valentine’s day dessert decor

Whoever you will be celebrating with this February 14th, whether it is your boyfriend or girlfriend, your husband or your wife, or maybe your sister or best friend, make sure to:

1. share some love

2. have fun

3. eat chocolate and sweets

… because isn’t that what the holiday is all about? Pick your favourite cupcake recipe and bake! This is the one I will be trying. Mmm … toffee crunch. Oh, and once you bake, don’t forget to decorate!

Valentine’s Day (or any love occasion) dessert decor on sale on my Etsy page. Here are some of the goodies for sale.

Some are sparkly … some have polka dots…and custom ones too! Don’t forget to bake and decorate! Happy baking!

–rayna marlee

beautiful bike storage shelf

deblackbear furniture and Son of A Woodcutter shared their amazing bike storage shelfcollaboration at the first Leslieville Flea Market in the Distillery District this past weekend. The bike storage shelf is a unique design and has a really neat way to be mounted onto a wall. It is a great way to store your bike but also display it (especially in these cold winter months). Your bike is now not only your main commute but also a piece of art (possibly the most expensive art you have hanging)! Did I mention it is made out of reclaimed pallet wood?! Pretty cool!

I predict a bright future for these amazingly awesome guys! Keep riding! Check out some pictures from the market below.

Now go get yours!

–rayna marlee

Easy DIY Bejeweled Toques

Over the holidays, my sisters and I made these super easy DIY beanies (or toques as we like to call them here in Canada). It is a great activity for a night in with your friends (or sisters in my case). 

All you need is:

– a hat (I got mine on sale from Target Canada for $2.99)

 

– cheap beaded jeweled bracelets (stores like Ardene, Claire’s, H&M, or Forever 21 are great) and

– a needle and thread and/or fabric glue and scissors

You first want to cut up the bracelets so you have lots of beads and jewels to choose from.

Then create a design you want to make.

 

Either sew or glue (this will depend on preference, as well as style and size of jewels)

Simple – you’re done!

 

A Few Helpful Tips: 

-When buying the bracelets make sure the jewels are individual and on a string so they will be easy to cut apart

-Try a variety of designs (take a picture of each one) and then choose your fav to make! Don’t settle on your first – they often get better, the more you make!

-Create the design close together because it stretches when you wear it.

-If sewing, choose a thread as close to the same colour as your hat.

-Have fun, stay warm, and make a statement. 

 

If you’re still looking for something to keep your head warm, check out my friend Fleur who makes amazing beanies (although right now she is still only in The Netherlands … come to Canada!!)

–rayna marlee

My 2014 Trends Predictions

Happy New Year!! I don’t know about you, but I am very excited to see what 2014 will bring. I’ve spent a couple of days thinking and reflecting on 2013 and I am ready to jump right into the new year with a number of predictions for 2014. I am no psychic but these are the trends I am predicting to see in 2014 (specifically in home, lifestyle, and fashion – because we know they all go hand-in-hand).

I predict that 2014 will bring a lot of mixing. Mixing of patterns, textures, and styles, bringing many aspects together to create perfect looks. As well, specific touches that are a sure addition to any space or outfit.

Image Credit: 2014 Title

Mix It: Gold, Silver, & Bronze

Gold, silver, and bronze … just can’t get enough! We see a lot of silver and golds popping up during the holidays, but this year they are here to stay. Don’t be afraid to mix your metal colours and place silver next to gold.

Image Credits: Silver + Gold Bedroom, Proenza Schouler Party Streamer Skirt, West Elm Metallic Pillows, Brass, Copper, + Gold in the Kitchen

Mix It: Organic & Geometric

Here is another opportunity to mix it up and have some fun! Geometric lines and shapes have been very popular over the past couple of years. Rather than say goodbye to some of your geometric faves, make some room for new organic shaped finds. Organic, soft, natural lines are making a come back! By adding some softened lines and florals (especially vintage) to a geometric accent can create a balanced, yet juxtaposed look. It will help warm up a space, especially during the cold winter months.

Image Credits: Sharp + Floral Dining, B+W Floral Skirt, Snug.Studio Geo Vases, Pillow Party

Add It: Raw Crystal Beauty

There is not much to say about this one. Raw crystals are absolutely ravishing. They are just so naturally beautiful and they belong anywhere and everywhere. Use them to jazz up a shelf unit, act as a book end, or nest a candle. Don’t be shy, take them with you wherever you go. Wear one around your neck or rock out with them on your fingers. Share the sparkle.

Image Credits: Table Crystals, Coasters, West Elm Votive Holders, Dara Ettinger Cluster Pendant

Add It: Radiant Orchid Beauty

Every year Pantone chooses a “colour of the year”. The choice for 2014 is Radiant Orchid, so we can be sure we will be seeing a lot of this stunning colour. The boldness of Radiant Orchid is great to brighten up a space. It is a perfect accent colour to add a touch of joy.

Image Credits: Bathroom Brights, IKEA Planter Pots, Radiant Artwork, Mmm Macaroons

Add It: Maps

There is something very personal about maps. It defines where you are from, or where you are. It shows where two people have come from and where they dream to go. Maps are scientific yet organic with a peaceful quality. Maps are beautifully detailed works of art. The year 2014 is going to be a year to travel, to explore, and to learn. Add an accent map to your outfit or to your home. Always remember who you are, how you got here, and where you want to go.

Image Credits: White Framed Map, Coral Map Pillow, Gold Framed Map, Wrist Map

Let me know what you think. Share your 2014 Trend Predictions! Happy 2014!

–rayna marlee

2014 Favourite Daytimers

You look at it everyday… often many times a day. Day timers, date book, calendar, agenda, personal organizer, planners—whatever you like to call them, need to be exciting enough to look at for 365 days. By December these now bare books become a piece of art, you can keep forever. I still have my “agenda books” from elementary school (my obsession started at an early age). There are so many amazing books to choose from. Here are some of my favs:

1. Kraft Polka Dot by Sugar Paper, LA for Target

2. Tall and Skinny from J.Crew **best colour!!

3. Black + Gold Chevron from the Paper Source

4. The Classic by Moleskine

5. Zebras by May Designs **really cool customizing options!

6. Navy + Coral and a Polka Dot by Sarah Pinto

7. Roses by Kate Spade

8. Big 14 by Bookbinders Design

9. Life is a Peach by kikki.K

Choose your style and make 2014 YOUR year. Can you guess which one (or two) I will be using in 2014?

–rayna marlee

first flea for me!

This past Sunday I am proud to say I was part of the first Annex Flea at Bathurst and Bloor. It was my first time as a vendor in a market and it was a blast! It has taken me a few days to recover but it was well worth it! I had so much fun seeing and hearing people’s reactions to my creations and I met so many amazingly talented people.

The Annex Flea had a wide variety of vendors, everything from vintage clothes to stunning wooden pieces to delicious cheese, and of course adorable cupcake toppers!

Here are some photos from my booth. I designed the festive space and deblackbear furniture helped build the fantastic display.

New cheese board label toppers. Currently available through custom order.

Some festive toppers = best sellers!

Thanks to everyone who helped me make this happen in such a short time. I could not have done it without you!! Also, I want to give a shout out to some of my fav vendors who I met: Zazou Buisou, Son of a Woodcutter, and Broodyhen Designs! Follow the Annex Flea to find out about upcoming markets. See you next time!

–rayna marlee

vendor queens marketplace

This weekend I visited the Vendor Queens Marketplace on Queen Street West. This was the first market I have attended this holiday season and I give it an A+!

Vendor Queens is a new space for designers, collectors, performers, and creative people to come together and nourish entrepreneurial ideas until conception and proudly present and sell their work (says their website!) The market is on the smallish size, which sometimes works out better because you don’t walk in with that overwhelming, uh-oh where do I start, feeling. The space is beautifully designed and each vendor has created a unique space reflected by their work. There is everything from greeting cards, to jewelry, to art prints, to antique toys. There is even sustainably sourced seal fur mittens from Nunavut!! Oh and I had incredible squash and pear soup from The Herb ‘n Homestead bar.

Vendor Queens has been open since November 16th and is open every weekend from 10:00am – 7:00pm until December 29th (so there is no excuse not to go!) They have a special Holiday Night Market on December 12 from from 8:00pm – 1:00am as well, a Queen Victoria’s Boxing Night on December 26th from 8:00pm – 1:00am. Who doesn’t love shopping until 1:00am!?

Check out some of the awesome vendors in the photos below!

Sustainable seal harvest fur accessories Beely Huang Designs. I loved the headbands! The mitts are custom made and are so soft and warm!

Delicious squash and pear soup with ginger and lime by The Herb ‘n Homestead. Perfect for the cold afternoon. Ps. winter came out of nowhere!

Adorable vintage toys and collectibles. I picked up an awesome vintage Bingo set!! Game night anyone?

I know I will be back soon for some more holiday shopping.

–rayna marlee

favourite holiday cards: Etsy edition

The holidays are coming, and that means it is almost the only time that people still send snail mail cards (which is SO unbelievably sad!) I love cards. Cards for every occasion! I love to support small businesses and local artists, especially during the spirit of holiday giving. Buying from Etsy is a great way to do so! Going to local markets is also great… but Etsy is pretty awesome!! Here are a collection of holiday Etsy cards.

Which is your favourite?

Christmas cards:

1. Holiday Cheer

2. Let It Snow

3. Merry and Bright

4. Merry Christmas Lights

5. Let Is Snow Within Reason

6. The Grinch Christmas

7. Triangle Tree

8. Wooden Lights

9. Merry Christmas

and now some Chanukkah love…

10. Joy & Light

11. How Do You Spell It?

12. Hanukkah Peacock

Start mailing out those greetings… the holidays are just around the corner.

–rayna marlee

bedroom makeover: before and after

My twin sisters (the youngest of the five!) have been sharing this bedroom for their entire life. It was seriously outdated. Now twenty years old, they were in desperate need of a more mature space that they could call their own. I was working with a tight budget so I decided to keep their lavender colour duvet covers and use them as a starting point. The top priorities on their wish list were: more space and more storage. We were able to create more space by rearranging the layout of the furniture, removing some of the larger pieces of furniture, and lightening up the room. Storage was created in the large custom made desk (designed by myself and built by deblackbear furniture), as well as under bed storage. The feel of this room is fresh and flirty.

Here are some more photos from the makeover!

A beautiful grey stained wooden headboard, made especially for this space. I love the variety of different textured pillows!

You can see part of the photo wall in this photo. Photo walls are always fun to make.

Many of the decor accents are silver and shiny – contributing to a peaceful work space.

The cubbies in the desk are lined with purple and white patterned paper! Each furniture piece has a unique and beautiful knob.

Let me know what you think of the new space!

–rayna marlee

halloween glam

Halloween is creeping up and this season I am not feeling the orange, purple, and black creepy crawlers. I have really been digging the Halloween Glam, shall we say a “pretty” Halloween. It is always “scary” Halloween, never “pretty” Halloween… well this post will show you the glam, the “pretty” in Halloween. All the images are very DIY friendly and I have included the how-to links.

1. Glitter and Go

2. Polka Dot Pumpkin

3. Stud Pumpkin

4. Shiney and Bright

5. What a Stud

6. Itsy Bitsy Spider

7. Personalized Pumpkin

8. All Dressed Up

9. Keeping It Classy

In the end, isn’t Halloween really just dressing up, decorating, and eating candy at the end of October?

–rayna marlee