As you know by now (from my incessant mentions on Facebook and Instagram), I’ve been at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in Toronto all week long. It has been an incredible experience for me so far, both as an entrepreneur and as a person. The show itself is IMMENSE and super exciting -- there are so many beautiful things and beautiful people gathered under one single roof. It's actually overwhelming (in a positive sense!)

Here are my 8 of my favorite finds at the show. These are makers I just discovered, and who inspired me either because of their unique story or unique stuff! 

​Light and Paper has blown me away on Instagram on numerous occasions with their stunning and intricate papercutting and lasercutting artwork. Ali creates original wall art, personalized cake-toppers, coasters and more. Check out this video of Ali's story by Makeology.ca and be wowed by her work! 

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

​Aside from loving their shop name (which makes me think of “beaucoup” but is actually a combination of the owners’ family names), I adore the tones and textures of their products, from their screen-printed notebooks to their textile products like pillows and pouches. Everything that John and Arounna create is handmade and made slow. And can I just mention that I can stare at their Instagram feed for hours?

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

This was one of the first booths I was drawn to, before the show even opened! Stephen and Marco are two cousins who make wooden silhouette wall art out of reclaimed wood of all kinds and all colors. They have many beautiful scenes, ranging from landscapes to maritime elements, animals, Canadian emblems and everyday objects. The way the wood comes through makes for a truly stunning effect, and a highly original piece for your walls.  

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

​I love coasters, but these ones particularly stand out for me with their original designs. Whether you love colors or geometric patterns – or both – you’re sure to find a set of coasters that appeals. The creator Elizabeth Billiald makes each item by hand with love out of paper that she carefully sources, and donates 10% of all proceeds to “Habitat for Humanity” for those struggling with homelessness.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

Marie-Joël & Jordan create ceramics inspired by the sea, with color palettes and patterns mimicking the traces of salt and sand left on maritime objects. As I am a sucker for ceramics and all things related to the sea, their work drew me in right when I saw it.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

Karolina's work immediately stood out for me in its sea-inspired design and multipurpose use. Her beautiful collection consists of ceramic candle holders, pots and planters based on underwater sea life, especially coral. Karolina explained how she grew up on both coasts and was always fascinated by the underwater world, its natural growth and decay. The lanterns cast a gorgeous patterned shadow when they are lit, making them look as dreamy in the dark as they do in the light.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

​The first time I saw Sharon Nowlan’s work, I had to lean in closer: are these heartwarming images truly made up of pebbles, sea-glass and other natural finds? Sharon makes original art depicting seascapes, birds and nature, love, friendship and family. Some of her compositions are simply touching. 

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

Janet Hinkle's ceramics are fun and pretty to look at. She makes small dishes, jewelry rests, planters and mugs in whimsical styles and soft colors, all of them handmade in Toronto.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

If you’re in/near Toronto, you still have this weekend to come and astonished by one-of-a-kind handmade creations from hundreds of passionate Canadian artists. 

The show is open 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday

For a special discounted ticket, head here right away and put in the promo code ETYUMPWG.

Oh, and if you’d like to come say hi to me and see all the dreamy prints and wall-art I have from all over the world, I’m at booth P44E in the Marketplace!

From my heart to yours!

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The "Vague de Concours" is a community initiative with a twofold mission: to help shoppers discover entrepreneurs from the province of Quebec, and to instill a feeling of solidarity and mutual support among local entrepreneurs. 

Launched last year by Karine Foisy, owner of Veille sur Toi, the Vague de Concours is essentially a series of giveaways happening in tandem among hundreds of entrepreneurs and artists in Quebec, following a common theme. Each participating business offers a free product that fits the designated theme, and shoppers can enter as many contests as they wish, on each individual business Facebook page. The official page of the Vague de Concours - Créateurs québécois showcases the hundreds of giveaways in one common photo album - a beautiful testament to all the talent in our province and a fantastic opportunity to shop local.

There are 4 giveaway waves per year, and the first of these waves is HAPPENING NOW, between March 29th (8pm ET) and April 2nd (8pm ET). The theme of this first giveaway wave is "Doux Printemps" (Sweet Spring). About 600 local creators are participating in this joint giveaway, and there is so much talent to discover!

Veni Etiam Photography is one of the participating businesses of the Vague de Concours this spring. The prize to be won is "Laundry Day" - a fine-art photographic print of everyday life in Burano (Venice) printed on satin-matte paper in 8x12 inches. Easy to frame and the perfect colors for your spring decor!

To participate in the giveaway:
- Head over to the Facebook page
- Like the post
- Leave a comment: Tell me where you would hang it!
- If you feel up to it, share the post to help others discover Veni Etiam Photography!

Don't forget to like the main page for the initiative Vague de concours - Créateurs québécois in order to be notified of future contest waves and to discover all the talented Quebec artists who are part of this giveaway.

GOOD LUCK!

From my heart to yours.

Another Monday has rolled around. As per my weekly tradition, I am happy to share a theme I love to photograph, in all their awe-inspiring simplicity:

The beauty of raindrops.

We can have a love-hate relationship with rain. It chases our sunshine away and inconveniences us, makes us feel humid and damp, and makes waiting for the bus more tiresome. But, it keeps things green and alive, gives us the wonder of reflections, and makes us better appreciate the sun when it comes out of hiding again.

I have learned to embrace rain when it comes. If I'm indoors, I listen to its rhythm, and watch what it does to the windowpanes, blurring the scene in a way that could never be replicated. If I'm outdoors, I am sure to be wearing galoshes, and I make a point to childishly traipse through puddles - just because. I search for reflections, for moody hues in the sky, droplets on petals and for a few extra minutes to hibernate in a cozy café. 

This is an ode to raindrops - to their uniqueness, and the life they create.

Have a glorious week!

From my heart to yours.

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I can finally say that I have expanded my Canadian collection to include the vibrant city of Toronto! 

After my weekend trip to prep for my upcoming show, I had a lot of fun sifting through my photos, picking my favorites, naming them and adding them to my shop. I just received the fine-art prints yesterday and loved seeing my desk full of fresh images. ​You can shop prints individually or in sets.

I will soon be adding all these images as metal, acrylic, canvas and wood wall-art. ​The "Full Circle" round aluminum disks are already available to order!

Another exciting new addition are birch wood coasters, not only in the square format like the Montreal and International coaster sets, but also in circle form (I do love circles, after all). These will make their debut at the One of a Kind Show and Sale next week. There are limited quantities of each set (otherwise they wouldn't be so one-of-a-kind!). 

There are also a couple of new Toronto pencil cases / pouches that will accompany me to the show and have been added to my Etsy shop: "Memories of Toronto" and "Love and Snowflakes". 

I hope you love these new additions as much as I do. For custom orders, I'm an e-mail away! 

From my heart to yours.

Stay in touch on Instagram!

If you follow me over on Instagram, you know that I have a little series on Sundays called #sundaywisdom. I sometimes post a quote or a personal reflection. It gives me a chance to connect with you and share some inspiration through words and a photo. 

This Sunday, what I'm sharing instead are 5 things I often tell myself for encouragement, whenever I'm in need of a mini pep-talk. 

When something makes me plummet, I try to balance mourning and positivity. It's important to give yourself a little time and space to brood and pout, but know that you can overcome any hurdle, and every hurdle is temporary because we either find a solution or acceptance.

It's so easy to feel overwhelmed and blinded by how much further we need to go, but it's crucial to take a moment and truly reflect on how we have grown. Practicing that habit plants little seeds of gratitude, pride and confidence. 

I used to be a good breather, but some things have complicated that simple capacity. I don't breathe enough. It's strange - I often catch myself holding my breath. Since the beginning of this year, I have made it a point to consciously tell myself to straighten my posture and BREATHE - deeply and completely. Nearly each and every time, I've immediately noticed how a deep breath brings a subtle feeling of relief. 

I actually have this written on a pink post-it in my office. I used to have it in my PhD office and I brought it home when I graduated, because it is an encouraging push that fits any realm of work and life. It seems we have to prove ourselves on a daily basis to others, to communicate the value of our work, to justify our way of seeing and being. Giving others' voices and critiques a prominent place in our head often takes over our own beliefs about our abilities and our worth. Trust in ourselves needs to prevail over any doubt! 

If someone can't deal with the fact that you are committed to being you, then too bad. You being you is your top priority in life - because it's YOUR life.

What's something you often tell yourself? Let me know in a comment!

There are many reasons to choose to shop from local, independent businesses. 

Independent shops often have unique creations that you may not find in mainstream places. These make one-of-a-kind additions to your home, original gifts and sometimes even fun conversation pieces. There is something really satisfying about getting or giving something that is different. 

By buying local, you are supporting small business owners who are passionately pursuing their creative vision and expertise. It isn't easy to be an entrepreneur - it takes a lot more than "just" making something. Endorsing their work makes you a good person. ?

You are also supporting your local economy and community, both of which grow and flourish when local businesses thrive.

You often get to interact with the local artist, which adds value to the product and to the experience. You get a better sense of what you bought, how it's made, and why it's special. ​

Buying from independent makers can become a wonderfully addictive habit, for all the reasons listed above. 

Say it with me: #makersmakeitbetter !

This spring, you can find me at a few local Canadian markets. Please be sure to check out all the amazing makers that will be participating along with me at the One of a Kind Show and the Etsy Montreal Spring Show. There is so much inspiring talent around, and so many beautiful things! 

From my heart to yours!

The mission was fairly simple: To prepare for my upcoming One of a Kind Show by transporting my stock and equipment in advance. I figured that, while I was at it, I would take some photos to add Toronto to my collection just in time for the show. 

The allotted time for this mission: one single day.

Those who know me well would tell you that I am always quite ambitious when I travel. I always strive to see and feel a whole range of places, and to enjoy diverse experiences that would make a great collection of memories. Sometimes, this leads to walking for twenty hours, to the point where my legs despise me. I have come to love that sense of discovery, that longing to see a city's multiple faces and moods. 

But to do that in a day in Toronto - a sprawling metropolis known for its numerous neighborhoods all with their distinctive character - was ambitious even by my standards. And, before going any further, let me please mention that this was THE COLDEST DAY in Toronto. It was the type of day where my bones just rattled beneath my layers of clothes and warm winter coat. The wind was bitter, relentless, unforgiving. I endangered my hands with each and every photo I took, and it was a challenge to keep the camera steady in the wind, or to even see through the viewfinder with all the tears in my frozen eyes. The heart-stopping cold is actually the first thought that comes to mind when I look through all the day's pictures.

​So, time and weather were not quite on my side. Thankfully, though, my crew of lovely friends were on my side, and I am so grateful to them for helping me see as much as possible in a day, and never once telling me I was crazy for scurrying around the city in minus 20 Celsius temperatures, or for planning on producing Toronto fine-art prints and coasters days before the show!

In planning the day's goals, I settled for something between "seeing all the neighborhoods" and "seeing the CN tower" (though, let me confess, I was genuinely eager to see the CN tower, too!)

The result was a ton of running around, a ton of shutter-presses, and one very positive impression of a city I am eager to discover further. 

As I was staying with our dear friends in Milton, I started my Toronto adventure in the western part of the city. Around High Park, the houses were grand and the streets were quiet. I could only imagine how much prettier the area would look once the trees filled in the missing green from the scene. Steps away from the residential tranquility was the heart of the Roncesvalles village - its main boulevard bustling with locals, street cars and interesting cafés. I noticed my eye was immediately drawn to street signs, stop lights, crosswalks and the tangled webs of street car wires - an urban sight that differed from what my eyes are used to in Montreal. 

Next, we got a glimpse of neighborhoods like Parkdale, Bloordale and Little Portugal, enjoying how the urban feel (and the lampposts) changed from one neighborhood to the next. In Liberty Village, the CN tower teasingly came into view in the distance, contrasting with the industrial feel of the area. 

We headed to Exhibition Place (where the OOAK show will take place) and braved the biting cold as we walked along the waterfront in Coronation Park and the harborfront to theimpressive CN tower. 

After lunch, we were among the crowds of young people enjoying the bustle of Queen Street West. The vibe got decidedly more eclectic west of Spadina Avenue. 

Heading east, we spent some time in the downtown core, in Old Toronto and the artsy St-Lawrence market area, truly appreciating the peaceful co-existence of historic and modern architecture, just like in Montreal. 

As the sun began to dip in the sky, we headed to the Distillery District to take in the industrial mood of the area. I loved it there and spent quite some time among the brick buildings and colored doors. When my body was irreparably frozen, we stepped into some shops and had an artisanal hot chocolate. 

The hours flowed (too) quickly, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first-ever full day in Toronto. I vowed to spend more time and effort discovering its character, and promised to book a leisurely trip soon (the OOAK doesn't count!). 

Dare I say my mission was accomplished, as I now have a Toronto collection in my shop as well as on Etsy! Two sets of Toronto coasters are also ready to be revealed to you VERY SOON! The Toronto wall-art collection (on canvas, wood, metal or acrylic) has not yet been added to the shop, but you could custom order any of the fine-art prints in a different medium or size just by sending me an e-mail. 

If you're in Toronto between March 29-April 2nd, come find me at the One of a Kind Show and Sale in the Marketplace section, booth P44E. I'd love to meet you! You can purchase discounted tickets HERE with the promo code ETYUMPWG. ​

From my heart to yours!

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​“What is that?” Tap. Tap. Tap. The temptation to gently tap the surface of the art with the tip of the nail is difficult to resist for most. Every time I have an acrylic piece on display at a show or in my studio, it catches the eye and prompts questions. 

​For colorful photographs with depth and detail, acrylic is by far my favorite medium. 

​Acrylic makes images come to life, more so than traditional surfaces like fine-art paper or canvas. Details are perfectly preserved through its crystal-clear sharpness. Acrylic highlights vibrant colors and enhances the depth of the image, and the result is stunning to the eye.

Printing on acrylic is a multi-step process that requires special equipment and expertise. The digital image is printed directly on a pure acrylic sheet. The image is then cut and its edges are polished. The back is sealed with a black or white film backing in order to prevent light from shining through from the back and causing glare. The image takes on a glossy brilliance from edge to edge. Acrylic also has the advantage of being lightweight and impact-resistant compared to glass. 

​Because it is so crisp and clean, acrylic also lends itself well to any space or style of decor. Acrylic art can be a standalone piece on a wall, or can be part of a gallery wall as a focal point. Depending on the choice of the image, the thickness of the acrylic and its hanging options, acrylic art can have an airy, minimalist look, or even give a space a modern, industrial flair. It works well in bright rooms, and has no problem being in damp or humid places like a bathroom. 

​When you custom-order acrylic prints from my shop, you can choose between the thickness of the acrylic, as well as between two wall-mount options: (1) a floater frame option, in which the acrylic is backed with a wood frame and wire, so that the acrylic pops off the wall in a sleek way, or (2) metal "standoffs" placed in each corner, anchoring the acrylic to the wall and giving it a more modern look. By default, the photograph is printed all the way up to the edge of the acrylic, but if you prefer to have a margin around the image, you could make a request when ordering. 

Bring the world home on acrylic!

From my heart to yours.

Follow me on Instagram!

If you have been following my photography, you could already tell how much I love bright colors and idyllic daily details. But, once in a while, another style surfaces, and I am drawn to moody, almost industrial, urban scenes. 

Today's edition of weekly inspiration is a collection of old and brand new photographs that are far from colorful, but that encapsulate the raw mood that the scene emanated when I stood at its threshold. 

Happy Monday!

From my heart to yours.

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I LOVE to pack. I confess.

​It's such a fun feeling to be preparing to leave on a trip. The best part is when all the errands are done, the laundry is done, and the empty suitcase is sitting on the bed next to the packing list while music is blaring. 

Like anything else in life, packing skills improve with practice, patience and experience. 

Here are 7 packing strategies that I have honed over the years. 

I love hardshell suitcases, but they tend to be heavy even when empty. Softshell suitcases made from lightweight materials not only help keep the weight down, but they are also more malleable and flexible while packing, and there are no parts that could crack in transport.

Have your clothes and accessories audition for you before they make the final cut! This seems like a trivial tip, but even as a seasoned packer, I find this bit of “telling the future” hard to do, especially when I am travelling to multiple destinations with different climates or for different occasions. I usually lay my initial selection out on the bed and then cut dramatically through a careful thought-process.

Think in terms of the contexts in which you’ll use what you’re packing. If you have the mildest doubt, eliminate it. Plan outfits – not one for every day or even twice a day, but think instead in terms of mixable and interchangeable combinations and layers. Plan to handwash just a few items if you won’t have access to laundry facilities (in fact: you could pack a travel clothesline, which is super convenient!) Opt for versatile footwear over multiple pairs.

​Cut down heavily on the toiletries; if you end up needing something, chances are you will be able to get it there, or you may be able to live without it! Also, keep toiletries travel-sized even if you are checking your bag in. 

​Don’t fold your clothes as you would in your closet or drawers – lay them flat or roll them. To avoid creases in cotton or more finicky fabrics, roll the item in tissue paper. Be sure to make use of the corners and in-between spaces of your luggage, as well as spaces in purses, boots or shoes. Items like belts can be snaked around the inside perimeter of your suitcase. Store flat items in the zippered pockets and mesh divider of your suitcase. If you’re travelling with gifts, pre-wrapping them will cause you to lose space. You could slip them in a gift bag once you arrive, or take them in your carry-on. To save space in your luggage, wear bulker items (like a hoodie or jacket) while you travel. 

​Use Ziploc bags or packing cubes to organize your clothes into batches and compress them as much as possible. This strategy also allows you to keep your clothes clean and dry. It can be annoying to repeat this process every time you take something from your suitcase while travelling, so be sure to thoughtfully group what you will need first, and keep those items near the top of your suitcase.

Pack your liquids in Ziploc bags to prevent leaks. Be sure to carry extra Ziploc bags of various sizes and a garbage bag in case the need arises. Before closing your suitcase, layer the top with a plastic bag or a clean garment bag, to give your stuff an extra layer of protection. 

Keep all your gadgets in a Ziploc bag or pouch so that you're not digging around in your suitcase for a charger, adapter, extra SD card or whatever else! I used to stick chargers in the corners and bare spaces of my luggage but stopped doing that because I would never remember which corner I shoved them into. Having everything in one pouch or Ziploc bag is very helpful, but consider keeping it in your carry-on in the (not rare enough) case that the airline loses your luggage.

Pack a lavender sachet or fabric softener sheets and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how freshly scented your suitcase and its contents will remain during your trip. 

You'll never know when you might need it. I have, more than once, bought a ridiculously pricey roll of duct tape in foreign currencies in order to salvage (most often) a broken suitcase. Duct tape may be a bit bulky, but it's definitely handy. Add it to your packing list! 

I hope you find these tips helpful!

Leave a comment and tell me a tip of your own that I missed. I'd love to know!

From my heart to yours.

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Last weekend, I took a somewhat spontaneous road trip from Montreal to Canada. The main reason for the jaunt was to prepare for the upcoming One of a Kind Show & Sale, but two major bonuses were clear: to spend some time with my dear friends and to finally welcome Toronto into my fine-art photography collection. 

​It was my first weekend in downtown Toronto since I was a little girl. I only had ONE free day, but my to-see list was disproportionately long. I wanted to see as many of T.O's distinct neighborhoods as possible, to experience something other than the city's downtown core. Yet, I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to see the CN tower, or that I didn't let out a giddy little shriek when I first caught a glimpse of it from the highway, its unmistakable silhouette standing far taller than anything in its vicinity.

I have always had a fascination with these kinds of symbolic structures, like my beloved Fernsehturm in Berlin. I love to look for them wherever I am - from a plane, car or train, and from all sorts of different corners of the city - and to feel safe and connected, simply because of this "point de repère". I love to feel small in their shadow, to look for their reflections in windows and puddles, and to wonder what it is that they see from up above. 

It was no different for the CN tower.

​Sure, it's a total cliché to love THE icon of a city's urbanscape, especially when a vibrant city has so much more to offer. ​​

But... I just can't help it.

Keep an eye on my blog for more about my weekend in Toronto, and for the reveal of the new Toronto collection. 

From my heart to yours!

Among the many sights that routinely draw my eye, I love the charm, textures and unexpected poise of rustic scenes - simple, rough, decaying yet enduring.

This Monday's inspiration is dedicated to rustic beauty, in a warm color palette.

Have a fantastic week!
​
​From my heart to yours.

As much as I adore color and surround myself with it at every opportunity, there is something poignant and compelling about a monochrome palette. I began experimenting with black and white photography almost immediately when I first picked up a digital camera, and I love the ways in which it picks up patterns, textures, light plays and moods.

The theme for this Monday's inspiration is Urban B&Ws.

Have a wonderful week!

From my heart to yours.

Read 'til the end to get a special promo code for discounted tickets!
​
I can't remember a time when I was THIS excited for spring. 

It's not that winter has been so brutal this year. It's just that - apart from loving color and flowers - I cannot wait to finally share all the creative projects I have been passionately working towards over the last few months. 

One spring event I am insanely excited about is the One of a Kind Show and Sale taking place in Toronto from March 29 - April 2nd. ​

The One of a Kind is a curated marketplace whose goal since 1975 has been to showcase creativity, craftsmanship and community in Canadian artisans.

For five days, makers and buyers will come together at the Enercare Centre over their shared commitment to handmade excellence. 

Over 500 exhibitors will participate in OOAKS17 - among them, over 150 new artisans (including me!). More than 60,000 visitors are expected to attend over the five days of the show, making the OOAK one of the biggest and most popular shows of its kind.

The hours of the show are 10am to 9pm, except on Thursday (special late night out until 10pm) and Sunday (6pm). Aside from the hundreds of booths, there will be special sections showcasing new emerging talents, such as the One of a Kind Marketplace, the Rising Stars and the Launchpad sections. As part of a themed competition, a centre aisle will display artisans' works on the "Happy Birthday, Canada" theme. 

​For more information on the show and answers to FAQs, check out the website, or get social with OOAK on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.  

While a Spring and Christmas show take place every year, shoppers can find their favorite local artists year-round on the OOAK online shop.

I'm so thrilled to join the OOAK community this spring, where I'll get to exhibit my travel photography wall art in the Marketplace section. 

If you'll be in Toronto, stop by and say hello. You may find a piece that reflects you and inspires you. Or, at the very least, your sense of wanderlust can be temporarily satiated while you browse hundreds of nostalgia-inducing snapshots of the world!

I will have a bunch of NEW items making their grand debut just in time to inspire your spring decor (save me a spot or two in your gallery wall, k?!)

As usual, you can custom order anything that tugs on your heart, in any size or medium you prefer (metal, acrylic, wood, canvas, fine-art paper or satin matte paper). 

As this is the biggest show I've done so far, I'll be sharing my OOAK journey with you over on Instagram! Be sure to follow me for giveaways, behind-the-scenes shots and little glimpses into my days. Keep an eye on the hashtag #OOAKS17 to see the stunning handmade products the OOAK artisan community is creating especially for you! 

To receive discounted admission, use this promo code (ETYUMPWG) online for your ticket purchases. Hope to see you there at booth P44E in the Marketplace section!

From my heart to yours!

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