poodlebreath

January Etsy Wish List

2010-01-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my

favorite finds for January:

Campfire by groundwork

Cutest artist craft vintage blouse smock pockets from lethilogica

Custom Mugs by BROOKLYNrehab

Love by Loudcloudpress

place setting by gleenashop

Elka Tree Print by Marmas

Justin Lacer Boots from TopsyDesign

Steamer Trunk from TopsyDesign

Kimono Bag A by AnnaLela

Witaka Eye by brownrose

Plein Air Portrait

2010-01-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled across an old interview I had with Scout Magazine in the fall and thought I would post it here. When they asked for a picture of me for the interview, I panicked as I realized I didn't have an appropriate portrait of myself. So I went into the back yard and held an old framed print of a landscape behind me and had my boyfriend take some shots. The lighting worked out perfectly, as it was an overcast cloudy day in vancouver (per usual) so the light was diffused. I was so surprised that it looked like a studio shot. If you want to try this method, make sure to use a long lens, ( a 90mm or longer) as shorter lenses distort the photo. I think the most common portraiture mistake comes from the photographer shooting too close to the subject with a short lens.

A Tea Party From The High North

2010-01-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

I was recently included in this lovely treasury titled Tea Party. It was created by ELINE OFTEDAL and can be found on her lovely blog From The High North.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

2009-12-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

I watched Wes Anderson's new film Fantastic Mr. Fox

this weekend. It's based on the children's book by

Roald Dahl,and it was absolutely brilliant.

Here are some clips on the making of the movie.

Let it snow...

2009-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's a cold blustery day outside and I am starting to decorate the house with cozy christmas cheer. Here are some lovely etsy finds I came across while snuggling up inside my warm house waiting for snow.

Snowflakes Gift Box by cakeboxcookies

Portrait of an old shack by garyhellerphotograph

Medium Paper Tree Silhouette by jennyleefowler

Bad Feather Day by MuddyRiverPhotos

vintage SUGAR PLUM FAIRY dress by SimpleThrift

Golden Pine Cone by BlueDoveStudio

marichelle lace necklace by whiteowl

The Wrap in Dark Teal by beauandmarigoldshop

Victorian Angel Chenille Christmas Ornaments by

oldworldprimitives

Christmas Is In The Air

2009-12-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

When I woke up today the white christmas lights from across the street had cast the most nostalgic wintery glow into my living room. Christmas break is around the corner and I find myself searching etsy for the coziest delights...

Translucent porcelain cup by Stepanka

Mechanical Animals-animal paper dolls by Ohmycavalier

3 Deer Heads Wall Decal by DecorDesigns

JEZEBEL cowl in cocoa by seedknits

IT MUST BE LOVE 8x10 fine art photographic print lustre by Mistleflower Photo

Swanbones

2009-12-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some wonderful treasures I found today on Swanbones' etsy shop.

This is one of the coolest videos I have ever seen.

2009-12-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

I love this song, it makes me want to dance every time I hear it. And the video is one of the most visually stunning things I have ever seen...enjoy...

My Favorite Band Live...

2009-12-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

I love collaborations...

2009-09-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to receive a message from one of my etsy customers the other day, who wrote to let me know that she had used one of my We're All In This Together Rabbit's Brooches as a center piece for one of her gorgeous beaded necklaces. She included the following photos of her detailed bead work as well as an enchanting poem about the inspiration behind the collaboration of my brooch and its new beaded surroundings. Here is a link to her shop ThePreciousBeads.

Every great so often,

gold and reddened leaves

hang on longer than normal

twisting in a warm breeze.

Indian summer, we call it,

basking in the sun,

but today I must warn

not to have too much fun.

I have a story to tell,

sinister, but true,

about three little bunnies,

frozen in blue.

And how they got there

is quite a yarn

but if you hear out my tale

you may avoid harm:

Three hopping little bunnies,

with black bright eyes

looked for any mischief

they might devise.

Through the golden wood,

they crept farther from home;

way farther, in fact,

than a bunny should roam.

Until they chanced

upon a puddle,

and, peering down,

from their huddle

They saw two eyes,

each a gleaming jewel

glinting at them

from within the pool.

The fish sang, "Come in, come in!

The water's cool,

and it's ever so lonely

by myself in this pool."

A great old frog nearby,

eyes great glowy globes,

croaked, "I must advise!

Go home go home!"

The bunnies ignored him,

with twitching whiskers and a grin,

showing him their tails,

as each then jumped in.

But under a curse

was the evil fish witch

and as thus his preposition

came with a hitch.

With a flip of a fin

and in a flash,

he flopped out of the

water with a splash.

Having prolonged the summer warmth

to lure an innocent soul to his encampment,

the evil witch fish turned into a man,

finally free of his enchantment.

And winter now came,

creeping up whispery

like a snake in the grass

a single icy flurry..

A frosty breeze blew by,

but a wisp,

then the forest was frozen,

cold and crisp.

Enjoy Indian Summer,

but beware,

because three frozen bunnies

are still out there, somewhere.

And it would be wise to keep in mind

that not all fish will be kind.

Things may not be what they appear,

so keep home close when winter's near.

-written by ThePreciousBeads

This piece was created for the Etsy Beadweavers monthly challenge. The theme was "Indian Summer Dreams." You can see other entries in the Etsy Beadweavers Challenge by searching EBWC. To vote for your favorite during the 9th - 15th of September, please go to [link]

A Weekend In Montreal

2009-04-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from Montreal. I flew across the country on Friday to spend a weekend with some of my best friends. It was an amazing trip, that went by way too fast and here I am already back in Vancouver again. Though I caught a horrible cold, Shanah convinced me to brave the cold to model her latest top in Old Port. In return I suggested she name the beautiful sweater after me, its called The Missy.

The architecture in Montreal was so surreal, it felt as though I was in Europe rather than Canada. I can't wait to go back. There were so many quaint little shops, one of my favorites was called Unicorn .

I tried on the most beautiful dress there, and I thought it would be perfect for my wedding, but it was the wrong size. It was made by Eugenia. I also went to a charming little shop called Lustre that had local fashion designs.

But my favorite shop in all of Montreal was called Fuschia, it is a little cafe style restaurant on 4050 avenue Coloniale, that has a set menu that includes tea and a dessert. All of there amazing desserts have flowers in them. I bought a bag of Lavender coffee there and some rose petal salt. The lavender coffee is the best coffee I have ever had.

Friday etsy finds

2009-03-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling lucky its Friday, so I thought I would post these witty little wish bones by one of my favorite etsy shops somethingshidinghere...

And some darling Fox and Hare Mini Bowls by FoxAndClover

A cozy Fitted Slouch Shoulder Top by lamixx...

A decadent little Happy Birthday Fairy Cake Felt Food Sculpture by britishcreamtea...

A gorgeous Wedding Vintage Slipdress by ktjean

And a lovely tattered organza silk bolero to match by englishdept.

And wouldn't this wedding outfit look beautiful with this romantic Sparkle Philosophy necklace by florabond...

And since I seem to have weddings on my mind this Friday, I will end with a darling image that I adore of Kissing Woodpeckers in a pastel print by Jeffrey Richter

Featured Seller

2009-03-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Little Robot is an etsy store that boasts the most enchanting and whimsical prints. I adore the The King and Queen - Set of 2 prints with a little mose king anda humming bird queen.

Little Robot also makes little magical paper theaters ...

...as well as papperdolls and playful prints.

A Cage for Two - Print

Natural Dark - Print

Animal Intelligence

2009-03-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing clip of a charming talking parrot named Einstein, that says a lot about animal intelligence.

Friday Etsy Finds

2009-02-27T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here are my Friday etsy finds. A gorgeous top by hollystadler.

Some darling nest fabric by pippijoe.

And a lovely papper doll titled Cordial Creatures by Wool and Water.

I was delighted to find myself in a treasury today, composed of one of my favorite color schemes.

I just love the little Nesting eggs on the bottom right by florspacehome.

Peter and The Wolf

2009-02-27T01:34:00.000-08:00

Since I have wolves on my mind I thought I would post this magical clip of Peter and the Wolf. It is one of the most amazing silent films I have ever scene.

Wolves Named Gmork

2009-02-27T01:19:00.000-08:00

An earlier post about the Never Ending Story reminded me of how scarred I used to be when the wolf named Gmork comes out of the wall to talk to Atreyu . The scariest part about the wolf is how he talks, his mouth moves so unnaturally that it makes the sceen all the more surreal. It is the same feeling conveyed by taxidermy where something is so off about the facial expressions of animals that it appears as fantasy. Upon revisiting this scene I was amazed at how arresting the wolfs monolog actually is.

It is no wonder that I used to have re-occurring nightmares as a child about being surrounded by a pack of hungry black wolves. Even though the dream always managed to frighten me, it was also oddly comforting in a way. Fortunately the wolves that I have created in my studio are much friendlier than Gmork.

Sweet Wishes

2009-02-26T23:16:00.000-08:00

Here is some etsy decadence for you from a Vancouver based etsian called 2 gorditas. This colorful edible art reminds me of the work of Mark Ryden which I have posted for your dessert.

I find this film short by Mark Ryden to be quite hilarious. The song in it pops into my head often when I am feeling particularly hyper.

Horse Whisperer

2009-02-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

I used to love riding horses on my Grandmother's farm as a child. Since then I have often daydreamed about having my own horse one day, to go with my perfect little cabin on a lake in the B.C. mountains that is. Until then I decided to make my own horses to keep my dreams company in the studio. I call this tiny little colt the Horse Whisperer.

And this is the Artax pendant.

Like most of my work this piece ended up with a twist of darkness once it was glazed, and I realized that it reminded me of Artax from the Never Ending story. It is Particularly reminiscent of the scene where he drowns in the Swamp of Eternal Sadness. It is still hard for me to watch this scene even to this day, its one of those things that you look back on as an adult and cant believe you were subjected to as a child. But in hind sight I can see how the scene influenced my love and respect for animals at a young age, by showing me how strong the love between humans and animals can really be.

Coraline 3D!

2009-02-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

I went to the 3D Coraline movie on Valentines day. It is my new favorite movie! It was so magical that it made me giggle like a child. The 3D is so captivating, and the set design is meticulous and enchanting.

Treasury

2009-02-26T11:53:00.001-08:00

I was listed in three amazing treasuries today, and finally figured out how to post them on my blog. I love the calm whites in Ice and Snow, and the enchanting selection of In The Company of Wolves.

I also showed up in this wonderful treasury for Vancouver artists.

Big Love for Littlehouses

2009-02-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

I just received my very own Rosemont Sweater from little houses the other day. And yes it is as cozy as it looks, Shana you are a genius.

Now I'm looking forward to one day owning one of your beautiful coats...

Josh Keyes

2009-02-13T23:37:00.000-08:00

Currently one of my favorite artists is a Tacoma based painter Josh Keyes. Though I admire all of his work, I have decided if given the choice to have one of his paintings I would choose the following image titled: "Sleeping #1".

The work of Keyes draws upon the illustrative style of scientific text books to dissect and isolate animals within fragments of their environments.

In a post-apocalyptic narrative he depicts animals in a setting physically void of humans, save the remnant debris of their civilization.

For the love of lowbrow...

2009-02-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

I absolutely fell in love with the work of San Francisco artist Jenny Alcantara when I first saw her etsy sight and website.

I love the candy coated color pallet of her paintings as well the dreamlike imagery she

depicts.

This is one of my favorite works by Mark Ryden, an artist on the forefront of the lowbrow scene.

His surrealistic style is a juxtaposition of the saccharine and macabre. I am in complete awe of his technical aptitude.

Camile Rose Garcia has long been an inspiration of mine both technically and aesthetically.

I love her color pallet and subject matter. She utilizes layers of acrylic on wood, often including wallpaper and glitter to depict an illustrative style which is nostalgically reminiscent of dark pre-disney cartoon style.

What is it about squirrels that tugs at my heart strings so. Perhaps it is a combination of big eyes, little dainty hands and spastic movements.

2009-02-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

I guess with these attributes combined, you could go so far as to call them a hairy fairy. How very Canadiana.

Big Eyes

2009-02-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Ever get the feeling like you are being watched? This happens to me from time to time in my little studio. The feeling that there are two big dow eyes watching, waiting...This little presence is a constant inspiration for me. The culmination of quiet intensity and cuteness...

To Russia with Love...

2009-02-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Other current items of smittenry include squirrels dressed in Russian winter attire...