Tickle Me Turquoise by Flakes Paperie

Spring One of a Kind Show: Telegrams + Tickets

The Spring One of a Kind Show is fast approaching in just five weeks...ok so maybe that doesn't seem soon to you but it sure does for me, considering my obscenely lengthy to-do list.  While I've been exhibiting at the Christmas show since 2006, I haven't done in the Spring show for five years and I'm really looking forward to it.  I'm going to have lots of new products that I'm pretty darn excited about, like this telegram set, which is an all-occasion spin on my popular holiday telegram:

Stay tuned for more product previews in the coming weeks but in the meantime, those of you interested in attending the OOAK show (it's in Toronto and it's awesome) be sure to buy your tickets online here and use the code included on this e-flyer to receive your discounted rate!  

Drawing and listening and reading

I find myself pretty tired this morning, perhaps on account of the dreary weather, however I'm enjoying the quiet illustrating time, while listening to this, a song that makes me feel a bit like I'm in a Sofia Coppola movie...(only it would be a really boring one)

 

I also finished a good book last night (perhaps the real reason I'm tired) called The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens, a Canadian author whose previous books (Rush Home Road, The Girls) I really enjoyed.  If you are looking for a quick, sweet read check it out.  

Cheese and petals

Here's a little snippet of our Vday cheese-fest (pun intended).  Yum yum yum.  Because let's be honest, for me Valentine's day is simply about eating well...oh and spending time with the one you love...riiight.  So, I popped into the local cheese shop, and among other things, loaded up on Quebec soft cheese as well as an Italian cheese injected with red wine (hello!).  We gorged ourselves on crusty bread, garlic stuffed olives and salad (my fried Feta salad I will share sometime).  Not too shabby. Oh and I awoke to that beauty bouquet of hydrangeas on the kitchen table - nice work husband.  Now if only our fancy bottle of wine hadn't turned to vinegar and needed to be poured down the sink...

Pink Hearts

I'm shutting things down a bit early today as I have a few errands to run, the most notable being a quick stop at the cheese shop to load up on a few fancy fromages for tonight.  Of course first I might have just one more of these adorable cookies my friend Roisin made - yumm!  Have a lovely Valentine's Day! 

loveliness

A little bit of pretty on this Thursday morning; a photo from our lovely ladies lunch on Sunday! 

Tunes to print to: Gold

The latest Black Keys video has me pretty excited for our sweet seats at the concert in March, which was my über rad Christmas present for Cory....aaaand it happens to be on my birthday. Ooh wee, let the overpriced beers flow.

 

Incidentally, how do we feel about 'rad'?  In an attempt to expand my descriptive vocabulary, I gave it a try. Though the last time I used it was likely in such a phrase: "The new Colour Me Badd tape is totally rad". Perhaps it should stay locked away with other vocabulary gems I've since retired (see tubular). Thoughts?  

Snapshot

While starting up at this photo, which is pinned to my bulletin board, it occurred to me I should share it on the off chance anyone finds it as amusing as me. I found this gem in one of my Mom's old photo albums. I believe the bride is a relative and I find it equal parts hilarious and endearing.  Ain't nothing like putting on a fancy dress and driving off in a bedazzled (of sorts) pick-up truck with your best pals. Though it's just an old snapshot, I think it's a great reminder not to take yourself, or your wedding, too seriously.      

Save-the-date, red wine style

Upon hearing Jen + Ryan would be getting married at a Niagara winery and that they wanted that to reflect in their save-the-date postcard, I was thrilled.  I love how the bottle of vino turned out and am looking forward to carrying theme throughout their invitations!  Hmm...all this talk of wine...is it Friday night yet?  

Frangipane Tarts

First off, I must confess my undying love for Jamie Oliver's Meals in Minutes book. I've been making something from it every week and so far haven't met a recipe I didn't like. These frangipane tarts, which are part of the recipe "Jool's Pasta" (also a beaut) are no exception! 

The tarts are jam filled with a vanilla almond topping and are seriously yummy and incredibly easy - in part because you use pre-made tart shells. I've now made them three times and Cory and I are hooked...in fact I think I'll go eat one right now. 

Pillow Talk

The last few weekends Cory and I have been making an effort to complete those nagging house projects that we've been neglecting for a loooong time.  Case in point, these pillows.  

I bought the fabric years ago - literally.  And although I made one at the time (the sunglasses above) the rest of the fabric sat untouched in my studio.  Until now. I sewed up 2 more zippered pillow cases in black + teal Echino camera fabric (using this reference) and made this big white furry number for our bedroom. I'm not gonna lie, I've still got more pillow forms and fabric to use up, but for now I feel pretty darn good about scratching these ones off the list.  

Co-Op Crush

I've got major web-love happening for the Lost Type Co-Op. This super stylish site offers a collection of fabulous fonts with a unique twist - you can pay whatever you like and your donation goes straight to the designer of the font. Genius, right?!  

Sweet

Loving the new crêperie downtown...and the fact that Cory surprised me the other day with both a savoury and sweet to share. Serious husband points were gained. Obviously.  

Pink Sprinkle donut

Cute, right?! It's a busy time in the FP studio - lots of wedding invitations in the works and a whole slew of brand new greeting card designs will be completed in the coming month. Sit tight for some exciting new paper goodies! 

Two tunes for Friday

Finally Friday is here! I plan on attacking some overdue house projects this weekend (groan) as well as getting some more printing done for the upcoming spring One of a Kind Show...and of course, I'm most looking forward to some quality vegging with Cory. I'll leave you with two songs that have been playing on repeat while I illustrate my latest card designs. Have a great weekend! 

 

Don't let the naked man fool you, the build up is totally worth it...

 

Shoppe

If you still don't have a 2012 calendar, they are now marked down by $10 so get 'em while you can! Also, check out these floral thank you card sets just added to the shoppe...

Toronto Life Weddings

My good friend Kelly's wedding, which you may have read about here or here, is featured in the 2012 edition of Toronto Life Weddings. Yeah to Kelly + Murray! Is that one good looking bride and groom or what?! 

Of course I was also excited to see a shot of K+M's Flakes Paperie stationery included in the spread. This current issue is on newstands now and of course I recommend picking it up to see all of Kelly + Murray's details, as well as the other fabulous Toronto weddings and vendors featured. To close, because I loved them so, how about a shot of their program fans once more...

Guilty Pleasure

My mid-morning snack prompted me to wonder, is a thirty-something gal too old to eat pop tarts? 

Studio tunes

Loving this entire album right now...

 

red berries and fresh snow

It's with great sadness that I put out our Christmas tree out at the curb this morning...ugh, I hate that part. It was a wonderful holiday - lots of quality time with our families, lots of eggnog (my Dad's is the best), loads of damn good food (too much according to my waistline) and the joy of the season culminated at our annual new years eve theme party - this year, a 1980s Olympic theme. Neon headbands and spandex never looked so good let me tell you. Rather than embarrass myself with photos from that ridiculous (and blurry) night, how about a few wintery shots from Collingwood last week. The trees were heavy with fresh snow and pulling into the driveway of my parents' cabin with the Christmas lights glowing...sigh...it was winter perfection! Now let's just hope it doesn't last too long...  

Hope you have a happy holiday...

Just two more days until Christmas!  Last year at this time Cory and I had just returned from a nice little trip to NYC. Here's a little video we took one afternoon while waiting for the subway. I think we let ours go by at least twice so we could keep enjoying the music. Sigh, one of the many reasons I love New York at Christmas...

NYC Subway Christmas from Flakes Paperie on Vimeo.