Shibori Dream Day!

Julie of Julie Sinden Handmade hosted a few friends for a perfect afternoon in her backyard. On top of her other creative endeavours, she teaches shibori and other natural dye workshops. Several friends have expressed interest, so she came up with the genius idea of a Summer backyard party and indigo workshop. The weather was perfect, not super hot as most days have been, so just ideal for a day of working outside in the sun.

Julie gave us a brief overview of the history and background of indigo and then showed us some examples with an explanation of how to achieve the different patterns.

She started by showing us how to prepare the vats and then let us loose with all the clamps, threads, wood bits to prepare our fabric.

I was a super keener and wanted to try everything. I brought some hankies, cotton totes and random fabric to play with.

Loved watched things change colour between dips and oxidization.

It was so fun to watch everyone unravel their pieces to see how they turned out! 

Julie even came across a wine called Indigo at the farmer's market and had to grab it for the occasion!

Surprises being unfurled!

I did a few panels of velveteen that I plan on making into throw cushions. I have every colour in my home except blue, so some adjustments will have to be made 'cause I can't get enough of these!

As our workshop came to a close, Julie prepared a lovely meal and Aube cheffed up the most beautiful and delicious tart. Check out her blog for some unbelievably drool-worthy food inspiration and other life stories.

I don't think I have ever eaten so well in a backyard! Delicious!

It was a perfect day! Did I already say that? I so enjoyed the amazing company of smart and interesting women and was so happy to be reminded of how much I enjoy the act of making things!

Thanks to Julie for all the fun!

xo

M

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Snapshots from Wayhome

I am way behind on my blogging! I have so many photos piling up that I wanted to share!

A few weeks back, we got some passes to Wayhome and thought why not check it out, but just for one of the three days! It was a sizzling weekend, as every day seems to be lately. Three of us loaded up in the car with lots of sun screen, snacks and ice waters and pretty much every keep-cool method that was portable. Umbrellas and spray misters were a lifesaver.

The traffic was hellish and the venue was huge. The Health app on my phone showed that we walked about 17 Km that day in the blazing, scorching, searing sun! Of course, we did see some pretty good bands, so the adventure was worth it! Highlights were the Arkells, Major Lazer and Arcade Fire.

(photo credit: Flare/Melissa Trainor)

This was pretty fun! I was snapped by Flare Magazine for the street style report from the Festival! Loved all the beautiful flags and the arc of balloons, so I was pretty excited when a friend spotted the photo and sent me the link! I was wearing a favourite dress that I have had for a few years. I knew that a light colour would be a must in the heat! For jewellery, I'm decked in the Coil Necklace, Jeweled Bracelet, New Connection Bracelet and Power Bracelet in labradorite.

As day turned into night, we met up with a big group of friends and enjoyed the fresh evening air and last few bands. I had promised to do the return drive and after a day in the sun on our feet, it was a huge struggle, but we made it back intact! By the time I got home, showered and to bed, it was 5am. The next day was jammed with family activities so there was no rest for the wicked. I felt like it took me a week to recover. I feel tired even recalling the experience! In the future I think I will stick to music festivals closer to home. I'm too old for this craziness!

Today the winds were gusting and the temperature dropped from a bazillion degrees to 25 or so and I was already missing Summer. It isn't even over yet! I'm going to soak up as much of my favourite season as possible. #ILOVESUMMER!

Hope you have been enjoying your Summer too! 

Off to bed... it's so late. Zzzz

xo

M

Luminato 2016

Luminato was a little different than in years past. It was a completely new experience as it was not set up in a variety of outposts across the city, but took place in the derelict former power station, the Hearn. Grabbed a couple friends and ventured across town late one night. Glad we went around 9:30 p.m. as it wasn't busy and we were free to explore without the distraction of too many other visitors. Also, the musical performance was on and the sound reverberated throughout the building like a soundtrack for our night. To be very honest, I am not normally a Rufus Wainwright fan, but we all agreed he and his band sounded great in this cavernous space. Enjoyed sipping on a drink and checking out the installations especially the world's largest disco ball, 'One Thousand Speculations' by Michel de Broin. The light bounced off the disco ball and danced around the space eerily. Wish we could have dined in the restaurant set up in the control room. It smelled divine. As we exited the building at the end of the night, Rufus was singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow". We marvelled that Toronto can be pretty cool sometimes with some pretty great events. Sometimes we forget to give our town due credit!

Speaking of pretty great events, I also caught a talk with Steve Martin. He was in town to discuss his curatorial role in the upcoming Lawren Harris show, 'The Idea of North' at the Art Gallery of Ontario. He bantered with Andrew Hunter about his experiences in Toronto, how he came to love and collect the works of Harris, and told other humorous anecdotes. Both men were great conversationalists and extremely funny. I left filled with good vibes, feeling inspired and looking very forward to catching the show when it opens in a few days.

Time to get a little sleep. Have made a few resolutions to myself in the past few days. Going to keep most to myself but, one was to get better sleep. Another was to pursue some non-jewellery related creative endeavours. The world lost dapper fashion photographer Bill Cunningham yesterday. He was 87 years old. Read that he didn't begin shooting for the Times until he was over 40. Kind of inspiring to think about how much he accomplished even just from mid-life onwards. What a full life. Hope to be so lucky.

Goodnight!

xo
M