Paige Smith Designs

Xmas Treasures

2012-01-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

For my dear friend Barb, I gave her little christmas treasures wrapped with old sheet music and vintage newspaper clippings. They were finished with a sash of ribbon and bits of sparkly jewelry. So pretty.... Barb did not want to open them up!

Curiosity Cabinet

2011-12-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

Thank You Dottie Angel!

2011-10-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I helped out Janine at Uppercase Magazine stuffing envelopes and sewing stitching onto postcards for the new Dottie Angel book.

And to thank me for my helping hands, the artist herself Tif Fussell sent me a lovely hand-wrapped care package with a personalized note. It was a real treat opening up this treasure of goodies!

I am just thrilled that I was able to help out both of these very talented ladies. And I never thought doilies could be so cool.

Thank you Dottie Angel!

Studio Snippets

2011-10-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

School House on the Prairie

2011-09-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are a few more shots of the school house. There is just something about the color of weathered old wood that I just love — a perfectly muted brown grey. Unfortunately, the outside is covered in stucco, so not sure what year the school was built. Maybe the 40's or 50's? The inside walls are painted that hospital green color which I think was very popular back then.

It is too bad that my father has since passed away. I am sorry now that I never did think to ask questions such as "Where did the school house come from?" or "What year was it built?" Back then, my younger self did not have any interest in these kinds of things. Which is too bad. But that is life.

School House on the Farm

2011-09-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

I grew up on a farm just outside of the little town of Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. My dad was a farmer, but he liked to collect and tinker with old cars in his personal time. Back in the late 60's, he had an old one-room school house moved to the farm to use as a shop for his tools and parts. As a kid, I never understood why he had a school house for a shop. Why did he not have a shop like everybody else? But now, I can have a greater appreciation for the fact that there is a school house on the farm. And not everybody can say they have that!

Button Love

2011-08-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

I know that this post would be more appropriate for Valentine's Day. But I just happened to sort through my button collection this weekend and discovered a beautiful way to keep and display all of my pink vintage buttons.

The heart shaped chocolate box was a treasure I saved from my mom when I was a little girl. When I was in Grade 6, I remember baking heart-shaped sugar cookies and decorating them with pink icing and presenting them to my school teachers in the staff lounge. I also distinctly remember lining the bottom of the box very carefully with wax paper. To this day, I am so grateful that my teachers returned the valentine's box back to me once all of the cookies were gone.

Happy in Pink

2011-08-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

I think I have an obsession for everything pink these days. It just simply makes me happy. And I am feeling a need for some major 'happy' right now.

Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I find that opening up my jewelry boxes and playing with my collection of vintage jewelry is a quick fix to distract me from my concerns. To be honest, I wear very little of any of the pieces, but I am happy I have the necklaces and earrings to admire and love. So sparkly and pretty. Just what a girl needs some days.

What is your 'happy'?

Tinsel Trading Co.

2011-08-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Of all the amazing stores I had the chance to shop at while in New York, I would have to say that browsing through the aisles in the Tinsel Trading Co. was my all-time favorite. Too bad I was not able to get a shot of the store from the outside. I was there later in the day and the street was already in shadow from the buildings across the street. But no matter. Inside, it was a crafters dream full of vintage flowers, buttons, ribbons, german glitter, trims and so much more. But I think I am more of a collector, because I have no intentions of using any of the bits and bobs that I brought home. I guess this is verging on hoarding now. Oh well, that's me!

Olde Good Things

2011-07-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just a few days before leaving for NYC, I discovered another book by Sibella Court called The Stylist's Guide to NYC in Anthropologie. It was perfect timing because I found out about a lot of interesting places that I may have not stumbled across on my own. One of the stores I had the opportunity to check out was Olde Good Things (page 62 in the book). Lots of brass door knobs, metal letters, marble fireplaces and stuff galore — too much to mention!

NYC Antiques Garage

2011-07-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

One of the best times I had while in NYC was checking out the Antiques Garage Flea Market. During the week, it is a parking garage, and then on weekends it is turned into flea market heaven. I definitely came home with a few goodies!

Wedding Inspiration Table

2011-07-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Since getting engaged in New York, all I have on my mind now is everything about the wedding. Looking at my own parents wedding pictures, I have always loved the color scheme of my mom's baby pink dress (her second marriage) and my dad's chocolate brown suit. Since they have both passed away, I would like to incorporate the memory of them into my own wedding. So using this as an inspiration, I am going to bring the color scheme of earthy browns and pale pinks into the look and feel of the ceremony and reception. It is going to be vintage, rustic and elegant.

Obsessionistas

2011-07-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

A short while ago, I was contacted by Helen at Obsessionistas, a new blog about collectors and their collections, based out of the UK. She had stumbled across my ring holders while doing a google search for tea cup collections and was very interested in sharing my story with the readers of her blog. You can read the interview here.

Brooklyn Flea Market

2011-06-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

One of the big highlights of going to New York was the flea markets. Here I am at the entrance to the Brooklyn Flea market that is held every Saturday at Fort Greene in the schoolyard of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. Most of the vendors from this market then move to Williamsburg on Sunday.

Craig and I arrived mid Saturday morning and although the weather was quite drab and grey, luckily it did not rain. The flea market is also well known for its amazing food from a huge selection of vendors. So, as Craig went straight for the food line-up, I went looking for treasures. And there were many treasures to be found!

John Derian NYC

2011-06-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

One of the stores on my must-go-see list while I was in New York was John Derian. Walking into the store was exactly what I imagined it to be. I was completely overwhelmed with the amazing selection of decoupaged paper weights, plates and vases. Luckily, I could take my sweet time and savour it as I made my way through the store. I was in heaven!

Anthro NYC

2011-05-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are a few pics I took inside the Anthropologie store at Chelsea Market in NYC. I absolutely love the shelving unit with all of the skinny drawers. It would be a piece of heaven in my studio!

Did you know that they carry wallpaper? There were some sheets in a drawer but I did not know if they were samples or not. I love the turquoise/gold butterfly pattern....and of course, they were a small fortune per roll.

Either there is a trend in transforming found objects into unusual and functional lamps, or that is what ended up catching my eye....

Anthropologie Chelsea Market NYC

2011-05-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Going to New York City was a dream come true. And it was even more of a thrill when the Anthropologie at the Chelsea Market still had 2 ring holders left on display in a vintage pharmacy cabinet. Since the ring holders were shipped out last fall, I was not sure if any of them were still going to be left for me to see them in person. I am just relieved that they have not been discounted and thrown into the SALE room!

I have more pics that I sneaked of the interior of Anthro that I will share in another post. I admit that a ridiculous amount of time has gone by since my last post. I am truly sorry for falling off the wagon and hope to get back into the swing of things. I will be back!

Happy Easter Monday

2011-04-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, a bunch of us lovely girls got together to put on a little Easter tea party. We made those fancy little sandwiches and lots of other nibbles including mini red velvet cupcakes. We got the inspiration from Martha to make the darling little bird nests that were used as place cards for each guest. And we used pussy willows to hang egg decorations that we made with orgami paper — another Martha idea. Thanks Martha!

Easter Eggs

2011-04-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Pink Boudoir Moodboard

2011-03-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

Sketchbook No. 1

2011-03-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

I have always kept a sketchbook. Back in art school, it was a requirement but I did not mind. I loved keeping a sketchbook because it was a place to explore ideas and capture notes without any judgement. Well, that is until I let my inner critic out of the closet....

Now, I have black coil bound sketchbooks where I collect images of everything that inspires me. And I realize that A LOT inspires me. Everything from fashion and home décor accessories to handmade crafts and beautiful packaging. My tastes and the range of stuff that I find inspiring is endless. How can I love so much? Oh, but I do....

And to be honest, I clip images of what I love out of magazines faster than I can glue-stick them into my sketchbooks. I am so far behind that if I was to stack up all of the pages I have clipped out already, it would come up to my knees. And I am not kidding!!! Is there group therapy for this?

Happy clipping....snip, snip, snip....

Restocked in Anthropologie

2011-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

To my pleasant surprise, more ring holders have been restocked at Anthropologie in Calgary. I am happy to see that they have been positioned on the vintage artist table/easel with all of the sparkly jewelry.

Thank you to Melissa and Jaime at Anthropologie for giving a small artist like myself the opportunity to fulfill my dream (more like Fantasy!) of seeing my ring holders sold in my favorite store of all time. I wish that all of the orphaned saucers ring holders find many happy homes.

Study No.1

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

Crochet Snowflakes

2011-02-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, trees outside my condo building were being trimmed. I instantly ran over and asked the workers if I could have a branch or two. Yes, they looked at me like I was some crazy woman getting excited over broken tree branches. I did not really have a chance to pick what I wanted so I had to take what they threw into my arms. And I walked away quickly before they changed their minds!

Around christmas time at the flea market, I found these lovely crocheted snowflakes that have already been perfectly starched. And I added a few stray strands of glass beads for some sparkle. I never did have a christmas tree this past year, so now I have a winter tree (there is still lots of snow here!) that greets me in my hallway as I come through my front door.

Vintage Display Case

2011-02-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

I must admit that I have not been in a writing mood yet this year. I think I have lost my voice. Hopefully it is only temporary and I will find my way back. Or maybe I feel like there is a black void and I am not sure who is out there reading this, if at all.

For those of you who do visit my blog, I am so very grateful for your interest. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! If you can leave me a comment letting me know that you are out there, I would so gratefully appreciate it!

For now, I am sharing with you a composition I created in a vintage glass display case many months ago. I am really loving the earthy tones from nature as well as the patina of old objects. I usually don't like brass but the binoculars have aged wonderfully. Until next time...

Happy LOVE Day!

2011-02-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Love Type

2010-12-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

Everything Toile

2010-12-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I had the greatest time with my friend Barb and the girls from Everything Toile. Kelly has converted her detached garage into a haven of prettiness with French shabby vintage finds and handmade paper ornaments. It is a little piece of heaven where the girls — Kelly, Carolyn and Jenny — get crafty and surround themselves with everything that is beautiful and wonderful. Thank you for inviting me over for your 'Christmas in France' show and sale that took me away from my normal day for just a few precious hours. I can't wait to go back!

Birthday Tea Party

2010-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Today I held a little birthday tea party for my friends, Sylvie and Alissa. We dressed up in furs and hats like high-society ladies and sipped tea from our fancy china cups. Thanks for a fun and girly afternoon!

Wine Gift Tubes

2010-11-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Barb and I went out antiquing for an afternoon. While we were in an antique mall, we found this amazing old book of German sheet music with the most beautiful title sheets. We both just fell in love and just had to have it. But what were we going to do with it? We had no idea at the time but knew that we would be hit by inspiration later.

So one day over chit-chat at Barb's house, while we were splitting up the book to each get our share of the pages, we started bouncing ideas back and forth about what we could make with this little bit of history.

After many ideas were visualized, I settled on the idea of using the sheet music as decoration for a wine gift tube. You can buy the plain cardboard forms at Michaels for around $5 and they come with a lid that fits on top.

I did not want to wreck the originals so I had color copies made of a few of the pages. This way I did not have to concern myself with screwing up the original and could make as many copies as I wanted. And besides, I was going to cover it with a coat of matte Modge Podge to adhere it to the cardboard tube.

Once I glued the sheet music to the form and let it dry, I scrounged around in my scrap pile of trims and tassels and many other trinkets. I glued a glass knob to the top of the lid, added a chunky trim with tassels, and put a silk cord through the tube for a handle. After tying the ribbon around the glass knob, it was done. Just like that. It was so easy!

I am thrilled as to how it turned out and I plan to make more for the holiday gift giving season. But for now, I am keeping this one part of my holiday display of decorations. And even after Christmas has come and gone, it will still look good with my home décor and I can squirrel away goodies into it!

Saucer Sunday

2010-11-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

OK, I know it is Monday but I have this new idea and I am already a day behind!

Every Sunday I will be featuring a beautiful saucer out of my collection. I will try to provide as much information about it as I possibly can. The saucer will eventually be made into a stunning ring holder, but until then, it will be admired on my shelf with the rest of my saucer collection.

This saucer was manufactured by Coalport. Unfortunately, this beautiful design does not have a pattern name. I like it when there is a name because it usually hints to the design of the saucer and then it is easy to reference to it later. But if this saucer had a name, it would be something like 'Meadow Birds'. What would you call it? I would love to know your ideas so please leave a comment below.

About the Company
Coalport is an English china manufacturer founded by John Rose (1772-1841) after he had trained as a potter in Caughley, Shropshire, under Thomas Turner, a potter with a revolutionary approach to making porcelain.

After the Great Depression, Coalport was sold to English china manufacturer Cauldron Works. In the end, this resulted in the closure of the Coalport factory. In 1967, Wedwood purchased Coalport. As a result, Coalport is now produced at the Wedgwood factory in the village of Barlaston, Staffordshire, in the Potters region of England.

Lot of Saucers

2010-11-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

My boyfriends mom, Lucille, lives out east at Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario. All summer, she has been on a mission out searching for saucers at garage sales and antique stores. Through an antique dealer, she made an offer for a huge lot of saucers. The saucers once belonged to his Godmother (she recently passed away) who also had an antique store in Jordan, ON. Lucille sent me a big brown box of all 59 saucers and luckily, they made it to me safe and sound!

Lucille loves this lime green saucer. So as a token of thanks and appreciation, I will be making her this saucer into a ring holder that matches the colors in her bedroom perfectly.

Ring Holders in Anthropologie

2010-11-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

A very big thanks goes out to Janine of Uppercase Gallery for taking photos of my ring holders in the Anthropologie store in Seattle. Just to see this is a dream come true! I would love to see them myself in person — but I will have to wait for the Anthropologie store opening up next month in Calgary.

Double-Tier Jewelry Holder

2010-11-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Car in the Snow

2010-11-12T23:48:00.000-08:00

Last year when I went home for Christmas (I know, I know, it was almost a year ago, but I just found these pics today!) Michael and I came across these old cars in the bush on a neighbours farm.

I have always loved freshly fallen snow that looks like fluffy marshmallows.

Site Updates

2010-11-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have finally had a chance to update my current web site with some new content.

On the home page, new callouts are featured which link to my etsy store, my facebook page, and of course, this blog.

My portrait image has also been updated. A big thank you goes out to Oliver Harrison for a wonderful photo shoot.

And finally, I have been fortunate to have some media coverage. Here are a few articles from the past few years. Enjoy!

Tea Cup Jewelry Holders

2010-11-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

People always ask me, "What do you do with the tea cups?" Good question!

I have dabbled in a few projects and yet nothing quite seems to be the perfect solution. I have seen in magazines — I think it was Domino — where you can hold and display your jewelry in the dainty tea cups. I recently acquired a vintage dresser which I lined the drawers with wallpaper (from Home Depot). I think it provides the perfect nesting place for my tea cup collection. And now I can see all of my baubles displayed beautifully in the top drawer of my dresser.

Golden Lace

2010-10-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Another Sneak Peak

2010-10-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon at my good friend's house having a little photoshoot of my ring holders. Barb of Honey B's has the most amazing beautiful home so it was easy to make my work look great. Thank you Barb for generously opening up your home and letting me take these photos. I am still no pro but I feel that I am improving and learning lots as I take more pictures. I will feature more very soon! XO

In Memory of Marilyn

2010-10-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sneak Preview

2010-09-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

I just found out that a new Anthropologie store is opening up in Calgary. I am so thrilled! I am hoping that a few ring holders will be distributed here for the opening in Nov/Dec 2010. Here is a sneak peek of one of my favorite vintage saucer designs that will make it home with someone new very soon.

Viracocha

2010-09-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Further along on Valencia Street, another interesting store called Viracocha caught my attention. The pictures do not even come close in showing how cool this store was. Although it was very masculine, I could see the potential of a few pieces blended into a softer and feminine décor. Here is a taste of it....

Radio Habana Social Club

2010-09-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

While walking down Valencia Street in San Francisco, Craig and I came across this crazy and wacky store front called Radio Habana Social Club. It was closed but we peeked inside to catch a glimpse of what it was like inside. And it was just as crazy as it was on the outside. I love how these old items have been transformed.....a view master is the head of an octopus; a bike helmet is a turtle...very witty and clever. And of course, a little bit creepy.

SCRAP

2010-09-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

I was in San Francisco for a few days and had the time of my life. I love that city and did not want to come home!

I had heard about a reuse/recycle place called SCRAP so it was a 'must see' thing to do. It is definitely located off of the beaten path; but with a rented car and GPS, my boyfriend Craig and I found it fairly easily. I left happy with a smile on my face and goodies in my hands.

I was not sure what to expect walking in but it was instantly a feast for the eyes. For the most part, I was impressed with how organized it was considering the amount of stuff that must go in and out of those doors.

The Big Send Off

2010-08-25T17:51:00.001-07:00

Today was the big, big day when the first 150 ring holders were shipped off to Anthropologie. Yay! I am thrilled and excited and completely exhausted!

Mr. Pepper

2010-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pepper has arrived! Here he is in all of his wonderful glory. A big thanks to Amy Flynn for putting Mr. Pepper together and making him come alive.

Pretty in Pink

2010-05-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mom!

2010-05-08T10:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Boxes

2010-05-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

There is a baby boom where I work. Four of my colleagues are about to head off on maternity leave so the rest of the girls held a baby shower. One of the ideas was to give 'well wishes' to the new moms. We needed something to hold the small notes/cards. So, my friend Natalija and I dressed up store bought boxes from Michaels with trims and bits and bobs. It was so much fun and so easy to do!

Shoegazing

2010-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Uppercase magazine has a call out for entries called Shoegazing; basically, cool shots of your feet. Unfortunately, I had a technical difficulty while I was in Paris and ALL of my images are the lowest of low res. So tragic! Anyways, here are a few shots of my feet just to say 'I was here!'

My feet at Marie Antoinettes little palace.

My feet at Sacra Couer.

Mr. Pepper

2010-05-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak preview of the bits and pieces that will make up Mr. Pepper. Amy has been little miss speedy and Mr. Pepper is on his way in the mail and should be here any day now. Can't wait!

BEADS 2010 Magazine

2010-05-05T11:46:00.001-07:00

I just received my latest issue of BEADS 2010 magazine in the mail. And a BIG thank-you goes out to Danielle Fox, the editor of the magazine who requested to include my ring holder design in the Cool Organization pages.

Amy Flynn's Fobots

2010-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

In the latest issue of Flea Market Style, I discovered the amazing work of Amy Flynn. Based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, she makes Fobots; the combination of Found - Object - Robot.

Using forgotten objects that you would find deep in the junk drawer or Dad's old tool box, she brings Fobots to life with their funky hats and quirky expressions.

Amy mainly sells her creations through various art festivals around the United States. Anthropologie (my dream store!) also carry's her unique and one-of-a-kind Fobots online (as well, they were featured in the November catalog).

Amy's eclectic work of Fobots have even had their moment of fame when they were used in an episode of Ugly Betty. How cool is that?!

Amy also does custom orders so I am thrilled that she has accepted to make me my very own Fobot with select pieces from my junk collection. The inspiration comes from an old Watkins Black Pepper can from my childhood. My dad loved his black pepper so this is a keepsake in memory of him.

Stay tuned for a sneak peak into the goodies that are going to make my fobot, Mr. Pepper.

Beauty Rings True

2010-04-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who cannot get your hands on an actual Stephen magazine, you can read the entire article here. Thanks to Anna of the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts for giving me permission to post it to my blog. Read on and enjoy!

STEPHEN: How did you come up with the idea of ring-holders?

Paige Smith: I had taken a sabbatical from my full-time “real” job with an intention just to play. I got onto the idea of making jewellery holders. I started with bigger ones shaped like figures, then I simplified them to the base and saucer.

S: What role does style play in your life?

PS: Style to me is beauty. I just want to be surrounded by beautiful things. I want to be in love with the things in my life, like a person in love with a necklace they wear. It makes them feel good — and that to me, is style.

S: What is your personal style?

PS: Eclectic. Only because I’m a designer — and I love too much. I can love everything from classical to hip and modern. I don’t define myself by one style and I don’t think I ever could.

One constant for me is… vintage. Growing up, my parents were collectors in their own way —nothing was ever new, everything was old and I hated it (laughs). But now, that’s my roots, where I come from and that’s where I feel most at home. I live in a modern condo, but I have random collections of journals, writings, letters, antique buttons, etc. I’m all about mixing the old with the new.

S: Do you think style is important to arts and culture in Calgary? How do you find your style plays into your experience of arts and culture?

PS: I find that sometimes, in your own city, you can get stuck in your own little bubble and then when you go somewhere new, you’re so excited — everything is so cool and new!

But we forget that there are so many cool things going on right here in our city. It takes being open to things you might not normally be open to. It gives you more — being open to the power of “yes”. It’s so important. Say yes to it all.

S: Do you have a style icon?

PS: I can’t narrow it down to just one…though a while ago there was an Oprah show on “women who make beautiful things,” and I thought — I want to be a woman who makes beautiful things! I started collecting papers and photos of beautiful things in binders, so it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one person, or one medium.

It’s all about the creative process for me. [It’s about] how that person infuses the creative process into their life. It’s not a separate thing for me. There’s a real art to that.

My style inspiration is beauty but I also find beauty in things that people would probably not find beautiful. I went to art school and went through dark and angst-filled days, so maybe that’s where that comes from. (laughs)

Stephen Magazine

2010-03-13T15:16:00.000-08:00

In the latest issue of Stephen magazine, published by the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts in Calgary, I was interviewed by Anna Blaxley. I met Anna at the Make It craft show last year where I was selling my ring holders. She said she was looking for people who had great style and she thought I would be a great fit. Really? Me? I was flattered.

Being my very first interview (ever!), I was not sure what to expect. I kept thinking "I wish I had been given a cheat sheet of the questions" before meeting with her so that I could have had witty and intelligent responses already lined up and ready to go. It was so hard to think that fast. But it was fun!

Silpada Jewelry Party

2010-03-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came over for the Silpada Jewelry party yesterday afternoon. I had fun planning out my vintage props for the jewelry displays. Take a look.

XOXOXOX

2010-02-28T08:46:00.001-08:00

Pretty in Pink

2010-02-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Tweet Tweet

2010-02-27T16:34:00.001-08:00

Pretty Little Things

2010-02-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful morning when I had a chance to check out a new store in Inglewood called Pretty Little Things.

I had such a great chat with the owner and was completely enthralled with the eclectic mix of vintage clothing, furniture, accessories and of course, china saucers. Here are a few of my 'new' treasures....

I love my little bunny.

These children shoe forms are simply adorable.

And since I bought my large IKEA mirror that I have leaning up against a wall, I have been envisioning that it needed something 'flourishy'. So when I found this salvaged wood decoration, most likely from an old vanity dresser, I just knew that it was exactly what I was looking for. I think I will paint it white, but for now, it is perfect.

Happy Love Day

2010-02-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

XXXOOO!!!!

Avenue Design Competition

2010-02-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have exciting news to share!

My ring holder design has been selected as a finalist in the Avenue magazine Design Inside the Box Competition. To get a recap on the entry, read about it here.

Westmorland

2010-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

At the end of last year, I received a request from a lovely lady who wanted to know if I did international shipping. I never considered it before because of the distance and potential breakage of a ring holder. It took 7 - 8 weeks to get to Glasgow, Scotland; and she left such sweet feedback that I just had to share....

hurrah and woop and joy of joys my package arrived!

packed up with tender loving care, me and my mum looked through the pages of the calgary herald - news from across the water is somehow so much more exciting, thank you for making my package safe and encased in bubble wrap invincibility :)

well, as for my ring holder its a thing to beholden, heavy and reassuring and opulent, perfect for my collection of favourite rings and what nots.

thank you very much for a lovely transaction and especially for going out of your way to get it all the way to me safe and sound.

westmorland will be deary loved and an heirloom in future years for sure :)

love and best wishes,

ruthy :x

Frugal and Fancy

2010-02-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled that my work has been featured in the 4th issue of Uppercase Magazine. A big huge thanks to Janine for including me on page 89 where "orphaned saucers (are) turned into adopted treasures". I just love her coined phrase 'frugal and fancy' which is 'the art of taking a discarded object and repurposing it into something beautiful, useful and treasured.'

Doodles

2010-01-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Every couple of weeks I go to Heirloom Antiques to buy more saucers from the collection of Mary Nielson. There are shelves upon shelves with stacks of saucers. I love going through them all, one by one, and carefully making my selections. I put the ones I have picked into a 'Oh, my God, have-to-have-it' pile and then a 'maybe, I-am-not-sure' pile.

The saucer pictured here is one of those 'have-to-have-it'. I have been collecting saucers for a few years now and it amazes me that I can still find saucers that absolutely take my breath away. And believe it or not, this pattern was manufactured by Royal Albert. I find a lot of Royal Albert and the patterns have become very stale for me. So I am totally mistaken to think that Royal Albert was the 'white bread' of fine china.

I only wish that there was a pattern name on the back. I like it when there is one because it gives it meaning; otherwise, I am lost as to how to reference it. So in need of a proper name, I will call this pattern 'doodles', just like the loopy doodles I draw with my pen when I am daydreaming.

Senorita

2010-01-24T17:07:00.000-08:00

My usual ritual on Sundays is a trip to the local Hillhurst-Sunnyside flea market. It has always been my intention to photograph my thrifty finds here on this blog. Thus so far, this has never happened. But today, here is a pic of a saucer that I scooped up. I absolutely adore it.

The name of the pattern is Senorita by Royal Albert. It features a pink rose in the middle with a border of black lace, also referred to as 'Spanish Lace'. This design was manufactured in the 1950's. I think it is as beautiful and elegant today as it was back then produced over 50 years ago.

Inside the Box

2010-01-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I entered my ring holder(s) design into Avenue Magazine's Design Inside the Box Competition.

The competition was open to professional, student and amateur interior and industrial designers who have created functional pieces of furniture and home decor accessories.

Winning entries will be included in the May 2010 issue and the designer showcase at Domicile Interiors. There will be an auction which will go partly to the designer, Avenue, and Inn from the Cold.

Not sure when I will hear anything (if at all). So wish me luck!

Egg Doll House

2009-11-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have fond memories of playing with this house and family of egg dolls (not sure what else to call them!) The front and roof of the house would open up to see all of the rooms inside.

I had fun playing with the macro setting of my camera to get super close to the little people sitting in the living room.

Do you feel like you are being watched?

I did not realize until after I had taken the photos that the eye of one of my dolls was peeking through in the window!

I feel like a peeping Tom spying into another little world....

Up in the Attic

2009-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

This past spring, I went home to the farm where I grew up, just a mile or so outside of Quill Lake, SK. For an entire weekend, my two brothers and I worked to clean out the attic of the farmhouse.

Our parents were from the generation and the kind of people who never threw anything out. Over the years, my parents slowly piled stuff up into the attic. And after 30 years, it all finally saw the light of day.

I was amazed to find that my mom had saved a lot of my toys from when I was a little girl. I still love my Mr. Bunny, although he is dirty and in pretty rough shape.

I also found a box of shoes from my childhood. It is hard to believe that these used to be my shoes! I kept the red and blue plaid pair of sneakers (bottom left of picture). You may be wondering where I put all of these nostalgic items from my childhood. I store every treasure in a leather brown vintage suitcase that I found up in the attic.

I found this little guy squished and flattened by a huge box. He also came home with me.

Here are a few of the dolls I played with. My worst crime was always cutting their hair!

There were cardboard boxes, carpet samples and tons of miscellaneous crap. What we deemed garbage was thrown into the old blue truck and hauled off to the 'nuisance grounds'.

Good riddance!

THE END.

Tea Time in Paris

2009-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

I sneaked a photo of this beautiful fine bone china tea set from the Musee de Decoratifs in Paris (Spring 2007).

The Saucer Lady

2009-11-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

I had the fortunate luck to visit an antique store called Heirlooms Antiques Calgary. When I saw shelves with stacks and stacks of saucers, I was absolutely in heaven. My eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store!

The store owners, Bill and Bente Picken were so kind to tell me about the lady who used to own them. About 5 years ago, they bought the entire collection of saucers from Mary Nielsen, who had collected more than 18,000 saucers over a 50 year period. They still have about two or three thousand left, with about 600 in the store.

She had always wanted to have her collection featured in a museum, but sadly, this never happened. So, instead, her home in Montgomery (N.W.) of Calgary, became her museum where she displayed her saucers throughout the entire house. The living room was known as the 'Blue Room' for its collection of blue and white fine bone china.

Believe it or not, the cost of admission to view the collection was a saucer; which Mary put the date and name of the person on a piece of tape to the back of the saucer, so she would remember where she got it. Complimentary tea and cookies were also served.

There were so many beautiful saucers to choose from, it was hard to not buy them all! But here are a few pics of the saucers I finally brought home. I will be making and selling ring holders that will be specially marked as from 'The Mary Nielsen Collection'.

Postmarks

2009-11-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I had time to kill while I was waiting for an appointment. So, I decided to check out the IODE thrift store on 1st S.W, the new and upcoming area with trendy stores and restaurants. It seems very odd that there is a second-hand store sandwiched between the Chocolate and Colours hi-rise condos.

Walking in, it feels like nobody else knows about this place but you; but I am sure I am not the only one who thinks this place is a little gem. There is the usual racks of vintage clothing and knick knacks. And after paying only a few dollars, I came home with pretty vintage buttons and a bag of used stamps.

I generally do not collect stamps for their inherent value but more for the creative possibility of using them in collages. And just by looking at the stamps through the clear plastic bag, I could tell that they were Canadian stamps of an older vintage; when stamps used to cost pennies!

So when I came home, I sifted through the bag to look at the stamps in closer detail. It was only when I started looking at the postmarks that I realized that they were all from Saskatchewan, and specifically from the towns around the area where I grew up: Wadena, Spalding, Watson, Wynyard, Naicam and on and on....I was in shock when I came across postmarked stamps from Quill Lake, the town I am originally from before moving to Calgary when I was 18. How bizarre that of all things, I would pick up a bag of used stamps from Saskatchewan in Calgary. And they are all dated from the 1960's. I wasn't even born yet! I am so curious as to who collected these stamps and how they ended up being in a second-hand thrift store.

I truly believe that for some inexplicable reason, I was drawn to that store, on that day, to find a true treasure that was meant to come home with me.

I Made It!

2009-11-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is a much belated big 'thank you' for everyone who came out to support me at the Make It! show last weekend. It was a great experience and a huge success. I met lots of new people, visited with friends and family, and even reconnected with old acquaintances I had not seen for years.

A very big special thanks goes out to my dear friend Joan for helping me set up on Friday. She kept me sane and grounded (while I was so close to losing it!) when we had technical difficulties getting up my sign. And a very big, big thanks also goes out to my new special love Craig, who was the muscle behind loading and unloading everything.

If you were not able to 'make it' out to the show, here are a few pics (this is for Dennis, serving over in Afghanistan).

Stringing Magazine

2009-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I received a wonderful email from Danielle Fox, the editor of Stringing Magazine — a how-to jewelry publication. She found my work on etsy and thought my ring stands were 'exquisite'. She asked if she could feature one of my ring holders for an article on jewelry storage/organization — and of course I had to say 'yes'!

And so below is a detail from the magazine layout. I love how fresh and bright it is! What a great job they did ('they' meaning Danielle) styling the shot and displaying the ring holder. I am so thrilled that my work is getting out there!

Make It!

2009-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

I am getting very excited about doing the upcoming show called Make It! It is only my second show since doing Portobello West last September. So, I am busy in the studio making new work and adding new touches to the design of my display. It is being held at the Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1st Street S.W.) from Friday, November 6 (4 PM - 8 PM), on Saturday, November 7 (11 AM - 6 PM) to Sunday, November 8 (11 AM - 5PM). Oh, and there is a $5 dollar admission at the door. Hope to see you there!

New Etsy Look

2009-10-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

I am trying out a new look for my etsy shop.

I have always felt that it looked so busy with all of the ring holders positioned at different angles for the main feature image. So now, I have simplified the views by featuring all of the ring holders at a birds eye view straight down. I like the graphic repetitive shapes of the round saucers — and plus, now you can see the entire design and detail of each china pattern.

Check it out here!

Vintage Bottles

2009-08-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

On my travels to the flea market last weekend, I found a lovely old vintage bottle; its lid still intact for added character and charm. And priced at only $1 it was even more sweet!

It made me think of the work of Anna Corba, an artist I have always admired from afar. She is the queen of collecting vintage ephemera and transforming simple things such as vintage bottles, lined notebooks, gift tags and candle jars into miniature works of art.

So, with my collection of vintage ephemera such as silk ribbon, decorative cord, playing card, and letter medalion, I set out to create my own version of an 'Anna Corba inspired' vintage bottle. It was so simple to make but I think the result is amazing. So pretty!

In the Studio

2009-08-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have always been inspired by looking into the studios of other artists. There is a great magazine called 'Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women'. Although it is a magazine, it feels more like a book because of the size of the issue and quality of the printing. Not sure if my studio is worthy to grace the pages of this magazine at the moment. But I tell myself that it is a work in progress; just like my art.

Button Brooches

2009-07-27T16:46:00.001-07:00

I have tons of buttons and I was inspired to make brooches with them. Large buttons work the best and I paired them with plastic belt loops for the base. I just added a brooch pin in the back and voila! Instant vintage fabulous for my coat.

Spread the Love

2009-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

For the latest issue of Uppercase magazine (number 2!), I sent Janine a paper maché heart wrapped like a parcel with stamps and twine string. She was thrilled to receive it and it made her stressful day "much nicer". So now she has made my day by including it in the Postal Service page of the magazine.

Interesting tidbit behind my heart; I made this piece almost fifteen years ago and it was the first and last time I ever used paper maché. I am so happy it has finally found the perfect home.

One of the great many things about Uppercase magazine is that there is always a call to artists and writers to participate in each issue. Lots of fun stuff to do. Check it out!

I Heart Art

2009-07-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Saucer Heaven

2009-07-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at the flea market, I was inquiring with a vendor if they had any single saucers to sell. Unknown to me at the time, a lady overheard my conversation and her ears perked up. She came over to me later to say that she had a huge collection of saucers which she was wishing to sell. Turns out that her mother, now 86, had collected saucers as a hobby for many years of her life. I bought her entire collection — a total of 480 saucers. I was on cloud nine!

Christmas in July

2009-07-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

This past spring, I went through some things (um, I mean, lots of junk!) in my mom's basement. I found this really ratty box of old christmas ornaments. A label on the box states that they were 'Made in Japan'. They are probably not worth a dime but I can still see their beauty reflecting back to me.

And yes, you can see me in some of the ornaments!

Pretty Little Things

2009-07-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

For awhile now I have been collecting vintage earrings at the flea market. I realize that turning them into magnets is not a new idea. But what an easy and quick way to transform them into something useful again. I think they are even more beautiful the second time around!

Brown Family

2009-07-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I finished making a shadowbox for my Aunt Marilyn. Her maiden name is Brown and she wanted to display the photographs of her family history. The images shown do not include the frame of the shadowbox.

Numbers for Dinner

2009-04-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

The other day I popped in to see Janine at Uppercase Gallery to say hello and give my personal congrats on her recent launch of the new magazine full of curiosities. I can't wait to eat up every page with delight!

Like a bad habit, I am always collecting and I find that it is always more fun to give away things to those who will appreciate them the most. So I knew that these numbered napkin holders would fit perfectly at home with Janine. And it became the inspiration for a Type Tuesday!

Santa came early!

2008-12-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

Santa could not wait for Christmas day so we opened up presents early this year. I have been a very good girl! He gave me a Canon 40D camera.

I am so thrilled! For me, this is like going from driving a hatchback to a Hummer. I have lots to learn so I am reading the instruction manual like the bible. I started using the camera this afternoon so here are the results of me playing around with it. Pretty amazing considering that I only used natural lighting (late in the day) and winged it with no tripod. As I get the hang of it, I will be sure to post more. Wish me luck!

Etsy store

2008-12-11T19:58:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce that I have launched a store on Etsy. A small selection of ring holders featuring china patterns from Grosvenor, Royal Standard and Paragon are available to purchase online.

Be sure to check back in the new year when I will have more beautiful pieces listed. The images below are a few items from the store. Happy shopping!

I have been hunted. Cool, eh?

2008-12-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled that my ring holders were selected as one of the product picks in Calgary's Avenue Magazine's 2008 Cool Hunter Gift Guide.

Pick up a magazine to read about it on page 58 or check out the 'plethora of presents' at avenuecalgary.com. Drop by Honey B's Vintage Home Decor in Kensington to see the selection available for holiday gift giving.