Friday, January 29, 2010

Things that make me smile

Happy Friday everyone!
I've got to tell you something - I really LOVE doing this blog.  I wasn't sure how it would all go...would I have enough time?  Would I have enough to talk about and share?  Would it look ok? Oh...the list goes on and on (I'll stop there to save some dignity).  As it turns out, it's really the best thing I've done in a long time and it's mainly because it makes me really happy. 

 So to continue with our Friday 'things that make me smile' I thought I'd start by showing you my initial inspiration for the logo.  It happened when I was showing Liv how to cut out a paper heart and I just wrote lille mor on it.  Perfect.


Ahhhh paper.  I love a good quality paper; one that has some weight to it and that absorbs the ink just so.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when the ink from my pen just wipes right off of the paper...I find it quite counter-productive.  I was quite smitten when I came across this whimsical writing set.  I'd love to write a note on this...just think of the receiver's smile when they opened the envelope.
Max...
Have a fantastic weekend.  I'm off to one of my favourite cities Montreal, for a little birthday celebration, good food, and friends.  

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Everything is as it Seems





image by Jen Renninger Still Room Studio
You know that feeling when you just have to have something?  Well, that's how I felt when I saw Jen Renninger's 'Everything is as it seems' print.  Naturally, I was attracted to the bird (I do love birds) but it was the sentiment that went with it that really grabbed me.  
I have the print perched on my desk and this image reminds me daily that things are just as they are and it is only  my interpretation that can change.
Jennifer is an amazingly talented artist (and super nice on top of it!!) who's work has been featured in such notable magazines as New York Times, Harpers, O Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens.  There are more but you get the idea, right?  Her full collection of paintings, designs, collage and illustrations are so vast that this post just could not do it justice! Below are a few of my favorites from her site.  The first image is from her much loved Modern Design Deck series.


  Lucky for us, she is selling a selection of her illustrations and prints at her Etsy store.  

If you prefer to wear your art, the above image 'Keep Calm and Ride On' is being sold at Urban Outfitters on a nice v-neck tee
Jen seems to have lots on the go and some new projects in the works for the future.  Keep up to date on Jen's work here.
  Thanks for the beautiful images Jen!!

Interrupted...




Here's a glimpse into why things seem to take so much longer to get done now!  

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Pretty little things

Hiya!  I just wanted to tell you that I've been working on some new pieces for my Etsy shop...I'm excited!!  

I've been waiting till I had a decent day to photograph all of them but as the skies haven't cooperated again today I thought I'd take a few frames and give you a sneak peak.  I'll let you know when they're listed...


What do you think??

Kid Spaces


I'm sure those of you out there that spend any time with kids will agree that the imagination is a truly magical thing.  It always amazes me how the most mundane item in the entire house will intrigue my daughter for hours.

My son has the ability to take random lego pieces (from the jumble of sets that he's aquired over the years) and transform these small plastic bits into the most detailed sculptures, vehicles or species.  Even better is how these things can then take them on a journey of changing the playroom (backyard, under the table, etc...) into a whole new world.

As we get older our ability to delve into these wonderous made up places seems harder to reach.  The ins and outs of our daily lives contribute to this for sure but if we are fortunate enough to hang onto just a spark of  our childhood the imagination can be up and running faster and better than ever.

I was so happy when I stumbled across 'Cool Spaces fo Kids' by Sam Scarborough.  It's a DIY kind of book that focuses on helping caregivers create the kind of nooks and hide-aways that really up the fun quotient!  Sam takes us from conception to construction of these spaces that range from an outdoor fairy garden to an under-the-table house.  What really appealed to me (aside from the fun ideas and great photography) was that the projects weren't just aimed at babies and toddlers.  There are great ideas for older kids and teenagers as well and the thing is, it's really easy to modify the ideas to make them more personal.  

I've been leafing through my copy earmarking the projects that my children and I can tackle...I've got a bunch of bent pages and a head full of ideas!


Tuesday, January 26, 2010

5 times more love

My days are pretty full.  I have 2 kids that pull me in different directions, a house, design clients that I am sourcing for, visiting, presenting to or perhaps overeeing renos for.  I had been planning on starting Lille Mor prior to Christmas but ended up being side tracked by these guys.  I had no idea just how full my days were going to get!


These 5 kittens were orphaned just after their 2 week birthday.  With no new mum in sight, I stepped in without a moments thought.

My next few weeks were a delirious blur of formula feedings, Christmas prep and trying to find homes for these small babies. I  could never have imagined just how time consuming bottle feeding 5 kittens up to 8 times a day was!!  It slowly got easier as they grew and I was fortunate that so many great people came forward to offer their homes and hearts to my brood.

I'm happy to report that at 9 weeks old, they all are healthy and living with their new families....

Including Smith... We had to keep one!

Monday, January 25, 2010

More Help

I just wanted to mention that there are a ton of  artists out there who are doing their part in assisting the efforts in Haiti by donating portions (or in some cases all) of their sales to various charities.  I know that Christmas has just passed and a lot of us are tapped out but this is such a great opportunity  to do a little more for the less fortunate and support handmade.  


image by Rose from finecraftguild.com    
Jan over at Poppytalk is making a donation on behalf of the participants in her "Love Transforms" market!  Also, Fine Craft Guild has provided us with a great list of bloggers/crafters that are donationg to various charities as well. 



Have a look!!  I'm sure you'll find that perfect gift for that someone special (maybe even you!)  I'm thinking of all the upcoming birthdays in my circle...

I think this sentiment from Please be still says it all...
             

A Bit of Sugar


My Mum came to visit this weekend.  She lives just far enough away from us that visits aren't as frequent as we'd all like.  It's always amazing when she comes because I get to see everyone at their very best.  My kids soak up all that she has to give and she gets that extra glimmer in her eye delighting in all that they are.  I love these times too.  I get to watch my kids experience her unconditional love and patience and listen to all of her stories and knowledge on everyting from Ancient Greece to tips on baking.

This weekend was no exception.  We got out the baking supplies and made some melt in your mouth sugar cookies in the shapes of hearts, fish and butterflies.  The kids learned proper rolling techniques and how to get the most cookies from your dough.  We also learned to give Liv her own bowls of icing.  She pefers to do lots of licking of the utensils rather than spreading of the icing!



They made some fantastic cookies and they were very proud of the end result!





The cookies are delicious (we don't eat the ones Liv decorated!) but even more delicious are the memories...
Go bake some cookies!!




Sunday, January 24, 2010

A Better List

I'm a list maker.  I absolutely need them to keep me in check and ensure that I stay on track.  I like my lists to have litle boxes beside them so I can check off the items as I go.  It's silly but it gives me a real sense of accomplishment.

  As I'm sure the other list makers out there can attest to, you really need a good note book to keep all these lists and thoughts organized.  I've been partial to the moleskine for the past 5 or 6 years (prior to that I larger scale books for my print production jobs) but I may have to take it up a notch after seeing these beauties by Marc Simard from Montreal.  

I love that I could slip my notebook in the gorgeous leather sleeve and keep those lists safe from the multitude of coffee spills, juice cup marks and the unknown sticky things at the bottom of my bags!  


These two were just visiting my house but I jumped at the chance to get some shots of the beautiful craftsmanship and to add them to my must have list!  

Friday, January 22, 2010

A Little Help


My son came home from school the other day asking what we could do to help the people in Haiti.  My first thought (naturally) was 'let's organize a Bake Sale!!'  I love baked goods, so any excuse to do a variety of cookies and squares is always right up my alley.  This idea was quickly rejected because it is so hard to ensure that items are safe for the kids that have allergies.  So there we were, back to the drawing board.



 I find my kids to be the catalyst for most of my endeavours and this is certainly no exception.
  I had been playing around with some jewellery designs over the past couple of months and this was the push I need to get into action!  I designed a beautifully simple necklace I've named 'Hope' to be sold in my Etsy shop.  $5.00 from each sale of this piece will go to the Canadian Red Cross.  Please visit my new Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/alanalillian to view the items and for further details.


 If we all do a little bit we can really make a difference!

Things that make me smile

As we're just getting to know each other, I'd thought it would be nice to share some things that make me smile.  I'll post a collection each Friday so be sure to check back to see what's new!  I'd love to hear from you as well...drop me a note in the comment section!!  Have a fantastic weekend....









Colourful prints from Amy Butler .





A gorgous scarf ( I love scarves) from here in the most beautiful violet!





Liv...




Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Here We Go!




Welcome to Lille Mor.


I am and will always be Lille Mor (or little mother)...a name bestowed on me by my grandfather at the tender age of 2. It conjures many memories (mostly of being reminded to eat my food at the dinner table) and has stuck with me into adulthood. Lille Mor will showcase a cross section of my loves; design, food, kids and crafts. I'm super excited to share my thoughts (and a few recipes) with you and hope you will enjoy it as well.
I'm a bit nervous with all this - it's kind of like public speaking in grade school! I'm sure it will get easier each day.
So… I figured that the best way to get to know each other would be to share my absolute favourite comfort food…pancakes!! My mum made them all the time when we were kids and the tradition continues in my house. I've made A LOT of different recipes but this is by far the best.





Adapted from the Robin Hood Flour Cookbook (1967)


1 1/3 c. flour 1 c. milk
2 tblsp. sugar 1/4 c. yogurt
3 tsp. baking powder 1 egg
3/4 tsp. salt 3 tblsp canola oil


Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl (I use a whisk)
Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and stir to combine.
Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
Pour batter 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle and bake until bubbles form on top and they are nice & and puffy.  Flip and bake the other side. You should get about 10 - 6" pancakes.


Now, the great thing with this recipe is it's adaptability; use whole wheat flour, throw in some flax seeds, substitute the yogurt for sour cream or milk if it's all you have. Prefer butter to the canola? Go for it! Make it your own and enjoy...