Friday 1 February 2013

Inspiration

Happy February!
 
So glad that we are one month closer to spring! I am ready for longer days, vitamin D and the cherry blossoms that line our street. January has felt much too long!
 
Yesterday my mom and I went to Vancouver in search of inspiration for new designs for spring. We started at our favourite bead warehouse where we picked out some great gemstones, crystals and findings.
 
 
 
 
The stones above are New Jade, Amazonite, Fancy Jasper, Goldstone and Rose Quartz. They will be used in a new bracelet design and maybe for napkin rings.
 
 
 
 
I absolutely love the sparkle of these Swarovski crystals. They look so great in this seashell. It reminds me of a nebula and the stars.
 
 
These Crazy Lace Agate beads are beautiful and pick up so many tones. Hmmm what to make with them?
 
 

 
Our second stop was Heather Ross natural eclectic. It had been almost a year since we were last in her beautiful shop. A wonderfully curated collection of vintage finds, home decor and Heather's art and photography, it is an inspiring place to visit.
 
I picked up the seashell and the clay bowl in her shop and will be using them to display and photograph jewellery. I had my eye on many other items and will be making my way back again soon.
 
 
We had a tasty coffee break at Beaucoup Bakery and Café  located in the same converted building at Fir and 6th. The pain au chocolat was irresistible. In addition to the food, I loved the simple yet sophisticated decor of the café, including the dreamy paint colour and vintage chandelier in the bathroom (!).  I often envisage a peaceful, vintage glam space in my home, but with two energetic little boys it isn`t really in the cards right now...Oh well, a perfect excuse for another french inspired coffee and pastry.
 
 
My final acquisition of the day was this awesome array of silverplate items to add to my collection. I love the detail on the tray. Still not sure what I want to do with it...
 
Have a wonderful weekend.
 
- Amanda