Fall updates

"Creating is a way to find personal achievement in something small and lovely."
- via Etsy, feature sellers Sundries and Plunder



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!)

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! (just don't let my boss hear that). 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.

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.

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.

Last night I dreamt of the woods in winter (that's a hint).

photo credit: loveliest woodland mask by Sundries and Plunder. p.s. if my sweetheart is reading this post, this would make the most excellent birthday present!

season's end harvest

Labour Day weekend and the weather feels truly September-like; windy and cool, our neighbours' laundry on the line.



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.

Thanks for indulging my enthusiasm for my new backyard, xo

forest fantasy

Soaking up the inspiration in our nearby urban forest, with new friends and kindred spirits.




Yes! These are real mushrooms, no photoshopping. Wee, candy-coloured gems. Isn't nature wonderful! Pure magic.

Martha meets zucchini

Golly Garden

Can 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 tangled garden that now results. It's no J.E.H. MacDonald, but in our hearts, (and stomachs) it's masterpiece!

makes bunnies

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 comforting. 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 ...

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 perfectly-perfect bunnies. (sigh) You are an inspiration, Sonja Ahlers! and my latest blog crush. Follow Sonja's blog, here.

popsicle weather

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? (besides watching the tomatoes grow ).

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, here). 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!)