Verona Collections Summer Contest - WINNER!

Verona Collections is HAPPY to announce that the WINNER of their Summer Contest is Lizz de Savoye, of Toronto. Congratulations Lizz!

Lizz shared her personal style on Facebook:

"I wear a look that suites my fashionista personality. Clean lines, classic cuts that flatter, a bit bawdy and a bit humorous. My look tells you that I never, ever apologize for being the strong, beautiful, radiant woman my Mother raised me to be....and that when push comes to shove, I have sharper elbows. :]"

Thanks to all those who supported and participated in this contest. Visit again for upcoming events.

Alternate Storage Solutions

Keeping things organized includes designating a place for everything. At the studio we are always looking for ways to improve how we manage things, while being mindful of our impact on the environment. Finding creative ways of reusing materials and using beautiful vintage containers as storage solutions are some of our eco friendly strategies.

A favourite milk glass vase is used to display some silk flowers

and serves as home to some dual brush pens.

An assortment of glass jars are reused to store a variety of items;

including, paint brushes, pencils, pens, scissors and some more dual brush.

If you find it difficult to keep things organized, perhaps these time tested tips will help you.

Tips for staying organized:

1. As you organize your items create a "keep" and "toss" pile.
2. Label files and boxes so you can easily identify the contents.
3. Group items together for a specific task or function.
4. Look for containers that will store items that suite your needs, but are also eco friendly.
5. Create a space to review and sort incoming mail and paperwork.

Decorative Pin Cushions II

This has been a very overdue craft project to post. In our post "Creative Pin Cushions," we introduced a gorgeous vintage teacup that had been transformed into a pincushion and featured two others from Verona Collections' Sewing and Creative Design Summer Program.

This little felt floral pincushion is a beautiful little project that we also wanted to share. We hope that you will be inspired and will enjoy making your own pincushion. It might even be something to consider as part of your gift giving this year.

Decorative Magnets

This week we wanted to explore the countless possibilities with decorative magnets, as part of our weekly creative project. At Crafted Spaces™ we came up with some ideas, and wanted to share with you an instructional video that will guide you through the creation of your own decorative magnets.

Here are some of the materials you will need, along with a pencil and a pair of scissors. We used a 1.2 cm craft magnet for our project.

Glass stones paired with a decorative image makes for a great combination. A hangtag courtesy of Verona Collections and a piece of note pad paper is shown above.

Small decorative metal frames and a piece from a metal rose clasp are also great pieces that can be used. These metal frames were purchased at Michaels.

If you will like to do something with a more fun and playful theme try old pieces of toys or common everyday items that represent something you like. An old lego astronaut and a bottle cap is shown above.

These ribbon flowers are sweet and dainty for a very girly look.

Follow this video for a step-by-step instruction on how to make your own decorative magnet. Enjoy!

Profile: Loreli Cockram

Loreli Cockram is the designer and creative force behind Big Village. Loreli took the time to speak with Crafted Spaces at the annual Shanty Bay Festival in Shanty Bay, Ontario (just outside of Barrie). It was a delight meeting Loreli and discussing the time her family spent living in Ghana and the birth of her company Big Village.

Loreli established Big Village in 2008, after her and her family returned from Ghana. Her hobby and love for the Krobo tribe beads, have given birth to a unique line of jewellery. Vibrant coloured West African hand-made, recycled glass beads, have been transformed into an original collection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Loreli also imports an amazing collection of Bolgatanga baskets, batik fabric, and carvings that complement her jewellery collection. Loreli also conducts workshops on jewellery making, using the gorgeous collection of beads.

Hand woven baskets created from "elephant grass" made by a women's co-orporative in Bolgatanga, Ghana. Also featured are pillows and other items created by Loreli from batik fabric.

Jewellery designed and made by Loreli Cockram.

"Fair-trade, earth- friendly, eye-catching" are just a few of the words used to describe Big Village products. Loreli's sunny disposition made it a pleasure speaking with her, she is a truly creative woman.

For more information visit: www.bigvillage.ca or call 1 705-331-9553

Shop Review: Les Artisans du Meuble Québécois Inc.

I took a few weeks to spend with my family and to enjoy some time away from the studio. I have planned previous trips to Montréal over the years, but they would be derailed for one reason or another. This summer my husband and I with our littlest one in-hand were determined to make the trek.

Walking down the cobbled streets of Vieux-Montréal was amazing. Being my first time in Montréal I wanted to explore the many shops along this historic part of the city. Surrounded by hundreds of years of history and beautiful architecture was very inspiring.

This quaint shop in Vieux-Montréal was a delight to walk into. There was an interesting mix of crafts, jewellery, hats, and other items . . . ranging from ornate designs to cottage crafts.

Among the selection is handmade clothing and accessories for women, greeting cards, quilts, pottery and items for the home. The items were skillfully crafted and the selection of Canadian handmade items was well selected.

88 rue St-Paul est, Montreal, QC

1 514-866-1836

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