Happy Canada Day + Free Printables!

Hey, hey hey! Happy monday and Happy Canada Day (fellow Canadians)! What are you up to? We're planning on taking in a bit of the sun (hasn't it been amazing)? And hopefully catch the fireworks display later in the evening!  I created some summer-themed wrapping paper and gift tags for you (from my instagram feed) for a fun Canada Day treat (west coast-style)! I thought the west coast theme might be fun for this special day and made some black and white and others colour so you could mix and match!  Click HERE for the wrapping papers and HERE for the tags!  (Related: I posted a round-up of 25 Instagram DIYs today over at Babble if you're looking to be inspired! Click here to visit)!  Happy Canada Day!

All gift wrap and tag photos ©Jan Halvarson | Poppytalk (use for personal use only)

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Best of DIYs | Easy Tiny Envelopes

Two years ago we ran across Ruth Bleakley's work and asked her if she'd do a DIY for us.  She sent over this easy (and adorable, we might add) envelope project that has become one our most favourite on the blog. It's a clever idea for making a template that could be translated using any size envelope. If you missed it, here it is:

Easy Tiny Envelopes
By Ruth Bleakley

I discovered this envelope making method completely by accident when pulling soggy rain-soaked mail out of my leaky mailbox - I had a total *eureka* moment when the envelope I gingerly opened up completely unfolded at the seams revealing an envelope "template" perfectly.

I've seen many envelope tutorials online, some offer downloadable templates, some show fancy paper folding techniques and some suggest specific measurements to create your own D.I.Y. envelopes. I'm going to show you how to replicate any interesting envelope that you might already have, no measuring involved!

1. Choose an envelope you already have that you like the size and shape of

2. Soak it in a bowl of water (lukewarm is probably best) for about one minute, or until the glue releases from the paper easily. It will not take as long as you think!

3. Pat the now unfolded envelope dry - it doesn't have to be completely dry, just not drippy - and trace it onto a thin piece of cardboard - chipboard works well, as would something like a cereal box. Try to be accurate at this stage and trace neatly.

4. Cut the template out with a pair of scissors, and you may want to label it so that in the future you (or whoever you live with) won't say "what is this strange piece of cardboard?" and toss it out!

5. Use your new wonderful template to trace out an envelope design on any and all types of paper! Think gift wrap, maps, magazines, old calenders, stamped cardstock - you name it! I like to trace using pencil on the side that will be the inside so the marks won't show.

6. Carefully cut out your envelope with scissors and fold it up - I like to do the sides first, then use the folded sides as a guide on where to fold the top and bottom. Use the handle of your scissors or a bone folder for really crisp edges.

7. Use a glue tape roller  to stick your envelope together, or glue stick but I find glue stick gets brittle after just a few months, go ahead and get a glue tape roller, they're like $5 and you can find them in the adhesive section of an office supply store or craft store.

8. *Bonus Points* if you've ever wanted to be able to lick and stick your envelope flaps, check out this Lick& Stick glue I originally bought from Paper Source (they don't seem to carry it anymore). If you can't find it, you can also D.I.Y. your own envelope glue (2x craft bonus points!)

9. Ta-da! Admire your finished work! Ideas for use include: penpal & swap envelopes, gift card envelopes & storing small things in your studio - if you happen to make some yourself, I'd LOVE to see them! Post a link in the comments.

Ruth Bleakley is a paper addict who probably became a bookbinder soley as an excuse to obtain more paper. She lives on Cape Cod and also designs nautical invitations and stationery (more paper!) under the name Concertina Press.

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Sunday Reading

Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

Enjoying the summer weather? We're experiencing a bit of a heat wave here on the west coast and I don't know about you, but my favourite place when it's like this, is to curl up in the shade or near the AC and enjoy a little reading. Usually it's magazines, rarely a novel these days, but here's a bit of what I've been reading this week.

~ I missed the release a couple weeks ago, but the T Magazine (Culture Issue) is a nice sunday read if you haven't seen it already and has a few interesting articles. Including Sofia Coppola and the home of medical philanthropist, Deeda Blair.
~ A rather cute little backyard cabin
~ Might have to try these crash hot potatoes tonight, yum!
~ Have you seen the latest issue of Covet Garden? Also did you see they are planning a special edition printed version? They are so close to making their crowd sourcing goal! Let's help! Click here for more info!
~ A cute little house in the Toronto area.  I like how they have the recycling bins in the kitchen.
~ And a cute paper flowers DIY to try
Happy sunday!

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Weekend Project: Easy DIY Geometric Beads

It's a long weekend here in Canada, and the weather looks like it's going to be a warm one!  What will you be up to? Feel like whittling away on some wood? I love this little project I found today from Kate of Minieco out of the UK.  She says it's super easy; just a few wooden beads and a dremel sanding tool and you're on your way!  She even made a few necklaces out of them.  Sounds like a good weekend project to me. Click here to get the how-to!  And happy weekend project making!

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Art + Summer Tunes

Lucy Snowe

This weekend's combo features Canada's Gold & Youth, a band out of Toronto and Vancouver who's sound is a little bit Depeche Mode, a little Roxy Music; a nice sort of look out onto the horizon from your balcony after the day at the beach summer kind of tune. Their debut LP 'Beyond Wilderness' is out on label Arts & Crafts and we have a free download from that album called Time to Kill (just enter your email below). We've paired this textured synth tune with a nice piece of fine art photography from Lucy Snowe she named Two Palms at Sunset. Feeling summery yet?

Visit Gold & Youth on their tumblr and check out their summer tour schedule on the Arts and Crafts site here.  Lucy Snowe's photography can be found on Etsy and at Poppytalk's marketplace.

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Behind the Lens | Obakki Fundraiser

Hannah Georgas and Nickelback’s Ryan Peake performed for the donors at the event. Photo by Brian Ceci.

Last night, Obakki Foundation’s BEHIND THE LENS fundraiser and photography exhibition was held at the Vancouver Urban Winery. Through event ticket sales, the village of Makuar, South Sudan will receive clean drinking water. An additional $25,000 was raised from the evening’s art sales, which will go to drilling additional wells in South Sudan.

Poppytalk was honoured to attend and was inspired by founder Treana Peake's efforts of building water wells in South Sudan and 12 schools in Cameroon, her "behind the lens" images, Brian Ceci's film documenting the projects along with a lovely performance by Hannah Georgas and surprise guest Nickelback's Ryan Peake.

If you'd like to listen to Treana's inspiring talk at Pecha Kucha, you can check it out here!

About Obakki Foundation
Treana Peake, founder of Obakki Designs and Obakki Foundation (www.obakki.com), has been involved in humanitarian ventures that make positive change in the world for more than two decades. Obakki Designs is the creative arm that makes the products used to fundraise for the Foundation. Obakki Designs absorbs all of the administrative fees, from business cards to travel expenses, so that 100 per cent of all public donations and 100 per cent of net profits generated from Obakki sales go directly to Obakki Foundation’s humanitarian projects. Whether you buy Obakki products or make a donation to the Foundation, you know your money is going to help people in urgent need. To date, Obakki Foundation has drilled over 400 water wells in South Sudan and has built 12 schools in Cameroon.

If you'd like to find out more about Obakki's humanitarian efforts, visit obakki.com. A little peek at their Spring 2013 collection:

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8 Crazy-Good DIYs to Try this Weekend!

This week has been pretty fruitful in the DIY world. So many talented folks. We've turned over quite a few earlier this week and now happened upon a few more. Happy friday and happy making!

1.  Embroidery headphones by Lova Blåvarg | Etsy
2.  Turn a favorite photos into a personalized pouch with How About Orange's tutorial | Etsy
3.  Make you own paper lanterns | Appliances online
4.  Bandana Bibs | Purlbee
5.  DIY Three Finger Rings full tutorial of awesomeness | Inspire Me
6.  DIY Votives + Kit | Creature Comforts
7.  Make a viewmaster out of your own photos | Style Unveiled
8.  Make a Mori-style necklace out of mini crochet doilies | Book of Deer
9.  DIY Cloud Magnets | Eat Drink Chic

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Discount Computer Desks for Modern Offices

In 2013, the modern look has been a huge hit! Consumers are striving to create cutting edge work environments on a budget. One great way to showcase a contemporary vibe with any office space is with a new computer desk. Check out these stylish variations at prices any budget will appreciate.

It's not often you find a white computer desk this stylish for only $59.99! The Clifton series desk even features a unique metal frame that adds to the contemporary feel. This single user computer station is ideal for home office environments. The Clifton station offers 3 main work surfaces that can be used to support your monitor, keyboard tray, CPU, and accessories. If you're not feeling adventurous enough for a white desk, you can also enjoy this unique product with black laminate surfaces to meet your individual office decor needs. The simple curves and stylish accents are still enough to create a modern space worthy of visitor compliments.

If you're in search of quality office furniture for sale, Mayline is definitely a brand you'll want to consider for your project! The Eastwinds line of small home computer desks for sale is the perfect combination of modern style and traditional accents. Models like the 945 mobile computer desk offer a simplistic solution to the needs of any home or small office area. With a choice of cherry or anthracite surface finish, this desk is customizable to match the look of nearly any office finish. A slide out keyboard tray and perforated CPU shelf are standard on the 945 that add to the user friendliness and versatility. Priced at $90.99, this desk is truly an excellent value.

How about a little something for the girls! This pink computer desk is a huge hit for small work spaces. Priced at $106.99, this stylish desk makes a perfect birthday or christmas gift for the young student in your life. Manufactured by the Calico Designs furniture group, these small computer desks are typically in stock for quick shipment! Not loving the pink? No problem. Black and white color options are also available. Regardless of your color choice, the modern look of the 50105 is easy to spot! The powder coated steel frame creates simple lines that impress while the casters make for easy movement.

When it comes to modern computer desks for sale, perhaps no manufacturer offers a more extensive selection of affordable products than Flash Furniture. A relative new comer to the world of office desking solutions, Flash is making a positive impact in a hurry. Models like the Cassini computer desk for $109.99 are an excellent example of their modern craftsmanship at work. In addition to the Cassini, Flash offers the all new NAN-JN-2824S-GG. This glass computer desk combines metal and wood accents to form a one of a kind look. Priced at $89.99, you'll be hard pressed to find more affordable office desks at even three times the price.

Last but certainly not least, the new Vision Computer Desk by Mayline. Priced at $149.99, this is the most expensive on our list. However, the 972 model desk is well worth it! These discount computer desks have been selling like hotcakes in 2013. The metal leg design, keyboard tray, and glass surface inserts are just a few of the stylish benefits this product has to offer. Available in both cherry laminate and anthracite surface options, the 972 can be matched to any of the top Mayline Furniture for Sale from the Eastwinds storage collection for added organization. Vision sets are also offered for those looking to create an all new office environment.

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Now Open: H Y S J | By Fryd

Just in time for summer, Jeanette Lunde of By Fryd and Hilde Mork have launched their first collection - print 01 in their shop H Y S J. Beautiful images offset printed, which are signed and stamped on the back.  I'm loving the Blue Pelargos (top) and it's gorgeous hues of blue.  See more here.

Artwork / styling / photo: H Y S J – Lunde & Mork

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Lisa Solomon | HAND/MADE

I was excited to see Lisa Solomon's new monograph is out. Have you seen it yet? It's in a limited edition of 300. 50 with a letterpress print published by MIEL out of the UK. The book showcases Lisa's work which has always been an inspiration to me and many.  Here is Miel's official blurb:

Hand/Made, a monograph of Bay-area artist Lisa Solomon's mixed-media work, showcases Solomon's attention to the detail and texture of the everyday, and to the feminine as it erupts into that dailyness. Invoking histories both personal and wider, Solomon demonstrates the effect that the smallest things can have. Solomon incorporates thread (alone and as crochet) into drawings and installations, materially bridging craft and fine art, and bringing concerns with domesticity and women's stories to the fore.

The book is available for purchase on their website here. But I'd hurry if you want a copy this summer as Miel closes its doors July 1st for the summer.  (If you want to see more sneak peeks you can visit this pinterest board).

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Best of DIYs | Polymer gift tags

Continuing on with our Best of DIYs this summer, I loved this project by Mitsy of the lovely shop and blog ArtMind . These polymer gift tags were initially made for a Valentine's feature, but could be made into pendants, wedding favours, etc.  Check out her amazing tutorial below:

CONTINUE READING...

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Pinks at the Market

1. Classic Books with Deocorated Jackets | Sunday Blossoms
2.  Linen Hand Dyed Pillow | Hettle
3.  Deco Collar Necklace | Fail Jewelry
4. Aide Body Care
5. Boy with Orange Bow Tie | Lisa Golightly

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We're Hooked!

Loving these crocheted hanging plant holders from Hooked out of Brooklyn.  Made from super-soft organic pima cotton, they'd be great for hanging a pot or mason jar that has a lip around it. See more from Hooked's shop at our market this month by clicking here.

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Fun DIYs to Try for the Long Weekend

With the Canadian and American long weekends next week, here's a few fun summery DIYs and recipes to try if you're in the mood for making something!  From a cute mod podged Chinese paper lantern to printable labels for making jam, loving all of these summery ideas:

1.  Decorated Chinese Lamp | Made with Love by Agus
2.  Color Block Cocktail Popsicles | Confetti Pop
3.  Free Printable Labels | Fashion for Home
4.  Free Printable Labels | Fashion for Home
5.  Color Block Cocktail Popsicles | Confetti Pop
6.  Bubblegum Ice Cream Bars | Babble
7.  Lemonade Cake | BHG
8.  Washi Tape Pendant Lights | Living and More Magazine (Photo Alexandra Grablewski/Styling Paul Lowe)
9. Confetti Backdrop | Confetti Sunshine Blog

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The Top 5 Benefits of Modern Multi User Workstations

In business, improving productivity is essential. Thankfully, advances to modern technology are steadily improving the way we work. With the latest multi user workstations from brands like Mayline, OFM, and Cherryman Industries, creating a professional work environment definitely has it's benefits. This article highlights the top 5 that are sure to improve your corporate life in a hurry!

Saves Space

If space is a problem in your workspace, there is not a more practical solution than a multi user workstation. Top multi user workstations take advantage of limited space by allowing two or more individuals to occupy a work zone comfortably instead of cluttering a room with multiple desks. Most multi user workstations are "wall-desk" configurations. This means the workstations to fit up against a wall so that they create the illusion of more space in a room.
A prime example of a wall-desk configuration is the Cherryman Verde Multi User Executive Station. The brilliant design of this workstation saves space while simultaneously allowing enough room for its users to have their own workspace.

Modular Design

In a workplace that is constantly changing, nothing is more versatile than a modern modular desk set. These Multi User stations are typically found in libraries and school computer labs because they offer their users privacy and are extremely versatile. Modular stations offer the option of reconfiguration. They can easily be placed back to back, side to side, or they can stand alone without becoming an eyesore. Not only that, if your workplace fluctuates in times of activity, these easy-to-assemble stations can build onto one another to accommodate more people. With modular workstations like the Rize 3 Person Privacy Station your workstations can remain as fast paced as your workplace!

Improved Communication

One of the greatest features of multi-user workstations is improved communication. The close proximity  with which the occupants of these conjoined office desks are from one another allows for fantastically increased interaction and teamwork. The Mayline e5 Modular Configuration is a beautiful example of a multi user station. Its smart design allows effective communication, teamwork, productivity, and impressive storage capabilities. If your business has issues with communication, the open atmosphere created by multi user workstations will doubtlessly tear down any barriers, leaving your coworkers friendly and conflict-free!

Efficiency

Multi user office desks are some of the most efficient office furniture options on the market today. Working off the old saying "two heads are better than one", the typical two-person executive desks radically enhances productivity, versatility, and effectiveness by combining generous individual workspace with clever storage features. With stations like the Mayline CSII Series Workstation, users can both communicate easily and work by themselves. Intelligent design allows for incredible storage space underneath a sleek, stylish exterior. Easy to power, assemble, and enjoy, multi user sets like the Mayline model shown here truly take efficincy to the next level.

Advanced Technology

In the ever-changing world of modern office furniture technology, most businesses are looking for office cubicles that can adapt to such a fast-paced environment. Multi user configurations are perhaps the best option for a business that relies on the latest advances in technology. By allowing multiple individuals to work in close proximity, setups like the Mayline Transaction Series Typical 7 are very easy to power. Additionally, many stations like this allow connection for many devices. The ergonomic furniture design improves speed, comfort, and efficiency by keeping everything at arms length. With the high tech applications of a modern multi user station, your business can run the technological footrace for years to come!

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DIY Flowering Chandelier + Book Giveaway!

from Sweet Paper Crafts by Mollie Greene

Today we're excited to share a DIY courtesy of Chronicle Books from one of their newest craft books, Sweet Paper Crafts, 25 Simple Projects to Brighten Your Life by Mollie Greene.  The book is  filled with fun and clever projects like star garlands to string over the mantel to delicate flower wreaths for the front door.  Mollie Green founded Royal Buffet, one of our favorite etsy shops and has an amazing talent for unique work using paper.  Today we're featuring one of the many amazing DIYs in her book, a flowering chandelier.  To kick off the launch of the book, Chronicle Books is also offering one of our readers a chance to win a copy!  To enter, visit our Instagram post featuring a picture of this DIY and leave a comment by 6pm Wed., June 26/13.  We'll announce a winner Thursday. Our instagram is @poppytalk! Good luck!  Here's the tutorial. ~Jan


DIY Flowering Chandelier 

Adding the perfect glow to any dark corner of your house, this chandelier, created from a new or used lamp shade, is encircled with clusters of pretty paper flowers and leaves. It is best made with a two-tiered shade that has a universal fitting—where the fitting for the light bulb is in the center of the shade. You will also need a hanging lantern cord and a low-wattage bulb. If you like, you can vary the flowers by using three layers of sewing pattern tissue, three layers of colored tissue paper, or a combination of the two.

Supplies
Two-tiered lamp shade with a universal fitting
Scissors for cardboard
Glue remover such as Goo Gone (optional)
Newspapers (optional)
Multipurpose spray paint in a coordinating color
Hanging lantern cord
Low-wattage lightbulb
20-lb/9-kg cup hook
Scissors for paper
Ruler
Silver metallic thread
Liquid glue
Flowering Chandelier template
Tissue paper for petals
Pencil
Tissue paper or sewing pattern pieces in a contrasting color for leaves
Iron (optional)

Instructions
1. If your lamp shade is covered with fabric or paper, use the cardboard scissors to remove all the covering material. If necessary, eliminate any old dried glue with glue remover. You want the shade to be as clean as possible so it will take the spray paint evenly.

2. (I recommend spreading newspapers over your work area before starting this step.) Following the manufacturer’s instructions and using a light hand, cover the lamp shade frame with two coats of spray paint, allowing the paint to dry between coats. After you apply the second coat, allow the frame to dry completely, at least an hour.

3. Turn the frame so the widest part is facing up. Run the cord through the center and screw in the light bulb. Install the cup hook from the ceiling following the manufacturer’s instructions, and hang the shade from the cord.
4. Using the paper scissors, cut pieces of metallic thread about 12 in/30.5 cm long (or longer or shorter depending on the size of your frame). Starting at the bottom tier of the frame, tie the pieces of thread to the frame, spacing them about 3 in/7.5 cm apart. Place a tiny dot of liquid glue on each knot to keep the thread in place.

5. Download the Flowering Chandelier template at www.chroniclebooks.com/sweetpaper. Stack three pieces of tissue paper. Use the pencil to trace the template on the top piece, then cut out through all three layers. Be careful to cut inside the pencil line so you don’t have to erase it later. Separate the three layers of petals. Place a dot of liquid glue along the straight edge of one petal, in the center. This will be your bottom layer. Place a second petal on top, adhering the two together. This will be your middle layer. Apply another dot of glue in the center of the middle petal, along the straight edge, and place the last petal on top. Fold the stack gently in half, and place a small dot of glue on the top layer inside the fold. Place this glue dot on a piece of the metallic thread, very close to where the thread meets the frame. Pinch the flower around the thread until it adheres to the thread. Make more flowers in the same way and glue them to the thread, overlapping them and occasionally leaving space for leaves.

6. If you are using sewing pattern pieces for the leaves, you may need to iron the pieces on a low setting to smooth out folds and wrinkles. For each leaf, cut a piece of tissue paper about 4 by 1 in/10 cm by 2.5 cm. Fold in half lengthwise. Cut fringe in each narrow end. Apply a dot of glue to the inside of the fold. Pinch the glue-dotted leaf on the thread underneath the flower that you glued to the chandelier. Continue to cut and assemble flowers and glue them to the threads, adding leaves here and there as you like.

7. Trim any excess hanging thread. Allow the glue to dry for about an hour. Then gently spread open the petals of each flower by carefully pulling the layers up and away from each other.

8. For the top tier of the frame, repeat steps 4 to 7 to complete the chandelier.
9. Take care to keep the petals and leaves away from the light bulb. Always use a small, low-wattage bulb and turn off the light when you leave the house.

Sweet Paper Crafts
25 Simple Projects to Brighten Your Life
By Mollie Greene • Photographs by J. Aaron Greene
Available June 25, 2013 at Chronicle Books

Update:  Congrats to @mrs_merriman - you have won the book! Please contact us for details!

 

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Best of DIYs | Getting Crafty in Chinatown

This was a fun little DIY by Janis Nicolay of Pinecone Camp, where we took to Chinatown looking for things to make under $25.  With my love right now for all things Chinoiserie, I thought this craft had to be revisited for our Best of DIYs series this summer.  I think Janis has been onto something all along. 

Contributor post by Janis Nicolay of Pinecone Camp

I recently had a little Chinatown adventure with the lovely Jan of Poppytalk. I was on a mission to find little bits of happiness to create a few crafty projects, and my budget was $25. Chinatown, as I've mentioned on my blog, is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Vancouver, and my go-to place for a quick pick-me-up like a coconut bun (huh, yum) or a pair of sparkly slippers.

Not sure what these were meant to be used for, but I wanted to make trays out of them.  I had a few sample pots of paint at home, so I picked up some wrapping paper that would work with the paint I had. The total for this project was about $12, and I have heaps of extra wrapping paper left.

Trio of trays "before".

Trio of trays "after".


All of the materials for the small tray. I had a scrap of another paper that I thought looked cute with the bird paper.

After a light sanding, I applied 2 coats of paint. Once dried, I glued down the paper, let dry and applied several coats of Mod Podge (though you could use a watered down white glue). Voila! This tray is about 10"x10".

I love a mix of plants as a table centre piece. I bought 3 soup bowls and 3 small plants. The total was $6 for everything.





Place a few pebbles in the bottom of a soup bowl (for drainage), add a plant and you have a pretty centre piece. So easy and inexpensive.

Next up are place card vases. Chinatown has so many cute writing pads with fun graphic covers. After tearing off the cover for the tray, I cut the lower part of the paper to fit a small jar. Using double sided  tape on either end of cut out, I attached it to the jar. Cost for this project was about 75 cents.




Last project is a side table for my nephew, Jake. I had a lonely little table/stool, that I think was from Ikea. With some leftover paint (Benjamin Moore's "cloud 9"), I applied two coats to the table then let it dry completely, over night.  It felt great to use up that paint.




As Jake likes maps and planes, I cut up an old road map and used a cover of a writing pad for the top of the table. Cost for this project was about $2 plus the table (which I paid 0 for).

I actually spent less than $25 and still have heaps of paper left.  Thanks Jan, for hanging out with me in Chinatown. It was so much fun!

All crafts and images by Janis Nicolay of Pinecone Camp.

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