoo line (including some sweet “lovies”) on their site, and follow them on Twitter. Stay tuned for the upcoming Eco Magoo products!
The weather outside may be frightful, but staying cuddled up and warm is delightful!
~Jennifer
This past weekend my husband and I bundled up the little one, threw some rope and bungee cords in the back of the SUV, and headed off to find the perfect Christmas tree. We carefully selected a beautiful lush balsam fir, and even managed to get it home and set up without losing any branches (or our minds!). Soon the house smelled amazing, the lights were twinkling, and our lovely handcrafted angel (-my must have purchase from last year’s One of A Kind show) was sitting gracefully on the top branch. All that I needed was a big mug of hot chocolate in one of these great festive mugs from Canadian Creationz:
Complete with carrot nose and rosy cheeks... cute!
There is even a matching teapot!
I think this would be a perfect addition to my teapot collection. I don't have a Holiday one... yet!
This one would be an excellent choice for the “less than festive” folks among us:
In my opinion: The BEST Christmas movie. Bar none.
Or maybe you have a different festive beverage in mind…
Wouldn't these make a great hostess gift?!
Canadian Creationz (aka: Beth) also has beautiful items for other seasons throughout the year, like these glasses in her “woodland trees” motif:
Picture these filled with milk, it would be like a walk through a snow covered forest!
To see all that Beth has to offer, just visit her Etsy shop. There’s salt and pepper shakers, ornaments, oil bottles, light switch covers, and even a painted phone!
Cheers!
~Jennifer
Now that it is officially December, even the Grinch-y-est among us starts to feel a little bit festive. The air smells like gingerbread, the lights are twinkling, and the dusting of snow is still new and light enough to be pretty (at least around my neck of the woods!). So why not bundle up a bit, and make some time this weekend to check out one of these exciting events? Hopefully there’s one near you!
Vancouver, BC: See 50 local artists at the annual Got Craft? Holiday Show. It is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion 2205 Commercial Drive (@ E.6th Ave), on Sunday only. Cost is only $3.00, and the show runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. As a special bonus, the first 45 guests get a free swag bag! There is also a do it yourself table if you feel like getting in on the crafty action.
Montreal, QC: Join Team EtsyQ (the official Quebec Etsy Team), as they kick off their very first craft show and sale! Creations & Cocoa will run from Dec 3rd to Dec 5th, at Galerie Rye. Sip some delicious organic hot chocolate, and get to know some of the fantastic crafters from La Belle Province! Doors will be open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, and from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. You can even win while you shop! With every purchase of $25 or more, get a ticket to win one of the gift draws donated by the participants. Galerie Rye is located at 1331a Ste. Catherine East, close to Metro Beaudry.
Calgary, AB: This weekend the Our Best To You show comes to the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. With over 260 exhibitors, there is sure to be something for everyone on your list. Doors open at 10:00 am daily, and close at 9:30 on Friday, 6:00 on Saturday, and 5:00 on Sunday. Admission is $7.00, Seniors and Youth are $5.00. Re-entry passes are available, so you can come and go all weekend long. Click here for a map to the BMO Centre (formerly the Roundup Centre).
Toronto, ON: Don’t forget, this is your last chance to catch the One Of A Kind show at the Direct Energy Centre. I was there on Monday, and it was fantastic! Doors open daily at 10:00 am, and you can find more details here.
London, ON: You won’t want to miss the 2010 Christmas Craft Festival at the Western Fairgrounds (Progress Building). The show is open from 11:00 am daily, and runs until 9:00 on Friday, 6:00 on Saturday, and 5:00 on Sunday. Tickets are $6.00 each, or you can click here to print a pdf coupon for $1.00 off.
Winnipeg, MB: Aqua Books will host another Crafty Minions show on Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free, so head over and check out all the unique handmade items. Shop for gifts, or just spoil yourself with something special! Not sure exactly where to find Aqua Books? We’ve got you covered: click here for a map.
There are, of course, many other events taking place across the country this weekend. Kitchener/Waterloo welcomes the Christkindl Market, or there’s the This Aint Your Grandma’s Craft Sale taking place on Sunday in Winnipeg. Here’s hoping that you find something near you to satisfy your crafty side!
~Jennifer
