Christmas "Spruce" Style

Happy Wednesday! Hope you're having a great week.

My last post was pretty festive, so I'm just going to carry on with that theme. 'Tis the season, yes?

I've had the pleasure of working with the women behind the fantastic shop, Spruce Collective, a number of times, but I think this shoot might be my favourite so far. They created a festive dining room, complete with DIY ornaments and decorations. They're featured in the current issue of Chatelaine magazine.

I love that they've created a festive setting without screaming 'it's Christmas'! If you're in Abbotsford B.C., definitely pop in and see what they've got happening for the holidays. I promise, you won't be disappointed. 

I'm off to Tahiti and Australia tomorrow, but I do have a couple of posts ready to go and will, no doubt, post something from my travels. If any of you have been to Tahiti, I'd love to know any secret spots that we shouldn't miss. Merci in advance!

Until then, take care!  

janis

x

T'is the Season

Happy Friday!

It may be a little early for Christmas, for some (is it?), but it's everywhere right now. Thought I'd share a festive story I shot for Style At Home along with editor-in-chief, Erin McLaughlin. Cheryl and Natasha, the mom and daughter team of Little White House, created a cozy, cabin-style Christmas with vintage papers, lace, and ribbons, along with linen and burlap.  This story is in the current issue of Style At Home. Here are some more pics from the shoot.....

When do you set up for Christmas? Are you a stickler for tradition, and keep your decor the same every year, or do you change it up? Do you make a lot of your own decorations, like in this story? I would love to know!   

For the entire story, the ladies of Little White House have put it up on their website. Click here to read more.

I Could Live Here

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

I was able to get some pics of the new and improved The Cross, just before they re-opened, after a month of expansion and reno's. It's so beautiful. I could live in various parts of the shop. Since they're re-opening in time for the Christmas season, there's a little festive action going on here as well. Here's a peek...

If you're in the Vancouver area, this shop is a must-see. It's one of the many, independently owned, shops in town. Great to see, especially in the era of "big box" stores. If you can't get to The Cross, you can also shop online. 

Modern Warmth

Hello! How's your week going so far?

I wanted to share a home with you that I shot for Denise Ashmore,  a very talented interior designer. The home itself was designed by architect, Paul Phillips. It's also in the current issue of Western Living magazine.

Denise has created a beautiful mix of warm walnut, throughout the home, with mid-century furniture and pops of blues and greens.

Here's a peek...

Painting by Norah Borden.

Painting by Norah Borden.

Painting by Christine Breakell-Lee

For more images and the whole story, click here.

Are you a warm wood person, or do you prefer it a bit lighter? Would love to hear from you. 

Have a great day! 

janis

Give-away Winner for Wednesday

Congratulations, Victoria! I'll contact you for your address.

Thanks to all of you that took part, and for all your lovely comments! It means a lot. 

janis

x

Butter Baked Goods Give-Away

It's finally here! Butter Baked Goods, the cook book I shot with Rosie Daykin,  was released this week, and I thought it would be a perfect time to give one away. It was such a fun (and delicious) project to shoot! Random House has kindly given me a copy for me to pass on to one of you. All you have to do is be one of my "followers" (from anywhere in the world) and leave a comment. Easy. I'll make the random draw next Wednesday October 23rd.

Enjoy your weekend!

janis

x

Hello Weekend

Hello! I hope October's off to a good start for you!

It's been a while since my last post, as it's been a super busy month. I've had a variety of shoots - everything from lovely homes, to Christmas, to a fun trip to Victoria BC for Canadian Living magazine. Instagram and twitter have been the way to go for me. Both are perfect for keeping in touch with all of you as well.

Thought I'd share one of the shoots I worked on. It's now on my lottery fantasy list. A beautiful 50 year old "cruiser", named 'Breezin' Thru', built by Vancouver company, Benson Shipyards. Eric Jespersen, a boat builder, restored my current fantasy, and Peter Wilds furnished it for their Australian client. 

Loved all the black and white against the warm, dark, glossy wood. 

We didn't have a lot of time with 'Breezin' Thru', as she was being shipped to her new home in Australia. This was quite the event. Loved having the opportunity to say bon voyage, as she was lifted onto the cargo ship.  

Could you hang out on 'Breezin' Thru' or would you prefer to stay on land? 

If you'd like to read more about Eric Jespersen, and this project, click here. He's a talented craftsman. 

Have a fantastic weekend! 

janis