28.12.13

home sweet home


It was a busy week for some of us, but the holidays were definitely well spent. Now that we're back home, there has been plenty of time to catch up, slow down, and enjoy as many layers of blankets as we can get away with; while it continues to snow outside. It's that cozy reminder of what matters most. I love being home for the holidays.

15.12.13

again



It has reached that time of year where it's time to put away the yarns, rest my hands, and say that the holiday rush is -more or less- complete! My Etsy shop will remain open through the next few days leading up to Christmas, but anything closer to the 20ths of December and it's just cutting things too close for me to promise anything in time.


It actually takes a lot for me to slow down and turn off my brain, after a consistent wave of being busy. When I find the time, and say that I plan on doing nothing for once, it is a total lie. Like when I said I was 'done with making toys' for the season, and started making Christmas gifts within the same breath; toys, scarves, paintings, ornaments. Yeah, I am my mother's child. There is no such thing as doing nothing, in this house.


I'll be taking a very nice chunk of time off from toys, to plan some things out for the new year. I'll be coming back with some new patterns, some time for custom orders, and some fun and fancy giveaways to my followers/fans and furry friends. I don't want it to stop! Don't forget, I do a lot more than just make toys... so it won't stop. I don't know how to stop, so you're lucky.


And so, if I haven't overdone it already, I just want to say thank you ALL for your love and support.. AND for the smoothest season I've ever had! No sore fingers! You have no idea how grateful I am to get to call this my job. Really. For real. I mean it. Thanks!

9.12.13

wintertime



Once Upon a Wintertime is one of my favorite wintery specials.

8.12.13

cuddle weather


Turns out the bedroom mattress spent the weekend in the living room. It makes up for not having a couch to lay on, while we play countless hours of Christmas specials and movies; in between last minute toy orders before the holidays. 


It's been incredibly cold, lately, so I don't mind being bundled in the center of the room where the sun spills in during the day. Someone else seems to agree that it's the place to be... even if it's only temporary.

5.12.13

rob-bear-y


 Matthew Beary is all about business. 

I sometimes think it would be funny if someone were to break into my house and find bears, in ties, scattered all over the place. The stranger part would be if they got stolen. Anyway, bears are next on my list of things to do. This was just a random thought.

top 10 children's books

To say I love children's books would be a bit of an understatement. I have many on my shelf, and have even more on my list of wants. It never ends, and I'm okay with that. If you're looking for ideas for little (or big) readers, here's my list of must haves: 



1. 
This is Not My Hat - Written & Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I don't shut up about Jon Klassen. Everything he touches makes me happy; his use of color, texture, his line work, and character design. Really, I can go on for days about his talents. Because of this, I wouldn't say that this is the only title you should seek out. This book in particular though, is incredibly simple, witty, and clever. Get it, it's great. *swoon*


2. The Day the Crayons Quit - Written by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Books about color have always been one of my favorites. This story is an enjoyable collection of hand-written letters, from a box of crayons; voicing their concerns about how they are being utilized. Such a great idea. It makes me want to color.




3. Where the Sidewalk Ends - Written & Illustrated by Shel Silverstein
This was one of my favorite books, as a kid, and also one of my biggest influences in creative writing. Each page is filled with clever rhymes, verses, and illustrations. It is also a good read for those with a short attention span, like myself. It doesn't matter where you leave off or where you begin. 



4. This is ____ - Written & Illustrated by M Sasek
I left a blank in the title because this is a series. This is New York, This is San Francisco, This is Russia, This is Scotland... This is everywhere! I have yet to collect more places (and visit them.)  A great gift for a traveler. 


5. The Day I Swapped my Dad for Two Goldfish - Written by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Dave McKean
I love, love, love, when Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean collaborate. There are plenty of titles that I could recommend, by these two, but I'll start with the most recent one I picked up for myself. This story is as funny as the title, and the illustrations are chalk full of incredible textures of mixed media. Each page is a surprise.

*Another great read, for the reasons above: Wolves in the Walls. 


6. The Quiet Book - Written by Deborah Underwood, Illustrated by Renata Liwska
Being an introvert, I love this book for so many reasons. This book is all about everything quiet. The sweetness of Renata's illustrations will lead you into a comforting, quiet, bedtime sleep. Adorable.

*For the extroverts, there is a Loud Book. 


7. Wizard of Oz- Written by L. Frank Baum, Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
A classic story, but with incredible illustrations. Lisbeth Zwerger is one of my favorites, for her sense of style, use of color, and charming character design. I can go on for years about her, but I won't. All sorts of lovely. A must have. All of her books are beautiful.


8. Children Make Terrible Pets - Written & Illustrated by Peter Brown
The illustration style of Peter Brown is enough to sell me on getting his books. I don't own any yet, but I have enjoyed flipping through the pages of his stories, when I visit the bookstore. Super cute; and yes, children make terrible pets.  


9. The Dark - Written by Lemony Snicket, Illustrated by Jon Klassen
I warned you that I love everything that Jon Klassen touches. I am also a huge fan of Lemony Snicket, after having read all 13 of his Unfortunate Events series. The Dark is full of charm and character. Of course, the illustrations are what make me the most giddy. Marry me, Jon Klassen. Kendyl Klassen sounds pretty great. I'll stop before this gets creepy. Get this book.


10. Once Upon a Winter Time - Written by Tom Oreb, Illustrated by Disney Studios/ Mary Blair
I couldn't make this list without including something associated with Mary Blair (my favorite classic Disney illustrator.) I remember this story in animated form, and I absolutely adore its style, and background pretty bits (trees!). For a wintery tale, this is a story to hang on to. Little Golden Books of all kinds just have that certain nostalgia that is hard to ignore. 



Happy book reading! 

4.12.13

random thought


A very random story, today I was asked about my previous addresses and could not -for the life of me- remember my Calgary address. I've lived in a number of places in my lifetime (counted 19 places) and the house number completely slipped my mind. I remembered the street, so that counts.. but the rest? Not a chance. Not sure how I feel about that, but it was interesting for me to draw a blank and realize how long ago it was that I lived there, and how far I've come since then. I'm incredibly grateful for moving forward, but wow memory is a funny thing. 

3.12.13

stamp of approval


Check this out! I got some custom made stamps, thanks to Alberta Stamp & Marking Co.  Now I can put my brand on every surface I touch. Stamps are fun!

1.12.13

rawr


All I can say is that it's getting down to the wire! We're -finally- into December; which means that time is incredibly limited. I am so happy with this year's outcome, and all that I managed to get done (and still going!)  I'm keeping it short so I can get back to the rest of the bits that have yet to be assembled and put up for grabs. Did I mention that cats are on special?