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.