moving on up

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!

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!)

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.

mail alert!

In honour of the United Nation’s International Year of Forests, Canada Post released a two-stamp series that is so decidedly me! Who knew the post office was so crafty? Stamp bliss!

Sakura Hanami

Last week, Guy and I made an after-work trip to High Park, to see the fabled cherry blossoms in glorious, full blooms. This is my third summer back in TO, and can you believe it, the first spring I’ve managed this flowery field trip (May is typically a bit bonkers for me). I am so glad we ignored the clouds, as the rain held off. It was a beautiful, romantic night. The park was full of couples, snapping self-portraits – we were in good company!



Sakura trees aren’t native to Canada. In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented 2000 (!) Japanese Somei-Yoshino Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War. Oh Canada!

Sakura bloom just once a year, and flower for only a week or so – two tops – so timing your visit is important. There’s even a facebook group that stalks the buds (forgive the pun!) In fact this past Friday (Cherry Blossom update #12, in case you’re counting), reliable sources reported limbs laced with blooms - for a limited time only. Go forth and flower!



p.s. Love the vintage-vibe of these? That's the Hipstamatic for you. Decidedly low-fi, super-analogue "film" for your (or in my case, Guy's) iPhone. So much fun!

more sketchbook

I'm all about the pinecone these days. I trace my affection to the loveliness of Pinecone Lane, our anniversary hideaway, where we celebrated year 2, back in November. What a sign!

sketchbook

Evidence! I'm still drawing, despite packing up my art supplies. Good thing I carry markers in my purse.

what I'm reading

I'm daydreaming big these days (and laying low, craft-wise). The best news ever: I'm moving in with my sweetheart! June 1. And, as I know my fellow crafters will sympathize, my secret fabric, button and notion stashes really do have to be addressed. So I'm packing up the projects for a while; spending my time filling boxes ... in lieu of stuffing mushrooms! I'm reading, too. Inspired by blogland, and the Beehive Craft Collective's recent post on vegetable dyeing, I'm diving deep into research mode. Imagine vegetable-dyed mushrooms! I love the idea of mimicing nature, and experimenting with true-to-life hues and subjects.

P.S. The move into Guy's house means I'll get a wee room of my very own - my first studio (that isn't my living room table). I am beside myself with happiness. I think I'll be so much more productive when I'm not trying to balance my workspace with dinner plates :)

woodgrain wonder

Here's another wee friend, with the norwegian forest baby set (autumnal flowers bib and soft branch rattle). Babies + branches = a perfect combination.