String Me Along

Halifax Craft Show - This Weekend

2011-08-17T09:33:00.001-03:00

Hello!! I've been pretty much AWOL all summer. I've been busy though, and I have some new designs.

You can catch a sneak peek of some of my new items at the Art vs Craft Show this weekend at the Halifax Forum in Halifax. We will be in the Maritime Room between 11am and 6pm. Some of my favorite etsy sellers will also be in attendance.

Hope to see you there. Keep an eye on my etsy shop too over the next few weeks as new items start to appear. Lots of new autumn colours on the way.

Cameo

2011-07-05T19:58:00.001-03:00

I have always loved the look of cameos. The Victorian charm of the silhouetted ladies has always spoken to me. I have been back and forth for some time now on adding a cameo line to my shop, and finally, once I discovered the wide range of designs and colours available in cameos, I could no longer resist.

This cameo anchor piece is the first one to go live in my etsy shop .

This more traditional style cameo will be appearing in my shop soon.

And many other styles will follow shortly thereafter. Keep looking.

A Message from the TransCanada Etsy Team

2011-06-23T08:41:00.002-03:00

Come show our team how much you love us.

We are honoured to be part of the Handmadeology's Handmade Top 10 Team Challenge. You can show your support for the team by clicking the vote graphic below and casting your votes for our member's items.

Thank you so much from all our members.

TransCanada Etsy Team Stories

2011-05-27T10:12:00.000-03:00

Meet TawnyBee, a fellow member of the TransCanada Etsy Team. She along with other team members will be sharing there stories on our team blog over the next couple months. Follow along here: TCET Blog.

Check the team blog often as more members share their stories.

Celebrating Moms

2011-04-14T11:32:00.000-03:00

The TransCanada Etsy Team is celebrating MOMS!!

Follow the team blog over the coming week to learn more about some of the team's members as they share some inspirational tales of motherhood.

Like our previous promotions, we also have a fabulous prize draw. This time, win a $50 TCET gift certificate to be spent in one or more of the participating team shops. Buying from any of these participating shops will earn you ballots for the prize.

At String Me Along, you can also enjoy a 20% discount, helping you earn even more ballots. Simply enter coupon code MOM20 at checkout.

Find this necklace and other goodies in my etsy shop.

Salad Days Ahead

2011-04-01T12:51:00.005-03:00

My thumb is slowly and surely turning a fresh shade of green. I am really excited about the progress that I have made to date in building a little sprouting garden.

At this moment, I have six small pots of tomato seedlings; a small window box of basil sproutings; two large window boxes containing chives, cilantro, parsley and thyme stems; three pots of arugula, and; the first peeping pops of green are coming up on the mesclun mixes and lettuce that I planted earlier this week.

The outer shells of my bean and pea seeds have started to pull back, and I expect to see a grand unfurling in the next couple days. I am anxiously awaiting a hint of life from my Swiss chard, cucumbers and morning glory seeds.

Now, if only the weather would grant me some sort of consistency. Today, April Fool's Day no less, my house is being buffeted by strong, cold winds, and the threat of rain/snow/ice hovers menacingly within the pewter skies.

Here are a couple quick snaps of the mesclun mix that I planted late on Monday afternoon. I admire the pluck of these little darlings. To snap up out of those tiny seeds so quickly, and to turn a shining leaf to the window on a day like this admirable.

Update: I better start preparing a vinagrette. Here are my sprouts, one day later.

Adding Softness

2011-03-28T10:18:00.009-03:00

Well, the process of turning a house into a home continues here. Our living room has been virtually empty since we moved in three months ago. The squashy couch needed to live in the basement alongside the TV. They are a match made in heaven, and separating them just would not do. We have a new (to us) couch arriving today. I'm very excited to have it in place. And, so that it would not be lonely as it adjusted to its new life here, last week we bought two simple chairs to go with it.

Once these spring days of ours warm just a touch more, the room will painted something other than its uninspiring taupe. I think I have settled on a pale blue-grey. But my mind is a changeable one, so it won't really be decided until after the paint hits the walls, and even that is not a sure thing.

I do love creamy white furniture as it leaves the doors wide open for accessorizing. There's a word that makes me giddy with expectation. So, I am at the moment happily wiling away hours searching for scrumptious pillows and cushions to add some softness to the room.

Here are some of the pillows that I have so far spied on etsy and that I have fallen a little in love with:

Silk-screened pillow by joom.

A combination of hand-printed linen and lush velvet from MayaWilsonSource. I love the small hint of fuchsia - a subtle, playful pop.

A pillow print of an original painting by heiditheartist. What a gorgeous way to combine a fine art piece into a room.

Monograms are so stately. This pillow is a perfect shade of blue and has just enough hints of yellow to lend a slight nod to the colour palette of the adjoining room. This pillow is from the shop of Sistudiodesign.

Visitors

2011-03-22T09:06:00.004-03:00

When I set out to attract birds to my yard, I had hoped for this:

I had never anticipated that I would be this successful:

A pheasant of all things! He wasn't really interested in the seed that I had set out. I don't know where he came from. He scooted across the front yard and disappeared somewhere around the side. I had hoped for a better photo, and maybe in the future I will be more quick capturing the shot.

Welcome Spring

2011-03-20T19:29:00.004-03:00

It is the first day of spring and what a glorious day it has been. The new season was ushered in with a full, super-moon. The skies were clear and the view of the moon was spectacular. It was exceedingly bright.

This afternoon, with 5 degrees and warm sunshine to draw me outside, I took a poke around the gardens to see if there was any chance that there may be any sign of new life. I was absolutely ecstatic when I discovered all the springtime delights awaiting me. I honestly have no idea what the various shoots and sprouts will eventually become, but I am eagerly awaiting the surprise.

Around the front of the house, I even found this little surprise. The flower portion looks like a common dandelion, yet the stalk of it looks decidedly more stocky. I imagine it is a common weed, but after months of staring out at a blanket of white, it is still a welcome sight.

Even the trees seem eager to shake of the dormancy of winter. Buds are plentiful and plump, and it will hopefully not be long before the first nature's first gold arrives.

Inspiration and a Charity

2011-03-16T16:11:00.003-03:00

I don't need to share with anyone the shocking news that the country of Japan is in crisis - rocked by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake; a significant portion flattened by an ensuing tsunami; gripped by the fear of nuclear meltdowns, and; threatened by a vlocano all at once.

As the world sat in shock, listening and watching as the bad news continued, charitable organizations sprung into action.

Today, I was inspired by a young co-worker. She is in her very early twenties, and has a huge dream to visit Japan. Since the start of the year, she has been saving her pennies and taking any extra available shift at work so she could make her dream a reality this year. Today, setting her dream aside, she instead donated all her funds to the Canadian Red Cross Society for their Japan Relief Fund.

Hers was such a generous offering, and her gesture inspired me.

Until April 15th, I am donating 50% from the purchase price of all items sold in my etsy shop to the Canadian Red Cross - Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

If you do not wish to make a purchase but would like to support the cause, please follow the link below.
http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=38380&tid=001

Avian Success

2011-03-09T13:24:00.003-04:00

I did it!! I had an actual visitor to my feeder today. I didn't scare the little one away, and he popped back and forth between the feeder and the tree for several little morsels.

I don't know why this is so, but I feel as though this is one of my life's greatest victories.

A Handmade Life

2011-03-09T10:11:00.006-04:00

Apart from creating my String Me Along jewellery line, I love to find other ways to indulge my creative whimsies. I've always loved spending time messing about in my kitchen, and since I have moved into my new home, my creative juices are extending to planting and decorating.

Here are some of my recent projects.

In true messing about style, I have become addicted to making marshmallows. Such a surprisingly easy confection to make, and a truly delicious end result. My co-workers have grown to love me since I always bring the bulk of the batch in for them to snack on. Last week, I did a minor experiment, expanding my marshmallow repertoire from dreamy vanilla bean, to heavenly toasted coconut. I followed the basic marshmallow recipe from marthastewart.com. Before adding them to the dish to firm, I liberally sprinkled the bottom of the pan with toasted coconut along with the powdered sugar. I did the same with the top of the marshmallows, and pressed in the coconut. It added a lovely flavour, and a fantastic texture.

I have never been blessed with a green thumb, but I am striving to improve my lot in life. Today, I am happy to say that my luck does seem to be changing. Last week, I sowed these little pots of arugula sprouts. I can't wait to wake up every morning to see how much they have grown. I tend to them religiously. I should be careful that I don't baby them too much. Sometimes, I do think if I was more aloof, I would be more successful.

And, finally, with spring upon us and Easter just 40 days away, I thought it might be nice to have a spring themed decoration for my front door. I also decided that I want to create something purely from scratch. No store bought elements. So, I decided that rather than adding to my green bin, I am going to use some of my compostables as decoration. I have started collecting my egg shells. After cleaning them thoroughly, I have been using my discarded coffee grounds to sprinkle over to spot-dye some brown speckles onto the eggs. Once I receive the desired effect I will tea stain them with our discarded tea leaves.

Since I have a wooded area at my disposal, I plan to seek out some small branches to twist into a wreath form, and from there I will drape it with moss which grows liberally around the edges of my yard.
Assuming that I am happy with the end result, I will share photos in the near future. In the meantime, I have some baking experiments in mind that should provide me with a good harvest of egg shells.

Red Velvet Cake

2011-03-08T20:04:00.007-04:00

It was my Mom's birthday celebration this past weekend. I made a red velvet cake as a transport vessel for the many, many candles. It was delicious, and I am sad that it is now gone. That does not mean, though, that we can't celebrate the rich, sumptuous nature of red velvet.

Red velvet rickrack ribbon. Isn't this fabulous? Find it in the shop of ixhop.

As if vintage dresses aren't perfect enough, here is one in gorgeous red velvet. This is in the shop of mintagestyle.

A classic tomato shaped pin cushion in pluffy red velvet lives in the shop of jilverbick.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.... Creme fraiche whipped soap in red velvet flavour/scent. Find this in Savor.
And finally, a red velvet cake ball. Doesn't this look like a perfect little treat. This delectable little bite can be found in goincrazyinME.

Hope you enjoyed this delicious tour.

Dr Doolittle

2011-02-21T08:41:00.006-04:00

Well, a brief update. It seems that the post I did a short time ago, intended to prove that I was sincere in wishing that the birds would come to visit has paid off.

Just a day after that, we were treated to a particularly warm, sunshiny day. I took a moment to gaze out my studio window and there in a tree toward the front of my yard, I saw some movement. And then things got quite active. There was a small cluster of teeny birds, frantically hopping and flitting about from branch to branch. I immediately refreshed the bowl of seed on my front porch and hoped to lure them closer. They weren't eager to come closer, but they didn't take off in full fright mode either. Encouraging. One swooped past my window and I was able to see that it was a teeny goldfinch. My favorite!!

Felted goldfinches by FeltForest.
Not long after as I walked out the back of the house, I had another treat. A woodpecker was industriously banging his head against a tree. I wasn't able to get a great look at him, but I suspect we shall meet again.

Then, a few days ago, I think I came very close to having a visitor to my suet feeder on the back deck. Trouble was, I came marching out the back door at the very same moment carrying a palm tree that was terribly in need of re-potting. Poor chickadee received such a fright from the wandering tree that he made a very hasty retreat.

Handcarved chickadee by FlyingJcreations.

The same day, I went out to investigate some tracks around the edge of the yard. They appeared to be rabbit tracks. It was hard to verify as the snow had melted and then crusted over through the day. But, fresh tracks in a skiff of new fresh snow yesterday confirmed it.

Surprise Party Rabbit by alfalfalovesme.

Finally this morning, a sudden movement caught my eye outside my kitchen window. It was a squirrel, frantically racing to and fro and skittering across the icy snow. He was very cute, and though I suspect in time he might become a bit of a menace, I was pleased to see him this morning.

Squirrel fascinator by amalie.

After the two months of absolute solitude, these fresh signs of life are so welcome. Clearly, the winter slumber is coming to an end and spring is nigh. What a glorious feeling.

Green Thumbs and Fun Stuff

2011-02-18T16:19:00.006-04:00

This year I am extra excited about the arrival of spring. Lurking all around my new home are little rocky gardens. Sleeping beneath the layer of crusty snow are plants and flowers waiting to wake up, stretch out their roots, extend their stems, unfurl their leaves and lift their petalled faces toward the sun. If the garden markers are accurate, some of my favorite flowers are to make an appearance. I can't claim to have a green thumb, but I am very keen to give it a go this year.

So, I have been browsing. I need inspiration. I need to know what goodies it might take to make me an expert gardener. Here's what I have found.

Naturally, the first thing I need is to look stylish, er, I mean, I need a way to carry my tools about while remaining hands free. This super-pretty gardener's apron is just the trick. I found this in the shop of SewMerry.

Now, with belt in place, and pockets at the ready, I found some delightful gardening implements. I like the look of this vintage trowel and hand fork. Because of their age and obvious use, I might be able to trick someone into believe that gardening is old hat for me. Only I would know how green I truly am. These were found in the vintage shop, GardenandWood.

I do in fact intend to try growing some little items from seed. I love the taste of a warm, sun-warmed tomato so they will be my first experiment. And, I also love the idea of walking out to the deck, snipping off a few sprigs of fresh herbs and tossing them into whatever I'm cooking. I found these wonderful herb seed packets beautifully presented in an accordian book in the shop, Ficurinia.

And what happens when I plant the seeds and they start to grow. Will I recognize them, or will I accidentally weed them out? And will I remember what went where? These garden markers from figandfern will help ease some of my garden angst.

Come on, spring. I can't wait too much longer.

2011-02-16T22:41:00.005-04:00

Oh, so sorry. This is going to be about me again. Please don't get bored and think, "Gosh, all she talks aboutlately is herself". Honestly, I swear I will gush about others again soon.

Here's the thing though, I just made some pretty, new things and I am really excited about them. I just thought I would share them with you quickly.

Silvery flowered teardrops. The three flowers on the long part of the drop are solid and static. The three in the curve swing jauntily, and have pretty pearl centres.

Gorgeous hoops with twisting vines and little flower pods made of pearls.

Wonderful ovals with teeny silvered flowers. Once again, these flowers have the teeniest pearl centres. Pretty!

Thanks for looking.

Birds

2011-02-15T08:45:00.007-04:00

Since we moved into our new home in December, I have been trying to lure all the tiny winter birds out of hiding so that they could bring a little woodland cheer to me each day. So far I have had no luck. No wonder, really. Last time I looked my suet block had a crust of snow edging the top, and a foot long icicle dangling below. While I pride myself on being the hostess with the mostess, it seems in this instance I have encountered an epic fail.

So, I am going to cheer myself here with some wonderful little flighted fellows that I have discovered on etsy.

This fabric bird sculpture has the exact correct amount of whimsy. I love the layering on the wings, and the dainty wire feet. Find this and others in the shop of abigailbrown.

I have fallen head over heels with these cast iron drawer pulls. I will be on the lookout for the perfect antique cabinet to make over with these lovelies. They can be found at careyleigh007.

I know that I will not lure any hummingbirds here at the moment, but I hope to encourage them to visit come summer. In the meantime, I found this lampwork hummy in the shop of GlassRoger.

Here's a bird that we certainly do not have a shortage of here. This cunning raven has a beak full of treasure. Created by twooden.

Well, I must fly. *snicker*. Have a lovely day.

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere

2011-02-12T10:03:00.007-04:00

Aplogizing in advance. I'm not usually so "Look at ME!!", but I have a few more things that I want to share.

There has been a profusion of new flowers appearing in my shop. I shared yesterday the new leather flower bracelet. I will hint that you should keep your eyes peeled for variations in this design. And here, today, is another charming design using the same leather flowers. This time they have been paired with a selection of the lucite flower cabochons to make sweet bobby pins. They kinda make me smile.

The cabochons have been arriving in sweet new shapes and very pretty springtime colours. If you will, I would like to share a few more with you.

These flowers are a new favorite of mine. They look like a ballerina's swirling tutu, and are the perfect pointe toe pastel shades as well.

Beautiful faded roses, like those that you would find, dried, in a hidden chest, long-forgotten in an estate's attic. Attached here, to a beautiful filigree cuff bracelet, but soon to find their way into other new styles.

The original styles of flowers are also being used in some new and exciting ways.

Here I have mated some fabulous hued pinky-red flowers with a matte silver, mod-style vine.

There are plenty more styles to come. Most of the items above are already listed in my etsy shop. Just click the photo to find the way.

Water Cooler Gossip

2011-02-10T10:18:00.004-04:00

When I am at home, I work alone. Gossip can be pretty dry some days, so I'm going to share all shop news with you lucky folks for a change.

So first off, I may have shared this news before Christmas, but let's do it again. String Me Along Jewellery designs are now being sold at be. style your life boutique in lovely Sackville, NB. So far, so good. Early reports indicate that my work seems to be quite popular and that makes me truly ecstatic. Thank you to be. and to the kind folks at Mt. A and in Sackville who have purchased my pieces. *high five*

There are loads of new styles creeping into my shop as we speak. Some of my favorite pieces are made using matte silvery components.

These are my favorites, but alas they were sold off etsy. As we speak replacement parts (and various other goodies) are on a jetplane making their arduous journey toward my waiting studio. Once they arrive, I will activate the listing again in my shop.

And today, this is where the gossip gets a little juicy, I went a little rock-n-roll. Newly listed in my shop is this bracelet that features painted leather and hard-rock lavastone. I am thrilled with the outcome. I have to admit, I started with a similar design last night, and ended less then thrilled with the result. Today, I re-discovered the lavastone and cried "PERFECT!". I hope you agree.

This piece currently is listed in my etsy shop.

As for the old stand-bys, the dainty lucite flowers that I love, I have new spring colours in shop, and in the works, and I also have mixed them with some other fresh new components. Keep checking the shop. Its beginning to look a bit like spring in there.

Happy Thursday to you. Thanks for letting me chat at ya.

Favorite Things - Monday, January 31

2011-02-01T20:22:00.002-04:00

Today's favorite thing ties in with one of my New Year's Resolutions. And, I admit up front that this is not a New Year's Resolution that involves discipline or fortitude, so much as it does delight and frivolity.

Fresh flowers. This year I resolved to always have fresh flowers somewhere within my home. I always thought of them as a treat. Something that I would use to dress a table for company or accept as a peace offering when my husband screwed up. But why confine it to those rare occassions. After all, I don't have company every week, and lucky for me my husband does not screw up all that often.

This year, I decided the $5 a week that it takes to add that little splash of colour and freshness to my home should just be a natural part of my household budget. No really, I did say $5. I don't believe that a bouquet needs to be elaborate. I don't need fresh long stemmed roses, and strange add-ins like Bird of Paradise. I get the same enjoyment from a daisy that I do from an orchid.

It needs only to be simple. One type of bloom in various shades of the same colour in a simple vase can be quite glorious in their own right. For instance I have to admit that until recently I absolutely loathed the lowly carnation. I always saw it as a cheap filler flower, the odd-man-out add-in in a grocery store bouqet. Stuck in beside roses and lilies it looks uncomfortable and out-of-place. Group them together however, and let them be the star of the show, and they shine. A tightly cowded ball of feathery ruffles floating above the rim of a squat vase. Tuck them down low so no stems show. Add in some sweet daisies along the edge for a little variety and texture if you wish, but it is not necessary.

Still, you think, $5 is not going to get you a tightly crowded ball of chrysanthemums. Not at first. You might need to spend $10 the first week. But the truth is, the $5 grocery store bouquets have a surprisingly long life. I buy the ones that go on sale. Not quite fresh enough to sell at full price, but not yet ready for the compost bin either. If you are good to them and allow them fresh water every couple days, you could see them last for up to three weeks. I'm not kidding. Here it is the end of January, and some daises that I bought for New Year's Eve dinner are still gracing my table.

Each week I pluck out the flowers that have wilted and faded and mix in the new blooms from my latest $5 investment. When I look over the sleeves of flowers at the grocery store I look for flowers that are similar in bloom and in the same colour family. You can be more adventurous of course, but just keep in mind that you will be adding to your already existing mix. Also look for flowers that have a good long lifespan. Hydrangea is a great option, and you only need one or two and then a few filler flowers. Chrysanthemum, daisies, freesia, any type of greenery, berries, these are all good bets. Ask the floral experts if you need help choosing.

The result: since December 30 I have had a vase of flowers constantly residing on my kitchen table, and the cost has been no more than $30. Now, how's that for bringing a little daily joy to one's budget constant life.

Where the Magic Happens

2011-01-19T09:03:00.006-04:00

I am so happy to report that I actually have a real live studio in my new home. Let me take you on a little tour and show you where things happen.

This is the area where the actual creation happens. This table is usually filled with spilled beads, bits of wire, a mishmash of tools and various projects on the go. There are in fact several projects on the go at this point, I just tidied them a bit for company.

This is the left side of the brain. This is where the etsy listings are created, packing slips are prepared, packages addressed and various other boring businessy bits occur.

This is my far too large collection of beads and supplies. A photo speaks volumes. There might be a little bit of addiction and hoarding.

This is my shelf of additional art and craft supplies. In this jumble you will find various types of paints and brushes, a rock tumbler, a soldering set and various girl-sized hand tools, wool and wool roving, camera equipment, papers, stamps, inks, etc, etc.

This is my trusty laptop. What ever would I do without her? We had a scare in the summer just as I was hopping from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia. Old Lappy, as she is known, suffered some sort of internal failure. We thought it was the end. But after a brief linger in a computer coma, and following a successful surgery by my skilled husband, Lappy rejoined my world good as new.
Notice behind Old Lappy, the profusion of markers, pens, and Sharpies. I love Sharpies. And I have no clue what I will ever do with that many highlighters. I also have a day book that I have been meaning to update since 2008. A couple notebooks stand by, since I also have to scribble something. And a calculator must always be at hand because, truth be told, I suck at math, and it makes me cry.
Peeking out from behind Lappy on the other side are a couple of my handcrafted treasures from fellow etsy-ians. There are plenty of those scattered around the room.

Now back across the room, to where my work space resides. Here you can see where I do in fact have several projects on the go. I guess I must lack focus because I just never have one thing sitting waiting for me. When inspiration hits, I pull out the necessary bits and bobs for several ideas and they wait patiently for me to complete them.

This is my lovely bucket of tools. These will be needed when I actually decide to focus on those little piles of beads.

Lucky me, this is my view. This is out the front of our house. You can see why some days it can be difficult to remain focused. It is very pretty out there.

This is my plant. We have been together now for 3 weeks and she continues to live. For me, that is pretty darned impressive. Isn't she pretty.

This is a daydream prop. The propellers spin when I flick them. I drift over to the 1950's, pretend I am wasp-waisted and wearing a lovely frock, and then I buckle into a luxury flight to Paris. Again with the lack of focus. Maybe I would get more work done if I planted myself in an austere white room.

I do find my creative spark sparked when I glance around me at some of the wonderful things that have come to me from other creative souls.

Nestled under the every present coffee cup is a fun, spotty coaster from PaisleyBaby. Its mate sits on the other table under my always present water glass. A lovely fabric card case protects my business cards.

Some of the projects-in-waiting are tucked safely into this little heart shaped dish from AdornYourself.

And two happy little villages reside in my studio. Plus, a ninja guards my large monitor! These all came from the happy studio of thelittleredoor.

And finally, no space is habitable unless there are books at hand. Sadly, this represents only the tiniest fraction of my vast collection. It seems that more than addiction came to light today in this brief tour.

Oh yes, and two lovely photos of Paris from kellydbrown have a spot on top of the bookcase for when I need a hint of romantic inspiration.

I have a few plans to further make this space seem truly mine. I have chosen a new paint colour, and I have plenty of art waiting to be framed and hung, and some fabulous crepe paper poms to liven the upper space. But, for now I love it.

I hope you enjoyed the tour.

A New Year

2011-01-16T10:02:00.002-04:00

A new year and a new admission of guilt. Truth is, I have been very delinquent over the past few months about keeping my blog fresh and exciting. There is good reason as it turns out.

At the start of the summer I shared the news that we were packing up and moving from Moncton to Halifax. The first couple months were a whirlwind of unpacking, settling in to a temporary home, settling in at work, and then settling in to my new promotion at work, all while exploring this wonderful new city in which we are now lucky enough to call home.

And then... we started looking for a place to truly call home. We started shopping for a house. We looked, and nitpicked, and discarded house after house. After a couple months we were in despair that we would never find a place to call our very own. Then one night we went to peek at a house. Somehow, we knew immediately this was THE ONE!

We moved in mid-December and spent the holidays furiously unpacking, pawing through boxes that in some cases have remained packed since I put university life on hold 12 years ago to move temporarily to the UK. Unpacking these boxes was a trip down memory lane. It was also truly cathartic. To not live surrounded by boxes is a true joy.

This house immediately felt like home. It had nothing to do with being surrounded by our stuff. There simply is a feel, a sense, a strange connection. Being inside these walls is like being embraced in a warm familiar hug.

Now that life has re-commenced at a more tolerable pace, I aim to devote more time once again to this poor neglected blog. Stay tuned. I hope to someday soon be an interesting person.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-11-24T08:39:00.004-04:00

String Me Along is a proud member of etsy's TransCanada Etsy Team. Please join the team as we celebrate 12 Days of Christmas with a super prize package give-away, great promotions and discounts from some participating members, and lots of fun holiday stories and recipes.

Click the badge below to find out all the details, and to meet some of my fellow TCET members.

The fun continues until Dec 3.

Also, String Me Along will be offering 20% off on all purchases in store until Dec 3. Enter coupon code * TCET12DAYS * at checkout to receive your discount. I am also offer FREE international shipping during this period.

Come by my shop to look at the new designs, shop for stocking stuffers, or find a new favorite holiday accessory.

Noel Earrings by String Me Along

Remembrance

2010-11-11T15:38:00.005-04:00

Have I ever lost anyone to war? No, and yes.

I have not lost a husband, a lover, a friend. I have not lost a child or a father.

Who I have lost, are those whom we have all lost.

Every husband, lover and friend. Every child and father.
Ever man who was killed in duty in a foreign land, or who lies "unknown" in a quiet field.
Every woman who died while serving her country.
Every child or elderly person who became a hapless victim of war.

I have lost, as we have all lost.

We lost the talent and the skill that they once possessed. We lost their knowledge, we lost their insight. We lost their passion, their love, their human kindnesses. We lost the joy of children. We lost the emphatic enthusiasm and promise of youth. And we lost the wisdom of age.

We all lost, even if we were the winners.

It is only through remembering that we have the capacity to truly win.

Lest we Forget.

Sick Days

2010-10-21T16:06:00.006-03:00

It is been such a terribly long time since I have dropped in to say Hello. Since I have an unexpected day off - a sick day - I thought I would use this extra time to post.

I can't say that a sick day deserves an honourable mention. Instead, I am devoting this day to things that make us feel cozy on those days when we feel less than plummy.

Now, on such a day, nothing is of paramount importance so much as a cozy, cuddly blanket. Knitted is best, and having a fringe to run through your listless fingers, better yet. Here, we have a beautiful speciman from CricketsCreations.

To hug those chilled feet, keep your favorite slippers nearby. It just doesn't do to snuzzle under a blanket to get warm, only to have your feet hit bare, cold floor when you brave the world beyond the parameters of the couch. And truth be told, when we are sick, it does help to have one little thing that makes us feel pretty despite the blanched visage, red nose, and glassy eyes. So, choose a pretty, feminine pair of slippers. Maybe these ones from ing00te.

A steaming cup of tea is a perfect restorative. But how about teas specially blended to speed the return to good health. SpiritHorseHerbals has a combination pack of herbal teas speficially for this purpose - An Immune Booster, and Achy Breaky Tea.

And finally, to further soothe those aching muscles, steam away congestion, aid in the detoxification process, all while whisking you away to another world, have a hot, scented, salt soak. These luxurious bath salts in bewitching lichen scent can be found in the shop of, ForStrangeWomen. (Now, why does that shop name speak to me so?)

Now, rest. All will be well again soon.

Favorite Things - August 9

2010-08-09T15:50:00.003-03:00

Hi. Bet you didn't expect to see me here today. After all the time that I have spent wiling away my summer days, eschewing all practical usage of time, today I discovered something fabulous that just absolutely needed to be shared with the world.

Let me introduce you to: Chimes Ginger Chews.

Chimes delivers a sinus-tickling power surge of ginger flavour in a teeny tiny sticky-chewy package. You need to be a true fan of ginger to enjoy these as there is an abundance of lively ginger taste. The candy does come in other (to me, rather bewildering) flavours such as peanut butter, peppermint and tangerine. Apart from the tangerine, I just can't imagine the combination of these flavours co-existing harmoniously together.

These are a natural candy, containing a mere four ingredients, all of which I recognise and can easily pronounce. That is a difficult feat with most foods these days.

Apart from the zowie great taste of these, I am also seriously in love with the retro style tin in which they come packaged.

I found these at my local Superstore, quite by accident, so I imagine they must be rather widely available. Look for them next time you are out.

Its the Handmade in Canada Party.

2010-06-23T19:51:00.005-03:00

Have you heard the exciting news? The TransCanada Etsy team is hosting the Handmade in Canada Party, which runs from June 24-July 1. TWO great prizes are up for grabs.

First, is a handwoven rug crafted by team member, fiveforty.

Simply make any purchase from my etsy shop, or from the shop of the other participating members and for every $10 spent (excluding shipping) you will earn a ballot for the draw.

The second prize is a very generous goodie bag.

To win, find a hidden Canadian symbol in one of my shop listings. In the same listing, you will find a clue leading you to the next shop.

Please visit the team blog for full details on how to win and to see photos of the prizes.

*** Now, here is my PARTY FAVOUR to you!! Enjoy 25% off all items in my shop (excluding items in the Sale section). Offer is good until 12:01am EST, on July 2. I will refund the discount through paypal.

I'm Back...

2010-06-18T15:48:00.002-03:00

Sorry for the super-long hiatus. Have you been waiting for my return? LOL

Well, we have now settled in our new place near Halifax , Nova Scotia. I am absolutely delighted to be here.

I have started a new blog here, titled "The New Haligonians". My hope is to share with you all the wonderful adventures that happen in my new homebase.

Hope you will continue to visit me here, and become a follower on my new blog as well.

Now stay tuned as I return to a somewhat regular blogging schedule.

Enjoy this photo of the Halifax Public Garden.

Moving On...

2010-05-11T07:44:00.000-03:00

With our move only weeks away now, I have to onerous task tomorrow of calling around and informing credit cards, banks, utility companies etc, etc, etc of our new address. I wish that there was a nicer way to do this - someway that did not involve hours of time on hold waiting for someone to answer my call, and then having me spell out every single word using my own imaginative phonetic alphabet: A for Argyle Socks; B for Bread Pudding; C for Curling Ribbon.

Imagine if you could just send all the companies involved a kicky little card to inform them that you were moving on, please update your files. Imagine if there was actually someone at these companies who opened mail and actually cared. Well, there I go again with my grandiose dreams!

Let's take a look at some cute little moving announcements anyway.

This sweet card comes as a digital file from the shop of mailboxbliss. I love the simple, unlcuttered design and the whimsical illustration of the nest. The addition of the shadow below the nest adds a fabulous 3-dimensional element to it as well, which I really love.

This sweet, sunny yellow card is totally my style. I adore a good bee motif, and the mixture of honey yellow and chocolate brown is utterly delicious. These cards come with matching envelopes, and matching mailing labels. Fantastic! Find these beauties in the shop of WhiskerGraphics.

These cards have a fantastic punch of colour, and I love the giant banner above the sofa on the top. I found these in the shop of meemze.

These cards certainly are a much nicer

Mother

2010-05-09T08:12:00.005-03:00

She takes us by the hand to protect and guide us. (photo by mariannat)

She nourishes and nurtures. (photo by janeheller)

Always elegant, feminine and refined. (Photo by kittyrogers)

She is the woman we hope to one day become. (photo by TwinkleLight)

Happy Mother's Day!

Dreaming in Purple

2010-05-04T19:36:00.009-03:00

Do you dream in purple?

Purple may symbolize mystery and therefore represent, in psychological terms, deep intuition or awareness of some type as yet unexplored dimension of the self. Come, enter my dream world.

A doorway to a violet-coloured world. Let this vintage glass doorknob lead you through. Find it in the shop of Cariboucreek.

View the world through orchid-hued glasses. Vintage mother-of-pearl opera glasses from cherrylippedroses.

A dreamy pinhole photograph of OostDuinkerke, Belgium where sandy beach meets a melting purple sky. This photo is from the shop of benconservato.

Breath deep the scents of plummy-toned blossoms that surround. These hydrangeas join us from the shop of RaceyTay.

Discover these mysteries whilst you can, as dreams you know, are fleeting. As they slide from your subconscious rest your head once more, soundly upon a fleecy purple pillow. Wool roving from the shop of portfiber.

Favorite Things - May 3

2010-05-03T08:47:00.001-03:00

I might be a bit weird in this respect, but I actually really love this thing that most people absolutely loathe.

We're moving again! I love the excitement of packing up boxes only to unpack them all over again in a few weeks. We still have boxes packed from our move to New Brunswick 2 years ago, so when we get to our new place and finally unpack them it will be a little like unwrapping endless presents. "Why, I forgot we even had this!"

This time we are only doing a one-province hop so not so big a deal. Under three hours of driving time as opposed to the twenty + hours of our last move.

Oh, want to know where we are off to? Nova Scotia. YAH!! I love, love, LOVE Nova Scotia and am so over the top thrilled about this move. I suspect that our new home will lead me to have many, many favorite things to share as I explore our new home.

So, today it is simply a big YAH for moving and for having new adventures await!

Not Jumping on Bandwagon Here...

2010-04-30T18:47:00.000-03:00

I'm leading up to something.

I promise I am not jumping on the etsy "nautical" bandwagon. I will have an exciting announcement in a few days. Assuming, of course, that all goes as planned this weekend. Well, that's enough of talking around the point. Take a look at these lovelies.

A weather-beaten white row boat from photohale.

Scrimshaw cufflinks with a ship and lighthouse motif, found in the shop of lindalayden.

Gorgeous seagull giclee print from an original watercolour. This can be found in the shop of maryellengolden.

More to come soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me. :)

Punch of Colour

2010-04-29T08:52:00.000-03:00

There is an ever widening trend toward pristine white or grey, pale, washed out pallettes for the home kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home and in my mind should be the room with the most joy. Think of the colours of foods that you are chopping and dicing - rich red tomatoes, vibrant orange peppers, pale green cabbage - don't those colours look beautiful in your pale space. Keep your monochromatic pallette if you must, but add some punch to your space. Mix in colourful accessories to bring the fun and the joy back to the kitchen.

If you are timid about adding in colour, choose a nice mild addition such as a hit of pale green. Pretty vintage apothecary jars in tinted green glass from satisfind would look gorgeous housing cookies, beans, or other loose staple foods.

An arrangement of mixed bowls would be a nice complement to the jars. This quartet of Vintage Verde Cinderella Pyrex bowls are from sassboxclassics. Wouldn't they be pretty filled with various citrus fruits?

If you are a little more brave and open to the idea of adding colour choose a little modern whimsy like this cupcake cookie jar from fruitflypie. Its simply adorable, and blues are always a breath of fresh air.

A deeper blue is gorgeous with a pale colour scheme. A pair of pot holders in deep French blue is
a fabulous colour inspiration. Find these pallette pleasing potholders in the shop of Fluur.

It doesn't hurt to throw all caution to the wind. After all, a white kitchen is a virtual blank slate., Go bold. Gorgeous pale green and vibrant orange floursack towels are a great starting point. Fresh and eyecatching, these towels and other kitchen linens can be found in the shop of margotbianca.

For the truly adventurous, mix a few of the above colours together. See how the pale green and the orange look fabulous together in the towel above; or how the blue and white and khaki green are a charming trio in the potholders? Don't limit yourself to one accent colour. Have FUN!!

Al Fresco

2010-04-28T14:29:00.000-03:00

Picnic lunches are the perfect summer treat. Don't you find there is something about fresh, clean air that increases your appetite? And food just tastes better when you are sitting beneath the cooling shade of a tree, or sitting crosslegged on a slightly sandy beach blanket, a light breeze ruffling your hair.

True, picnic lunches take a little careful planning, but there is no need to be overwhelmed by the idea of hulking coolers, and hibachis and various other bits of equipment to your location. Truth is, the simpler the better. A low fuss menu and a few simple pieces are all you need.

To keep sand and grass, and of course ants from ruining your meal be sure to pack a sturdy blanket. To make sure the transport of the blanket is easy, try this handy and sturdy leather blanket strap. (Hint... use it to transport your yoga mat off season!) Find this strap (free with blanket purchase) in the shop of mexchic.

A handmade picnic basket is the perfect way to transport your picnic lunch. Sturdy and beautifully crafted from from American Cherry and Black Walnut woods and finished with solid brass tacks. I found this in the shop of mattfeve.

And to make sure that you have all your utensils at hand, and never leave with sticky fingers, tuck one of these handy roll-ups into your picnic baskets. They come complete with two sets of bamboo utensils and two cloth napkins. No waste! Find these in NstarStudio's shop.

Finally, what is a picnic without potato salad. I borrowed this from my favorite foodnetwork.ca host, Laura Calder. Click on the photo to find the recipe.

SMILE....

2010-04-27T13:59:00.000-03:00

...even when there isn't a camera in sight. Just in case you need a little encouragement, here are a few thinks that will surely bring a grin to your day.

The world's cutest spoonrest - Smile Spoonrest in Pistachio from CircaCeramics.

Meet Lydia. A wide, yet slightly shy smile graces her sweet face. Lydia and her many friends live in the shop of SugarandSpice.

This Billy ain't so gruff. Meet Mitten the Goat who boasts a most mischievous expression. His mug was captured by NatureMandalas.

Favorite Things - April 26

2010-04-26T14:11:00.000-03:00

Curse you, I love you!!!

You know that love-hate relationship that we can develop with things. Well, that's how it goes with today's favorite thing. Its Facebook Family Feud. I love the adrenalin rush that comes from trying to guess the correct answer to the survey questions in the allotted amount of time. The glorious ding, as the correctly answered tab rolls over. The heartbreaking buzz of defeat. The pulse-rushing 50 seconds of fast money. The excitement is sometimes too much.

If I see someone begging for help to win more fast money, I click furiously to come to their aid. I need that quick rush of excitement, and that gloating feeling of achievement in helping one of my friends win more (virtual) money. I'm a damn good friend in this respect.

On the other hand, Facebook Family Feud eats up way too much of my time. I will troll the updates looking for someone else's game that I can complete. This sometimes holds my addiction at bay until my next two episodes come available. Sometimes I deny myself the pleasure of playing so that rather than having only two daily episodes, I will have four or six waiting in my bank. And then, there's an hour gone that I will never get back.

Damn you Facebook Family Feud. I love you and curse you.

Get Fit, Save the Earth, and....

2010-04-25T08:27:00.000-03:00

...Look cool doing it.

I was gazing out the window earlier today at my long neglected bicycle. On Earth Day, I started thinking about ways that I could use my car less. Of course, using my bicycle seems like the smartest and likeliest answer. It also fits in perfectly with my "get fit, chubbo" goal.

My bike however does need a thorough tune up. And I need some cool accessories.

Once the bike is tuned up, it may be best to invest in a small tool set and learn how to do on-the-fly maintenance myself. Don't want to get caught out with a flat tire. This handy little tool roll, has all the necessary pieces, stashes away easily and it comes in a smashing khaki and pink colour. Find this and more in the shop of BikeCozy.

Bicycle security is always something to keep in mind. If I were to ride to work, my bike would be unattended for a full eight hours. A sturdy lock is of paramount importance. Having a place to keep it from banging against the bike, or against your spine (!) when not in use, is also very important. This leather holster from WalnutStudiolo attaches securely to the front or rear of the bike and safely stashes your lock away when not in use.

A bicycle basket makes it mush easier to run those little errands. Take a Saturday trip to the Farmers Market and leave with your basket brimming with goodies. The only problem is that wire baskets have a nasty habit of leave long thin bruises on delicate produce, and teeny items can slid through the wires. A handy and really pretty fabric basket liner will instantly solve both those problems. This liner comes from the shop of saralynnmo.

All potential problems solved, I now have no excuse not to use my bicycle more often.

Stroll the Paper Garden

2010-04-24T09:37:00.006-03:00

Truth be told, it is not always a perfect day to take a garden stroll. But the beauty of the natural world is always worthy of our admiration. Today, my inspiration is garden-inspired papercraft.

These absolutely gorgeous orange peonies come in a ready-to-assemble kit, or you can opt for pre-assembly. Shown here as a table embellishment, I am picturing them also as an elegant gift topper. Find them in the shop of paperplatypus.

Handmade spiral flowers have been cut and rolled from gorgeous sturdy papers. A charming mix of textured edges and coordinating colours and patterns. There is no end to the wonderful ways to use these flowers. They are crafted by SuzanneBWebb.

Don't forget all the wonderful creatures that dwell in the garden. Welcome them into your home as well. These sweet orange butterflies would look sweet fluttering up a wall, or could be made into a mobile or hung from a thread to flutter near the wondow. Again, these would also be perfect to top a gift, a card, or as a scrapbooking embellishment These are found in thegildedbee.

I have a fondness for pretty gift tags, especially a prettily embellished hangtag. I also just adore whimsical vintage prints of flora and fauna, especially those involving nests and eggs. These tags from bljgraves therefore, are to me a match made in heaven.

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T17:15:00.002-03:00

Earth Day is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Such a milestone! Sadly though, despite forty years of efforts, the Earth is still in dire need of critical action. The idea of saving the Earth, may seem daunting, but there myriad ways you can help. And if everyone promises to make one or two small changes to their lifestyle, the impact can be massive.

The official Earth Day website has a list of action points that we can all try to incorporate into our lives. Click here to view the list, and then please let me know what small changes you will strive toward.

I have a lot of nasty habits too, and each year, I try to break a few more.

From the list I already, as a matter of habit, or whenever possible:

*Shop at the local farm's market, using my own bags, and eat a significant amount of locally sourced foods. Local and fresh food tastes better. And I believe in supporting the local economy and the small enterprise over the large multi-national.

*Use old paper for rough work to save paper. I have a stack of used envelopes nearby that I use for jotting lists, writing reminders, or scribbling ideas.

*Use less disposable products. No paper napkins is my number one rule. Plain and simple... I enjoy trees, and linen is simply nicer to use.

*Hang laundry to dry. This practice makes good common sense on so many levels. The repeated abuse from a tumble heat dryer is not good for your clothes. Air-dried laundry has a longer life, and it feels and smells fresher too!

*Do not waste water bottles. I tote a Stainless Steel Kleen Kanteen with me everywhere I go. I wrote a "Favorite Thing" post about it a few months ago if you want a review. I also have a re-usable coffee mug that sees a great deal of action.

*Pay bills online. If you drive to the bank to pay bills, you waste gas. If you mail the cheques and receive bills in the mail, you waste paper. Most companies have e-billing options, and some companies even give a small credit for this option. Most bills are also payable online, and yes, it is safe!

*Buy products with less packaging. Buy bulk products, for example. If your local bulk store allows customers to do so, bring your own re-usable bags.

This year, my goals are:

*To have at least one meat-free day each week to curb carbon emissions from the livestock industry.

*I will make my lunches 100% litterless. Right now, I am at about 80%... I can be better.

* I pledge to not drive it, if I can walk it.

Please share in the comments your plans on how you will help your Earth this year.

Roman Holiday

2010-04-20T19:21:00.012-03:00

Easily one of my favorite movies, and a complete fantasy world for me, Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday is the inspiration of the day.

Endless curtsying and glasses of milk, gosh, what's a princess to do for a little fun? Naturally, you scale the villa wall and make a break for it on the streets of Rome. A gorgeous photo of crumbly Roman architecture, fittingly titled "Hide and Seek" comes from the shop of scenethirty1.

Be cautious of who you meet along the way. Not everyone is how they seem. Take for instance our dashing friend Joe. He seems to have your best interests at heart, but will he turn your escape into front page news? This vintage type-writer can be found in the shop of vintagerenaissance.

And how about those accompanying photographs; how did they get shot? Why that cigarette lighter was actually a camera? Oh, Irving... she placed such trust in you and Joe. Vintage sterling silver lighter (no camera included, sadly!) is from hatstoflats.

And here, all you wanted to do was zip through the streets of Rome on a Vespa, dance a top of the Tiberis and stop for a scoop of gelato.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and every princess has duties that she simply must perform. The escape, though brief, was truly exhilarating but it is time once again to return to the villa, don the proper attire and demurely greet your admiring crowd. This dress is from the shop of TimelessVixenVintage.

A Mix of Sun and Cloud

2010-04-20T09:19:00.000-03:00

I'll take the little mix of sun with the rain. Its better than all grey clouds and rain which is what we've been dealing with over the past few days. And it definitely is better than the snow that surprised me upon waking this past Saturday.

So, today, let's look revel in the mix of sunny yellow and cloudy grey!

Like a puffy grey cloud with bits of sun peeking through. This fabulous, squishy roving comes from the shop of spinningtheweb.

Looks like the mix of sunny and cloud are being reflected in a rippling lake surface. This staggeringly pretty focal lampwork bead comes from the shop of elysiumbeads.

Its that moment at dawn on a day when the rain is ending, and the sun is strengthening. The world is washed out one moment and in the next, colour creeps back in. A bold graphic tie from MeandMatilda.

A sunny rose. Looks like the sun won over the cloud in this moment! Find this gorgeous pillow in the dedeetsyshop. Loads of other fun colour combinations are available, too.

Although, this weather is surely pretty, let's hope for fully sunny skies tomorrow.

Favorite Things - April 19

2010-04-19T08:54:00.001-03:00

Ducks. I absolutely adore ducks. There is just something inherently enjoyable about watching a .... gosh I have no idea what a gang of ducks is actually called.

Ok.... thanks to Ducks Unlimited I have the answer, but I am no less confused by it.

There are several different terms used to refer to a group of ducks. Mostly, it depends on what species of ducks are in the group. Paddling, skiff, raft, team and dopping are just some of the terms used.

It also depends on whether the group is on the ground or in flight. For example, a group of mallard ducks on the ground is call a “sord”, but when in flight, it is called a “flock” (as are all ducks in flight).

So.... it turns out that what I really love is GOOGLE.

Honestly, if it wasn't for google, I would know absolutely nothing! I can't tell you how often I refer to google in a day. When I was in university I wanted to know everything, and I had several sizable libraries at my disposal if I truly wanted to discover an answer. After school, I went through a lazy period where I just used to shrug if I didn't know something and just simply decided that I probably didn't really need to know.

Well, that is no way to live your life. Questions should always be asked, and we should constantly expand our personal knowledge. And it does only take seconds really to google to find out what you want to know, and chances are you will also discover all sorts of information that you didn't want to know but which enriches your life nonetheless.

Garden Time - Accent Pieces

2010-04-18T07:23:00.007-03:00

Now, with the planting under way let's turn our sights to some accent pieces to really make your garden shine.

Add an old-world elegance to any garden by adding a garden trellis. Allow your ivy to creep and curl around it as shown here, or use it for showy climbing roses or charming morning glories. If you wish to be truly decadent. Handmade metal garden trellis from SilvertipsIronworks.

Inspired by the gardens of the European nobility, these garden stakes instantly increase elegance in your garden as well as being functional. These are to be found in the shop of historicalproducts.

This sweet metal wall hanging would be perfect for adding a little whimsy to the side of your garden shed or porch. Available in a variety of colours, you can find this in the shop of RustyRoosterMetal.

A birdbath is a wonderful addition to any garden. A traditional stone one adds a nice formality, while a bold glass one can add a wonderful shock of colour. This gorgeous handmade glass birdbath is from GloriousGlassGarden.

Most gardeners curse those wascally wabbits, but a concrete one adds a charming touch to a garden. I love the look of small sculptures that are tucked away into the garden instead of being a focal point. There's a certain delight in the unexpected surprise of a sweet bunny face peeping out from behind beneath a lilac bush. This sweet bunny was found in mudstuff.

Garden Time - Stubborn Spots

2010-04-17T07:57:00.007-03:00

Not everyone is blessed with acres of land, fertile soil, adequate rain and the proper balance of sun and shade. Many people have teeny city yards, or balconies even, have too much shade, or live in an arid climate. And well, let's face it, some are just not that knowledgable on the topic of gardening or do not have to time required to properly maintain a full garden. Anyone may though, want to enjoy some greenery and enhance their view.

Never fear. There are planting options for all situations.

Here is an extremely easy option. Ivy - it has a multitude of uses. It can be used to add texture and greenery to potted plants. It climbs and winds its way up a trellis which can add interesting high points in a garden. It can also be used as a ground cover. In Toronto, I used to pass a teeny front yard everyday where the owner had opted for a pattern of pea gravel and ivy rather than a traditional grassy lawn. No maintenance and very attractive. Perfect for someone not adept at gardening. Ivy plants are easy to come by. I found these on etsy in the shop of ttownmoss.

If you are cursed (or blessed, depending on your outlook) with too much shade, plant selection can be a bit of a challenge. Shade-loving, low-maintenance hostas are a perfect option. Showy green leaves are lush and certain varieties will put forth a skinny bloom as well. I have seen garden beds filled with nothing but different varieties of hostas, and the effect can be quiet spectacular. AdamsboroSundries sells a trio of roots to get you started.

If you live in an arid climate, or need a plant that can survive you repeatedly forgetting to water it, turn to succulents. There are a wide range of varieties that mixed together can be very eye-catching. A mix of sizes, textures and colours can go a long way. Sedum and "hens and chicks" like these ones found in the shop of sosucculent are popular options.

Garden Time - In Bloom

2010-04-16T16:40:00.000-03:00

There are many things to consider when planting the perfect flower garden. You need to consider what plants will grow in light and shade, which plants are hardy enough for your zone, and how much water is required. You also might want to plant so that year round your garden evolves and delights with new offerings. Colour palettes are an important factor too. Do you find a sense of calm in a monochromatic scheme; or do you take pleasure in a riotous profusion of colour?

Whichever way you envision your garden, let's explore some of the options available.

First, let's look at a show-stopper. This is a bloom that can easily add a dramatic focal point to a garden. An iris is generally tall, with a full, stately bloom available in a variety of colours. A perennial flower well suited to many climates, there is likely to be a species that suits your location. The bulbs for this beauty come from the shop of TwoDogGardens.

If you prefer the softer, cottage style of garden you may opt for the sweet yet slightly wild-looking daisies, morning glories, coneflowers and cosmos. The cosmo especially is a good choice as it has a long bloom period, and it is self-seeding. It is reportedly also one of the easiest seeds to grow so if you are an amateur gardener this may be a winner for you. Start them this year with seeds from paulajeansgardens, and enjoy them for years to come.

If you have lots of formal garden to fill and need to edge some borders, or if you have a small garden that can only accommodate a few carefully chosen plants, consider growing some lavender. Its fragrance can't be beat. Lavender can also be harvested for use in floral arrangements, dried for potpourri, or use as when cooking. Seeds should be started 6-8 weeks before the growing season. Growth will be slow the first year, but lush in following years. You can purchase lavender seeds from RathburnSmithFarms.

Are you one of those lucky individuals who has space for a garden pond? What a calming oasis. Increase its natural beauty by adding some gently bobbing waterlilies. Maybe you will be inspired to paint your own personal Giverny. Rhizomes and starter plants can be purchased from teresab123.

Join me again as we look at some low-maintenance, and easy options for planting.

Garden Time - The Veggie Patch

2010-04-15T16:06:00.008-03:00

Temporary fencing went up in the big box store parking lot overnight. It looks ugly and sad at the moment. In a week or so, though I know that it will be brimming with burgeoning life as the garden centre begins to fill.

Its time to start thinking about digging your hands into fresh clean earth, and coaxing teeny seeds and shoots to life. Maybe you are thinking of planning a huge veggie patch, or you like to bask in the glory of mid-day blooms. Maybe you possess a green thumb and like to adopt a new plant every year. Or maybe yours is a brown thumb, and grasses and succulents are your limit. Whichever way, there are lots of goodies for you to examine over the next couple days.

Let's begin with the veggie patch.

The ambitious amongst us began their work on their gardens will the earth was still buried beneath a blanket of snow. Teeny seeds, went into teeny pots and under their careful coaxing they came out to greet the world. Little paper pots such as these are perfecting for seed starting, and then can be plopped right into your garden to decompose as they seeds grow. These can be found in the shop of PhotographybyTess.
You've tilled neat little rows. You've lovingly nestled your sprouts into the soil. You've watered. Now, you don't want to lost track of what the heck you planted where? Solve the guessing game, and clearly mark your rows with these gorgeous hand-painted, vintage silverware markers from daisychestnut.

To get your garden growing, there is a trio of tools that will prove invaluable - a rake, a trowel and a claw. Keep them organised with this crafty upcycled rake head. This vintage set includes all four pieces. find it in the shop of bluebonnetfields.

Now as the season progresses, you will need to keep track of an increasing amount of tools, trimmers, twine, etc. Keep everything to hand, while remaining hands-free with a sweet gardening apron. You will find plenty of organising pockets in this one from SewMerry.

Come back tomorrow and we will look at some more fun garden goodies.

Just Call Me Dorothy

2010-04-14T14:35:00.007-03:00

I have a thing for red shoes. It is a completely inexplicable lust. If ever I find the wicked witch crushed under my house, I'd steal her ruby slippers in an instant.

Today, share my joy in the fabulousness that is red shoes.

A Mary-Jane style heel in a saucy red gets three check-marks in my book. A gorgeous photo by geekygirl.

Lacking the grace of a ballerina, I do still have an affinity for one's footwear. These gorgeous fabric ballet flats have me pirouetting with excitement. I found these in the shop of HydraHeart.

Shiny things of course continue to capture my attention, and yowza, shiny and red! A vintage shoe again in the Mary Jane style, this time is red patent leather can be found in the shop of bottleblondevintage.

I'm not sure exactly when my love for red shoes began, but maybe I was as young as little Gianna here. A darling photo by ThatSomething.

But then again, maybe I was younger still. Starting life with such sassy footwear must surely have a lifelong impact! These shoes are from the shop of GraciousMay.

My Ride

2010-04-13T14:20:00.007-03:00

In the category of "things just aren't as cool as they once were", I am going out of my comfort zone and exploring the world of motorised vehicles.

First off, I have to say that I love the idea of a pale pink car with loads of shiny chrome. And why look at the way the sun just glints off it in charming heart reflections. My car doesn't shine like that. Again, I don't have a great deal of knowledge regarding cars, but I know that this is some sort of "Oldsmo.... something or other".
This photo taken by simplyhue.

Ok, Vespa's still cool. If I could find a helmet that wouldn't squash my curls, I would totally have one. Until a curl-containing helmet comes available, I will simply dream of owning one. Oh, so cute!!
This one from SusannahTucker.

Now, I don't spend all my time in the city, and while the above vehicles are fabulous, they might not work for country activities. Something a little more rugged (and shiny red!) would be best for those bumpy, rutted roads. (Truck photo by TCaponePhoto)

Oh... and I better find the right accessories. I'm thinking a pair of driving glasses are in order. (From the vintage shop of TopsyDesign)

Favorite Things - April 12

2010-04-12T12:01:00.000-03:00

You know, as silly as this may sound, I think that one my truly favourite thing on earth has to be...
Toast.

Its true. Its not just breakfast. Toast is my go-to food. Need a mid-morning nosh, or a snack with afternoon tea, or a bedtime, toast is always the perfect choice.

It's crunchy exterior is the perfect vehicle for butter, peanut butter, jam. It conveniently carries drippy egg yolk, sops up soup, or can rest on top of a salad. It can be side dish or the star attraction.

Toast, is in my opinion, greatly overlooked. No other food is all these things.

The End of an Era?

2010-04-11T08:37:00.010-03:00

I read an article recently that suggested that cupcakes had seen their day -that they were on their way to the land of distant food fad memories. Shocking, right? To make it worse the article claimed that their fame was being usurped by *gasp* the donut. Say it isn't so. Why, donuts aren't even cute in the least! Let me sit you down and explain to you, why exactly cupcakes will always be better than donuts.

Let's pull on our aprons and begin our lesson. Well ok, truth is the apron is not necessary for the lesson. But, it does make a valid point. No one will ever pull on a pretty apron to trudge to the Tim Horton's to pick up a box of donuts. No, they will pull on their parka, snowpants, scarf, mitts, hat and boots. However, if I were to breeze into my kitchen right now to lovingly create a batch of cupcakes, I would. Because sometimes a girl likes to feel pretty as she covers herself in a fine dusting of flour and unknowingly wipes melted chocolate across her cheek. If you are one of those girls, look for this apron in the charming shop of CityChicCountryMouse.

Moving on... We all know that the first step in successful cupcake creation is the lining of the pan with paper cups to prevent sticking, and also to provide a pretty and convenient tidy-finger solution to cupcake handling. Therefore, the prettier the paper cups, the better. Yes? Yes, of course, so look for pretty papers like these in the shop of CupcakeSocial.

Compare this to the donut. What method is used for tidy-finger handling of the donut? Well, the person loading the box uses that flimsy square of crumpled waxed tissue. From there, anyone helping themselves to a donut from the box is left to fend for themselves. Donuts are just simply not a dainty food.

Now, let's compare the va-va-va-voom factor. Cupcakes were born to be beautiful. Mounds of pastel tinted, buttercream frosting lovingly piped on, and then topped with a sweet embellishment. Consider these fondant cupcake toppers from TwoSugarBabies.

On a cupcake these are perfection. If however, you were to place one of these on a donut, well the effect would be truly lost and the attempt absolutely miserable. Donuts just don't have the necessary frosting layer. Plus, the embellishment would cover the hole, which is the identifying mark of the donut. Without the hole what is a donut other than a round puffy disc of fried dough.

And sprinkles, glorious little sprinkles. They cling so elegantly to that mountain peak of frosting - like cherry blossom petals settling on Mt Fuji. Consider this dainty quartet from CupcakeConfessional.

Yes, the donut folk are shouting that there are donuts with sprinkles, and you are correct. But, I have to point out that again there is that donut hole to consider. This hole greatly reduces the available surface area for which those sprinkles may cling. When talking sprinkles, it is always best to maximize surface area to thereby maximize sprinkle allowance. It's elementary, my dears!

Of course there is the issue of serving these sweet delights. Cupcakes are that dessert that have been elevated to such a level of perfection that we may have put them on a figurative pedestal. But they deserve it, and therefore may rightly take their place upon a literal pedestal as well. Place your cupcake upon one of these darlings from whitneysmith.

Donuts, again, I have to say waxed tissue and a paper box. And if that is not enough to convince you - imagine them lying pressed together with icing and glaze transferring from the top of one to the bottom of the other. Sticky, messy, smeared. Not so pretty is it.

And finally, what may be the most compelling argument yet. Cupcakes inspire artists to create wonderful works like this one from alicebgardens.

Have you ever looked at a donut and thought, "I feel moved to capture its beauty"?

I think that I have presented a fairly compelling case in favour of the cupcake. But, please, leave a comment and let me know where you stand on the great debate: cupcake vs. donut.

Let's Shed A Little Light on Things

2010-04-10T13:31:00.008-03:00

Let's brighten this joint up a bit. How about we add some illuminated bling?

Alive with the sparkle of a thousand light fragments, a crystal chandelier introduces a vintage-style romance to any space. You can almost imagine this piece gracing the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. I found it instead in the shop of sheriscrystals.

And if you want a piece truly suited to your little princess, this would be sure to please. Find this pink, pearled fixture in the shop of walldecaldiva.

A fantastic play upon a traditional style, this chandelier has been cut from mirrored glass, and it is a functional piece. Imagine the reflection and the refraction of the light from this elegant fixture! This piece was crafted by accentcph.
Do you lack the space or the budget for a new lighting scheme? Do you desire the crystal elegance? Why not try this whimsical and cheerful play on the original? Find this wonderful chandelier wall decal in the shop of flatbird.

Now, this one may not be particularly illuminating, but it is certainly captivating. This chandelier is a metallic art print photograph from TheLonelyPixel. The image was captured in Montreal's Plateau.
Feeling brighter?

UnOfficial Declaration

2010-04-09T08:24:00.001-03:00

Recently, etsy dedicated an entire week to European sellers. Understandable given that a new satellite office has opened in Berlin, and the site is attempting to grab a stronger share of the European market. But up here in Canada a few sellers sat back and thought, "Hey, Hello! What about us, your friendly politely neighbours?"

So, my bold etsy colleague, Fluur, unofficially declared this past week to be Canada Week. Many of the sellers on the Canadian Forum thread that I frequent daily, built Canadian content treasuries. Fluur's made it to the Front Page of etsy! What a delight. I don't know if the subtle nod to Canada was intentional, but who cares. Lots of people saw lots of Canadian talent.

I was lucky enough to be included.

The sellers from left to right, top to bottom, are: willowblacklab, enthral, littleras; myhandboundbooks, HandKnitHugs, artbyangie; 3rdlife, neawear, dearange; TheLonelyPixel, fiveforty and me, stringmealong.

Here, by the way is something beautiful from Fluur's shop:

GO CANADA!

Meet the Girls.

2010-04-08T14:53:00.009-03:00

A few friends have come along and joined me in my etsy shop. Read on and meet them.

Delia....

Delia is one of "those" girls. Knows what she wants, and is intent on getting it. What she wants is an old-fashioned guy, but one who can show her a little fun. Why, Rhett Butler would suit her just fine! So coyly she plays the old-fashioned gal but her true colour usually shows through.

Amelia....

Amelia is a bit of an old fashioned type. She fantasizes of being a flapper and dreams in art deco. She has personality, she does.

Annabella...

Annabella is a charming girl. Fair of face and full of grace you might say. All the boys swoon when Annabella's about, and her dance card's always so full she has no chance to be a wallflower. Her skirts swish and swirl all night as she gets twirled about on the dance floor.

Fiona...

Fiona is finicky sort. She favours decorum, but on occasion she does likes to be noticed. She would never be obvious about it - not for her a shout of "Look at me!", but rather a coy flick of the hair and bat of the eye.

All the girls are available in a choice of bead colours. Click on my etsy mini at the side to find more.

Country Charm

2010-04-07T08:32:00.000-03:00

I am a big fan of Sarah Richardson, and have become totally engrossed in her new season of Sarah's House. In this third installment, she has bought a ramshackle farmhouse and is making it over from head to toe, Sarah-style. In keeping with the farmhouse look and feel, and keeping true to the home's original period, Sarah is incorporating many antique elements, uncovered at antique markets and country flea markets.

Now let's face it, a country flea market can be a hit or miss affair. You may one day find every thing that your heart desires, and other days the market may yield no treasures at all. So, I took a look at the vintage category on etsy, and 'lo and behold, treasures abound. And I didn't have to rise at the crack of dawn, nor slog through a muddy field to find them.

If you saw Sarah's recent kitchen renovation, you probably admired the use of the reclaimed corbels, used to support an open shelf and to add a decorative element to the range hood. This gorgeous corbel I found in the vintage shop of ShopGreenOwl. This would be gorgeous simply as a stand-alone object, or equally lovely incorporated into a design feature.

One of the truly beautiful features of traditional older homes is the use of mouldings and trimwork. If you can, salvage these pieces. Sometimes though pieces become damaged and need to be replaced. If this is the case, you might be able to find an original replacement rather than restoring to a new pressed-board replica. A selection of trim pieces are on offer at lisabretrostyle.

To remain sympathetic to the original period and design of a home, remember to focus equally on the details. If you are able to reclaim doors, cabinets and other large elements - great. If not, choose a new piece that matches the style of the original, but dress them in period ornaments. A new door would benefit greatly from a salvaged doorknob for example. Try some rustic, salvaged aged brass knobs from dkgeneralstore.

Likewise, new cabinets are given an old-world charm with addition of vintage pulls that already come complete with an aged patina. These ones, from the shop of retrovertigo.

Next time you are thinking about any reno or even small repair, don't automatically get in the car and go to the nearest Home Depot. Out there to be found are any number of salvaged and reclaimed parts that may be exactly what you need. Recycled parts are good for the earth after all, and vintage appeal is good for the soul.

Things That Spin

2010-04-06T07:10:00.000-03:00

I have an odd fascination for spinning, twirling and whirling.

Can you recall that giddy nauseau of putting your arms out and spinning and spinning and spinning until you could barely stand? It was rather exhilarating wasn't it? (Cowgirl Princess photo by heatherevanssmith)

The fair was a spinner's nirvana, delighting with the casual trot of the merry-go-round, the alarming heights and comforting lows of the ferris wheel, and the terrifyingly dizzying swings? (At The Fair Print by karcharz)

On a really hot day, did press your face as close as you dare to the whirring, cooling fan? Maybe you would "wwwooooo" into it to hear your distorted voice "wooooo"-ing back? (Summer Breeze Fine Art Photograph by TheJaneStudio)

And, finally a trip to the town's diner for a milkshake and a squeaky twist on the cracked vinyl counter stools? (Lunch Counter Fine Art Photograph by BigBeanPhotos)

Favorite Things - April 5

2010-04-05T10:36:00.003-03:00

Ahhhh, I think most of you will be able to relate with me on this one!

My favorite thing today.... not going to work on a Monday. Or a Tuesday for that matter! Yep, I took an extra long holiday. And the timing could not be more perfect. The temperature peaked this weekend at 24 degrees... pretty unheard of for the start of April! Income tax refunds arrived last week. And I have nothing to do. Ok... not true, I have plenty to do, but I chose to ignore it all!

And that explains why today's blog post is so short. The day dawned sunny and warm once again, and I intend to head off to drink it in!

Easter Bonnets

2010-04-04T08:38:00.000-03:00

Pull on your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it. When I was a child I used to decorate paper plates with crepe and tissue paper, cut out flowers and the like and tie them to my head with ribbons and string. Today, it is safe to say that my tastes have matured a bit, but I still find pleasure in a fine, primly adorned hat.

My first hat love is a cloche style hat. I have a large, rather odd shaped head and the cloche it seems makes it appear smaller and more uniform. This cloche from yellowfield7 is a spectacular version with a hint of curl and a minimal yet impactful accent piece.

A gorgeous hand-blocked Derby hat, festooned with stunning peacock feathers. Look for this one in the shop of BoringSidney.

From the 1940's comes this wonderful straw hat, embellished with a linen-coloured ribbon and red flower. The shape of this makes it seem just as though a playful breeze is snatching it from the wearer's head. This hat was discovered in marvita13's vintage shop.

Finally, because the seasons are changing a lighter-weight hat may be in order. This softly shaped knit jersey hat is perfectly fitting for spring, and the pink crochet flower is a further nod to spring. This hat comes from the shop of JANNYSGIRL.

Happy Easter. I hope you get a chance to wear a fun bonnet or hat today.

Easter Baskets

2010-04-03T07:38:00.001-03:00

With all this recent talk of eggs, it only does make sense that we explore some vessels in which to collect them. Hmmmm... what to use. Oh, a basket of course.

Let's begin with these lovely moss lined, birch bark baskets. Doesn't a hushed birch forest evoke a lovely image of spring? Find these pretty baskets in the shop of NHWoodscreations.

In a shift from the traditional, try a sturdy and re-usable fabric basket. This gorgeous specimen is made from recycled cotton and natural linen. It comes from the Helsinki shop of tuuni.

Simply stunning gorgeous coiled fabric baskets/bowls. This set of two has been crafted by PiecefulDesigns from blue and cream batik fabric.

And finally, how about a vintage french-style egg basket. I love this!! I found this in the vintage shop inwiththeold.

Now, with all these wonderful ways to carry those eggs about, I expect no slippery egg messes. Happy egg-hunting.

Eggs

2010-04-02T07:09:00.005-03:00

For Easter. For Spring. Eggs.

I do so love the organic look of the egg: the soft graceful arc; the delicacy, and; the creamy colours. Combined with all this, an unexpected strength, and a promise of new life. So today, we celebrate the egg.

Small mosaic eggs in a mix of pretty summer colours are for offer in the shop of Sigmosaics.

Beautifully earthy eggs, that look as though they could be housing next-generation reptiles. These eggs are handsculpted from earthenware clay, and glazed in several layers to create the unique patterns and desings. These come from HouseofCeramics.

More clay eggs, this time in springtime pastels, come nestled in a moss-lined basket. This lovely set can be purchased from the shop of dearjes.

Keeping with the pastel theme, these lovely Easter Egg soaps from anniepoo are a perfect alternative to those hyperacitvity-inducing chocolate eggs.

Finally, if you will be serving yourself up an egg for breakfast, why not indulge in a kitschy little eggcup? This retro style chicken egg cup can be purchased from the vintage shop of ElsieBetty.

Ukranian Easter Eggs

2010-04-01T05:46:00.014-03:00

As Easter approaches, the humble egg takes on an enhanced role. The egg is a natural symbol of rebirth, and it was a favorite symbol of spring for the Pagans. As Christianity gained acceptance at the turn of the last millennium, the egg's symbolic meaning was adapted into this new faith as a symbol for the rebirth of man. It followed then, that the egg would be particularly symbolic for the Easter period. In the Ukraine, this meant that the decoration of the eggs, a tradition thought to stem back to ancient times, was allowed to continue and even flourish.

Pysanky, or Ukranian Easter Eggs may be one of the most awe-inspiring crafts in the world. The intricacy of the designs astound me. It is also a labour intensive method of design, which requires many precise and carefully co-ordinated steps before achieving a final product.

In short, pysanky is a wax-resist method of dying eggs. The design which you hope to achieve will be first drawn on the egg using a kistka. This is a tool which is lightly heated, dipped in beeswax, and then used to trace the design onto the egg. Next, the egg is dipped in the first dye bath. The dye will not penetrate any area to which the wax has been applied. These steps are repeated each time a new design element is to be added. The design and colour layers are thus built upon gradually until the desired design is completed.

Traditionally, eggs are dipped into the lightest colours first and then progressively dipped into the darker colours. During a brief conversation with Toronto-based artist and pysanky designer, Katya Trischuk, she told me that her preferred method is to actually work somewhat contrary to the traditional method. She believes that the yellow gives additional lift to previous colours. She likes to begin with pink, then yellow, green, orange, and finally black.

Once the egg has been given its final dye -typically a black dye - the dye needs to be gently removed from the egg. There are two methods for doing this: the traditional candle method or bleaching method. Eggs are then varnished to protect the designs.

The intricate designs and the colours used on the eggs are steeped in tradition. It was appropriate to gift elderly persons with intricately patterned and darkly dyed eggs to symbolise a life richly lived. A lighter, less decorated egg conversely was given to a younger person to represent the relatively blank slate that there life was to that point.

Of the many design patterns, they typically fall into five distinct styles. These are:

Geometric: These designs are typically divided into equal parts using straight lines. Other less rigid geometric motifs may appear within these geometric shapes. These designs may include curls, spirals, tripods and dots. Many of these are carried over from pagan symbology. Often included in the geometric patterns are eternity styles, which are meandering, wiggling lines with no beginning and no end. These are believed to trap any evil spirits which may enter the home.

Phytomorphic: These designs are based on plants and their parts: trees, flowers, wheat, and fruit. The use of these designs,symbolised among other things, the rebirth of nature following winter, and thus ensured a good harvest come autumn.

Scevomorphic: These designs are representative of man-made objects, such as rakes, ladders, baskets and nets. They represented the ties to the land, as the Ukraine was largely an agricultural country.

Zoomorphic: Animal motifs (birds, horses, rams, deer) occur less commonly on pysanky eggs. These motifs are more common to the Carpathian mountain regions. The motifs purpose was intended to provide the owner with the desired traits of the animal, while at the same time endowing these animals with long, healthy lives.

Cosmomorphic: The oldest and most important symbol is the sun. It is often depicted with an eight-sided star. The sun or star symbol has been considered the most powerful of all symbols as it is believed to protect the owner from sickness, bad luck and the evil eye, while also representing life, warmth and the eternal love of God.

Christian Symbols: There are few Christian symbols that do appear in pysanky designs. The most common is a stylized church. Others include a cross and a triangle with a circle inside which represents the eye of god.

All of the stunning eggs shown above were created by Katya Trischuk. Katya is a Toronto based artist and an interior designer by trade. Originally from the Ukraine, she came to Canada twenty years ago. She has also been designing eggs for twenty years and she has supplied them to sellers and buyers all over North America. If you have a pysanky egg at home, flip it over and look for her initials as there is a very good chance it may be one of hers. In time, you may see eggs appearing from her eight year old protege, Emilia.

If you live in the Toronto area and wish to learn more about the traditional art of pysanky and of Katya, tune in to "Kontact" on OMNI TV at 1pm on April 3. The program will be airing a feature with Katya and her craft. Also, be sure to check her etsy shop for further examples of her work for purchase.

Peeps

2010-03-31T07:37:00.002-03:00

I have a shameful secret. I am a big fan of marhsmallow peeps: those sunny yellow, sugar-coated, smooshy marshmallow Easter treats. I only discovered them a few years ago. As a Canadian child they were not available as an Easter treat when I was growing up. We had to make do with those rather awful candy coated, stale marshmallow eggs. Peeps, however, now make me long for Easter every year.

So today, an ode to peeps, but a lower sugar content version.

A version of that Peep deliciousness can be found in a Peep-flavoured lipbalm. These balms are available from rachel323.

A hilarious little guy that sits atop your finger. Found in the shop of humblebea is this wonderful fuzzy chick ring.

Five little peeps, perfect for adorning an Easter basket. Sporting a rusty yellow bell around their necks, these adorable chicks arrived from the shop of imaproudcrafter.

Finally, a rather dapper spring peep that can be used as either a pin cushion, or to decorate the top of your Easter cake. This adorable handsewn chick is found in the shop of Leafpeople.

These peeps are sweet. And not in a way that leaves my teeth aching.

Bunnies

2010-03-30T07:15:00.000-03:00

Because it is almost Easter, and also because they are just so darned cute... bunnies!

A spring brown bunny with a cotton-white tail. This wooden ornament has been made by GoodWoodDogs.

A trio of rabbits who look as though they are caught slightly off-guard. These darling pudgy fellows can be found in Fairyfolk's shop.

A darling Scandanavian rabbit, handcrafted from a Norsk embroidered tablecloth. I think I truly love him. He was created by donkeypony.

Another trio of bunnies, this time sharing a story (The Velveteen Rabbit, perhaps?). This whimsical print can be found in the lovely little shop of LoxlyHollow.

And finally, a fully functional bunny. Apart from look cute, she keeps your teapot warm. This grey felt rabbit shaped cozy was found in fuzzylogicfelt.

I hope you got your share of bunny love today. If not, there are loads of more gorgeous bunny items on etsy.

Favorite Things - March 29

2010-03-29T09:26:00.001-03:00

I have a fondness for afternoon tea with a little snack to get me through to dinner. Cookies are a nice treat, but not always the most nutritionally sound indulgence. I was delighted then to come across these Peak Freans Selections Vanilla Bean Latte cookies.

I didn't have a lot of confidence that these would be good, but decided to try them since they were on sale. What a surprise - these taste great! Vanilla bean lattes are a particular weakness of mine, but one that I must shun when I go to my local coffee shop. I can not justify a drink that is equal to fat and calories to a Big Mac. Egads!! So in a far less harmful way, I get to enjoy the taste through these cookies.

At only 140 calories and 6 grams of fat per three cookies, this is a tasty treat that I can justify indulging in on occasion. To further lessen the guilt, I only help myself to two cookies. Seems like an all around winner to me!

Spring Has Sprung Contest and Promo.

2010-03-28T11:20:00.002-03:00

Spring has sprung at String Me Along. In honour of the season, I am holding a special promotion. You can win a String Me Along prize pack valued at more than $50. There are 3 ways to win!

Every $10 spent in my shop gets one ballot. The more you buy, or the bigger the purchase, the more ballots you earn. AND...because I really want someone to win, every item in my shop (excluding items in the budget-friendly section) is now 20% off. (Prices have already been altered - no need to wait for a refund!)

The second way to win is to solve a little riddle. In my shop I have hidden seven letters. Find the letters and arrange them into the secret two word phrase. Convo (via my etsy shop) your correct answer to me to be entered into the draw.

Finally, since you have already visited my blog, just become a follower. Just leave me a comment on the blog to let me know that you have become a follower. And be sure to leave an email address where I can reach you if you win.

Put a Pin in It

2010-03-27T06:43:00.006-03:00

Just before I left Toronto I took an evening sewing class through the TDSB Adult Education Program. I was not completely successful. I couldn't cut straight, or stitch straight. Following pattern instructions baffled me. And, I kept pricking myself as I dove into my pin case.

I like to think all of my problems could have been solved simply by having proper tools at hand. I mean of course I had the needles, thread, pin, and an outdated sewing machine at my disposal, but they weren't very visually inspiring.

Come along, let's take a look at some items which I imagine might have improved my sewing skills.

Step one, you always need to have your pins handy. Every seamstress (even me!) knows this. This pretty little lilac pincushion comes from TheDailyPincushion. I really want to know where she found those pins, too!

Of course organisation is the key to everything. And maybe, if alongside my pin cushion, I had had the proper kit I would have found success. Perhaps a hand-embroidered Dupioni silk one to keep a couple spare needles and safety pins. These can be found in the shop of JennifersGift.

Now, if you like things that match, and want to be super-organised, this is for you. Oh, it is so pretty! This beautiful set contains a pin cushion, scissor case, needle book, scissor charm and sturdy tote. You can buy it from DashasCreations.

Ok..... I do realise that probably nothing will ever make me a seamstress, but these lovely pieces really make me want to try again..

Ribbon

2010-03-26T14:20:00.009-03:00

I have a weakness for ribbon - all ribbon. Solid, striped, polka-dotted, plaid. Silk satin, grosgrain, paper, velvet. Skinny, wide, ric-racked. Stiff or slithery. I have no bias. I love it all equally!

I must admit though, that apart from using it for wrapping a package, using it in jewelry, or tying up loose locks, I had no idea what else to do with. And there are so many wonderful ribbon crafts. A whole host of ways for me to justify my ribbon indulgence! Let's take a look at some of the wonderful etsy sellers who create with ribbon.

First, a simple, classic white dress is made even more perfect by the addition of an ombre ribbon strap. This comes from the shop of talented Canadian fashion designer, tangente.

I am swooning over the simply wonderful ribbon embroidery from bstudio. My goodness, how did I not know that the combination of embroidery and ribbon was possible? The result is gorgeous. Here a cornflower blue pillow has been gussied up with a simple climbing vine of white flowers and fluttery butterflies.

Now here is a very pretty, and very simple idea. This is one of those, "why didn't I think of this" type things. Crisp organic cotton pillow cases are given a ribbon tie at the open end. Practical, yet whimsical. These can be found in the shop of ERLdesigns.

Fun for kids (or gymnasts), come these wonderful ribbon wands. The wands are a waldorf-inspired toy, made by Syrendell.

Aren't these items gorgeous? Do you have any favorite ribbon crafts?

Correspondence

2010-03-25T18:34:00.007-03:00

Dashing off an email just is not as infinitely satisfying as sitting down to write a lengthy, personal note. And hearing the mechanical "you've got mail" voice, is not nearly as soul soothing as the gentle swing and click of the mailbox.

Writing a note to favourite friend should be fulfilling, a labour of love. Your friend as they bend down to collect the mail from in front of the front door, riffling through and coming upon your letter, should feel her heart flutter a little. Everyone loves to receive mail that is not a bill or a flyer. And everyone, everyone, loves to feel that someone thought them special enough to take the time to pen some special words just for them.

If the correspondence looks as wonderful as the words read, all the better.

Start with some beautiful note paper or an exquisite card. These elegantly flourished letterpress cards for example, can be found in the shop of pistachiopress.

Pick up a pen - not the pen that came free from the last hotel you visited, but something a little more dignified. Truly, having a pen that makes me feel elegant, makes me more conscious of my handwriting, making it neater, straighter, tidier. This is a pen that I am certain would turn my typical scrawl into a perfect old-world script. This pen, and other beautiful specimens for the true pen connoisseur, are available from moonskywoodworks.

Once you have poured forth your thoughts, and signed off with all your love and well wishes, carefully blot your ink, fold your note, and slide it into the envelope. Envelope gum is unappealing - don't lick it. Instead, add a charming finishing touch of sealing wax. All-natural sealing wax is a lovely alternative, and you can find it at greencraftstore.

Now, if you are lucky your friend will reply in kind, and soon you will bend down to retrieve the mail from in front of your door, riffle through and find a chatty, personal note waiting for you.

Paas Pastels

2010-03-24T14:52:00.009-03:00

Do you remember Paas Easter Egg dyes? They were an annual tradition in my childhood home. As the little tablets would slowly dissolve in the water, anxiously we would stand by hard-boiled egg in hand. Once the mixture was declared fit for use, we would start dipping.

I always loved the soft, pastel hues of the dyed eggs. (And I always hoped that an egg or two would have a teeny crack in it, resulting in pink or lavender egg salad sandwich in days to come!)

Today, a tribute to Paas, and all those lovely Paas colours.

A photo of carefully stacked, pretty teacups by Anita7276. So many of those wonderful pastels, and if you look at the bottom cup, it has that tricky striped pattern which was so difficult for little fingers to achieve using a standard egg dipping method.

Soft, barely tinted pastels. These might be considered a Paas-oops: too much water added and the omission of vinegar. I consider them pastel-perfect! These wonderfully genius chalkboard pots are from the shop chalknotes.

Palest blues, pinks, yellows, lilacs, and greens. What a gorgeous squishy mix! This beautiful merino roving can be found in the shop of knittedtoat.

Ooops, some eggs turned into chicks after all, but they hatched in exact Paas colours! These sweet chick cardstock cutouts are from katrinchen.

I still think my favorite Paas colour is lilac-purple. Did/do you have a favorite?

What a Girl Wants

2010-03-23T08:34:00.001-03:00

What does a girl want? Handbags and shoes, of course!

An absolutely stunning clutch purse in printed leather, comes complete with sweet polka-dot silk lining. This beauty is handmade by redrubyrose.

A wonderfully sunny wrist-purse in yellow ultra-suede, decorated simply by the addition of a flower made with Swarovski crystals. This bag was crafted by daphnenen.

A fabulous felted option, garnished with wool rosettes. This gorgeous one by Janesdesigns.

And now, shoes......

Custom-made ballet flats are particularly lovely made from an Asian-themed fabric. Made with vinyl soles, these are totally animal-friendly. Find these in the shop of HydraHeart.

With summer promising to arrive soon, you are probably already getting your pedi's to prepare for sandal season. These gorgeous handmade leather sandals are adorned with flowers and beads, and come from the shop of LilaSandals.

And finally, kick up your heels, your high heels that is. A simple vintage olivey-green pump has been given a whimsical treatment. These shoes can be found in the shop of whichgoose.

Hope you enjoyed this little indulgence today.

Favorite Things - March 22

2010-03-22T07:28:00.000-03:00

I was whipping through the local mall the other day when today's favorite thing stopped me in my tracks. A subtle, scintillating scent was gently perfuming the air. I turned toward the source. An darling little vase and flower diffuser on display outside the Fruits and Passion store was the surprising source.

The little lotus flower, available in three colours (natural, coral and plum), is made of paper thin slices of wood . It works like a traditional reed diffuser. The vessel is filled with fragrance oil. The lotus flower is inserted and as the wood soaks up the fragrance oil inside the vessel, it releases the scent into the air.

The reed diffusers do a nice job, but they are rather minimalistic in design. This is so much prettier than a jar full of skewers. There are three scents to choose from: Fruits of the Orchard, Lotus-Nenuphar, and my favorite - tulip. Replacement flowers are also available.

Only a Few Hours Left....

2010-03-21T14:26:00.004-03:00

...To help raise money for the Samaritan's Purse.

I am donating a portion of all my weekend sales to the Samaritan's Purse, through the designingdna.blogspot Virtual Flea Market.

Simply click here to shop at String Me Along on etsy. I am also offering free shipping to Canada and the US this weekend, so you win twice.

Spring Equinox

2010-03-21T09:00:00.009-03:00

In the Northern Hemisphere, spring arrived in the wee hours of Saturday, March 20. Lucky for us here in New Brunswick, she brought with her mild temperatures and sunshine. What better way to welcome the season then with a trip to the local maple sugar bush.

Located just outside of Moncton in Stilesville is a complete enclave of syrup producers. Several families collect sap and produce syrup from the stand of sugar maples that cover the hills. Many of the producers offer tours and demonstrations and a short walk through the wooded trails will lead you to all of them.

Most producers have today adapted the more efficient method of attaching a network of tubing from tree to tree to a common vat as a mean to collect the running sap. I personally have a fondness for the old method of the spigot and bucket. The tubing really is not visually appealing, and there is an old-world romance about the simple sap bucket.

Young trees can only supply one bucket....

...while a good, sturdy old maple has enough life in it to supply multiple buckets.

The added benefit of the spigot method is of course that one can place a finger beneath to catch a drip of sap as it falls. If you have never tasted maple sap cold and fresh from the tree, you are truly missing out. It is the purest taste of spring freshness to be found.

Today, all terrain 4-wheelers transport the workers to and fro. Along the trail though, evidence of older transportation methods remain.

Fresh sap deteriorates in quality very quickly and it must be processed the same day that it is collected. Wood fires are always kept going to be sure that precious time is not lost. This means that maple logs must always be kept at hand. Behind the logs you can see some of the blue tubing that makes up the complex maze of the sap collection network.

To turn the sap into syrup requires hours and hours of slow boiling in an evaporator. The evaporator sends billowing clouds of steam up through the towering chimneys, and slowly as the water content is reduced, the syrup thickens and sweetens. This sugar shack chimney is made from welded together metal barrels, which makes for a particularly colourful and cheerful beacon in the midst of the grey tree trunks.

And at the end of the walk, the one treat that is available for only limited days each year - fresh maple taffy. Pouring hot, new syrup onto fresh, clean snow results in a sticky treat that must be very quickly twirled around a stick.

We enjoyed a spring breakfast this morning of pancakes, liberally doused in maple syrup and maple butter.

Samaritan's Purse

2010-03-20T01:40:00.001-03:00

Just a reminder that from all sales made in my etsy shop this weekend, I will be donating 10% to Samaritan's Purse. This charity is helping to rebuild homes in New Orleans that were lost in Hurrican Katrina.

To entice you to buy more so that I may donate more, I am also offering free shipping within North America on most items.

The event is a virtual, on-line Flea Market hosted by designingdna. It will be held on March 20th and 21st. Click the square on the side to learn more, and/or donate to this cause directly.

Shop ahead for Mother's Day, wedding season or buy yourself a little springtime treat and help out a good cause while doing so.

Click here to see my shop on etsy.

Just a Bunch of Cute!

2010-03-19T16:28:00.007-03:00

Sometimes we just need some cute in our lives. And today is the day!

True, he may grow up to be a bit of a nuisance, but honestly, how can you not melt a little over this little masked face? This little fella was photographed by Sharon Montrose. Be warned.... cute overload in her shop!

Oh, the thinks this pig must think! Look at the dreamy far-away look in his eye. This darling was photographed by the talented Montreal-based photographer Jane Heller.

There is nothing I like better than a great big old scruffy dog. The scruffier and further from pedigreed the better. An example of a perfectly fuzzy-faced canine is here, photographed by TheTwoMinds.

I had a dream of a child of having a pony. I have never completely let that dream go. Do you want to know why? Its those nuzzly velvety noses. I adore them! This nuzzly, velvety nose was captured by Katalystphotos.

Ok... that's enough. I better keep some cute for another day. Thanks for looking!

Happy Dance

2010-03-18T07:10:00.000-03:00

I woke up to the most exciting news yesterday morning. Not only had I been in one, but two, front page treasuries on etsy!

Each of the treasuries were curated by etsy admin. Thank you ETSY!

This first one features my beach rose necklace.

This second one features my yellow chrysanthemum hairsticks (now sold!). These were nominated for review for my good etsy friend, fiveforty. I am also in the company of two of my fellow Canadians: nancywallisdesigns, and fluur.

Fresh From the Emerald Isle

2010-03-17T05:38:00.003-03:00

May the leprechauns be near you, To spread luck along your way. And may all the Irish angels, Smile upon you St. Patrick's Day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Let's celebrate Ireland!

A quintessential portrait of rural, idyllic Ireland. A white-washed cottage squats alongside a rushing stream, amongst the emerald green hills. This photo by felixmcginley.
A sampling of the shorebirds of Belfast Lough can be found in this monoprint booklet from BridgetFarmerBooks.

Because we are all a little bit Irish on St Paddy's Day, grace your home with this cushion. Baile is the Irish word for home. This linen, screenprinted pillow has been crafted by placed.

A beautiful felted rose necklace, in the green and orange of the Irish flag. This can be found in the shop of Crafts2Cherish.

"Whenever you're out on the liquor m'lad; beware of the pretty Colleen". This clothespeg charmer is from the shop of WeeCuteTreasures.

What may well be the most oft slurred phrase of the day, but more likely to be heard in Boston than Dublin. This "Kiss me" St Patrick's rosette comes from the shop of homespunireland.

And what would any post about Ireland be without mention of the wee folk. I couldn't find a leprechaun today - they are all hiding those posts of gold at the ends of the rainbows. I hope a gnome will do. This one has been felted by WoolyWings.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Green

2010-03-16T09:46:00.000-03:00

It is the eve of St Patrick's Day. The official start of spring is mere days away. We are on the cusp of the greening of the world here in the Northern Hemisphere. Seems to me like a great reason to celebrate all things green.

A mossy green, felt foliage pillow from VSquaredV2.

Celtic Mist Oatmeal soap in pleasing earthy and fresh colours comes from catherinefilippelli.

An archway of green, shot at Woodstock Estate in Inistioge, Ireland. This photo was shot by SheShoots.

A no-maintenance terrarium, made with faux moss and polymer clay mushrooms. This can be found in the shop of WarmCountryMeadows.

Enjoy the fresh green of spring. Feel free to leave a link to your favorite greenie goodie in the comments section.

Favorite Things - March 15

2010-03-15T14:49:00.002-03:00

I don't like taxes. I do however LOVE tax software. Boy, has it ever made my life easier. the paper forms used to make me cry and break out in the math-sweats. They were such a horrible experience. I could not wrap my head around "Line 11 minus Line 3 times 1.17% or if less than Line 52, enter 0". It is no wonder that H&R Block always has immense line-ups.

Now in the age of tax software, life is grand. As long as I don't do anything weird or unusual over the course of a year, I can file my taxes math-sweat free.

Want to know what's even better? Since the introduction of tax software, my husband has gladly, joyfully even, taken over the task of tax filing. I was stressing and fretting when I started yesterday, superstitiously expecting that an itchy left hand was going to equal a giant tax bill. My husband sat down at the computer as I went to procrastinate by making myself a yet another cup of coffee (in hindsight maybe it was all the caffeine that was making me anxious and twitchy!). He started entering digits for me, and before I knew he it was giddily spewing out numbers.

"Why all of a sudden do you enjoy taxes?", I asked him.
He replied, "I just love software!"

There you have it. The best thing ever invented.

Marshmallows

2010-03-14T09:01:00.002-03:00

Um-yum. One of my favorite treats in the world is a squishy little marshmallow. Last night, I decided to try my hand at making my own.

I was so surprised by how easy they were to make, and how few ingredients they require.... perhaps due in part to the lack of preservatives and fresheners that are in the home-made variety!

I googled a recipe and this one from marthastewart.com came up first. These are just simple vanilla marshmallows. Simple, yet utterly delicious.

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
3 (1/4-ounce) packages unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, plus 1 vanilla bean, scraped
Confectioners' sugar, sifted, for coating

Directions

Lightly spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 10 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; boil rapidly for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and, with the mixer on high, slowly pour the boiling syrup down the side of the mixer bowl into gelatin mixture. Add salt and continue mixing for 12 minutes.
Add vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds; mix until well combined. Spray a rubber spatula or your hands with cooking spray. Spread gelatin mixture evenly into pan using prepared spatula or your hands. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place, spray side down, on top of marshmallows. Let stand for 2 hours.
Carefully remove marshmallows from pan. Remove all plastic wrap and discard. Cut marshmallows into 2-inch squares using a sprayed sharp knife. Place confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Working in batches, add marshmallows to bowl and toss to coat. Marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container up to 3 days.

I did make a few slight modifications to my cutting method.

*First, I liberally sprinkled my cutting surface with the powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Then, once I flipped the marshmallow out of the pan I was worried that it was maybe still a little too squidgy and sticky so I sprinkled the top as well.
*Since I don't like cooking sprays and did not want fake buttery taste to interfere with the beautiful vanilla bean flavour, I opted to omit the spray, and instead dipped my knife blade in powdered sugar after every few cuts. I did find though that after cutting several pieces I would need to rinse the residue off with hot water, and then dip it in the sugar again.
*About halfway through the cutting process, I discovered, that lightly patting the large sides that had been cut, helped the sticking. It also prevented too much sugar from sticking to the marshmallows as I tossed them in the sugar at the end. My first couple pieces seemed too powdery. Not really a problem until you are snacking on one, inhale suddenly and end up with a lung-full of sugar.
*I cut mine into much smaller squares. No reason for this, except that I plan to share them with a sizable gang. That did mean that I was cutting a lot more, and exposing many more sticky surfaces.

I definitely will make marshmallows again. Now that I have the basic recipe under my belt I can begin to expand my flavour repertoire.

Spring at String Me Along

2010-03-13T07:58:00.000-04:00

I perhaps don't do the greatest job at keeping everyone up to date on what's up at my own shop. I think I've done pretty well at showing you some other fabulous etsy shops, but today, I think its my turn!

Here is a recent project that I completed. This set was intended for a sister-duo who will attendants in their mother's upcoming wedding. The earrings were listed in my shop first.

The buyer wanted a matching cuff bracelet and this is what I came up with.

I was very pleased with the result. So much so that I expect an in-the-near-future shopping cart will contain many more of these patinaed leaves. I think that the blue/black of the leaves will work equally well with quite a rainbow of colours.

Flowers continue to bloom in my shop, and luckily, I did take a chance and order more of the filigree cuff bracelets . Here, I mixed a copper cuff with a pale buttery rose.

Finally, in addition to bobbypins and hairsticks, a small selection of hairbands is now in stock. I think that Alice in Wonderland will re-popularise the hairband, and these little floral sweeties will be perfect.
If you want to see what else is blooming in my shop, click on my etsy sidebar. Thanks for stopping by!

Flea Market

2010-03-12T16:18:00.003-04:00

As I am sure you are aware, in 2005 the city of New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. I hope you are also aware that the rebuilding process is still ongoing. There are still an unacceptable number of people who have been unable to return home. Many organizations have been donating time and money to try to assist these displaced families.

I am honoured to report that I have been asked to participate in a fund-raising project that will provide money to one of these organizations - Samaritan's Purse.

The event is a virtual, on-line Flea Market hosted by designingdna. It will be held on March 20th and 21st. Click the square on the side to learn more, and/or donate to this cause directly.

I will be donating 10% of all my sales from those two days in my String Me Along shop.

Shop ahead for Mother's Day, wedding season or buy yourself a little springtime treat and help out a good cause while doing so.

This Burgundian Rose Cuff Bracelet is new in my shop. Many other spring arrivals are also now available.

Maple Syrup

2010-03-11T14:24:00.006-04:00

The news just broke... it is maple syrup time in New Brunswick.

This is tremendously good news, and not just because it is a sure sign of spring days ahead. And not because it is a little boost to the local economy. It is good news because that means that I can have a feast of pancake and sausages, liberally drizzled with syrup.

My father once got the idea in his head to the tap some of the large maples that we had and collected buckets and buckets of sap. (We had 20 acres of woods at our disposal!) It was so exciting to drill the trees, and tap in and watch that first drip of sap run out. And then to see it collecting in the buckets day after day.

My Mom was tasked with boiling the sap down to make the syrup. She was so annoyed that after hours and hours of sitting in a steaming hot kitchen all she ended up with was a few measly jars of syrup. I think she still harbours a grudge against maple syrup to this day.

Well, Mom can grudge away all she wants, but I love the stuff, and today I pay tribute to that sweet, sweet nectar!

ODDandWHIMSY capture the spirit of the sugar shack in this original painting.

Maple without the pancakes. Sweet maple fudge from EastgateRidgeAcres.

And squishy maple 'mallows from whimsyandspice.

Finally, the tree that started it all. Sugar maple are the same maples that provide the deep crimson foliage that make Canadian autumns so breathtaking. Maybe you've also noticed one fluttering on our flag. This gorgeous photograph was shot by RaceyTay.

Did you perhaps notice that maple syrup itself is missing from this post? Well, that's because I'd like to set an assignment for all those in Northern climes, blessed with an abundance of sugar maples.

Take yourself on a Saturday morning adventure to a maple shack. Take a tour through the woods, watch the sap spilling out of the trees, and see how sap is boiled and thickened into syrup. Many of these shacks have pancake breakfasts on site, and c'mon, nothing tastes better than breakfast in the fresh air. Unless its a fresh air breakfast with a side of fresh syrup!

Buds

2010-03-10T16:57:00.009-04:00

From seed to bud.

New growth will soon be all around us. Small buds are been gently coaxed from their winter-proofed cocoons. As the sun warms, and the spring rains wash gently over them, they will burst forth in all their glory.

Here, is a taste of things to come.

Early leaves on a sunny day.

Dogwood trees offer their snow-white blossoms.

Poppy, fuzzy and prickled looking, will peel back to let loose frilled and silky petals.

I just love this time of change.

Seeds

2010-03-09T07:47:00.000-04:00

Spring is nearing. The days are longer. The temperatures are rising. The sun has been burning through the layers of ice and snow. And somewhere below the surface of the frozen earth, little seeds are slowly turning over and stretching themselves from their slumber. Slowly, slowly they will unfurl a tiny tendril, and this determined wisp of green will squirm and nudge its way through the softening earth. Soon, we will little green shoots emerging.

What a tremendous effort exerted by such a teeny being. How admirable is this tenacity? Let us take a moment today to admire these small and mighty forces of nature.

Morning Glory wait to drop their seeds from these plump pods. These seeds will then rest quietly and wait until next spring. This photo is from FootCandleImages.

Earthy, golden seedpods mixed with an autumnal brass leaf. These gorgeous, nature-inspired earrings are from the shop of staroftheeast.

These seedpods have released their bounty. In so doing, they have let behind this wonderful boat shaped pod, which now is filled with wet-felted merino for an ever-lasting natural decoration. These can be found in the shop of woolicious.
Finally, my favorite seed. Maple trees release their lightweight keys to the wind. They briskly helicopter to the ground in a blurred whirl of red and green. These stunningly realistic watercolours were painted by TheBotanicalConcept.

Favorite Things - March 8

2010-03-08T06:14:00.001-04:00

Yesterday morning, as I was pulling a bowl of blueberries out of the fridge to add to my pancakes, I accidentally tipped the bowl and sent them skittering across the kitchen floor. As I was crawling around on my hands and knees retrieving them all, I was struck by how simply pretty they are.

So today, my favorite thing is the little powerhouse of taste and beauty.... the blueberry!

The blueberry is a useful little fellow. Did you know:

*The blueberry is the largest fruit crop produced in Canada, occupying more than half of all fruit acreage.
*Nova Scotia is the largest wild blueberry producer in Canada, and has thus bestowed upon the berry the title of "Official Provincial Berry".
*Blueberries are a nutritional super food, containing piles of micro-nutrients and antioxidants. They are said to be helpful in reducing one's risk of cancer, reducing inflammation, slowing the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's, and may lower cholesterol.
* Blueberries add instant flavour to pancakes or muffins; are sweet in a pie or stewed into a jam; and, they make a wicked summer gelato.

What's not to love about the blueberry?

Photo is by octoberphotography, and can be found on etsy.

Oscar Night

2010-03-07T09:32:00.008-04:00

It is Oscar night and the question of everyone's mind surely is, "What is she wearing?". For today is the day that the best frocks come out to play.

There have been so many memorable Oscar fashion moments. Today, let's take a look back, and try to make a little Oscar history of our own.

Julia Roberts won big in Vintage Valentino. Meanwhile, vintage glamour abounds at TimelessVixenVintage.

Timeless fashion icon Audrey Hepburn accepted her Oscar wearing a cocktail dress by Givenchy. This vintage cocktail dress is another treasure found at TimelessVixenVintage.

Though Penelope had a similar look in 2007, Diane Lane graced the red carpet in a feathered frock first. Diane's dress was by Oscar de la Renta. Using feathers to a lesser, but just as dramatic extent, and capturing the softness of the style is this dress by clairelafaye.

And Bjork rocks the waterfowl. Since I can't in good faith ever recommend copying this look, I will just share this pretty fabric swan from Middleburg.

I am looking forward to seeing what strolls down tonight's Oscar's red carpet.

The All-Seeing Eye

2010-03-06T12:57:00.007-04:00

Legend holds that the goddess Hera, in tribute to her trusted servant Argus upon his death, preserved his all-seeing eyes by casting them upon the feathers of the peacock. To this day, the peacock is said to be a symbol of protection and fidelity.

Today, a look at a beautiful array of objects that draw inspiration from the stunning beauty of the proud peacock's feathers.

First, is a beautiful photograph of the eye of the feather. This photo beautifully highlights the shimmer and opalescence of the peacock's stunning plumage. This photograph is by erinaasland.

Next, is this truly inspired piece cathysavelspaintings. This is an intricate and dimensional piece which beautifully captures the essence of the feathers. Click the photo to go to the listing for a full explanation of how this piece was created. Personally, I find the detail work to be staggering.

This absolutely lovely clutch is made from a breathtaking peacock teal silk. It has been deftly hand-embroidered with a peacock feather motif. You can find this in the shop of ClutchThat.
Stemless martini glasses have been given a decorative touch with the addition of handpainted feathers. These glasses are found in the shop marywibis.

And finally, an eyecatching pair of peacock feather hairpins. These come to us from the shop (fittingly named) prettypeacockshop.

You can easily forgive a peacock its pride when you witness this beauty, can't you.

Clutter Busters

2010-03-05T07:59:00.002-04:00

If you're at all like me, you may tend to hang onto things a little longer than necessary, and unruly piles of stuff eventually teeter dangerously on any available surface.

I try hard to be organized, I truly do. But, I need a system and well, a system would require some fun and pretty organization tools. So, I took to etsy and I found some wonderful items that I think will do the trick.

First of all, I have an out of control collection of cooking, craft and travel magazines. These need to be sorted and neatly held. These unique and gorgeous felt magazine holders are from ccommeca.

For collecting all the other flotsam and jetsam that I collect, these fabric bins in bright and fun colours are a perfect option. And when I am in an organized state and not in need of the extra storage, these baskets nest together to store neatly away. These come from momfetti.

Need to keep track of family appointments and schedules? This is a fun way to do it. These chalkboard wall decals are lettered with each day of the week. These are from the shop of willowcreeksigns.

Do you ever forget to bring your list when you go shopping, or forget that you were meant to pick someone up at the airport after work? OOppps! Leave yourself a little reminder on this combination note-rack and key-rack. This wonderful idea comes to us from MooreMagnets.

Goodness, I can already see surfaces. What a wonder a little extra storage can make.

Safe as Houses

2010-03-04T16:58:00.007-04:00

A little trivia today. Did you ever wonder where the phrase "safe as houses" came from?

If you might recall the story of the "Three Little Pigs" not all houses are completely safe. Lessons we learned: straw and sticks do not make good houses. Brick, however, is sturdy and safe, and will withstand the huffing and puffing of a wolf. And, if I may put my faith in wiki-answers, brick-built houses are part of the reason that this phrase was coined. However, another reason they give is that, "when investment in the railways turned sour in the 1850s, people returned to investing in bricks and mortar, hence the phrase 'safe as houses'. "

Thanks, wiki.

Today, homes that are neither straw, nor stick, nor brick.

From LittlePinkHouse, a small neighbourhood handcrafted on linen using cotton, and wool felt, with hand-embroidered details.

From thelittlereddoor, a quartet of clay "HOME" homes.

From BirdCraftsShop comes these plush fabric houses, which keep your tissue boxes cozy.

From terrariooms comes this sweet little (only 3 inches high!) birchbark cottage.

And finally, from lillalotta comes this perfectly adorable cotton tape/ribbon, decorated with a row of whimsical houses.

Wouldn't you love to move into any of these little neighbour hoods?

Almost too Pretty to Eat

2010-03-03T08:39:00.000-04:00

I said, "almost". I am not sure that I have ever encountered a sweet that was actually too pretty to nosh on. I have on occasion taken a long moment to admire the beauty of a treat before grabbing my fork. In the end though, the result is always the same... a sated tummy and a smattering of crumbs.

Let's have a look at a few sweet treats that would give me pause.

Pretty, dipped in pink Brussels cookies from skippingskones. Thin buttery cookies with chocolate sandwiched between. You may choose to have them dipped in chocolate or a candy coating such as the ones seen here. Personally, I think it is the pastel coloured coating that make these look so divine.
From SinnersSaintsSweets, a dark chocolate cupcake, filled with dark chocolate creme, and topped with swirls of strawberry buttercream frosting and crystal sugar sprinkles.

From haveitconfections, Pretty in Pink Vanilla Sugar Marshmallows - their most popular flavour, coated in pink sugar. Made fresh to order, just for you.

Well, as if Oreos aren't addictive enough! Look how decadent these ones from sweetiesbykim have become. They are drenched in semi-dark or milk chocolate, and then made beautiful with the addition of an edible, coloured cocoa butter design. Gorgeous!

Hungry yet?

Jelly Beans

2010-03-02T06:52:00.000-04:00

Jelly beans are to me the perfect little burst of joy. I simply adore a little dish of jellybeans - the soft, plump curve of their body and the pop of cheerful colour. Then there's that contrast of texture when you bite into one - that sweet soft shell, and the flavourful jelly centre.

As a child, I learned that the jellybeans were a perfectly sweet accessory for dress-up. Lick a little rounded end lightly, and then rub it swiftly across the lip or cheek for a perfectly pink pucker or blushed cheek.

Today's cast of etsy sellers help me celebrate this glorious little candy.

Someone else who obviously shares this love of jelly-beans is seller Foxxysair8. This photo is simply titled, "Jelly Bean Love".

Jelly beans are even more fun when they have a hint of glitter. But, don't eat these! From sunbasilgarden come these jellybean shaped, cotton-candy scented soaps. mmmmm.....

A funky little frame purse in jellybean coloured polka dots - what could be more fun? This sweetie comes from oktak. (By the way, am I the only person who loves black jelly beans best?)

A luxe, grown-up version of the jellybean comes to us from elleabelle. Smooth briolettes of magenta jade look much like a jellybean, and make a glamorous earring.

Sweet!

Favorite Things - March 1

2010-03-01T14:49:00.003-04:00

I think there are probably many, many Canadians that share my favorite thing for this day. A huge shout-out to Canada's Olympic team. What a triumphant two weeks they had!! And how proud they made this whole nation.

This Olympiad was particularly significant as it marked three special historic events:
1) A Canadian athlete earned the first gold medal ever on home soil. Thank you to Alex Bilodeau for this momentous achievement.
2) Canadian athletes earned their highest ever number of gold medals in a winter Olympics.
3) Canadians now hold the record for not only the most gold medals won as a host nation, but also hold the record for the most gold medals ever awarded during a single Winter Olympics.

Canadian athletes proved to us that they have a fierce strength and determination. They strive to be the best, and they do it with grace and dignity.

In no one was this more evident than in Joannie Rochette. She performed stunning figure skating programs, ultimately earning herself a bronze medal and she did this while facing the grief of losing her mother - her biggest fan. This is a true example of grit meeting grace.

Our Olympic team deserves all the applause that greeted them every step of the way. Truly, they did this nation proud. Thank you!! What a thrilling two weeks these were.

Good luck to our Para-Olympians who will continue to bestow upon us a reason to feel deep pride in our country.

O Canada!!

Nature's First Green is Gold

2010-02-28T08:25:00.001-04:00

Nature's first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Thank you to Robert Frost for today's inspiration.

From jewelry designer, SigaliotJewelry these stunning earrings featuring gold-plated oak leaves enhanced with green resin.

From catherinefilippelli come these beautiful bee motif soaps. These are infused with lime peel and lime essential oil, as well as forest honey.

Handmade glass beads in a new spring green colour, generously flecked with goldleaf. These beads are from the studio of HavanaBeads.

An ethereal image aptly titled after Frost's poem comes from BigBeanPhotos.

Titiana and Puck

2010-02-27T13:31:00.011-04:00

If you are familiar with Midsummer Night's dream you are familiar with Titiana, the mythical queen of the fairy world, and wife to Oberon.

The Queen of the Fairies would of course be in possession of all the most beautiful fairy adornments. I imagine too, that she would be richly decorated in the regal hues of deep purples and blues. Can't you picture her then with these stunning magenta wings? These wings have been crafted by UpFromTheAshes.

Imagine her graceful fae neck wrapped in this stunning felted foliage to protect against cool woodland evenings. This scarf has been created by TheFaerieMarket.

In the play, we meet Titiana as she waits in the forest for the arrival of Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding. To adorn herself for this aristocratic event, surely Titiana would have donned her best finery. Drawing on the bounty of her forest, she may have donned this blackberry wedding mask constructed by TheArtOfTheMask.

It is as she waits for the wedding, and during a quarrel with Oberon, that things take an odd turn for Titiana. Oberon's henchman, Puck has cast a misguided enchantment over Titiana which causes her to fall in love with the unwitting Nick Bottom, a common weaver. Coincidentally, Puck is also responsible for the head of a donkey of which Nick has become endowed.

This dapper donkey is illustrated by berkleyillustration.

In the end, things work out for Titiana.

Puck, well somewhat remoreseful for his antics tells us:

If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

Laundry Day

2010-02-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

I can't say that laundry day is my favorite day of the week. I do enjoy the end result though. Bath towels still hot from the dryer, fresh scented pyjamas, and crisp sheets to snuggle into.

Today, I bring you a few things to make the laundry-day experience just that little bit more enjoyable.

Before you begin, always remember to sort your clothes properly. I think we have all lived through the heartbreak of turning a perfectly good load of white clothing into a baby pink nightmare with the overlooked addition of one errant red sock.

This wall decal from empressivedesigns, will bring a smile to any laundry room.Next, for an eco-friendly washing alternative, try this natural laundry soap from carvelcountrysoaps. These small jars hold enough powder to clean up to 32 loads in a regular machine, and up to 64 loads in an HE washer.

For a natural and eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets, try these dryer balls. Etsy seller ElasIdea makes these woolen balls from re-purposed sweaters. By thumping around in your dryer, they naturally soften and fluff your fabrics. Their use also reduces overall drying time, which is good not only for your fabrics, but also your utility bills!

Now, with spring on the way we can again look forward to the fresh scent of line-dried laundry. I can think of only a few things that smell more heavenly than laundry dried by sun and breeze. Here, is a taste of those warm sunny laundry days to come. This photo is from andieedwardsart.

Ooopppsss.... that's the spin cycle done. I better get on with it.

Beauty in the Ordinary

2010-02-25T07:17:00.000-04:00

I love that there are people out there who are still able to see the beauty in the seemingly mundane. There are a few kindred spirits still about who appreciate that our ordinary everyday items do have a forgotten beauty within. In an unguarded moment we may be surprised to discover just how sublime they can be.

Clothespegs by leaca.

Tarnished spoons by kariherer.

Beer Bottles by f2images.

Spools of thread by ajawin.

Keys by honeytree.

Robin Red-Breast

2010-02-24T07:18:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I saw the first of the spring robins. Just yet another sign that spring, glorious spring, is a mere few weeks away.

Welcome back, Robin. This one's for you.

The beauty of the robin egg. Nature's perfect shape, meets the world's most beautiful shade of blue. These papier mache eggs are from the shop of thebrokenhouse.

Delicate eggs find a safe home in a sturdy nest. This beautiful acrylic painting comes from the studio of jodyvanB.

And today's star of the show... Robin, herself. This enchanting photo comes from RetrospectPhoto.
I am staying tuned for many more of those hints of spring to present themselves.

Scrappy Crafters

2010-02-22T18:53:00.013-04:00

Humans are becoming progressively more wasteful. It used to be that items were used as long as they were usable, mended as needed, and then repurposed if possible. It is refreshing to see that slowly, this common-sense practice is once again gaining ground. There is so much truth to the adage: One man's trash, is another's treasure.

Today, we look at some of the most creative uses of fabric scraps.

First, a stunning piece from vidals, California based designer. This multi-strand, braided textile necklace is created with recycled scraps of pinky peach jersey from factory left overs. She has finished it with ivory rope trim which complements the ivory flower that was salvaged from the trim of a blouse.

A very simple, yet sweet keychain was made by handbag designer, lynndavid. She calls these scraps "just too cute to toss out". I couldn't agree more.

Pretty pastel fabric scraps add a fun splash to plain kraft paper cards. These lovely notes come courtesy of shopscrapyard.

If you have scrap fabric, chances are you also have a stash of needles. Maybe you find yourself constantly wondering where you might have left them? Here's a solution to that problem. This "poppet" is a hanging pincushion. Find it in the shop of sanourra.

If you wish to start your own scrap collection, maybe this bowl would be the perfect spot to start depositing your odds and ends. This bowl from CornerstoneLAE, is made up from four lengths of scrap quilting fabric.

Once your scrap bowl is brimming with bits, I hope you have fun coming up with some fun ideas of your own of how to put your scrap to good use.

Favorite Things - February 22

2010-02-22T15:15:00.003-04:00

My favorite thing today is a place - a delightful little cafe in Charlottetown, PEI. Since discovering it last year it is a must-go destination anytime I am on the Island.

This wonderful cafe is called Leonhard's. I discovered Leonhard's quite by accident over a year ago, when out with my mother on a chilly day, we decided to find somewhere to warm up with a hot cup of tea. The moment we walked in, I knew that I had wandered into someplace special. The window was filled with baskets of croissants and cookies; behind the counter was a rack to house home-baked breads; the far end of the counter was my Mecca - a display case filled with mouth-watering European cakes and pastries.

Since that first visit, I have been back every time that I am in Charlottetown. Beyond the cakes, pastries and coffee, I have also gone back to explore their lunch menu. I like to keep my lunch light when visiting (a simple sandwich on their home-baked bread) so that I can be sure to indulge in the decadent dessert offerings.

Beyond the delicious offerings, I love to visit for the ambiance. You can tell that this space is a true labour of love. Touches of Old Europe meet Island cottage, creating a cozy space that prevails upon you to linger. The service too, is superior: efficient, but with that characteristic Island charm.

If ever you find yourself in Charlottetown, be sure to visit Leonhard's Cafe and Bakery, 42 University Ave.

(mmmm.... this is the Vanilla Roll that I enjoyed with my latte during my last visit. It was transcendental!)