We All Want to Feel Special

Ever one of those days? You know those days when everything seems just ordinary. You look at yourself in the mirror and heave a ho-hum sigh. "Nothing to see here", you think to yourself.

Its days like that when you need this:


Let's face it. Nothing can perk up a day like a yummy cupcake, and having it served on its own pretty pastel pedestal heightens the experience considerably. And, if you still don't feel special, having the cupcake laden pedestal assure you that you really, truly are - well, that has to turn even the worst day around.

Cupcakes never lie!!! Visit vesselsandwares on etsy for this and other super-pretty pottery pieces.

Favorite Things - July 27

I have made no secret of my fondness for cooking, and of losing myself in the kitchen for long periods at a time. But, I also have an abject weakness for stores specializing in kitchen equipment. In Paris, we stumbled upon an incredible shop, well established, and filled to the brim with an array of gadgets beyond our wildest imaginations. We could easily have wasted a week in there, gawking at the range of wooden utensils and exclaiming over the sheen of the copper pots and pans. In the end, thwarted by luggage allowances, we contented ourselves with a small purchase of just a crepe batter spreader and crepe flipper. We had spent the previous week in Normandy, marveling over the adroit skills of the crepe makers, and hoped that once home and armed with the proper tools, we too could effortlessly turn out the perfectly paper-thin and crisp-edged crepes. We are still building our skills.

Sadly, we are not able to indulge ourselves with a weekly trip to Paris, so once back in Toronto I made friends with Williams-Sonoma. What an accommodating friendship it turned out to be.

Easily, one of my favorite things about Williams-Sonoma is the selection of silicone spatulas. The handles are a wonderfully smooth wood, and the silicone comes in a fun range of seasonal colours. This pretty lemongrass green for instance, is delightful. And... these can be personalised! What a fabulous shower gift personalised spatulas would be.



But just look at all these other wonderful items that no one ever knew they needed or wanted!

From left to right are: a mango pitter; an avocado pitter and slicer, and; a fruit muddler.
Ok, I didn't know what a fruit muddler was for either. It works similar to a pestle, but is designed to crush fruit while in the glass. It releases the oils from the rind, while extracting the juice from within, to provide maximum citrus flavour. Perfect for refreshing summertime drinks.


From left to right here are: a whipped cream whipper (I used to use one of these when I worked years ago at Second Cup, and have always longed for one!!); garden creatures pancake molds, and; a corn zipper.

Obviously, the dream kitchen that resides in my head is full of drawer space. Until such time, I am forced to practice restraint while wetting the Williams-Sonoma catalogue with my drool. (Don't even get me started on the dishes!!!)

Curly Hair + Humidity = Hat Day

Yesterday was one of those days! It was 98% humidity when I left home in the morning, and as the day went on the rains came. It was a very bad, bad day indeed for the curly-haired.

Gradually, my hair grew larger and larger. The strands each took on a life of their own, and each started to frizz and drift off in their own unique direction. Not a single strand played kindly with those around it. I had no options, other than desperately wetting my hands and attempting to flatten the follicles. This seemingly made them angrier. Compounding the problem, is the fact that I am at an awkward growing out stage. I can barely scrape my hair back into a suitable ponytail; and if I do manage to corale it, surreptiously, it creeps and then sprongs free of its bounds.

Desperate times, my friends. Desperate times.

And so, I bring you hats. Welcome to a shop which I absolutely adore! BoringSidney creates beautifully constructed hats, that conjure images of early Hollywood glamour.

For those seeking simple, classic elegance, this 1920's style cloche is decked out with a fantastically large flower in matching wool flower. If you can pull off the added va-va-voom, it is also available in lipstick red.


For the slightly more bold, a gorgeous teal blue hat, aptly named for Ingrid Bergman. This hat has been blocked on an authentic 1930's hat block. Additional vintage appeal comes courtesy of the careful selection of materials: sumptuous velour wool, and stunning black tatting.


Along with the hats, this shop has some truly stunning, take-notice fascinators. I am particularly enamored with this riotous beauty; an eyecatching flourish of cream and white goose biots, emu tufts, and handcurled ostrich feathers, plus a vintage millinery flower.

I must admit, that hats this beautiful do make me long for many more bad hair days in my future.

The Dog Days of Summer

We are officially entering what is called, "the dog days of summer". That is at least if you go by the calendar of ancient Rome, which considered the dog days to last from July 24th to August 24th. A more modern publication, the Farmer's Almanac, lists the dog days as the 40 days beginning July 3rd and lasting until August 11th.

As a child, I had always imagined that the name refered to the image of a large, furry dog, panting heavily while resting in the shade of the porch. It in fact, the dog days are so named because in ancient times, the rising of the dog star, Sirius coincided with the sunrise. However you choose to explain the term, we can all agree that the days are too hot, too humid and the cooling rains are too far and few between. This is the time of year when we are most likely to seek some chilling relief.

Let's sit languidly for a few moments, and dwell on nice chilly thoughts.

One of summer's most necessary and popular summer items, surely is the ubiquitous ice cube tray. There is nothing more satisfying than the plunk of an ice cube plummeting into a tumbler, and then the slight crackles as it meets the temperature of the surrounding liquid. Its a little thing, but it makes me a little happier to see my ice cubes arrive in fun shapes. I have a small collection of plastis ice cube trays from IKEA, and I love that they come out with new shapes every year. I have X's and O's from previous collections, so on a truly steamy day, I can indulge in an icy game of tic-tac-toe to cool things down. this year's collection includes fish, stars and flowers, and of course the trays are in typically bold, fun, Ikea colours.


With fun ice cubes at hand, we better get a nice drink to cool with them. And there is nothing better on a sweaty day, than a nice cold glass of lemonade.



My favorite recipe for lemonade (I know, who needs a recipe for lemonade, right? But really there is a knack to getting not too sweet, not too tart), comes from Martha Stewart.

Ingredients:
4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups sugar
3.5 cups water

In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups lemon juice and the sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring unti the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
In a pitcher, stir together the syrup, remaining 2 cups of lemon and juice and the water. To serve, pour over ice.

Next thing, we need is a little shade, and failing the use of a Southern ante-bellum plantation style porch, a giant umbrella will do the trick. D.O.T Patio, currently with locations only within Ontario has an impressive variety of umbrellas to choose one. This one, though a little too expensive for my current budget, is probably my dream umbrella. At 17' it provides a huge shady area. I also love that it has a side arm rather than a centre pole. The pole design, though traditional, does make adding an alfresco dining centrepiece difficult, and can involve a slight amount of ducking and weaving if trying to maintain eye contact with tablemates.

If the icy cold drink in the shade, isn't working for you, and you need a little more excitement in your day, there is only one thing that will do: perennial summertime favorite, the Wham-O Slip-n-Slide. Available at most department and toy stores, just hook it up to your garden hose and slide away.


Have any other fun ways to spend these dog days? I'd love to hear how you stay cool, so please feel free to add comments.

Surprise!!!

I have no major event to celebrate today, but I feel the need to have a party. So... SURPRISE!! Don your best frocks. You're all invited. Now, let's take a walk through the party checklist.

Clearly, the first thing that we need to do is make sure we find some guests. We will, therefore require some invitations. I think I found the perfect customizable, printable ones in nounces' shop. These fun ice cream-themed cards are perfect for a kids' party, but with their fun Neapolitan colours are equally apropos for any fun girlie occasion.

With the RSVP's pouring in, let's turn our attention to decorations, shall we.

Paper garland is a must at any festive event, and I simply adore the fun colours of these handmade, crinkly crepe ones from lizziebean's shop.

Add a few paper flower garlands from Millalove's shop for added impact:


Now cake is a must for any event, and I always get such a warm, fuzzy feeling when presented with a towering pedestal of sweetly decorated cupcakes. A cupcake all turned out in its best party dress, is even better. How about topping those cupcakes with these fun little party picks by sevencupcakes?



And then nestle the cupcakes in these pretty paper wrappers, from OliviasPaperShoppe.


Now, let's see. Decorations, check. Sweet treats, check. I have an idea! Why don't we make everyone's entrance grand? Let's shower them with confetti. What better addition to a no-occasion-midsummer-party then these beautiful pastel coloured, butterfly bedecked, confetti filled, eggs. These cascarones are made by gracieseggies.


Oh, one more thing. What good is a party without some festive party hats. Since we started the theme with fun ice-cream inspired invitations, let's finish it with these fun ice-cream inspired hats, from SweetTreeStudio.


I think these lovely items will all help add a festive flair. Grab your glass of punch, and don't forget those cupcakes. I'm off to mingle. Thanks so much for coming by, and have FUN!

Favorite Things - July 20

Here is something that I feel makes my life truly complete: SHARPIE!


First, let me state unequivocally, that I owe my sanity to Sharpie! One summer when I was working at a very tedious office job, I was searching for a way to entertain myself while everyone (but me!) was out enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Lucky for me, as it was an office, there was no shortage of office supplies at hand. So armed with nothing but one lone (fine tip) black sharpie and a stack of post-its (another love for another day, by the way!), I began to doodle. One doodle led to another, until my post it stack was gone, and I had to go forage for another. Using the sharpie, these doodles undoubtedly, were some of my finest ever doodles. I began to daydream that someday I would be asked to exhibit these doodles at galleries across the world. And this indulgent doodling and daydreaming binge helped maintain my tenuous grasp on sanity, that long-ago fateful day.

Now back to the markers. Gone are the days when the fat old marker was good for nothing more than adding a brief note on a packing carton. Sharpie has taken the marker to a whole new level. Over the years sharpie has introduced finer and finer tipped markers. The turning point for Sharpie love for me was with the introduction of the twin tip, pictured above in black. This bad boy has both the fine and the very fine tip, all in one convenient tube.

And what did sharpie do next? Well, they started to introduce colours. At first, the colours were limited to simply staid blue and the official angry red. And then one day, a rainbow of hues appeared. Better yet, these colours began to arrive in sweet little purse and knapsack sized clickable pens. That's it. The Sharpie love was complete. Or... so I thought.

Sharpie, has also turned out dazzling metallics, chisel tips, laundry markers, and more. How many ways can Sharpie possibly find to woo me?

Even their website is fun, which I truly did not expect!! Click here to doodle virtually with Sharpie markers.

European Grand Tour - The Continent: Day4

Today marks the final leg of our European Grand Tour. We shall end with a bang as we trip lightly through Italy and Spain.

Italy has a long and impressive history.

With patrons such as the D'Medici and the Papacy, the arts flourished in Italy. This is the home of Michelangelo, DaVinci, Botticelli, Titian, and Raphael, a list of men with artistic accomplishments too many and varied to list. So too, is Italy the home of the musical glory of La Scala, Verdi, and Pavarotti. Dante and Boccaccio penned some of history's greatest literature.

Today's Italy is home to fashion giants, Gucci and Versace. It is a country where the ancient mingles easily with the modern. Ferraris race around the perimeter of the Coliseum; Vespas zip past the leaning Tower of Pisa.

Dine on pizza and pasta, and sip Pinot Grigio. Take a Venetian canal tour. Marvel at the wonders of the Sistine chapel and the striped tower of Siena's Duomo. And of course, as Italy, particularly Milan is one of the world's great fashion capitals, be sure to shop.

Milano, is home to altdesign. Romantically inspired items abound in this shop, such as this rose petal necklace:


Look to the sky as the sun goes down over the Italian landscape and you are likely to see sunset colours much like those in this beautiful scarf made by mireloom, of Turino.


Travelling on to lively Spain. This is a country of excitement, with both the running of the bulls and bull-fights. It is also the home of the flamboyant flamenco. Even the food has excitement with flavourful gazpacho, paella, and chorizo.

Spain, has also produced a number of influential citizens over the years. The fictional character Don Quixote was imagined by Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes. Modern masters Picasso and Dali were also Spanish.

Spain boasts an enviable location sandwiched between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, with a share of the Pyrenees mountain range added for good measure. It also shares borders with many countries, and has strong North African influences. These influences have resulted in a unique and delightful mix of architectural styles. The European influence of the Renaissance and the Baroque, were pre-dated by the Moorish influence, and in some areas, the Celtic influence appeared even earlier.

One of my favorite "architects" currently working in Spain however, has to be Intres. This whimsical fabric home just simply captures my soul:


The coastal locations in Spain, have also provided artist alganet with a range of readily available natural materials, with which these incredible artworks are made:


Do you feel a little homesick, yet? I think it is time for us to return to our homes. The tour has indeed been grand, and so many treasures have been collected along the way. I hope you remembered to save a little money for excess baggage fees.

European Grand Tour - The Continent: Day3

*psss-sst* Wake up. The sun has risen on the Tyrolean Alps. Wilkommen to Austria.

Austria is enviably situated within the Alps. In fact roughly 75% of this country is situated within the mountains.

Austria was the birthplace of the cake-eating, Marie Antoinette. The earliest notes of Schubert, Mozart and Haydn floated out of Austrian windows and it was here that Kafka penned his greatest. This is a country renowned for cafe culture. Here, a strong black coffee will be taken with a Sachertorte, or Apfelstrudel.

While resting at the cafe, why not pen some of your own travel memories in a wonderful journal, handbound by KreativLink. This particular one is serendipitously named for the greatest grand Tour novel of all time, "A Room With a View".



And while enjoying the Tyrolean Alps, why not indulge in some whimsical ribbon from SardanaCreations. This one is reminiscent of the area with characters costumed in traditional garb:


Yodel-eh-yodel-eh-yodel-eh-eee-hooo!

We have arrived in peaceful Switzerland. This beautiful alpine country is known for neutrality, and is home to the Red Cross, the UN and the WTO. Four official languages reside harmoniously together.

Switzerland is also home to the fictitious, Heidi. High on the Alps you can hear the low blown tones of the alpenhorn, along with the vocal gymnastics of the yodeller. Here, one can indulge in the most perfect food: melty, cheesy fondue.

If our shopping excursion proves anything, Switzerland, is also home to some very unique earrings. These wonderfully rich coloured earrings are made by Swiss designer, joelinha.


Tonight, as a farewell to Switzerland, we will hit the streets in Geneva. This slick and cosmopolitan city, is also known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. As we are likely to rub elbows with some of Europe's big spenders, we should dress to impress. We therefore, shop for an impressively silky new dress at BurkhalterCouture.


Try not to stay out too late, enjoying the nightlife. Tomorrow, we begin the final leg of our journey as we travel south into Italy.

European Grand Tour - The Continent: Day2

The Grand Tour continues. A quick express train whisks us away from Belgium, and this morning we arrive in the Netherlands.

Low-lying and largely surrounded by water (bordered by the North sea, and crisscrossed with major riverways) a complex series of dikes have for centuries, successfully kept the country from being swallowed whole. The windmill, which many just regard as an antiquated and quaint symbol of the Dutch culture were in fact used to control the dyke system.

With the water under control, the Netherlands became a country rich in legacy: the hollow clump-clump of the wooden clog; buttery-yellow Gouda cheese; the instantly recognizable blue of delftware pottery and; the springtime delight of the tulip.

In the country that may have the world's greenest thumb, one must expect to find this horticultural nature playing itself out in all manners. Take for instance, these stunningly crafted, felted trumpet flowers by reyaveltman.


The love for flowers also affects photographer, schamka. This photograph will be sure to evoke Grand Tour memories of spring mornings, softly sunlit and fresh with dew.


With the smell of the blossoms still tickling our noses, we make our way on to Germany.

Germany is one of Europe's larger countries. It is comprised of sixteen states, and neighbours nine countries. It has the beauty of the Alps, the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest, with a healthy dose of industrial and urban areas to balance. With a geography as complex as this, one must expect a great deal of regional influence.

Germany is beer and bratwurst and blackforest cake.

Many of the world's deepest thinkers from Hegel, Kant and Marx to Einstein and von Braun were German. Germany also very kindly provided the musical genius of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.

From the country that gave us the Gutenberg press, comes print designer, seasprayblue. This sweet print of teacups is a favorite.


For a craft that calls to mind the leather of lederhosen, and the lace trimmings of a Black Forest cottage window, see the shop of thymbyldesigns. This ring is as charming as it is unique in design.


And so concludes another day of travels. Tomorrow, we climb the Alps into Austria and Switzerland.

European Grand Tour - The Continent: Day1

Disembarking from the ferry, the fresh sea air of coastal Calais welcomes us to France, and the Grand Tour begins in earnest.

What doesn't France have to offer? With rugged seascapes, rolling pastures, the Alps and the Mediterranean, its geographical diversity is sure to please. But, its real appeal lies in the cultural diversity to be found across the country. This diversity allows for a truly pleasing range of cultures, traditions, dialects and of course, gastronomic delights - this after all being the country of more than 400 cheeses, and an equally impressive number of wines! - all adding up to one veritable feast for the senses. Little wonder that the French have such joie de vivre.

Let's begin our tour today in elegant Paris: the City of Lights.

In Paris, there is no shortage of sites: from le Tour Eiffel, to the Grand and Petite Palais'; to the stained glass of Notre Dame and Ste Chappelle, and the dome of Sacre Couer. Expand your artistic knowledge at the Louvre, or the Musee d'Orsay, or the countless other museums and galleries, each home to a impressive and enviable collection of masterpieces. Indulge your inner artist in the Montmarte, and your literary side at Shakespeare & Co. Be saucy at Moulin Rouge.

Do not however, forget to take time to soak up the Parisian atmosphere, and where better to do this than a street side cafe, where the chairs all face out so that the greatest Parisian past-time can occur: people watching. Remember too, that all those people who are busy watching, will also be watching you, and if therefore, you wish not to look like the lost tourist, do your best to blend in and adapt the elegant and chic attitude of the French. To do so, stop in perhaps at the shop of malam. Here the perfect little frock awaits, such as this keyhole swallowtail dress.


Paris has long been a base for influential artists and burgeoning art movements, and being the home to the École des Beaux-Arts, this is sure to continue. Paris, therefore seems a natural place to search out a new favorite artist, such as SibylleD.


I love this modern, digital print in wonderful charcoal and sepia tones, with a distinct nod to the French passion for fashion.

Regrettably, it is time to leave the glamour of Paris behind us. The whole rest of this beautiful country, though, is still left to explore. After the excitement of Paris, maybe a trip to a more relaxed locale is in order. First stop, then, Mirepoix in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France.

This small, but beautiful medieval town boasts wonderful oak arcades surrounding the market square. Every autumn the town hosts the Fetes des Pommes. A suitable souvenir then might just be these whimsically printed cotton tapes by resident, lillalotta.


Off now to the Dordogne, where the valley is awash with vineyards and chateaux, and the truffle is king. This region is home too, to the famous Lascaux caves, which house extraordinary examples of prehistoric art, namely depictions of animal life, that have been carbon dated to 15-13,000 BC. This region is also the home of feltwear designer, jannio. Myself, I am partial to this pretty chapeau, reminiscent as it is of the traditional French beret.


Finally, to the Auvergne, where the humble haricot is tres important. Not only is it the main ingredient in regional speciality, cassoulet, it is also finds its fashioned into these wonderful decorative objects, created by makalewakan.

Our travels in France draw to a close, as we breathe a final, appreciative sigh over a glass of Medoc. Then we board the train and travel to neighbouring Belgium.

Maintaining the best of both the French and Flemish culture, Belgium is a vibrant country. It is a country of bike lanes and canals; bell towers and market squares; trappist beers and frites. For a small country, she has produced an impressive number of artistic masters, from VanEyk to Rubens, and; boasts what might easily be some of Europe's most stunning examples of Baroque architecture.

The artistic tradition remains alive and well, in fact, and here we meet ArtMind, creator of wonderfully unique and playful art sculptures.


What a whirlwind adventure today has been. Tomorrow we will begin a new leg in our journey as we continue on to Holland and Germany.

European Grand Tour - The Departure

In the traditional sense, the Grand Tour was a undertaken by young men of the British upper classes and gentry. Its purpose was to expose these fortunate young men to the cultural legacy of classical antiquity and the Renaissance, thereby expanding their recently completed Oxbridge education, all whilst migling with the aristocratic society of the continent.

Grand tourists were exposed to a number of valuable commercial and collectible goods while abroad, and trunk loads of goods would often return to Britain along with the tourist. What an exceptional delight a continent-wide shopping excursion would be. In this era of stay-cations and armchair travelling, however, we shall make our tour a virtual one.

Our tour will begin today, at the homebase of these Grand Tourists, with a tour across Great Britain and Ireland.

First stop, Ireland. A country that has long inspired poets and lyricists with its pewter skies and emerald landscapes; where one can sit in front of a peaty fire and sip whiskey in a pub, or trek dramatic oceanside cliffs; where angelic harps provide a soundtrack and the craic freely flows.

Waterford is typically known for its manufacture of some of the world's most beautiful fine crystal. It also is home to Bonzie, a self-described "independant Irish design label with a romantic vintage appeal". A very fitting description. On my grand tour, I would surely pay a visit and treat myself to this stunning Pewter Grey Velvet Blazer.


In this land of faeries, banshees, leprechauns and other wee creatures, this little upcycled elf hat by Mosey of Belfast, is a sweet souvenier.


Now boarding the ferry, and battling seasickness while crossing the choppy Irish Sea, we make for Scotland.

Scotland, the land of clans and kilts; an oft-disputed territory, whose turbulent history has left a legacy of castles, which dramatically rise against her heathered hills and brooding skies. It is the home of the mythical Loch Ness monster and the birthplace of golf, tweed and Rabbie Burns. Scotland's national dish is haggis - the "Great Chieftain o' the pudding-race"; its national flower the prickly purple thistle.

Off the coast of Scotland, continually battered by the pounding sea lies the Isle of Skye. Here is home to greybirdtextiles. Surely inspired by the landscape, is this beautuful hand-dyed, hand-spun wool.


Down now to Glasgow, where we discover the whimsical work of laurabailliedesigns2. Laura is the creator of wonderful prints, ACEO's and collages. A current favorite theme of hers is Alice in Wonderland, and lucky for us, as from that was born this beautiful mixed media collage.


Like the white rabbit, we are late, we are late, and we must continue on. We will follow the west coast of Scotland down into Wales, where white ponies trot over rocky mountains. Wales is the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, Roald Dahl, and Tom Jones. The mythical King Arthur fought his last battle in the Dovey Valley, and Merlin is said to have been born in Caermarthen.

On our trek through Wales, we will stop and pick up some of these lovely little gift boxes which we can use as we send gifts home to loved ones. These are made by gooseberrymoon.


Back across the border to England, home to the Queen and her handsome, princely grandsons. Here is where tea and ale are sipped with equal frequency; where fish and chips with a side of mushy peas is supper. Home might be a drafty castle, a quaint cottage or a trendy urban flat. Where the pretty, flushed cheek of the young girls matches the colour of the perfect English rose.

Kent, England has been called the "garden of England". You can almost imagine this beautiful and vibrant ribbon lotus flower, made by calexandra, floating atop a garden pool.



This beautiful blush rose and feather hair comb comes to us from trendy London, courtesy of tiedandfeathered.


This particular hairpiece is called Paris. How serendipitous as tomorrow our journey will continue on across the Channel to France, and into the City of Lights.

Get a good rest, we have a long journey ahead.

Linen

Linen is one of the oldest fabrics in recorded history. 4000 years ago, it provided the basis for one of the earliest industries. Linen wrapping was used for the wrapping of mummies in Ancient Egypt. Those in which Pharaoh Ramesses II , was wrapped upon his death in 1213 BC, remained in a state of perfect preseravation for more than 3000 years.

It is lightweight and airy (and inconveniently, sure to wrinkle in the heat!), making a perfect fabric for summer fashions. It is the strongest of the vegetable fibres (spun from flax fibre), and is naturally durable and stain-resistant. This makes it perfect for table linens. Despite its strength, it is also naturally soft and smooth, which at one time made it a valuable lingerie and bedlinen fabric.

With an endless amount of uses, linen continues to be a coveted material for myriad uses. It is found today in uses both practical and whimsical.

Linen is naturally moisture wicking which makes it perfect for drying off after a long bath, using perhaps these towels from etsy seller, LinenMe.


Because of its absorbancy, linen is also a natural choice for coasters. These beautifully embroidered ones will act perfectly to wick away the condensation trickling down the side of an icy drink on a hot day. These are from the etsy shop, madamehoux.


For the fashionable among us, this dress by modaspia on etsy, is perfect for hot summer weather. I also love its neutral colour which allows the wearer to dress it up or down with any variety of accessories.

Speaking of accessories, how about this gorgeous pouch by Laura Bucci.


Or, this adorable scarf by winkhandmade.


Finally, if you just need a little whimsy in your life, linen can also be called into duty for this purpose as well. Why, just look at this wonderful little stuffed fox from birdandlittlebird.


There are so many more wonderful uses for this versatile fabric. I have barely scratched the surface here, but I have highlighted a few more beautiful items in my current etsy treasury.

If you have favorite uses for linen, or fond memories of a linen item, please feel free to share them here.