Friday inspiration

I've mentioned before and will say it again, snazzing up everyday things is awesome. (just like 'snazzing' is a word) If you look at something every day or use an item all the time, no matter how ordinary it is, you could do something about it.

Photo from Pinterest

A thermostat? Framed? Very unexpected. Wouldn't this put a smile on your face, even on a day when it's so cold you need to turn up the heat?

This just opens a whole new thought process for me. Prettifying everyday items. This would be a simple DIY too. Go to the thrift store, yard sale or flea market, buy a few old frames (spray paint them, this is optional) and frame something unexpected at home.

So clever! What would you frame?

Hello from Chicago!

The trip’s been fantastic so far. We’ve been walking so much; it feels like I’ve shrunk an inch. Vegas was fun like it always is, we ate well, played a few slot machines and for the first time, also went to see a show. We chose the show “Love” which is based on the music of Beatles. The show was just incredible. I’ve seen a Cirque du Soleil show once, back home in Montreal, but this was something else.

We flew to Chicago on Tuesday and since then have been exploring the city on foot. Today we went to the zoo which was a really pleasant surprise. It was huge! So many great things to see, I'd imagine that would be wonderful as a kid. Ok, who am I kidding? It was wonderful as a… slightly older person!

We’re taking a little break right now after a full day of walking around. Enjoying a cocktail (a bloody Mary) at the lobby of our hotel and trying to find a place for dinner. Today was supposed to be a day to try out a deep dish pizza at one of the famous pizza places around town. However, we didn’t realize that most places seem to be closed for Thanksgiving. I guess people need to rest for some serious shopping tomorrow.

Oh, which reminds me, I saw people lined up in front of an electronics store at noon today! Noon! Stores open at 5AM tomorrow morning. That’s dedication I guess…

I’m both looking forward to and am a tad scared about black Friday. We’ll see how crazy it’ll be. It’ll be nice to experience at least once. (Already have a crafts store on the list to go see tomorrow)

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it today!

What's up Montreal - Puces Pop Up Shop

In preparation to the upcoming crafts fair (yeah, you'll hear a lot about it in the upcoming weeks) the team from Puces Pop is opening a PopUp shop on St. Laurent Street. The shop will be open from Nov 30th to Dec 4th and features an sampling of the goodies on sale at the fair itself.

The address is 4153 St. Laurent and the shop will be open those days from 11Am to 8PM. Click on the poster for more details.

Go check it out if you get a chance. I will definitely go visit!

Vegas, baby!

That's right. I'm off to Vegas tomorrow morning. I am so excited, the vacation time is definitely needed. We're travelling light, so only carry-on's. Which is probably a good thing since the second stop on the trip is in Chicago and we'll be there on black Friday... Can't do too much shopping.

Photo from Pinterest

This trip is about relaxing, some alone time and eating. Planning a trip around restaurants to visit, is truly the way to travel.

I'll be back on November 28th. I've scheduled a few posts for the duration of the vacation and will see if I get a chance to post something new, live, from the trip.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Inspiration

Today's inspiration is actually a blog post from English Muffin. I have been thinking about craft fairs (shocking, I know) a lot recently. And when I say 'a lot', I mean all the time. I've of course searched online for any helpful tips I could hopefully use. I've found some very good posts and gratefully read all (some several times).

The post from English Muffin really resonated with me, partially because she did the Puces Pop fair and it was her first one. So, being on the same boat as she was, I found this very helpful. Also because she did talk about the concerns she had about taking part as well.

Makes me feels a smidgen less nervous.

Exciting news!

I'm sorry! I totally wasn't planning on taking a blogging break. Things came up, as they inevitably do. Not a good excuse, I know... But what came up was really awesome!

I've been running my Etsy shop for almost two years now (time flies when you're crafting). I've loved every minute of it and have been thinking about ways to be able to do more with my crafting. I've also made this secret decision that one day I will take part in a craft fair. (see where this is going?)

I wasn't originally thinking about taking part yet. It's a little scary. I kept thinking "next year, for sure". And then I noticed a vendor call... And thought, you know, maybe I'll just send an application... One thing lead to another and... well... Here it is:

Yes! I am taking part in the Holiday Puces Pop! The awesomest craft fair in Montreal! (I'm still not quite believing it. I still squeel with happiness when I think about it)

Right now I'm 90% excited and 10% terrified. Let's see how I feel just before the fair...

Friday Inspiration

I've said it before and will say it again: November and December are the best crafting times. This is the time when even the less craftily inclided people dig up the dusty glue sticks and papers and start making things (OK, I don't know that for a fact. Just the idea that someone would have dusty glue sticks is incomprehensible to me.)

I always start early, but I do have a bit of an excuse (off topic: why is it that if you start planning for the holidays early, you need to have an excuse? Actually, it's probably just me). I have to prepare for the holiday season on Etsy and I have family and friends far away. If I want (and I do) them to get their presents for Christmas, now's the time to wrap things up and send them on their way. Honestly though, I would do this stuff anyway, regardless of the store or the mailing times.

I am thinking a bit about decorations and especially ornaments. I've seen amazing ornaments made using empty glass spheres. I haven't really tried myself. Yet.

Photo from Country Living

How awesome would these be filled with little trickets? Just imagine filling them with souvenirs from a recent trip!

...

...Ooh! Looks like I really got inspired this Friday. I need to go look for these ornaments after work!

What's up Montreal - Vintage Mart Sale

Inadvertent blog break for a few days, sorry about that!

Anyhow, another cool Montreal event! The Vintage Mart Sale on November 4th and 5th. Check out this quote from their site:

"Located at 5445 De Gaspe (suite 600), this is where we spend our days either sewing, designing or cleaning, mending and organizing vintage (depending on who you talk to) Sarah (Cheap Opulance) and Emily (Caesar Pony) sell vintage full time from our studio, while Yana (Supayana) and Angie (Norwegian Wood) are working on their own clothing lines.

Come down and check out our lovely studio where all the magic happens!"

Sounds really exciting!