tree silhouettes

I got inspired on one of my walks the other day to start taking pics of the tree tops from below... they make such pretty silhouettes against the winter sky... they brighten my day, even if it is grey out. One thing I noticed is that strangers love to stop and take notice of what you are photographing... I think I disappointed quite a few people after they looked up and spotted no sign of a bird, or spectacular "happening" up in the tree. Yes... I am just taking pics of the tree itself, lady... sorry to disappoint. Not sure what to do with these pictures yet... maybe there is a start of an art piece here... not sure.

ps. Just wanted to put out some thanks: to Liz for featuring some Cabin + Cub items on her lovely blog Ambette, Adrienne for featuring my squirrel panel as one of her fancy faves on her cute blog Studio Haus, and Mortira for including my little wooden gift tag set in her sunshine-y post on Inspirational Beading. Many thanks ladies!

dark dark musical

Last week, Roger and I attended the Arts Club Theatre Company opening of the play Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, part of this year's Push Festival (International Performing Arts Festival). Presented as a musical fable for adults, the play was packed full of gorgeous goth inspired costumes (think Tim Burton meets Vivienne Westwood), creative sets and props, and a dark story line following the fictional tragic life story of Edgar Allan Poe.

It dawned on me while we were sitting in the audience that this was the third musical I had seen this year. (Ok, I am including 2009 here, so I don't actually mean 3 musicals in January... that would be scary). Anyways, that is a record for me, considering I am not a huge fan of musicals... I sometimes/often get a little weirded out when there is all singing and no dialogue. Hmmm... maybe I'm softening. Nahhhh... I think I would still squirm at Cats.

Photo by Sean McLennan

valentine cards are here

Remember Valentine's Day in elementary school?.... ahh, those were the days. My mom made me write one to everyone in the class... even if I thought a few of the boys were "icky". As a kid, it was such a dilemma to find the right little card in the punch-out Valentine's book that just said "Happy Valentine's Day" without giving off the message of "I like you". They should have made one that said... "Happy Valentine's, classmate. My mom made me send this."

Well... on a related note...I have brought back some card designs in time for Valentine's Day! Two designs available... one with heart and branches and the other with Mr. Squirrel and acorn heart. Both designs are printed on heavy rich archival matte paper with Ultrachrome K3 archival inks... and they are blank inside... so you can personalize your message as love-dovey, or not as lovey-dovey as you like. Check them out in the etsy shop here.

sublime collaboration

I am a huge fan of Sublime Stitching, so when I was asked if I wanted to contribute a "woodburning how-to" using one of Jenny's famous patterns, I was thrilled!!! (Yes, there was some dancing on the spot and spontaneous robot and running man maneuvers that happened that day... um, apologies for possibly implanting that visual in your brain). I think the results turned out quite well. Check out the step-by-step on how to woodburn a mini-cutting board here... there are simple pics and instructions. Also check out the post about the cutting board on Sublime Stitching's blog here. Happy burning!

who is the thirstiest? the winner is...

Hooray.... over 120 entries for the January giveaway... you all must be real thirsty, battling it out over these coasters.! To make the official draw, all the names were printed and dropped into the ultra tacky trophy cup, and one name was randomly drawn this morning by my husband Roger. He mixed and shuffled like a true pro and drew one name. And... the winner is..... Bonzai Beadwear! Congrats! And what will be gracing her lovely coasters?

"I would put a cafe mocha on them, I like to mix a package of hot chocolate with my coffee." That sounds really yummy, I should have made part of the prize package a mandatory invitation to get invited to share the winner's drink of choice... there are four coasters in the set after all. ;)

Thanks again to everyone who entered! And don't fret if you didn't win and are holding your drinks in your hands, thinking of the rings left on your coaster-less table ... there will be another giveaway in February!

lazy sunday and bloggy awards (part 2)

Lazy Sunday today... I think a good day to take it easy and mill around.. maybe craft if I can muster up enough energy. Perhaps even take a neighbourhood stroll to see what other spring things are blooming.

Also, sort of a second part of yesterday's post today too, since I was so lazy yesterday... a happy thanks to Allison at Ami Designs for passing on the Sunshine Award. And cheerful thanks to Jacki of Christie Cottage for passing on the Kreativ Blogger Award.

ps. don't forget to enter the January giveaway... last day to enter is today! We will draw the winner and announce it tomorrow morning!

bloggy awards - part 1

Ok, so I need to mention two wonderful blogs who have passed along a lovely blog award lately. A happy thanks to Beecher at P.S. House and Kate from Kate and Oli for the Happy 101 Blog Award. (Rules: List 10 things that make you happy, tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day. For those 10 bloggers who get the award, you then link back to my blog and create your list of things that make you happy).

Here are 10 things that make me happy:

1. the Bun in the oven

2. my hubby Roger (he will blush when he reads this)

3. making and crafting things, of course!

4. a warm cup of tea sweetened with milk and honey. I am craving one right now.

5. cooking and experimenting with recipes (although, only happy when they turn out)

6. a sunny autumn day with falling colourful leaves

7. travelling to far and away places, although short closer trips make me happy too

8. my shiny red lowrider bicycle - all the kids on the block turn their heads when they see it!

9. sleeping in on the weekends in warm puffy blankets

10. snowboarding on a perfect day, although this will have to wait until next year now that I have Bun

And to pass this on to 10 lovely blogs that make me happy when I read them... do visit them, they are all very sweet!

1. elaphantine

2. coco cake

3. Hiving Out

4. Dandy Bread and Candy

5. Teal and Gold

6. Rosy Revolver

7. I Love Handmade

8. Gallery 32

9.Pocket Carnival

10. Bluebird Notes