Shelf That

Funny how setting out on the path for something in internet land can send you SOOO far in a completely unrelated direction! My search for unique wedding gowns has led me to some brilliant shelving, which I probably need more than a wedding dress. Fair enough.

The "Pedal Pod" by Tamasine Osher

from Dutch magazine VTwoman

... and this last one is just rather brilliant.

Want and Need are Relative

Not very long ago, I FINALLY received some back pay that I have slogged through acres of red tape to reclaim from the government. I kind of knew it was coming, but also was prepared for them to find a reason why I shouldn't need it more than some Victoria politician who, say, needed a new antique desk for his office. So for the months where I waited with somewhat baited breath, I (thankfully) budgeted and prioritized every penny to pay down debt, fix up the house, and replace the computer and camera I so desperately need...  This post is dedicated to my family and friends who somehow (... seriously, I have no idea!!! :P) see me as extravagant and impractical. What??? You see? If I were impractical, would I have paid off the hydro...?

Or bought a

...Swarovski Skull ring from Alexander McQueen for $450?! Huh?!? If I were impractical, would I have paid down the Gas bill? Or would I have paid $1,385 for a crystal spiked cuff from Philippe Audibert? Or Prada Butterfly sunglasses for $290?

No, seriously... are we aware of how fabulous I would be carting my two rugrats around Nelson wearing butterfly sunglasses and spiked cuffs? Or perhaps a hand painted Swarovski necklace?

Because what else would I wear with my Swarovski...

MASK!!! I know, Right?!? Anyone who knows anything at all about me knows that the only reason the mask is not currently in my possession is because I didn't see it till today, but still... just sayin' :)

All from Net A Porter...

Ahoy

How amazing would it be to have bottles from an actual shipwreck in your study? These are 19th C and from the Netherlands., found in a shipwreck off the Java coast. They are hanging around at 1st Dibs... A site I should be kept from at all costs! Thank heavens I am not made of coin, although I dream of being able to outfit my future home with amazing pieces of furniture in that fashion. I think pieces with history are SO much more fun, not to mention the quality of the workmanship. I had to quit visiting the site last year when I found myself trying desperately to find a way to afford a pair of French lamps that were the exact ones that my grandparents had in their home years ago. This whole obsession was renewed last week when I visited one of my favourite blogs, the French Mouse. She has posted a photo on her "Country Mouse" House blog of the most glorious 18th century shop cabinet I have ever seen. This woman has infallible taste and I am completely jealous of her life. It is possible that I could afford a barnacle laden wine bottle though :)

Kitty Empire... The Chicest in Vegan Totelage

Nelson, BC designer Erin Bruce creates the sweetest styles in vegan vinyl Messenger Bags, Purses, Wristlets and Wallets under the name Kitty Empire. She uses vinyl and re-purposed materials when she can, and comes up with the most whimsical designs and great colourways.

  
I adore the Bambi wallet but I have also witnessed other gorgeous creations of hers being toted about town that I would happily take home and I don't think I have ever seen one I don't like. She is a doll too as well as a Derby Girl (this is me bowing and swearing allegiance), and we like to support artists that have stellar personalities, right?

 I can tell you that the workmanship is excellent. I had one that I used for my laptop for the longest time, but my sister kept commenting on it so I gave it to her... I need a new colour anyway I think :) If you live locally, you can find them at one of my favourite shops in Nelson, the Global Underground.

Self Preservation...

OK, so this is kind of strange :)

 I was looking for a post on here about some of the things I have created in the past to send a link to somebody who wanted to see photos. I must have posted photos of what I make someplace here, right? NO??? Really? Wow...

 In the world of instant media gratification, and with so many places to put "you" on the internet, I seem to have lost track completely of where I have posted which photos, tutorials and self promotion! How odd. I think I am going to start having to use one of those things that people use for their kids where you get a gold star in the box when you have successfully completed your list of chores. I need a To Do list specifically for which email accounts have been checked, which sites photos have been uploaded to, and which posts and statuses have been updated. Sheesh! I am starting to understand why people who blog have "Such and such Tuesdays" and "Whatnot Wednesdays"! Helps you remember what you are supposed to be doing :)

I think it will take a bit for me to organize my things into specific posts, but since I have to write and upload an email anyway, I may as well start here and just send a link, yes? Well then, without further ado, I introduce some of my embroidered pillows. Just some things I threw together :) (Translation: these are my favourite ones...)

I always use sustainable and organic fabrics and fills when possible... and my etsy shop is here :)

Tick Tock... Wood Clock

This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a while.

Cute, cute, cute!

I know there has been some major cuteness on the market for the last couple of years, and to be quite honest, cute is rarely my thing. I can appreciate the appeal, but I just haven't really found my place in the cute scene. However, this morning I found some definite CUTE that I just have to share, on (where else?) Etsy.

I think Jamtart Baby is really on to something here. She has a wonderful sense of whimsy and a flair that almost tells a whole story with just one simple illustration.

I love her use of colour and white space and the way you can get a piece of art for your wall to go with a pillow. Genius. Her tagline reads "Sweet things for the modern baby..." which is definitely true, but I can see her pillows and prints in any fun space. Or any "too modern" space needing a hit of fun for that matter! There are definitely a few too many "serious" modern living and bedrooms out there. Let's throw some happy at them people!

And Just Around the Corner...

This might be cheezy, but has to be done...

While browsing quite some time ago, I discovered Cafe Cartolina through a blog I have become rather attached to as it is based out of the city where I grew up. Vancouver's Poppytalk was having Cartolina guest blog, and lo and behold, there were all sorts of wonderful shots of the lovely and teeny town in which I now reside, Nelson B.C. That is waaaay up in Canada for those of you who are desperately trying to find it on the map. (It's worth a look-see by the way.) So now I have attached myself to Fiona's very fun blog also, partly because she regularly posts yummy pictures of New York which is on my hit list, but alas, I have not managed to visit as of yet.

Anyhoo, part of Fiona's Nelson story covered my most favoritest tiny shoppe in the entire world. Wait... that is pretty hefty... Nope. I can't think of another favoritest tiny shoppe. I think this place is genius and while I really try not to copy other peoples stories, I simply have to write about them myself. I hope that is blog kosher, I am still unsure of the rules. I keep coming across these photos I had taken and every time somebody comes to visit I usher them down there to take a peek, so why wouldn't I post a bitty blurb, right? (Do head over to Cafe Cartolina to see her beautiful words and pics of Nelson though.)

If you know anything about Nelson, you know that we are filled to the gills with talented artists and crafters. Very Hush Hush is the brainchild of a duo whose prior ventures have already established them as creators of unique ceramics and textiles that have sophisticated personality.

Joining forces, Tracy Fillion and Cathy Terepocki have pulled together an imaginative and perfectly selected group of wares in the most stylin' shiny silver walls of an upcycled '64 Airstream tucked away in a back alley downtown. There is nothing more appealing to me than unearthing the ultimate find in a random place and the Very Hush Hush gallery is just that.

These lovely ladies have a keen eye for local talent and use it! In addition to their own pieces, they carry wares from designers such as Flight Path and Doha Chebib from the Loyal Loot Collective, whose colourful lathed log bowls are being seen in various esthetically astute places as of late. Very Hush Hush is definitely small town goes big style. In a teeny weeny space!

A Modern Take

Love this...

And this also...

this...

yes, these too, gorgeous...

and also these...

All from Canoe.

Nifty.

Dishing on the Goods...

Is it just me or has the common tea towel turned "must-have pop art expression piece" as of late? This is the part of the design world that I always find amusing. All of a sudden the world as a whole grasps at something that seems unlikely at first but then wholeheartedly jumps on board with an idea as though it has always been. What started out looking so unique as a concept becomes strangely old hat. Well, before we toss in the tea towel as last year's accessory, we have the full right to take it on this year as a permanent art fixture in our kitchens. Or in the case of some like these, pretty much any room of the house if you are so inclined.

My personal favorites are these tongue in cheek designs (above) from Esther Diamond. Based in New Zealand, this company is centered around a healthy dose of humor and a visit to their website will remind you that life is meant to be filled with a daily smile or three.

Creative Thursday and Atelier LZC recently showed in Cincinnati's Nicholas Gallery at the Mad Tea {Towel} Party, alongside other rather brilliant artists, including both textile creators and graphic designers.

A trip through Etsyland will provide no shortage of wonderful designs (as well as some neato vintage finds,) such as these lovelies...

MrPS (above)

artgoodies (above)

showpony (above)

Girls Can Tell (above)

Almost makes washing the dishes... well, I am not even going to say it. Almost though.