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Karen J’s Big Ambition
I've been stopping by the Mosaicworks blog ever since I discovered Karen Johnston's wonderful work back in 2008 and when I saw her latest post I just knew I had to pick it up. Karen usually crafts her beautiful mosaic mirrors in her basement studio but her latest project, the biggest piece she has tackled to date, could only be done in her dining room. Karen's beautiful, time-consuming pieces aren't cheap so I shudder to think what this custom monster would have cost; at least we know the buyer has money and taste, a rare combination.
Full post and comments...Bev Hisey Studio Sale This Weekend
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Chris
With a storefront facing Trinity Bellwoods Park not far from Ossington Avenue, Toronto textile designer Bev Hisey doesn't need to do the One of a Kind Show (on now until December 4 at Direct Energy Centre), she just has to throw open her door. And that's exactly what she's doing this weekend with her annual Studio Sale (Saturday 11 am - 6 pm and Sunday 12 - 5 pm). Featuring cut rate prices on some of her most popular designs Bev all but promises you won't walk away empty handed. I'll be there for sure, hopefully ahead of you in line for the best stuff. Foundstyle is teaming up with Bev to do a mini pop-up store of vintage treasures just to keep things extra interesting.
Full post and comments...Collectors Find Outlet with Moderncraze
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by Chris
I'm not certain how I ended up there but I recently stumbled upon Moderncraze, an online vintage shop based right here in Toronto. The store was established in April by life-long treasure hunter Larysa Fenyn whose living room is pictured. Larysa has been haunting flea markets and auctions all her life and like many collectors, she finally came to the conclusion that she could/should get into the business of flipping her fabulous finds. She has partnered with two similarly inclined friends to keep Moderncraze stocked with decorative arts and jewelry. There's very little furniture but lots of great, well-priced smalls.
Full post and comments...Sweet Dreams Are Made of Silk
Thursday, June 9, 2011 by Chris
When Cilque asked me to give their sheets a try I was keen. I'd actually been on the lookout for a quality sheet set in ivory to go with my crewel bedspread; it so happens that Cilque's creme brulee colour is a perfect match. And although the sheets are cool on the skin, everything I've read about silk's thermal properties suggests they'll be cozy and warm in the winter, too. Silk is nature's strongest natural fiber and these well-made sheets, consisting of 19 momme weight Chinese silk, are machine washable, although they must be hung to dry after a short tumble on low heat. The only caveat I'll put forward is that Cilque sheets are so, well, silky, that it's hard to keep them tucked in; the bedspread wants to slide right off and the top sheet likes to glide out from beneath the mattress. But it's a small price to pay for cool comfort on a warm summer night.
Full post and comments...Upmarket in a Small Town
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 by Chris
When I was in Northumberland County to tour Sheree and Clive's colourful country place, I stopped into nearby Warkworth where I was surprised to find the recently opened Toyls of Labur, a very downtown sort of emporium specializing in "goods manufactured by longstanding firms." The store's merchandise is united by quality and tradition rather than by utility; at Toyls of Labur you'll find everything from vases and cushions to housewares, grooming tools and fashion accessories. All the goods come from firms that have been in business for at least three generations.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Chris
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