Etsy shop is live!

re-launch day is here!

It's been a bit of a slow-go at setting everything up to re-launch this funny little craft life, but i'm happy to announce: wait no more nopes!

Head over to etsy shop and check out the wolf pup dolls and portraits up for adoption. Between making more shop stock and getting in touch with some consignment shops, i'll slowly update shop items.

I've some new ideas i've brewed up throughout the year that i'm so excited to get working on and can only hope they'll light up your true hearts as much as they did mine.

S♥V

hearts & crafts in Hamilton

you know, i don't think i mentioned that some of my handmade goodies are currently sold at Shine studio in Hamilton 'cause i am a dingdong. 

Shine has a great collection of curated gift ideas, arts and jewelry if you're in the hunt for something a little different. take a peek for yourself at 3 Colbourne Street, Hamilton.

handmade card wallets made with reclaimed fabric and vintage linen interiors with snap closure 

just a handful of patchwork fold over zipper pouches with cotton muslin interiors

and just five wolf cub dolls all waiting for homes with little true hearts to watch over. cotton fleece and polkadotted, these cuties are made from an original pattern with all new cotton materials right down to the cotton stuffing

internally yours,
sister valentine

graphic design studenthood

going into my third month of this new graphic design life and it's looking mighty good!

within the first week of school my eyes opened up to the hidden graphic design in everyday life, by week three i knew what applications were used to make animated banners and the very simple things that make up adverts, posters and symbols everyone else just walks by. 

the end of this first term is not for another couple of months and i'm already looking forward to term two where we get introduced to typography, a class that is 90% of it drawn by hand, be still my heart!

thankfully too, there is a good balance between computer heavy work and a little more hands on work which you can see in this mini photo dump so go on, get to it.

my ideas doodling office is extra comfy

taking in some inspiration from the old world

when you study what you love, it doesn't feel like homework

completely hand cut via exacto knife and glues on shimmery paper, inspired by the victorian era

found some great package design with a nod to vintage design

everything starts with pen on paper and in this case, a bit of graphite too

watercolors, pen and cut papers, a ram's portrait inspired by the mod design of the fifties

i'm grateful that i am able to do even a little crafting on the side of this schooling and i'll admit that i can literally feel my brain stretch when i switch into craft mode. 

over the xmas holidays, i had to whip off a few new xmas stockings in my house and an always supportive friend liked them enough for her own home. she was the second wolf-pup adopter ever and so with her new handmade stockings, i sent along a little thank you for being a true heart to my craft life.

this teeny crochet vest with rabbit pockets just about popped my heart

but then it melted into a puddle when she sent me her little one and her wolf-pup in its new clothing

internally yours,

sister valentine

Etsy Made In Canada pop up sale

Oh goodness thank you everyone who came out to say hello and support handmade! 

there was barely time to eat during the day but i managed to run on trailmix, water and happy faces throughout the day. it was so great to hear such sweet comments at my table and make a couple new creative friends like my table neighbours Paper and Light, Minouette and a little further down the line Your Hearts Haven.

it was so neat to be part of this country wide event and the etsy teams and organizers did such a fantastic job with the space. there were points of total gridlock in the walkways but everyone looked excited and wide eyed to check out all 100+ vendors. now onto some shots taken throughout the day!

who put those wolves there?

first wolf portrait to be adopted! all dapper and officially was named "Hubert"

friendly wolf pup stuffies. toddler quote: the long arms are easy to hold onto! 

hard decisions were made with these naturally dyed canvas book/tablet sleeves. "now i won't look ghetto with my ziplocked books on the train" 

more of these naturally dyed linen envelope snap wallets to be made!

at one point i realized i may not have brought enough business cards, by closing time i had one left!

pack up time, shame i missed out on saying hello to all the other vendors.

i did manage to make a trade with Your Heart's Haven and cozied up in one of her greyhound infinity scarves, thanks katie!

after a sale i always get home with a sort of stunned feeling of wanting to knock out new ideas in a single day and needing to rest my feets and brains for the next production mode.

there are a few things brewing up in the next few months but i don't want to give it away...yet.

i will be taking some new product shots for an little etsy shop update so keep your eyes peeled and perk them ears up for that news.

internally yours,

sister valentine

Indie Arts Night Market

thanks to everyone who stopped by and to the wonderful other vendors that were there!

there was a good steady flow of people but i did manage to sneak away for a bit and met some great creative people. unfortunately my phone fell to the fate of obsolete design and had completely died the day of the sale leaving me unable to share all the goodness that was happening.

luckily my little point and shoot digital camera saved the night so here are some shots, off you go!

i just had to take home this lovely handmade pyramid from Acorn Studio, keep my 'darwin' stones from Chile dust free and pretty.

i also had a privilege to do a trade with The Otter Potter for this gorgeous hand-sculpted clay brooch.

for the next little while i'll be spinning off more wolf-moon hats and hobo gloves for the Etsy Pop-up  sale in september to keep your true hearts warmer this fall.

internally yours,

sister valentine

production mode photo dump pt.3

with days away from the Indie Arts Market, here is the last photo dump for your true eyes.

i had enough time to knock out four new wolf portraits, a personal favourite item. they tug hard on my heartstrings with how so much life is given to those little faces with just a little collar or set of glasses.

you know what to do.

found a touch of a lovely burnt gold suede

hearts pops at every stage

for scale, each portrait is mounted in a thrifted 5x7 picture frame so each is one of a kind

deciding the gentlemen and ladies

this gentlemen are too hip to quit

lady monocle for a touch of class

based the suede one on the Maned Wolf of south america, its color is similar to a fox

waiting on their frames and names

i did a little inventory and planned out my table display but you'll have to come out and see for yourself!

even had a pinch of time to sneak in a little gift to my mounbound self

tomorrow i'll be announcing a little bit of good craftlife news so tune in then and come adopt a wolf thursday!

interally yours,

sister valentine

production mode photo dump pt:2

yet another photodump! which you may see more of, i'm beginning to be a fan. 

i used to always want to write longer posts but sometimes you just can't beat a good ol' picture show.

now go on, git to it!

hand sewn little ears, these are my two favourites. miss pinky there has already been adopted!

not even the entire litter, craftlife satisfaction is what that is

  

i just love packaging these cutie pups up for adoption, them quiet little ears!

i gave a couple pups blue eyes and it won't be the last, oh my heart

finally got to use my handcarved moon stamp on the pup's care tags

individually hand written, when english begins to not look like english

leave no scrap behind. 

dipped into my scraps jar for a new batch of scrappy bracelets

each has a button closure with a vintage or reclaimed button,

these measure about an inch wide and 8" long for a loose fit

found a few favourites, some just always stand out

just so you don't forget, hand stamped cotton canvas backing.

i'll have just one more photo dump and a little announcement so peek back on here soontimes!

internally yours,

sister valentine