Handmade ♥

I've been on a handmaking frenzy lately...

Finally finished my little toque ♥
It's the coziest blend of alpaca, merino, silk, mohair, camel hair and cashmere.

 

I did a little bit of fixing up with my jewelry designs and switched all the chains from gold plated to gold filled as well as add on a little tag with L stamped onto it.
This is my favorite design from my entire collection. I've been trying to get my hands on more of that beautiful large Agate stone, which has definitely been a challenge. 

 

 

 

I wish I had more time to work on knitting and jewelry making. The feeling of completing a beautiful project is incredible and you truly treasure that piece so much more. 

xo

Lori

Dreaming of Spring ♥

Vancouver weather has been giving me the blues lately. With last week's amazing few days of sunshine, I was busting out all of my spring and summer clothes really hoping to hop right into spring.
Well Vancouver weather, you really got me there. 

It's been a while since I've had an entire Sunday all to myself. No work, no cleaning, no phonecalls, no irritating little brother (that I love to death), no boyfriend, no friends, no cooking, nothing and no one - just me. And boy does today feel amazing.
Other than picking up my knitting needles and finishing up my big herringbone cowl scarf inspired by Purl Soho I've been browsing the interweb for spring...

 Aren't these pictures amazing? I almost couldn't believe that they are real. They are like paintings taken straight out of someone's imagination, like a place you would read about in a fairytale and dream of.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to take a stroll through this gorgeous Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisteria tunnel in Japan? 

 How about taking a train through this passage in Ukraine? The greenery is just breathtaking and so refreshing. After taking a stroll through this fairytale, I don't think any one can have a bad day.

Locals call it the love tunnel.

Wouldn't it be amazing to get married at a place like one of these? ♥

Images are from one of my favorite blogs: ExPress-O

Wishing all you lovelies a wonderful week.

xo

Lori

I've Been Knitting...♥

Picked up some knitting needles and I just can't seem to put them down...♥

 

My current project: The Jenny Wrap (pattern can be found on Ravelry)

 

 

My first scarf  ♥

You know what I'll be doing everyday for the next long while...

I was introduced to a website called Ravelry by some lovely ladies at my local knitting shop Three Bags Full. Ravelry is an amazing online community of knitters and crocheters who share (many free) projects, knitting and crocheting suggestions, yarn information and ratings and much more - it's really amazing and absolutely free to sign up! I've found it very helpful and informative on my knitting journey so far (and of course the amazing ladies at Three Bags Full and tons and tons of online tutorials - thank goodness for the internet). 

I originally intended to take a "beginner's basics" one day knitting class, but the pricetag drove me away ($90 and up yikes)! After countless videos, trials (and errors) I finally got the hang of it. I'm happy I was able to save myself some money (which was well spent on gorgeous yarn), but boy did I wish I had someone to show me from the beginning, because it's so much much easier than how books and (some) videos portray knitting to be!

Do any of you know how to knit?

xo

Lori

IFound Gallery: The Place For DIY

(Photo Via Poser Series)

For all of you readers out there who love creating jewelry, crafting or anything DIY you should definitely check out the IFound Gallery on Main Street. I have been working in the Mount Pleasant area for over a year now and only newly discovered this fantastic shop a few months ago. IFound Gallery has an amazingly extensive collection of (vintage) findings, chains, semi precious stones, keys, pendants, vintage glasses, cameos, buttons, silk scarves (and many other things that don't come to mind right now) and they have a small section of vintage clothing. They also carry tools for jewelry making, Hypo cement glue, DIY books, and wire.

(Photos via Tumblr)

Word of advice: you might want to stop by when you're not in a rush. The first time I visited, I actually was in a rush to catch the bus before my ticket expired - well that failed horribly as I spent 2 hours in the shop and didn't even realize it.

I find their prices (though not the absolute best) are fairly decent and actually great if you're just doing a small project that does not require buying in bulk. I love their selection of chain, semi precious stones and metal pendants (there are some very cute sailboats, shells, and leaves) and also their "mixed chain bags" where you get a bit of many different chains.

For all those who do not live in Vancouver who would also love to browse IFound Gallery's collection and supplies, fear not! They have an online site as well as an Etsy shop!
After stopping by IFound Gallery, if you're still looking for jewelry bits and (better) stones Beadfreaks just a few blocks down should be your next stop. It may be a small store, but they have drawers and drawers and drawers of gorgeous stones and lots of little beads to finish off your project with (the stones of one of my best selling necklaces are from here).
If you're more of a knitter than a jewelry maker - also in the area you'll find Three Bags Full who describe themselves as the place for people who love to knit.
Main Street is a great place for creative minds and crafters.

I get most of my inspiration for making jewelry from nature as well as jewelry pieces I see in magazines and shops. I do love having a large amount of stones and chain so I can play around with shapes and how I might put them together - but that's very costly compared to knowing what you want to make and going to get what you need. Where do you get your creativity from? Have you made anything lately? 

 (Photos via Etsy)

xo

Lori