Almost May

Been enjoying these things lately...

Hand painted wood bead necklace from Eloise's dol:

Gelato, gelato, gelato (Salted Chocolate and Rufino Almond Fudge...yuumm):

Mauling and taking pictures of Fig Newton (always! ;P):

Roasting veggies in the oven as often as possible:

Hope Spring has arrived where ever you are. :)

Against the Grain

Going against the grain is hard...even when you know (more than anything else you've ever known in your life) that you're on the right path. While you feel very fortunate, at the same time, you can also feel quite fragile. I equate this feeling with taking out the safety net from under you, feeling your way in the dark, or free falling off a cliff.

This post is dedicated to those who are doing what they love, because sometimes it can be a tougher road when your heart is completely exposed.

And when in doubt...eat a cupcake or two...? :P

Happy Tuesday, dear friends.
xoxo

The Chloroplasts Have Multiplied...

;D

April Rain and Snow and Ice and Rain Again

To say the least, this was not one of the better weeks.

However, here are a few images that puts a smile on my face and hopefully your's as well (sorry for the bad animated gif...let's pretend Fig is on a boat....ahhaaaa :P)...

Have a wonderful weekend. :)

Country Styles Hungarian Restaurant - Annex, Toronto

A few weeks ago, there was yet another snow storm, but luckily we managed to go to Country Styles Hungarian restaurant for some cozy eastern european comfort food. It was my first time there, and I ofcourse loved the decor, and how it's been in the city for almost 50 years - not to mention the schnitzel, cabbage roll and custard cake (krémes). ;)

Aquarius the Water Bearer - For Marisa

When painting something for a friend, you want to make it super personal and it should be something that suits their personality as well.
In the past, I've usually tried to capture shared experiences in a piece, however with this particular one, as it's for my best friend's birthday who likes "dark" things and was born on Valentine's Day, I painted the following nesting doll which is my take on her zodiac symbol...

Rough sketch...

The doll I used actually had a hole in the bottom, so it allowed for me to sew the felt parts...

Possible insides...

Final with inside parts...

;D

Re-Cap on ETSY and One of A Kind Spring Show 2013

For starters this was an incredible, wonderful, yet somewhat exhausting experience for a newbie like myself.

Not only was I surrounded by the very best of people who were super lovely and talented, but we became a family in an instant.

I would like to thank all those of you who took the time to visit my booth, and those who supported and helped me throughout all of this.

So here are some highlights...

My * HOPSCOTCH * booth...

Some of my incredible neighbours...

Handsome and Lace:

(This bow tie features Pee Wee Herman's bike handle bars from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure")

Morico:

Nature is My Friend:

Clayshapes:

Little Big Words, and Needlings:

Things From Secret Minouette Places:

Selena Wong, and Love At First Blush:

Selena always had the best snacks...

Not pictured (sorry!): Steven Beckly, CandiWare, Hoi Bo, Hoi-An...

Other highlights included:

Wonderful souvenirs from Cry Wolf Clothing and Nugs...

Chu's (Morico) amazing wardrobe (that I coveted on a daily basis)...