Ending up on Etsy

Perusing the internet on a Friday evening, waiting for my boyfriend to get home so we can eat dinner, I stumbled over to Poppytalk, a wonderful Canadian design blog if you haven't yet had the pleasure, only to read about an exciting Etsy and West Elm pop-up shop hitting Vancouver later this month. 

With Vancouver only a few short hours away I had to check it out, which led me to the individual Etsy sites for each vendor participating... an hour of browsing beautiful things later and my Christmas shopping is complete, or might as well be. 

Sometimes I find Etsy a little bit intimidating, there are so many vendors and so many products that one search pulls up hundreds of pages of results. It's very simple to be sucked in, only to surface hours later unsure of what just happened. Therefore I love to read up on other people's favorite sellers, and to hear that they are getting together in Vancouver is just too exciting!

Here are a few of my favorite item's from the featured sellers, you can find the entire list on Poppytalk here, as well as all the event information.

These cufflinks are made from bamboo. I love the little teepee tents!  (by Cabin)

Can you believe this is a soother clip, perfect for the preppiest of babies. (by DownHomeAmy)

A gorgeous Merlot Sea Salt that has my mouth watering with sweet and salty flavour ideas (by The Pink Peppercorn)

Every Vancouverite needs their own set of jealousy inflicting chopsticks (by StorieBrooke)

Unfortunately, even being so close, it doesn't look like I'll be able to sneak down for the weekend. However if anyone lives in the area and decides to go please feel free to gloat away, I will live through you vicariously. 

DIY Inspiration - Aztec and Navajo Prints

Aztec is not only one of the hottest trends right now, it's also the inspiration for my latest DIY project. Although we saw an array of glorious chunky aztec print sweaters this winter, the pattern is now dominating fashion as well as interior design and the vast world of accessories - it's even found it's way onto my little blog as a little something extra to spice up the header.

THE INSPIRATION

Add a crisp blazer for a polished look (via)

Patterned sunglasses to match your manicure (via)

A cute detail on these two toned oxfords (via)

A fun printed quilt in primary colours (via)

An relaxed tunic in blacks and browns (via)

Some Aztec inspired bling (via)

A delicate clutch gets a punch of neon pink (via)

A pretty little throw pillow in bright hues (via)

MY CREATION

Taking in all this inspiration, I decided to make an Aztec print tote, using a handmade stencil I whipped up from items at my local office supply store. I'll share the tutorial tomorrow!

Inspiring Burano

(via)

From afar the shop looks like another house on the tiny island of Burano – painted electric blue, offset by crisp white trim and green shutters – however the display cases out front catch my attention, immediately drawing me closer.  An elderly Italian woman greats me, as I hover over the first display case, intrigued by the beautiful jewellery inside. After the usual buongiorno, my lack of Italian fails and I simply nod and smile as she makes conversation, gesturing me into the shop. Unprepared for what awaits me inside, I move towards the entrance, longingly looking back at the display cases I haven’t fully explored.

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Immediately my eyes catch glimpse of a seemingly endless row of small glass candy jars containing delicate glass beads in an array of sizes, shapes, and colours. After gathering myself together I notice more individual pieces of jewellery, like those in the display cases outside, flanking the entrance and set off to tediously make my way around the store, moving slowly to ensure I see everything on offer.  

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Swirls of colour create gorgeous hand blown rings, petite gold foil earrings send a shimmer of sparkle across the room, and glass and felt beads effortlessly combine in stunning necklaces and bracelets. In addition to the jewellery, which is all handmade and one of a kind, Alla fiera dell'Est also sells individual beads and allows shoppers to design their own pieces. After wandering around the store for a while, making a couple loops and trying to narrow a growing list of favorites, I realize the task is impossible. Everything in the shop is lovely.

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Easily the most beautiful store I have ever seen, I finally forced myself to walk out empty handed. Although difficult, we don’t have a lot of room in the budget to splurge on glass beads – even if they are insanely beautiful – and as all my craft supplies are boxed up it’s unlikely I’ll have a chance to make something anytime soon. Bead-less and moving onto Vienna, I’m left with only the dreams of soft felt, delicate glass, and glistening swirls of colour. However it seems the beads have a different idea, now that they’re haunting my sleep perhaps we have unfinished business…

*It may have been awhile since my last post however I’ve been keeping busy and hope to get back into crafting and blogging here in the New Year. Until then, you can always check in on me, and my travels, at Have Blog, Will Travel.

Guilty Pleasure - Girly Vanity

Do all little girls dream of sitting at a beautiful vanity, applying makeup and putting on their earrings? A quick internet search shows the dressing table's popularity hasn't wavered - lucky little girls everywhere are still stealing a squirt of perfume perched at their mother's vanity table. 

Unfortunately a lovely vanity is a luxury today, reserved for those with space. Today's compact condominiums don't allow for much excess square footage, however if you have the room to spare, and a childhood dream to fulfill, there's a vanity out there to match your personal taste and design aesthetic.

Ornate and antique, bohemian, glam, or vintage, perhaps girlie - these vanity tables are all as unique as their owners, and add a touch of childhood whimsy to any room.

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My absolute favorite might surprise you - the first, very curvy, very antique, very french wooden dressing table. It is, of course, followed closely by the mid-century desk-turned-vanity, and the above ornate and feminine whitewash table.

Where do your affections lie?

Enjoy,

Calli

Thrift Away My Friend

I'm here today as a service to let you know, if you are not already aware, that today is National Thrift Store Day!

I'm assuming it's a "national" holiday in the United States, as they have days for everything from bubblegum and blue jeans to body paint and ugly trucks, however as I live awfully close (as the crow flies), and don't need an excuse to celebrate second hand goodies, I'm officially adopting this holiday.

Before I head off to immerse myself in an afternoon of non-stop thrifting, I thought I'd share some inspiration - perhaps to help narrow down your search while strolling the aisles of your local thrift store. I settled on the ideas below because they are realistic, achievable projects, that use easy to find thrift store items.

Rustic painted salt and pepper mills (via)

Epoxy scares me but I still want to try this (via)

Wash vintage shirts in colour safe bleach first (via)

Absolutely adore these preppy stripes (via)

Spray paint and cluster thrifted frames (via)

Unfortunately I'm limited to window shopping today, our backpacks are packed for our flight Tuesday morning and I can't get away storing any "projects". If you snag a great find or have a project in the works please share - I'd love to live vicariously!

Enjoy,

Calli

Beautiful Dresser Displays

When your jewellery collection borders on excessive and storage space is at a premium little items start to collect on any available surface. To keep everything in its place take a lesson from these beautiful dresser displays and invest in some pretty trays, frames, stands or hangers to keep everything in its place.

This entire house tour is fabulous (via)

A pretty little cake stand (via)

Lovely perfume bottles (via)

Looking at these pretty displays I'm having some decorator withdrawal with ninety percent of my belongings in storage boxes. I love how feminine and girly these displays are, great inspiration for an entire bedroom!

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Wonderful Wedges

I'm not 100% sure what happened, but I woke up earlier this week with a serious addiction to wedge heels. Camel-brown wedges to be exact - and it's more of a complete fixation, they are all I can think about anymore.

I'm not sure if it's the fact that they are easier to walk in - for me that means I'll actually get to use them! - but I am definitely adding a pair to the top of my want list. 

Luckily there seems to be a lot of choice out there - which means I can feed my fixation. The problem is that my self-control has been severely lacking lately and before I know it I may end up with a new pair for every day of the week...

Is that a problem? Jury is still out. 

These first two styles are from Anthropologie - which means that they are simultaneously gorgeous and out of my price range. I love the sling-back and warm brown colour.

Mustard yellow and brown leather - you have captured my heart! And honestly, who can't get into a retro pair of t-strap wedges?

via imgfave

So they are more gray than brown, but I'm going to let that slide and focus on  the soft leather, textured heel, and t-strap style. 

via glit

My favorite way to ware these right now are with summery dresses - too bad it's not yet March. They make your legs look a mile long but also fit in seamlessly with sandals, warm weather, and the beach. Common spring, hurry up already!

Summer (via 7 for all mankind)

Winter (via lookbook)

But the creme de la creme? Oxford wedges... oh man my heart just skipped a beat! I love them paired with a belted flowing skirt in a punchy print.

via Drops of Jupiter

via Running on Happiness

So what do you think? Wedges this summer or not? 

Enjoy!

Calli

Have A Heart

Yeah, Yeah... I missed Valentine's Day - at least here in blog land. Sue me. 

Sorry, that came out a bit more sour than intended. It's not that I don't not like Valentine's Day, it's just that I don't care enough to put in the effort - get dressed up, go out, buy gifts, write down how I feel...

Although, I should be honest and say that my heart melted a bit when I got home from work to some lovely red roses. Oh, and I like the chocolate part of the day. 

Always the one to jump on the bandwagon at the very last possible moment, here are some lovely Valentine's-esque ideas. 

Quite possible the absolute best thing I've seen on Pinterest in awhile, these cheesecakes are mirrored after those adorable little message candies!

via Hungry Happenings

Perfect size, fun shape, great colour combo, and quirky graphic element, this ring has it all if you ask me - plus it would look great with almost anything. 

via Etsy

This heart shaped rock collection is so lovely - what a neat idea. I can only imagine the story behind each individual rock.

via Completely Costal

Every ounce of childhood wonder I still have has me asking - how'd they do that? This shell pendant is gorgeous, and the heart detail adds the perfect touch of whimsy! 

via Etsy

Easily DIY-able with some scissors or a heart shaped punch, I love this simple Valentine's Day card. Imagine using patterned, printed, or embossed paper for the little hearts!

via Etsy

Well there you have it - oh, and Happy Belated Valentine's Day.

Enjoy!

Calli

So Bee-utiful!

I've started to notice the humble little bumblebee online more and more as of late. I'm a fan. 

Not to be confused with wasps, yellowjackets, or hornets, bumblebees are friendly, plant pollinating, honey producing, and now, ridiculously cool and cute!

Don't believe me? Check out these adorable bee-inspired finds!

via Etsy

I love the honeycomb detail in the pocket-watch styled pendant (above) as well as these great magnetic spice jars (below).

via Etsy

I've shared these little china cups before but can't resist bringing them back again. The robin's egg blue and bee detail are so cute!

via Etsy

This adorable case may be designed for carrying pencils and other miscellaneous school supplies but would double equally well as a makeup bag.

via Etsy

via Etsy

These silver necklaces are so pretty and feminine - I'd probably get more use out of the pendant (above), although I love, love, love the detail in the larger locket (below).

via Etsy

Wouldn't you just love to receive an adorable card like this for Valentine's Day? It's the one day of the year I'm willing to cast my sarcasm aside in support of silly puns.

via Etsy

Unfortunately bumblebees are struggling right now; it's a shame as they play such a significant role in our food supply. There are a lot of things you can do to help - plant a garden, limit pesticide use - and sporting a bee-themed necklace or pencil case like this could just help break the ice in spreading the word about bees!

Enjoy!

Calli