Summer 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!

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 The Fish House in Stanley Park followed by afternoon tea inside with their amazing family & friends.

A huge thank you to Echo Studios Photography for capturing all the little details and special moments of this couples beautiful day. Enjoy!

Thank you Sheri & James for allowing me the pleasure of being part of your most magical day! It was simply amazing! 

xoxo

Dawna

Creative Curator

Up Up & Away

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! 

Love Love Love the Wizard of Oz!



A little Hot Air Balloon History:

“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 

The 1783 Montgolfier hot-air balloon.
Photo courtesy of Wright Brothers

 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!

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.

Use your imagination and take flight with me… Up Up & Away!



Antique Renderings: Photo Source Unknown

Gordon Bennett Race 1933.
Courtesy of Young Eagles

The first balloon wedding took place in 1865.
Read the hilarious story at Afflictor.com

An old photo courtesy of Balloon Festival Hotels

 Have a Magical Monday my dears!!

xoxo
Dawna
Creative Curator

Sewing the Threads of Love

A 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.

A simple jar of buttons can do wonders for your wedding theme.

{via Green Wedding Shoes}

I adore these! Vintage hankies & buttons repurposed

to create a story book style invitation.

{via Vicky Trainor}

Talk about an heirloom bouquet! Look at all those buttons.

{via Red Deer Wedding Blog}

Simply sweet button boutonniere.

{via Love and Lavender}

Too cute place cards.

{via Green Wedding Shoes}

A collection of these little thread nests would
be adorable as part of the table decor. 

{complete DIY Tutorial via Rusty Rooster Vintage}

Vintage industrial spools make great centre pieces too.

{via source unknown}

Unique napkin rings add lots of charm to each place setting.

{via Country Living}

Simple buttons placed in the bottom of each vase is beautiful!

{via Jessica Rodarte}

Can you imagine these antique sewing machine drawers stuffed
full of flowers, succulents or candy? I can!
{via unknown}

Another great napkin ring idea. Love the measure tape too!

{via French Larkspur}

These sweet treats are amazing and made

using vintage chocolate button molds!

{complete DIY tutorial & where to buy the molds at Bake It Pretty}

What a simply beautiful cake adorned with edible buttons.

{via My Sweet and Saucy}

Button garland? Yes Please!

{via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

More spool card holders. So creative.

{via Something Creative Everyday}

Yes we at arOka heart vintage sewing supplies!

{via Dellystar on We Heart It}

Until next time my lovelies!

xoxo Dawna

Creative Curator