Sometimes, I find what I’m looking for even when I don’t know I’m looking for it. Tonight, I loaded up my Etsy page and the first thing I saw was this print:
"Healing"
The piece is called “Healing” and this original artwork was created by Shira Sela of Montreal, QC. Ms. Sela is an accomplished artist, with her works appearing in compilations, calendars and magazines around the world and I’m sure many of you have seen her pieces featured on Etsy in the past. I’ve always enjoyed her graphic style in passing, but tonight I stopped and really looked for the first time.
"Finally Safe"
While I don’t have a “traditional” broken heart (I’m quite happily in love with my husband of 12 years!) I do feel like I’m always looking for ways to make myself a little better – to patch a little wound there, think more positively, make a difference, stitching up the tears that happen when my babies are disappointed in me or I’m not the kind of person I want to be. “Healing”, indeed. And the print above – “Finally Safe” – well, who hasn’t sought out the strongest, most solid support they could find in a time of need? My tree is my husband – he bends, he grows, but I know I’m safe and protected from the storm when he’s nearby.
Wow, that got a little sappy there. Sorry, but that’s where I’m at this Sunday night in September :)
The other piece from her collection that really grabbed my attention was “Bliss”:
"Bliss"
I looked at “Bliss” and saw my little girls, spinning in the backyard… and the room they will be sharing soon is decorated with red accents and well, sometimes, serendipity strikes and one must take advantage. It’s already been purchased and will be framed as a Christmas gift. I love the saturated colours, and the gorgeous organic feel of her work. Sela uses graphite, inks, pastels as well as enhancing through digital media – a great blending of techniques.
You can find Shira Sela’s lovely artwork on Etsy, her website, her blog and her brand new Facebook page.
Enjoy!
~Sarah
Oh, these perfect little clouds and raindrops are working their way into my heart. I’ve been back to The Butter Flying’s shop several times, wondering just which of the adorable mobiles I can find a home for in our house. I’m kind of wishing that I had a pregnant friend right now so that I could convince her to design her nursery around these.
The Butter Flying is the brainchild of a Montreal-based interior- and product designer and the whimsical, colourful cloud mobiles are available in many different colour combinations.
I also really love this origami fishing boat and fish mobile, inspired by a recent trip to Thailand.
You can find The Butter Flying in a few locations online – Etsy, Dawanda, www.thebutterflying.com and, of course, Facebook!
Enjoy, and remember, these are pretend raindrops so summer is still here for a little while!
Cheers,
~Sarah
** Bonus!** The Butter Flying offers free shipping within Canada when you purchase from the Etsy shop!
So, I was at Big Box Technology Store the other day looking for an accessory kit for my iPad. While there, waiting for someone (anyone! please!) to answer my question, I noticed an entire wall of vinyl and plastic iPad cases. Knowing there had to be better choices, I came home and did some searching and look what I found! Boutique ID is one of Isabelle Dansereau’s 3 Etsy shops, and it’s full of cute gadget cases and backpacks made out of felt and fleece. This wise owl made me smile, but the penguin is also a favourite!
Owl iPad Sleeve, with interior accessories pocket
Isabelle’s shop is in Saint-Bruno, near Montréal, and her products definitely have a sense of humour. I love the little gadget cases that would fit a cell phone, mp3 player or even a small digital camera. For the young at heart or for your tween or teen’s back to school gear? Fun!
For the even younger kids, or someone who wants to stay a kid for a little longer, her fleece and minky backpacks are just so sweet. I love the flower pack below, and if our baby could reliably walk without losing her balance, or our oldest daughter didn’t already have her pre-school backpack, I’d be snapping this one up!
Not everything in her shop has a face or a cartoon esthetic – check out this gadget case, or this iPad messenger bag made of industrial felt and leather in her other shop. Felt comes in a myriad of colours, too, so she’s got some really fantastic options. Magnolia pink? Kiwi green? Yes, please!
Enjoy,
~Sarah
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
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
Oh. My. Goodness.
Put a baby in a hat, and I turn to mush… so you can imagine the big grin on my face when I found CiteFuzz tonight! Lori, the driving force between CiteFuzz, creates these adorable hats in her “spare” time between raising her 4 children and supporting her musician husband in his endeavors.
She designs and creates all of her own patterns, so these are truly unique hats for your own one-of-akind little one! CiteFuzz offers a range of sizes from newborn to adult, although I think the wee baby ones are the most precious.
Really, you can’t help but smile when you see these!
Most adorable Flap Hat!
Baby with monkey ears!!
A cutie, made even cuter with a helmet hat!
CiteFuzz can be found all over the internet with a shop on Etsy and icraft.ca, as well as homes on Facebook and Twitter. I’m off now to decide which one of these will fit my daughter next winter!
Cheers,
~Sarah
