Paper Flowers, Paper Hearts, Chopsticks and Spoons: Get Artsy with your Walls

Art, DIY

I have been pinning fun DIY projects for a rainy day… and the recent trend (on my Pinterest board) is paper and recycled materials used for wall art.

Here are my favourites:

I’m obsessed with the very pricey Juju hats from Cameroon… and have always wanted one for my wall. Until I get over to Cameroon for a real one, both to expand my cultural knowledge and to support the local economy, I might have to make do with a paper version that is almost as lovely.

The site The Enchanted Petal has some beautiful paper DIY projects, including a step by step for making these great pieces.

Similarly, you can create beautiful wysteria flowers … to make your home look like an Anthropologie floor display:

Check out the handy tutorial here.

If you’re into ornate mirrors, try making a sunburst mirror from chopsticks, or … spoons. Cut the tops off the spoons and spray paint them for a great textured piece.

Paper is also a party perfect friend for easy festive decorations. Although you can buy ready-made pom poms made of tissue paper, there are a multitude of options for online instruction.

Last, but not least, paper hearts make great decor items when framed. We had optioned having a paper-heart guest book at our wedding and then framing all the signed hearts as a memento from our day.

As the days get colder, make some tea or hot cocoa (or wine, let’s be honest) and get crafting!

“Selfie” the Opera

Art, Foodie, Indulge

I got an invite to attend a workshop of a new Opera, Selfie. It was a witty, ironic, restrained but powerful performance, about online and text bullying. Inspired by current events that lead, ultimately, to numerous suicides, truly important issues were covered by this work in progress.

We started our night at Ethiopique for a delicious dinner.

In the distillery district, Tapestry Opera is housed in the hive of artists, businesses and studios.

the show: intimate, on book, charming, funny and raw.

As a workshop for the piece, the director and writer were seeking feedback and asked us to offer up our thoughts post-show.

Loved being part of the process and thinking about how this kind of art will help change our schools and cultural landscape.

Into the Deep: Artist Profile – FRANCISCO CASTRO LOSTALO

Art

Geysers - acrylic and resin - F Castro Lostalo (1)

Geysers by FRANCISCO CASTRO LOSTALO

I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and what lies beneath. My rational/irrational fear (depending on what news you’re reading and how realistic you want to be about your chances of being killed due to cell-phone-related negligence/vehicular manslaughter/radiation) has always been sharks. But there is something so beautiful about sea life. I am especially drawn to the many legged creatures or ones with tendrils, like jelly fish, octopi and the like.

At the One of a Kind Show (2015), artist Francisco Castro Lostalo explored the depths of this inspiration with his larger than life (I hope) paintings.

FRANCISCO CASTRO LOSTALO

The colours of this octopus make such a statement. I never get tired of looking. Big impact.

Scaled down, but no less beautiful – the whales.

I snapped a photo at his OOAK booth to make sure I didn’t forget his name!

The glossy enamel is a sleek way to finish this piece and keep it looking bold. I can’t wait to see what he has in store next year.

From Garbage to Great Buns: OOAK Artist Profiles

Art

This is me … looking into the Cinderella Garbage display case (upside down) of … transfixed.

Cinderella Garbage stones fused with gemstones.

Cinderella Garbage makes jewelery out of trash.

Cinderella Garbage makes beautiful pieces of wearable art out of trash.

You’ve heard of rags to riches and ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Well, the artists behind Cinderella Garbage have literally turned garbage into gems with their line of gorgeous jewels.

To be honest, I don’t entirely understand how it works, but the idea of taking waste and making it into something new and shiny appeals to me on so many levels. This graphic helps shed some light on the process (assuming you speak French – which I do).

This graphic helps shed some light on the process.

I was fascinated to see the truly brilliant items at this year’s show, some of the most conversation-worthy pieces I’ve ever seen. Engagement ring anyone? Rat necklace?

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Check out the whole line at http://cinderellagarbage.monpanierdachat.com/en/category/exclusive?page=1

For details on her process and more about her line of jewelery, visit: http://www.cinderellagarbage.com/CG_2_O5KT.html

Now for something completely different: Kiriki Press’ embroidery, by Michelle Galletta. Based in Toronto, Kiriki Press has a line of totally adorable embroidery starter kits and ready made embroidered items. Eeep, they sure are cute.

Little Fox – Kiriki Press.

Owl by Kiriki Press.

The whole gang.

DIY kits.

Feeling crafty?

Not much needs to be said – the products speak for themselves. They are too cute and if you’re looking for a new hobby, stitch away!

Check out their full range of products on Etsy at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/kirikipress?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar

Visit them on the web at http://www.kirikipress.com/index.html

Still in the textiles department, Paula Gonzalez’s textile and home decor line – Phaulet.

I want to bury myself in a pile of tropical pillows and pretend I’m in Tahiti.

The colours were just incredible and the large floral prints and oversized flora and fauna made me giddy.

Imagine one of these gorgeous pillows on a crisp while quilted bedspread.

Her online shop http://www.phaulet.com/ features some of the following, very cool items:

Throw pillow by Phaulet

Textiles by Phaulet

OOAK describes her work as, “old illustrations… mixed to create very unique and unconventional art-pieces to wear and decorate spaces.” I’m definitely going to be looking to add some of her work to my house next show!

A cool clutch is definitely within reach at Heather Scott’s booth for Rock & Roll Romantic. Here the reversible handbags, in a variety of colours, were hard to choose from. With so many finishes and colour combos, picking just one was a hard decision!

Get your hands on the handbags from Rock & Roll Romantic!

Splattered effect.

Pretty painted pouches!

For more details, check out https://www.facebook.com/ROCKANDROLLROMANTIC

Last, butttttt certainly not least, get your behind into some of these supremely stylish leggings and ‘sweats’. At Skinny Sweats, the motto “Lazy, Sexy, Cool” makes perfect sense and who can’t get behind a line of crazy comfortable pants that make your buns look fantastic?

Amazing printed and solid pants.

Get into these hot pants.

Double take: these bottoms come in two styles, both will make your legs look ready to party.

Lazy as you can get.

A cheeky motto, to be sure, but I’m liking their vibe!

Check out all their collections and consider how good you’d look in all of them! http://www.skinnysweats.com/FW12-Collection-Page-4.html

The artist profiles will keep on coming for the foreseeable future. Support local and show these artists some love!

The Sweetest Thing: Cara Carmina – OOAK Artist Profile

Art

I was smitten with the bubbly, sweet personality and equally adorable artwork of Norma Andreu – the creator of Cara Carmina. I was first pulled in by her beautiful greeting cards, which featured illustrations that were vivid, imaginative and cute, with just the right amount of strangeness.

As the Cara Carmina website (http://www.caracarmina.com/#!portfolio) describes in the artist’s statement, the influences of Mexico’s culture and art, as well as a background in children’s illustration really bring together a playful set of circumstances in the work – and the results are just magical. Check out the website for pages and pages of portfolio proof – and you’ll fall for her work, too, I dare you not to.

I would love a set of the Frida dolls for my little one’s room (or my own, let’s be honest). They are so much cooler than the plastic, cookie cutter dolls mass-marketed to our young folks.

http://www.caracarmina.com/#!portfolio/vstc1=frida-dolls

If dolls aren’t your thing, clothing, dioramas, cards, textiles and paper dolls are also on offer and available in her online shop, as well as on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Caracarmina).

Cell phone cases (definitely something I am planning to get for myself!)

Textiles in full effect: cushion covers with a sense of humour.

Sweet wall decals.

Dress to impress.

I heart this.

Norma was absolutely lovely in person and so humble about her talents. More and more people seem to be clued in to the fact that her work is a hot commodity. According to her Etsy page, she has back orders and a waiting list for some of her designs, so … get on it! Supporting artists by taking a piece of their imagination and heart home with you is the perfect way to breathe life into your own little nest. Definitely check out her work and look for her at future One Of A Kind Shows.

Cara Carmina’s Blog: http://caracarmina-atelier.blogspot.ca/

All images culled from the web, or taken at the show.

White Feather Designs: One of a Kind Artist Profile

Art

At this year’s One of A Kind Show I was really blown away by how far the market has come in terms of representing diverse local artists. There are some really wonderful things going on there and the show just keeps getting better. For the next two weeks, I will be featuring independent designers and artists from the show, highlighting my favourites.

White Feather Design’s set-up was sleek and stylish. My wife and I worked the booth for Breanne one evening and had no trouble talking about our love of all things WFD; we did have trouble, at times, keeping up with the demand. Her booth was popular and filled with enough great work to satisfy a wide variety of style palates. Always a good thing.

Cheers-ing to a great gig where we got to meet friendly art-loving folks and supporters of local businesses, while talking about great jewelery.

White Feather Designs, by Breanne Morrow, is an obvious place to start with the Artist Profiles for several reasons: 1) Breanne is a supremely talented artist and an all-round lovely human. 2) She is an entrepreneur and mother who has managed to make the dream a reality by taking her designing full-time. 3) Her work is original and beautiful, with excellent quality and detail that is worth every penny.

Some not-to-be-missed designs include the Herkimer diamond studs, enamel necklaces with tassels, geometric necklaces and cuffs in a variety of materials, and amazingly light 3D-printed jewelery in Stainless Steel, Matte Black, Brass or Sterling Silver with a brushed finish.

I was a huge fan of the finger rings that fit on various spots (traditional or above the knuckles) and can be endlessly mixed and matched.

Brass mix and match rings (available in several cool styles)

Brass stacking rings (available in several cool styles)

Geometric pieces in sterling silver and other metals. Intricate, graphic and wear-with-anything. The chevron/arrow motif was one of my faves.

This was the necklace design was THE one for me. I picked up a handmade copper, brass and enamel necklace with tassels. I also got one for my stylish Mama.

These beauties are available in a wide array of colour combos, and can be found on the WFD Etsy page. https://www.etsy.com/listing/230144866/adjustable-enamel-tassel-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_12

Herkimer Diamond Studs

Enamel studs.

Geometric Studs, also available in hearts, octagons, circles, etc.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, which piece is the fairest of them all? If any of these ended up in my stocking, on my finger, wrist, neck or wrapped as a surprise I’d be pleased as heck. Check out all of the awesomeness by following the links below, or follow WFD on Facebook to hear about deals, sales and new designs. https://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Feather-Designs-Jewellery/212067465525069

http://white-feather-designs.myshopify.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WFDJewellery

Crown Flora: Shop Profile

Art, DIY

Sometimes you fall in love with something frivolous. How could you not love this gold stegosaurus, with a jaunty little succulent protruding from his spine? At the One Of A Kind Spring show http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/index.php, we found this little guy, who came home with us that day; I’d had my eye on this kind of thing since our wedding. We were inspired by some things we had seen on Etsy and I’d pinned a bunch of cute little animal-projects to add whimsy to our celebration.

Some of the best included:

Gold animal cake toppers.

Jar toppers for cosmetics, q-tips and cotton balls, or even candy jars.

Fridge magnets.

There are so many ways to chop and rearrange these little cuties.

We ended up using skewers and spraying them silver and gold, then arranging them throughout our hydrangea center pieces. Each table had an animal of its own: the lion table, the giraffe table… it was questionable who should be seated at the hippo table (the group with the best sense of humour).

At Crown Flora Studios’ booth at the Spring One Of A Kind Show, we fell in love with the dinosaur, as well as this sweet terrarium. For the cost of purchasing all the materials, we figured it was just as easy to get one that was already put together. They do such a good job and the arrangement of the elements inside the glass container were so well balanced. The folks at Crown Flora let us select our animals (two little giraffes) and our new terrarium can be hung/suspended or sit table-top. This was one of our favourite finds!

Two giraffes are right at home in their little bubble with an air plant, some moss and stone.

This quirky addition to our coffee table is adorable, but definitely gets hidden when our small nieces come to visit.

To check out more of Crown Flora’s work, visit their website: http://crownflorastudio.com/ They also do styling, workshops and flowers…

Crown Flora: crownflorastudio.com

The Art of Dreaming

Art

What are you waiting for? Get out there and start doing that thing you wish you could do, or that thing you used to do, but stopped doing.

Dance. Like no one is watching, or do ANY thing with cliched abandon that makes you feel vibrant and happy.

I have danced since the age of three. That’s 30 years. For the few years that I was teaching but not actively dancing myself, I felt its absence. I was missing the thrill of doing something for myself that brings me joy. Intense joy and community.

I remind myself that, as a teacher, I frequently ask my students to take risks, to be passionate, to try things that are outside their comfort zone. It only makes sense then that I practice this philosophy myself. As a member of PushPULL Dance (dancing professionals, not professional dancers), I get to live the dream – a steady job by day and time in the studio, on the stage and briefly in the spotlight.

It’s show time!

Our show this year is all about dreams. According to my wife I’ve been sleep dancing, so it makes perfect sense that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

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Preview shots by Raph Nogal; PushPULL Dance 2015’s “The Art of Dreaming.”

The company rehearses twice a week during the year and mounts a full-on show each June. This year we have 18 pieces and about 40 dancers.

Starting new pre-show traditions. Our “Dreamscape” costumes are on and we have blueberry vodka shots in hand.

Opening night drinks to celebrate.

Intense joy and community.

Handmade Market 2015

Art

Two weeks after wintery flurries, the temperature hit 31 degrees Celsius – just in time for a gorgeous weekend at 13th Street Winery for the 2015 Handmade Market. The outdoor Spring market had a sprawling maze of vendors, artisans and edibles that wove its way around the grounds of the winery, with a welcome breeze and live guitar and acoustic performances.

Delicious fries and sandwiches at one of the food trucks, Dobro Jesti.

Tide and Vine: Oysters

This is what happens when you ask my mum to take a photo. Wink wink, Mum!

Allia and me, deciding where to start.

Magnolia blossoms; everywhere.

Fruit trees and magnolias were in bloom. And the warm weather brought out diverse DIY lovers, both local and visiting, to enjoy some incredible summer scenes.

Enjoying the mood and music on the lawn of 13th Street.

Avella’s Pizza

The inside of the winery was also open for tastings.

TO DO: Park your car in between the rows of grape vines and stroll through the tents, perusing the hand-crafted clothing, soaps, decor, home items and quirky local designers. Or eat your way from one side of the market to the other starting with the handmade margherita pizzas, on to garlic and rosemary basted handcut fries, and finish with a cone of carrot cake ice cream. Seriously. I couldn’t eat it fast enough, and our chatty group was silenced – in a race to eat it before the sun melted this refreshing scoop of heaven.

Hometown Ice Cream.

Always a favourite, the talented Breanne Morrow’s White Feather Designs were on display. Though her designs can be found in some Toronto boutiques, her work is always a must-see in person. Admittedly, I’m partial to her jewelery, since it was Bre who hand-crafted our engagement rings.

White Feather Designs by Breanne Morrow: enamel coated brass necklaces with tassels (bottom right) and bracelets (center).

Earrings, necklaces and rings.

3D Cut geometric necklaces.

Necklaces in sterling silver.

Her line has continued to evolve over the years, and whether you find her on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WFDJewellery or her online store http://wfdjewellery.com/, her labour-of-love jewels, her livelihood and passion, are both versatile and unique; every time I wear one it’s always a conversation starter.

A new favourite at the show was the work from the design duo at Studio 50 studio50.ca whose concrete, glass and steel designs were so striking and innovative. I can as easily picture these artsy, tough, yet beautiful pieces in my boho kitchen as on the counter in my brother’s sleek, modern Toronto condo. They are seriously some of the most original, cool pieces I have seen, and if money allows, I’ll be buying us some of our own next time we deserve a present (we being my wife and me).

Studio 50 knife blocks, and small round-bottomed science beakers that can be used to serve hot or cold liquids.

Sangria, salad dressing, sake, tea, scotch or … pretty much anything that would look cooler in a round bottom flask.

Knife blocks with skewers and ... some instructions to keep you on track.

Knife blocks with skewers and … some product notes to keep you on track.

Their entire line is all handmade and unique. I love the stratified concrete bases.

Not only were the designs beautiful, the artists were truly lovely and happy to chat about their process and passion. Located in Paris, Ontario, one of these beautiful items from Studio 50 is on my list of things I must get for myself one day soon.

The annual craft market is just one of the great ways to support local artists and get outside. Enjoy Spring and stay tuned for more warm-weather indulgence.

I Heart You

Art, DIY, Love, Wedding

One of my favourite personalized details from our wedding day, almost a year ago, was the custom heart that my designer friend, Katey, created for us. She is a stylist, ceramic artist and all-round creative genius and, knowing our penchant for DIY touches, she asked if she might be able to make us something special.

Photo Credit: Sweetheartempire.com, Heart by Katherine Morley, Location: Berkeley Church, Toronto.

The results were amazing and the decorative heart, emblazoned with our names, became a key piece of our wedding day puzzle.

Berkeley Church, Toronto. Photo Credit: Sweetheart Empire, Toronto (Kate O’Connor). Heart by Katherine Morley.

Check out her beautiful designs on everything from ‘Capacity’ – a carefully curated collection of art and design by female designers in Toronto, to her ceramic sculptures for fish tanks (which address the issues surrounding human impact on our oceans and the depletion of sea coral, while providing a gorgeous, sustainable landscape for fish to explore).

Katherine Morley in her studio.

Sculptural pieces with form and function.

More of her creative pieces, featured in House & Home, including her circus-inspired ceramics, and Iceberg book ends that evoke the Group of Seven.

Supporting local artists, especially ones who are socially conscious and engaged in their community, is a great way to fill your home, event and life, in general, with good vibes, originality and beauty.

StyleSaVie

Life lived beautifully.

Art