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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Plugging away!

It's been super busy lately!  Trying to get lots of work done.  I have a bad habit of letting too much pile up...  I think I need the pressure to force me into full gear.  Made sure to not work all the time and throw in some play too...  I've got to say, I like being busy so much better than being idle!  Here are some pictures taken lately.  (You may have already seen them on my Instagram.)

This week I've enjoyed making some one off pieces... otherwise known as "showstoppers." It's one of the most enjoyable parts of doing what I do...  Love being creative and coming up with something unique.  This is a photo of a necklace in progress.  It's made of vintage green Bakelite bits with the prettiest vintage cross-hatched brass beads.  I'm pretty pleased with the final result.

Dropped in at Made You Look.  Here's a bit of their splay of MoonRox!  You can see a bunch of my most recent favourite pieces.  

We finally got a bit of fluffy snow that didn't melt virtually as it landed.  Most of it is gone now, but I enjoyed a couple strolls through the white stuff over the past few days.

 Even in quiet, dark alleyways...

Had a nice weekend where I caught up with the three people I used to spend most of my time with about a decade ago.  All three have lived abroad for stretches over the past 10 years and it's nice to have everyone home and nearby again.  So cliché, but great that we can pick up like no time has passed.

Also got to gather with another group of my favoutite people to celebrate S's birthday.  She's due to give birth any day now!  So excited to meet the little pea!  Check out the amazing nail bling she gave me for Christmas!  Didn't seem right receiving gifts on someone else's birthday, but I'm pretty darn excited about these!

Back to work...  Couple more things to do before I retire for the night.

Holidayin'

This past week was lovely, relaxing, totally stress-free and Christmassy...   not much family was in town, but that meant more time for dear friends.  

Doodled a few random cards...  went for chicken wings and beers with some of my favourite peeps.

Had a small family dinner a few days before Christmas prior to Sister and W. heading off to see his family.  My prime rib turned out reasonably well.  I know what to do to improve it next time. 

Did some leisurely gift shopping and enjoyed the process of wrapping...

I missed my family, especially since this is the first Christmas without Grandma, but I've got to say that it was nice to not have to worry about much over the holiday... wandered the city, did anything I wanted on a whim, and since the 24th have done a minute amount of work...  maaaaybe a couple hours a day.  Feeling refreshed and excited, work-wise, for next year.

On Christmas Eve, Aunt L. and I went out for dinner and then went a catch a movie.

On Christmas Day I joined my friends, the L-O family.  Got lots of invitations from nice friends, as I was a bit of an orphan this year, and I so appreciate the kind offers.  It was a lovely day.  It was great to be a part of someone else's Christmas.  We gobbled good eats, hung out with their little girls, chatted about this and that and reminisced about the good old times when we were young and ridiculous!

Spotted a vintage MoonRox star ornament on their tree!  Still remember the feeling of making those, though it was a good decade ago...

On the 28th, my two friends J. Mo and Anita had guest roles in the Nutcracker!  The ballet was beautiful.  The set was stunning and the costumes intricate and amazing.  I loved it!  And I was so impressed with my two pals!

The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts is a wonderful place...  must go more often.  Odd to think you can get a last minute or standing room ticket for an opera or ballet for less than the price of a flick.

This was J. Mo's post-show dinner.  Photo worthy...

Got mail from abroad...

Sipped hot tea... I made this cup in 2002...

Did some boxing day shopping...  Bit of a mistake.  The crowds were overwhelming.

Meant to spend more time reading my book and not doing much at all, but somehow the days flew by quickly.  Did get to see some friends that come home rarely, so I think my book can wait! 

Few hours remaining of  2011.  Hope you have some fun plans to ring in the new year... wherever you are!  Excited to see what 2012 will bring...  Happy New Year!!

xo

M

Hi!

Sorry I have been a bad blogger of late!  Have been keeping late hours and trying to make as many fabulous things as possible for the One of a Kind.  Still lots to do... every time I hear a Christmas carol on tv or the radio, I feel a pang of anxiety... makes me think of how much I have to accomplish in the next couple weeks.  It'll all come together though!  Somehow it always does!

Hope you are keeping well!!

xo

PS.  Nail polish is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.

Throws in colour

My friend KK enlisted me to help her and her husband to inject some colour into their recently renovated, and mostly white home. We decided to start with some throw cushions for their third floor den or secondary living space. We chose colours that reflected her Indian roots but didn't restrict ourselves when it came to selecting patterns.
I enjoyed making these comfy cushions and am pretty darned happy with how they turned out. Might have to make some new options for my own home. Really love the pom-pom trim! I splashed the pillows around my home to take these photos before handing them over to head to their real home. I hear they look great on their contemporary couch! Onto the next project! I have a big list of projects in my mind...

(I detest ironing -- don't mind the wrinkles!)

Have a great day! Where did May go? This long awaited drastically improved weather is so welcome, humidity and all! Makes it hard to concentrate on work though...

Making a gigantic pillow

My Sister had an idea for a ginormous pillow. It was all round hilarity buying mass amounts of stuffing, actually getting it all in there, trying to wrestle the cover on and then transporting the biggie over to my Sister's place.

I think it looks amazing as her new and simple "headboard" in her lovely bedroom.