smidgebox

royal mint

2012-02-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

i love exploring new-to-me shops that i discover through the people in my circle on etsy. it is fun to see what others have discovered in the vast expanse of etsy shops, it is simply impossible to imagine that you could see it all, there is just SO much.

i was pretty blown away by the incredibly detailed miniature characters made by sabina of royal mint. they seem practically alive, their facial expressions and body language are simply spot on. sabina's photography is perfect, too, and just helps to bring these little guys to life. i am completely smitten by mr badger. isn't he fantastic? {in case you were wondering, yes that pun was intended.}

all images via royal mint

learn more about royal mint in this etsy featured seller interview.

special big thanks to local-vancouver-designer-extraordinaire melanie kimmet, who is always finding amazing + fun things on etsy. you should definitely add her to your circle. {her paper goodies are pretty awesome, too.}

city prints by albie designs

2012-02-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

i absolutely love these city prints by portland artist kim of albie designs. the colours are amazing, i love the yellow + orange that figure heavily in her palettes, whether they're bold or more subdued. gorgeous.

really wish there was one for vancouver, i'd snap it up in a second. maybe she'll visit here someday and be inspired to make one. i can always hope!

images via albie designs

a letter for you

2012-01-31T10:35:00.003-08:00

when my friend linda from a la mode posted about project letter writing earlier this month, i was super excited to join up. i used to write letters -- a lot! i had a couple penpals as a kid, and as i grew older i developed a total obsession with paper goods and stationery. i love it all, and have got quite a good collection. when a good friend of mine lived in korea for several years, she sent me so many awesome letter-writing sets, with cute paper + envelopes, stickers, and the like. i loved them so much i couldn't bring myself to use them! i lived in tofino for 6 months when i was 20. it was an amazing place, and i made a ton of friends, but missed my friends at home. i started writing letters again, and most of my friends wrote back. it was the perfect way to stay connected. i still have all those letters, as well the ones i received from my tofino friends in the years after i left town to come back home. reading them again brings back a lot of memories, and a lot of laughter. good times!

the problem is, i don't do it anymore. why is that? email is so easy, so convenient. when i write for too long my hand gets sore, and my writing becomes messier than i'd like. i never seem to make it to the mailbox. and now i text, more than even talking on the phone, for the most part!

it's time to reconnect, and get back to this simple art.

linda sent everyone who signed up for the project a hand-picked card to use for the letter. i received this adorable card from pistachio press, which happens to be a fave shop of mine. immediately, i knew who i would write to.

done! with two days to spare before the end of january, i wrote my letter. someone mentioned, in this day of texting and facebook and twitter, she finds it hard to think of something to write that would be worthy of a letter. i had that thought at first, too, until i realized it didn't really matter what i wrote. my friend will just be super excited to read my letter, so i just sat down and wrote what came to mind at that moment.

i was also pretty excited to use some washi tape to spruce up the envelope a little. now i have a proper excuse to buy many more rolls of pretty tape!

i can't wait for my friend to get her letter. it's been years since we wrote to each other regularly, and with us living in different cities again now and for the foreseeable future, i figured it was a good time to get the ball rolling again.

my favourite part of writing this letter was actually going back and reading some of the letters we'd written to one another in the past. i even found a little something i'd almost forgotten about, enclosed in one of her letters to me. i made a copy of it and tucked it inside, and i just know she's going to love it. i got a real kick out of some of the stuff we wrote about way back then! it helped me to realize that there doesn't need to be an occasion or something "big" to write about, but just everyday anecdotes and what i like to call "stream-of-consciousness ramblings" are perfect. it's more like a conversation that way, and that's just how i like it.

when was the last time you wrote a letter? maybe you'd like to join us in project letter writing -- it's the perfect way to get started again, and everything's always easier when you do it with a friend.

redstar ink

2012-01-31T09:34:00.002-08:00

i've always really like the rustic simplicity of kraft paper or card, so it's not surprising that i'm drawn to these simple + smart notebooks by redstar ink. i think the twenty twelve planner might have to come home with me, it's clever layout and clean design appeal to the organizer in me.

images via redstar ink on etsy

make sure to check out all the great chevrons and other graphic patterns on cards, notebooks and gift tags. i love the modern + bold design.

coveting these days

2012-01-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

i'm really liking the mix of bold colour with brass + copper toned metals in the jewelry i've been coveting lately. not that i'd wear them all together, but i think they'd bring a welcome punch to a simple t-shirt and jeans.

top :: honey comb w/ neon colored bracelet :: cyclical industry

middle :: arrow ring - copper and dipped rubber - seafoam :: miju

bottom :: the helsinki series in turquoise - modern geometric necklace :: iswas + willbe

my vancouver.

2012-01-24T14:06:00.012-08:00

second beach

burrard street bridge, from granville island

dundarave beach

grouse mountain

mosquito creek park

vancouver skyline, from my 'hood

panorama park, deep cove

cates park

capilano canyon

cleveland dam

vancouver skyline, from lonsdale quay

{my vancouver. my heart}

there's a reason i've been waxing poetic about vancouver of late. beyond the obvious, that is, that i absolutely love this city. in july, my little family will be moving to victoria. not too far, and very beautiful in its own right. but my heart will remain here, at least until i can give a piece of it to victoria. i will miss my city and all that it holds. but the time has come to move along, for now, for a while.
this will mean some slight changes around here. we have a mountain of stuff to accomplish before we go, with the house + with life itself. moving is tough! in so many ways. but i will keep myself attuned to the new doors and windows that will open for us, and i know there will be many.

vancouver will always be my home, and we will return, one day.

little monkey

2012-01-23T20:48:00.003-08:00

this sweet little monkey blanket was whisked away to a new baby last week. it was fun to come up with a colour palette to suit a monkey design -- i thought these shades of purple, mauve and magenta worked really well with brown for the monkey's face, instead of the more common bubblegum pink + brown combo.

my city

2012-01-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

vancouver.

british columbia love :: poppy & pinecone

my city

2012-01-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

neighbourhoods.

vancouver, poster in stanley park green :: ork posters

my city

2012-01-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

love this skyline.

vancouver, british columbia - city skyline series :: architette studios

my city

2012-01-17T17:22:00.003-08:00

map pillow.

vancouver vintage map cushion cover :: my bearded pigeon

my city

2012-01-16T21:52:00.003-08:00

my heart.

vancouver map art poster :: mr city printing

skinny laminx

2012-01-13T08:51:00.003-08:00

it must have mentioned it before, but i think it's worth repeating -- i'm a huge fan of skinny laminx. i pretty much adore everything that designer + artist heather moore creates. such beautiful prints, i sigh every time i look.

this pretty little number {top} is coming home to my house, soon. i think it will be the perfect pop of fresh colour for spring. it is right around the corner, isn't it?

i also have some yardage of the cloud birds print {in granny smith, above} which i am going to make into a couple lumbar pillows for our master bedroom. we need a great accent colour in our white + birch + pale grey room, and this is definitely what i'm after.

have you ever seen the amazing upholstery work done with heather's fabrics? here are some gorgeous chairs with her iconic orla fabric. i die. someday i'd love to do a bold patterned reupholstery of a piece in our living room. dreaming...

images via skinny laminx

in haus press

2012-01-12T04:56:00.000-08:00

these sweet letterpress offerings from in haus press are tugging at my heartstrings.

i love the idea of tiny monogrammed notecards. perfect for those little notes to say hello. i think the arrow letters {bottom} are divine.

images via in haus press

little wooden villages

2012-01-11T04:35:00.002-08:00

i am completely smitten by these little wooden town art sculptures by the haunted hollow tree on etsy. i think they are simply perfect. in fact, i think the whole shop is fantastic.

images via the haunted hollow tree

shop sneak peeks

2012-01-09T20:27:00.002-08:00

a little peek at what is to come when i reopen my shop later this week.

i'm rather fond of the fabric combination below. the outside oslo fabrics by jessica jones are some of my new favourites. so gorgeous! i was tempted to keep this one for myself, but into the shop it will go.

i had intended to reopen on the weekend, but the weather has been very uncooperative, and i haven't had the chance to photograph all my new things. it looks like we've got a stretch of sun coming up starting tomorrow {fingers crossed!}, so i will plow through these photos and try to stock up a little before i open my virtual doors. i hope you'll swing by to check out the shop once it's ready!

starting another year

2012-01-03T22:43:00.003-08:00

and another year older. january 1, 2012 -- still those same bright smiles.

{you may notice that my little man still has a big gap up top like the pics below. he knocked his front top teeth out a year and a half ago in a scooter accident. ouch! the dentist says the adult teeth are fine and will grow in when they're good + ready}

twenty eleven

2011-12-31T13:28:00.002-08:00

the lights of my life! it's been a long year full of many ups and downs, but still an amazing time watching these two grow. i took these photos january 1 2011. i'll be sure to snap a few tomorrow to see how they've changed.

as for me, i'm looking forward to a year full of growth. we have some potentially big changes in store, and i'm also looking at ramping up my little business throughout the year. i have big plans for smidgebox! first up, back to more regular postings in this space.

here's to 2012 -- happy new year, friends.

made in bulk

2011-11-26T18:48:00.008-08:00

some musings on making my handmade items en masse...

i trim all my seams by hand, to avoid bulk. at curves, i cut small notches so that the seams lie flat when they're turned the right way out. it only takes a couple of minutes for each piece, but when you're making 35 stockings at a time, that adds up! look at all those scraps!

something you may not know, when i stitch my peek-a-boos, i use at least three different thread colours for each, and i stitch around and around. i like the way it picks up on all the colours in the fabric, and creates a nice depth in the stitching. in order to keep the stitches looking clean from the outside, i hand-tie and knot the beginning and end of each pair of threads on the underside of the fabric. that's at least 6 pairs per peek-a-boo.

all stress-points are double or triple-stitched. then, on each seam, i run a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. this means i stitch each seam two, three, or four times.

components for 35 stockings! that's 35 strips for hanging the stocking, attached to 35 cuffs, each one carefully ironed, then triple-stitched for extra-heavy stuffing of goodies.

the first batch of finished stockings. just a peek, mind you, i can't give away everything!

these are just a few thoughts that have crossed my mind as i've been preparing for the One of a Kind Show. i don't normally work in bulk, but this past month, i've made more than 70 mini buckets, a dozen tote bags, 35 stockings, and much more. these steps that take only 2 to 5 minutes, such as trimming or finishing a seam to make sure it doesn't fray, don't normally cross my mind as i do them. but when you multiply that by 35, well then a good chunk of time has gone by. i don't cut corners or look for shortcuts that could negatively impact the finished product.

when i make an item, my aim is to ensure quality every step of the way. besides using quality materials and equipment, this includes accurate cutting, careful stitching, trimming and finishing of seams, ironing at every step, and precise finishing touches on every piece.

this is not meant to be a sermon, but rather my musings on working in bulk while maintaining quality. it's the reason i [and other makers all over the world] try to put a reasonable price* on our efforts, our designs, our work. this is not a $10 polyester stocking from walmart that may last a year or two. this is a one-of-a-kind handmade heirloom christmas stocking, with carefully chosen fabrics, stitched with care so that you can stuff it full to the brim, creating warm and happy memories for many generations to come.

*by reasonable, i do mean that i am aiming to be paid a fair wage, not only for my time and effort, but for the quality and design of each piece.

smidgebox holiday 2011

2011-11-17T10:20:00.002-08:00

i think you can guess what i've been working on this week? i hope to have a few dozen smidgebox peekaboo stockings to show at the One of a Kind Show in just three weeks*. It's so much fun choosing fabrics for these stockings, which, incidentally, all happen to be one-of-a-kind. I like the idea of mixing and matching the colours, and would love to see a grouping hung on a mantle just like that. there's a stocking for everyone -- the traditionalist, the modernist, and lovers-of-cute.

*eep! did i say three weeks? back to the sewing machine i go!

totes are on the table

2011-11-13T20:17:00.002-08:00

a batch of daily totes and a batch of weekly totes. just another peek of what's happening over here to prepare for the One of a Kind Show in Vancouver, december 8-11.

happenings...

2011-11-06T18:22:00.004-08:00

there are holiday goodies

and everyday buckets, both mini + large

and bags. lots and lots of bags.

i love using instagram to share peeks of what i'm up to in the studio. if you'd like, you can follow me at smidgebox.

cherry + charcoal

2011-11-01T09:41:00.002-07:00

i'm finally getting around to sharing a bag i made a couple months back. i'm not sure why i've never played with this colour combination before, but i absolutely love how it turned out! the cherry red lining just pops against the dark charcoal canvas. this bag was commissioned by a lovely return customer -- she wanted a new bag for her birthday, and i was thrilled to make something special for her.

as a special request, i was asked to add a divider to my weekly tote. it took a bit of figuring and moving a couple pockets around, but went really smoothly. you can see a peek of the divider, above.

in case you couldn't tell, i quite like photographing my bags with my favourite chairs. eames goes with just about anything, don't you think?

a ladybug hallowe'en

2011-10-31T10:50:00.003-07:00

several weeks ago, i got a lovely email from the talented angie allen, asking if i would be able to make a custom hallowe'en tote for her adorable daughter's ladybug girl costume. of course i agreed, i was totally honoured to create something special for this sweet 6-year-old.

i love how it turned out, in fact, it has given me an idea for a fresh line of fabric buckets in the new year. stay tuned!

angie wrote a great post about the costume on her blog, her photos {as always} are absolutely gorgeous. you should definitely head over and take a look. thanks, angie!

pouches for preschool

2011-10-28T17:20:00.004-07:00

this past summer, i embarked on my second preschool 'end-of-year' gift making. these little zipper pouches will be handed out to my daughter's preschool peers on their last day of school next june, as a little gift from their teachers. when my son was in the same preschool, i was asked to make the gifts, so the boys went home with d-ring belts, the girls with headbands. i wanted to have them finished early, winter + spring are so busy for me, so i did them in little bits over the summer.

forty pouches for the girls,

and forty pouches for the boys.

it was a fun project, though it did take some time. it's a labour of love, for sure. my kids get {and got, in my son's case} so much out of that school, so i agreed to do what i could within their budget. i got to use a bunch of fabrics from my large scrap bin, that were too small to use for much else. i love the way they look all splayed out like a colour wheel. i hope the kids like them!

sneak peek :: baby organics

2011-10-27T20:49:00.003-07:00

well hello! it's certainly been awhile, hasn't it? things are so super busy at my sewing machine, and i'm afraid i've just not had the time to post here. i do miss it. i know i sound like a broken record! my plan is to capture november in pictures. whether it is a photo i've taken myself, or something that catches my eye around the web, i will be sharing here more often, lots of images and fewer words. i do hope you'll visit!

i'd like to share some sneak peeks of my upcoming baby organics line. I've had this in mind for a really long time, and finally have enough fabrics that i'm ready to get started! i will be having an exclusive launch of the first phase of smidgebox organics at the one of a kind show in december. phase two will follow in the spring. i am so excited about this, and i hope you will love it.

these next couple of pics are an assembly line of iphone cozies, ready to be sewn up for the one of a kind show as well. there is loads of production happening in these parts, and still lots to do in the next six weeks. {wow! did i say six weeks? yikes.}

i do hope that my lovely friends in vancouver will stop by the one of a kind show and say hello. it is my first foray into a multi-day big deal show like this. i must admit i'm a little nervous, but mostly i'm so excited about what's in store for my little business. a few friendly faces would be very welcome, so do come and have a peek!

lastly, i have a quick interview up at my friend allisa's blog. allisa is an amazing sewer, and i totally adore her work, so i was honoured when she asked if i'd participate in her 'shops that shine' series. thanks allisa!

IDS West :: favourite booths from local shops

2011-10-04T20:44:00.005-07:00

saturday was pretty packed for me this weekend! after morning family activities {soccer and such}, I managed to get to IDS West for a few hours, followed by a short-but-sweet visit to anthropologie for the design*sponge book tour {fun!}. i capped off the night with a really great event at the loden hotel, an ikea canada sponsored party for the canadian design & lifestyle bloggers west. an inspiring but jam-packed saturday!

there were a lot of great things to see at IDS, but i will start off with a few pics from three local retailers' booths that made a real impression on me.

the colour scheme at parliament was bold + fresh. vibrant navy blue mixed with pops of lemon yellow, all set against a pure white backdrop with the odd hit of chrome. it was absolutely fantastic, i loved it.

i'm afraid i didn't get the name of the artist for the piece in the top photo. it's a giclee with glass-coat finish, and the colour and luminescence was amazing. {if you know the artist's name please let me know!}

i loved the layered look at the booth by provide. the colours were subtle but rich -- think navy, eggplant, fuchsia with an awesome array of textures and finishes. the missoni throw + cushion {directly above} were possibly the softest knits i've ever felt. bliss! love that chevron, on the pillow especially. i'm also a huge fan of the felt vessels and bags, simple + industrial + perfect.

if you live in vancouver and haven't been to provide, you must. it's a beautiful shop filled with a well-appointed collection of pottery, textiles, furniture, and housewares. bonus, you can ogle heath ceramics' amazing dishes there, too!

last but not least, orling & wu had a simple but striking booth showcasing some of their amazing wallpaper offerings, as well as textiles and hand-painted dishware. incredible! that metropolis wallpaper {top pic} is just stunning. i can imagine a feature wall in a future house, somewhere. i also love the look of the industrial farmhouse lighting paired with the wallpaper. the subtle colours here were perfect for an autumnal display.

i'll be back later in the week with a peek at some of my favourite artists + designers + displays from the show, some i knew and some that were new to me. please excuse the poorly-lit iphone pics, i didn't have my camera with me, so the phone had to do!

a foggy day

2011-10-03T09:18:00.002-07:00

i took these photos on a particularly foggy june day in north van. it was fathers' day, and the kids wanted to go on a hike with their dad. luckily the rain held off, but the fog was moody, damp and cool. seemed like an october day, somewhat like today!

i'm wondering how much work i would get done if i had a stretch of solitude, like working in that little hut {above} in the reservoir. perhaps i wouldn't be very productive -- i tend to be quite curious, and would likely spend more time wondering what everyone else was doing rather than getting my work done.

i suppose this post is just to say hello, poke my head in, and say that i haven't forgotten about this space. i miss it. i only managed a small handful of posts last month, and i do believe that's how this fall will go for me. i wish it were different, but truth be told, there is simply too much on my plate, and something's got to give. i'll still pop in and update when i'm inspired and able, and i hope you'll still come and visit, too.

happy autumn! i love foggy days, don't you?

some recent work

2011-09-25T15:38:00.006-07:00

i have mentioned before how much i love making all my custom orders, but i think that baby gifts must be my very favourite. there is something pretty special about making a one-of-a-kind item for a brand new little babe, and i feel very honoured whenever someone chooses my shop for these important first gifts. i always imagine the babies loving their cuddly blankets or squishy blocks for many years to come, becoming a well-loved part of their young lives.

i haven't made many blocks this past year, as i haven't had them in my shop for some time*. but every now and again, i get a request from a past customer or from a friend, and it is really fun to whip up a set of cloth blocks! these were made for a friend to take to a baby shower earlier this month.

custom smidgey blankets are always a customer favourite. i love the watery blues + greens in phoebe sue's blanket, with a hit of girlie pink for good measure.

tobie's blanket was commissioned for a very special visit with a miracle baby. the sun + clouds were the perfect choice! i hope she has many snuggly seasons wrapped in her special blanket.

* look for my custom cloth blocks to return to the shop in early 2012!

the rains are here

2011-09-22T09:30:00.004-07:00

i love fall. even here in vancouver, when it is inevitable that it will rain, and rain, and rain. but when a crisp autumn day arrives, where the sun shines and the sky is brisk + blue, there is simply nothing like it. a perfect fall day.

you just need a great pair of cozy, lined rain boots.

a pop of bright colour helps when the rain seems like it will never end.

slip on my hands-down-favourite smoking lily shirt, comfy + stylish.

and at the end of the day, curl up with a cozy throw and read a book on the couch.

aren't you excited for fall?

{from top}

ilse jacobsen tall rain boots in grey

merrell urbaine rain jacket in lagoon

smoking lily mt. pleasant top

avoca sun salute throw :: via room6

they're here!

2011-09-15T20:37:00.003-07:00

for one month only, these spooky hallowe'en treat buckets will be in the shop! each one is available in a limited edition of five, so get them before they disappear...

warm september

2011-09-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

crisp crumpled linen, cool and fresh. beautiful shapes, simple lines.

lolling about in dresses and skirts, sun warming my shoulders, sunglasses on.

when it's this gorgeous + hot in september, i forget that we had a cold + dreary start to july.

woffle linen dress :: pamela tang

organic denim jean skirt - wrap cargo - hemp & organic cotton :: pyxus passion project

sage linen tunic dress :: larimeloom

lurking just around the corner

2011-08-31T12:55:00.003-07:00

frank will be making an appearance in the shop in the first week of september, and he's bringing a few friends to join in the spooky fun. stay tuned!

nearly there

2011-08-30T06:05:00.002-07:00

i know it's still pretty warm out, in fact this past weekend we had what i think was the hottest summer weather yet here in vancouver. nonetheless, it is nearly september, and i can't help but think of fall fashion. these pieces from pretty birdie would be perfect to transition into fall, don't you think? i love the rich colours, all hand-dyed with eco-friendly dyes. even better, all of pretty birdie's clothing is made with organic and sustainable materials. that dress is calling my name -- love the olive green, and it would be super cute over jeans, too.

images via pretty birdie

kitchen -- still!

2011-08-24T17:09:00.003-07:00

why, yes. this will go down as the longest-short-kitchen-renovation ever. here we are nearing the end of august, and we are finally seeing the light at the end of the long, long tunnel. this past weekend, i finally stole a bit of time and painted the powder room and my workspace wall. i am in love with the colour, a cool + calming pale grey. the name makes me laugh, 'heavy goose' by none other than martha, because who else would call a paint colour 'heavy goose'? it looks fabulous next to my gorgeous bamboo work surface. here's a little peek!

the paint colour doesn't show up too well in the photo, but it was getting dark. anyhow, i'm so happy to be making a bit more progress. we finally got our floors put in last month, and i adore them. we chose a dark grey marmoleum plank, and it feels so soft and warm underfoot, it's perfect. the rest of this reno is all up to us, so there's no telling when it may get done, as we are both super busy. so wish us luck as we paint, tile, paint, and tile some more!

hopefully i'll be showing you some final photos in the next month or so, though if i were you, i wouldn't hold my breath ;)

fall fling

2011-08-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

images via j.crew

loving the colours in these fall offerings from j.crew. that golden yellow is divine, and i love the resurgence of tweed and cable knits in the early autumn clothes i've seen popping up so far in shops. fall fashion is probably my very favourite, always rich and layered and oh so pretty.

red + orange + green + blue

2011-08-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

not long ago, i got a request from a customer to make large fabric storage buckets for her baby boy's room. she had a fairly neutral colour palette in his room with some greys, and then a couple bright pops of primary colours. after chatting back and forth, she decided on a scheme that gave each bucket it's own colour, red + orange + green {with grey on the outside} + blue. it worked perfectly, and i love the fabrics she chose.

this is the largest size of bucket that i make, 10x10x10 inches square. i find this is as big as i like to go while keeping a good amount of structure, and when they're filled with toys, kids can still pick them up. they fit perfectly in the ubiquitous ikea expedit units, which we have in both our kids' rooms [i photographed the buckets in there before i sent them off]

my customer was really happy with them, and sent me a couple pictures of them in her son's room. i love doing projects like this, giving people a one-of-a-kind item that no one else will have. i think they turned out really well, what do you think?

summer smidgey blankets

2011-08-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

i've been a bit busy lately, between sewing + summer + vacation + life, and haven't had the chance to catch up on posting my work. here are a few blankets that i've made this summer so far. i've mentioned it before, but i just love working on my custom smidgey blankets. each one is different from the last, fun colours, applique images, sweet names. all ready to be sent off to a special tiny person whom i hope will love and cherish it for many years to come.

addison's sunny lion and beckett's cute little owl were special requests made by my customers. both were asked to be in a specific style, and i think they turned out quite nicely. i have had the pleasure of working with some pretty amazing customers, who have fun nursery colour palettes and themes to work with. i feel lucky to have such great people coming my way!

::::::

on to a little shop news. please excuse me for chatting a bit about the holidays {yup, here we are in mid-august, and i'm thinking about the c-word} but i have to be thinking ahead!

I'm going to be taking a break from custom orders for all of september and october while i prepare for my holiday craft shows. I will have to focus solely on amassing stock {mainly for the One of a Kind Show mid-december} so unfortunately something's got to give! I'll keep my shop open with a good selection of ready-made items, so there will be lots to choose from in the meantime. In november, i will be taking a small number of custom requests for holiday gifts, but there will be limited availability. I know it's early to be thinking this way, but if you've got a smidgey blanket or a set of custom fabric buckets or stockings in mind for holiday gifts, it might be a good idea to let me know as soon as possible so that i can reserve a space!

sitting on a cloud

2011-08-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

all images via cb2

i thought i'd share some new offerings from cb2 that caught my eye. i especially love the look of the cloud 16 lounge chair {bottom}. i'd love to have one in my living room to replace the leather slipper chairs that we've currently got, which i feel are just too weighty and chunky now for the look i'd like in that room.

fall fresh

2011-08-13T09:09:00.002-07:00

all images via west elm

i feel as though we've barely had summer here in vancouver, the weather has been less-than-desirable for our fairest season. the chill in the air each evening has me thinking of fall, so i though i'd do a little shopping. west elm always has really lovely seasonal selections, i like the ocean hues here, juxtaposed with the warmth of wood and textiles.

oh hello there

2011-08-01T23:18:00.003-07:00

i've been away, spending my days here

and my evenings here

gazing at amazing sunsets every night

and spending a whole lot of time with these two incredible kids.

i will be popping in and out of the blog this month again, i do hope you'll bear with me and these extended breaks. those two little people have five more weeks of summer vacation, and i plan on taking full advantage of the sunny weather and spending it outside. they grow so fast, don't they? i just want to enjoy them.

inspired by a scarf

2011-07-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

seafoam. can be interpreted as different shades of aquamarine, turquoise, palest green, or a hint of blue. all i know is that i saw july's scarf colour of the month from scarfshop today, and was instantly smitten. i can't wait til it arrives!

this collection of goodies was inspired by that most gorgeous shade of seafoam.

images via shops as listed below, top to bottom.

listen - original painting on wood panel :: deermayor

aqua clutch :: shibang designs

foggy morning. wishbone stitch hand embroidery :: the merriweather council

flock ceramic wall art set of three flying ducks :: prince design uk

swallow and lace on aqua messenger bag :: track and field designs

it's a tough job

2011-07-06T22:05:00.004-07:00

life's a beach. at least it is this week! my little man is in sailing camp this week {cutest thing ever} and so we are destined to be here every day. i know, difficult, right? this week, those two chairs will be inhabited by a great friend and myself, as long as there is sunshine + blue sky.

iphone photos by me

had to include a pic of the little sailors in action. in that photo, they are being tethered along, but right from day one they were out, three to a boat, on their own, learning the ropes! these are 4-6 year-old kids. seriously cute, and completely awesome.

directly above was my first view of the bay this morning. those two specks on the deck are the 3-year-old girls, best friends enjoying the sun. shaping up to be a pretty awesome summer.

{now i know it all sounds pretty fantastic, but yesterday there may have been a bit too much sun, as meltdowns and overtired-ness were rampant when we got home. life as a 'fancy-free' mama isn't always sunshine + daisies, right? heheh}

from the ever-lovely dace.

2011-06-30T14:41:00.003-07:00

images via d a c e

i'm a huge fan of the gorgeous clothing by local designer dace moore. her collections are always beautifully thought out, cohesive, and elegant. from casually chic to sophisticated edgy pieces, there are some really amazing items in this spring's offerings, as always. i especially love the blossom one-piece, top left. not sure that i could pull it off, but it's so fantastic!

the gals at d a c e emailed to let me know about a super holiday sale happening this week for canada day, save 40% until july 4 {use code mycanada}. this is a pretty rare opportunity, i love the fact that you can have twice as many amazing pieces for practically the same cost. shopping, anyone?

i need a tray for my teapot

2011-06-29T06:52:00.001-07:00

because i don't want to spill any drops on my pristine countertops. i love them all, but my favourite is the bottom left. of course, that's the one from sweden whose website i cannot read. i found some shops that carry the coordinating fabric {some of which i may just have to buy} but i cannot find that exact tray. and so i search.

{clockwise from top left}

lotta kulhorn apple trivet :: hus & hem

camp cirrus serving tray - green houses :: the vitrine

marimekko kaiku small tray :: finn style

isak landsby breadboard :: isak

spira brickbord Jaffa ljus turkos :: spira {via molly, of course!}

erin considine

2011-06-28T06:14:00.001-07:00

totally amazed by the gorgeous jewelry from erin considine. stunning colours, beautiful craftsmanship, all over good. you can find more eye candy at her shop.

images via erin considine.

i first saw erin's work on seesaw, you can find the post here. seesaw is one of a few blogs that i still find time to visit daily. updated often, and always full of wonderful finds.

yorktown colours

2011-06-25T20:19:00.003-07:00

a beautiful rainbow of hand-dyed linen pleated zip clutches, just some of the always-gorgeous offerings over at yorktown road.

rainbow birthday party

2011-06-21T21:21:00.006-07:00

and now, pictures. as promised, the balloon garland + the highly-anticipated rainbow cake!! we celebrated dani's third birthday on a typical grey afternoon in june in vancouver. typical this year, anyhow, ugh. but that's another story.

my sweet kiddos under the balloon garland. colours inspired by my little lady's favourite hues -- she is all about pink + purple + turquoise, as most little girls are. i had to throw in the yellow, to avoid it being too sugary sweet. balloon garland tutorial found on design mom. i was delighted by how super easy + quick it was to make! i also embellished the party hats, following instructions from oh happy day.

[a little aside, do you see the turquoise vinyl table cloth peeking out in the corner there? that is a cloth my mom has had since my siblings + i were kids. it is present in every single one of my childhood birthday party photos. awesome nostalgia. also, i swear my mom is not a hoarder.]

cake, stage one. the night before the party, i baked sixteen mini loaves of cake. yes, sixteen. each one a different hue. four colours, with four shades of each. i was surprisingly excited watching the coloured cakes bake, it was pretty fun! time consuming, but fun.

cake, iced and ready to go. candy-coloured rainbows, of course [i am terrible at drawing with icing. i know, the rainbows just look like a big 'm']. dani didn't know that the cake underneath was a rainbow of colours -- she loved the icing, but was completely enthralled by what was underneath!

cake, after cutting the first layer. i LOVE how this looks! it is so much fun. as long as it took to bake each piece, i will definitely do it again. all of our guests were delighted by it, and it just looks so darned pretty.

my one tip would be to chill the cake for a couple hours right before slicing, to make sure it has a bit more integrity. i didn't have the chance, and you can see we had some crumbles in the middle. i would also recommend not dragging the knife through the centre, but rather slice down and lift straight back up, to avoid smearing the icing between the layers.

cake idea + inspiration came from this photo, which i found via the delightful molly.

all in all, i think the party was a colourful wonderland. a super simple theme that is easy to carry out with everything [favours were also colour coordinated, as were napkins, plates, and drinks.] i'd do it again for sure!

the other thing i learned saturday, i am pretty terrible at taking pictures at a party. these photos are rather awful i think. i don't know, maybe it's that i feel rushed, don't bother taking the time to stage a nice photo, or snap a bunch of pics too quickly? whatever it is, i will try better next time. my apologies for the poorly photo quality of this post. so poor, in fact, that i didn't even edit them, so you are seeing them in all their raw glory. so sorry.

balloons!

2011-06-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

i know i promised pictures of the highly anticipated rainbow birthday cake this morning...but maybe this sneak peek of balloons will tide you over for a wee bit? i'll be back shortly with pictures of cake + a balloon garland, i swear. as for these, i think there's nothing better for a three-year-old than a living room chock full of balloons. she was having a ball.

effortless style

2011-06-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

sometimes there's a line of clothing that you feel just gets the way you want to dress, or which encompasses the impression you want to make with your attire. for me, it's pamela tang. i love everything she makes, everything she designs. the precisely folded pleats, together with a more casual shaping of elastic thread and gathering. it's the combined feeling of casual + natural + effortless chic. the rumpled linen. the bold earthy colours dotted amongst neutrals. even her product photography speaks of the almost effervescent, whisper of chic. i love it all.

i've posted about pamela tang before, and i've no doubt i will do it again. love, love.

proud of the boys in blue

2011-06-15T22:26:00.002-07:00

image by elsa, via canucks.nhl.com multimedia

i know i very rarely write about anything sports related, but bear with me for a moment. i have been a canucks fan since i was a little kid, and the excitement in our fair city has been palpable this past few weeks, as we watched our team race towards the stanley cup. tonight i was proud of the canucks for playing their hearts out. even though they didn't win, they will forever be my faves. like the sign says, this is what we live for. thanks, boys. you did us proud.

{and please don't think that because of some poorly behaved miscreants that our whole city is full of sore losers. the riots downtown were caused by people looking out for trouble, not by true fans and loyal vancouverites}

i hope to be back to regular blogging next week. it's been a long haul, kitchen is still in progress, and work is still super busy, but i miss it here. thanks for sticking it out!

the storm in my head

2011-06-12T19:17:00.003-07:00

i spent most of the day in bed, trying to fight off the fog. this photo pretty much sums it up, complete with dark and blurred edges and choppy seas. hoping to clear my head tomorrow.

before the storm 5x5 original signed fine art photograph :: elle moss photography

knocking it out of the park

2011-06-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

the folks over at j.crew have got my summer style credo pretty much pegged. simple silhouettes, bohemian casual, shades of blue + red paired with linen + warm neutrals. i'd like one of each, please!

lemlem adama dress in tangerine :: boho embroidered top in vintage sand

high tide tunic dress in vintage linen :: siesta dress

rope cloud ikat dress in vintage cobalt :: ticking-stripe tunic in muslin

{i'm especially loving the lemlem line by liya kebede, so gorgeous!}

blankets for brothers

2011-05-30T20:12:00.003-07:00

two brothers, two sweet custom smidgey blankets. these blankets were both made within the last couple months. jack's mom loved his new baby blanket so much that she just had to have one for her older son, greyson, as well. i love the colour schemes she chose, that they complement one another without being too matchy.

the moon + stars motif is perfect for bedtime snuggles. for big brother greyson's, she asked if i could do a sun + clouds, which i think is a wonderful choice. i love how they both turned out, and i sure hope those two boys get loads of cuddle time with their new smidgey blankets.

as a final note, i have to say that i feel so lucky to have such amazing customers. i have now worked with jack + greyson's mom on three separate blankets, and she is an absolute delight to collaborate with. i'm so so happy that she loved each blanket enough to come back and order another, it is truly the greatest compliment i could receive.

natural selection

2011-05-19T06:38:00.002-07:00

the dreary spring weather we've been having finally took a turn for the better last week, and i managed to get outside with my camera a few times. the one thing i can say for all the rain we've had, the grass + trees + flowers are sure looking extra lush.

this month's installment of natural selection takes a look at some fresh late-spring blooms, along with some decidedly warmer-weather fashion.

lush amalgam tank :: anthropologie

the rhon pump in coral pink + beige :: john fluevog

forgiveness dress in sky :: nicole bridger

coin purse/wallet - metallic blue dots :: oktak

silk taffeta lorelei dress in organic green :: j.crew

extra chunky stone age cuff :: bead evolution

etta hat - pink linen :: piper and paisley

ruffled tie-front cardigan in ultra deep pink :: banana republic

izzy top in amethyst :: curator by she bible

sessun sumatra skirt :: penelope's

{don't worry, i wouldn't really suggest wearing these items together necessarily. a bit too matchy for me, just a fun exercise in pairing the colours with the pics. thought i'd throw that out there.}

ibby and rufus

2011-05-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

these awesome embroidered wood chevron pendants caught my eye today as i was browsing etsy for goodies for a later post. i'm so glad that i happened upon ibby and rufus, a fresh + unique jewelry shop out of atlanta.

it's always a happy day when i come across something that makes me stop and take a closer look. also, who doesn't love a good chevron? the sunburst {below} is pretty cool, too. bravo, ibby and rufus!

anthropologie, finally.

2011-05-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

anthropologie is finally coming to vancouver, this saturday! i've been waiting for so long.

i browsed around {and drooled over} the website last night, dreaming of things i'd love to buy now that i can actually see them in person. here are just a few that caught my eye.

grey stripes, of course. pleated yoke tee.

a sweet summer blouse. heartsease habotai blouse.

for those breezy summer afternoons. orchard grove pullover.

for lazy days spent at the beach, a bit of shelter from the sun. painted layers cover-up.

all images via anthropologie.

one more peek...

2011-05-10T21:53:00.003-07:00

i've never been so happy to have a sink full of dishes. i admit, i definitely took for granted the simple fact of having plumbing in the kitchen on a daily basis. one month without, that was definitely the most difficult part of this reno so far.

almost done, just a few little fixes + some floor, tile, and paint, then i'll share the final reveal. but this is it until then!

got craft? this sunday!

2011-05-06T15:59:00.002-07:00

also known as the reason that things have been so quiet around here! Got Craft? is this sunday, so come on out to say hello to 55 indie designers from vancouver. in my humble opinion, this is the best craft show in town, and i am honoured to be taking part.

this sunday also happens to be mothers' day, so what better way to treat mom to a unique gift than to pick out something awesome at Got Craft?

thinking

2011-05-02T13:23:00.006-07:00

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Martin Luther King Jr. {* see below}

archived photo :: the alders, vancouver island, july 2009 :: my favourite place to rest + reflect

{* - i saw a link to an article on fb the other day, clearing up what seems to be a widely spread 'fake quotation' -- read here to find out more. apologies for the misquote, but i still find the words comforting, timely and poignant.}

one grape hyacinth

2011-04-27T09:02:00.001-07:00

poor neglected blog, i have missed you. there are about 10 more days of hectic craziness, then i will be back.

sincerely yours,

btw

2011-04-19T20:26:00.003-07:00

i'm still here, i've just got my head buried in the proverbial sand. or rather, in drywall dust + fabric scraps. things should be back to normal soon, i promise. i miss you, too.

image :: another awesome mini goals chalkboard by mary kate mcdevitt.

natural selection

2011-04-13T04:57:00.004-07:00

i'm excited to share a second installment of natural selection with you today!

let your wardrobe choices be guided by nature.

sunny soiree dress :: anthropologie

pink peony silk-lined clutch bag :: red ruby rose

stripe sunburst tank in agate | ivory :: j.crew

sugary...cream orange cotton dress :: after shower shop

military tunic in sweet moss :: j.crew

bhati beads silk planets bracelet in hot pink :: j.crew

{all nature photos are taken by me}

Friedasophie

2011-04-12T05:54:00.003-07:00

i'm so glad that sandra of Friedasophie emailed to let me know about her jewelry, her shop is like a breath of fresh air! it is the perfect thing to brighten my days during the unusually cold, dreary, grey spring we've been having in vancouver. my favourite pieces are these simple + pretty necklaces, they'd be delicately perfect with a great spring dress. i especially love the tourmalines [above].

sandra also has an impressive selection of one-of-a-kind bright + cheerful druzies and semi-precious stones, definitely head over to have a peek! for those who know me well, you'd guess that i've got my eye on this one.

a little facelift

2011-04-11T12:53:00.014-07:00

so, today i decided to spend a bit of time giving my blog a wee facelift. basically, i liked the style [very simple] and the colours and all that, but i just wanted it wider. so i've chosen a new template and spruced it up a bit, just to tide me over until i finally make a switch to wordpress. this, of course, will require a whole lot more time than i've got at the moment, as i really need to learn how to use wordpress ;)

anyhow, it seems that the little facelift resulted in the removal of all my comments from disqus, which is basically every comment i've had since october 2010. this sucks pretty bad. however, i'm thinking i will keep it as such, since when i migrate to wordpress, i will lose those comments anyhow. might as well start now, so that the notes i get from now on from my lovely friends + readers will at least show up over at the new smidgebox blog...i always love hearing from you, so pop your head in and say hello!

you may also notice some spiffy tabs up along the top there. i'm not sure what took me so long, but there they are! thanks, linda, for your awesome video tutorial. have i mentioned that linda is my internet guru? she also helped me make my facebook page. linda is so generous with her knowledge and willingness to help, she is also a super talented designer, and amazingly kind friend.

{these are some pics i snapped of the kids on friday. otherwise, really not much going on with my camera other than kitchen pics!}

out with the old.

2011-04-08T08:52:00.005-07:00

warning :: the pictures you are about to see might hurt your eyes.

and here it is. our old kitchen, in all it's glory. it's hard to see, but the cupboards are old, dingy white melamine with that curved oak edge trim. who ever thought that looked good, anyhow? the pulls are semi-circle white plastic, again, really special.

on the left, the wall is painted a lovely shade of brown that i have dubbed 'baby poo brown'. on the right [where my workspace was], a putrid shade of butter yellow. on the ceiling, there was a layer of old, dusty popcorn stucco. the floors were white 80's lino with a mauve and teal geometric pattern. it was all topped off with the crowning jewels, two old ivory track lights. not the nice kind.

this kitchen has slowly been sucking the life out of me since we moved in over 2-1/2 years ago. i am so, so excited to be getting rid of it, i can barely contain myself! we aren't moving any walls, and we'll be keeping our appliances [which are fairly new], but i know the change will be a big one. i cannot wait.

derek did 90% of the removal work, with me occupying the kids, running around to many different hardware stores {multiple times}, and providing help when he needed. it all culminated with the floor removal yesterday afternoon. the end of a really ugly era.

we are now left with a pretty blank slate. the electrician is on his way right now, and the cabinets are being installed monday. the rest will trickle in over the next month or so. countertops have been ordered, backsplash chosen, and light fixtures are on their way! the floors are nearly there. we're having a hard time with that last one, but i think we may have just found the right floor last night!

i'll be back next week with some cabinet sneak peeks, but the final reveal will have to wait until everything is in place. thanks for joining me on this ride!

zac freeman

2011-04-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

my husband and i stumbled across this incredible art a couple months ago. artist zac freeman has been working on his assemblage series for 12 years now, and i think the level of commitment to his work is simply incredible. built completely with found objects, junk, and garbage, assembled on boards, zac creates these very thoughtful works of art.

looking at the images again today, i am still totally blown away by the incredibly detailed work, and the emotions conveyed in the faces. click on each image in his portfolio, and after seeing the whole piece, click again to see a detailed section. you will be amazed at the bits + pieces of random stuff, carefully chosen, carefully thought out, all placed just so.

i really like what zac says about the junk he uses in this art, how it is "more powerful being present. {...} and carries energy in and of itself." i think you can imagine his process, choosing the pieces that will make up each portrait, incorporating their energy into the feeling of the art. art with purpose, and visually stunning at that.

all images used with permission of artist zac freeman. visit his website here.

hunt + gather

2011-03-31T20:25:00.002-07:00

i just wanted to share a smattering of the easter buckets i've made so far this spring. tomorrow [april 1 -- no fooling!] is the last day to place your order to receive yours in time for easter, so if you've been thinking about it, the time is now!

this is the second year i've offered choose your own easter buckets, and i must say, it is really fun to see what my customers choose for the fabrics! i've had the chance to sew in some combos that i wouldn't have thought of, but that i really like the results.

there were definitely some popular picks -- the wide blue + white stripe with the blue zoo fabric lining was the clear fave for boys, and the pink + orange fireworks sold out super fast over on the girls' side.

the two zigzag buckets shown on the bottom left were specially requested to be mini-buckets. i think that's a fun option, maybe i'll offer that next year, it's a nice size for the really wee kiddos.

anyhow, i've still got a few more lined up to sew over the weekend, and then they'll be gone for another year. up next for me, getting prepped for got craft -- it's creeping up soon!

big bling

2011-03-29T05:02:00.001-07:00

shimmering beauties! love these big + bold handcrafted rings by clementine on etsy. crystal druzy, labradorite, and geode slice, all fit for a night out on the town. gorgeous, no? love her photography, too, so well done.

all images via clementine

like mother, like daughter

2011-03-28T05:14:00.001-07:00

my little gal got her hair cut on friday. the awesome french gentleman who cut her hair gave her a bit of a different style than her usual angled bob, but this suits her personality so well. pixie-like and a little crazy, just like her.

when i snapped a few pics of her that afternoon, i literally gasped when the image {above, left} came up on my computer screen. 'i've seen that picture before', i thought. i went to our other computer to pull up all the old family photos i've got scanned, and immediately found this picture of myself {above, right} from when i was just 2-1/2. it's one of my favourite pics of myself as a wee thing, i've always loved it.

i guess that's why i was so shocked by the picture of my little 2-1/2 year old d. because, beyond the blonde hair and green eyes, that was me staring back from the screen. right down to the crooked smile.

pretty paper rainbows

2011-03-24T06:18:00.002-07:00

i saw these zigzag streamers {above} on ohdeedoh today. aren't they adorable? they're made by jordan from oh happy day, who is pretty much a genius with paper. i also love the other streamers she made earlier this year {bottom}. lastly, her hack of those not-so-great cheap confetti poppers which she turned into invitations {middle}. they're so clever, and way cuter.

i foresee a very pretty rainbow paper birthday coming our way in june!

all images are by paul ferney for oh happy day.

fringey streamers, confetti popper invitations, zigzag streamers, all from

oh happy day.

natural selection

2011-03-21T05:05:00.003-07:00

what if you let your wardrobe choices be guided by nature? i've paired some of my recent spring photos with a few fun clothes + accessories.

solar flare - golden curved discs and sterling silver necklace :: jaros designs

ecofriendly handprinted jellyfish pouch in sunshine yellow :: seaoats

bamboo purple short-sleeved cowl tee :: replicca

random raised line scarf, in orange :: yorktown road

bubble skirt in bamboo, in daffodil :: ureshii

and she was dressed in shades of grey.

2011-03-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

images via shops as listed below, clockwise from top right.

girls' valencia dress :: crewcuts by j.crew

the everyday dress in grey for girls :: minimoo

violette dress :: by le petit lucas du tertre, available at smallable

the newspaper print lucky dress :: redfish clothing

gingham dress :: zara girl

grey canvas and liberty twirl dress :: french garderobe

make sure you check out minimoo's entire shop, adorable dresses + impeccably styled 'storefront'!

a mantra for an ethical life.

2011-03-16T05:03:00.004-07:00

downloadable poster by jessika hepburn of oh my! handmade goodness

i've been doing a lot of quiet thinking about the happenings in japan over the past several days. to be honest, i've found it almost too difficult to watch. i'm not sure i'm able to comprehend the extent of the disaster, to imagine the people, their feelings, their losses. the images of the peoples' faces are what get me the most, seeing the heartache + fear there in their eyes. it's a bit much for me, as i'm sure it is for everyone. it feels too close, too awful, too real.

when i read this post on oh my! handmade goodness yesterday, i was struck by the poster she designed. ethics. they are, after all, the root of our lives, our personal mandate for our time on this planet. someone commented on the post about working towards an ethical life, even when it's inconvenient. i think that is so important. you can talk about your ethics all you want, but when it comes time to act, to help, to do good, where will you stand? will you stand behind your mantra? have you ever taken the time to write down your values, your beliefs? i really think it helps.

i know i'll be pondering these thoughts for a long time. what do we want to pass along to our kids, what are the things we'd like them to take away with them when they leave home. it's about being mindful of your actions, your words. taking care of our fellow human beings. it shouldn't take a disaster to make us think of these things, but now is as good a time as any to start, isn't it?

i'd recommend popping over to omhg to read jessika's post for yourself. it's a lovely read. the last line of jessika's poster really strikes a chord. working together to make life better. for everyone, that is to say. for the whole planet.

if you'd like to help with disaster relief in japan, christchurch, and otherwise, please visit these links for ideas on what you can do. this is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are a multitude of shops donating partial proceeds, and auctions set up to help. feel free to leave a link in the comments if you have something to add to this list.

poppytalk has a great post with links to artists donating partial or full proceeds to japan.

blooming in japan :: jacqui of mee a bee

how artists can help japan :: evie s. of a beautiful idea

products to aid disaster relief in asia :: more info at octavia & brown

and of course, canadian red cross is just a text away. text ASIA to 30333 to donate $5.

affordable art :: leah duncan

2011-03-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

images via leah duncan on etsy.

i'm totally smitten with leah duncan's beautiful prints. i love the subtle colours, patterned geometrics, and simple yet striking compositions. how am i to choose which one to get for my workspace? her tea towels would also be pretty perfect for my new kitchen. decisions, decisions.

smidgebox designs facebook page

2011-03-13T22:12:00.002-07:00

well, i've gone and done it. i finally made a facebook fanpage for smidgebox designs. there are a whole bunch of reasons that i resisted this for so long, but in the end, i have come to realize that it is going to be a great way to reach a lot of people. i know that many prefer facebook to other venues [blogs, twitter], and that i should really have a little representation there.

i'd love it if you'd come on over and visit me there. i'll be updating with new shop additions, events, goings-on from behind the scenes, works in progress, and probably even the odd exclusive promotion! you can 'like' the smidgebox facebook page by following the link. [and thanks for that! it'd be much appreciated.]

i followed a tutorial from my friend linda of a la mode stuff to help create my landing page. what do you think? linda is an expert at making her facebook page look pretty, you can catch a glimpse here. thanks, linda!!

lace for spring

2011-03-12T09:07:00.004-08:00

very pretty vintage-inspired spring collection by vancouver fashion house dru's design. i love the tweed dress on the bottom right, very chic. visit dru's design to find out where to buy.

images via dru's design.

celebrate

2011-03-10T10:27:00.003-08:00

birthday candles image via LaBrancaro on flickr

psst. today's my birthday! so i'm having a little sale in the shop, my gift to you as i celebrate with cake + candles...head on over to the shop, use coupon code march10 today only to save 10% on everything in stock {even custom orders}. have a great day!

bc home + garden show :: part 2

2011-03-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

another great exhibit at the bc home + garden show was a collaborative effort between langley-based cedarshed industries and several businesses from around town. with laneway housing and high-density living becoming a growing trend in vancouver, the folks at cedarshed thought to market their gorgeous sheds as additional indoor spaces -- think backyard offices + guest rooms + playrooms. the possibilities are endless.

i particularly liked the chic shed, above, designed by local shop villa beau interiors. classically beautiful, french-vintage style with a touch of glam. what a fabulous retreat for the backyard! forget the ubiquitous 'man-shed', how about a perfectly pretty space for the ladies to unwind after a day at the office or running around with the kids? love it.

my other fave was the backyard office, designed by nood. sleek + simple, with a modern lean that is nood's signature style [they make reproductions of high-profile furniture designs]. with many people choosing to work from home, or take the entrepreneurial route, this seems like a great way to acquire the space + privacy needed for a home office, when interior square-footage is limited.

the best part of these sheds, in my opinion? the incredible aroma of freshly sawn western red cedar. west coast perfection.

bc home + garden show :: part 1

2011-03-07T05:04:00.003-08:00

heading over to the bc home + garden show this past weekend, the exhibit i was most looking forward to was the karocabin. touted as the best in new innovation of prefab housing, karoleena homes are modular, fully customizable, eco-friendly, and completely gorgeous. using efficient building practices and environmentally conscious materials, karoleena is breaking ground with their green initiatives. i especially love the options to add solar panels or geothermal heating, as well as many other green choices above + beyond the already efficient building model.

i have always had a thing for prefab homes. typically sleek + modern, compact, and pared down to essentials, they just seem to me like the ideal way to get your dream vacation home. karoleena takes it one step further.

i was totally blown away by how spacious this tiny home seemed. it all came down to great interior design with a smartly planned layout. the interior-exterior fireplace adds coziness to the living room, and makes the deck feel more like an outside room.

the home is flooded with light from large windows + sliding doors, and transom windows right up to the ceiling. one whole half of the back wall is lined with floor-to-ceiling cabinets to maximize storage. the frosted glass sliding doors are a smart choice, from both a practical and style-savvy point of view. they take up very little space, allow light to flow through the entire home, and they look great, adding an industrial edge to the design.

i'm really looking forward to seeing what else is in store from this innovative calgary-based company. i love seeing the little guy succeed in a big marketplace, and this small team is well on their way to making a huge impact on the prefab home market. that they are a team of canadians makes it even sweeter for me.

check out the karoleena website for more information.

pics were taken by me. please excuse the poor lighting + composition, it was extremely busy and hard to get a good shot!

airey indeed.

2011-03-01T05:28:00.002-08:00

pardon the tongue-in-cheek title to my post, but this vancouver residence by local firm airey homes is like a breath of fresh air. with the open space flooded by light from the many tall windows, this contemporary home is a pleasing juxtaposition of cold + warmth. the polished concrete floor and unfinished concrete walls are brightened by warm natural wood + a crisp white kitchen. there is a definite long, linear feel to the furnishings and fixtures. the low profile sofa and extra-long dining table add to the feeling of space. nothing is crowded, nothing is cluttered.

of course i had to share the stairs. you all know how much i love a great set of stairs, and these concrete steps does not disappoint. the open risers add to the airiness of the space by allowing the eye to be drawn up to the second level.

speaking of, i'd love to have seen some pics of the bedrooms in this house, i can only imagine they would be just as stunning. you can find the rest of the photos on the airey group website under projects, private residences, drummond drive.

all images via the airey group

:: edit, march 3 2011 ::

with big thanks to gaile guevara, i can provide a little more info about this amazing home! gaile worked on the interiors of drummond drive, alongside interior designer donna toppings. together, these talented ladies created an inspiring + gorgeous interior, including those smashing cantilevered concrete stairs. great work, ladies.

ps - you can see more pictures of this home on gaile's site, right here. thanks, gaile!

it's all about the dresses.

2011-02-28T05:03:00.001-08:00

it's probably not a surprise that what i most look forward to in the oscars is the fashion. i mean, isn't it everyone's favourite part?!?

i must admit, i found this years' show to be a little lacklustre, but there were some definite bright spots in the dresses. oh, the dresses. gorgeous. these are a few of my faves. how about you?

images via yahoo. {photographers matt sayles, chris pizzello, john shearer, jason merritt}

modern lace

2011-02-25T14:03:00.002-08:00

this gorgeous rug makes me think of modern lace, like an contemporary updated doily. so perfect! i'd love it in my little girl's room.

stella rug in cream :: by michelle mason, available at bodie and fou

accidental colour schemes

2011-02-24T14:15:00.004-08:00

i keep seeing these accidental colour schemes while i'm out and about, and thought i'd start to record them. i love taking inspiration from my surroundings, even something as mundane as a crane can be beautiful! this bold canary yellow is so striking against the clear blue sky, and i like how it plays off of the grey steel curved beams below.

the sweetest moments

2011-02-23T13:31:00.002-08:00

the sweetest moments happen at the most unlikely of times. this morning was a real challenge with these two. but then, after the storm, there was a moment like this one. i was reminded by a wise friend yesterday, it's not the tantrums, nor the hard times, but these moments -- these are the things i will remember years from now.

i just hope i don't forget them.

:: both my kiddos are wearing pink for anti-bullying day today. i hope we can help make a difference ::

bowen island escape.

2011-02-23T05:59:00.001-08:00

one of my favourite things to do online is to browse architects' portfolios, particularly local ones. i find it so inspiring, and love reinforcing the styles i am drawn to and what i'd like to strive for in my own home.

i fell head over heels for this bowen island residence, by west vancouver firm burgers architecture inc. the open, airy space is kept streamlined + simple with white walls, natural wood plank vaulted ceilings, and concrete floors. built on an ocean bluff with amazing 180 degree views, it just seems to fit perfectly in its' surroundings of rock, trees, and cliffs. also notable is the use of geothermal heating and a 10000 gallon rain cistern, which make this home not only stunning, but kind to our earth. love.

the sightlines in this home are my absolute favourite. i am a total sucker for a good sightline. look at the expanse of smooth concrete, juxtaposed with the perfectly angled beams in the ceiling. the trees seem to to float at the end of a tunnel in the photo above.

all images are from burgers architecture inc.

some recent work

2011-02-21T11:09:00.003-08:00

i made a couple of fresh custom smidgey blankets last week, which i thought i'd share with you.

first up, for little ari, whose parents are super hip and prefer a less babyish style, rather more sophisticated. i'm a huge fan of grey {stating the obvious, i know} so i was pretty excited to make this monochromatic blanket. i hope the little man + his parents love it, too.

next up, a sunny + bright blanket in one of my favourite colour schemes, aqua + orange. there's a little canary in the grass there, keeping an eye on things. wee leiland lives in new york, i sure hope this blanket is cool enough for him!

waiting for spring

2011-02-21T08:59:00.003-08:00

i've had this print bookmarked for some time now. to me, it seems like the figure in the canoe is trying to choose between two seasons, fall or winter. i know which way i'd go, cause after winter comes spring, and right now i am just dying for spring. how about you?

inside or outside :: illustration by dadu shin, found on in print

a saturday stroll

2011-02-20T15:41:00.003-08:00

vancouver was showing off it's good side this weekend, and we made sure to get out and enjoy it as much as we could with two sick babes. they were feeling well enough for a leisurely stroll yesterday, so we headed to the harbour, just down the street. picture perfect, my city at it's best.

:: if you look closely, you can catch a teensy glimpse of mt baker in the top right photo, right in the middle. a perfectly clear day! ::

easter already?

2011-02-18T13:22:00.003-08:00

i know, i know. rushing the holidays, can't we just have a break, it was just valentine's day...i know! but with custom items, you need a little more time.

what does this mean? it means that my build-your-own easter buckets are back in the shop, for both boys and girls! i'll be taking orders up until april 1st to ensure delivery in time for easter, which falls on april 24. i found some fun new fabrics that are perfect for spring, and i also brought back a few faves from last year. can't wait to start making some easter buckets!

you know, it's only six weeks until april 1. yes, spring really is just around the corner.

most of these images are from last year, with some fabrics still available, and others not. just some examples for you to see!

cityscapes

2011-02-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

i adore these skyline prints by chicago artist erin burke, found in her sweet etsy shop, yard sale. the combination of muted and bold colours give off a bit of retro appeal, and the linear focus of the illustrations is just right. i love them!

images via yard sale on etsy.

hello.

2011-02-16T22:42:00.002-08:00

is it me you're looking for?

my uppercase magazine arrived yesterday. i can hardly wait to carve out a couple hours to savour each and every page. i'm pulling for tomorrow night.

a finnish lakeside getaway.

2011-02-16T05:46:00.003-08:00

nestled into it's rocky surroundings, this angular finnish lakehouse is the perfect minimalist retreat. i love that the exterior materials were left untreated, to weather to a worn grey, further blending into the natural landscape.

the interior is finished with warm natural wood panelling and white paint + cabinets, with just enough space for a cozy family getaway. i think the hidden fire pit on the huge front deck is simply brilliant. who wouldn't want to roast marshmallows by the fire, gazing out at the sun setting over the lake? with views like this, there'd be nothing on my mind but pure relaxation + enjoyment.

i asked a couple of friends yesterday, if i were to move to scandinavia, would i just instantly become this stylish? i wouldn't mind finding out.

this ideal lakeside getaway was designed by huttunen-lipasti-pakkanen architects. all images are courtesy of their site. found via trendir.

sleek + warm, LAXseries furniture

2011-02-15T05:38:00.001-08:00

i am completely over the moon for this beautiful LAXseries furniture coming from santa monica design firm MASHstudios. with a focus on quality, sustainability, and responsible manufacturing, the LAXseries is built to last. using high-grade materials, recyclable aluminum, low-voc + natural oil finishes, this furniture is made to last a lifetime while leaving the smallest footprint possible.

looking beyond the environmentally responsible production, these pieces have style to spare. i love the warmth of the natural english walnut paired with crisp white powder-coated aluminum. minimal styling, modern sensibility, it's picture perfect.

i think my favourite is the platform bed, above. i'd like to climb right in. oh, and that room is pretty fantastic, too. love that exposed concrete wall. pure bliss.

all images via LAXseries.com

making valentines.

2011-02-14T16:36:00.006-08:00

carefully writing all his friends names, picking out a colour to draw them each a heart, signing his name with a flourish. i love the way his tongue occasionally peeks out the side of his mouth while he's concentrating.

kindergarten valentines. this must be some kind of a milestone, right? well, even if it isn't, i'm savouring every moment. he just loves his friends + classmates so much, and that makes me feel pretty proud.

this super-fun valentine card idea came from design mom. we love how they turned out! my husband made some fun photoshop magic to fancify the photo. my little guy wrote the names on white card stock, and we glued the photos to the backs. so sweet!

lemon + teal art wall.

2011-02-11T17:05:00.003-08:00

images via shops as listed below, clockwise from top left.

rounding out my love for lemon + teal this week is a sweet selection of affordable art, all from my fave shopping stop for great unique art prints. {etsy, of course!} it's fun to imagine an art wall in a select colour scheme. what do you think -- would you hang a whole art wall based around a single colour or theme?

winter coats :: kiki & polly

small map of canada in blues and greens :: english muffin shop

crocodile scales :: farouche

letterpress print - wasted time :: sapling press

blue block flowers - limited edition giclee print :: eloise renouf

life is a daring adventure letterpress print [teal] :: happy deliveries

lemon + teal for the home.

2011-02-10T17:10:00.004-08:00

images via shops as listed below, clockwise from bottom left.

it was another picture perfect sunny {but cold!} day in vancouver today. this is just the kind of winter weather that i love, and is quite typical of vancouver in february. and then my spirits are usually smashed by a wet + soggy + grey month of march. sigh.

anyhow, i thought i'd share my lemon + teal finds for the home today. so much goodness out there, i must say it was hard narrowing it down. when i do roundups like this, i find i often feel the urge to redecorate and rethink all my accent colours! how about you?

industrial task table lamp in turmeric :: west elm

turquoise moroccan pouf :: the cross decor & design

tivoli audio model one am/fm radio in yellow :: via anthropologie

sugar jar {turquoise} :: paulova

facet cream/citrine rug :: dwell studio

staub la cocotte, oval in turquoise :: via anthropologie

choose 2 pillows from urban throw collection :: nesta home

:: also make sure to have a look at these sweet mugs that molly of charlotte's fancy posted about last week. we always seem to be on the same wavelength, and those mugs would fit perfectly in this post ::

lemon + teal.

2011-02-09T06:43:00.001-08:00

images via shops as listed below, clockwise from bottom left.

here we are again with a little sunshine + surf colour combo. it wasn't hard to find a whole slew of goodies that fit within this scheme, so i decided to start with the fashion today and move on to decor later this week. i love these colours, they are so cheerful + bright, with the promise of spring on the horizon.

seychelles flamingo in teal :: via 6pm.com

sun shades dress :: anthropologie

triangle top in turquoise cotton jersey :: out of line

clutch - starburst pleat :: yorktown road

seychelles out of office flats :: via nordstrom

peacock fan no. 1 :: marañon {spinthread}

six.

2011-02-08T11:03:00.001-08:00

six. wow! i can hardly believe it. thanks for making me a mom, little guy. it's been the best six years ever.

sunshiny day

2011-02-07T13:39:00.003-08:00

bright sunshiny day :: farouche

we are finally seeing the sun here in vancouver after a pretty long, dull rainy stretch. there's still a chill in the air, but i'm definitely dreaming of spring a little bit today.

the fresh lemon + teal colour combo in the print above by farouche is totally catching my eye today. i think i'll be coming back to these colours when the warmer temps are here to stay.

what is your fave colour combo these days?