Happy New Year’s Eve!

Via
 

I want to wish all of you a happy and healthy 2011!

And I hope you all have fun plans to ring in the new year with your families and friends.

As for me, this will be my last night on the cruise.  I’m sure they will have some fun festivities planne
d.  Either way, I know I’m going to eating a lot and having a one or two (or more!) drinks!

See you next year!

Cool Company – Leafcutter Designs

I had heard about Leafcutter Designs a little while ago, but I just recently ordered a couple of their products for a Christmas/Thank You gift for two of my colleagues.  And let me tell you, they were VERY well-received!

Leafcutter is best known for their “World Smallest Postage Service”.  Lea, the “postmaster” decided to capitalize on her strange ability to write really small and on behalf of her clients, mail out these cute and tiny letters and packages.

 
I can’t get over how adorable they are! And really affordable – each letter costs $9 and each package costs $10.

Depending on what the occasion is, you can choose a theme or have a completely custom design made up.  For example,if you decided to go with the letter, you could choose the “letter” theme, type out the text (in 26 lines or less) and your recipient would get this in the mail:



Or, if you wanted to go with a package, you could choose the “You are cute as a button” package and the recipient would get this:



I wanted to thank my two colleagues for their help over the last 6 months, so I ordered the “Thank You” package, which just happens to be a bouquet of paper flowers (my colleagues run a floral boutique!)

These letters and packages can also be ordered in bulk, so if you wanted to send them out for an  announcement (new baby, wedding, etc.) or invitation, Lea will work with you on whatever you have in mind.
And she is super nice to deal with too!

Is “The World’s Smallest Postal Service” something you would be interested in sending to someone?

Inspiration – Artenica Catalogue

I was looking through a friend’s copy of the Artenica catalogue the other day and I was immediately inspired.  This modern furnishings and accessories retailer has an incredibly clean aesthetic, which is not usually my style, but I was really loving this photo:

 
The photo is showcasing Artenica’s incredibly cool and unique Come Rain Come Shine chandelier designed by Tord Boonjte, but I also love the jumble of white chairs on the back wall.  My guess is, this is a shoe and accessories store somewhere, but I couldn’t find any information about it.

There are dozens and dozens of more inspirational photos, not to mention amazing furnishings and accessories, so if you are looking for something to do over the holidays, check it out here.

Why Didn’t I Go To Art School?

Another cool project done by my sister, Allie, who is currently attending OCAD, “Canada’s University of the Imagination.”

 
Allie made this brooch in her jewelry class.  The assignment was to make a piece of jewelry that represented “nostalgia”.  Allie had a teddy bear when she was little (and still has it!), so she wanted to re-create it, complete with a jewel heart!

Another reason why I should have gone to art school….

 (Note: I just wanted to reiterate the fact that I’m not really upset that I didn’t go to art school.  I just think that the whole concept is amazing (creating art instead of writing essays) and I want to showcase my talented sister’s projects.  I could always apply down the road if the time was right :) )

Pistil Flowers – Flowers to Function

In my spare time, I work for a floral boutique in downtown Toronto called Pistil Flowers. I help them with their social media, marketing, PR and events.  Not only do I love to do this type of stuff for them, I am always inspired when I visit their store.  How could you not?


 
I wanted to introduce you to Pistil’s blog because they have some good stuff going on! They just started a series called “Flowers to Function” where they take a Pistil arrangement and match it to a professionally styled room.  The posts show how easy it is to incorporate flowers into your home decor, no matter what your style is.  Here are some photos from their holiday edition.


   
Gorgeous, right? Check out their website for more eye candy and be sure to check back on their blog every Wednesday for great floral and design-related posts.

Merry Christmas!!!

Via

I just wanted to check in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  I hope you are spending the day with your loved ones…and I hope you had some fun items under the tree this morning!

xoxo

Cool Company – Jersey Ice Cream Co.

If you were reading yesterday, you would have seen the unbelievable Before and After home that was featured on Design Sponge.  I wanted to learn more about this Percy fellow who designed the home and was pleasantly surprised to find out that he has begun selling his beautifully curated vintage art, furniture and accessories through Jersey Ice Cream Co.  A lot of items have already sold, but I wanted to show you my favourites:
 

  Vintage Pull Down Maps – he has a few left, but they are going fast! – prices vary

 Industrial Stools – only one left! - $50

 
Chevron Throw – sadly this is sold :( - $35

 
Egg Crate - $80 (now how about that “Don’t Give Up” poster in the background?)

 
Reclaimed Gymnasium Bleacher Bench – made to order – prices vary

Not only are these vintage and reclaimed items beautiful (and I want several of them!) the photography is amazing.  I guess it helps that he is shooting in his newly stylishly-transformed home. 

If shipping costs weren’t an issue (as they always are for us Canadians!), what would you buy from Jersey Ice Cream Co.?

And I don't want to make you all jealous, but I wanted to let you know that I am on my way to Miami today to set off on my Carribean cruise! I will be away until New Year's Day, but I do have posts already set up for next week. They are all short and sweet, but I'm sure you are all okay with that since you probably don't want to be spending your Christmas vacation reading blogs...or maybe you do! If I wasn't on a cruise, I would probably be doing just that :)

Whatever you spend your holiday doing, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  And I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for visiting What's Up Whimsy, whether you have been a long time reader or a newbie.  I appreciate each and every one of you! Okay, that's enough gushy talk....it's Christmas Eve everyone! xoxo

Design*Sponge Dream Transformation

Last week, I was blown away by a Before and After on Design Sponge.  The photos of the “Afters” speak for themselves:

Via here and here

I know, right? You’ll be even more amazed when you see the horrendous “Befores”.  Click here and here for all the photos.

And not only does Percy, the home owner have incredible style, he has also just embarked on a new business.  Stay tuned for tomorrow to hear more!

I Covet…

I am a little behind with my “I Covet” posts, where I feature something I am in love with from my favourite online magazine Covet Garden, so here is a double dose.

First of all, I covet…Paper Jellyfish!

 
I love different types of art and these paper jellyfish fit the bill.  They were made by, Heather, one of the home owners who was featured in this issue.

Second, I covet…Exposed Brick!


This front entryway in Ben and Daniel’s home is stunning.  From the exposed brick, to the metal letters, to the salvaged sign and the pillows from Thailand, it’s a showstopper.

What are you coveting right now?

Olioboard’s Holiday Decal Decor Contest

As I have mentioned before, I love Oliboard.  I find that it is the best mood board tool out there and use it a lot to plan future rooms in my house.

I wanted to let you know about a fun contest going on with Oliboard right now.  They have paired up with Lot 26 Studio (an incredible source for wall decals and decor) to launch their holiday decor contest. Users are challenged to design a holiday inspired interior design mood board with the chance of winning up to $200.00 in store credit.  Here are some entries so far:


  
And my Twitter buddy, @MeredithHeron, interior designer and TV house extraordinaire, is judging the contest!

The last day to enter is December 23rd, so you only have a couple of days for a chance to win!


Get in the holiday spirit, get creative and get on over to Olioboard to get started.

Cool Company - Omiyage

Happy Monday!

So, what do you get when you cross:

Rolls and rolls of the coolest Japanese masking tape…

 
Lots of fun patterned sheets of paper…

 
Cute and colourful fabrics….

And $5 flat rate shipping in Canada??

Omiyage!! They are a new Canadian-based online store that carry crafty, creative and clever goods.  The owners, after moving to Canada from Japan, found that there was a lack of fun Japanese-made products here and decided to start Omiyage.  Not only have they curated the cutest products, they have unbelievable prices (eg. $7.50 for 2 rolls of tape and $12 for a paper pack), they have amazing shipping rates – a $5 flat fee to Canada!

I actually found out about Omiyage last month when they very kindly sponsored the Canadian Design Blogger Meet Up After the event, I went home and oohed and aahed over their website.  I’m a huge fan of paper and tape and, as you witnessed above, Omiyage has the best of both!

I actually just ordered 3 sets of tape and a blank gift card set - Merry Early Christmas to me!  What is your favourite product from Omiyage?

House 09 Blog Header Giveaway Winner

Sorry I’m a little late with this, but better late than never, right?

Without further adieu, here is the winner:

 

Congratulations Kendra! I can’t wait to see what House 09 creates for you!

I will email you the details.

And to everyone else, I hope you have a fantastic weekend….only a week until Christmas!

My Holiday Wish List

After seeing all my fav bloggers’ wish lists, I thought I would share with you my own.  Most of the items aren’t very fancy, but it’s stuff that I have had on my mind for a while.  Here goes:

Wall File – CB2 - $19.95
Okay, so this is probably the most practical thing on my list. The papers and envelopes in my house are taking over the kitchen counter and I have been looking for something to put everything in.  I think this would do the trick!

 
Felt Balls – Ornamentea – 50 pieces for $8.50
I need a felt ball garland in my house!  And I am itching to make one!

 
Ikat Table Runner – Etsy Seller Nicole Cohen - $45
My beautiful sideboard is getting scratched so I need something to cover the top. I love the vintage look of this runner…and I love Ikat!

Porcelain Key Set – None Such Things - £29.50
I have been eyeing these for a while.  I would  string each one with different types of ribbon and hang them off of a hook in my kitchen.

 
Jewel and Multi-Spot Tape - £7.50 and £5.50
What is better than a little decorative tape??

 
Baby White Tiger by Sharon Montrose – 20x200 - $20
I have been lusting over these animal prints by Sharon Montrose and when I saw that my fav online art store was selling this one, I knew I had to have it!

 
Huxley Eyeglasses – Warby Parker - $95
It looks like I may need some glasses in the near future (my eyes just aren’t what they used to be!), so I came across these.  Not only does Warby Parker have the coolest frames around, for every pair that you buy, they donate a pair to someone less fortunate.  And they have this cool “Virtual Try-On” feature that makes online shopping for glasses a breeze!

 
Togo Fabric – Premier Fabric - $9.99/yard
Ever since the latest issue of Lonny came out, I have been thinking (I really mean obsessing) about the tablecloth feature on pg. 24.  I want to create two tableclothed side tables on either side of my sofa, and since the Schumacher Hiro Fabric is $90/yard, this fabric will do just fine!

 
Letter Lights – Perch! Design - $120

I want a “K” for Keaton’s room!

 
Boreal Forest Poster – Banquet Atelier - $60

This will go in my imaginary playroom!

 
Wooden Upholstered Sofa with Bridal Rug – Wisteria - $1599
This item kind of came out of left field eh? I am in love with this sofa.  Maybe it is not the most practical sofa, but I love it all the same.  I believe this item will stay on my wish list for eternity.

And that’s that!

Check back this afternoon to see who won the blog header giveaway .