dust jacket blocks

i almost never keep the dust jackets from books.  they're too much trouble to keep track of and as long as the book cover includes the same (or other also good) graphics, i just don't see the point.  most of the time i recycle them, but every so often there's one so lovely that i can't part with it.

one of our most frequently read kiddo books is all kinds of families!  the story itself has a touching message and the artwork by french illustrator marc boutavant, one of my favourites, keeps this at the top of our story rotation.

i kept the dust jacket from this book for a while before finding out the perfect use - decoupaged blocks!

with $2 worth of mini wooden blocks (2.5 x 2.5 x 1 cm) from daiso, some scrap japanese stationery papers and a jar of mod podge, this was a quick project (drying time not included!) and basically free.  they've been played with a lot since i made them six months ago, so they're looking a little scrappy at the corners but they are a favourite around here.  this was the first time i'd found all 16 at the same time so i could finally take the photo!

stuff that stocking: city mini blocks

i love christmas, and at about this time every year i start seeing every small, cute object that i come across through the lens of "that would be perfect for a stocking!".

and so i can't resist the small-size + cuteness factor lure of these adorable city mini blocks from etsy's fidoodle. they would, of course, make a perfect stocking stuffer...

they're made of locally-sourced hardwood maple and non-toxic inks. the images - doodles of rooflines and urban icons and folks - are adorable and on the reverse side is a puzzle of the scene. they come packed in a 3 x 3 inch cube.

fidoodle is based in toronto, by the way. go canada! check out their website as well for more info.

look ma - accessories and felted creatures! found at portobello west

had a great trip to portobello west yesterday for a look at the handmade treats from uber-talented locals. it's close-by, at rocky mountaineer station, and brimming over with must-have items. and, although i was trying to be good, i just couldn't help decking myself out in new accessories!

couldn't resist an amazing lavender cuff from brendalyn of bpa metalcraft. made of brass with a bold, powder-coated finish, the pieces are so modern, with a sculptural, industrial quality, and really i think it will go with everything. i'm glad i finally got to buy one - i'd coveted a piece the last time i visited the market!

also couldn't resist wrapping up in a heather gray bird & floral scarf from the crazy-talented ladies of floating gold iceberg, based in victoria. their creations are sold locally in a few places, like dream apparel in gastown. check out their view book - so many amazing pieces.

i'm kicking myself now for not getting jamie one of these rad belt buckles made from recycled skateboard decks by adea chung of billy would. so cool. i'm going to have to track one down for sure for jamie, and i might even have to start wearing belts!

i've fallen in love with the awesome handmade needle felted creations from himcreations. their creator, shima itabashi, is so perfectly charming and her little army of felted creatures are very enjoyable. they just have so much personality! i know several little and not-so-little folks who they'd be perfect for.

there's so much talent under one roof at portobello west - kind of intimidating as well as massively inspiring! i've booked tables for the fall & christmas events and am really excited... thank goodness that i have the summer to get ready.