Thinking Ahead

It's the dead of winter in Ontario but Nathalie's dreaming of spring. We have a bunch of new designs in the works and here's a preview of one of our new aprons. Nathalie was pretty pissed that I made her go outside to take pictures of her in the snow, but whatever. I think the pictures look awesome.

-Diana

Lost & Found

Last month I lost my wedding ring. I have a terrible memory and for the life, I couldn't remember where I left it. But thank goodness it fell out of my pant pockets two nights ago. *Phew*

Spring Sketching

India: People Place Culture History

I took this gorgeous book out of the library. The content and the pictures are excellent research material I’ll probably end up buying it. (Amazon's marketplace is my favourite way to buy obscure books for cheap.)

India is my influence for our spring collection. I should be further along in the design process, but alas, January has been my procrastinating month. I’ve just started on sketches.

Not sure how other people work, but a lot of my designs just come to me. It begins with a fleeting image which keeps festering until it’s all consuming. From there I start sketching, then researching and touching up sketches until it’s ready to be finalized.

This will be the first time that I’m doing a cohesive collection with all original artwork and I’m excited to see how it’ll turn out. Stay tuned!

Spring Wishlist

I've got spring shopping on the mind. Here are a few things that I'll have to add to my wardrobe.

1. Emmerson Made Dot Scallops Skirt

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Willow Stripe Sweater

3. See By Chloe Scalloped Suede Flats

4 & 5. Flared denims from Gap

6. See by Chloe Poya Leather Satchel

You go brother!

Illustration by German Shible

I have to share this. It's too cute!

I got an email from my brother saying he found a post on his art on Beautiful/Decay.com (as in the magazine). He found it while googling his name. I'm sure we're all guilty of this!

Sneak Peak: Key Shaped Hook

Spring 2011 Preview: Lime Shop collaboration with Geoff Martin Designs.

Diana and I are planning very exciting things for our spring collection - original pieces that are entirely handprinted, hand-dyed and handmade. I'm also excited to announce a collaboration between The Lime Shop and my husband, Geoff.

Freshly sanded, unfinished details.

Geoff is a talented, self taught, wood worker who specializes in home accessories and furniture. One of the first pieces for spring will include handcrafted wooden key hooks.

He made his first key hook last spring for our foyer. I wanted something wooden, that represented what he does and something quirky, yet classic to go with my with my raspberry coloured front door.

The original design was inspired by a small 2 inch metal key that I bought at House Warmings in Oakville.

Our home is full of beautiful pieces Geoff has made including - a foyer table with matching bench, coffee table table (currently being made), my sewing table and various handcrafted tiled mirrors.

Stay tuned for more previews of our spring collection in the upcoming weeks.

::: Nathalie

Sample Sale - Tea Towel

Sample Sale - Handprinted, handmade tea towel, $10

I've been pretty lazy since the holidays but I finally got around to experimenting with drawing fluid and screen filler. It's a bit tedious but fun. The result is an organic hand drawn print, which is what I was looking for.

Geoff built the frame from scraps and I stretched the screen. (I found it's much easier to do when you wet the screen first. I'll have to post a tutorial on this another time.)

From there I printed my pattern on cotton to make a tea towel. The repeat registration came out a bit off so I'm selling it as a sample sale on our shop.

That's my Friday news. Have a good weekend!

Bunnies, Shoes & BFF's

This year I'll try to share more about myself and will even post pictures of me... doing stuff... (Kinda scary since I'm camera shy.)

Here we go...

1. During the holidays I was crazy about Fifi Lapin. (Geoff, my husband, now thinks I'm nuttier than ever.)

2. I can't stand the Miu Miu's I bought last year. They hurt my feet so bad!

Diana and I - 1999 & 2009

3. This September Diana and I will have been bff's for 20 years. I'll be throwing an anniversary bash to celebrate with our closest friends and family.

::: nathalie

I Want

I'm absolutely crazy for these pieces from The Angry Weather - Rain Cloud Stud Earrings and La Nube Necklace. Too cute!

Also cute - Iveth's blog!

Drunk, Sad, Hungry & Sleepy

From 2004-2006 Diana and I ran an online boutique called Lime. We were well known for our original handmade iPod cases, though we also made wallets, totes and other small accessories.

While organizing a box of product from our old Lime days and came across this super cute mini-series that my brother Rene had created for us. Their names (clockwise) - Drunk, Sad, Hungry and Sleepy.

The idea came about when I asked Rene to draw me a drunk sheep for a special project. The illustration was put on cotton and sewn into a mini stuffed toy. A couple of weeks later, Rene had drawn additional characters for us. Even now, I'm still smitten with these little guys.

I always enjoy collaborating with my brothers but Rene and I haven't had the chance to work together for years now. He's been busy creating original video games for his studio, Revolver Games.



You can check out his fun Arcade Shoot-'em-up game on Galaxy Parade.com. In addition to the original concept, having created the characters and the game, Rene also created the original score. But seriously, it's pretty fun. Give it a try!

::: Nathalie

Recipe: Maple Banana Bread with Flax

Instead of throwing out over ripe bananas, I'd rather use them in breads, muffins or smoothies. Craving something hearty and healthy, I went online and decided to try this recipe from Chatelaine.com - Maple Banana Bread with Flax.

I changed up a few things and the bread came out really well. Hearty and healthy, just like I wanted. (Even though I ended up smothering it in butter.)

This bread is great for breakfast and healthy snacking and it also freezes well so you can make it in batches - eat some now and store some for later.

Variations: Instead of the suggested whole wheat flour, I used rolled oats, which I figured would work well with the flax seeds.

Instead of the suggested vegetable oil or melter butter, use safflower oil (which is know for its health benefits).

Tip: If you have whole flax seeds, you can grind them in your coffee grinder for a fine grind.

It's all about handmade

Picture source: Love. Laugh. Believe

I seem to be having the worst time ever getting back into blogging mode. I have lots to share so I'll be sure to create a list and start with fresh posts Monday morning!

In the meanwhile, I'll leave you with this lovely treasury from Laura Evans. I love the cute items she's picked out, in particular the gorgeous handmade stool from Gallant & Jones (first row, pictured last.) Stop by Laura's blog for a list of the pictured artists she mentions.

And thanks for featuring our circles Tote Laura! Your photos are lovely!

Cassis fine art photograph by L. Evans

::: Nathalie

Mouth Watering Goodness

It's been a good day so far. I found my missing Ray-Bans! I was afraid that I'd dropped them on the street and that some stranger was walking around with my prescription sunglasses. It's a funny thought but I was sad at the possibility of losing my favorite sunglasses.

Another good thing - eating the tastiest shortbread ever. I really wanted to eat the whole thing but that would have been bad, right? These Almond & Sugared Rose shortbread cookies contain sugared rose bits, rose water and natural rose oil. Can you imagine how lovely they are?

I picked up a pack at the One Of A Kind Show but you can get them online or in their Toronto store by appointment. Yes - that's how awesome they are.

The most brilliant shortbreads by Coach House Shortbread Company

Pic Source: Coach House Shortbread Co.