to blush

valentine piggy

2012-02-09T16:24:00.001-08:00

If I didn't already have a sweet valentine, I think I'd pick up this gentle pig. How cute is he??

in love.

2012-01-10T20:02:00.001-08:00

Ashley Champagne has done it again. Mickey and I had the most magical time in the woods with one of the greatest photographers I've worked with.

I tried to keep these a secret till we figured out our Save the Date or even DATE! But I couldn't resist. Ash, you are magic. Thank you so much!!

I love this man.

And of course horses.

FUN FACT: my last name means 'horse' in Chinese and Mike's last name means 'place of horses'... does anyone else think that's fate? Fate.

Animal Lovin'

2011-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've recently become an animal lover. I liked animals before... but now I love them! So much, that I'd like to have them peak through my tea as I drink.

These are the best tea cups EVER!

bamboo

2011-07-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

My button earrings are on the front page of Bamboo Ballroom! Ya!

paper love. word.

2011-07-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

I love me some wrapping paper. I also love word searches. THIS is brilliant. Absolutely. Brilliant.

designer phone

2011-07-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

I would like the yellow one.

That's all.

Let's Eat with Hee Haw

2011-07-06T21:24:00.001-07:00

Words to live by.

I doodled this poster for the Hee Haw Collective which is a pretty cool team of design'ettes doing some pretty cool things. The turnout for the poster collection is rad. Please check it out. And if you do so happen to be walking around, keep your eyes peeled. These masterpieces will be hung around town.

Thanks Hee Haw. Thanks for being cool and getting the community INvolved!

Oh Canada! Oh! Oh! Oh Canada!

2011-06-30T20:53:00.001-07:00

How awesome is Ford Buckminster Beaver? by my favorite Le Canot Rouge, Canadian of course. 10% of their gross sales goes to animal welfare causes. YES!

Celebrate with THIS, get your butt outside, join the party, high five your neighbors, and let's celebrate!

Happiest Canada Day friends! So happy to be Canadian!

Summer of Decks: Deck #2

2011-06-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

Mr. Muscle had to lift all these pieces up to our balcony on his own (and that's a small piece)! We clearly need more guy friends...
But the before and after is just lovely!! So girls, grab your swimmers and let's get our tan on! Thanks Mikey for doing such a wonderful job! xo.

Herriott Grace

2011-06-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if it's the photos of Herriott Grace that I'm so in love with, or the layout of the website, or the actual product, or the fact that it's a father daughter venue?

All products made from 100% salvaged wood. I love them even more!

55 years

2011-06-21T20:38:00.001-07:00

My beautiful grandparents celebrated their 55th anniversary last week. 55 YEARS! Is anyone else just opened mouthed at that?!

I've never really thought about it until last week as I made a wee card for them. 55 years... them be some long years! Good, bad, ugly, pretty, sensational, I could go on. In 55 years, I'm sure any couple would go through every emotion known to man (and possibly animal). Determination. Willpower. Strength. Love.

It takes a lot of love to wake up to the same person every day for 55 years. I'm so proud of my grandparents!

I'm thankful that our family comes from strong couplings. My grandparents and parents are very good role models in today's society. I toast them all. Congratulations Granny and Grampy, here's to another 55!!

Good find.

2011-06-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

House sitting find! Don't worry, it was in my mothers house and I asked before I yanked it! A perfect gold bow on a gold band just stared at me through it's clear tupperware drawer as I searched for bubble bath. Bubbles aside... CHECK OUT THIS HEAD BAND!

I'm in love.

I'm so chipper that mama Ma let me give it a very good home. Love you mom.

NEW!

2011-06-21T20:25:00.001-07:00

YAY! All the glitches should be out! paperhearts studio is now up and running and ready for your look-sees!

Sophia and I had talked about this for awhile. After a very good experience working together for the big fat greek wedding (which is the weekend omg), we decided to get the nib writing!

Calligraphy is fastly becoming my new favorite thing to do. Creating the logo for this bad girl was tricky being that Sophia and I have different styles. A straight pin prick of a 'type' was hand drawn and comes off very neutral. I think it's simple enough, and the photos portray what our capabilities are. Lovely. I'm pretty excited about this whole project.

Coming up this weekend is the wedding we've been prepping for (the wedding that started this all really) and a bridal shower which I've been doodling cutey pie food and favor tags for. Photos coming early next week!

In the meantime, check out heartletters by paperhearts, it's our new blog which features what we do, what we've been up to and my new favorite by Sophia, Wedding Wednesdays!

Summer of Decks: Deck #1

2011-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

1. The deck at the condo was completely rotting from my lack of care... handy boyfriend = new deck! I will say, I did do a lot !! to help him :) Screwing and painting and getting the cold drinks!
I'll post pics once these rainy days find themselves elsewhere.

2. Painting my parents deck was something that I now regret. (see image) LOOK at the size of this thing?! You can't even see the whole thing in this picture, and not to mention, there is another mini deck on the side of the house. What were we thinking? We thought, house-sitting, cable, VOD, cupboards full of food... ya, I miss the condo.

3. We did offer to paint my grandparents deck too. Hopefully the rain stops in the near future so we can finish #2, then get on to #3. Luckily #3 is a lot smaller... but wait... I just remembered they have a mini side deck too. Is this a trend? When I get a house, I'm making sure my deck is tiny or made out of something that doesn't require painting ;)

Come back sunshine! We've got work to do!!

new project!

2011-06-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

So, my girl Sophia and I started a newbie. Paperhearts Studio is our new collaboration of simple designed invites and customized calligraphy.

Why not do something we absolutely love?!

Hope you like!

fb, twitter

designlovefest

2011-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

enough said: scarves.

also, great new design! designlovefest

NZ goodies

2011-06-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

YUM! Check out these tasties from NZ that Mickle brought back. A variety of my Kiwi loves: pineapple lumps, chocolate fish, whittakers chocolate bars, blue earth rose hip oil and face lotions, note pads, my favorite tampons :) , a cutie pie photo album, wristlets made by Hera and a CD from Hera.

Not to mention two beautiful books with messages from the beauties of Christchurch and Wellington. It really makes me want to go back. Like now.

The best gift of all was perhaps the man himself. Just as I remember him, maybe even better. He's on his way to fitting right in! Especially with this moose pillow that I SO wish we could ship to our mate Keeley.

xo Mickle pie.

big day.

2011-05-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

2 months. 12 days.

Finally.

I will be wrapped up in my mans arms in 26 hours. It's not coming fast enough. And yes, I know people have waited longer to see their loved ones, but I'm just not that patient. Any longer and I would have sold all of my belongings and booked a ticket to New Zealand. Thankfully, it hasn't come to that... I do love my stuff.
There are lots of screenshots of Mike not paying attention to me ;)
I love the blown out sunshine in this! That's my Mickle, hard at work, trying to show me the deck he built, but the sun took over and I could barely see him.
Farewell Skype. You have been really good to us! Welcome home Mikey!

antler.

2011-05-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

I seriously can't get enough of this, so I just have to share it.

I want to look at it all the time.

Is it the gold? The mint? The fact that it's an antler with both gold and mint? I don't know. But I want it. And I want someone to buy it for me (because I'm broke and jobless). Please. It's just a teeny tiny antler. I would give it the best spot in my home, somewhere where I could admire it hours on end. I love you little antler. I do.

Ummmm...

2011-05-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

Brilliant.

dear mothers.

2011-05-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

To every mother, you are so special. Let this weekend show how much we all love you. You have held our hands through life, laughed with us, cried beside us and watched us grow. We love you mothers, and certainly wouldn't be who we are today without you by our sides. Stay strong. Stay cheerful. One thousand kisses.
To my mother. You're the most talented lady I know. Thanks for showing me the ropes, being hilariously witty, exuding beauty and showing me how to sparkle. You are an inspiration.

Postcup

2011-05-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

I think I want this so bad it hurts. How adorable would it be to write a wee love note and leave this by the coffee pot for your mate? Or send it to a pen pal overseas? I need one.
Images from Bailey Doesn't Bark.

YSL

2011-05-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ummm, pretty! I'm so into these Yves Saint Laurent arty gold plated rings. There are too many colours to choose from, but I suppose if I HAD to choose, the toffee or the pink glass would be my top picks. Swoon!
Images from HonestlyWTF.

cute boys with cats

2011-05-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still in the loving animals stage, sans actually owning an animal. A friend posted this link and I just about died ooing and awing at pages and pages of Cute Boys with Cats. Seriously, I have a problem, when I can 'waste' x amount of time on looking at random pictures of... cute boys with cats.

How sweet is this wee kitten? How cute is this boy rescuing her?
Yep. Cute.
I should just get a cat already...

earth day

2011-04-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Let us remember that our earth mother is delicate.

Let us remember to treat her well and she will aid us in the daily nutrients that we need. Thank you mother earth. You are a beauty and I hate to see you broken. Sending you a thousand times more love today, happy day to you. Happy earth day.

happy easter

2011-04-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

For Easter this year, my beautifully ethereal mother made the best cards! Opting to do something more personal, rather than hopping rabbits and eggs, she's created a wonderland for me and a gypsy romance card for Jasmine. Now these aren't so much as cards... they are more like mini three dimensional booklets showcasing a cutie pie story.

They are beautifully layered and intricately crafted.

One thousand thank yous Mother, for parting with these little creatures for us. We love them!

Happy Easter mates!

casio lovin'

2011-04-21T10:10:00.001-07:00

You know how I totally dig casio watches? Well I do. Ever since finding an epic gold one in Cambodia, I've been in love. Knowing that my little $3 timepiece wasn't go to live much longer, I found a gold databank casio in Hong Kong. Phenom! I wear that little purchase everyday. They are affordable and good watches (when they aren't knockoffs ;) sorry lil rainbow lights).

My newest find, via 17 inch heart is just as cute as my little casios but less timeless? Ha. How adorable are these wrist pieces, by Denise Julia Reytan. This timepiece sans time is to remind us to forget about time and enjoy life. SWOON!

Seriously check the site, mega talent, candy for my eyes.

smart. clever. witty.

2011-04-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sapling Press. 'nough said.

Twighlight fans, clearly my favorite.

It all makes sense now...

creature... in my hair?

2011-04-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Is this not the most interesting hairpiece ever?!

Browsing Etsy's homepage I quickly became engaged with this little octo. I would absolutely hands down wear this in my hair with crazy curls flying all over the tentacles. Or how adore would it look on a scarf, snuggled right up into your neck?

Oh my heart, they have one in gold!

spring cleaning

2011-04-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

I guess I've been blogging since 2008? Whoa. The same banner for 3.5 years. My goodness.

Since I'm unemployed right now I thought, this is the perfect time not only to clean out my closet (ridding of clothes to make room for a man. I must be in love!), but to refresh my wee blog. Of course it had to be handwritten. It's just my style... and me. I reach for my favorite nib and away I go.

A simple site, all white, showcasing whatever it is I blog about...

Any feedback friends? I will say... it was difficult writing it... to flush or to blush. Hopefully the heart at the end will lead to the latter conclusion. Blush.

aminal love. illustrator love.

2011-04-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure when I became such an animal lover (it's definitely recent, to the point where I just want to be surrounded by them!). We know I've always been an illustrator lover. Ping Zhu is my new found favorite! Originally spotted on D*Sponge, I'm in love.

As I follow the brush strokes, the simplicity of the shapes creating the forms is magnetizing.

I feel like these tiggers are besties.

Not only are her animals adoring, her portraits are even more eye-catching. Perfectly shaped. Love.

R & E

2011-04-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Remember Raymond, awesome illustrator who started the Royal Bison? And his talented wife Elizabeth (former designer of Nokomis)? They are one talented mega couple. D*Sponge posted on their rad space in Montreal. It's absolutely unreal for a 1000 sq. ft. space. Great job R&E!

This stunning clothing rack that Elizabeth made makes me tickle!! How simply beautiful!
This is actually the BEST idea ever for cats food and water. Glorious.

And how sweet is this? Raymond's hand written note. Swoon.
For more on their space check out the post from D*Sponge.

Images from D*Sponge

valerydesignwrks for SCARS

2011-04-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Valerydesignwrks has donated these luscious card prints to SCARS , an animal rescue organization. The gradients and textures make me want to melt right in and snuggle these pups.

I myself have been looking into the details of fostering some animals when the time is right (and the home is right). Really though, how can you not just fall in love with them and keep them all? Clyde from the Edmonton Humane Society melts my heart.

Since my pal Roxy passed whilst I was living in New Zealand, I've been missing the big sloppy husky kisses; I feel like Juno here could give me some big wolf kisses.

If you foster pets, I heart you! And I can't wait to live in a space that allows pets!!

loyal loot

2011-04-16T11:06:00.001-07:00

Prairie House. Adore! This is very Canadiana.

Loyal Loot is a fabulous collective with super clean designs that will turn your home into a pristine display case.

Monsieur Dressup has to be my fav! And when I get a bigger house with an appropriate place to display this invisible man, he will be mine!

more jewels.

2011-04-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough. One site is leading me to another and another and another and they are all ending up being jewel sites. Oh dear.

Tenthousandthings is different though. It's art. It's art in the most fabulous way. It's sculpture. It's organic. It's delicate like jewels should be. It's intriguing like art should be. It's a win win.

jewels. gold jewels.

2011-04-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I have a love of gold. Gold anything really, but especially jewels.

I've just recently stumbled upon Bario Neal, handcrafted with reclaimed metals in Phili. Can we all please take a look at these eroded earrings, tilt our heads, possibly squint our eyes, then nod and say, yes, yes I do adore these little nuggets.

And how about this knotted ring? We've seen these before, but there is something very hand crafted about this twisted delicate string of gold.

Finally, perhaps my favorite, this organic band with a simple diamond. It's so natural, it's like it's been shaped from the root of a treasure tree.

Absolutely beautiful. And ethical!

Beez.

2011-04-13T15:42:00.001-07:00

My sister and I are trying to only buy and burn 100% natural beeswax. It's natural, smells like honey and cleans the air. Perfection. Just you wait...

Now really, how cute are these candles by pollenArts? I came across these on etsy yesterday and fell in love. These are prefect. I would hate to burn them!

Mums Day

2011-04-13T14:49:00.001-07:00

Speaking of Anthropologie, I finally took my mother there last night after a friend told us about some fab markdowns. My mom left the store with 2 gorgeous navy sweaters and I left with a Mothers Day gift.

It's so hard to buy for someone who has so much! She laid her eyes on these cutie pie measuring spoons and instantly fell in love. All she said was 'Mothers Day!' and I got the 'hint.'

Can we all please take a look at these? I'm in love. Dear Mom, it's my birthday in... 8 months? Too far away?

my mug.

2011-04-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

My beautiful Kassey and the ever stunning Sophia got a little somethin' somethin' for the ladies who pitched in for Kassey's bridal shower. Being the mega trendsetting sisters they are, they totally hit a home run with this mug from Anthropologie. Swoon.

I'm having a hard time putting this mug down. I must say, with the sun shining, my fingers laced through the handle, crisp citrus water is a winner!

Thanks ladies! xo.

cup of jewels

2011-04-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Can we all please just take a 'sigh' of swoon here?!

Martha does it again.

I would probably need one hundred bowls and saucers... let the thirfting begin!!

sneaky.

2011-04-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Some little food tags for Kassey's bridal shower tomorrow! Weeeeee!

beautiful bodoni

2011-03-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

I love books. Even more so, I love pop up books. Whilst in New Zealand, there was a cute store in Poplar Lane called Blue Earth that sold mostly tasty handmade soaps and smooth oils. Surprisingly they sold the most beautiful childrens pop up books! Unfortunately I was unable to purchase one as a backpacker and an adult... but check out the images below.

A pop up book for designers by Victoria Macey! Typographic. Illustrative. So creative.

And of course a little legend in case you could tell it was a quail. Swoon!

Be sure to check out Victoria's personal identity. I'm in love.

Hera sings...

2011-03-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

beautifully.
There is something about this Icelandic beauty that I can't get enough of. I've been reunited with my laptop now after 7 months and am glued to iTunes sampling the sounds of Hera.

Maybe it's because her songs remind me of the happy times at Pomeroys, or the Gap Filler that Mike and I attended to watch this quirky blondie. She sang some of her Icelandic tunes here that I heard for the first time and was frozen by the twists of her tongue, the happy beat of her guitar and the pretty hums.

Or maybe it's because I got to know Hera and her magnetic personality. From doing nails at a party to playing games in the park, this girl IS the full package.

Or maybe it's because her voice is just pure beauty.

All of the above.

Hera snuck behind the bar at Poms to catch a quick pic with Ava and I. Hera sandwich love!

So friends, go to iTunes and be mesmerized. Rattle my Bones (not on iTunes just yet, but you can buy it on her site) and Adrian are my favorites. I must have had an Adrian who's rattled my bones because I can't get enough of these two songs!

(top image by Gorilla Pictures)

doe a deer

2011-03-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Cafe Cartolina always pleases the eye. Fiona has led me to Mister Finch as she admired his moths. And I've found something that I absolutely adore. I want this weeping fox on my wall as soon as I can! At first glance he wasn't my favorite, but then I felt his tears. He is making magic with those tears, magic that's consumed me.

This got me thinking, there was a trend of mounted heads for awhile... I'm not sure if it's still a trend, but I still like it. I myself even have metal antlers hanging above my doorway at home. There is something quite mystical about the mounted head. Like you're being watched.

Growing up in a highly hunted province and having a neighbor that used to hang his hunt in the garage has prepared me for seeing taxidermy specimens. I love them. They remind me of my grandparents house, a head in every room. It sounds morbid, but it's what they used to do.

That being said, as much as I want one of my grandfathers catch above my fireplace, I do LOVE the take that many designers have taken.

These wooden trophy heads are fabulous! I love that they have a goat! ha!

This is one clever piece that I came across on etsy. Paper resin deer head. Creating beauty out of a potentially cruel hunt.

This embroidered piece by doe-c-doe melts my heart! How adorable and imaginative is this!

Finally my favorite. Cold Comfort by Rachel Denny. SO warm.

I'm pretty sure if my wallet was big enough, I'd have walls filled with heads. Morbid but with these harmless takes, it makes for beautiful wilderness art.

pink

2011-03-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

Pink is on my mind.

(Images 1, 2, 3 and 4)

hearts to Japan

2011-03-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

This image is heartwarming. These hearts are our future.

Stay strong Japan. The world is with you.

fishy

2011-03-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

I LOVE mango pudding.

I always order it.

Only in Hong Kong have I ever seen it so delicately molded. Hong Kong Disney shaped it so appropriately as Mickey Mouse. Now this random Dim Sum joint crafted it into a beautiful wiggling koi fish. How delightful?! Not the best tasting, but by far the best looking!

pen & ink

2011-03-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

My dream job (at this stage of my life) would be to play with quills, inks and be a calligrapher.

Obviously much work and practice needs to be made, especially since my hands haven't touched a proper nib in 7 months. I just miss it and can't wait to get home, since Sophia and I have 600 wedding invitations to hand address for our lovely Kassey!

Below are the Save the Dates that Sophia and I designed together. With a big fat Greek wedding, there were many spelling mistakes and tossed out envelopes, on my part; but it was so giddy sharing this time with someone who loves calligraphy as much as I do.

Above are the envelopes that I hand addressed for a self-promotion piece for McRobbie Optamedia. My fingers loved the expressive large format type.

My inspiration of course, the best I've seen yet, Betsy Dunlap, she's phenomenal! She was born for this. Honestly, I can't stop staring! She's brilliant! Love, love.

(top image by Sophia, middle image by Me, bottom image by B Dunlap)

3 days in

2011-03-11T19:26:00.001-08:00

I'm not real sure how anyone handles the Long Distance Relationship whole thing.

Three days in and I'm already going bananas! I wake up in the night and roll over to nothing but an empty space and a cold pillow.

All I really want to do is make adventures already!

Let's make adventures mike, c'mooooon!

ma

2011-03-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

Ma. It's my last name and it means 'horse.' Funny enough, my partners last name means 'place of horses.' Weird? Ya, it is! All I want to do now is collect cute little horse figurines!

How eclectic are these little guys?

dreamface

2011-03-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

Ooooooh! Melt my heart over and over again. DreamFace is so magical. Looped in my mind, this dynamic duo plus 4 are so heart wrenching with their lyrics, so mystical with their beats and so dreamy with their looks.

These dreamers happen to be the best spread of the latest Georgie magazine, check it here. Ashley Champagne did an amazing shoot of the DF team. Ashley is an actual magician. She has such a way with light, I can't help but wonder if she carries a wand with her filled with glitter and glow.

Become a fan on facebook and dream a little sweeter dreamers.

Check DF's teaser vid here.

(top photo by Ashley Champagne, bottom photo by Justin Broadbent)

just bella

2011-03-10T23:07:00.001-08:00

I know this girl. Not only is she so fabulously styled (even when I see her in her pj's), but she's charismatic, gorgeous, sincere, amazing at photography and has beautiful taste.

She used to be my sole reader... she may still be my sole reader and I even remember her saying that she wanted to start a blog. It started as her honeymoon blog but it's blossomed into one of my favorite reads. The best thing about it, she's from my town! Love the locals. Share the love. Christine, you are magnificent! You are an inspiration!

Ready, set, go.

Seriously, how cute is this image?! Christine?! OMG, you're a gem!

update

2010-08-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

has it really been 2 months since I last posted? time flies when you're planning an adventure. I'll likely be abandoning to blush for a short time, while I travel SE Asia. keep updated on the panda adventure here.

mexilove

2010-06-09T19:55:00.001-07:00

the Riviera Maya is a magical place. too much to see and far too many smiles to catch in one day. the richly tanned natives of Mexico are just lovely beings.

my sister and I had a delicious time soaking up the sun, sight seeing, snorkeling and dancing.
happy birthday sweet sister!

pot of gold

2010-03-17T12:32:00.001-07:00

happy st. patrick's day friends!

my friend mike and I got together to do a quick shoot with my sister painted up in green. here are a few of the snaps.

enjoy the green beer.

the rose garden

2010-03-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

this weekend was the Advertising Club of Edmonton's annual ACE awards. ACE in Wonderland to be precise and it was much fun. from walking through the rabbit hole, having tea with Alice and the Hatter and admiring my little wine tags. glorious.

below is me and my rosie boys.

half of the MO team!

friends.

goofing off on stage.

congratulations to everyone who participated and all who won ACE awards. bravo.

more images.

paint the roses red

2010-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

since wonderland is the theme of this weekend, I thought I should share another little hand drawn diddy that I did for work. McRobbie Optamedia is this years wine sponsor for the ACE in wonderland event, so 'drink me' tags were certainly in order.

below are some images I captured during the intense process.

more images.

dreams.

2010-03-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

been really into hand type. I'm trying my own hand at calligraphy. I'd like to have more tattoos with a little 'ting touch,' so I've drawn one up above. I've had many people comment on where it should go... and the strangest, yet most brilliant one was along my thigh... up and down. naturally, I mocked it up and it looks so sick! if I get it done, it'll be by far my favorite tattoo! now... just need to find the perfect artist.

as an aside, I saw the second image on a pia ulin's site. when I dream, I dream in this place. it was like a deja vu moment minus the balloons. I love you white room. xo.

miss wonderland

2010-03-05T15:23:00.001-08:00

alice?

she reminds me of alice.

and the infamous tim burtons screening of alice in wonderland is starting today.

lovely.

just lovely.

t'will be a wonderland weekend.

ACE in wonderland will be tomorrow.

stay tuned for a headpiece that I made for the glorious event.

toodle loo.

image source: anna wolf

let someone love you

2010-02-17T19:40:00.001-08:00

clearly my valentines is way late. but better late than never, right? fall in love as many times are you can lovers. the best thing in life is to let someone love you. so do it now, dream about it and breathe it in. xo.

a thousand apologies for the incomplete drawing... I was busy in the mountains.

vintage

2010-02-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

looky looky what I founnnnnd. a vintage pair of bally men's loafers just sitting covered in dust, in what may be the only vintage store tucked away on a side street in Banff. and in my size! meant to be? I think so. thank you to lisa who made me go back in the morning with $15 cash to pick these pups up.

inspired

2010-01-26T20:31:00.001-08:00

is there such a thing as being typobsessed? yes. I do believe there is and I have become a whole hearted type addict, not that I wasn't before... but I was more of a computer generated typoholic. I'm now retreating back to the uni years where professors wouldn't give us access to computers until hand rendered sketches were produced and paint brushes were taken away (yes, this did actually happen to me in an oil class, thank goodness for palette knives).

give me a piece of paper, a torn piece of canvas, a notepad, a magazine... and I WILL doodle, scratch, sketch, and mark it with anything that's on my mind.

be inspired by type.

apologies for the lack of light, we don't have lightbulbs... art by candlelight, it's the new pink.

fallen angel

2009-12-13T10:58:00.001-08:00

just sifting through my photos, and this angel slipped my mind... my sister and I were walking to the grocery store when I ran to this little angel. RIP hollow heart.

I love actually.

2009-12-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

love.

I watch this movie every holiday season! xox!
let's all love each other wholly this holiday season!

Neverland

2009-12-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

Meet Pan and Hook...

And what we did on our last fall days... sword fight anyone?

I turned 25... in November... quarter life crisis: dress up as Peter Pan and have a Neverland party: check.

Thank you to all who joined us in the lost boy forest and pirate ship! It was the best birthday ever and I have to say, I didn't mind at all turning the big 25. Maybe I still have pixie dust in my ear?

Photography: Ashley Champagne
Makeup: Nicola Gavins
These 2 are the best! xo ladies!

oh, there you are peter

2009-09-30T20:44:00.001-07:00

sneak peak.

I won't grow up

2009-09-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

not now, not ever.

but I will tell you, tomorrow is the start of what will be a very interesting... thing... stay tuned.

good night never, neverland!

swoon, drool, flourish!

2009-09-28T20:19:00.001-07:00

hello?!

isn't this luscious juicy eye candy!! Kehinde Wiley, you've got some mad skills!

via sycamore street press, you too make me swoon.

I want to hug

2009-09-28T20:09:00.001-07:00

this scarf! just wait till you feel it! I want to hug it and cuddle it and wrap myself into it! my super talented weaver'tastic friend loomed this beauty. and let me tell you... it's a stunner!

I think I staked claim on it while we were watching movies on my couch twisting the ends of many weavings and this little purple monster was hiding amongst the pile.

tasha, I want it, I need it. I love it! you are so talented! gimme gimme gimme! it's getting so chilly out there.

see more of the great tasha's goodies here.

dreaming

2009-07-31T16:50:00.001-07:00

... of a luscious long weekend. may romeo whisper sweet nothings into your ear all night long.

happy friday friends.

parlour = swoon

2009-07-30T18:55:00.001-07:00

this issue of parlour actually makes me swoon. not only do I recognize a lot of the faces inside, they did an in wonderland shoot, helllllo! right up my alley (I like to think of myself as the mad hatter himself). keep up the phenom work parlour. you do edmonton P R O U D !

hearts to nicola

2009-07-30T18:43:00.003-07:00

um, hello!

I met nicola through a friend at work and this chick is uber talented! her skills continue to amaze me. who knew makeup could be so emotional.

nicola works with a boat load of local talent. swooon! check out her magic here.

my heart misses

2009-06-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

ming.

I didn't think I'd miss someone so much. but we're close. and it's usually me going on all the fun trips and coming home with goodies, not the other way around.

NY, you'd better be treating my sis right!

my heart

2009-05-22T19:55:00.001-07:00

my heart misses the beach real bad today. the gritty sand, the salty ocean. oh I weep for you. this edmonton weather isn't cutting it. maui, come back to me!

(photos by Jaclyn Marks)

flipping through these photos reminds me that I never got to leap off this rock like I wanted to! now I must go back, just to keep that promise. mr. rock, I'll be back soon to squat, flail, and fly off of you!

booty booty pirate booty

2009-05-14T23:31:00.001-07:00

so I was just in maui for a wedding (best couple ever ps) and as we're getting ready for the welcome party, I totally notice my friend wearing my fav jewelry designer! HELLO! can we just admire how hot this necklace looks on this neck! parfait amour mon cheri!

this necklace is so appropriately called the Pirate Booty... loooove it. if black ain't your thing, check out the other colours... gold (obviously, I love it) and the green one! unlucky that it's sold out but I definitely know why... hello... what a gem!

happy friday friends. be safe this long weekend!

maui lovin'

2009-05-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm off to maui with many friends for an epic wedding of two truly amazing people!

I look forward most to (in no particular order):
wearing dresses and raybans
sipping mai tai's
pool parties at the condo
surfing
maui'ed love

happy friday friends!

Photo cred: Swank Pad

clubbing

2009-04-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

so, I guess when you have your mind on something you just got to have it right? maybe? yes? clubmasters were on my mind. oh raybans, you so doooown!

yugas elder, I heart you

2009-04-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

oh me! oh my! yugas elder, the new collection by Kat Marks is mak'en me 'blush! it's inquisitively romatic.

floral, how I want you

2009-04-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

has anyone ever noticed Nicole Richie's fabulous style? ya... she's definitely on my top 5 style icons. her hippie glam is effortless.

I have an epic wedding to go to in Maui and I so wanted to find a similar dress to the one above. I just love it! but alas in the minute spare time that I had to go shopping I couldn't find a good quality floral floor length getup. sure, there are lots of dresses out there but I want chiffon! not cotton-jersey! c'mon buyers... quality!!!

anyways... I ended up finding this little gem at forever 21. it does really scream me, not so much Maui... thoughts?

and if any of you know where I can find some slippery, flirty, floor length gowns, you let me know.

joyeux vendredi!

hearting on rayban

2009-04-23T15:02:00.001-07:00

I've always been an aviators girl. but I've always wanted the classic raybans.
I'm crushing on these baaaaaaad.
Tonight's mission... clubmaster raybans. I want you now.

hoot hoot

2009-04-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

hoot hoot! I have the majority of my friends addicted to dotted loop / glam vintage these days... and my BFF just sent me an email with this as the header "I thought of you when I saw this." HOW CUTE! and how me... wink wink.

the fabulous teresa has posted some new goodies on her site, be sure to check them out before they sell out!

and how could I not display this little number for you lovelies! roses are blue earrings, I'm saving my pennies for you!

and theeeeese... really? I think they were made for ming and ting!
we have a fondness for cameos.
we like to wear one long earring.
and we like to share.

is it weird to buy earrings for a birthday gift and only give them one? ming would understand ;)

oh snap!

2009-03-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

heard the best news today... my fav fab designer teresa from dotted loop is now selling in my very own home town Spruce Grove. Social Script, a store of fashion, music and art is now carrying the new spring collection... gooooodies!! I'm totally swinging by when I go home for a visit, PS they are so closed on Sundays :(

dotted loop is also launching a new website where you can shop online, sweet beans!! and their introducing a men's collection... sexy time.

check out my stunning earrings above from the dotted loop collection. LOVE THEM! love you!

electro BLUSH

2009-02-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

the blush connection has had 2 shows within the last week and they have both been so successful thanks to you lovelies! stay tuned for some private shows at savoy and some more future shows at the urban lounge.

become a facebook fan here.

blush.

sweet venom

2009-02-06T17:26:00.001-08:00

collaborations at their best.

sweet carousel and kashvenoms create sweet venom.

the show is tonight and I'm blushing already by these photos by Mariusz Sikorski.

le bison

2009-02-06T17:19:00.001-08:00

I know... it's been so long... blogging and I were on a break. but now I'm back and am delighted to tell you about the Royal Bison. THIS WEEKEND! come visit and get your lover something local this valentine's day.

special.

blush wrap

2008-12-15T20:43:00.001-08:00

it seems that I like to take pictures at night where the lighting just isn't right. oh well... I'm a designer not a photographer ;)

so, as promised (and very late) here are some pics of my gift/message/blush wrap.

printed in metallic gold + purple, metallic gold + teal, and metallic gold + green. fun!
27" x 39" printed on 30% PCW + FSC paper 70 lb text paper. the idea is gift wrap without the card. just write your message in the boxes!

it's lovely, but I may be biased.

I'll be looking to start an etsy store someday soon, so stay tuned. if you're from my neck of the woods and are interested in purchasing please message me and we'll discuss our love of paper.

le bison

2008-12-15T20:30:00.001-08:00

so the fourth annual Royal Bison was a lovely success. such hard work but so much fun. the vendors there are just fabulous and talented people.

here are a few pics from the event: my babies, myself, tasha (whom I shared a table with and would love to share a table with forever and ever because she's so glorious!), and the talented and quirky valery goulet from valerydesignwrks.

turns out the Bison is going to be quarterly from now on!! how cool. stay tuned for the February show (February 7-8th), just in time to get something for your hunny's. kiss. kiss.

joyeux vendredi

2008-12-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

it's Friday and it's taking forever to end... and I have so much to tell you but I need my camera so your eyes can indulge with my words. so I leave you today with some tea. this shot was taken whilst I was taking a break from my rickshaw ride in Shantou. beautiful little walled city.

happy friday friends.

joyeux vendredi

2008-11-28T13:23:00.001-08:00

bison.

come.

please.

happy friday friends.

true love comes in paper form

2008-11-19T21:05:00.001-08:00

great news... I found my camera but what I thought was it's charger turned out to belong to some other camera? yeah, no idea how I got it, but perhaps someone has mine? I hope so. please return it. otherwise all you will see will be yucky photos of beautiful art! such as below...

I DO APOLOGIZE for the rancid photo (taken by my iPhone, so not impressed).

BUT I couldn't wait any longer, I picked up my message wrap today thanks to the help of my two besties hauling up 1500 sheets of 27" x 39" glorious paper up 3 flights of stairs, you guys are so rad, I heart you.

so the colors are pretty off in this image, especially the rich eggplant, it looks brown here, sigh... and it matches my rich purple carpet in my bedroom, wow, can you guess when my place was built?

anyways, so not the point, let's just talk about paper and our love of paper and how paper just makes us smile. now this is the 2nd time I've printed on coated paper and I must say, I'm in love. it's like that first lustful shiver when meeting a new boy or finding a vintage gold ring. heaven.

I can't wait to find a descent camera to share this true love with you properly.

right... better yet, swing by the bison.

royal bison, end of the month. holla.

I just can't hide it!

2008-11-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, whoa, ho and I just can't hide it, no, no. I just did my press ok at the printers for my gift wrap! and voila! good thing too, I like to stress press ok's just for this reason, see that pale minty green? yeah... I never chose that! but I liked it so I stole a sheet, muahaha. the purple is the correct color and doesn't it look rich enough to smell?

love love it!

colors almost on the press are olive and gold and turquoise and gold, I'll take pics when I get them, hopefully this week... fingers crossed!

yummy pants

2008-11-16T20:21:00.001-08:00

I heart these, I do. Sandra D, Jasmine and American Apparel all have it right. super sexy, super sultry and if you have the right bod, smokin'! love love.

joyeux vendredi

2008-11-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

stop & shop is on and booming. I went last night and it was amazing. so many vendors, so many goodies. prepare to spend a good chunk of time looking and admiring all the wonderful pieces they have. great job guys! it's so good, that I'm even going back today!

happy friday friends!

joyeux vendredi

2008-11-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

if I could have a teapot like this I would! and I would use it at all of my mad hatter tea parties! so, it's the long weekend and it also happens to be my birthday on monday, so I'm celebrating mad hat style, with a mad hatter tea party, hats a must. we know how much I like hats :)

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, long or not. lest we forget.
happy friday friends!

gift wrap goodness

2008-11-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

so I've been working on this for a little bit now... gift wrap! and here is a screen shot of the design, I couldn't hold it in any longer! this is just a chunk, the final size will be 27" x 39" and there are those little message boxes all over the paper.

the idea is message wrap. no cards needed. just write in the boxes. I can't wait to do a press check. there will be three color schemes all with gold of course ;) gold and turquoise, gold and eggplant and gold and olive. deliciousness.

I'll post loads of photos I'm sure when it's done and printed.

and I'll be selling it at the Royal Bison Craft and Art fair so be sure to swing by. valerydesignwrks will also be selling some killer gift wrap!

dotted loop is back this month!

2008-11-02T01:29:00.000-07:00

do you remember the drool worthy jewelry designs by dotted loop that I posted on a bit back? well, fabulous news, they will be at Stop and Shop THIS MONTH! I can't believe it. I'm so pleased that more vendors from Vancouver are swinging by little 'ol Edmonton.

for a list of more vendors participating in the upcoming Stop and Shop show, click here.

pin cushions, oh my!

2008-11-02T01:18:00.001-07:00

I'm back from China! and there is just so much to tell you! I'll be posting some China pics as soon as I load them so stay tuned.

in the meantime... I had to share my most recent pin cushions! the image doesn't do it justice because those babeeee pin cushions (in the front) are just to die for! they are just little babes and I will tear a little every time one leaves me, sigh. I'll have plenty more for the upcoming Royal Bison, which I'm tres excited for. I participated last year and it's just a wonderful community of artists, crafters, individuals. you'll all have to try and make an appearance to just get what I'm talking about.

I'll also be printing gift wrap (my newest endeavor) so check back to see how that turns out!

OH and I just got my very first Gocco in the mail. I'm nervous and so excited to try it out but one thing at a time, one thing at a time.

cheers friends.

joyeux vendredi

2008-10-10T12:23:00.001-07:00

Oh me, Oh my. I'm off to China on Tuesday so there will either be a plethora of posts from my trip or a mass email to all my closest buddies, which would mean no posts. I'll have to see how easy things will be. I can't wait, I'm itching to get home and pack (very lightly – so I can buy more)!!

And since my friend Tasha is constantly reminding me of turkey, have a lovely Thanksgiving. let's all be thankful for what we have friends.

happy turkey weekend darlings!

joyeux vendredi

2008-10-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

today I leave you with some keeewwwwlllllll artwork. kewl!

Hannah Stouffer she reads my dreams?!

via Sub Studio

happy friday friends.

hearts to dotted loop

2008-10-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

sooo, I recently went to a local craft fair and fell in love with a Vancouver based jeweler. and I've finally remembered to look this designer up... Dotted Loop... stunning work... seriously.

the designer creates masterpieces with local, reclaimed vintage and antique materials. and her work is sick! the image above is from the Dotted Loop collection, but if you're budget is as small as mine, you might find something more wallet friendly from the Glam Vintage Remix collection by Dotted Loop. so fun!