Archives for December 2011

favourites

December 31, 2011 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

For the new year, I thought I would make a list of my favourite sites, (apart from my very favourites listed on the side bar.) But these sites are the ones I go to almost daily for inspiration, information or company–there a couple of food blogs, two or three sketching and design blogs and an excellent place for essays and book reviews. It’s hard to narrow down the choice, there is so much wonderful stuff available, but these are the ones that I have visited most this year.

1. brain pickings

2. Liz and Borromini and Sketching Architecture

3. Danny Gregory

4. 101 Cookbooks

5. Miss Moss

6. Sketch Away

7. Sara Barner. Her site has not been updated for a while, but you can also see her amazing leather here.

8. Lottie and Dorf

9. Skinny Laminx

10. Nina Johansson

christmas week images

December 30, 2011 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

perfectly imperfect

December 29, 2011 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

This time of year is always a time of reflection for me. The company has gone home, the leftovers still comprise a meal and the hours are open for quiet time. I am back at hooking my big rug, realizing just how long each of those paddles of coloured circles takes and how much time I still have to devote. There is little actually creative now, apart from combining the colours, but it is still a pleasure. And while hooking I am thinking about the past year. These photos and notes are the record of my perfectly imperfect life, the days and the creations. It was a big step for me, this public record, but overall, I think a good one. I would never have documented each product, each event, without it. And I would not have encountered so many lovely people through comments and notes. Thank you all so much for your support and interest.

Below is a poem about the beauty and necessity of imperfection by Molly Peacock and then a quotation from a recent blog entry by Danny Gregory, one of my favourite creators, reflecting on his son’s application to RISD. I hope you enjoy them and are encouraged to let your own red bird fly.

The Flaw

The best thing about a hand-made pattern
is the flaw.
Sooner or later in a hand-loomed rug,
among the squares and flattened triangles,
a little red nub might soar above a blue field,
or a purple cross might sneak in between
the neat ochre teeth of the border.
The flaw we live by, the wrong color floss,
now wreathes among the uniform strands
and, because it does not match,
makes a red bird fly,
turning blue field into sky.
It is almost, after long silence, a word
spoken aloud, a hand saying through the flaw,
I’m alive, discovered by your eye.

Molly Peacock © 2008
Used with permission of W.W. Norton and Company

“If a half-century of living on this sphere has taught me anything, it’s that regret is a waste of time, that one should seize every opportunity that comes one’s way, and that the fear of the unknown is just a one-way ticket into darkness. Fortunately, my son is braver than I am, less damaged, brighter, more confident in his abilities to change the world. He is my greatest work of art, of course I can’t claim all the credit.”

happy holiday

December 23, 2011 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

I want to wish everyone the very best of the holiday season. Thank you so much for visiting throughout the year and for leaving your lovely comments.

Christine

some endings and a beginning

December 22, 2011 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

I am winding down and ready for a break. Below is the last pile of mittens for 2011. Included in the pile is my first pair of men’s mittens (hidden in the back–dark, masculine tones, I assure you!) These are a special pair, lined with cashmere. Making these mittens is addictive–such fun to put the colours and patterns together. But ENOUGH!

And this is my final apron and my last piece of Marimekko fabric. I found some a couple of years ago in a store on Queen St. West in Toronto and of course, did not buy enough. And now the store is no longer there. Like Vera’s work, I have loved Marimekko since the 60’s when it was very available. This photo does not do justice to the wonderful designs on this coated fabric. If you click on Marimekko, you can view their fall fashion show–the fabrics are so inspiring. If you know where I can find some of this fabulous fabric, please let me know.

But on to new things. Below are two skirts I found in a thrift shop this week. They are both great quality leather, but the magenta is an amazing colour and not readily available in thrift stores. So…I am already planning a new bag. My inspiration is visiting on Christmas day, so we may have time to draft up a new design!

a couple of special bags

December 20, 2011 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

In a comment she made on yesterday’s post, Wendie talked about the joys of handmade gifts. I agree and am busy at this time of year trying to make all my ideas a reality. At left is a small pouch made for a special friend. I hope to do more silk screening with words in the new year.

Below is Carissa’s birthday Keller bag. It is made of a strong green leather, big enough for her laptop and with many pockets, including a small on one the back for her keys. The zippers are from the green Michael Kors suit–I used every inch of that leather and now the zippers. They are stronger than anything that I can buy on the market–hurray for upcycling.

hand made and reused

December 18, 2011 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

Over a year ago I made myself a promise that, as much as possible, I would buy hand made or second-hand, that I would avoid the imports which have inundated our lives. And I have been pretty true to the promise, except for my shoes which come from Spain–but I’ve allowed myself this loop-hole, rationalizing based on my comfort and support of a sagging economy! Otherwise my record is pretty good. It does help to have an amazing store in Picton, City Revival, where the ‘gently used’ clothing is beautiful and abundant.

However, it is the handmade that I want to write about. I am in such awe of the beautiful handmade items available and even more in awe of their creators. These artisans work all year to create and then stand for days and days at shows smiling and explaining as we handle their wares. It is not an easy life. Below are some of the beautiful things I bought for gift giving during my recent visit to Montreal.

The bowl on the left is made by Frédérique Bonmatin, the front bowl with the two marching birds and the two delightful houses are from Poterie Manu Reva on St-Laurent, a consignment store for potters.

And finally, a link to some other ceramics and so much more, a beautiful series of photos courtesy of Miss Moss. It’s worth the visit!

more from salons des metiers d’art

December 16, 2011 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

One of the displays was the Quilt of Belonging, ‘a stunning collaborative textile art project that shows there is a place for all in the fabric of society’. It is 120 feet long and has 263 blocks. We stayed for ages mesmerized by the rich variety and details of the blocks which moved around the colour wheel. The second last photo is the block made by Rosalie Yonaba-Bernier from butterfly wings. In her home in the Central African Republic the butterflies fill the sky and then die, leaving their colourful wings like petals on the ground.

Montreal

December 15, 2011 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

We are in Montreal for a few days. We went to the Salon des Metiers d’Art and a lovely cafe cum grocery store called Fuchsia. Here are some photos from the day. I am using an app for my ipad and it is not as flexible as the usual program (understatement!). First are two photos of the work of guest leather artisans from France, Cuir et Terre and Deux Filles en Fil, the pouch a purchase!

And then Fuchsia…for the perfect cup of cocoa and a lovely friend. Check out her new website.

owen’s work & Carissa’s surprise

December 12, 2011 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

My son, Owen, is an avid sailor and in his spare time he makes goods from recycled sails. Below are his toiletry bags–he cannot keep them in stock. These are made from a sail that survived the Olympics. I am delivering them this afternoon.

And…today is Carissa’s 28th birthday. We will not see her until the weekend, so I can’t show you her present. But here is a small hint. Sshhh..don’t tell her!