Craft Love

It’s no secret that I love handmade touches at just about every event.

Lately, I’ve been getting my craft on more than usual.  My mom bought me a sewing machine for my 30th birthday (great gift, eh?) and that little machine has reminded me how fun it is to make stuff!  I’ve been experimenting with button boutonnieres in my spare time, and have ambitiously bought the supplies to make myself a dress from scratch!  Stay tuned for (probably hilarious) photos of that process!

So, where better to get inspiration for my own handmade projects, as well as to buy gifts for the people in my life who share my obsession?  My vote goes to the Got Craft? Show, happening at the Legion on Commercial Drive on Sunday, December 5.  It’s just $3 to get in, and immerse myself in a whole room full of pretty!

Check out the complete list of vendors that will be exhibiting at this year’s holiday show.  A few booths I can’t wait to stop by are:

• Banoo ~ handmade, vintage-inspired accessories
• The Beautiful Project ~ lovely paper art
• Bliss in a Teacup ~ adorable accessories and decor items made from repurposed materials
• cabin + cub ~ woodburned art and stationery
• Dotty Logic ~ original, designer fabric. (This is going to be a financial hazard for me. Must set an allowance for myself in advance!)
• Roxypop ~ crocheted and hand sewn accessories (like, apple cozies?! yes, please!)
• Sam Bradd Designs ~ letterpress and silkscreened art.

OK, who am I kidding?  I’m going to stop before I list every vendor at the show.  Can’t wait!

Paper Perfection!

Today I took in the Make It! Exhibition at the Croatian Cultural Centre.  It’s fun to see so many talented people making careers out of the beautiful handmade items that they love to make!

Today’s inspiration board is a nod to all things handmade, but with a special emphasis on paper.  Not only is paper relatively inexpensive, it’s completely recyclable and comes in limitless colours, patterns, and even textures.  I was particularly excited when I searched the term “paper cake topper” and actually came up with some amazing hits!

Have a look:

TOP ROW:  We begin at the left, with a bridal bouquet made from vintage 1930s love letters!  This fabulous creation is by Amanda of Fantasy Floral Design.  To the right is the cake topper I mentioned—adorable!  Concarta, selling on Etsy, customizes these beauties.  You can order all sorts of dress/tux styles, as well as same-sex toppers, plus gorgeous floral confetti which would look great on gift and guest book tables.  Next, classy gift tags for your guest favours, from Paper Eclectiques (via Etsy).  The top row is rounded out by Martha Stewart–her scrapbook paper placemats with cut-out and pop-up name tags are simple yet ingenious.  And yes, that centrepiece blends paper flowers with fresh, real blooms. Love it!

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BOTTOM ROW:  These boutonnieres by Etsy’s Desicra combine paper and faux pearls for a whimsical accent to the men’s attire.  Beside the boutonnieres are some very inexpensive but impactful tissue paper pompoms, which I found—you guessed it!—on Etsy; see Party Poms.  Next is a brilliant guest book idea!  Absinthe Custom Print will customize a frameable tree to commemorate your day, and provide you with leaves that match your colour scheme.  Guests write their names and wishes on the leaves, and fill the tree with foliage-love!  Last but not least, this vintage seating chart is colourful and fun, and can be found via Seeking the Muse on Etsy (MY muse!).