tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78772008074489147522024-03-14T00:01:33.174-07:00arOkaAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-86404956582499680182012-04-30T16:10:00.000-07:002012-05-01T16:31:35.203-07:00Many May Wishes<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The flowers are growing, tulips blooming and yesterday I tended to the amazing gardens at the arOka VINTAGE boutique. What a blissful way to end the month of April and welcome in all the excitement for May! </div>
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We're getting geared up to <strong><em>launch our interactive website this month</em></strong>! A sneak peek is available <a href="http://www.arokavintage.ca/" target="_blank">here</a> but trust me when I say the actual website... AMAZING! With hundreds of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.372575146110111.89581.182132738487687&type=3" target="_blank">furniture & decor rentals</a> being added to the site, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.349462461754713.85161.182132738487687&type=3" target="_blank">featured products</a> from the boutique including new vintage wedding gowns, Heirloom Jewelry and fun finds for the home, the website has been a long time coming! Stay tuned friends! </div>
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If you haven't had a chance to come visit our <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=2231+clarke+street+port+moody+bc&ll=49.276863,-122.856631&spn=0.006748,0.019205&hnear=2231+Clarke+St,+Port+Moody,+British+Columbia+V3H+1Y7&gl=ca&t=h&z=16" target="_blank">boutique</a> yet be sure to check out our neck of the woods! With spring in the air <a href="http://www.portmoody.ca/" target="_blank">Port Moody</a> is a great place to check out local shops, amazing eateries and of course stroll along the forest paths while taking in the fresh salty air! We love to serve up a fresh spot of tea on casual week days so let us know you're stopping by and we'll be sure to have the kettle on! </div>
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Last but not least there are several upcoming events, announcements and exciting editorials in the works. While I love this blog I ave to admit it is lacking given this hectic time of year. Please keep up to date with us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/arokavintage" target="_blank">facebook page</a> where we post the newest treasures, announcements, great information and of course chat with you our fabulous friends. </div>
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Have a most wonderful week!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Dawna</div>
Creative Curator/Event StylistAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-12942541925137098162012-02-15T12:42:00.000-08:002012-02-15T12:49:16.471-08:00Summer Bliss on a Rainy Day...It's mid February, cloudy and of course we are graced with the presence of a misty rain. I personally don't mind because I know it's coming to an end making way for all the lovely colours of spring, my favorite time of year! <br />
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I wanted to brighten your day and share some long overdue photos of the beautiful wedding we styled last summer for Sheri & James. The ceremony took place on the gorgeous front lawns of <a href="http://www.fishhousestanleypark.com/" target="_blank">The Fish House in Stanley Park</a> followed by afternoon tea inside with their amazing family & friends.<br />
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A huge thank you to <a href="http://www.echostudiosphotography.com/" target="_blank">Echo Studios Photography</a> for capturing all the little details and special moments of this couples beautiful day. Enjoy!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you Sheri & James for allowing me the pleasure of being part of your most magical day! It was simply amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dawna</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Creative Curator</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-42864063309735648872012-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:002012-02-10T13:17:16.239-08:00Time to Meet the Team!Since the conception of arOka several years ago I always knew that the day would come I would be surrounded by like minded, creative geniuses that could nurture this business in every way.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Meet Roberta!</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGTC_iAP5_8/TzVFbwv47WI/AAAAAAAAAY4/3Kf46QwS3IE/s1600/Roberta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGTC_iAP5_8/TzVFbwv47WI/AAAAAAAAAY4/3Kf46QwS3IE/s320/Roberta.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I met Roberta by chance one sunny afternoon last summer when she entered the New Westminster location and asked permission to do some photos of the front window displays. Her <a href="http://fateandfolly.com/2011/07/12/aroka/" target="_blank">blog post</a> about arOka was an amazing interpretation from an artist's point of view, one that made me feel extra lucky to have met her. <br />
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Over the last year, Roberta and I have worked on several creative projects together, all the while forming a meaningful, fun and creative friendship that means the world to me. For arOka, Roberta has become the go-to girl for branding, marketing and product development, some of which will be gracing our new location in the coming months. <br />
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Roberta's 10 year portfolio of creativity includes working as a product developer, designer and brand strategist in Vancouver for clients such as Lululemon, Bootlegger, the Vancouver Canucks, Urban Barn and multiple Canadian and American Universities. She is additionally the co-owner of Blue Bear Aware, Canada's premiere allergy aware product line and online retail store. In the most recent years, Roberta has helped to pioneer ethical choices in the Canadian fashion industry. Most notably by developing locally made apparel for Plum Clothing that supports several non-profit organizations, and designing for "Me To We", a sustainable and socially responsible product line in partnership with Free the Children. <br />
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Guided by a desire to support ethically-conscious creativity, Roberta's addition to the arOka team will allow her to explore her creativity using vintage and upcycled materials in her work as as both a designer and fine artist. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><em>Meet Renee!</em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqZRtsx3Ri8/TzVFfgnOmHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/262xekVt3WM/s1600/Renee" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqZRtsx3Ri8/TzVFfgnOmHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/262xekVt3WM/s320/Renee" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I was graced by the presence of Renee and her fiance Luke (now Husband) during a rental consultation last spring. I must say I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful couples but these two stole my heart! Renee and I clicked right away and the roster of creativity taking shape for her wedding was magical! We'll share some of her amazing wedding photos another day but for now I will say this... Renee's natural ability to style, produce and create the perfect day is a gift all her own! Don't be surprised if Renee pursues her passion and adds yet another element to the services of arOka! With like minds, it was only fitting that I ask Renee to work along side me in the boutique as well as at upcoming events. <br />
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Renee's told me her creative journey started as a little girl writing stories. Over the years she has spent time as a musician, visual artist, writer and cook. She brings a background in visual merchandising to arOka along with strong customer service skills and a cheerful smile that comes straight from the heart. <br />
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With a love of old and new, Renee has recently begun a new project that combines her passion for the past: Crooked Peg Design Co. allows well loved furniture to become fresh again. Her hand-finished, one-of-a-kind pieces have classic lines boasting a variety of finishes and fabrics, and are always vintage inspired. Watch for select pieces from Crooked Peg at arOka!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><em>Oh Hello Me!</em></span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sulQsnTDpN0/TzVFpPGJX0I/AAAAAAAAAZI/hgNCSRr-6-w/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sulQsnTDpN0/TzVFpPGJX0I/AAAAAAAAAZI/hgNCSRr-6-w/s320/Me.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br />
As both Roberta and Renee can contest, it isn't easy writing a personal bio! As strange as it is to write about myself, I felt it time you learn a bit more about me and the creative journey that brought me to arOka. <br />
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From age 10 I was drawing architectural floor plans and 3D renderings of houses and buildings. I had a passion for art, culture and finding beauty in things that weren't always necessarily pleasing to the eye. Since my teenage years, I have been collecting 'found' objects and antiques, reworking and giving new life to furniture, and upcycling all manner of magical finds! <br />
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On a professional level, I have worked in many retail environments gaining bounds of customer service, sales, merchandising and management experience. My favorite employer to date: Harley Davidson. It's a long story about my biker days but I will say this: Harley Davidson has a world renowned customer service and management development program that is simply unmatched. <br />
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Most recent to arOka, I was the owner of River City ReDesign in Edmonton Alberta, where I lived from 2000 to 2010. RCR allowed my passion for decor, renovation and reworking found objects to become a strong business within the community. RCR had partnerships with major Real Estate companies, developers and was featured in several local magazine articles. When my fiance, daughter and I decided to move back home to the Vancouver area, I closed RCR and went merrily on my way. We are VERY happy to be home!<br />
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Fast forward to today– I am proud owner of arOka vinTage. With a sentimental attachment to well-made, locally-made and all the glamour of the past, I am truly living out my dream! It isn't an easy business; every piece in the store is hand picked by yours truly which can quickly equate to hundreds of kilometers on the road, sore feet and a few new pairs of shoes! But I love what I do in every way and am so very blessed my friends and family support me each step of the way. With the addition of my darling friends Roberta and Renee, the amazing and unique talents they contribute to arOka, we promise you a year like no other filled with enchanting events, superior products and of course one-of-a-kind flair!<br />
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Monday is just around the corner and I still have a million details to complete! We'll be officially open at 11am, 2231 Clarke Street Port Moody BC. We're all very excited to finally introduce you the the house of arOka. Hope to see you soon!!<br />
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xoxo<br />
Dawna<br />
Creative CuratorAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-82678529983345985022012-02-03T08:55:00.000-08:002012-02-03T08:55:53.329-08:00Simply Fitting...I have a 4 year old daughter with a bit of a womanly problem... she LOVES shoes! I know its a common collectible amongst us mature women but a 4 year old?? I too adore them, the quirkier the better, my collection includes bright pink wedges and classic Mary Janes amongst several other classics. My dream shoe is yet to be invented but I suspect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fluevog" target="_blank">John</a> will be the one to do it! The artistic flair of Vancouver's own <a href="http://www.fluevog.com/" target="_blank">Fluevog</a> is an art gallery for any connoisseur!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While at the <a href="http://oneofakindvancouver.com/" target="_blank">One of a Kind</a> Show in December I had the pleasure of ogling over the artwork of <a href="http://robyndrage.com/" target="_blank">Robyn Drage</a>. Her limited edition prints are <em>simply fitting</em> for arOka! What girl, women or even 4 year old wouldn't love her amazing collection! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_jgjyoI958/TywM_kfNDuI/AAAAAAAAAXo/sZj2xnRs6Yg/s1600/headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_jgjyoI958/TywM_kfNDuI/AAAAAAAAAXo/sZj2xnRs6Yg/s1600/headshot.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Robyn's art work is displayed in private and corporate collections worldwide as well as several art galleries throughout Canada. Every piece is unique given the process behind gel transfers and she is definitely a master of her art form! From limited edition block prints to one of a kind greeting cards, Robyn's work will be available at arOka...while it lasts! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-war55Wgval8/TywNNQMIrWI/AAAAAAAAAX4/eKrg_Tc0gkA/s1600/sparkles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-war55Wgval8/TywNNQMIrWI/AAAAAAAAAX4/eKrg_Tc0gkA/s320/sparkles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Its with great pleasure and pretty shoes that are sure to fit we welcome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-Drage/26917468120#!/pages/Robyn-Drage/26917468120?sk=info" target="_blank">Robyn</a>! I can't wait to see what inspires her next collection!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6t862p5MRHY/TywNIgWtgEI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Aa0oiQMUG00/s1600/polkadots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6t862p5MRHY/TywNIgWtgEI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Aa0oiQMUG00/s320/polkadots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Next week will be a frenzy of merchandising and final touches in preparation of <strong>opening day February 13th</strong>. There's also numerous DIY details & rentals to get together for an amazing wedding I'm styling next Saturday and course another update here in blog world! PHEW!!<br />
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So stay tuned! I'll be introducing you to the amazing, talented and oh so vintage loving ladies now part of my team! <br />
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Until then have a most amazing weekend!!<br />
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xoxo <br />
Dawna<br />
Creative CuratorAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-10943302818807201032012-01-27T09:17:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:17:34.551-08:00A 1950's Show Tune = Creative Genius!As an avid collector of fun vintage smalls I've always had a soft spot for pocket watches. These faces of the past tell a million little stories that have been locked in time. So while reading my blog roll a few months back I fell madly in love when I discovered these beauties...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ATsD1-oZpU/TyIoBGsu8UI/AAAAAAAAAXI/_EEoRUwrnKU/s1600/Pocket+Watch+Faces.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ATsD1-oZpU/TyIoBGsu8UI/AAAAAAAAAXI/_EEoRUwrnKU/s320/Pocket+Watch+Faces.bmp" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Knowing I just had to have one of my own and they would be the perfect addition to our new location I searched out the creator. Wouldn't you know she was right here in Chilliwack! <br />
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Rochelle is the creative mind behind the beautiful jewelry line known as <a href="http://whateverlolawantslolagets.ca/" target="_blank">'Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets'</a>. From the pocket watch faces to one of a kind jewelry, Rochelle handcrafts each piece using amazing vintage finds and a whole lot of artistic flair!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwZg7pObnGg/TyIpU5iy-II/AAAAAAAAAXQ/MdhDD9hVCJI/s1600/French.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwZg7pObnGg/TyIpU5iy-II/AAAAAAAAAXQ/MdhDD9hVCJI/s320/French.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm so excited to visit Rochelle this Sunday at her studio in Chilliwack to finalize our first order! Knowing this blog post was coming first I had to ask her the one big curiosity I have...where did the name come from. Rochelle giggled and told me she named her business after her dog and its also a song from the 1950's film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damn_Yankees" target="_blank">'Damn Yankees'</a>. Too cute!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBGxapVOqpg/TyIrabUlo1I/AAAAAAAAAXY/iEOLG-L6ylk/s1600/Messege+in+a+Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBGxapVOqpg/TyIrabUlo1I/AAAAAAAAAXY/iEOLG-L6ylk/s320/Messege+in+a+Bottle.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Its has been with great pleasure and excitement to finally introduce you all to Rochell and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Whatever-Lola-Wants-Lola-Gets/269338046458783" target="_blank">Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets</a>! Now I feel like a little girl waiting for Christmas day! Only 2 more sleeps before I get to choose the pieces for arOka!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaClNb2VNe8/TyIrg5int0I/AAAAAAAAAXg/UlVGAFF1fiI/s1600/Hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaClNb2VNe8/TyIrg5int0I/AAAAAAAAAXg/UlVGAFF1fiI/s320/Hearts.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Looking forward to more introductions next week! For now I'm off to decorate at arOka... Enjoy the weekend darlings! <br />
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xoxo<br />
Dawna<br />
Creative CuratorAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-27106374142215458512012-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:002012-01-19T15:31:28.159-08:00Vintage, Eco Friendly & One of a Kind... Welcome Pure Magnolia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A large part of arOka has always been the one of a kind vintage wedding gowns that have stood the test of time. While each and every dress we carry is unique, time and time again they have left me hart broken along side many modern brides when these petite sizes simply didn't fit. I am so excited to announce we now have an amazing alternative! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQcKmHA24-E/TxiZMJ_WfmI/AAAAAAAAAWo/pXXeKatjzFc/s1600/pure-magnolia-logo3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQcKmHA24-E/TxiZMJ_WfmI/AAAAAAAAAWo/pXXeKatjzFc/s1600/pure-magnolia-logo3.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last October Patty of Pure Magnolia contacted me and I went for a visit to her North Vancouver studio. I was over the moon to learn that not only does she design, create and embellish each and every dress with the utmost care she also uses Eco friendly and vintage fabrics in every creation! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbeg0i_fgM4/TxiZy6W9txI/AAAAAAAAAWw/fXe-aOzTJyQ/s1600/Garden+Party+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbeg0i_fgM4/TxiZy6W9txI/AAAAAAAAAWw/fXe-aOzTJyQ/s400/Garden+Party+Dress.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We are so excited to be carrying an exclusive line up of Pure Magnolia dresses - all with vintage flair and custom made to fit every body type! Samples of each dress will be available for viewing, as well as your choice of fabrics, lace, and trims. Patty works with everything from organic cottons and hemps to vintage silks and satins. She even has a large stock of vintage lace to make that truly authentic custom vintage dress. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPRzWvyy-9Q/TxijO8NuksI/AAAAAAAAAXA/ax3l9XdVWtY/s1600/thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPRzWvyy-9Q/TxijO8NuksI/AAAAAAAAAXA/ax3l9XdVWtY/s320/thumb.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For me knowing that they are made in Patty's North Vancouver studio and that she personally oversees each and every creation makes Pure Magnolia a very special addition to our team. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEMvTB00D5U/Txdsshbp2rI/AAAAAAAAAWI/BDx5ozOvk-Y/s1600/070_img_2781_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEMvTB00D5U/Txdsshbp2rI/AAAAAAAAAWI/BDx5ozOvk-Y/s320/070_img_2781_edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">If you haven't filled your weekend with events yet you must check out Pure Magnolia on the runway during <a href="http://styleandstrut.com/" target="_blank">Style & Strut</a> at the Sutton Place Hotel this weekend! I also hear that the amazing <a href="http://randyfenoli.com/" target="_blank">Randy Fenoli</a>, host of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SayYesToTheDress" target="_blank">TLC's Say Yes to the Dress</a> and Fashion Director of <a href="http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/" target="_blank">Kleinfeld New York</a>, will be gracing the crowd with an amazing presentation and a few other VIP treats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OC50L7w0cWY/Txdsk1RyHII/AAAAAAAAAWA/1CTp8YZE_Ac/s1600/067_img_2744_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OC50L7w0cWY/Txdsk1RyHII/AAAAAAAAAWA/1CTp8YZE_Ac/s400/067_img_2744_edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To learn more about Patty & Pure Magnolia please check out her <a href="http://www.puremagnolia.ca/" target="_blank">website</a> and like her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/puremagnoliaweddings" target="_blank">facebook</a>. If you have any questions or would like clarification on the styles exclusive to arOka may I suggest you come take a peek opening day Monday February 13th! You can always send us an email or message us on facebook too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJn9cFWU0TI/TxiePTfDW0I/AAAAAAAAAW4/Yhsrx7A3tzQ/s1600/Polka+Dot+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJn9cFWU0TI/TxiePTfDW0I/AAAAAAAAAW4/Yhsrx7A3tzQ/s400/Polka+Dot+Dress.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next week I'll be featuring several local artists joining arOka as well as a few more exciting announcements! Our team is growing, there are many introductions to make so stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a most lovely weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dawna</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-2713362787707373352012-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:002012-01-17T13:04:58.837-08:00The Count Down to Relaunch & Feature ArtistsThe count down is on! We'll be reopening the doors to arOka <strong>Monday February 13, 2012 at 11am</strong> sharp. Our new address... <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=2231+clarke+street+port+moody+bc&ll=49.278921,-122.852983&spn=0.012907,0.038409&hnear=2231+Clarke+St,+Port+Moody,+British+Columbia+V3H+1Y7&gl=ca&t=h&z=15&vpsrc=6" target="_blank">2231 Clarke Street in Port Moody</a>. Its been been a frenzy of renovating, painting, decorating, crafting and searching for amazing vintage finds. Our new location is a smidgen smaller but packed full of character! The shopping experience will be heightened with the much anticipated addition of locally crafted wares from some amazing talent here in Vancouver and across our great Country. <br />
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Handmade, original upcycled and reworked creations really invoke a feeling of bliss for me. I love being able to touch, feel and admire an original creation plus actually talk face to face with the creative talent behind it. For me its a deep sense of respect - for those who create beauty with much passion. <br />
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Over the next few weeks as we count down to the relaunch I'll be introducing you to some of these amazing artists and new friends. Today its my absolute pleasure to introduce our first... <strong><em>A Cagey Bee</em></strong>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqBali11YHw/TxXJ7WlRGTI/AAAAAAAAAVY/3tCAE-nbfwA/s1600/Bee+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqBali11YHw/TxXJ7WlRGTI/AAAAAAAAAVY/3tCAE-nbfwA/s320/Bee+Girl.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br />
I fell in love with Kris' work at the one of a kind show last month and just knew you would too! From fine art prints, original paintings to the sweetest lockets and postcards, Kris is a cute maker with a story book flair. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCGerfh17eU/TxXKLxX03xI/AAAAAAAAAVg/6h32LF-A2VM/s1600/Kris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCGerfh17eU/TxXKLxX03xI/AAAAAAAAAVg/6h32LF-A2VM/s1600/Kris.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> k.g.b (Kris G. Brownlee)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We're excited to carry Kris' lockets as well as several post cards featuring her cute characters, perfect for every day giving. What could be sweeter than whimsical notes to the ones you love...with a little Cagey Bee flair of course!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEMvopcm9mI/TxXKX57OtiI/AAAAAAAAAVw/dTmUFWq-0po/s1600/small-lockets-b600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEMvopcm9mI/TxXKX57OtiI/AAAAAAAAAVw/dTmUFWq-0po/s400/small-lockets-b600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I can't say how excited I am to have Kris join us at arOka! If you would like to learn more about Kris and A Cagey Bee check out her <a href="http://www.acageybee.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KrisBrownlee" target="_blank">facebook</a> page or follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/aCageyBee" target="_blank">twitter</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiUwM5M4ikA/TxXKmklOZkI/AAAAAAAAAV4/QA4GLXXDmRk/s1600/Maggie+and+the+Octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiUwM5M4ikA/TxXKmklOZkI/AAAAAAAAAV4/QA4GLXXDmRk/s320/Maggie+and+the+Octopus.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned Thursday for another feature post of a local Vancouver artist... Brides you wont want to miss this one! Until then lovelies!<br />
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xoxo <br />
Dawna<br />
Creative CuratorAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-34562449371494883012011-11-28T09:52:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:53:45.637-08:00Exciting Times Part Two: Where...<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you didn't make in it for our year end sale this past weekend here's the news... <strong>we're moving</strong>!!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhcwDAVzDtE/TtM4kqkowpI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KZXzBUipM8U/s1600/49047083411370006_cwyV64og_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhcwDAVzDtE/TtM4kqkowpI/AAAAAAAAAVA/KZXzBUipM8U/s320/49047083411370006_cwyV64og_c.jpg" width="212px" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Making the decision to leave our current location was bitter sweet. How could anything compare to the character we currently have? I knew going into Begbie Street it would be a temporary location while we awaited the perfect location to come available on Columbia Street. After six months with no suitable spaces coming available, I started to look elsewhere. Commercial Drive, Gastown and other heritage districts in the GVRD are plentiful but it seemed no matter where I looked there was a major shortage of character space available. Given the nature of arOka I simply refused to sacrifice for anything less. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life’s funny in so many ways and I am a firm believer everything works out as its supposed to. Call it destiny. The space I was beginning to believe was a figment of my imagination was right in front of me all along and I passed by it every day! So where to? Only the sweetest little character house with a most amazing garden located on <a href="http://g.co/maps/qu2m2" target="_blank">Clarke Street</a> in Port Moody’s heritage district!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxuGwVUc8iY/TtM67OxSVKI/AAAAAAAAAVI/v6SWdlfGRbU/s1600/7025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="233px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxuGwVUc8iY/TtM67OxSVKI/AAAAAAAAAVI/v6SWdlfGRbU/s320/7025.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The house is quaint cozy and full of great character. The exterior is in need of a major colour change (currently a brick red with black accents) but that can wait until spring. Also coming this spring is the blooming of the most magical garden space! A white picket fence, slate patios, arbors, an abundance of perennial gardens and old growth trees surround the new house of arOka. How could I not see the endless possibilities for events and with the blessings of the City of Port Moody we're already in the planning process for this spring! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgdYsQglAM8/TtPE2M2ERdI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/IZti8M6inF8/s1600/0180524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgdYsQglAM8/TtPE2M2ERdI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/IZti8M6inF8/s320/0180524.jpg" width="320px" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">February 2012 is the relaunch date for arOka in our new home as well as the long awaited website! Everything you've come to love about us will remain with the addition of some amazing locally made wares and a lot more furniture & décor for your abode. The rental inventory will be housed in the basement keeping it separated from the boutique, plus it makes for real easy set up of special events in the garden!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For all the brides to be that we are currently working with, rest assured the move will not affect your special day. We're still taking on new customers so feel free to keep in touch via </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/arokavintage" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="mailto:arokaweddings@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">email</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. As for the rest of you, I'll miss seeing your smiling faces over the next 2 months! Updates on the renovations, new rental inventory, and special features for some of my favorite businesses will keep you up to date with what's happening. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So until then my darlings have a most joyous holiday season and we'll see you in February 2012!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">xoxo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dawna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Creative Curator </span></div></div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-67430458059251841222011-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T12:08:17.108-08:00Exciting Times Part OneWe've left our friends on Facebook in the lurch for the past week, posting teasers and carrying on as if we have something to hide. Well we do! While I can't tell you all the goods just yet, I can say this... mark your calendars, free your schedules and get in line November 26th for arOka's biggest sale yet! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iA1NlQz6vr4/TsXoOmnzuyI/AAAAAAAAAT4/ekqDUToXpV4/s1600/November+Market+Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iA1NlQz6vr4/TsXoOmnzuyI/AAAAAAAAAT4/ekqDUToXpV4/s400/November+Market+Sale.jpg" width="311px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A special THANK YOU to my dear friend Roberta </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of <a href="http://inkyandboots.com/" target="_blank">Inky & Boots</a> for designing our Ad as well as</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Graphics Fairy</a> for the Victorian dress form!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In order to do a full on inventory count & mark down appropriate pieces we will be closed Monday November 21st all the way through to sale day. If you need us, please email or leave a message at the boutique, we'll be checking communications daily. Now on to the the details! Just what exactly will be in our sale? Take a look for yourself...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7yiU9-MBzw/TsXpAwqb49I/AAAAAAAAAUA/QdeSzi3jqJQ/s1600/dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7yiU9-MBzw/TsXpAwqb49I/AAAAAAAAAUA/QdeSzi3jqJQ/s320/dresses.jpg" width="294px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in stock dresses, slips & petticoats</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXflttCF7yQ/TsXpDirdT-I/AAAAAAAAAUI/iIR8psO1Mhk/s1600/Emphemera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="234px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXflttCF7yQ/TsXpDirdT-I/AAAAAAAAAUI/iIR8psO1Mhk/s320/Emphemera.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ephemera (antique & vintage papers)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvDzvwMQRNE/TsXpFKEUhOI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/7pJyrP0GCtg/s1600/Hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvDzvwMQRNE/TsXpFKEUhOI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/7pJyrP0GCtg/s320/Hats.jpg" width="283px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hats & headpieces</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IoHTgwSn6Rk/TsXpHgtj1eI/AAAAAAAAAUY/TFyKq8PedA8/s1600/jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IoHTgwSn6Rk/TsXpHgtj1eI/AAAAAAAAAUY/TFyKq8PedA8/s320/jewelry.jpg" width="163px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jewelry & glamour items</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcF0Un4XjGo/TsXpJom7XQI/AAAAAAAAAUg/cgfQYjMK7eg/s1600/Purses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="303px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcF0Un4XjGo/TsXpJom7XQI/AAAAAAAAAUg/cgfQYjMK7eg/s320/Purses.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Purses & accessories</div><br />
PLUS ++++++ Many of our rental inventory items will be cycled through once again to make room for next year's inventory! These are highly collectible, one of a kind antiques & vintage decor items. If you came to the Summer sale rest assured this one will far surpass your expectations! And in case you aren't already a fan of arOka on Facebook we suggest you click that little thumb in the upwards position because you'll automatically save 20% off ANY purchase on sale day! Now do the math with me... most items in the store will be 20% off (clearly marked my dears because as with any sale some exceptions do apply ;) PLUS an additional 20% off for Facebook fans... that's 40% OFF!! Excited yet? We are!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-DdePv9fGQ/TsaSB1szubI/AAAAAAAAAUw/YWbb4_blp-s/s1600/facebookLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-DdePv9fGQ/TsaSB1szubI/AAAAAAAAAUw/YWbb4_blp-s/s200/facebookLogo.jpg" width="180px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/arokavintage" target="_blank">Click Me! Click Me!</a></div> <br />
Now keep in mind that this is one day only, Saturday November 26th from 11am to 4pm. As with our last sale there are no holds, layaways and everything is sold on a first come first served basis. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit and cash. I must clarify this is NOT a Christmas sale & you won't be seeing that holiday emphasized throughout the boutique. It's not that we're Bah Humbug! Simply put we have been bustling around heavily preparing for a second MAJOR announcement coming the first week of December. Hey you never know maybe we'll spill some beans on you at the sale! All I can say for now is Exciting Times Part Two is EPIC! Ok now look what I did! I'm off to wash my mouth with soap. To me 'epic' equals all sorts of terrible images of Charlie Sheen! Geeeez! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6q6FW-xTKE/TsaUL9i_kiI/AAAAAAAAAU4/iK-dSbQXQ8s/s1600/Crazy-Charlie-Sheen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="186px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6q6FW-xTKE/TsaUL9i_kiI/AAAAAAAAAU4/iK-dSbQXQ8s/s200/Crazy-Charlie-Sheen.png" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
Have a wonderful weekend my darlings, stay safe in this crazy snow and we'll see you next weekend!<br />
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xoxo<br />
Dawna<br />
Creative Curator<br />
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</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-12524002123470556842011-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:002011-11-03T12:53:36.431-07:00Ruffles & Rust WeekendA couple weekends ago I closed the boutique for a much needed weekend away. My idea of fun...hitting the road state side for a major vintage market!! My side kick... only the most talented artist I know Roberta from <a href="http://inkyandboots.com/about/" target="_blank">Inky & Boots</a>. After a few wrong turns in the suburbs, and fantastic trapes in the field looking for treasures (and found them but that' a story for another day) we finally made it to Monroe Wa. Thank goodness we arrived when we did, the line grew to hundreds in a matter of minutes and this was just the presale day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzlxMBnrNos/TrLAxn_wSbI/AAAAAAAAAPU/lJoWyDhgTkc/s1600/wrong-way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzlxMBnrNos/TrLAxn_wSbI/AAAAAAAAAPU/lJoWyDhgTkc/s200/wrong-way.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
The market - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188694187851577" target="_blank">Ruffles & Rust a Vintage Market to Inspire</a> certainly lived up to its name!! Timmi and her team really know what they are doing and they do it really well! The vendors came from all over the Western States to offer the most amazing treasures! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihMxKz-KCqA/Tqs08CEmBNI/AAAAAAAAAPM/5mMDDETJ51M/s1600/R%2526R1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihMxKz-KCqA/Tqs08CEmBNI/AAAAAAAAAPM/5mMDDETJ51M/s400/R%2526R1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They call it Ruffles & Rust for a reason! Photo by Roberta</td></tr>
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Both Roberta and I were inspired by the visual delights of the day. Texture, layering, whimsical touches, amazing wares and an abundance of beauty! The first time I came to Timmi's market was last year and I have to admit once I walked through the doors my eyes welled up with tears from a visual overload. Being a vintage junkie through and through these markets are my absolute favorite!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfx5fe7T-6Q/TrLHCygPrmI/AAAAAAAAAPc/gHF31DMEbsg/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfx5fe7T-6Q/TrLHCygPrmI/AAAAAAAAAPc/gHF31DMEbsg/s400/IMG_2744.JPG" width="266px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of many amazing booths. Photo by Roberta</td></tr>
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As with any major market, sore feet and lots of shoulda coulda woulda come into play. My shoulda... 2 gorgeous 8 foot tall historic columns. My woulda... rented a much larger truck! And the coulda... spent more time oogling. For me markets are a fast paced game of first come first served and in a vintage world full of one of a kind items you have to act fast. I power through scanning each booth for my wish list of items and in many cases am stopped dead in my tracks when something unique catches my eyes. This time around it seemed the rental inventory won and the market lost. I had hoped to come away with more 'smalls' to share with you at the boutique but there wasn't an abundance of them and the price points didn't suite my fancy. I did manage to grab a set of beautiful antique corbels and 2 lovely gold frames though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UtaZwVTA04/TrLK4fLVcxI/AAAAAAAAAPs/i2DT3N9aKS8/s1600/DSCF1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UtaZwVTA04/TrLK4fLVcxI/AAAAAAAAAPs/i2DT3N9aKS8/s320/DSCF1316.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold frames now available in the market</td></tr>
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As for the rental inventory gains... a 3 foot tall iron birdcage that will definitely be a show stopper on any guest or gift table, a large white iron bird cage complete with it's own stand, an ornate screen/room divider, a 3 tier mini shelf that makes the perfect cupcake stand and finally my prized possession an antique double sided school chalkboard that was featured last week on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/arokavintage" target="_blank">facebook page</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6--Y2R1Tc_M/TrLNlPHlWvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/-hfCYuDiX9U/s1600/DSCF1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6--Y2R1Tc_M/TrLNlPHlWvI/AAAAAAAAAP0/-hfCYuDiX9U/s400/DSCF1303.JPG" width="300px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 foot tall black iron bird cage. Love it!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the move it or loose it ended, Roberta and I spent the rest of the first night meandering our way back and forth through all the isles taking in the scenery at a much slower pace. They say to really see it all you have to walk up and down the isles in both directions and I concur because what was missed in one pass was found in another. We stayed until closing, loaded up the van and headed to our Hotel for the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lOVqhRdrS-8/TrLsK1uxwaI/AAAAAAAAAQE/OxKF2Y0npRc/s1600/DSCF1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lOVqhRdrS-8/TrLsK1uxwaI/AAAAAAAAAQE/OxKF2Y0npRc/s400/DSCF1310.JPG" width="225px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The huge white iron birdcage...so many possibilities!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day we traveled to Snohomish to check out the many antique stores, had a great lunch and headed back to the market for one last look. Day two brought replenished booths and a new focus. I was on the hunt for all of your requested items! While I wasn't able to fill everyone's wish list I did accomplish a few. My friend Angela of <a href="http://angelak-lalasland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">LaLa's Land</a> had been searching for a vintage shopping cart and now has one of her very own. To me the market trip was an adventure, a pleasure and a success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX1DmBFMUxE/TrLsph-JiuI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IOulOnFRaZU/s1600/DSCF1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX1DmBFMUxE/TrLsph-JiuI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IOulOnFRaZU/s320/DSCF1288.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela's new vintage shopping cart!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day (Sunday) I spent my time unloading the rental van and zipping around Vancouver to pick up a few other new pieces. Some request I had received recently was for an old school picnic basket, more vintage hats and some vintage slips. I'm happy to say those items are now in stock. Speaking of old school, my favorite new find is a set of vintage UBC lockers... in turquoise of course!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vG09-P2oNlQ/TrLPRTvCvbI/AAAAAAAAAP8/m0TMrrgYDcU/s1600/DSCF1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vG09-P2oNlQ/TrLPRTvCvbI/AAAAAAAAAP8/m0TMrrgYDcU/s400/DSCF1314.JPG" width="300px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect patina of turquoise & rust! </td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have an amazing weekend y'all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dawna</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Creative Curator</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-21012935949937157412011-10-25T09:17:00.000-07:002011-10-25T09:17:43.348-07:00Victorian Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There's an indescribable magic about the Victorian era and I've often wished I lived in those mysterious times. As my favorite holiday is fast approaching I thought I'd share some of my inspirations for this years festivities... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-Tk8D4Gvbs/To965BVXy7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/rB5qg2e2kRQ/s1600/287777970_pW62uwAr_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-Tk8D4Gvbs/To965BVXy7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/rB5qg2e2kRQ/s320/287777970_pW62uwAr_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://ooohprettythings.tumblr.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_WjxHc9s0Y/TqXqFTQlKgI/AAAAAAAAAO8/gryaijIERoo/s1600/291142447_WVY62VAU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256px" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_WjxHc9s0Y/TqXqFTQlKgI/AAAAAAAAAO8/gryaijIERoo/s320/291142447_WVY62VAU_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://ditmasparkblog.com/tag/victorian-flatbush/page/2">here</a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">There's nothing more representative of creepy and mysterious than a haunted house. Creaking floors, hidden passageways and numerous generations walking the halls. Victorian homes have a rich history that I'm fairly sure if the walls really could talk we'd be running out the door! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dy2acqOLfsU/TqXs-MagDFI/AAAAAAAAAPE/Qknw662xI5w/s1600/291129568_Hc3CAW9T_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dy2acqOLfsU/TqXs-MagDFI/AAAAAAAAAPE/Qknw662xI5w/s320/291129568_Hc3CAW9T_c.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://www.unwinnable.com/2010/10/25/a-salute-to-nightmare-fuel/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSUiUA_Jvkg/To960zWIOLI/AAAAAAAAAM0/JptMcQq4EHU/s1600/287807051_IiZuzQyD_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSUiUA_Jvkg/To960zWIOLI/AAAAAAAAAM0/JptMcQq4EHU/s320/287807051_IiZuzQyD_c.jpg" width="251px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Photo credit <a href="http://mattbites.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">According to the Newark News, candied apples were first invented by William W. Kolb in the early 1900's. I have also read that Carmel or candied fruit dates back into the early 18th century so who's to say for sure. No matter what, this modern/rustic take on the vintage treat sure looks spooky! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqmc739bF_M/To963oy_UpI/AAAAAAAAAM4/bBjYtaW0cFo/s1600/287819979_2vSWCZjI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqmc739bF_M/To963oy_UpI/AAAAAAAAAM4/bBjYtaW0cFo/s1600/287819979_2vSWCZjI_c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://www.myjewelryromance.com/glossary/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cameos are most amazing and to me a bit mysterious. Who is that woman depicted in all her beauty? Dating back to the Victorian era, cameos have stood the test of time and can be worn every day or as a strong statement piece. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QBviU-xw9Q/To966jA12sI/AAAAAAAAANA/58Afim_akDI/s1600/287881791_oN5dnBDS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QBviU-xw9Q/To966jA12sI/AAAAAAAAANA/58Afim_akDI/s320/287881791_oN5dnBDS_c.jpg" width="228px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://doyoulovewhereyoulive.com/archives/immerse-yourself-in-the-world-of-harry-potter-with-pottermore-style">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05SPuwI-5GE/To9685kIfDI/AAAAAAAAANE/MXetl6R6n4s/s1600/287893104_RLw24TrC_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05SPuwI-5GE/To9685kIfDI/AAAAAAAAANE/MXetl6R6n4s/s320/287893104_RLw24TrC_c.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/03/24/real-weddings-kiersten-eric/">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObkipIaOF_c/To969Z_XP9I/AAAAAAAAANI/nLHRcPocABo/s1600/290435064_aUrQ21K4_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObkipIaOF_c/To969Z_XP9I/AAAAAAAAANI/nLHRcPocABo/s320/290435064_aUrQ21K4_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://vintageseance.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-from-airgarten.html">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Ghostly images are common place in the Victorian era. At the peak of the western world's spirituality movement,<strong> </strong>psychics, mediums and other ghost whisperers made strong claims of having spoken to and photographed encounters with the living dead.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zb84_UfFJw/To96-SGCm1I/AAAAAAAAANM/44GtP-kBB98/s1600/Creepy+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zb84_UfFJw/To96-SGCm1I/AAAAAAAAANM/44GtP-kBB98/s1600/Creepy+Tree.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2010/03/creepy-tree.html">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwt7twsn42M/To96_IOgufI/AAAAAAAAANQ/fbj8aMFPMP0/s1600/Crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwt7twsn42M/To96_IOgufI/AAAAAAAAANQ/fbj8aMFPMP0/s320/Crow.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://my.opera.com/Words/blog/2008/01/25/crow">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Crows have been around for centuries and in most cases have had a bad wrap for representing death and evil. I was intrigued to learn otherwise! Last year my daughter and I witnessed hundreds if not thousands of crows flying & perched in a small area of Vancouver. After learning just how amazing these birds are I realized that what we experienced was the ritual of a funeral. Yes these highly intelligent, very social birds come from far and wide to pay their last respects to the dead. Creepy but so cool! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7MRTyBC0NY/To9zdCoei8I/AAAAAAAAAMo/IjWk2Kf8Q3g/s1600/seeds33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7MRTyBC0NY/To9zdCoei8I/AAAAAAAAAMo/IjWk2Kf8Q3g/s400/seeds33.jpg" width="347px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://pumpkinrot.com/pages/Page38.htm">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zh_2RbsBBI/To9zn3UXzyI/AAAAAAAAAMw/owOKhQ97-RI/s1600/Haunted+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zh_2RbsBBI/To9zn3UXzyI/AAAAAAAAAMw/owOKhQ97-RI/s400/Haunted+House.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://iheartshabbychic.blogspot.com/2010/10/haunted-houses-of-shabby-kind.html">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tI9Msie-vYI/TqXcB0BWOyI/AAAAAAAAAO0/9nJbbrxLBoE/s1600/ouijadisplayfuld_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tI9Msie-vYI/TqXcB0BWOyI/AAAAAAAAAO0/9nJbbrxLBoE/s320/ouijadisplayfuld_l.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Read more about the Quija baord <a href="http://www.williamfuld.com/ouija.html">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had no idea but yes the Quija board dates back to the Victorian era. Elijah Bond was granted a Canadian patent (No. 36,092) for the Ouija board on March 10th 1891. I've also read there were other forms of the classic Quija used many decades prior to Elijah's version. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-er7PdPiPZ58/To9ugsCkU7I/AAAAAAAAAMU/PFVwgdzlWVE/s1600/Mysterious+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-er7PdPiPZ58/To9ugsCkU7I/AAAAAAAAAMU/PFVwgdzlWVE/s400/Mysterious+Man.jpg" width="295px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <span id="goog_1061885222"></span><a href="http://www.forromancereaders.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qedc3MDu47E/To9yzdp56xI/AAAAAAAAAMk/DYDoFaIeFno/s1600/Victorian+Woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qedc3MDu47E/To9yzdp56xI/AAAAAAAAAMk/DYDoFaIeFno/s320/Victorian+Woman.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://vi.sualize.us/view/mrsaranicole/171b2410c12d0800782e22ccbd0df032/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Halloween in the Victorian era really wasn't as we know it today. I have read so many conflicting stories as to where the name came from, most agree it was based on the Scottish variant for the celebration that happened on November 1st. It was followed by a celebration of Souls on the 2nd. As for the modern October 31st, best I can tell it was in the late 1800's when the practice of children dressing in costumes and going door to door begging for food and treats began. It was known as Guising. The first recorded Guising happened in Scotland 1895, followed by the children of Kingston Ontario in 1911. The small town of Blackie Alberta was recorded in 1927 as having changed the phrase to 'trick or treat'. Wikipedia has pages and pages on the history of Halloween so I offer you the first page I referenced to read at your leisure <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I must admit I love the magic of modern day Halloween, always have and always will. But... if I lived in the Victorian era where my home was lit with candle light and the only sounds I heard were creaking floors and crackling fires, I wouldn't venture far for a sweet treat from a neighbour especially in the midst of the paranormal enlightenment era! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a most spooktacular Halloween my dears! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Dawna</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-81125503663751667152011-10-10T10:03:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:03:43.315-07:00A Vintage Halloween...My favorite time of year is fast approaching!! I love the witchy ways of Halloween... dressing up as an altered ego, the parties, being scared out of my skin and of course all the yummy treats! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lml8b5hHEmk/TpCsICfzt3I/AAAAAAAAAOM/45WwnQpIXEI/s1600/294593669_375aJxkl_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lml8b5hHEmk/TpCsICfzt3I/AAAAAAAAAOM/45WwnQpIXEI/s400/294593669_375aJxkl_c.jpg" width="293px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Having grown up in an era of home made, our costumes were thrifty, fun and very creative. I remember my dad reaching into the fireplace and taking a had full of soot and proceeded to wipe it on my face!! Next my plaid dress was stuffed with a pillow, he tightening up my belt, tied a scarf on my head and sent me out the door... as Aunt Jemima!! I laugh about it now but as a little girl I was the grumpiest pancake you'd ever seen!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlJ_wwr5mfU/TpDQjpgBVXI/AAAAAAAAAOk/diPfWZnu4y8/s1600/30adco1_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlJ_wwr5mfU/TpDQjpgBVXI/AAAAAAAAAOk/diPfWZnu4y8/s320/30adco1_650.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/03/30/business/30adco_CA1.ready.html">here</a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now that I have a daughter of my own I admit I have fallen prey to easy street. Last year while in a box store my daughter spotted the costume section. Much to my dismay we headed over for a look. Guess what! She fell in love... not a witch or a princess as most 3 year olds would... no my girl picked the ugliest beige, gold, brown and orange Octopus I have ever seen! Unique it certainly was, just like my girl ;) For me it was easy on the pocket book, took no time at all and best of all it made us both giggle. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lDHXgGsrWc/TpCr8uo91wI/AAAAAAAAANc/HYGN3I3_XNI/s1600/294550343_SfMOrEwY_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lDHXgGsrWc/TpCr8uo91wI/AAAAAAAAANc/HYGN3I3_XNI/s400/294550343_SfMOrEwY_c.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That was last year. This year we'll be making a costume and have fun doing it! Yes I know buying one is easy but I fear my daughter won't have the same kind of long lasting memories and embarrassing moments as I did. This year she wants to be a scary witch so along with repurposing some clothing, making a hat, embellishing her to the 9's, I've decided to pass down the tradition and will be wiping her face with soot! Thanks for the crafty idea Dad!</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuFbOF0GNBw/TpCsBNy3prI/AAAAAAAAANw/HwHUefUPl24/s1600/294574250_lqaamN7d_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuFbOF0GNBw/TpCsBNy3prI/AAAAAAAAANw/HwHUefUPl24/s400/294574250_lqaamN7d_c.jpg" width="280px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div><br />
Between getting costumes ready, making decorations, prepping the house and deciding on tricks or treats to hand out it will be a busy month end for everyone. Here's a few reminders of the fun we had as kids... carving pumpkins, embarrassing costumes, great parties and of course all the sexy moms! Enjoy!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAeWOIpVYRs/TpCr9VcRTSI/AAAAAAAAANg/wVT65h9HZiQ/s1600/294554725_xLOW8m8k_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAeWOIpVYRs/TpCr9VcRTSI/AAAAAAAAANg/wVT65h9HZiQ/s400/294554725_xLOW8m8k_c.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxLxbCYLrt0/TpCr-TavZbI/AAAAAAAAANk/cVpvJW-z3bo/s1600/294561317_GNKZGSlI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxLxbCYLrt0/TpCr-TavZbI/AAAAAAAAANk/cVpvJW-z3bo/s400/294561317_GNKZGSlI_c.jpg" width="250px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recycling @ its finest! Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN_flAPKj7M/TpCsAHSBViI/AAAAAAAAANs/OQRXaSed28w/s1600/294572249_3YxqhomY_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN_flAPKj7M/TpCsAHSBViI/AAAAAAAAANs/OQRXaSed28w/s320/294572249_3YxqhomY_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbFPr-QlmQ/TpCr8IyKq2I/AAAAAAAAANY/kEqx5XcTHe0/s1600/294546571_FaJ8tvtM_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbFPr-QlmQ/TpCr8IyKq2I/AAAAAAAAANY/kEqx5XcTHe0/s400/294546571_FaJ8tvtM_c.jpg" width="308px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://demeterclarc.com/">here</a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGo_Fjn2NwM/TpCsCXc-lZI/AAAAAAAAAN0/xWMlhbpVt_E/s1600/294576002_kSQH9zRW_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGo_Fjn2NwM/TpCsCXc-lZI/AAAAAAAAAN0/xWMlhbpVt_E/s320/294576002_kSQH9zRW_c.jpg" width="215px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsSMZcSfJGY/TpCsDkeULbI/AAAAAAAAAN4/P_2LQ35Tv3g/s1600/294577476_jrTr4u2B_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="257px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsSMZcSfJGY/TpCsDkeULbI/AAAAAAAAAN4/P_2LQ35Tv3g/s320/294577476_jrTr4u2B_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqHfo4EiPR8/TpCsEl3ChyI/AAAAAAAAAN8/CbMiq1OdVrY/s1600/294583379_ZYuwM16c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="295px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqHfo4EiPR8/TpCsEl3ChyI/AAAAAAAAAN8/CbMiq1OdVrY/s320/294583379_ZYuwM16c_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQx3hxtdfwE/TpCsFilQqiI/AAAAAAAAAOA/cWx2QdAxyW0/s1600/294589920_QnhzdcUw_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQx3hxtdfwE/TpCsFilQqiI/AAAAAAAAAOA/cWx2QdAxyW0/s320/294589920_QnhzdcUw_c.jpg" width="252px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGf8bxfLIJk/TpCsJn-FyvI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/VCq_0fsSgTo/s1600/294607022_cwDcNoNm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGf8bxfLIJk/TpCsJn-FyvI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/VCq_0fsSgTo/s400/294607022_cwDcNoNm_c.jpg" width="235px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://buzzfeed.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4n9r0NQ4-2Q/TpCsMjl-39I/AAAAAAAAAOY/blq_28mibbA/s1600/294621175_6EMGLFWC_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4n9r0NQ4-2Q/TpCsMjl-39I/AAAAAAAAAOY/blq_28mibbA/s320/294621175_6EMGLFWC_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://spookshows.blogspot.com/">here</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyVpkPh8GVs/TpCsOtuE-pI/AAAAAAAAAOg/wXnQy5cdlho/s1600/294628136_eECVMjNA_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyVpkPh8GVs/TpCsOtuE-pI/AAAAAAAAAOg/wXnQy5cdlho/s400/294628136_eECVMjNA_c.jpg" width="303px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://craftychick1221.blogspot.com/">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6sh1VPEGEU/TpCsNk3EJOI/AAAAAAAAAOc/u8EJTGL5xvg/s1600/294626068_HzJJwKEV_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6sh1VPEGEU/TpCsNk3EJOI/AAAAAAAAAOc/u8EJTGL5xvg/s320/294626068_HzJJwKEV_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://craftychick1221.blogspot.com/">here</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkQ24xsSRlE/TpCsHG486NI/AAAAAAAAAOI/NVnUWn2NAyQ/s1600/294592218_cbmoJ1H3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkQ24xsSRlE/TpCsHG486NI/AAAAAAAAAOI/NVnUWn2NAyQ/s320/294592218_cbmoJ1H3_c.jpg" width="263px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Credit <a href="http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/">here</a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0TCRPqGTNo/TpCr_s2HNwI/AAAAAAAAANo/dh9NaHxkts8/s1600/294564885_GEBlVGOb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0TCRPqGTNo/TpCr_s2HNwI/AAAAAAAAANo/dh9NaHxkts8/s400/294564885_GEBlVGOb_c.jpg" width="256px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://bogley.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50oVuPPbtc4/TpCr6zA_IfI/AAAAAAAAANU/W9epr8wLfVU/s1600/294544944_Swd7Edc1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50oVuPPbtc4/TpCr6zA_IfI/AAAAAAAAANU/W9epr8wLfVU/s320/294544944_Swd7Edc1_c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Halloween preparations to take care of I must be off!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit <a href="http://demeterclarc.com/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned for Friday's Victorian Halloween Post! For a sneak peek and a look at my inspiration boards come follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/aroka/">Pinterest</a>! If you're not a member yet send me an email and I'll be sure to invite you to the fun! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Have an amazing Holiday Monday!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">XOXO</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Dawna</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-60129857179877317942011-10-06T10:49:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:11:46.851-07:00A Wondrous Weekend<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I closed the boutique last Saturday and was a bit hush hush on the reasoning. Not to keep you all in the dark but it was such an exciting weekend I wanted to make sure I got back on the blog horse and wrote about my adventure! </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As some of you are aware I was an interior decorator and stylist in my former life. Since the conception of arOka I have maintained my passion for décor but fallen much deeper in love with vintage and the endless creativity it brings to a home. My favorite eye candy... an uber modern home with whimsical touches from the past mixed in seamlessly. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LVhlYAjEjk/ToyO7NOeXFI/AAAAAAAAALk/XFIauMmUvAk/s1600/sixxdesign2.png" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="249px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LVhlYAjEjk/ToyO7NOeXFI/AAAAAAAAALk/XFIauMmUvAk/s320/sixxdesign2.png" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sixxdesign.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sixx Design</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> knows modern vintage like no other! </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year my dear friend Victoria from </span><a href="http://edinshouse.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edin's House</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> invited me to join a group called Canadian Design & Lifestyle Bloggers West. While the roster of careers in this group ranges from Interior Designers to Photographers, one thing we all have in common is BLOGGING! </span></div><br />
</div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Lj1ZQBxRk/To3Y3No2LPI/AAAAAAAAAMA/JEWCOIp2Vsw/s1600/header-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="97px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Lj1ZQBxRk/To3Y3No2LPI/AAAAAAAAAMA/JEWCOIp2Vsw/s400/header-7.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week was the </span><a href="http://idswest.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior Design Show West</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Vancouver. The city was buzzing with amazing designers, jaw dropping displays and lots of parties. Four lovely, dedicated ladies from our group, Victoria, Barbara, Nancey & Karla, worked very hard to create a special event for us all called Blend2011. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IH-dLUqQgYQ/ToyNpbs9yCI/AAAAAAAAALc/mh5R2L2E210/s1600/blend-logo%255B53%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="143px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IH-dLUqQgYQ/ToyNpbs9yCI/AAAAAAAAALc/mh5R2L2E210/s320/blend-logo%255B53%255D.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78jtz5VxRw0/To0iD4gSG4I/AAAAAAAAALo/edHbPiaDLRk/s1600/IMG_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78jtz5VxRw0/To0iD4gSG4I/AAAAAAAAALo/edHbPiaDLRk/s320/IMG_1801.jpg" width="213px" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ikea Canada</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> came on board with full sponsorship of the event! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a treat!! What were we in for? How about a high style cocktail party at the </span><a href="http://theloden.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loden Hotel</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Vancouver! Who was going to be there? 50 of us from the group, Ikea Canada of course and just a few of Canada's most talented designers... </span><a href="http://houseandhome.com/blogs/suzanne-dimma"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzzanne Dimma</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://houseandhome.com/tv/host/mark-challen"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark Challen</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & Vancouver's own </span><a href="http://kellydeck.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly Deck</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ! WOW!! </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJSq6aSZ-g/ToyONvtsHYI/AAAAAAAAALg/s57WZisiMuE/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="318px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJSq6aSZ-g/ToyONvtsHYI/AAAAAAAAALg/s57WZisiMuE/s320/IMG_1722.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzanne Dimma & Mark Challen</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing no one at the event other than Victoria, my nerves were easily calmed by all the friendly faces and new friends I made. A tall drink early on helped too. Everyone had the most amazing time! Lots of laughs, amazing food, yummy drinks and the guests were all gorgeous!! A night out like this was a definite treat for me! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEPu2IM6KXs/To3k1YsHiXI/AAAAAAAAAME/PG5NxAdVyGo/s1600/IMG_1720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEPu2IM6KXs/To3k1YsHiXI/AAAAAAAAAME/PG5NxAdVyGo/s400/IMG_1720.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Myself, <a href="http://dbueckertphoto.com/">Darryl Bueckert</a> (photographer & the lucky winner of the $1000 Ikea shopping spree), and the lovely Andrea Mills of Ikea Canada</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I didn't formally meet Suzanne, Mark or Kelly I did have casual conversations with each of them, leaving the one on one time for the designers waiting for their turn to chat. On a funny note... I nearly mistaken Mark's drink for my own and really should have had a sip just to say I drank from his straw! LOL Truthfully though they were lovely - super sweet and very down to earth. Everyone had a most amazing time!!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VpU23SKUEE/To0j0TG1gXI/AAAAAAAAALw/VjqeGVoI48c/s1600/IMG_1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VpU23SKUEE/To0j0TG1gXI/AAAAAAAAALw/VjqeGVoI48c/s320/IMG_1728.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited to have won a door prize, a beautiful pink jewelry box courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.kerrisdaledesign.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kerisdale Design</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. A few of the other door prizes were <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_146852873">Delta</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.deltafaucet.ca/index.html"> faucets</a>, original Jewelry by </span><a href="http://mofunkdesignsblog.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mo' Funk Designs'</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Art prints by </span><a href="http://traceyaytonphotography.com/index.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracey Ayton</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & </span><a href="http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-day-new-look.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nancy Marcus</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, plus the big one... a $1000 Ikea shopping spree!! Every one of us took home a swag bag filled with amazing gifts from Ikea, </span><a href="http://www.para.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Para Paints</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and many other sponsors. </span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ni03A7-m1vQ/To0kNqjUmWI/AAAAAAAAAL0/NpAGu8uBZCY/s1600/IMG_1789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ni03A7-m1vQ/To0kNqjUmWI/AAAAAAAAAL0/NpAGu8uBZCY/s320/IMG_1789.jpg" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were all tweeting up a storm during the Blend! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a great night I was super happy I had booked a room at the Loden. My review of the rooms - amazing! Floor to ceiling windows (I had 2 peek a boo views of the water & North Shore Mountains) modern decor and my favorite, the sliding wall between the bathroom and main area. Having not slept properly for 2 days prior to the event (partially due to excitement and the other house training a puppy) I fell fast asleep in the soft luxurious bedding. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYDt3-BlDNA/To0isL2omcI/AAAAAAAAALs/aVriLZVBTig/s1600/loden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYDt3-BlDNA/To0isL2omcI/AAAAAAAAALs/aVriLZVBTig/s320/loden1.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In closing I wanted to say a very special THANK YOU to my darling friend Victoria of </span><a href="http://edinshouse.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edin's House</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Barbara of </span><a href="http://hodgepodge-babselou.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hodge Podge</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Nancy of </span><a href="http://www.marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marcus Designs</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & Karla of </span><a href="http://www.kerrisdaledesign.com/blog/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kerrisdale Designs</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for organizing fantastic event. It was their amazing efforts of coordinating with the sponsors, the hotel and all of us that made this a night to remember. Also I must thank <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106421496480925985723/Blend201102?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLaEjNSU7aiBBA&feat=directlink#">Sari McNamee</a> for sharing the great photos she took (as you've seen here)!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haxRo8Tpa_Y/To0lJd3Y4CI/AAAAAAAAAL4/PRNJzixr0u8/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haxRo8Tpa_Y/To0lJd3Y4CI/AAAAAAAAAL4/PRNJzixr0u8/s320/IMG_1810.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barbara, Nancey, Suzzanne, Karla & Victoria</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now go enjoy your lovely long weekend Giving Thanks!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next week my dears...gobble gobble!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo Dawna</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Creative Curator</span></div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-44249042403079692212011-08-01T23:10:00.000-07:002011-08-01T23:10:17.306-07:00A Vintage Dream...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZynwzPSoks/TjeTXc43McI/AAAAAAAAAK4/QmAab8H3dKc/s1600/cora24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZynwzPSoks/TjeTXc43McI/AAAAAAAAAK4/QmAab8H3dKc/s400/cora24.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am just so excited! Yes my lovelies the amazing collaboration we did with <a href="http://www.corasphotography.com/">Cora's Photography</a>, <a href="http://www.bridalbeginnings.com/">Bridal Beginnings</a>, <a href="http://www.uniquityinvitations.com/">Uniquity Invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.jenniferstaffordevents.com/">Jennifer Stafford Events</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jayna-Marie-Makeup-Hair/132831200122269?sk=wall">Jayna Marie Makeup + Hair </a>was featured on Weddings In BC!! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For those of you who are new to the world of arOka please come join us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/arokavintage">facebook</a> while we continue to develop our interactive website & online catalog.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Thank you Weddings In BC! Part One (yes there will be a second feature!)... <a href="http://www.weddingsinbc.com/inspirationroom.php?post_id=1352">A Vintage Dream</a><br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
Dawna<br />
Creative CuratorAroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-74610768511497928512011-07-25T10:39:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:39:01.296-07:00Up Up & Away<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a little girl I remember seeing my first hot air balloon floating quietly through the summer sky. It was such a magical sight for small eyes! “Where is it going? What far off enchanted world could it take me too?” My imagination soared even higher when I saw Wizard of Oz for the first time. Dorothy was so lucky she didn't miss that flight of a lifetime! </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89Ts6QeHVhU/Ti2eWMvJ3oI/AAAAAAAAAKY/0dkaTJu0Sq0/s1600/WizOfOx2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89Ts6QeHVhU/Ti2eWMvJ3oI/AAAAAAAAAKY/0dkaTJu0Sq0/s320/WizOfOx2.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Love Love <a href="http://thewizardofoz.warnerbros.com/">the Wizard of Oz</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RttBqsYLj3o/Ti2fCwMkgyI/AAAAAAAAAKc/as9kb91jPYI/s1600/wizard+of+oz.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RttBqsYLj3o/Ti2fCwMkgyI/AAAAAAAAAKc/as9kb91jPYI/s320/wizard+of+oz.bmp" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little Hot Air Balloon History:</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.eballoon.org/">“On the 19th September 1783 Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster and the balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground. The first manned attempt came about 2 months later on 21st November, with a balloon made by 2 French brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier. The balloon was launched from the centre of Paris and flew for a period of 20 minutes. The birth of hot air ballooning!!!” – www.eballoon.org</a> </span> </div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RoCP5YwjwAM/Ti2gg6LHT1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/ryrQbdL8ifg/s1600/1783_Montgolfier_Balloon_from_www.wright-brothers.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RoCP5YwjwAM/Ti2gg6LHT1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/ryrQbdL8ifg/s320/1783_Montgolfier_Balloon_from_www.wright-brothers.org.jpg" t$="true" width="279px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1783 Montgolfier hot-air balloon. <br />
Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.wright-brothers.org/History_Wing/History_of_the_Airplane/History_of_the_Airplane_Intro/History_of_the_Airplane_Intro.htm">Wright Brothers</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">My dream of floating away to a magical world filled with nothing but beauty is as strong now as when I was a child. I’m afraid of heights but the Hot Air Balloon sits high above my list of things to do in this world. I dream one day of owning a vintage one, full of colour & patterns with an antique woven basket and lots of dangling ribbons of course! I’d travel from carnival to carnival and of course back to Oz if given the chance! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my more realistic world I've decided to pay homage to the most romantic, silently beautiful form of transportation I know. This fall I will be making 3 miniature models for our fall window display. The complete DIY details will be shared with all of you but for now my lovelies a sneak peek at the inspiration behind my fairy tale madness. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use your imagination and take flight with me… Up Up & Away!</span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5nuw7ikudk/Ti2dyzRSSrI/AAAAAAAAAKU/P2YYi0GIB7o/s1600/balloon5_unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5nuw7ikudk/Ti2dyzRSSrI/AAAAAAAAAKU/P2YYi0GIB7o/s320/balloon5_unknown.jpg" t$="true" width="246px" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Antique Renderings: Photo Source Unknown</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz-_enPz0Co/Ti2i2Hhl4TI/AAAAAAAAAKo/ixH9N1RRrp0/s1600/GordonBennettRace1933_youngeagles_dot_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz-_enPz0Co/Ti2i2Hhl4TI/AAAAAAAAAKo/ixH9N1RRrp0/s320/GordonBennettRace1933_youngeagles_dot_org.jpg" t$="true" width="181px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon Bennett Race 1933. <br />
Courtesy of <a href="http://www.yongeagles.org/">Young Eagles</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gyh7XPCiPU/Ti2lc1Zsl1I/AAAAAAAAAKs/yVch0G7V5uw/s1600/Mongolfier_brothers_hot_air_balloon_from_1783-265x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gyh7XPCiPU/Ti2lc1Zsl1I/AAAAAAAAAKs/yVch0G7V5uw/s1600/Mongolfier_brothers_hot_air_balloon_from_1783-265x300.jpg" t$="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first balloon wedding took place in 1865.<br />
Read the hilarious story at <a href="http://afflictor.com/2010/10/07/old-print-article-the-balloon-wedding-brooklyn-daily-eagle-1865/">Afflictor.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOyKzCCT6-A/Ti2oVcFoFNI/AAAAAAAAAKw/C7b166gJpIM/s1600/old_balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOyKzCCT6-A/Ti2oVcFoFNI/AAAAAAAAAKw/C7b166gJpIM/s320/old_balloon.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old photo courtesy of <a href="http://balloonfestivalhotels.com/history_main.html">Balloon Festival Hotels</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Have a Magical Monday my dears!!<br />
<br />
xoxo <br />
Dawna<br />
Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-67336321752214029842011-06-13T10:05:00.000-07:002011-06-13T10:05:50.869-07:00Ruffled Rags: DIY Table Cloth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvPjBQMNxQw/TfY6_tD4o1I/AAAAAAAAAJo/wM1pTQd4A3c/s1600/May+29%252C+201154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvPjBQMNxQw/TfY6_tD4o1I/AAAAAAAAAJo/wM1pTQd4A3c/s400/May+29%252C+201154.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There's just something about ragging that makes it undoubtedly charming. Using strips of old fabrics to create rugs, garland, lamp shades and yes even table cloths. If you've been to arOka you'll have seen the one I created for the display table at the front door. There have been so many of you asking for the DIY details, its now time to share! So without further adieu here are the step by step directions to creating your own... </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Supplies you need:</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Burlap </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tulle</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Old sheets or fabric </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Scissors</span></strong></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To start <strong>measure</strong> the top of your table and add 3 inches all the way around for the main table top portion (you can also repurpose an old table cloth, just trim it). For the rags, calculate the width, depth and drop to the floor to get the proper amount of fabric needed. It may seem like a lot of fabric but trust me you’ll need most of it to get the full ruffled effect!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Cut strips</strong> of fabric … Burlap 2” (too wide makes it impossible to work with & tie), cotton or other light weight fabrics 2 or 3” and tulle 4”. Once you have all your fabric cut into strips, take the measurement from the top to the floor and add 6” to get the length for each piece. <em><strong>T</strong></em><em><strong>ip #1:</strong> Using rolls of tulle found in some craft stores saves time! (I used one that was 4” wide found on sale at Michaels)</em></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FayPzjor2J0/TfYtOKKqhOI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/-XFux1HMrlY/s1600/DSCF0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FayPzjor2J0/TfYtOKKqhOI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/-XFux1HMrlY/s200/DSCF0047.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a>Place the table top fabric over the table and even it out ensuring each side has a 3” drop. Pick a side, any side to start. It doesn't matter where you begin or with what fabric. Depending on the thickness of your rag, cut a small hole 1-2” down the drop that’s big enough to pull it through. <em><strong>Tip 2:</strong> Practice on a piece of the table top fabric to see how it reacts to the hole and rag pieces being pulled through and tied. Burlap has such a loose weave; the small hole can grow too large so you may need to adjust these directions accordingly.</em> </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63I49Asw704/TfYtk698VAI/AAAAAAAAAJU/duqKCSF1AB0/s1600/DSCF0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63I49Asw704/TfYtk698VAI/AAAAAAAAAJU/duqKCSF1AB0/s200/DSCF0050.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Insert your first piece of rag carefully through the back of the hole (see picture). Wrap the fabric around the back and tie it only once in the front (see picture). Now keep going! Make <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifpO_JZfGr0/TfYuIG6gWMI/AAAAAAAAAJY/lSlg17-MhNY/s1600/DSCF0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifpO_JZfGr0/TfYuIG6gWMI/AAAAAAAAAJY/lSlg17-MhNY/s200/DSCF0051.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a>sure each new hole is 3/4" away from the last. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From here there are no rules…you can alternate your fabric however you wish! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Tip 3:</strong> Don’t trim the rags! When you’re done one side, reposition the others so you have the proper 3” overhang (the weight of a completed side often pulls the others out of proportion).</em></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GdOYcIWotc/TfYveKMacwI/AAAAAAAAAJc/ZAF5HVa2ZUo/s1600/DSCF0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GdOYcIWotc/TfYveKMacwI/AAAAAAAAAJc/ZAF5HVa2ZUo/s200/DSCF0055.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once your done ragging the entire way around, adjust the top for evenness and s</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">tart trimming! Leave the knotted area about 1” higher than the table top for a ruffled effect. Trimming pieces at the floor should be done one at a time. There is no need for perfection or measuring, imperfectly perfect as I always say!</span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That’s it! Simple, easy and full of charm! </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have a wonderful week my friends!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">xoxo Dawna</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Creative Curator</span></span></div></div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-8064520126239245442011-06-03T07:51:00.000-07:002011-06-03T07:53:14.331-07:00Sewing the Threads of LoveA finely placed stitch here or a button there can create a most magical wedding! As a long time collector of vintage buttons and antique spools I couldn't resist dedicating this post to the creativity that can come about from simple sewing supplies. Charming, unique and easy on the pocket book, the following photos pay homage to an age old craft that is close to all our hearts. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7DMlNLftWo/TeaJpwKoOqI/AAAAAAAAAHs/lL3l89eVkwY/s1600/Buttons1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7DMlNLftWo/TeaJpwKoOqI/AAAAAAAAAHs/lL3l89eVkwY/s400/Buttons1.jpg" t8="true" width="283px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A simple jar of buttons can do wonders for your wedding theme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/target=%22_blank%22http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-jessica-jasons-whimsical-vintage-wedding/%22"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Wedding Shoes</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tj5plKVdUvA/TeaM2UYq8vI/AAAAAAAAAH4/jtcMj05yob4/s1600/buttons15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tj5plKVdUvA/TeaM2UYq8vI/AAAAAAAAAH4/jtcMj05yob4/s400/buttons15.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I adore these! Vintage hankies & buttons repurposed </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to create a story book style invitation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://vickytrainor.blogspot.com/2011/03/pretty-invitations-all-in-row.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vicky Trainor</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlHM7IIMin8/TeaK-tTVamI/AAAAAAAAAH0/2Tweo1cQyUA/s1600/buttons9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlHM7IIMin8/TeaK-tTVamI/AAAAAAAAAH0/2Tweo1cQyUA/s400/buttons9.jpg" t8="true" width="265px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Talk about an heirloom bouquet! Look at all those buttons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://reddeerweddingblog.com/2011/04/felt-button-and-broach-wedding-bouquets/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Deer Wedding Blog</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8KJm-CnH9E/TeaOhuqDhRI/AAAAAAAAAH8/lYGLdysMxBk/s1600/Buttons4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8KJm-CnH9E/TeaOhuqDhRI/AAAAAAAAAH8/lYGLdysMxBk/s320/Buttons4.jpg" t8="true" width="205px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simply sweet button boutonniere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://www.loveandlavender.com/?s=button+cake"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Love and Lavender</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmx5orIjLPA/TeaRg0zEjPI/AAAAAAAAAIE/9rwNXIIHgw8/s1600/buttons17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmx5orIjLPA/TeaRg0zEjPI/AAAAAAAAAIE/9rwNXIIHgw8/s400/buttons17.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Too cute place cards. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-jessica-jasons-whimsical-vintage-wedding/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Wedding Shoes</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d50r8tpqiq4/TeaSXZq6WJI/AAAAAAAAAII/prRfo-13gDE/s1600/buttons11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d50r8tpqiq4/TeaSXZq6WJI/AAAAAAAAAII/prRfo-13gDE/s400/buttons11.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A collection of these little thread nests would <br />
be adorable as part of the table decor. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{complete DIY Tutorial via </span><a href="http://rustyroostervintage.blogspot.com/2011/05/tutorial-making-birds-nests.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rusty Rooster Vintage</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWUdMz1Ze4U/Tea8ENPaUuI/AAAAAAAAAIY/VcBUbeNT2X4/s1600/spools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWUdMz1Ze4U/Tea8ENPaUuI/AAAAAAAAAIY/VcBUbeNT2X4/s400/spools.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage industrial spools make great centre pieces too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via source unknown}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdJdZKpwBHU/TeaVVWRuf4I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/aDpNY89XEBY/s1600/buttons14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdJdZKpwBHU/TeaVVWRuf4I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/aDpNY89XEBY/s400/buttons14.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unique napkin rings add lots of charm to each place setting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/button-projects"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Country Living</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSJdjDVOxhM/TeaV5DNZGjI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ypa_EzrcG10/s1600/buttons12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSJdjDVOxhM/TeaV5DNZGjI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ypa_EzrcG10/s400/buttons12.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Simple buttons placed in the bottom of each vase is beautiful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://jessicarodarte.blogspot.com/2010/07/whimsy-jar-swap.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jessica Rodarte</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVMXQAO9SX0/TefF1ZLxeyI/AAAAAAAAAI4/hrHKUl9tM3Y/s1600/19906591_pT8nj1QG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVMXQAO9SX0/TefF1ZLxeyI/AAAAAAAAAI4/hrHKUl9tM3Y/s400/19906591_pT8nj1QG_c.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div>Can you imagine these antique sewing machine drawers stuffed <br />
full of flowers, succulents or candy? I can!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{via unknown}</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1BL10FNrNc/Tea9DYLw_1I/AAAAAAAAAIg/dScfrbPunkQ/s1600/buttons13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1BL10FNrNc/Tea9DYLw_1I/AAAAAAAAAIg/dScfrbPunkQ/s400/buttons13.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another great napkin ring idea. Love the measure tape too!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com/2010/01/lunch.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">French Larkspur</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAs00F5VfyU/Tea9ry-uniI/AAAAAAAAAIk/HHY0as-UfP4/s1600/Buttons5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAs00F5VfyU/Tea9ry-uniI/AAAAAAAAAIk/HHY0as-UfP4/s400/Buttons5.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">These sweet treats are amazing and made </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">using vintage chocolate button molds!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{complete DIY tutorial & where to buy the molds at </span><a href="http://blog.bakeitpretty.com/2009/01/sew-sweet/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bake It Pretty</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElBT7fchPpQ/Tea_k0A3LhI/AAAAAAAAAIo/2c-JNG03Vps/s1600/buttons6a.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElBT7fchPpQ/Tea_k0A3LhI/AAAAAAAAAIo/2c-JNG03Vps/s640/buttons6a.bmp" t8="true" width="425px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a simply beautiful cake adorned with edible buttons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://www.mysweetandsaucy.com/tag/antique-button-wedding-cake/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Sweet and Saucy</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8hU_8bt97k/TebATQfEjzI/AAAAAAAAAIs/oMAeyhWlRQs/s400/buttons16.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Button garland? Yes Please!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2011/01/06/garlands-and-streamers-wedding-decor-ideas/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Elizabeth Anne Designs</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thZekbj427U/TecKiwrYg5I/AAAAAAAAAIw/O4TvG7GlBm8/s1600/buttons10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thZekbj427U/TecKiwrYg5I/AAAAAAAAAIw/O4TvG7GlBm8/s320/buttons10.gif" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More spool card holders. So creative.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://somethingcreatedeveryday.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Something Creative Everyday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8r7dx2eu0o/TecMAgsPX3I/AAAAAAAAAI0/S2_Dj_PHjWs/s1600/buttons3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8r7dx2eu0o/TecMAgsPX3I/AAAAAAAAAI0/S2_Dj_PHjWs/s320/buttons3.jpg" t8="true" width="284px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes we at arOka heart vintage sewing supplies!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{via </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/7230524"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dellystar on We Heart It</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until next time my lovelies!</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo Dawna</div><div style="text-align: center;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-63122065127191481572011-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-26T07:00:01.820-07:00Unique Wedding Favor... la fève<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uajvzw7JLWE/Td1uvYJK5mI/AAAAAAAAAHE/WJIMNfEPaZ4/s1600/Favors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uajvzw7JLWE/Td1uvYJK5mI/AAAAAAAAAHE/WJIMNfEPaZ4/s200/Favors.jpg" t8="true" width="167px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wedding favors, love them, eat them, rarely remember them. I don't anyways. I always feel bad eating the chocolates, using the match book or storing the shot glass away in the cupboard only to donate it to a charity during my spring cleaning rounds (sorry friends but I'm being truthful). The crazy part is that they are such a staple to the experience that if I didn't get one I would definitely feel a bit jaded. So what's a bride and groom to do? The budget for each favors is quite small and by rights should be but when you add up every guest on the list the costs are usually hundreds of dollars.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On a recent buying trip I visited a fine antique dealer that specializes in French imports and came across a few tiny porcelain figurines that date back to <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0jkGxwVvo0/Td11qJavkAI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/amMoHEHZCko/s1600/DSCF0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0jkGxwVvo0/Td11qJavkAI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/amMoHEHZCko/s200/DSCF0654.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a>the early to mid 1800’s used in the King’s Cake. The short version of the King’s Cake story goes like this…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The King's Cake is a tradition in many cultures and dates back to biblical times. In France a figurine called a la fève would be inserted into the celebratory cake and who ever found it in their piece of cake would be crowned King (or Queen) for the day! </span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVri5479EHM/Td10981TNVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/WWeaJmF3SwY/s1600/cake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVri5479EHM/Td10981TNVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/WWeaJmF3SwY/s200/cake3.jpg" t8="true" width="165px" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVri5479EHM/Td10981TNVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/WWeaJmF3SwY/s1600/cake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Needless to say I scooped up some of the figurines to share with all of you. How fun would it be to have your pastry chef insert one of the la fève into your cake. At each table setting place a special note explaining the tradition of the King's Cake with your personal added twists of course! A fabulous prize for the newly crowned King or Queen could be a spa retreat, romantic getaway or even making a donation to their favorite charity. The ideas really are endless but one thing is for sure – everyone will remember the thoughtfulness of your unique favor even if they weren't the ones to receive it! The cake will probably be completely consumed too!</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And yes, we still have a few of the antique la fève available in the boutique<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> but once they are gone...well you know how it goes. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Dawna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Creative Curator</span></div></div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-41941165624306272722011-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-24T07:00:08.242-07:00Tea Time - 48 in 48<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Traveling for treasures is a large part of what keeps arOka unique. Last summer I stayed over in Dawson Creek, BC and of course did some local hunting. I purchased some lovely vintage gloves, jewelry, a bundle of lacy table linens and surprisingly, a tea cup. How sweet that one little tea cup was...my favorite colour turquoise, dainty hand painted flowers and all that gold. I just had to have it!</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wawNsM5W5No/TdVRtdRyFtI/AAAAAAAAAGw/AuBroKB7MS4/s1600/my+tea+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wawNsM5W5No/TdVRtdRyFtI/AAAAAAAAAGw/AuBroKB7MS4/s400/my+tea+cup.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I couldn't stop admiring the gorgeous details of my new treasure and it was then and there that I knew the beauty of fine china had to become a large part of the arOka experience! Why? First of all because they are so charming! Secondly because I knew there was no way to access the large quantity needed for an event or wedding. Lastly because of the price. Yes anyone can buy a tea cup. I purchased mine for $25. Not bad for one very special piece but if I were having a wedding or event that number would jump to thousands of dollars. It just made sense that fine china was another collection arOka could share with others. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chLbI4o6rPg/TdVY6kuc3GI/AAAAAAAAAG4/6-XFeyv-Byc/s1600/DSC02704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chLbI4o6rPg/TdVY6kuc3GI/AAAAAAAAAG4/6-XFeyv-Byc/s320/DSC02704.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I went back to all the shops in Dawson Creek that day and purchased a few pieces. When I left for William's Lake the next morning I had 5 new tea cups - a great start! It took 2 days of shopping, driving and more shopping to make it home to New Westminster. I was excited how full my little SUV was - stuffed to the brim with bags and boxes of sweet little tea cups! The next morning I unwrapped, washed, dried, photographed and inventoried each one. I started the complete count (for the sheer pleasure of seeing what I had actually accomplished in those 2 days)... 1, 2, 11, 23, 34, 40, 48!!! I had collected 48 beautiful tea cups in 48 hours!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Since that glorious "ah ha" moment in Dawson Creek, arOka's tea cup inventory has grown to hundreds of pieces including plates, serving trays, tea pots, cream & sugar sets, cute silver spoons, coffee pots and many others. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CAInsfj0Xw/TdVSQ_F4_3I/AAAAAAAAAG0/H94RwJ4chaE/s1600/teaparty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CAInsfj0Xw/TdVSQ_F4_3I/AAAAAAAAAG0/H94RwJ4chaE/s320/teaparty1.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have fallen deeply in love with the charm, artistry and dainty features of each and every piece I hand pick. Casually stacked, formally placed or used as artistic centre pieces, they make a beautiful addition to any table setting. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am now working on a collaboration with a yummy local baker and tea shop! Traditional afternoon tea at the boutique is on the agenda for the coming months. Stay tuned for more details! <br />
<br />
If you are planning your own tea party, an event or wedding and would like more details about inventory, rates and availability we'd be pleased to oblige! You can call us at 778-397-7999, email us <a href="mailto:arokaweddings@gmail.com">here</a> or visit the boutique <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=42+begbie+street+new+westminster&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=42+Begbie+St,+New+Westminster,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia+V3M+3L9&z=16">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I must run now, my tea has steeped ;) <br />
xoxo <br />
Dawna<br />
Creative Curator</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-87272759116915508512011-05-09T11:17:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:19:56.423-07:00Pretty Bits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ks-TINGDCNI/TcgS1fI2ZiI/AAAAAAAAAGY/dBgek6cXoRU/s1600/CAKE+COQUETTE+San+Fransisco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ks-TINGDCNI/TcgS1fI2ZiI/AAAAAAAAAGY/dBgek6cXoRU/s640/CAKE+COQUETTE+San+Fransisco.jpg" width="411px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What an amazing work of art! This stunning cake is a true one of a kind creation made by the very talented Gabrielle of <a href="http://www.cakecoquette.com/">Cake Coquette</a>. The use of gold and violet icing to create embellishments like the bows and cameos makes this cake almost too precious to eat but so yummy on the eyes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfqU_b8s_zk/TcgafUu9hFI/AAAAAAAAAGc/CVn72_Ep3RY/s1600/hair+bows+wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfqU_b8s_zk/TcgafUu9hFI/AAAAAAAAAGc/CVn72_Ep3RY/s400/hair+bows+wonder.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love brooch bouquets! They last forever and become a very special heirloom for future generations. There are lots of people making the bouquets, this stunning piece was created by <a href="http://hairbowswonderworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/creamy-eden-personalised-vintage-brooch.html">Hair Bows Wonderworld</a>. They aren't too difficult to create on your own and you have total creative control allowing you to add fresh flowers, pearl necklaces, feathers, lace and other pretty bits as you wish. It is time consuming and cost a little more than a fresh bouquet but to me it is so worth it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oID7QjhhUWo/TcgdcfcHWzI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ehvJ1Z4RmL4/s1600/Nora+Karen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oID7QjhhUWo/TcgdcfcHWzI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ehvJ1Z4RmL4/s400/Nora+Karen.jpg" width="397px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dear friend <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67913495/bridal-shoes-painted-peacock-feather?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=nora+karen&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Nora Karen</a> is the creator of these beautiful hand dyed, hand painted and ohhhh sooooo lovely bridal shoes! Yes she does custom designs! Her signature styles have graced the pages of many magazines. I am so proud of her hard work and dedication to original artistry!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bluOHay8QW0/TcgjE9WhygI/AAAAAAAAAGk/gkJC_XXYH4I/s1600/breathe+coutoure+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bluOHay8QW0/TcgjE9WhygI/AAAAAAAAAGk/gkJC_XXYH4I/s320/breathe+coutoure+lace.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I adore every item Jennifer form <a href="http://www.breathecouturedesign.com/">Breathe Couture</a> creates! This amazing ruffled Victorian lace collar is hand made using antique lace, organza and velvet. Jennifer also uses antique and vintage jewelry to create one of a kind pieces for all occasions. She is a truly amazing <em>local</em> artist based in the Cloverdale area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlDdVlCOL_U/TcgolTn3k5I/AAAAAAAAAGo/DE6cUb3Nqog/s1600/garden+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlDdVlCOL_U/TcgolTn3k5I/AAAAAAAAAGo/DE6cUb3Nqog/s320/garden+hat.jpg" width="256px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I adore vintage hats and this is by far my current favorite! The perfect fit for high tea in the rose gardens! It's vintage 1950's with silk flowers, green veil and a sweet moss green velvet bow to complete the back. Available now at the boutique. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time my lovelies be sure to KEEP IT FANCY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dawna</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-31848624629453147462011-05-02T09:39:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:39:29.179-07:00TuTu Lamp Shade<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvrC7_gi4fE/TbpKL7hZROI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Ih0UoO0q57Y/s1600/tutu+la%252Cp+shade2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvrC7_gi4fE/TbpKL7hZROI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Ih0UoO0q57Y/s200/tutu+la%252Cp+shade2.JPG" width="150px" /></a>We had a very charming antique Italian cherub lamp in the boutique that was in super condition BUT the lamp shade had seen better days! I wanted to create a unique lamp shade that was a bit over the top so tutu was my choice! These can be done in any size including the darling mini lamp shades...how charming for a wedding reception!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To start the transformation <span style="color: #ea9999;">remove the old fabric and trims</span> to expose the metal wire form and then head to your local fabric store. In total you'll need between 5 and 7 meters of tulle d<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46VsQ8maD9M/TboxDbvjhDI/AAAAAAAAAGA/s69VqlNBeWQ/s1600/DSCF0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46VsQ8maD9M/TboxDbvjhDI/AAAAAAAAAGA/s69VqlNBeWQ/s200/DSCF0016.JPG" width="200px" /></a>epending on the size of your shade but at $2 to $4 a meter more is always better. I purchased regular width tulle in a soft pink that was roughly 60" wide. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once the lamp shade is free from all glue, fabric and trims you should decide to use it as is or paint the metal frame a similar colour to your tulle. I chose not to paint mine simply because I like the shabby chic look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rHe0m82klE/TbpIeUFiFEI/AAAAAAAAAGE/-ZL6x07tp9M/s1600/DSCF0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rHe0m82klE/TbpIeUFiFEI/AAAAAAAAAGE/-ZL6x07tp9M/s200/DSCF0019.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Next lay the tulle out on a large table and start cutting the strips. I <span style="color: #ea9999;">cut <span style="background-color: white;">strips 3" wide</span></span> but you can go smaller or bigger depending on the look you're after. Cut up about half the tulle to start. When tying the tulle again you have options. You can use longer strips and wrap them around a few times with just <span style="color: #ea9999;">one tied knot</span> for less frill or do as I did and wrap only once for a fuller, frilly look. I trimmed the tied ends down to about 1 " to have them stand up like a bow would. </div></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nP4fxCFucGQ/TbpNEzfp5cI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/uuycFTP_LbQ/s1600/tututoo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nP4fxCFucGQ/TbpNEzfp5cI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/uuycFTP_LbQ/s200/tututoo.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>To finish off my lamp shade I added a <span style="background-color: white; color: #ea9999;">complimentary satin ribbon</span> in the dips, alternating the bows from top to bottom. There are lots of alternative fringes you can choose to create a very unique, one of a kind look! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One final note...If you intend on using this shade with a lamp that is used often you should probably wrap the entire shade with a layer of tulle first and then go back and double over with the tied pieces. This requires almost twice as much tulle but will alleviate the light bulb showing through when lit. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Overview of the supplies needed</span></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Old lamp shade - super easy to find!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tulle - start with 5 to 7 meters, 10 or more if your wrap twice</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Scissors</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Satin Ribbon or alternative trims</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you make one of these lovelies please do share! I love seeing the pictures of creative variations! I think I'll do one with some old fabric scraps...this post may be continued!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">TuTuDaLou!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">xoxo</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dawna</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-41500752524497533092011-04-26T10:44:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:18:15.205-07:00Officially Open!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">arOka is officially open! Yes our first full day was this past Saturday April 23rd. The boutique is certainly one of a kind so it's important I clarify what to expect. We specialize in two unique areas:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOZHfbjJpeU/Tbb_VFAAcWI/AAAAAAAAAF0/rItQs95kal8/s1600/pritty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285px" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOZHfbjJpeU/Tbb_VFAAcWI/AAAAAAAAAF0/rItQs95kal8/s400/pritty.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1. <strong>Vintage decor and furniture <u>rentals</u></strong>. We have hundreds of unique decor items in multiple quantities to create a one of a kind event! We stock harvest tables, antique ice cream chairs, vanities, theatre seats, architectural items, and so much more! Don't see what your looking for? Chances are we have it in our storage facility or know exactly where to get it.</div>2. <strong>Vintage attire & accessories <u>sales</u></strong>. I love the glamour days of the past and work hard to find beautiful, well cared for wedding and formal dresses! We also carry purses, gloves, hats, jewelry and vanity items like perfume bottles and jewelry boxes. The dresses and accessories are for sale not rent but we do offer a unique buy back option on select pieces. See us in store for more details.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We also buy and consign items that compliment the boutique so if you have a fabulous decor item or gorgeous vintage dress please contact us! We schedule appointments in store or you can <a href="mailto:arokaweddings@gmail.com">email us</a> with details and photos.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRdMKEjAaUU/TbcC3gh-LXI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Fc7ymwBW-7c/s1600/cutesy+kiddy+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRdMKEjAaUU/TbcC3gh-LXI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Fc7ymwBW-7c/s200/cutesy+kiddy+wedding.jpg" width="159px" /></a>Store hours are also unique...we are only open to the public 4 days a week. <strong>Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays</strong> noon to 6pm, <strong>Saturdays</strong> 10am to 4pm. We reserve Tuesdays for private appointments for dress fittings, large decor orders and consignment items. Wednesdays and Sundays we are closed, spending time with family and or sourcing more amazing pieces. If you are unable to visit us during the above hours please contact us. We strive to ensure every client has the opportunity to experience our unique space and are willing make certain exceptions.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are currently working hard to tag every item in the boutique and because we do it old school... hand stamping and hand written... it takes time. If you come across something that has no information please ask. We are passionate about the vintage items we carry and are always happy to answer any questions you may have!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrnumLs6cAg/TbcBjjA0n-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/6FDLU15GWhI/s1600/28_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236px" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrnumLs6cAg/TbcBjjA0n-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/6FDLU15GWhI/s400/28_web.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Where to find us? We are located in the historic district of <a href="http://downtownnewwest.ca/">Downtown New Westminster BC</a>. Our address is <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=New+Westminster,+British+Columbia&aq=0&sll=49.203313,-122.911177&sspn=0.006267,0.019248&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=New+Westminster,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia&ll=49.20156,-122.910061&spn=0.006267,0.019248&z=16">42 Begbie Street</a>, in the historic <a href="http://www.arundelmansion.com/">Arundel Mansion</a>, one block north of Waves Coffee on Columbia Street. How to get in touch? Give us a call at 778-397-7999, email <a href="mailto:arokaweddings@gmail.com">arokaweddings@gmail.com</a> or leave a comment right here! We are also very active on facebook and twitter with links to your right. <span id="goog_619838957"></span><span id="goog_619838958"></span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I look so very forward to seeing you!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">xoxo</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dawna</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Creative Curator</div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877200807448914752.post-88661442438298403142011-03-22T13:13:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:20:39.955-07:00The Name Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ruZAvag5u5s/TYkBDuoupHI/AAAAAAAAAFw/3GywVqR-ynU/s1600/the+top+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ruZAvag5u5s/TYkBDuoupHI/AAAAAAAAAFw/3GywVqR-ynU/s200/the+top+hat.jpg" width="160px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Creating a name for a unique business is not easy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many components involved and it had to be meaningful for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">The name arOka (ahh-row-kah) started with the ones I love, my source of inspiration, my strength, my family. If it wasn't for them there would be no real purpose so I entwined the letters of my fiancé, my daughter and my name to create arOka. There is a strong balance and </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">symbolism especially with the capitol O... also known as a circle which represents unity, never ending, never broken. <br />
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This is a business that celebrates love and respect for our past, seeing the beauty in all things old and weathered that have stood the test of time. The arOka vintage boutique is a magical place where opposites attract,where rusted sit along side the ruffled in total bliss. A creative space that is forever changing, growing, imperfectly perfect. Sounds like all the makings of a great marriage to me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">I created arOka with a lot of love. I hope you'll love it too.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">xoxo Dawna</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;">Creative Curator</span></div></div>Aroka Vintagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174814767071932686noreply@blogger.com0