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A While back I decided to begin featuring more than fibre supplies on our front page mini-Etsy gadget (everything is still local though).  I didn't really announce the change...so I hope it isn't confusing.  What has stayed the same is that we only list Etsy shops which sell supplies in our shop online section of the community page

Eeek.  Sometimes I feel like maybe I treat this site too much like a personal space, like a room in my house that I like to re-arrange every once and a while.  It actually did start that way, as a yarn store list for my own personal use. 

So, since this site is NOT just for me, not by a long shot, I invite you to offer any input you have, like if you want to see anything on the site or see something that doesn't quite feel right let me know!

Every once and while I'll do a local search on Etsy to add to my growing collection of Vancouver shops which I use as a sort of grab bag for picking front page items.  I spot new local treasures each time.  These are what I found today, magnets of animal torsos and butts.  They crack me up.  They're by Vancouverite Chantelle Agbayani at Original Animal Magnets.

Janna


 
 
I've grown to love this Meow the cat character.  I've noticed Laura adding new prints recently and I'm really loving all the new things Meow is trying these days....competitive swimming, kayaking and exploring with Steve Zissou

They're just super cute.
 
 
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from the Granny's Cupboard class
Jay, over at Pear Shaped Designs has announced upcoming bobbin lace lessons at her lovely studio in False Creek.

From her newsletter:
The next session of Bobbin Lace lessons will begin Wednesday March 14th. Classes consist of six 3-hour sessions, with a maximum of 3 students. Proceed at your own pace, the small class size allows for lots of individual attention from your instructor! Included in the lessons are all of the materials necessary to complete the patterns, the patterns themselves and handouts. Equipment kits are available to buy or rent. Visit our website www.PearShapedDesigns.com for a preview of available lessons. Classes are located in the False Creek area of Vancouver, BC.

 If you are interested in spinning, tapestry or loom weaving lessons, please contact us to arrange a schedule: jay@PearShapedDesigns.com or 604-726-7090
 
 
I've been following Craig Sinclair's blog, My Daily Image since 2008.  I love his unpretentious style.  I find his photos honest and telling, each one a narrative in itself, and they work wonderfully collectively.  Each photo posted represents the day it was taken and is marked as such as the title of the post.  Above are some of my recent favourites.

P.S. he's the guy who photographed my East Hastings yarn bomb a few years back.
 
 
Collages by Tracy Jager of Living Feral make me smile.  They remind me of those weird dreams where characters turn into other people randomly, and you know you're in your house but it doesn't look like your house - you know those kind?

Above is a new one that I'm loving.  Also check out the awesome desk calendar she offers.

<3 J
 
 


On the web these days I've been really enjoying Walter Helena Photography by west coaster Nadine.  This one is my favourite; so beautifully simple and calm.  Have a look at the others and be seduced.  I just can't get enough of them and have been including them in pretty much every VY treasury.


Nadine's blog
Nadine's etsy


PS.  The cards are on sale right now for only $14 (for 4).

xJanna
 
 
I've been noticing a lot of paper mache things on the interweb these days.  Could be because I recently made a giant teapot out of the stuff for a group project in school, but funnily enough the ones I've noticed have more than the main media in common where all have been painted gold, like this bowl or the super cool gold nugget-esque ring (as seen above) by Vancouver's Fluur.  My teapot has faux gold leaf too :)

Remember how to make the classic paper mache paste?  I find that 1 cup of flour to 2.25 cups of water makes the perfect consistency.  Before making the teapot it had been a couple decades since my last paper mache project so I was super suprised at how sturdy the finished product was.  Find more info on how to paper mache here.
 
 
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cantilever and press
Today is the first day of my winter break so I pretty much love everything and everyone right now.  This semester of fibres wisardry school kicked my butt a little, so I slept until 1:30 today after a long bout of all-nighters filled with paper writing and preparing installations for critiques.  I should have some updates about the latter up on my personal blog soon.

On this day of laziness I've had time for some things I love doing (like reading and knitting) and I finally I started a series of VY treasuries on Etsy which I've been wanting to do for a while.  I really enjoy making them and it is yet another way to spread the love about all the talented cookies in and around Vancouver, check out the first one.

My favourite discovery of the day are these pallet coasters by Vancouver's cantilever and press.
 
 
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Marla Sweater from Little Houses
framed miniature art by Snazzy 
cameo ring by Crush Jewels
bronze acorn pendant by Lost Apostle
Raincity boot warmers by Kove
 
 
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Basket-woven wool

Emily Hill is a 2011 graduate of the Capilano University Textile Arts Program