tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89267133462408916532024-03-13T07:01:58.994-07:00Holly HandmadeHollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-54309945537940168592012-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:002012-08-09T11:33:02.880-07:00we did it!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a perfect day, which can best be summed up as "magic." Whenever anyone asks, that's how I describe it. We were surrounded by love and happiness - and lots of crafts! It was a handmade wedding, and I'm happy to share the details. More, soon. </span>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-7819802846295375802012-05-20T20:14:00.001-07:002012-05-20T20:17:45.999-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're inviting a small group of friends & family to the wedding. But we can still share this Save the Date, far and wide. We took this photo on our recent trip to Vermont. We affectionately refer to this as our Welcome Back Kotter / Ben and Jerry's font. Full of woodsy happiness!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-75344577387936104912012-05-20T20:11:00.003-07:002012-05-20T20:11:40.949-07:00DrawingThough I'm not sure I've mentioned it here before, by day I'm a volunteer coordinator. This past month, I celebrated National Volunteer Week by organizing a series of behind-the-scenes talks and tours for our volunteers. These secret tours are so much fun! After all, we're not ducking into conference rooms, but rather, conservation studios and wood shops! This year we even got stuck in the freight elevator together (it made for a fun afternoon). <br />
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I love spending a little extra time with our volunteers, but more than anything, I love the opportunity to shed light on my talented colleagues, and the amazing work they do. It's also a chance for me to introduce a little creativity into my job. Though I have an artist's heart, most of my day is spent word-processing in a grey cubicle ... did I mention it's in the basement? Oh, the splendour! Never mind. Each year, I hand illustrate thank you cards for our speakers. And because our photocopier is old, old, old (and chews up card stock) I make them all individually. And as we don't have a colour printer, I hand paint each one, too. <br />
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Brittany Watson Jepsen, via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/how-tuesday-paper-leaf-topiary/">Etsy Blogs</a>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274777/paper-flowers#/279986">Martha Stewart</a>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHDG9LAXA5k/T5SkXnO2axI/AAAAAAAACNw/D_jGxV-r7qI/s1600/birch%2Bchuppah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHDG9LAXA5k/T5SkXnO2axI/AAAAAAAACNw/D_jGxV-r7qI/s400/birch%2Bchuppah.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://simplynaturalevents.blogspot.ca/2009/07/traditions-chuppah.html">Simply Natural Event Planning</a> (though I'm pretty sure this is not the original source - darn internets)Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-4847815852536215002012-04-15T14:28:00.003-07:002012-04-16T08:42:41.937-07:00Craft and the New Economy - Best PartsStill playing catch up, back in March I attended <span style="font-style:italic;">Craft and the New Economy</span>, a symposium organized by the Ontario Crafts Council, Ontario College of Art and Design University, Sheridan College Crafts and Design Program, & the Haliburton School of the Arts. All heavy hitters! <br /><br />My two favourite speakers: Marie O’Mahony (OCAD U, visiting professor) and Dr. Sandra Alfondy (Professor of Craft History at NSCAD University and Associate Curator of Fine Craft at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia) - my old stomping grounds! <br /><br />Marie O’Mahony gave the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of good relations between craft and industry. She posited three questions: 1) Have craft and industry linked? (and if so, what is the nature of the link?); 2) Can craft rescue manufacturing from low-cost, mass-produced goods?, and, 3) Is technology becoming increasingly necessary to prevent the demise of craft. Taking a controversial line of argument, and sometimes contradicting herself, Marie had me hooked. This <a href="http://www.sundancechannel.com/fullfrontalfashion/videos/?playlist_id=1305510546001&play_video=1306872056001">snippet</a> from the Sundance feature <span style="font-style:italic;">Hearts and Crafts</span>, profiling the artisans employed at Hermes, had me happily daydreaming. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giKb9lnNOQ0/T4tkPpZJqwI/AAAAAAAACNA/zOhqdWaR5hw/s1600/hearts-crafts.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giKb9lnNOQ0/T4tkPpZJqwI/AAAAAAAACNA/zOhqdWaR5hw/s400/hearts-crafts.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731785170731248386" /></a><br />Sandra Alfondy, a panelist, is a kindred spirit, pure and simple. Her talk paid tribute to crafters from a feminist perspective, and sent a clear message about the importance of valuing our work, so others would too. That’s the kind of discussion I hoped the conference would inspire, but it seemed a fringe point. <br /><br />Overall, the symposium tried to position a new role for craft in the 21st century. This seemed more focused toward outsourcing and product-design, which left me a bit disappointed, and a bit sad. I can’t help but think that craft’s root in handmade, homesteading, self-sufficiency, and DIY is what will carry it forward.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-84276878957005639112012-04-15T14:22:00.001-07:002012-04-15T16:40:58.341-07:00Golly Forever!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1jVZGxhzSg/T4tbwT_ZWuI/AAAAAAAACMo/zpy-SKTi4Ag/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1jVZGxhzSg/T4tbwT_ZWuI/AAAAAAAACMo/zpy-SKTi4Ag/s400/IMG_1306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731775836317113058" /></a><br />Hello friends! <br /><br />The world’s topsy-turvy at present. I have lots of good news to share! Best expressed with photo. <br /><br />My sweetheart surprised me with an engagement ring, the night before my birthday, back in February. We snapped this photo just after the big moment. That’s us, underneath a viaduct at York Mills Station (a suburban area of Toronto). Not the most glamorous of locales, but surely the most romantic. It was just us, a couple of curious raccoons, and the graffiti. Urban romance! It was perfect. Check out that sparkle! <br /><br />The next morning (my birthday), I awoke to diamond earrings to match. <br /><br />I’m on top of the moon! The best part of being engaged is sharing the news. I just love hearing “it was only a matter of time, you two are adorable!” It makes me happy to think that love, quite literally, shines through. <br /><br />We’re planning a summertime wedding in my parents’ beautiful backyard, followed by a reception at a fancy restaurant, with a lakeside view. As you can probably guess, I’m most excited about décor! We’re planning a paper theme, with lots of greenery; is that cryptic enough? I’ll share my progress as the day draws closer. Until then, it’s back to doodling ideas. – Holly xoHollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-5724565384899278402012-01-22T19:47:00.000-08:002012-02-05T16:34:08.598-08:00Working on ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V05wLuGA2YI/TxzYncs2v_I/AAAAAAAACMc/Ci7HVNMNdj8/s1600/pinecone%2Bphoto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V05wLuGA2YI/TxzYncs2v_I/AAAAAAAACMc/Ci7HVNMNdj8/s400/pinecone%2Bphoto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700669400575033330" /></a><br /><br />I snapped this photo last week in Grange Park; right in the heart of the city (would you believe it?) Next up: translating pine cone, with spruce tips, in wool felt. That's my kind of challenge. More, soon!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-80948175379188758392012-01-19T18:32:00.001-08:002012-01-20T07:24:08.530-08:00Year in Review<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUa6GFq_MAg/TxmDI7AN17I/AAAAAAAACME/sv8gY2yJtXM/s1600/terrariums%2Bgroup.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUa6GFq_MAg/TxmDI7AN17I/AAAAAAAACME/sv8gY2yJtXM/s400/terrariums%2Bgroup.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699730992714864562" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="text-align: left; ">Is it me, or do all crafters post their year in review mid-January? Darn those handmade holidays!</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMWrbMYb0W4/Th4NP-OhTGI/AAAAAAAACCc/5I9F91ufkBg/s400/mum%2Bterrarium.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628951152312798306" style="float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><span style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left;"></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggpdJNUO8RE/Txjtv-PBfBI/AAAAAAAACLs/yrEZWLKJbJQ/s320/100_3289.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699566736853007378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm thankful this year for all of the crafty inspiration from friends near and far. Oh internets, what would we do without you? Here, some of my favourite projects of the year.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8f__BqawEE/TxmFYMBNerI/AAAAAAAACMQ/dYLgcZpm5Sg/s1600/boutonniere.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8f__BqawEE/TxmFYMBNerI/AAAAAAAACMQ/dYLgcZpm5Sg/s320/boutonniere.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699733454003731122" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFKF0-qF5JU/Txjwzht0N0I/AAAAAAAACL4/y37-j-whSME/s1600/Bibandrattle1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFKF0-qF5JU/Txjwzht0N0I/AAAAAAAACL4/y37-j-whSME/s320/Bibandrattle1.jpg" border="10" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699570096451893058" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome, 2012! I'm hunkering down with new projects and craft room bliss (once the floor is laid, and the shelves are hung). I can't wait for spaces and places for fabric scraps and sketches, wool felt pine cones and vegetable-dyed fabric fungi. There are boutonnieres on the way, and terrariums, too; shadow boxes and wall plaques. In sum, my forest fantasies are taking over.</div><div><br /></div>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-25946347812843664112012-01-07T16:08:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:44:08.646-08:00Fabric FamilyFar and away, the hit of holidays were these photo family dolls I made for my nieces. That's my sister Louise, her husband Rick, and Audrey and Violet in softie form. Audrey, three-and-a-half, was a little freaked when she opened these, but they were a hit with the grown-ups, and over time, the wee ones took to cuddling their plushy parents. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-FR8hpekQY/Twjg8Aw55CI/AAAAAAAACLI/vZ_A3Ackdic/s1600/Malhotra%2Bpuppets.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-FR8hpekQY/Twjg8Aw55CI/AAAAAAAACLI/vZ_A3Ackdic/s400/Malhotra%2Bpuppets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695049050411885602" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBUW5IwBVB4/Twjg79nYZ1I/AAAAAAAACK8/cbGuU90Dh3k/s1600/c94fe33c2eab11e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBUW5IwBVB4/Twjg79nYZ1I/AAAAAAAACK8/cbGuU90Dh3k/s400/c94fe33c2eab11e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695049049566635858" /></a><br /><br />Want some? You can make them, too. I based my fabric family on a pattern found in super blogger <a href="http://www.angrychicken.typepad.com/">Amy Karol</a>'s "Bend the Rules with Fabric". The toughest part of this project was tracking down an inkjet printer to print the photo faces on fabric paper (purchased from the office supply store). Turns out, ink jet printers are hard to come by. They can't be found in copy centres anymore. If you're lucky (like me) your dad has one in the basement.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-54737254274519575202012-01-07T15:57:00.000-08:002012-01-07T16:22:59.735-08:00Hollydays recapHandmade presents are always my favourites. So I was happy this year to have a little time to fill my friend's stockings with gifts made with heart and hand: <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CDIeGQqsag/Twjc7_AfKNI/AAAAAAAACJ0/aZRD7LnJRTk/s1600/Linden.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CDIeGQqsag/Twjc7_AfKNI/AAAAAAAACJ0/aZRD7LnJRTk/s400/Linden.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695044651893860562" /></a><br /><br />First up, a (super-luxe) merino and cashmere monkey (lucky Linden!), all soft parts and cuddly. Next: Golly Manor biscotti, anise-almond and orange chocolate. <br /><br />Not pictured here, two "true-to-life" wool pine cone pins, made for pair of sisters, who (I'm told) wore them to school one day, and before bed, asked if they could sport them again in the morning. There's no higher praise than that!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQoY7AQkg4c/TwjdPWm-lII/AAAAAAAACKA/n7POkWQ2IuE/s1600/Chriscotti.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQoY7AQkg4c/TwjdPWm-lII/AAAAAAAACKA/n7POkWQ2IuE/s400/Chriscotti.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695044984646833282" /></a>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-16601805311969399652011-12-06T08:11:00.001-08:002011-12-06T08:18:29.705-08:00Woodland WreathRemember last year's New Year's Resolutions? Well, this year, I need to get back on the blogging horse. My writing really benefits from a daily post. That's top of mind for 2012. In the meantime, here's a little catch up from craft land (my dining room table). This weekend I bought some greenery and some teeny, tiny mushroom pics. This woodland wreath is decorating my door for December. Happy almost-Holidays!
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur727SswqVU/Tt4-8V1gwpI/AAAAAAAACG0/LWvKvBeFEIc/s1600/wreath%2B2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur727SswqVU/Tt4-8V1gwpI/AAAAAAAACG0/LWvKvBeFEIc/s400/wreath%2B2011.jpg" /></a></div>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-5428792385652022602011-10-30T17:32:00.000-07:002011-11-02T09:49:44.867-07:00Halloween Happiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8X3stS7DvY/Tq3suyGtaJI/AAAAAAAACGo/AQ1vuH2UyaA/s1600/photo%2B%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8X3stS7DvY/Tq3suyGtaJI/AAAAAAAACGo/AQ1vuH2UyaA/s400/photo%2B%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669447794397374610" /></a><br /><br />Our tribute to Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Wes Anderson, whose old-school stylings inspired these handmade costumes. Super analogue! I think I'll sport that fox cameo on my jean jacket.<br /><br />"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places." - Roald Dahl,(such a kindred spirit!)Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-17225400196715308072011-10-03T09:36:00.000-07:002012-01-07T16:07:44.254-08:00Nuit BlancheOh City Mouse! You had me by the nose; your evergreen scent, perfuming Scotia Bank plaza. Your (longish) line couldn't dissuade me. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CE4R0EeLmRc/TonqIHb6iWI/AAAAAAAACF8/qO4HU6pKFnM/s1600/City%2BMouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CE4R0EeLmRc/TonqIHb6iWI/AAAAAAAACF8/qO4HU6pKFnM/s400/City%2BMouse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659311831923722594" /></a><br />My favourite installation, by Artist <a href="http://juliahepburn.blogspot.com/">Julia Hepburn</a>, was cheeky in its placement, square in the heart of the financial district. City Mouse (and raccoon, owl, wolf and bear) was full of wonder, sentiment and nostalgia. I'm sure there's a whole other meaning here, something darker and more sinister (why else the wee sculpey figurines - all anthropomorphized fantastic Mr. Foxes, - shredding papers and calling meetings, in their business suits and cubby cubicles?) Whatever the case may be, goodness knows I love a miniature, especially a la woodland.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-53439990331962311192011-09-16T09:38:00.001-07:002011-09-19T13:42:04.497-07:00Fall updates"Creating is a way to find personal achievement in something small and lovely." <br />- via Etsy, feature sellers <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/featured-seller-sundries-and-plunder/">Sundries and Plunder</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UFM1er0IA/TndnM1rxPaI/AAAAAAAACF0/p0RzwShydU0/s1600/Sundries%2Band%2BPlunder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UFM1er0IA/TndnM1rxPaI/AAAAAAAACF0/p0RzwShydU0/s400/Sundries%2Band%2BPlunder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654101327453699490" /></a><br /><br />I couldn't agree more! I'm busily working away on small wonders at present, all in the secrecy of my basement studio (i.e., the corner by the tv!) <br /><br />Just as my day job ramps up (Fall is always a bit bonkers), crafting follows suit. And it's not just the turn of seasons that has me switching gears. My job is super-administrative, but an administrator, I am not! (<em>just don't let my boss hear that</em>). I need handwork to keep my mind active, and my heart full. At work, I've been spending lunch with my sketchbook, instead of my sandwich. <br /><br />This weekend, I ran into my friend Kalpna at the Queen West Art Crawl. She had a new booth of birch trees, and it looked spectacular! I confessed that I didn't apply for City of Craft - the first time in three years that I'm not ramping up my production for a sale this holiday season. I felt a wee pang of regret. But then I remembered I had one of my *top secret* felt prototypes with me; I pulled it out of my purse, a bit rumply, but none the worse for wear. Kalpna loved it, and I was ever so glad! She put spring in my step on a cool, fall afternoon. <br /><br />It can be hard to create in secret, but there is so much joy in working slowly, at one's own pace. For me, this is when new directions come. <br /><br />Last night I dreamt of the woods in winter (that's a hint). <br /><br /><em>photo credit:</em> loveliest woodland mask by Sundries and Plunder. p.s. if my sweetheart is reading this post, this would make the most excellent birthday present!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-74148568808169132072011-09-05T13:30:00.000-07:002011-09-06T08:07:24.669-07:00season's end harvestLabour Day weekend and the weather feels truly September-like; windy and cool, our neighbours' laundry on the line. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go8z442qqKM/TmVDksRI9zI/AAAAAAAACFs/SqIb04TyKWk/s1600/photo%2B%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go8z442qqKM/TmVDksRI9zI/AAAAAAAACFs/SqIb04TyKWk/s400/photo%2B%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648995605243557682" /></a><br /><br />We've got a garden full of green tomatoes on the vine. Teeny, tiny cherry ones, and some lovely but long-to-ripen heirloom varieties. Anyone have any ideas? I'd hate to see them wasted. <br /><br />Thanks for indulging my enthusiasm for my new backyard, xoHollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-4320585528682787632011-08-31T08:07:00.000-07:002011-08-31T15:15:26.128-07:00forest fantasySoaking up the inspiration in our nearby urban forest, with new friends and kindred spirits.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQPldI2zMtM/Tl6xTPTLt_I/AAAAAAAACFk/jTX-eNek2N8/s1600/emerald%2Bmushrooms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQPldI2zMtM/Tl6xTPTLt_I/AAAAAAAACFk/jTX-eNek2N8/s400/emerald%2Bmushrooms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647145926851803122" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddekLVFAiwA/Tl6xSmispoI/AAAAAAAACFc/x7kRc4JrS7I/s1600/orange%2Bmushrooms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddekLVFAiwA/Tl6xSmispoI/AAAAAAAACFc/x7kRc4JrS7I/s400/orange%2Bmushrooms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647145915911022210" /></a>
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<br />Yes! These are real mushrooms, no photoshopping. Wee, candy-coloured gems. Isn't nature wonderful! Pure magic. Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-42823026228839719752011-08-18T10:04:00.000-07:002011-08-18T10:10:33.732-07:00Martha meets zucchini<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xA8RjQ8qq8/Tk1HOsvpSJI/AAAAAAAACDs/KxMpw7MpRUA/s1600/August%2B2011%2B015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xA8RjQ8qq8/Tk1HOsvpSJI/AAAAAAAACDs/KxMpw7MpRUA/s400/August%2B2011%2B015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244226019838098" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmhoqTcYZ4A/Tk1HOypygVI/AAAAAAAACD0/rx1WUxKhlJo/s1600/August%2B2011%2B016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmhoqTcYZ4A/Tk1HOypygVI/AAAAAAAACD0/rx1WUxKhlJo/s400/August%2B2011%2B016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244227605889362" /></a>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-28936824860054452322011-08-18T09:27:00.000-07:002011-08-18T10:03:34.618-07:00Golly GardenCan it be? A month since my last post. I haven't been lazing around, if that's what you're thinking. Instead, I (meaning Me + Guy) have been attending to our growing garden. When we planted our tomato plants a little late in the season, we could never have guessed the <a href="http://www.gallery.ca/en/see/collections/artwork.php?mkey=9490">tangled garden </a>that now results. It's no J.E.H. MacDonald, but in our hearts, (and stomachs) it's masterpiece!
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed-Rq_kS9Z8/Tk1CH1LsAPI/AAAAAAAACDU/q4Xas9FqQPc/s1600/August%2B2011%2B009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed-Rq_kS9Z8/Tk1CH1LsAPI/AAAAAAAACDU/q4Xas9FqQPc/s400/August%2B2011%2B009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642238610467717362" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ww7yH20CZ4/Tk1CIcV902I/AAAAAAAACDc/q2keU5l1OHQ/s1600/August%2B2011%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ww7yH20CZ4/Tk1CIcV902I/AAAAAAAACDc/q2keU5l1OHQ/s400/August%2B2011%2B002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642238620979811170" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZGpSTFo0S0/Tk1Fk4G5FoI/AAAAAAAACDk/sdftBIGczTs/s1600/August%2B2011%2B004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZGpSTFo0S0/Tk1Fk4G5FoI/AAAAAAAACDk/sdftBIGczTs/s400/August%2B2011%2B004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642242408003999362" /></a>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-12990228499213602092011-07-20T18:07:00.000-07:002011-07-20T18:07:00.592-07:00makes bunnies<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwEcO2CJA9Y/TidLQhNoitI/AAAAAAAACCk/FSF1wbZOyAg/s1600/ahlers13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwEcO2CJA9Y/TidLQhNoitI/AAAAAAAACCk/FSF1wbZOyAg/s400/ahlers13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631552606215637714" /></a><br /><br />I am so taken with this photo, by the talented Sonja Ahlers, sourced from her lovely blog. Sonja is well-known for her beautiful cashmere bunnies, each hand stitched with careful, precise, perfection. Her work sets a real standard. This photo captures her earlier prototype bunnies. I love photos like this, that illustrate how an artist's work develops and grows over time. I find it so <em>comforting</em>. When it comes to art, I think we tend to dismiss the practice makes perfect motto. Art galleries celebrate the end result, the "Artwork" - capital A. But it's often an artist's sketchbook that holds the real gems - the seeds of an idea, that germinate over time, and grow. Alright, perhaps I am taking this gardening metaphor too far ... <br /><br />The secret, of course, is that it's really the work that is important, not the end result. (Put another way - the journey, not the destination!) Diligence, discipline, discovery: work leads to things! Like these, the most <em>perfectly-perfect </em>bunnies. (sigh) You are an inspiration, Sonja Ahlers! and my latest blog crush. Follow Sonja's blog, <a href="http://sonjaahlers.blogspot.com/">here</a>.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-13936558021190778592011-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:002011-07-26T13:49:13.320-07:00popsicle weather<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zz2UoPeW_M/Ti8oKN_kScI/AAAAAAAACC8/JxBRAiMdjYg/s1600/July%2B2011%2B005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zz2UoPeW_M/Ti8oKN_kScI/AAAAAAAACC8/JxBRAiMdjYg/s400/July%2B2011%2B005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633765814883862978" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blm0eH7GfVY/Ti8oKXApDcI/AAAAAAAACDE/f4xZhQp0pVU/s1600/July%2B2011%2B006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blm0eH7GfVY/Ti8oKXApDcI/AAAAAAAACDE/f4xZhQp0pVU/s400/July%2B2011%2B006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633765817304288706" /></a><br /><br />We’re experiencing an official heat wave here in the big smoke. I know that parts of the States (Hello, American friends!) are seeing temperatures soar also. According to my peg city pals, the prairies are scorching, too. What’s left to do? (<em>besides watching the tomatoes grow </em>). <br /><br />Make popsicles, I say. They're the easiest DIY ever, and truly impressive: the flavor combinations these days are so inspired! Like these avocado-lime pops I made on the weekend (recipe, <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/06/avocado-popsicles.html">here</a>). Even the New York Times recently dedicated a spread, proving that popsicles are the new cupcake/sandwich cookie/cocktail/whoopie pie - Just don’t tell Starbucks. (I don’t fancy my Americano on a stick!)Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-54599608435957837762011-07-13T17:28:00.000-07:002011-07-24T08:16:58.932-07:00the wellsprings of creativity<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMWrbMYb0W4/Th4NP-OhTGI/AAAAAAAACCc/5I9F91ufkBg/s1600/mum%2Bterrarium.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMWrbMYb0W4/Th4NP-OhTGI/AAAAAAAACCc/5I9F91ufkBg/s400/mum%2Bterrarium.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628951152312798306" /></a><br />I run the volunteer program at the biggest gallery in the city (lucky me!) The best part of working here, before the art and the building, is the people. They fill me with inspiration. I’ll always remember a conversation I had when I was living back in Winnipeg, and working at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG). Our Chief Financial Officer (money bigwig) – new to the gallery- shared with me her biggest insight on leaving the corporate world, and entering the non-profit. She was amazed, AMAZED, at the lunchroom conversations. She had no idea people talked about art, ideas, and, more than that – had such rich “other” lives – whether it be sewing into the wee hours, or getting up early to catch the morning light to paint. These are the secret lives of artists working day jobs. <br /><br />If you work in the cultural sector, you’ve long known this secret, as it’s really the best part of the job. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people goes a long way. Most of us have administrative roles – that’s another secret – so the creative part of work isn’t in the task, it’s in the environment. That’s something I wish they taught you (me) in grad school, but I digress. Today one of my colleagues asked me about the wellsprings of creativity. When are you most creative? More specifically, she had seen one of mushroom terrariums, and asked where the idea came from. <br /><br />I started making mushrooms years ago, with thrift store finds from Value Village. I love the idea of rescuing old needlework, and attributing wealth to materials that have lost their value; hence, the crocheted doilies. I think craft and community are also inextricably linked. I think of the potters I met in peg city, who came together for wood fires, shared kiln space and secret glaze recipes. I know living in Winnipeg, a city well-praised for its collective leanings and arts community, was instrumental for beginning my own work. I can’t help but think that picking up and moving to the prairies (circa 2001) was one of the best things I ever did. I found my inner artist, long ago silenced by a (terribly) influential art teacher. <br /><br />Fast forward to 2008, and my move back to Toronto, and the terrariums. I started putting mushrooms under glass the summer I moved home. Without employ, (such an unsettling time), artmaking was a source of comfort. I am lost - <em>lost</em>- without routine. Looking for fabrics to sew, and vessels to fill - it was just what I needed. <br /><br />This past Fall, when my mum’s cancer diagnosis rocked me to my core, I reached out to craft again. This time, more painstakingly, I painted tiny white dots on bright red fabric. It may sound trite, but the focus calmed my mind, even just for brief moments (something that work/sleep couldn’t do). Today, that terrarium - the first of the painted mushrooms- sits in my mum and dad’s kitchen bay window. For them, a present. For me, a reminder of my mum’s (and my) journey. <span style="font-style:italic;">P.S. Today my mum is cancer-free. Better and more beautiful than ever. </span><br /><br />Where do your ideas come from? Or maybe more importantly, when do they spring?Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-80261819933345371522011-07-13T17:13:00.000-07:002011-07-13T14:31:07.439-07:00sleeping quarters<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xist90QpGMc/Th3o1VGGsnI/AAAAAAAACCU/s8CEfS9LspU/s1600/Martha%2Bdesk.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xist90QpGMc/Th3o1VGGsnI/AAAAAAAACCU/s8CEfS9LspU/s400/Martha%2Bdesk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628911112176448114" /></a><br />Martha's always been the type to prefer hard surfaces to soft (I think this is a breed characteristic - my mum and dad's Himalayan similarly favours tabletops over sofa cushions). Her newest sweet-spot: Guy's desk (more specifically, his sketchbook). Blame her artistic spirit!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-20323719392080980342011-07-07T08:23:00.001-07:002011-07-07T12:40:33.883-07:00Golly Garden<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0FvwceKoRQ/ThXXZsTZR0I/AAAAAAAACCM/6jcfm53U1M0/s1600/June%2B2011%2B015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0FvwceKoRQ/ThXXZsTZR0I/AAAAAAAACCM/6jcfm53U1M0/s400/June%2B2011%2B015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626640145858512706" /></a><br />One of very best things about our new home is the garden. We have a front yard (rosebush, porch!) and a back plot (wildflowers, shed!). In the back yard we've kept a vegetable patch. We're patiently watching the first signs of our tomato blooms (roma, cherry, heritage!). <em>Sidenote: rhubarb and zucchini are firmly rooted and growing well! </em> In the meantime, I'm thrilled to share our first harvest. Check out these gorgeous garlic (garlics?). Should we confess these bulbs just kind of sprouted? Like a gift from the universe; a good omen, we hope, for bounty to come!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-78241765447844072222011-07-05T13:48:00.000-07:002011-07-07T08:19:19.489-07:00new press!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06TbEGvlhow/ThXNQXlue3I/AAAAAAAACCE/KjhTU12eNh4/s1600/full.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06TbEGvlhow/ThXNQXlue3I/AAAAAAAACCE/KjhTU12eNh4/s400/full.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626628990563154802" /></a><br />Thank you to <a href="http://decorology.blogspot.com/2011/07/love-handmade-dont-miss-these-adorable.html">decorology</a>, who "swooned" over my terrariums. You made my day! The best thing about this feature? I am once again linked with Shannon, one of my crafty - and Anne Shirley-loving - (of Green Gables fame) kindred spirits. This gorgeous photo credit - <em>my terrariums have never looked so good </em>- to <a href="http://covetgarden.com/">Covet Garden</a>)<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REnf_SUC6V0/ThXM-FWV4pI/AAAAAAAACB8/pcAQjWU1PHw/s1600/decorology%2Bterrariums.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-REnf_SUC6V0/ThXM-FWV4pI/AAAAAAAACB8/pcAQjWU1PHw/s400/decorology%2Bterrariums.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626628676429144722" /></a>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926713346240891653.post-17269815636058903622011-06-01T13:40:00.000-07:002011-06-22T07:37:13.207-07:00moving on up<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifJumR-n1U8/TgH-BsoxyUI/AAAAAAAACBM/w2YFRya_bGc/s1600/moving%2Bmonsters1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifJumR-n1U8/TgH-BsoxyUI/AAAAAAAACBM/w2YFRya_bGc/s400/moving%2Bmonsters1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621053115050608962" /></a><br />I'm back! This is my first post-move post. Try saying that, three times quickly! (That's almost as difficult as moving, I'd say.) Here are my beloved Cotton Monsters on moving day. My shamrocks, incidentally, are blooming like crazy in the new house. That's what a bright, south-facing, sun-filled kitchen will do for you!<br /> <br />Everyone says moving is stressful, and Boy, are they right! Martha Doodle can't seem to quite find her litter box, for starters. But eating breakfast on the back step with my sweetie today, I was reminded how nice it is to feel grounded, and how lucky I am to be invited to share a home – a front porch, a back step! And laundry without quarters. Making breakfast for two is much more fun (though we still quite haven't figured out our shopping lists. Always short of the essentials!)<br /><br />The first room I have plans for is the craft nook (job #1, finish that concrete floor). It's a lovely light blue, (previous owners) and I'm thinking I'll sew up some red accessories for a Scandanavian space. Cophenhageny happiness. In the meantime, with my sewing machine and fabrics missing in action (aka buried in boxes), I'm drawing up a storm. More soon.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15465077244645940980noreply@blogger.com0