In His Time

I'm so thankful for the dynamic adventures of 2018, and excited for what is to come in 2019! I feel so free
in learning to accept and enjoy "to everything there is a season". Onward!

Glorify

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..." --Luke 1:46

Festive Fleece

This is my Christmas gift (project) to myself: I ordered my Nordic, Chunky Knit, and Bubblegum Calico designs on Fleece to sew up into some cute neckwarmers. Time to use the snowy weather to get to my pile of sewing!

Button up your Overcoat

Check out this fashionable ornament, complete with mittens, lovingly hand-stitched by my crafty mother!

Dancing Sugarplums

I'm flitting around, doing some seasonal shopping, dreaming up gifts, making said gifts, fashioning festive outfits, and grand jeté-ing and swinging out to Christmas tunes at every opportunity!

Noël House

I would be proud to call this my home! How completely charming. This home in my neighbourhood always has the most perfect curb appeal décor, making the most of their painted brick and lovingly distressed wooden windows and doors. Check out those candy cane filled swags, that jingle bell wreath, and, of course, that Noël.

December Bulletin 2018

Carols, crystal, and joy

Fibre Monday

These new designs in my shop are available as fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap, and homewares! 

Here's Chunky Knit

Nordic

Brass

Hot Daisy

Union Patch

Fab Eyes

Olive Cart

...P.S. here are some handy Christmas shipping deadlines! Happy ordering!

Cheertown

 A little follow-up from Almonte's Holiday Night Market...here's Baker Bob's and Tin Barn Market during the day! Punches of red, the whole Gingie clan, baby firs, and a skating bunny. Absolutely charming!

Shooting Star

I got this ornament last year at Tin Barn Market. Oh this glam star encrusted with beads--it's just been hanging year-round on my bedroom door handle! Tonight I'm off to do some festive shopping at Tin Barn and other such locales under the twinkly sky at Almonte's Holiday Night Market!

100 Years

I find it fascinating how WWI launched the world out of the poise of the Edwardian Era, and caused the reaction of the Roaring Twenties. WWI is the pivotal point of vast societal change, which influenced everything stylistic as well--design, décor, architecture, fashion, and so on--read any history of design book and you'll catch on to that trend pretty quick. Here's to those who sacrificed their lives and lifestyles, creatively adapted to new ways of life (I would love to hear more of their experiences), and helped give us the freedom we enjoy today! 

Copper Glitz

I have been staring at this thrift find for some some glam surface pattern design inspiration. I love the subtle copper glitz of the mirrored motif on the black, and the dainty neck and sleeve borders. 

November Bulletin 2018

Triumph, motifs, and merriness

Swinging at the Rialto

I said I'd be drooling at the architecture, so voilà, here are some photos from my weekend of swing dancing bliss at Montréal's Rialto Theatre, built in the 1920s. Hexagonal marble tile, mosaic, brass, and rich wood is a good start. The stairs throughout the place were marble--people--worn down by the performers and musicians and dancers and theatre-goers of the past (almost) 100 years. Oh if these walls could talk they would sing.

The iconic artwork nestled between pilasters made for a vintage-tastic welcome in the front entrance.

a.k.a the cheeriest musical ever made

Now behold the main theatre...

I think I hear the hallelujah chorus over the band.

I spent some time up in the balcony and boxes just observing the social spectacle.

It was a great vantage point for the social dancing and performances!

Look at that regal illuminated R.

Swag

Thank you Cat's Corner!

In addition to cats there were also many chandeliers lurking in corners.

...and so much majestic stained glass.

I can't wait to go back and dance there again!

Hello Rialto

I'm packing to spend the weekend swing dancing at the stunning 1920s Rialto Theatre! If I skip a song I'll be drooling at the architecture. My outfit is, of course, flapper inspired, with this gold skirt that I added fringe to. 

Tomorrow night is a masquerade ball! I made this mask out of faux leather that I painted gold and embossed with a single hole punch! Ha! I made it to be compatible with my glasses. So excited for this swing fest!

Gatsby Glasses

Now I'm all set for any costuming event from the 1800s through the 1930s with these glasses! They are so fine and dainty. The ingenious local optician happily ripped the black tubing off this vintage pair that he had sitting on his shelf in order to polish them up to their round golden glory for me. Gotta love small town service!

Polka

With chillier weather I withdraw to my sewing machine, so lately I've been tending to my pile of clothing items to alter. At the top of the pile I have been tweaking and embellishing this dress. In the original condition it looked awkwardly short on me, so I am adding the black eyelet sleeves and coordinating trim on the hem to balance it out. I also removed the red sash from the back and added on the collar rickrack. Dances await!

Carpet Bag

This pouch was an IDS 2016 freebie from carpet manufacturer Jan Kath. Check out their stunning styles!
It makes me chuckle that I use a mini German area rug to keep things tidy in my purse.

Artist's Path

I'm thankful for the Creator and all the exciting, fascinating, dynamic beauty and He inspires.
"I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free." --Psalm 119:32

October with Anne

In the words of Anne Shirley, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." The trees are rivaling Anne's hair. Tonight, on this chilly autumn evening, I am hunkering down to watch some Anne season 2!

October Bulletin 2018

Masquerade, grandeur, and grace

Cobalt Ceramics

Fig N°1: Traditional Mexican shot glass...which I plan to fill with flowers instead of Tequila
Fig N°2: Hand-painted Delft pill box from Holland
Fig N°3: Cobalt Fiestaware plate of my great grandma's wedding dish collection from 1938
Fig N°4: Folksy embellished octagonal container with lid made in Finland by Arabia--a $1 find

Multifaceted Lady

I have a growing collection of intriguing lady portraits, and just acquired this print for $8 from Value Village. I adore the 1900 to 1930s styling of it, the beauty of the woman, the rich colours, and the faceted gold frame splashed with the colours of her dress.

Ceylon Tin

I picked up a new tin for the collection! $0.25 at the local thrift store, of course. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the kelly green and laurel details? I love this example of contemporary packaging done beautifully!

Olive Cart

My Olive Cart design is up for voting in Spoonflower's Retro Bar Cart Tea Towel challenge!

New Textile Goodies

Textile time! These new designs in my shop are all available as fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap, cut-and-sew patterns and homewares! Here's Deco Diamond

Decollect

August 1927

Preppy Lemon

Calico Cottage