Summer in Vancouver - Part 1

I can't believe that we are in the month of October already. I guess I wasn't the only one. Last night, we had a dinner with the in-laws and my MIL for a sec believed that we are still in September and said that Oct is just upon us. It's kind of funny because her birthday was on Oct 3rd.

I thought I share with you what we were up to in August and September, in case you were wondering where was I and there is no single blog post here.

Vancouver is such a beautiful place. There are so many outdoor activities you can do such as kayaking, hiking, camping and biking to name a few. We loved to do these when there were only the two of us (hubby and I) and hopefully we can do it again as of next year now given the fact that our little one is not so little anymore.

Strolling the city of Vancouver and its surrounding, or better known as Lower Mainland, is gratifying.

Canada Place is one of the main tourist attractions. It is located in downtown Vancouver, only minutes away from the apartment we used to live. It's the cruise ship terminal that can service up to 4 large cruise ships.

Located just a few blocks from Canada Place is Coal Harbor, where the home of Olympic Cauldron. It fills with new restaurants, shops and sights. This was one of our favorite places to go on Sunday, when the hustle and bustle has died down. Enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking view, Vancouver certainly one of the best places to live. 

Coal Harbor is also a floatplane hub connecting downtown Vancouver to Victoria, Nanaimo and many more destinations along the coasts of British Columbia. I had to fly a few times back in the days when I worked as an HR professional, and I must admit that it's not a pleasant ride. When I was pregnant, I chose the 3-hours commute by a ferry/bus than this 30-mins plane ride (one-way). 30 mins would felt much longer than 3 hours if you have motion sickness. I'd bet my DH and son would enjoy the float plane ride though.

Deep Cove is located in North Vancouver. It's a place to go if you want to do some kayaking. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent.

This cute shop grabbed my attention. It has such an adorable display: the pretty heart garland, the whimsical fonts, and a stack of timeworn vintage suitcases. It's too bad that the shop was closed when we were there, otherwise I am pretty sure I would find some handmade items there.

 

 There are a few more places we went to and things we did that I'd love to share. Stay-tuned! In the meantime, do share your experience if you have visited Vancouver. Or what would be the place you live in or have been that has similarity to what Vancouver has to offer?

Saturday Artisan: Tbeads

What a better way to start celebrating Canada Day than featuring one of our great Canadian artists? Meet Tracey of Tbeads from Winnipeg. 

Her works focus on handmade wire wrapped jewelry with semi precious beads, glass and crystal - necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings - warm, natural, earthy and beautiful.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

Accountant by day, jewelry maker by night! I make rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings with wire and stone mostly. It amazes me that these basic elements are so beautiful and multidimensional. I especially enjoy the colour, depth, variety and weight of stone. My family has been involved with my Etsy shop - providing lots of encouragement. My talented husband takes the pictures and even built a light box to get them just right. My son helps with shipping and contributes ideas towards design.

Which part of creation process that you like to do the most? I find designing the most challenging and the most irritating and the most rewarding. But I also enjoy learning new skills - although I haven't taken any classes - for me its all trial and error, trying to translate what I see in my mind's eye into a finished piece. Lately I have been working mostly on perfecting spirals and hammering wire. What I love the very most is when something goes wildly different from where I thought it was going and by some miracle it works. 

What is your favourite item in your shop? My favourite item is this ring.  I love the warmth of the bronze wire against the sparkle of the fire agates. I think the combination of bronze and orange is unique and feels special to me. Another of my favourites is this necklace.

My mother gave me a vintage string of black beads that I took apart and made into several pieces that are now in my shop. She was so inspired that she has been buying up all the jewelry at the local thrift shop - and giving them to me! I am not sure what to do with them all... yet 

What is your best seller? I am pretty new to selling online - I haven't been selling long enough to discern a pattern. I especially love to make the rings, but I understand that they can be hard to sell online because of the sizing. I have been putting the ring sizes in, but I plan to to add in the inside dimensions so people can measure their finger with a measuring tape or a string. 

What is your goal for 2010? And are you on the right track? 

My first shop goal for 2010 was to create and post a new item every day. And my second goal was to build my shop inventory to 150 items. Now I am looking at some of the older posts and applying what I have learned in the forums about cropping pictures and tagging. I also did a craft show and plan to do another one in the fall. I feel like I have learned so much since I opened my shop on December 19, 2009! I have had so many people give me comments and even had a full critique. To me, its all about learning and growing and sharing and I am definitely on the right track there.

Way to go Tracey! I admire your work and your dedication to learning more each and every day. 

Stay tuned for tomorrow's giveaway!

Spotted Tuesday: Oh Canada

Canada won its most gold medals in Olympics history. To celebrate this great achievement, I'm inspired to create this week Spotted Tuesday showcasing this beloved country: Canada.

1st row from the left:

I Love Vancouver Zipper Pouch by kukubee

MAPLE LEAF graphic art GICLEE print FRAMED by nativevermont

Inukshuk Pendants by ThompsonsTreasures


2nd row from the left:

Canada House - Maple Leaf by thelittlereddoor

WHISTLER British Columbia - BLACK DOG SKI by nativevermont

Go Canada Olympic Moose Cards by VintagePaperParade

Nature Closes to Home

This was what I missed when I was in Indonesia: seeing nature so close to home. These birds come by every morning at my parents' backyard.


Ethan's grandparents brought him to a nearby lake to see ducks while I was at home busy packing for our next day flight to Toronto.

Toronto, My Soon-Becoming-Home?

Scrabble Tile Collection by Dlkdesigns

My husband and I have decided that we're going back to Canada instead of staying here in Indonesia. It's time to move on. We pray to God and hoping we're making the right decision. I love Vancouver but it's a family decision that we are moving to Toronto instead. Housing is much more affordable and we'll be able to do more with what we have as we're thinking of a long-term plan. It's not going to be an easy change. This is one of major life changes after Ethan was born, a year or so ago and we have to be ready with the uncertainties especially during this global financial crisis.

So here are few artworks of fellow artisans about Toronto, in which represents Toronto in its own unique way.

The Sky's The Limit by fotostrudel

Chrysanthemums in Toronto Sunset by ndtphoto

Toronto Baseball Field by Paintbox

TTC Subway Necklace by storybeads