Nice to meet you to... New York Times

Sweetpea's  
163 Roncesvalles Avenue 
(416) 537-3700 
sweetpeablooms.ca   

This year-old flower shop is a trove of hyper-local design. Hand-sewn quilts (150 dollars) come courtesy of the owner Sara Jameson's mother. And pretty lavender sachets (8 dollars) are made by Tellie Hunt, the tattooed rocker who works behind the counter.

Credit: Ian Willms for The New York Times

Can you believe it?! I sure can't! Your little florist is mentioned in the New York Times this week! It just blows my mind to see my picture at the top of the page in one of the biggest newspapers in North America. Did I mention that it was released on my birthday! Thats what I call a roaring start to my twenties! Still kind of in shock. 

Other good news... I finally am all settled into my new quaint little apartment and have a computer again. Therefore, no more excuses I will once again be that avid blogger that I once was. I can`t wait to show you photos of my new diggs. It is probably the girliest apartment that could exist in this neck of the woods. In my opinion, any newly single gal should absolutely fill her apartment with all things pink and floral. 

The Little Florist Pillows

Been up to some major crafting this summer. Here is one of my first pillows for sale how exciting ! I will have many more to come. They are made out of recycled fabric, filled with down and hand sewn with a vintage doily. I hope you like it!

Little Florist Lavender Sachets!

It's been a long week of late nights but they are finally done. These little lavender sachets are made of of recycled fabric and hand sewn by little old me. Lavender sachets are great for linen drawers and closets or under your pillow. Simply squeeze the pouch and the scent of lavender will be released and depending on how often it is used can last you up to 3 years. Lavender is also a naturel moth repellant in your closet and is wonderful for treating insomnia under your pillow.

Mason Jar Chandeliers

I know right? Mason jars can be used for absolutely anything. I am now super excited to maybe even attempt to make my own mason jar chandelier. The only problem is that the last time I tried to do something similar the lightbulbs where just too bright on their own but maybe this just calls for a second attempt with a dimmer bulb. All I know is that I am definitely inspired.

Click here to order them from Etsy

Green Fabric

I know it might seem kind of weird but have you ever gone to Value Village and looked at their bed sheets? I honestly have found dozens of beautiful floral prints and when you consider the fact that you are getting five or so yards for two dollars it is such a steal! Not to mention that it is an extremely eco-friendly way to go about sewing. Here are some of my "Sash Pillows" that I have made in order to make my living room a little more cozy. Thankfully, my sweetie bought me a sewing machine for my birthday so I no longer have to sew everything by hand.

Some Holiday Reading

Besides the novels I have on the go (which are late going back to the library as always.) I obviously had to pick up some bridal magazines to read in the sun. Here are just a few of the images I will be putting in my scrapbook of wedding ideas. Enjoy!

Little folded up hearts depicting the itinerary for the big weekend.

Folded envelope "save the dates"

Having urns filled with tall branches makes the room feel whimsical and gardeny. Ever since I did a wedding with tall magnolia trees which towered over the aisle, it has always been my dream to do the same and have it feel as though I am walking through a forest indoors.

There's something about topiaries that just say Victorian garden. This mantle display is so sweet and so cost effective.

I had always planned on using loose tea as my wedding favor but the idea of using seeds is so much more gardeny, which I love! Not to mention how sweet it is to sew the pouch onto the place card or to put it in a matchbook.

Oh how I love Martha Stewart Weddings! There are so many crafty ideas that always make me so inspired. My poor boyfriend who has to listen to me all day saying "Ooooh look at this!! look at this!!! wow this is amazing!!" might not appreciate Martha as much on the other hand. 

My Dream Home

This beautiful home has just gone up for sale in Australia. The owner just so happens to be the writer of one of my favouriate blogs; http://beachvintage.blogspot.com. I admire her so much and can only hope to have such a beautiful home that just filled with little homemade projects that she has made with her daughters. 

I have so many aspirations in life and anyone of my close friends could tell you that I have every detail of my life planned and have done so since I was a pre-teen. I think its always so good to have something to work towards and set goals for yourself. 

The Melissa

I have found the most amazing new little store on Queen West; The Melissa. Located at 1080 Queen St. W. right by Dovercourt is where you will find this wonderful treasure. It was a big coincidence that the owner is actually a frequent shopper at Sweetpea's and I have sold her some bulbs a couple of times. Here are a couple of amazing finds that I have recently purchased from her and also a little craft project that her store inspired me to do.

A lovely peachy pink hat box which was originally from New York,

.. and last put not least this little hanky which I sewed onto my pillow. What a quick and easy way to add  to any boring old pillow.

Leaf Wrap Ties

The more practice I got the easier this became and now I wouldn't tie off a bouquet in any other way. There are many little flowers out there that have really delicate fleshy stems such as Calla Lilies, Amaryllis and Gerbera Daisies which can get easily damaged if you tie off a bouquet too tightly. This little step can go a long way to protect them and looks quite pleasing as well.
- Gather Silal leaves or any other leaves you might come across
- Layer them around the bouquet
- Tie with some twine
Et Voila!

The Pillow Maker

After being inspired by one of my favorite blogs http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com I set out on a quest to making some lovely floral pillows. I sure found out quick that it is not as easy as it seems to find amazing floral print fabric even in Toronto's Fashion District. I wasn't so sure at the beginning about whether or not my darling boyfriend would kill me for getting such girly fabric but I decided to take the plunge anyway. Luckily it turns out I wasn't in trouble and he actually liked it in the end! Putting my new found sewing skills to the test by sewing these pillows by hand with no ruler I decided to make a stool cover as well, again with no ruler...

Surprisingly it also turned out quite well. Seeing as I had no sewing machine (yet) I was not able to make a hem so i took the left over fabric, braided it and hand then stitched it on to finish it off. Thank goodness for http://.beachvintage.blogspot.com for this fun and easy idea and all of her other D.I.Y projects!