T.G.I.F.

That week disappeared quickly. Not enough time to get it all done these days! I've been working on a few exciting projects and they're taking up most of my time...but I'm not complaining ;) One is for a beautiful new(ish) British magazine, preparing for the Etsy event at West Elm and a fun d.i.y. and food story with Poppytalk, to name a few. I plan to get back into full blog mode soon, with d.i.y.'s and baking tucked in there as well. 

 Looking forward to catching up with many of your blogs this weekend. Have a fun weekend all! 

janis

Store Tour: West Elm Vancouver

Happy Friday! How was your week?

I think it's safe to say that pretty much everyone knows the shop West Elm, right? I have to be honest, I wasn't overly familiar with what West Elm was all about.  I've always been a champion of the indie anything, and independent shops, and always will be. I had the opportunity, along with a dozen others in the biz, to be given a tour of the new Vancouver store by Creative Director, Vanessa Holden. I've been a huge fan of Vanessa's, since she co-founded Donna Hay magazine then onto editor-in-chief of Martha Stewart Living.  After that tour, I have a new appreciation of what they're all about, and it's all good.

Here are some of the things that stood out to me....

They have an Etsy section featuring local talent. This collection included Dahlhaus Ceramics and Walter Helena Photography, to name two.

I was told that each store is decorated to suit the city it's in. They gave the Vancouver store a woodsy, crafty theme. Loved the string pieces hanging behind the front counter. 

They have several products labeled "Discovered". One of a kind pieces. A great selection of throws, cushions and rugs. I bought the Kantha Throw in the bottom right corner. It's made of vintage saris hand-stitched by craftswomen in North India. It's beautiful and reversible too! 

Vanessa Holden, top left. I think I need the side table, top right...x2.

Part of the proceeds, from the opening night party, benefited Arts Umbrella. A fantastic place for kids to learn a variety of art forms: dance, photography, paint, etc. Definitely a new appreciation of West Elm.

Are you a fan of West Elm? What do you like best about them? I'd love hear your thoughts!

Have a great weekend! Back next week.

janis

Sunday Observations

I could use one more Sunday, before Monday. Oh well! Hope you all had a great weekend!

This is a bit of what I got up to today....

What did you do today? If you're in Canada, are you watching the Grey Cup? I'm not ;)
Have a lovely night!

Back soon,
Janis

A Friday Thank You

I've just wrapped up a really interesting work week. I've shot some beautiful homes, a fabulous blogger, and two talented designers, plus I added my 2012 calendar to my shop. I will post pics from the shoots after all the magazines, involved, publish first. Damn. I'm not overly patient. ;)

Since it has been a busy week, I missed my Wednesday post. To make up for it, I'm giving away one of my 2012 calendars, to thank all of my "followers" (I'm not really a fan of that word, are you?) for taking the time to read my posts, and sending lovely and encouraging emails. It's so appreciated. All you need to do is leave a comment so you're in the draw. I'll make the draw on Wednesday September 21st. I will ship anywhere, by the way!

Here are a few of the months...

One last thing. I did a guest post over at the beautiful Appleturnover all about one of my favourite shooting techniques - TTV. It was part of her "tried and true" series. Click here for more!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Back soon.
Janis

Sunday Observations

Hello everyone! Here are a few things I've taken notice of today....

I hope I haven't jinxed this series now. Gulp. Go Canucks! Click here, for the pretzel recipe. Bags were just printed on my home printer. Easy.

I also checked out Marisa Seguin's Print Shop on Etsy. This girl is good. I love her city posters.

Click here, to check out her beautiful shop. 

Those are a few of the things I observed today. Oh, and Blogger still hasn't restored my missing comments. ;) What did you get up to? Let me know!

Back soon!

janis

Sunday Observations

I made just a little set today, but I've got visions 

of a future garden party. 

Etsy shop I'm loving: ReStyle

I also observed that hanging out with my nephews, Owain and Liam, is a lot different than hanging out with my niece, Annika. Holy Crazy Boys. Minute one of arriving at our house, there was a knee and slate stair collision. Ouch. The day could only get better after that, and it did.

What did you observe today? I'd love to know! Back soon.

janis

Sunday Observations

Wow, that was one fast weekend. Where did it go? Hope you all enjoyed your two days!

Today I observed that scraps of fabric, left over from a DIY project, can make a nice addition to a last minute gift wrap.  

I've decided that arepas are my new favourite food, along with a margarita. You can find these, and heaps more, at Latitude (pic below).  Arepas created by chef Lisa Henderson, traditional margarita by Nick Devine. If you don't know (I didn't), arepas are grilled corn cakes filled with all sorts of goodness. Mine had wild prawns, arugula and smoked paprika mayo. Mmmm.

A little Sunday etsy shopping to share with you. Deedee 9:14 is the perfect place for a mid-century style print.

That's it for now. Back on Monday! Night, night.

janis

Sunday Observations

It really can snow in Vancouver. A chilly shot from an early morning walk, before the rain set in. Bye Snow.

A vintage Chinese restaurant soup bowl, makes a cute vase. 

Now for a Sunday link....I love Perch by Amy Perch. Her etsy shop is fantastic.

That's what I observed this Sunday. What about you?

Back soon!

Pretty Jewels

I hope you're all enjoying your weekends. Did you have a good week? This week went a bit awry for me, so my apologies for being absent. One post. Yeesh. I'll be back in action next week, I promise.

I'm loving being "snowbound" today...well, a Vancouver version of snowbound. ;) Just shopping around etsy, making up treasuries, and doing a little jewelry shopping inspired post.

Shereen de Rousseau is super talented jewelry designer, and I've had the pleasure of shooting her pieces for her website. Her jewelry brings out the "girl" in me, without over doing it. Her work has graced the pages of many fashion magazines as well as the Sports Illustrated swim suit issue. I could hardly look at that one...I don't even own a bathing suit. ;)

You can check out all her work here. Her new line is coming out soon, and I can't wait.

Back soon!
janis

A Give Away to say Thanks!

I've been blogging for just over a year, and it boggles my mind that I seem to have just over 400 lovely followers. Without getting too mushy, I can't believe how supportive all of you are. I really do love reading all of your comments, and emails that you send. Perks my day right up. It's been great reading all of your blogs - I feel like I really know you!

I'm just about to add some calendars to my etsy shop, so I'd love to give one away, along with a small print of your choice from my shop. To enter check out my shop and let me know which print you like best. I'll make the draw November 22nd. That's it! Pretty simple. I'll send out the calendar and print soon after that.

One last note. A Dr., with a very modern and pretty office, ordered three large blossom prints from me.  I wish my Dr. had a happy office like this one. I have to get a shot of it for you. I've never seen the "fleeting" series in large format before.....I think I prefer them this size.

Good luck! I'll be back on Friday.
Janis

It's Friday....and that's good

Happy Friday everyone! I don't know why I love Fridays so much. It's not like I have a regular 'work' schedule, but I do love the weekends. Please let us have some sun, here in Vancouver.

I've finally added some new prints to my etsy shop. I've really got to get more organized. It's bonkers how long it takes me to sort out images.  Any suggestions from you savvy and organized esty people would be greatly appreciated! I've posted a sampling of the new prints - would love to hear any feedback. Merci!

Hope you all have a great weekend! Back on Monday with some kind of a cookie for Baked on Monday.  I kind of feel like eating cookies right now....but I'll wait.

The Ladies

I finally listed my small series of ladies on etsy.  Check out my shop and let me know what you think!

I used to collect lady head vases.  They're the only girly thing in the house, really.  I shot one of them at my mom's house as she had some good props.  She thought I said she had some "crap" and was offended at first.  Mom did help me with some stellar light reflecting.  

Off to another afternoon of shooting....and it's sunny! 

What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding

Elvis still has it. Saw him play last night, at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Beautiful venue, fantastic show! Check out the review - Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes a summer highlight.

I've been working on a series of images that I'm quite excited about. They'll be for sale on Etsy starting tomorrow (August 26th). Been a fan of Etsy for ages, but this is the first time I'll be selling my wares.

Off to a shoot, so I must fly. Until tomorrow I've attached some pics of Vancouver that I shot recently. This city is truly beautiful.

Have a great day!