Another Cloudy-Day...

Another opportunity to play with the lightbox. This time, the subjects are my favorite pieces of (not-so) fine china.

Cloudy-Day Photography

I spent the afternoon photographing some books for a client, and some albums for my Etsy shop. Since it was a cloudy-day, I made a lightbox, which I read about on this site. It's basically just a cardboard box, with three sides cut out, you tape tissues over the holes and voila - lovely diffused light. I just used a daylight lamp that I had sitting on my desk as a light source. With all the cloudy, dark, rainy days that we get here in Nova Scotia, I think this little contraption is going to get quite a workout!

Double Happiness in Canadian Living

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my albums were featured in the "Great Ideas" section of the June 2008 Canadian Living magazine! I'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone at Canadian Living who put together the piece and made this possible. The photography and words are really lovely - my scan is a very poor facsmilie, you'll just have to go out and get the magazine. (; And, if you've found me via Canadian Living - welcome!

Japanese Papers

I spent this evening working on some books, and then doing some work on my website. Many people have been asking me what paper patterns my books are available in, so I put together a couple of PDFs of the papers I have in stock and uploaded here, and also provided links on my website. It's a little bit cumbersome, but it works until I have time to put up a new page on the site. And, I love seeing them here all together like this - it reminds me how beautiful all these patterns are...swoon. (:

Japanese Papers, Part Deux

More Japanese paper patterns, available on my books....

Short on the legs, long on top...

I think that's the haircut that Milo asked the groomer for. I didn't like it at first, but I'm thinking it looks pretty cute now. He's like a little bobbleheaded dog. (:

Little Blue Bird

I have to start thinking of some better titles for my artwork! This is Little Blue Bird - another chiyogami and cut paper collage, mounted on canvas. I'm really enjoying making these, and although I like the birds, I've got another idea brewing. Hope to bring you more on that soon. (: Anyhow, this little guy is now residing in my Etsy shop, if you'd like to have a look.

East Coast Sessions

I spent the weekend working in my studio and listening to East Coast Sessions on the CBC website. It's a great series, taped here in Halifax with lots of local talent. I'm especially liking the music of Jenn Grant. I saw her open for Feist a few years ago, and I've thought she was just great ever since then. I also read on her website that she paints - I'm not sure if she did her own album artwork, but I think it's lovely.

Attenborough - watch your back!

There is a new naturalist in town..hee, hee. My friend Matt (now known as "Mattenborough") took these amazing shots of birds for me in his garden in the Blue Mountains, outside of Sydney, Australia. He thought I could use them for inspiration, and he was right. I love the vibrant colour of the birds, and the contrast of their green feathers with the orangey-red japanese maple. Also, it looks like the bird is wearing some cute little glasses. I love these shots - thanks Matt!

Monday

What is it about Mondays? Things were just not going right for me in the studio this evening. I get a bit frustrated because my studio time is limited, and that makes things even worse...sigh...time for a gratuitous puppy photo, a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate. Goodnight!

Paper Shirts

Walking past the public library I saw a cool art project - paper shirts swaying in the breeze, along with a book full of secrets for everyone to write in. An anonymous way to "air your dirty laundry."

More Random Things...

I want to travel to Iceland since discovering the kooky and hilarious Iceland Socks website. A country that could come up with this fun little site is my kind of place!

I have been selling a few more things on Etsy - which is fantastic - but it also means that I've been dealing with Canada Post a bit more. I have to say - the costs of shipping things are just crazy! I sent a package via international mail today, and when I enquired how much it might cost to ship the same package to Vancouver - the cost was double! I don't understand how it can cost more to ship within my own country than it does to ship overseas. I hate to do this - but I will have to look at changing all my shipping costs on Etsy. Blah.

I've been enjoying reading the blog wikstenmade. It's author, Jenny Gordy, makes beautiful clothes and has a personal style that I find really inspiring. I really have to update my sidebar to include the great things I've been reading, coveting, watching and listening to - but my computer is about to run out of battery power, so I'll be off!

Best Purchase Evah!

I recently bought this McGill three hole paper drill - I have to say, it was the best $60 that I ever spent! This drill powers through up to 250 sheets of paper effortlessly. I recently had to make a stack of post bound albums, and this little beauty made them in half the time it would have normally taken using my old manual punch. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to punch holes in a lot of paper. It changed my life!

All about me....

I had a really busy week - I was working on a project that needed to be completed quickly, but was quite involved. It's all done, which is a great relief, and it worked out and was well recieved, which is an even bigger relief! But, this weekend finds me tired, headachy, and just worn out. So, I'm taking a break from work - it's all about me! This is what I've been up to -

-visiting my mom and nana. Just some nice relaxing family time. Milo loves it there too - especially when he gets fed pieces of molasses cookie with butter.

-shopping - got some fun things in the very tail end of the winter sales. It's still chilly here, so I'll get to wear them a bit more before spring. I can't find photos online, and I can't rouse myself to take any, but I got two cute high waisted skirts and a velvet jacket from Kensie, an amazing pair of black wide leg pants (I feel like Katherine Hepburn!), some linen-y type wide leg pants, high-waisted wide leg dark denim jeans, a coral coloured balloon sleeve cardi...now that I write it all down, it seems like heaps, but it was all on sale, and I was in a real clothing rut. I also notice that a pattern is emerging with the high waisted stuff - I have to say that I really like it, and find it a bit more flattering for me. I feel like scooping up everything high waisted I can find before this trend is over! A side note - the jeans are from Suzy Shier - a bit like the photo above. I like some of the denim stuff they have, and it's so cheap!

-a new hair cut and colour. I love the cut - my stylist is the greatest - but the colour is taking some getting used to. I did it at home, and the shade was called "Espresso Bean" - on the packet, it looked dark brown. It is black. Not a super dark black, but black all the same. I'm usually a medium-darkish brown, so this is taking some getting used to. A couple of people have said they like it - I'll keep it for a bit. Maybe I'll grow to like it.

-I want to buy a few books - Bazaar Style, The Boss of You, and Why does my dog act that way? (that little dog is an enigma wrapped in a riddle, let me tell you).

-We're having salmon for dinner. It's a little recipe that I kind of made up. The salmon is marinated in soy, honey and mustard, and I serve it with brown rice and savoy cabbage that's dressed in rice wine vinegar, sugar, lemon and a bit of mayo. I find it quite yummy (and hopefully) rejuvenating.

It's me, on Apartment Therapy!

Apartment Therapy L.A. featured my studio yesterday! And, they also made some lovely comments about my work, especially my bird collages. So - thanks to Grace and the crew at Apartment Therapy L.A.

There's one thing I have to say - the blogging community is really amazing. I just think it's so great that I'm in a small city on the east coast of Canada that is not often recognized (even in our own country) for it's rich arts and crafts community, it's culture, or it's sense of style - and people all over the world are looking at my studio and work. I have lived in big cities and travelled around the world, but this is the place that I came back to, and that I'm proud to call home. Yay - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia!

Things....

It's been a while since I last posted, but not really for lack of news. I've had a busy time, with family get togethers, a lovely greek meal with friends, a girly craft night, some shopping, a trip to the vet, and of course, working on my books and artworks. Above is some experimentation I did a while ago when I was coming up with my collages. I knew that I wanted to use Japanese paper, but wasn't sure how to define shapes without the pattern overwhelming them. Although I don't think this is entirely successful, there is something I like about it.

What else can I tell you? Martin has become the manager of my etsy shop. No one told me that selling on etsy was such an art form! I just popped my stuff in there and hoped for the best. It's a bit difficult getting noticed in such a big group of beautiful work - so Martin has been listing and re-listing my items - and it's worked! Some of my bird prints and cards are winging their way to new homes right now, and - I just think that's lovely.

Oh - and Jeu de Paumes books are now available from Yvestown. I bought one from Kinokuniya when I was in Australia, and I just love it. I think I might have to get another one - maybe Paris Brocante or Stockholm's Ateliers. I just love books about studios and shops. That reminds me, the magazine Paper, Scissors, Cloth has just put out a studio issue. There are some amazing spaces and organizational ideas in there.

So, that's what I've been up to. How about you?

Crepe Paper Birds and Flowers

My love of all things paper has been well documented here, but I must say, I have a special place in my heart for paper flowers. I love making little crepe paper cherry blossoms, and sticking them on branches with little fake birds, as you can see. So, I was really thrilled to see this month's Martha Stewart living - photo above - in which she gives instructions for making crepe paper birds. Looking forward to trying my hand at a flock of these!

Gotta lotta birds....

I've spent the last little bit updating my etsy shop with the "Little Bird" collage, as well as my bird prints and some new images of my bird cards. I took lots of new photos over the weekend in an attempt to jazz up my shop a bit. They are an improvement, but I can't say I'm totally thrilled with the results. It's really difficult to get good light here in the winter - maybe when it brightens up a bit, I'll get some better shots.

I have to say, that taking photos of my work is something that I struggle with. I'm hoping it gets better with practice - but I just can't seem to get exactly what I want. I'm no whiz at Photoshop either, so that can get frustrating too. That being said, I had lots of fun using props. Just things I have around the house - but I really think it helps people imagine how things might look in their home. My favorite "prop shot" is totally random - I placed the collage on the shelf with my teacup collection, and I really like the way it looks. Hmm...cuppa tea...sounds like a good idea right now!

By the way - isn't that the most corny title ever!

Little Bird

Over the weekend, I spent some time working on a bird collage. I wanted to try something a bit smaller - this canvas measures 4 x 5. I think he looks quite pleased with himself - checking out the buds on the tree and waiting for summer to come...like me.

Sydney Link-a-palooza

As I've said before, Sydney was so inspiring art/craft wise that I could talk about it forever. But, it's time to move on from my trip (sigh) and return to real life - so, although each of the shops/artists/designers/crafters below really warrant a post of their own, I'll just provide a link so that you can be inspired too...and, possibly spend way too much money at a few great indie shops!

Miljo (pictured above) - a Swedish design shop, but nothing like Ikea. Beautiful wallpapers, sandals and brushes were among their wares. I especially loved the mobile/installation in the middle of the shop made of paper and twigs.
Materialistic - saw this lovely stall at Paddington markets. Gorgeous hand printed fabrics.
Kjash - beautiful vintage inspired jewellery, also found at Paddington.
Feed the Dog - hand printed, hand crafted pillows and wall hangings. Another Paddington favorite. I really loved this work, and I'm kicking myself for not buying something, but there is always the etsy shop.
Kate Raffin Handbound Books - Everything about these books is hand made - the covers are even hand painted with Kate's own designs. They are really vibrant and funky! Umm, if you go to Sydney, I think you have to go to Paddington Markets because I discovered these there as well.
Bholu - Hand embroidered fabric journals, pillows and other fabric goods. A fair trade company with products designed in Australia, and produced by artisans in India.
david met nicole - a great home store with lots of vintage products. This shop was located in Surry Hills which is another great indie shopping mecca.

This is but a short list of all the great places in Sydney, but it should keep you clicking for a while! I hope to post tomorrow with some things I've been working on.

Winter Vacation Part Deux - The Beach

One of the nicest things we did on our holiday was rent a cottage in Hyams Beach for two days. It's a small village about two hours south of Sydney - I guess you can't even really call it a village - there is just one cafe/general store (which was very trendy - with amazing coffee!). Above are some old cottages on the main street of Hyams beach.
The cottage we rented was more modern, set back amongst the trees. It was very relaxing - lots of eating, drinking and flipping through the piles of Australian home decorating magazines a friend had lent me. We spent a bit of time at Iluka beach - it's a beautiful beach in a national park.
A huge expanse of white sand. And, for most of the time we were the only people there. Looking at these photos makes me wish I was back....

If you'd like to see more of my holiday photos, check out my flickr.

Paper Couture

There were so many inspiring paper related destinations that I wanted to visit in Sydney, and the main one was Paper Couture. I had heard great things about the work of the owner Jo Neville, and although the shop does not have a web presence, I had seen a photos here and there that I found inspirational and intriguing. I have to say, my visit to Paper Couture did not disappoint! Both the work and the shop were amazing.The shop has the most exquisite paper goods - from cards, to tags, to invites - so simple and so beautiful. Jo Neville incorporates lots of sewing into her designs - as in this beautiful paper chandelier... All the prints are also designed by Jo. I love the colours she used, and the gradiations of colour, and how it all looks against the gorgeously understated colour on the walls.

If you are in Sydney, I would recommend a visit to Paper Couture. I also visited lots of other lovely paper shops in Sydney, and for this I have to thank Jesse of Follow Studio. She kindly provided me with a list of great paper shops, and her blog has many inspiring images from Australian shops, cafes and designers - a must read!

Paper Couture is on 284 South Dowling Street in Paddington.

What I did on my winter vacation - part one

We spent one of our first days in Sydney at Circular Quay - site of the iconic Opera House. There are lots of other things to see there - for us there was the Museum of Contemporary Art, where we took in two amazing exhibitions by Tim Hawkinson and Shazia Sikander. While very different - Tim Hawkinson does some amazing constructions and Sikander has these intricately detailed Islamic minatures - I loved both exhibits for the way that they combined art and craft. After looking at the exhibits, we had a coffee and I bought a Camilla Engman teatowel in the museum shop. Then, we wandered around a bit and ended up at the Opera Bar having beer and sweet potato chips. Martin took one of his famous "self portrait with long arm shots" which only served to confirm that we are the palest people on the planet, well in Australia anyhow.

Nancybird

I am slowly getting over my jetlag and poring over photos and memories of our trip to Sydney. Our main reason for going was to visit family and friends - my husband is an Australian, and I lived in Sydney with him for eight years. It was fantastic seeing everyone again after four years, and we had many great times together. As an added bonus, I got to explore Sydney again, and see lots of amazing Australian art, design and craft. The nancybird wallet you see above combines both time with our family and Australian design. I admired it while on a shopping trip with my sister-in-law, and then the family bought it for me as a combined Christmas/birthday present. I love the wallet - all the fabrics are hand-printed, and it's got birds embroidered on it - what's not to like? And, everytime I use it I'll be reminded of everyone back in Sydney. So, thanks to everyone for the lovely gift, and the lovely time.

More posts on Sydney to come soon, right now it's time to go and blob with "The Darjeeling Limited." In the meantime, if you want more info on Australian design, check out the Design*Sponge guest blog by Real Living's Natalie Walton - also author of the inspiring blog daily imprint. It's been great to read more about a lot of the amazing designers I saw in Australia in Natalie's guest blog posts, and I can see daily imprint becoming a daily read.

Back

We arrived back from our trip to Sydney on Sunday night - two days later than planned due to airline delays. We had a great trip, and some wonderful visits with family and friends. And, from a craft/design perspective, Sydney (and Australia in general) is an amazing place. I'm a bit overwhelmed about how to blog about it all - and also a bit overwhelmed by jetlag - so I'll leave you for now with this view from under the Harbour Bridge.

Closing up shop

Things are beginning to wind down for me business wise prior to my holidays. I finished up some books over the weekend, and delivered my final pre-trip order today (thanks Henhouse!). I have put a notice on my website and etsy shop letting people know that I will be away. I'm looking forward to my trip, but I'm also looking forward to coming back and really getting stuck into the business of crafting - new products, maybe an etsy shop/website revamp using the great tips in this article by Suzy Jack - and especially more papercuts, I've been itching to do a few more of those.

But for now, it's so long! I will try to post from Sydney occasionally, but I'm planning to devote a lot of time to socializing, shopping, eating and drinking - so I'm not making any promises....

Sydney surfing...

I've spent part of this afternoon (quite unproductively) surfing the internet and planning my Sydney trip. I found some really cool links and sites - this one called Superfuture has reviews of lots of cool shops and cafes in Sydney, and other cities around the world. The reviews are submitted by readers, so they're totally honest and real. Another cool link I found was on the H&M website - they do all these cool city tours, and Sydney was one of them. Watching two ultra-trendy Sydney-siders strolling around the shops, cafes and clubs on Bondi Beach (above) makes me really look forward to my visit. On the artsy/craftsy side of things, there is also a one-day workshop on making resin jewellery that I'm interested in signing up for. I'm a huge fan of Dinosaur Designs, and would love to learn how to make my own pieces.

Well, between surfing the web, having tea and chocolate cake, surfing the web some more and a lovely phone chat with a friend - the afternoon now seems to be gone. And, maybe it wasn't so unproductive after all!

Now - it's time to get ready to go out to Morris East for dinner. Yum!

Don't let de boo hag ride ya...

I got a wonderful surprise yesterday - a parcel from the lovely Shona containing the planter you see above, as well as a card with one of her prints. The print is called "Don't let de boo hag ride ya" and I think it's really fitting. I have had the boo hag on my back the last little bit, sucking out all my positive energy and replacing it with negativity. Getting the card and parcel reminded me that I need to be more positive - the world isn't conspiring against me, I'm the one making myself miserable.

So, with my new mindset - rid of the boo hag - I went out shopping for the dinner party we had last night and bought some flowers to put in my beautiful new planter. The night was a great success - we enjoyed our friends and a few bottles of wine - as you can see in the "aftermath" photo. Thank you Shona - I love your gift and it came along at just the right time. ( :

No Knit Scarf

I found this project on the Martha Stewart website, and I just love it! A few of the comments on the Martha site say it's made with Twinkle yarn, which looks absolutely delicious! I have been thinking of things to do to pass the time while we are on our 25 hour plus journey to Australia, but I wasn't sure if I could take knitting needles on the plane with me. This could fit the bill - but do you think I can make it in economy class on a tray table? Maybe not...

New Glasses

I got new glasses. You can't really tell from this photo - but they are tortoise shell on the front, and pink (!) on the back. And, they were designed in Canada. I always have a love/hate relationship with my glasses - I'm really nearsighted, so I need to wear them all the time, and I hate that - but I'm loving wearing these right now.

Second Sister Jewlery

I was recently convo'd on etsy by April of Second Sister Jewelery. I am so glad she contacted me, because not only do we have a shared love of vintage clothes and all things Asian, but it allowed me to discover her amazing work! Case in point, the Double Happiness bracelet pictured above - I just think it's so beautiful - the beads, the colours, everything. Second Sister has a full range of pieces including bracelets, earrings and necklaces made using a variety of materials, but all with the same lovely style. If I wasn't saving up for my holidays, I could do some serious spending in this shop! But, enough of my blabbing - just check out the shop and you'll see what I mean.

Need a Snuggle-Hug

These days, it's dark when I leave for work in the morning, and dark when I come home at night - so it's hard for me to take photos for my blog. So - please see above a photo I took this weekend of a "snuggle-hug" salt and pepper shaker set. My mom recently received a lot of old china and glassware, and these two cuties were amongst them. They fit together in a "hug" so that you can pick them both up at once to dispense your salt and pepper. Apparently, they are quite rare and sought after by salt and pepper shaker collectors the world over - who knew?

Anyhow - hope to take some more photos this weekend and resume normal blogging. Meanwhile, I am sitting in here in the winter dark, drinking a mug of tea and planning to pop on the second episode of the box set of "The Riches" that I rented.

Meow! Want Wool

Went antique/junk shopping with my mom this weekend and found one of my favorite things ever - a yarn bag with kitties on it. You put your yarn in the bag, and pull the string out of a hole near the big cats bottom creating a tail - so cute! I am halfway through a knitting project - this hat from Treats and Treasures - so I can't use my kitty bag yet, but I'm looking forward to it. No more tangled yarn!

Anthropologie New Years Resolution Outfits

Seems like pretty much everyday, I get an email from Anthropologie tempting me with some great new clothes. Today, they featured a series of outfits each linked to a resolution. The one above is "journal daily" - which I have never been able to do. But, now I know what's been wrong - I haven't had a cute little outfit to wear! (: Seriously though - I am totally addicted to looking at clothes on the Anthropologie site. Fear of high duty fees keeps me from ordering anything, but it's a great source of inspiration.

Speaking of internet addictions, I think that Etsy pounce is going to be a pretty dangerous one for me!

New Books in Shop...

I've listed a few more books in my etsy shop. The one above is a particular favorite - it's bound with a pearlescent bookcloth which is really lovely and shimmery - it's quite wedding-y. And, I love the interior pages - they are papaya coloured. Yum.

And, is it just me, or does it take everyone forever to list things in their etsy shop? It seems to take ages to go through each step. Maybe my photos are too big?

In totally unrelated news - Goldfrapp is releasing a new album, and I like the sounds of it.

Watching

I watched quite a few films over the holidays. Thought I'd share them with you - I'd love to hear your opinions if you watched them too:

Once - I really loved this movie. The music is great, and the whole thing was so real and heartfelt.

Eastern Promises - A bit violent - but an interesting glimpse into the underworld. I really like Cronenberg, and it's not just because he's Canadian.

Atonement - This film was excellent - beautifully shot and an amazing story. Go to cinema, see now.

Stardust - So much more than I expected. This film reminded me of the Princess Bride - which is to say that it was funny and whimsical and I liked it very much.

Zodiac - I had read some lukewarm reviews for this film - but it was really very good. Suspensful and creepy without being gory. I loved the fact that it was focussed more on solving the crimes than on the crimes themselves. After watching - I googled the Zodiac Killer to get more information and it's so interesting - I can see how people become obsessed with solving these crimes.

Paris Je'taime - Another film to love. 18 little stories about Paris - just unrelated little snapshots of life in the city each created by a different director. Highly recommended.

I'd be such a crap movie reviewer - I don't know enough adjectives and I seem to like just about everything. Well, that's not true - we also watched Ocean's 13 which I thought was style over substance, Mr. Bean's Holiday - turned off after 5 minutes because it was so idiotic (and I usually like Mr. Bean!), and La Vie en Rose - the story of Edith Piaf which was a well made film, but her life was so unbearably sad that it was difficult to watch.

So, how about you - seen any good films lately?

Tout changer c'est possible....

...roughly translated, that's "all change is possible." I took the phrase from the cover of the November issue of "Marie Claire Maison." That's what I've been doing over my holiday break - relaxing, eating, drinking, flicking through my magazines and thinking about change. The change that Marie Claire is talking about is the home variety - the November issue is great because it talks about how to change your home with basic items on a budget. An example - the bedroom pictured above - the headboard is made of placemats! I love the slightly rumpled, messy aesthetic of the French home - for more inspiration check out the website of artist Nathalie Lete and the Jeu de Paumes books.

I like this photo too - it looks like something you might find in my house. But, I'm digressing - the subject of this post is change. I'm hoping to change lots of things in my home - just try to be more tidy and organized, and make my house more an expression of "me" - and do it all on a budget, of course. Another change that I want to make is in my art and craft work - I want to be more focused and accomplish more in the time that I have available. Right now, I'm working in fits and starts - I always seem to be scrambling to meet deadlines. I think that slow and steady is the answer, I'm hoping that I can make it work.

That brings me to a final change - I'm hoping to claim back some time from my day job and art and craft work to do the "little things" - cooking yummy meals, spending time with friends and family, taking walks with Milo, learning new things. Just being present in the moment and enjoying - without stressing about work and deadlines. I had a great year and feel that I worked hard and accomplished a lot - but I think that if I get find some more balance, I can do even more.

So, that's me. Back from a wonderful relaxing break, with a muddled resolution of sorts. Wishing you a happy new year, and hoping that all your resolutions come true!

Happy Holidays

Just a quick post to wish everyone a happy holiday season. Thanks to all who read and comment on the blog - it's so appreciated! I have been busy getting ready for Christmas, and haven't really had a chance to do many posts lately, and I've needed a bit of a break after a busy season. So, I've decided to take some time to try and recharge. I hope to be back in this space by the New Year with some new ideas and work.

So again, all the best for a wonderful holiday season. May you enjoy many celebrations with family and friends!

Flying Away

I've been away from the blog for a little bit, but it's not for lack of news. I've been super busy with double happiness - which is great - and also just getting ready for the holiday season. I guess my big news is that in February, I will be "flying away" for a holiday in Sydney, Australia. My husband is from there, and I lived there for eight years, so it is like a bit of a homecoming. I'm looking forward to seeing family and friends, and also going to some of my old haunts - gelato at Bar Italia, pizza at Moretti, checking out the Paddington and Balmain markets, swimming in warm water, browsing around Newtown, drinking really nice coffee...it's going to be really nice. I'm also hoping to do some shopping for paper and book supplies, and I'm wondering if anyone out there reading might have any recommendations in this regard? I know a few places, but it's been a while since I've been back, so I'm wondering if there is anything new and exciting I should check out?

Right now, it's really hard to imagine going away. It's been snowing lightly all week, and we are due to get another storm starting Sunday afternoon. So, right now I've got some red wine and magazines, ready to hunker down for a long winter evening...

Glitz Gallery

My books are now available at Glitz Gallery in Winnipeg! Glitz is owned by Jennifer, who wanted to create a space for Canadian artists and makers to showcase and sell their work - she calls it a "gallery gift store". She carries a wide variety of work including ceramics, jewellery, wall art and now - books! If you're in Winnipeg, drop by and have a look - I wish that I could hop on a plane and have a visit. I think the gallery gift store is a great concept, and I'm so happy to be a part of it.

The Great Wave

I'm slowly listing more items in my Etsy shop. This "Great Wave" album is available in both blue and red. They're the biggest albums that I make, at 10 x 14, and because they're so big, they really show off the prints on the Japanese paper. I'm hoping to list a few more things this weekend, slowly - but surely....

1, 2, 3, 4...

We went to see Feist on Friday night, and she was absolutely amazing! I can't emphasize enough how much I love Feist's music - and respect her as an artist. This is the second time that I've seen her, and each time she reinterprets the songs from her albums so that it's a totally unique experience. The last time I saw her, she was at a small club venue. This time she was in a large "multipurpose" room - it was actually the place where the craft market I participated in was held a couple of weeks ago. She kept making jokes about the space being a "multipurpose" room, and I think I chuckled a bit too hard and long. The bigger venue meant that she could have "special effects", which I loved. They were so delightfully low-tech - finger painting and cut paper shadow puppets that illustrated the songs. I can't pinpoint one particular favorite song or moment, it was all just great. Amazing music, amazing rapport with the audience, amazing special effects - amazing, amazing, amazing....