Friday Freebie + Thank You + India Trip

Happy Friday everyone! I want to pause and thank you all for your support, emails and comments. Your kind and encouraging words make my each day special. This blog has become an integral part of my life. I don't know what I'd do without it. I've met so many wonderful people via this blog and have made friends. It's just amazing to know lovely people who are on the other side on the screen. So, thank you.

Another big news that I want to share with you is that I am in India at the moment. It was spur of the moment thing and everything happened lighting fast. I am home and very excited about it! I have to do some catching up with friends and family this weekend. So, I will see you now on Monday with tons of owl-love. Yeah, I'll be taking photos while I'll travel around. Would you like to see my home?

This week's generous freebie is by Tracy of Blue Finch Studios.

Chez Sucre Chez

I am a huge fan of cross-stitch items. I find them warm, cozy and nostalgic. Maybe because my grandma used to make little cross-stitched dolls for me when I was a little girl. This owl in the hoop looks loved. Doesn't it?

The second picture shows only a tiny collection of Kimberly's work. Stop by her Chez Sucre Chez if you are still drooling.

De Beaux Souvenirs

I recently discovered the wire work of a France based artist, Claire Rougerie, and enjoyed it thoroughly. She has been a collector of various antiques and vintage fabric since she was age 15. She now makes use of those items in her work. Notice the white vintage lace she incorporated in the piece. This wire owl has handformed wire lettering which reads “La reine des bois” which translates to “The queen of the forest”.

Allison's Ceramic Tiles

Allison Shelling is an artist and an educator in Canada. She makes ceramic tiles and jewelry but specializes in sculptures.

"Themes of memory and experience continue to be large areas of exploration in Allison’s practice. Having moved from the large cast concrete installations, she continues to use casting methods but on a much smaller scale. Her newer ceramic wall tiles and jewelry, show a more delicate and portable approach to art making."

To me, her work is intricate and detailed. I can't get over the little paintings beautifying the tiles. Sorry, I couldn't find any information on where can these be purchased.

Hunkydory Home: Twit Twoo!

These cute mugs are hand printed at Hunkydory Home of Alison Ellerbrook. The mugs feature a winking owl with "Twit Twoo!".

Gifts under $30 at Pottery Barn

Some cute gifts at Pottery Barn you can buy under $30.

Images clockwise from left: bottle stopper, woodland creature candles and pinecone critter ornaments.

Track and Field

Track and Field is a cute little shop owned by Sasha Freeman who makes vintage inspired messenger bags, pouches, pillows, magnets, crochet brooches and much more. She loves to shop at thrift stores (me too!) and enjoys watching celebrity gossip shows :) Her work has been showcased by many bloggers and magazines (have you seen her work before?). The first picture is a page from Toronto One of a Kind Show gift guide which features her laptop bag. Lovely!

White is the New Black

White is everywhere this time of the year. Well, why not? It's fresh, clean and festive. I was lucky enough to find these white owls at Z Gallerie. I'm loving the pillar holders. These are an absolute steal at $19.99.

From top: Prentise Pillar Holder, White Owl Ornament and Snowy White Owl.

Baby Shower Cupcakes

A Baked Creation is the duo of Sylvia and Howard, who love designing, decorating and of course eating cupcakes. These sweet cupcakes will leave expecting mothers wanting for more! Their website has tons of adorable cupcakes from pigs to ghosts. Make a stop of more mouth-watering treats.

Me & Oli

Love this Mr. owl dress (and the shirt) by Me & Oli. It's so lovely that it was featured in Frankie, an Australian fashion magazine. You'll find illustrated & digitally printed clothes available in limited edition, laser cut jewellery, illustrated journals & postcards in their store here.

Mr owl was made lovingly from tonnes of hand cut semi-circle paper pieces. the colours of mr owl comes from a myriad of textured walls in a myriad of alleyways through south east asia- all cut into tiny pieces to form this friendly creature. mr owl then multiplied in number to occupy the surface of this ivory coloured luxe silk cotton.

Barry's Farm

Barry's farm is a store selling cute and unique selection of laptop sleeves, pouches and wallets. This owl laptop sleeve is a fun and a cool way of toting your lappy from one place to the other. The sleeve made of durable canvas and lined with soft flannel and foam padding will sure to protect your precious laptop from every day bumping and bruising.

Deck the Porch

These doormats will quickly update the look of your house's entrance. These are sure to leave a lasting impress on your guests or will make a practical housewarming gift for your new neighbors. I love the colors of the second mat. Which is your favorite?

Available here, here and here.

{Gift Wrap}

I was out most of the day yesterday running errands and buying a few gifts before the shops get jam packed. Buying gifts is still easy, what's challenging is to wrap each and every one of them neatly without crumpling the wrapping paper. I prefer gift boxes such as these, when every minute counts. Do you use paper or boxes?

First wrapping paper is available here and the second here.