Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Letter playground by Nate Williams



The fantastically talented Nate Williams started a new 'participatory site' this month called letterplayground . It's a community space to play with letter forms and get inspired. Nate has a real knack for bringing creative people together and encouraging growth + continual learning. (Such good things) He is also the founder of Illustration Mundo.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Coco Avant Chanel



Tonight I'm going to a screening of Coco Avant Chanel courtesy of Elle magazine.
I know I'll be very inspired as Coco Chanel is such a fantastic icon for creative woman. Audrey Tantou is also very inspirational to watch - with her perfect gamine looks. Have attached a sketch of her from years ago when I first saw Amelie. I wanted her hair cut and ALL her clothes.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

More great neighbours: The Drake Hotel General Store





Continuing my 'Who are the people in my neighbourhood' segment I present to you: The Drake Hotel General store. Located beside the Drake at 1144 Queen West this shop is a visual treat and browser's paradise. Designers Joyce Lo and Carlos Colacci designed the shop keeping a "classic general store meets boutique hotel" aesthetic in mind -- mixed with a heavy dose of Canadiana. (Think stackable totem pole mugs and Hudson's Bay blankets - oh and Mounties!) The designers/buyers have a great eye: every item feel carefully chosen and is displayed with inventiveness and whimsy!Inspirational.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Inspiration: Philip Glass





I rented A Portrait of Philip Glass in Twelve Parts by Scott Hicks last week.
Quite fantastic and contained lots of great nuggets on his creative process and theories of work.

On Work and Success:
“I have one secret: You get up early in the morning and work all day"

On Writing music:
Writing music is listening to music. Music is like a river for me - it’s constantly flowing beneath the surface. I just need to focus till I can hear it - then I listen closely and just write it down”

On Growth:

"The best way to continue to grow as an artist is through collaboration." Yes, yes.

Very inspirational. I love these images of him working at home. He is so focused and you can feel the creative current underneath him.

ps. rented from my neighbourhood dvd shop Black Dog video. Should give them a plug too! Great selection of films + ice cream!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

New Work: Opportunity Rings Book Cover



Opportunity Rings by Sheryl Steinberg is in stores now.
Published by key Porter Books.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

My new neighbour: Karyn Valino + The Workroom


The Workroom Store front

Owner Karyn Valino with gorgeous fabric in background

Beautiful Denyse Schmidt fabric

Happy crafter Karen

Happy Crafters Michelle and Karen again

My A pillow - almost done.

Starting today I'll be posting about some of my favorite spots in my new neighbourhood Parkdale/West Queen West. First up is a space I consider a major highlight of the hood: The Workroom at 1340 Queen St. West.

The Workroom is a "sew & craft by the hour" space run by former colour consultant Karyn Valino. It's a big, beautiful space equipped with sewing machines, sergers, work tables and a comfy couch! It's also stocked with books, patterns, and an absolutely gorgeous selection of fabrics - including several by my favorite Denyse Schmidt! Quite sigh worthy. The workroom offers classes in clothing, quilting, beginner upholstery, pattern drafting and even canning (!) plus it hosts a Stitch 'n Bitch evening the first Tuesday of each month.
I attended last Tuesday's Stitch n' Bitch and had a great time chatting with Karyn + fellow crafters while working on my A pillow. Dresses and ties were made and much fun was had by all. (Note the bottle of wine in the photo!) Thanks Karyn!

The Workroom
1340 Queen St.West
Highly recommended

Monday, September 7, 2009

In a Paris State of mind


Stunning photograph from Vogue Fall 2006
Love the hoop skirt and handpainted mural in bkgd and the birdcage!

Gorgeous apt in Paris SIGH
Love the big ornate mirror and white walls

Again love the big mirror, detailed fireplace and hit of pink!

Frenchy furniture sketches

Reference

Coat of arms

Sketch of interior (used in pink dayroom)

Doors with detailed moulding

Trish Grantham's bedroom found on Design Sponge

In both life and work I'm in a Paris state of mind at the moment. Am working on a sketch of a drawing room filled with many french flourishes such as detailed moulding, chandeliers and squiggly birdcages. In life I'm decorating my new space and am aspiring to 'french flea market' complete with white walls, big mirrors, and yes... squiggly birdcages! The photos above are a huge inspiration.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

New Home and Note from Don Draper



Ok so I'm all moved into my new pad.
Thanks to Don Draper for sending me a welcome note.

ps. I'll be writing alot about my new neighbourhood Parkdale/West Queen West which -along with Don Draper -has stolen my heart.