Trend Tuesday: picked from a hat

There is so much that I want to share with everyone this Tuesday, so much that I don't think I can fit everything in one post. So, I've put all my trend idea's into a hat, and I've picked out 2 of them. The rest will have to wait until next week, the week after that and the week after that.

I used to play with Ukrainian nesting dolls when I was a child, they were everywhere, since after all, that is my heritage. I can remember creating little villages of wooden people, the large dolls were the parents, and the little ones were always the children. The image of the nesting doll has made it's way into home decor, and even fashion. Here's a peek of a few things I found on Etsy, Ebay, and even Anthropologie today.


from top left, throw pillow, usd$18; Juicy Couture charm from Nordstrom, usd$149.99; throw pillow, usd$35; Vintage Ukranian nesting dolls, Ebay, usd$10.99 (current bid)



from top left, all on Etsy, coffee sleeve, usd$5.50; block print, usd$35; fabric, usd$6.99 per yard; change purse, usd$6.50

These nesting dolls are becoming more and more "trendy", stick with the vintage originals for the best look.

I was visiting Anthropologie the other day, as I do most day's, noticing that they have put a bird motif of one kind or another on practically everything. It's very whimsical, and very vintagey, but I'm not sure I like it. I've never been much of a bird fan, but for those that like bird's, and even Victorian decor fans alike, this is definately the place for you this fall & winter. I've thrown together a few pieces from Anthropologie that I do like, not all together mind you, but used sparingly, I would enjoy these pieces very much.


all images above from Anthropologie

Nuit Blanche .... recovery

I really need a new camera. Or maybe a lesson how to properly work the one I already have. They have workshops you can take for that right? OK, enough complaining. Here are a few pictures from Nuit Blanche this past weekend in my hometown, Toronto, Ontario. Out of the 50 + photos I took, these were the only ones that turned out, and I'm not really happy with these either. BUT, I wanted to show everyone something, so here they are.

Overall, Nuit Blanche was an amazing experience, however it was almost TOO successful. I've never seen so many people in the city for as long as I've lived here, and that's a long time. Next year, I'm sleeping all day, and not even attempting to head down there until at least midnight. I'm still tired just thinking about it, and yes my feet are still throbbing !!!

The highlight for me was Yoko Ono's Wish Tree installation. Underneath a huge billboard that read "Imagine Peace", visitors were given a paper tag, to write a wish, and then attach to one of the many trees below. I won't tell you what my wish was. :-)

that's me attaching my wish to one of the trees below the huge billboard above

it was a very surreal, yet beautiful sight

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures of the night ...

DIY Love

I'm loving this DIY project over on AT today, once again another alternative use for wallpaper. Love it !!

Coe & Waito

Former classmates at the Ontario College of Art and Design here in Toronto, Alissa Coe and Carly Waito were brought together through a common love of beautiful, personal things and objects. They studied Industrial Design at the college, where they began to explore the processes of mold making and slip casting, leading them to a collaborative thesis project, ultimately resulting in Coe & Waito.

Their collection includes true functional works of art. Here is a small sampling for thier work below.


clockwise from top left, hand-pinched bowls, $14 ea and up; porcelain bottles, $68 ea; porcelain ink-blot inspired botanical cylinders, from $42 ea; porcelain owl lamp, $500

Absolutely STUNNING !!!

Coe & Waito's pieces can be purchases accross North America. Visit their site for more information on their products and where to buy them.

Coe & Waito

Nuit Blanche

We're getting ready for Nuit Blanche tonight, sunset to sunrise. Yes, not to worry, i've stocked up on Red Bull and Powerbars, it's going to be a long night!


Update...I do apologize for the slow posts everyone, Sunday was spent recovering from Nuit Blanche (my feet are still sore), I haven't even loaded the pictures to Flickr yet, but I promise I'll have lots of stories for you this week!

In Need Of A Road Trip to Buffalo

I think it's time for a road trip to Buffalo soon, Target has just released these gorgeous mirrored accessories, I just found these on Apartment Therapy.

My First Etsy Purchase & "Taking Flight"

There are just so many beautiful things on Etsy, sometimes I even find myself overwhelmed by their beauty. But today, is a new day, and I'm making my very first purchase. I've decided to buy something, not sure exactly what as there are hundred's of item's available in my favorite seller's, but it will be something. I will be sure to update this post with my purchase decision, and of course again once it has been received.

I'm excited, aren't you?

I received my copy of Taking Flight yesterday by Kelly Rae Roberts. I read the entire thing in one sitting, and now i'm upset that I don't have a space of place to create some of the projects in the book. That will have to wait I suppose.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to unleash the creative side of themselves, and don't know how. This exactly what I needed my friend's...I can definately see this book helping me manifest my idea's into stories and posts for you my friend's.

Thank you Kelly. :-)

Update: I just had to have this portrait print by Etsy seller Rochelle.

Weekend Happenings

There is so much going on this weekend here in Toronto, my head is going to explode! I'm not sure my brain can take in all the beauty and amazement of Scotiabank's Nuit Blanche, the Toronto International Art Fair, and the Toronto Condo Show.

Nuit Blanche is a one-night only event, this Saturday, from 6:52 pm (sunset) to sunrise. I've never had the chance to experience this "free, all-night, contemporary art thing" first hand, but in previous years I've poured over Flickr photo's, and reviews in the local paper's describing the event, and I've kicked myself for not going. This year however, I'm going, with bell's on. I will be prepared to stay out as late as I possibly can, by having a LONG nap Saturday afternoon, and the stocking up on Power bars, and Starbucks. With a fully loaded camera in hand my husband and I plan or roaming the city with about 200,000 other's (at least).



In the Toronto Star today (Thursday, Oct 2nd), I read about the "12 Exhibitions Not To Miss During Nuit Blanche", some are spooky/scary, some are tranquil & serene, some are just downright strange and weird, but the one that I cannot wait to see and experience is Sound Forest 2008, described ... "this leafy sound installation organized by Tova Kardonne and Christine Duncan, 10 choirs make their way through the trees, each following their own mysterious route". Cool!



Another mention would have to be Wish Tree, by Yoko Ono. This installation "allows visitors to fix personal uplifting messages to a tree, with the NY artist's Imagine Peace billboard (2001) looking down on the corner of Liberty St. and Jefferson Avenue".

I'm not yet sure if I'll make it to the Toronto International Art Fair, or to the Condo Show, we'll have to see how Nuit Blanche goes first. I will of course provide everyone with a full report of the nights events, and I hope to have tons of photos for you as well.

meet ..... Rita Vindedzis

The Internet and cyberspace still amazes me ... how it connects us all together. This is how I met (virtually), Rita Vindedzis. Rita places a comment on one of my blog posts, with a link back to her own blog and website, and I was absolutely blown away. I emailed her a quick thank you, and also asked if she would be interested in doing this little interview for us today.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Rita can be found online at her website, blog, and Etsy Shop.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Name, location, personal stuff (not too personal of course)
My name is Rita Vindedzis and I’m a working artist based in Toronto Canada. I think I’ve become “known” mostly for my landscape paintings. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of mixed media work as well.

How did you discover your talent as an artist?
I come from a family of professional artists so I guess you could say that it was my destiny.



Where do you get your inspiration/influence for your art? What keeps you motivated?
The work of Warhol, Hopper, Turner, Monet and the Group of Seven, nature, gallery hopping, magazines, window shopping, and chatting with artist friends. I get my inspiration from everywhere really. Staying motivated is easy, I have to help pay the bills. My art is a second income for our family.



What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about you and/or your creations?
My paintings are all about beauty,simplicity, tranquility, serenity, spaciousness, mystical atmospheres, capturing a moment in time,

What is your favorite time of year, and why?
I love autumn. The beautiful colors of the leaves, the smells in the air, the cool, crisp temperatures.

How do you “escape” or spend your “me time”?
Getting a manicure, sipping a latte in Starbucks and watching the world go by.



Do you have a favorite place(s) to travel? Where and why?
New York, although I haven’t been there in many years. I love it’s energy.

Is there anything you are obsessing about or addicted to? (Specific store, a food, color) What and why?
-Crate and Barrel. I visited the Boston store last summer and fell in love with their style. I’ll be at the new Toronto store often.
-Color brochures and paint chips. I have boxes of them.
-The sushi spring roll at Nami my favorite restaurant in Toronto



Do you have any advice for young artists beginning their career?
Don’t take the criticism about your work personally.

Describe your perfect day?
Breakfast in South Beach, lunch and shopping in New York, dinner in Paris.

Random Love

Just some random images, blogs, and sites that caught my eye today. Enjoy!

1. Apartment Therapy lovely staircase, even though it's not up to code

2. Design*Sponge "flat pets", and allergy free!!

3. EyeSpy fantastic suggestions for budget decorating

4. Poppytalk roundup of callenders for 2009

5. & 7. Etsy seller Blissful Images, and her blog, Bliss

6. decor8 , As always, Holly has discovered this designer/illustrator via the packaging on a pair of tweezers purchased on her recent trip to Amsterdam, ha!