walrus

kung hei fat choy!

2012-01-23T11:07:00.000-08:00

new year, new deal.

2012-01-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

we have to make room for the Spring/Summer Natives that are coming soon!
what does that mean for you?...40% off all remaining Fall/Winter stock.
we don't mess about.
we have kids Fitzsimmons, adult Jimmys, and adult Fitzsimmons. limited sizes.

spring...here we come.

happy new year!

2011-12-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

wishing you a year of joy, health, love and laughter. xox

please note our shop hours for new year's will be:

new year's eve. 10am - 2pm
jan. 1st closed
jan. 2nd closed
jan. 3rd 10am - 7pm - back to regular hours

as seen in gizmodo

2011-12-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Kristen Philipkoski did a great review of our French Press above: http://gizmo.do/uUmZjt

The large size (4-5 cups) is $125 CAD and the small (1-2 cups) is $95 CAD.

thank you Kristen! glad you're loving it...xo

merry christmas

2011-12-26T01:24:00.000-08:00

we have so much to be grateful for. thank you for a wonderful season. now that we've been here for 3 holidays, we can say that it is truly our pleasure getting to know you, your families and friends. we wish you and yours much joy and health today and always...thank you. xo

p.s. the photos above were taken at what's become our family tradition holiday tree lot. family run, excellent service and a beautiful way to get into the holiday spirit. http://www.handmchristmastreefarm.com/

spining tops - a solid reflection of how we're feeling these days...

2011-12-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

available in a set of 6 or in singles, these tops are based on the above geometric shapes. handcrafted by one of our favourite local designers, JOji Fukushima, these pieces are something to be truly treasured by young and old.

"drawn into somehow

since the time of children

not sure why

but they are delightful

and soft..."

holiday hours

2011-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

we're open late this thursday and friday!

thursday. december. 22nd 10am - 8pm
friday. december. 23 10am - 8pm
christmas eve. december 24. 10 - 2pm
chrstmas day. december 25th. closed
boxing day. december 26th. closed

tuesday. december 27th. 10am - 7pm

handsome grooming kits

2011-12-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

these sample size box sets come in a variety of beautiful cigar boxes....

ok really? this sweater mug makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

2011-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

also just in are the new shot glasses/egg cups/paper weights - made of pewter and ceramic

we have all the styles except for the elephant.

something shiny?

2011-12-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

mantra bracelets and the spike stud bracelets by local woman shelley hilliard

i know there are a few of you looking for these and they just arrived today! limited quantities..

restock of some of our favourites...just in time!

2011-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

both size of the french press and tea ball are back - beautiful....

2 sizes of the boards

igrobot

and basil, lavender and the cactus

peace, love and friendship

2011-12-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

the peaceful bomb vase, only flower explosions here.

only future and prosperity with this love grenade.

translate ideas and words into images with this friendly tank pencil sharpener.

spread the love this season, we could always do with a more of it.

well aren't you handsome.

2011-12-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

meet U/C/K - Utility, Camp, Kitchen.

"Utility, camp, kitchen. This little knife is made to be a do-all companion; at the picnic table cutting cheese, making shavings to start a campfire, sharpening a pencil, or in the kitchen chopping garlic.

The U.C.K. comes with a sheath that can be worn on your belt, hung on your kitchen wall, or snapped closed and tucked in your pack. The stainless steel blade will hold a beautiful edge and is made here at Hawthorne."

who is the brainchild behind this beautiful piece?

"Hawthorne is dedicated to designing and sourcing long wearing goods, tools and accessories for outdoors enthusiasts and semi-nomadic urbanites. We hope to provide products that are equally at home on your commute to work as on your next hike along a wind blasted rocky coastline." - designed and made in vancouver by our very own Joshua Doherty.

perfect for that bartender/chef

2011-12-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

sold separately, these apron belt buckles are available in a variety of colours and are so functional. both made in germany, the tea towels are a heavyweight cotton on top - ideal for drying dishes or glasses and a terry cloth bottom - ideal for drying your hands!

it's the hot thing in europe...

2011-12-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

not that that should matter too much, but you know, they kind of know what they're doing when it comes to a lot of things cool.

"This is the first model to be introduced from the editions line of headphones. The quilted plattan features a padded headband and comfortable ear cushions wrapped in an all-over quilted stitching, just like the kind you’d find on your favorite jacket."

just as last year, these headsets are moving swiftly in all 3 styles, come on down to avoid disappointment.
you can be the cool parent/grandparent/uncle/aunt/friend/husband/wife/partner/girlfriend/boyfriend - and take credit for getting them the coolest gift yet.

a lovely little smokehouse.

2011-12-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

this company has a 100 year old history of a traditional family business. beautifully crafted of beech and made in germany.

it sits on a stainless steel base and comes with 3 cones of incense. if you weren't an incense person before, this kinda makes you want to start, non?

something about a fresh crisp new calendar

2011-12-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

we've got some great local options. i'd say there's one for everyone & mailable too...

tall & lean and desktop options by harmony cheung

3 sizes of simple contemporary calendars by carlo brito

Based on the predictions of the Mayans, 2012 is the last year on record*. Make it count by adorning your walls—or fallout shelters—with this beautiful Apocalypse themed Risograph print calendar.

Vancouver-based Graphic Designers Jennifer Griffiths and Cameron McKague have brought together a host of illustrators and designers from across Canada—and as far away as the Czech Republic—to offer their take on the end of the world.

• LIMITED EDITION OF 150 •

*Our year ends December 21, based on the same predictions.

something for everyone, wouldn't you say?

a little vintage for you.

2011-12-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

these authentic vintage swiss military issued flashlights (that's a mouthful) have been the perfect piece for those who are hard to buy for,those who appreciate the retro sensibility or those who appreciate simple, timeless design!

steel casing, red and green filters and morse code option. 1950 - ?

when you're in, make sure to ask Daniel about his Swiss military days...they bring back fond memories for him ; )

everyone could use a new board of sorts...

2011-12-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

the ever popular crosscut board...available in a variety of wood and 2 sizes, 12" diameter or 10".

the 'nice view' breakfast and cutting boards. using the grain of the acacia wood, they thoughtfully etch beautiful scenes ranging from someone riding a vespa, to grazing cows, to ice fishers and much more. available in 3 sizes: 15,5 x 23 x 1 cm, 23 x 34 x 1,5 cm and 18 x 45 x 1 cm

these beautiful long and lean boards are sure to make a statement at your next party...measuring a sexy 80 x 21cm and available in natural and smoked oak. if that's too much, we also have them available in 29 x 12cm

remember the board that comes with the beautiful ceramic grater? measuring 50 x 15cm and also available in natural and smoked oak

any of these options would be beautiful additions to your holiday entertaining. or how about a hostess gift with cheese (from our neighbours the Benton Brothers!) and leave the board behind? a teacher gift?

yule - tree - to - be

2011-12-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

what a great way to commemorate the holidays: think, baby's first Christmas, newly weds, hostess gift....

"Yule (Pinus sylvestris 'Guadarrama') The Scotch Pine is native to northern Europe. It is an evergreen conifer with a pyramidal shape. The Scotch Pine will grow up to 60 feet tall with a 40 foot spread in a landscape setting. It will reach 7-8 feet in six to eight years. Scotch Pines hold their needles for up to four weeks after harvest and retain their fragrance throughout the season. It is the preferred Christmas tree in many countries. Includes: hydrocarbon free jute bag, tree seed, growing medium, germination bag with wafer, coir seedling pot, terra cotta saucer, directions. Bag 9.5" high x 8.5" wide."

the marathon begins...

2011-12-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

the holiday marathon that is. (let's face it, it's about the only marathon you'll see us running!)

we can't think of a better way to start it off than with one of our new favourites...

we deal with a lot of different vendors, and lots of them we love, but angela sands kicks it up a notch. a big notch. as we began to open up our shipment, each layer seemed to get better and better. the packaging, the inside packaging, the enclosed story, and then....the candle. this is no ordinary candle people....

infused with essential oils, these candles smell so pure and clean. you want to know what makes them extra special? a wooden wick and the vessel it comes in, becomes a beautiful food safe bowl. i told you she kicks it up a notch.

'the wax is 100% renewable, sustainable soy sourced from soybean farmers in the USA. Each vessel is crafted locally by porcelain artisans in a waste-free studio, and our high-quality fragrances are phthalate-free. Total that up and you’ve got one very green, very awesome operation.'

we warn you, these are available in limited quantities until after the holidays.

thank you angela, for loving what you do so much. it shows.

give & save this weekend.

2011-12-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

bring in an item for the food bank and save 10% off *everything in the shop!

enjoy cookies & something to drink while your gifts are wrapped for free. there are heaps of new things in the shop, come and see...we're bursting at the seams.

saturday. december 3rd. 2011
10 am - 5 pm
sunday. december 4th. 2011
12 - 5 pm

xox

caroline and daniel

*excluding exhibition work

have a moustache that needs some encouraging to be trimmed?

2011-12-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

maybe this will help. it is december 1st after all. celebrate the movember success with this handsome grooming line....

a very 'earthy' selection of colognes available in store too.

who are they?

'Years ago, we became very interested in sustainable living. As a part of that discovery process, Lisa happened upon some vintage soap and perfume recipe books and a collection of antique, Czechoslovakian pharmacy bottles. We take no shortcuts and don't use the fragrance oils and chemical additives which are commonly found today. Our products and their packaging have an earnest quality which comes from their hand-crafted nature and the "authenticity" we seek in our lives and what we do.'

handmade in portland, oregon.

before & after with fieldwork.

2011-11-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

it occurred to me, that while we posted lots of mysterious photos leading up to the show - we never did a follow up of the final pieces....

'based on everyday dim sum teacups, these are handmade to mimic their mass-produced counterparts & stand on their tip toes to be noticed. the set is made to be added to any utilitarian teacup collection to remind us of the cups that we often overlook. each set contains 3 cups, each raised to a different height & made in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China.' - amanda huynh

'over time, the evolution of the cup has taken a very conventional form. this is not that form. produced from a single piece of timber, the wood acts as a natural insulator for hot and cold liquids.' - misha olynyk

'hot, boiling liquid

hands seek comfort on a glass

a layer protects' - anna gukov

(that layer is a beautifully fitted, hand stitched piece of natural leather. can be easily removed for cleaning)

'sweet cups, sweet shot cups, sweet sugar cups, sweet candy cups, sweet sipping cups, sweet caramel cups, sweet temporary cups

caramelized sugar cup coated in beeswax melts in your drink beeswax shell left over

to keep, or not' - emilie madill (sold in a set of 4, what a beautiful way to spend an evening sipping out of these)

'they say cups don't grow on trees. each set of cups is cut from an individual branch & is reconnected when you share a drink with friends & family. the cups will season and develop a warm patina with use. made from western big leaf maple sourced in vancouver, finished with a mineral oil & beeswax.' - joshua doherty

(sold in sets of 3 or 4)

'though, being cautious, signs of secrets are always present. as all affairs leave traces. & only through close inspection, the hidden qualities of these glasses can be imagined. please have a close look at these glasses. i hope you will find their veiled characters.' - joji fukushima

(sold in a set of 5. comes in a beautiful 'crate'. need a hint: http://bit.ly/vfLoiQ... still can't figure it out? come by & see it in person, will make way more sense then)

there are lots of red (sold) stickers up by these thoughtful pieces, but some are still available. so if you're looking for that something special for that someone special...might i suggest one of the above?

photos courtesy of ryan nussbacher & julian hecht

it gets dark so early...

2011-11-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

...and mr. schatz makes getting dark exciting.

so dreamy.

"Beautiful - Light projected through tiny openings on the stoneware egg’s surface creates a dream like environment that is perfect for bedtime. Richly finished in glossy color and polished stainless steel base.

Care & Use - Easily cleaned with a soft cloth. Each nightlight ships with two 15 Watt Candelabra Bulbs that can be replaced with a 15 Watt Max Candelabra Bulb. Clear bulbs produce the best projections.

Hand Made - Star Egg Nightlights are handmade exclusively by the artist in New York."

we like to support the arts & this was no exception.

2011-11-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

meet jack.
we've know him since the ripe young age of 10, and even at that age, he's been a great supporter and lover of design. fast forward 2 years later and we received an invite to the launch of his F11 fashion show...but of course!?

make no mistake, the show, the designs, the set up, the clothes (with the help of his entourage, aka circle of friends) were all made by jack. he is confident, articulate and passionate. his family, both immediate and extended are all incredibly supportive. there's no doubt that we will look back on this night and say 'remember when jack was 12 and we attended his first fashion show?' thanks jack, for including us on your journey.

stay tuned, this boy's going places.

*sigh....billykirk.

2011-11-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Billykirk from The Scout on Vimeo.

check out Refueled Magazine's article on the brothers here: refueled + billykirk

can't say enough about these guys, and Refueled did a beautiful job of capturing what they're all about. we've restocked on some of our favourite pieces.

"As a daily commuter I wanted to design a medium sized messenger-style bike bag that could fit my 13" MacBook and sit securely on my waist. Designed with two side pockets for water bottles, two interior pockets, one zip pocket and a slash pocket on the back. Comes with adjustable waist strap to keep it from moving and a military spec adjustable webbing shoulder strap with leather shoulder pad. Genuine leather trim. Dull nickel hardware. Nylon Pack Cloth lining. 14" x 12""

"Our bike frame bag was modeled after a vintage smaller bike frame bag we found in France. It's perfect for a paperback, gloves, phone, sunglasses or even a sandwich. Three loops with dull silver buckles to secure it to the frame. Collar button closures on the front flap. Adjustable. Hand-stitched with wax cording. Hand-oiled and edged. 8" x 5" x 2." "

"This is our smallest Carryall Bag, it comes with a military spec webbing/leather adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad and is lighter in weight. It's great for day trips or as a briefcase. It will hold most laptops in the 13" - 15" range. Top quality Horween Leathers from Chicago for the trim. Two interior pockets. Comes with hand-stitched luggage tag and one buckle closure. Made with a sturdy 12" frame it stands 14" tall and can expand to around 10-12." Oiled and edged. Dull nickel hardware."

medium carryall: "Fits most laptops including the 17" MacBook. Made with a sturdy 16" frame it stands 14" tall and can expand to around 12.""

large carryall: "Our large Carryall is the perfect weekend bag. Made with a sturdy 20" frame it stands 14" tall and can expand to around 12." "

"Being fans and collectors of vintage and antique military items we decided to remake a pilots helmet bag and this was the result. Ours comes with a Swiss Riri zipper for the main compartment and for the interior pocket. Handles size down so you can carry it or increase the size for wearing it under your shoulder. Padded throughout, top quality leathers for the trim and a rugged Denier nylon lining. Fits all laptops. It stands 18.5" tall and 16" wide. Handles have a drop of 9.5" to 5.5." Dull nickel hardware."

"Our hand-stitched shoulder satchel is modeled after a WWII Belgium Map Case we had. It was just too small for our use so we re-designed it and made ours larger. There is nothing else on the market like this. Each one takes a few hours to complete. One solid piece of cow hide is stitched with heavy wax cording to form the satchel. Comes with an all leather adjustable strap with shoulder piece, dull silver rings and collar buttons. Hand-stitched detailing throughout. Hand-oiled and edged. 9 3/4" X 11." This is a heirloom piece that you will pass down to the next generation."

while drooling is quite unattractive, it happens often while viewing this collection, and is therefore acceptable...

original colorforms set

2011-11-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

we're a bit nerdy when it comes to things like this, and when we came across this 60th anniversary edition, we had to have it. it's now a permanent fixture on my coffee table. something about the 50's always speaks to me...

released in 1951, this limited edition "captures the essence and creativity of the mid-century generation".
fun Colorforms® facts:

Founded in 1951, Colorforms is one of the oldest and best-known toy brands.
Colorforms was the first plastic based creative toy introduced in the industry.
Colorforms was one of the first toys ever advertised on television
A time-tested classic, Colorforms has been nominated as a "Top 100 Toy of the 20th Century" by TIA (Toy Industry Association)
Recognized for quality safe play for over 58 years
Colorforms is magical, playful, imaginative, creative and open-ended
Colorforms is reusable, repositionable, and forgiving.
It is a classic childhood experience that parents and grandparents want to share with your children.

a little nostalgia to leave you with...

it was inevitable...

2011-11-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

...the snow, the rain. well it's a good thing the holiday native shoes are in. seriously, how many of us have been living through vancouver winters with soggy feet? why, oh why? you don't have to be okay with wet feet. honestly, there's a better way...

we have the jimmys, the paddingtons and the fitzsimmons for kids too!

if your feet could talk, they would thank you.

thank you for coming.

2011-11-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

what an amazing way to end the events portion of our year. thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the night of design and CUPS. and congratulations to the fieldwork crew, for another successful roll out of thoughtful, beautiful design...

and to mom, jackie and paul for all your help throughout the evening - as always your help is much appreciated.

photos above are courtesy of the talented julian hecht, http://www.julianplease.com/ and ryan nussbacher, www.ryannussbacher.com
- thank you!

as seen in vitamin daily!

2011-11-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

" NOVEMBER 10TH, 2011

THE WISE POET ROBERT BROWNING ONCE WROTE "LESS IS MORE," AND MANY DESIGNERS, LIKE LEGENDARY ARCHITECT MIES VAN DER ROHE, HAVE FOLLOWED THAT MANTRA.

But simplicity itself is one of the hardest things to achieve style-wise: it has to appear effortless. Leave it to two architects, who go by their initials HK+NP, to design a perfect bangle. And by “perfect,” we mean it has a minimal yet sculptural shape, glistening in sterling silver. Its elegant design mimicks the image of a water ripple, and also follows the ingenious Möbius strip. Available in mirror ($300), hairline ($300) or matte ($330) finishes, the Twist Bangle is the kind of bauble both Robert and Mies would approve of. —Anya Georgijevic

At Walrus, 3408 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-874-9770,www.walrushome.com"

well written as always Anya - thank you! we're big fans of these two vancouver architects...and hope you are too.

hmmm...now what's your guess?

2011-11-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

an hour and a half to go...see you soon.

so beautiful.

2011-11-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

there's something about the smell of freshly turned/carved wood. i can almost smell it....

join us tonight to see the final product!

click the blue circle for tonight's details

can you keep a secret?

2011-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

catch is, you'll have to figure it out first....

see if you can this thursday night at our opening

click on the blue circle for details.

new in the shop from o'clock!

2011-11-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

you might have seen these watches in the shop already, but have you seen the ones with the tone on tone faces? very fun.

fresh stock!

a beginning of a cup? peculiar.

2011-11-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

guess we'll find out on thursday...right about 6 o'clock, or somewhere in there 'til around 9pm.

fieldwork at walrus presents...

click the big circle for show info

meet miss maria roth

2011-11-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

there's more 'luciousness' in the shop than ever before...and maria's pieces add a beautiful burst of colour, warmth and texture to any room....

bowls before and after felting

maria is as lovely as her work is...

“My design practice is nomadic, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling. I move between a creative urban centre -- Vancouver, BC -- and an inspiring natural one -- a semi-remote island in Howe Sound. My work in wool travels with me between city, coastal rainforest and beach, and I strive to make my work and practice as sustainable as possible."

the bowls take several days to complete and are all handmade in vancouver by maria. to read more about her process, poppytalk did a great write up: poppytalk.blogspot.com

just think how beautiful ordinary or extraordinary objects will sit in these bowls.

now...what can this be?

2011-11-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

come to the shop this thursday and find out what 'fieldwork' has been up to for their 'cups' series.

'aaahhhhhh fatboy....'

2011-11-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

that is the sound you'll make when you cozy up in one of these babies.

"the iconic Fatboy Original is everyone's friend. It proved to stand out and fit in anywhere, without acting like its some better version of itself." size: 140 x 180 cm

the 'original'. available for special order in marimekko patterns: "Marimekko Fatboy® pays respect to innovation by letting fashion icon Marimekko® use the Fatboy® as a three-dimensional canvas for their exciting prints. Marimekko® was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia in Finland and became a fashion icon in the 60's when First Lady Jackie Kennedy included seven Marimekko® dresses in her wardrobe."

the 'original' and the 'point'

"point is the dot on the i for everyone's home. you always have those moments that you could use an extra whatever. whether you use it to hold up your aching feet or to install your child in front of the television"

size: 50 Ø / 35 (h) cm

the 'junior' size: 140 x 80 cm

the 'doggie lounge': produced in a strong nylon material that repels moisture and shuts out unpleasant odours...the cover can be removed and washed in 30 degrees. available in two sizes. small: 60 x 80 x15 cm and large: size: 120 x 80 x 15 cm

questions?

can i use my fatboy outdoors? we don't recommend you leave it outside, but on a dry day/evening? go for it! but remember to bring it back in! unless you want to offer your neighbourhood raccoon a comfy new home.

how do i clean it? wipe it with lukewarm water and a neutral soap.

it's decreasing, is this normal? yes, it’s normal that the filling will decrease by use.

not to worry, you can order a refill!

we have a few in stock, ready for instant gratification, or we have all the colour swatches in for you to pick your favourite colour. approximate lead time? 2 weeks.

new show. very exciting.

2011-10-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

FIELDWORK AT WALRUS PRESENTS

A unique series of drinking cups that bridge art, craft and design. Exclusive to Walrus, for a limited time, the Fieldwork design collective brings new interpretations to a classic product. Each cup is hand-crafted and in limited production. Each was conceived, developed and made in Vancouver.

Fieldwork, founded in 2009, is a Vancouver-based collective of eight emerging designers. FW offers an array of experiments, interpretations and narratives through a range of outcomes — exhibitions, group shows, and product design. FW aims to shift the perception and understanding of design.

makefieldwork.com

thursday. november 10th. 2011

6 - 9pm

here at the shop.

if you missed last year's show, we hope to see you at this one. it's our last show of the year folks. let's make it big.

coffee? tea time anyone?

2011-10-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

when you look this good - everything seems to taste better...

these beautifully crafted french presses are available in two sizes; 4-5 cups or 1-2.

classic and timeless with their wood handles and dripless spouts.

equally as handsome are the milk & sugar pourer.

for the designers, these classic pourers evoke childhood outings to Italian ice cream parlours and coffee houses. the sugar pourer is calibrated to release sugar in a small, fixed measure ideal for espresso drinkers. and for those of you who love their dishwashers, yes, they are dishwasher safe.

this beautiful tea ball is a reinterpretation of the great British teapot and has already become a classic. embraced by top teahouses and restaurants in England, the tea ball has won praise from trade publication and tea aficionados the world over.

features ergonomic handles, drip-proof spout, and removable stainless steel infuser suitable for loose-leaf or bagged tea.

also available in 2 sizes.

they were asked recently about why they have a spice mill sitting in their stainless steel range of tea and coffee ware.
"In terms of evolution, the spice mill's shape was the source of the collection. The mill's ergonomic handle has become a unifying feature for the entire range, and its witty I-want-to-pick-you-up shape is echoed in the signature spout of the tea and coffee pots.
With a ceramic grinder, the spice mill is suitable for pepper, coarse salt, or other spices. Spices are stored in the stainless steel base. To use, simply invert and twist the handle while gripping the base. Since the mill end faces upwards when not in use, it won't leave dust rings on your table or shelf."

i have to say, that last point is a big deal for me. oh you smarty pants, we just love good design.

from across the sea, we give you a warm welcome to our little shop.

glerups = toasty toes (but not too toasty...)

2011-10-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

the ankle boot

the slipper

the 'shoe'

"A hobby that grew...

In 1993, Nanny Glerup started producing slippers made of felted wool on a small scale, simply as a hobby.They were so well received by friends and family that she decided to make it her living.However she was able to manufacture 2 pairs only a day. Since then she has developed new production techniques and over the years she has developed and refined the products, assisted by her husband Ove Glerup. It took them 10 years to succeed this project, after several experiments and trashed machines.Now her felt products are sold throughout Denmark."

natural glerup felt facts:

alkaline salts and lanolin combine to form the most pure and natural soap - which washes and cleanses the wool - reason why you can clean these without the use of soap
waterproof, while still being breathable
impurities, like sweat, cannot penetrate the fibres

ok. these are just ridiculous. you have to try a pair on. i think they're the only slippers you'll ever need.

just in...

2011-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

another great local design!

Identity, is a brand based on the ideals of what the Canadian Identity is - It begs the questions, what is Canada and what does it mean to be Canadians? Images are clean and modern, designed for the sophisticated Canadian male. Tees are designed & printed in Canada with high quality fabrics.

and we have more fun styles in the shop.

and here are the matching pillows made of vintage army blankets, also available in grey.

LA lovin'

2011-10-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

"This South Cambie shop is both unpretentious and eclectic. A recent trip found cutting boards of cross-cut tree trunks, hand-knit alpaca cushion covers and laser-cut wood jewelry."

thank you to joanne blain, for the including us with such good company and for the lovely write up!

'no junk at this trunk' evening.

2011-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

neil and hiroko of hk + np studio

monica berdin

lemon park new collection

new work by henderson dry goods

new work by hk + np studio

skinny jewellery by aysen boyzigit

new work by shelley hilliard of hilliard design

collection of handcrafted hats by sarah strange, stranger things millinery

our 'barkeep', paul gallant

the beautiful anya of i'm the it girl and dapper joe of of slop press

thank you to the jewellers and everyone who came and made this evening so very special. xo

(special thank you to anna, mom, and paul for all your help, and daniel - for the photos, xo)

R.I.P Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

wouldn't normally post things like this, but this Commencement speech given by Steve Jobs in 2005 is so inspiring. if you have a chance, have a listen. http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

tonight tonight.

2011-10-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

we hope you can join us for tonight's festivities! there will be a range of beautiful pieces shown tonight...meet the talent behind the work.

tonight. 6 - 9pm

xo caroline and daniel

meet ms.sarah strange.

2011-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

"Sarah Strange is an actor, writer and hatter living in Vancouver.

Each piece is unique and lovingly hand crafted by Sarah, for you.
She hopes you like them."
~the sky is falling; put on a hat.~

meet this fantastically wonderful lady tonight!

meet monica berdin.

2011-10-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

we did a show earlier this year with her lovely jewellery but we just can’t get enough...

Monica Berdin altered her pursuits in life shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Interior Design (b.i.d.) from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture and traveling to Cairo, Egypt with the University of British Columbia, School of Architecture. Armed with a firmly entrenched design process, Monica returned to Vancouver, British Columbia to further carry her design studies into the discipline of Goldsmithing/Jewellery.

wednesday. october 5th. 6 - 9pm

meet the Lemon Park sisters...

2011-10-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Lemon Park sisters, Tania and Penny Gleave, have always shared an interest in fashion and design, and often discussed starting a business together. So when Penny expressed an interest in changing careers at around the same time people were asking about jewellery Tania was creating and wearing at her openings, they decided to start Lemon Park.

Lemon Park came from the idea of the seaside park where the sisters and surrounding neighbourhood children spent most of their time outside of school. “Park” was chosen as a result of wanting to suggest an idea of a big, open space, a space in which all kinds of things happen and where ideas take shape. No limitations. Big enough for everyone.

The “Lemon” part is a secret.

they will be showing some of their new resin designs and oxidized silver jewellery

wednesday. october 5th. 6 - 9pm

meet hiroko and neil.

2011-10-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

this sweet and talented couple have commitment to quality and design that we love...you can see it and feel it in their pieces....

"Our jewelry design intent stems from our experiences in the practice of architecture. Our education and work in architecture to date has been aimed at establishing a formal language that is clear, concise, and non self referential. In this regard we strive to design our jewelry with clear forms, emphasizing distinct lines, and refined details. It is important for us that these three elements be in balance, so that none of is discernable as a distinct element.

Our aim is to achieve a level of relative simplicity with our jewelry in the hopes to express the more understated, or subtler side of ornamentation. In this way we hope to achieve designs that have a certain timeless quality and defy changing trends in fashion. For us this is an important aspect of quality design and integral to creating inherent value."

read more about Hiroko, Neil and their work here: hk + np studio

join us this wednesday as they launch their brand new pieces.

meet shelley hilliard.

2011-10-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

we can't seem to top what we wrote about her last year, so if you're so inclined, read more about shelley here: 'hilliard in the house'.

this inspiration page, captures ms. hilliard to the t.

she is launching a whole new collection of 'bling' that is going to be seen for the first time here on wednesday night. straight from bali to vancouver...

wednesday. october 5th. 6 - 9pm

meet alex.

2011-09-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

this girl has amazing attention to detail and an incredible passion for her craft. see her article from this year's house & home. photography from the magazine, by the great janis nicolay.

"Alex Henderson is a Vancouver based industrial designer and artist. She has been selling her hand-made products at stores across Canada for the past 8 years. She currently owns and operates her own design company--Henderson Dry Goods--for which she makes a variety of home accessories and jewelry made almost exclusively out of wood, and that are truly more like works of art than objects of design."

below is a sneak peek of some of the newest pieces you'll see at the show....

come and meet alex and see her newest collection at wednesday's show. 6 - 9pm.

meet keiko.

2011-09-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

we met the lovely keiko when she came into the shop wearing one of her pendants. she happens to live right around the corner and makes everything by hand.

"Faire is a jewellery collection by Vancouver designer Keiko Lee-Hem. Her work celebrates the natural glow and intrinsic beauty of earth, pairing unglazed clay with precious metals in simple and unexpected ways. The result is a collection that is earthy yet elegant, delicate yet durable, reflecting Keiko’s pared down aesthetic and love of the handmade.

Why Faire? It means "to do/make" and really, that's what it's all about."

yes, that is what it's all about. keep on making keiko!

meet aysen.

2011-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

this beautiful lady has a personal sense of style that is simple, yet polished. she brings this same sensibility to her line of 'skinny jewellery'. ..

"Skinny line is created exclusively for west coast jewellery lovers.

With its unique, yet simple designs you’ll feel comfortable and sophisticated.

Skinny line is composed of Sterling silver, 24 K gold vermeil, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals

and components from Europe, which makes the line trend setting."

a tiny glimpse of her 'good luck bracelets'...

come and say hello to aysen wednesday, october 5th from 6 - 9pm at our 'no junk at this trunk' jewellery show. there will be lots more styles available that night...

'no junk at this trunk' year two.

2011-09-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

we had so much fun at last year's jewellery trunk show, we decided to do it again. we have a great line up of some of our favourite local jewellers showcasing new work and expanded collections.

meet the designers. have a drink. be the first to see some of their newest creations.

to add to the fun, try on a hat or two. yup, the art of hat making is being brought to us by ms. sarah strange.

aysen bozyigit
faire by keiko creative
henderson dry goods
hilliard design
hk + np studio
lemon park
monica berdin
stranger things millenery

please join us for the opening reception here at the shop:

3408 cambie street, vancouver

wednesday. october 5th. 2011

6 - 9pm

we hope to see you here,
caroline and daniel

xo

thank you for coming.

2011-09-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

what a pleasure that evening was. the rain seemed to enhance the coziness of the evening...

beautiful new window display by the talented joji fukushima

one of my personal favourites

our favourite house beer, main street pilsner

he was welcome to join us, but didn't want to get the place wet. next time maybe.

show will be up until early november and are sold in limited editions. congratulations Robert, on a beautiful collection of work. http://robertedmonds.blogspot.com

it may be humid out today, but the rain is coming...

2011-09-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

so let's be ready. we all know vancouverites are known for their black and grey wardrobes, but local company, native shoes, are showing us a fun way to inject colour into our fall wardrobes.

Welcome to Fall 2011 from Native Shoes on Vimeo.

and we've got stock of both kids and adult styles. we also just received fall colours of their spring/summer classics:

the miller in cordova red

the jefferson in beaver brown

both colours are currently availabe in the miller, jefferson, jericho and howard.

what is letterpress some may ask?

2011-09-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

"Letterpress printing is relief printing of text and image using a press with a "type-high bed" printing press and movable type, in which a reversed, raised surface is inked and then pressed into a sheet of paper to obtain a positive right-reading image. It was the normal form of printing text from its invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century until the 19th century and remained in wide use for books and other uses until the second half of the 20th century." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letterpress_printing

a taste of how things were crafted for tomorrow night's show...

such a beautiful, ancient process. ..

party time.

2011-09-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

show description:

"Juxtaposing words within a singular quote from artists, authors, musicians, thinkers, to create a new meaning or to sharpen the existing quote by focusing the meaning."

mr.edmonds brings us a beautifully thoughtful series of limited edition, letterpress prints.

http://www.evoke.ca/about.htm
http://robertedmonds.blogspot.com/

please join us for the opening reception here at the shop:

3408 cambie street, vancouver
wednesday. september 21st
6 - 9pm

we hope to see you here,
caroline and daniel
xo

new from nooka

2011-09-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

lots of back to school going on! good way to start the year off - get a watch. not just any watch of course, these guys make telling time fashionable. even better, they've dropped their pricing.

i really love these colours - new to their collection, they call these their 'nootrals'

also new to their collection, the zub zoo has been reinvented by taking customization to a new level with the introduction of the zub 40. available in four colorways: black, red, white and charcoal/green, the Nooka zub 40 features interchangeable bands, giving everyone the freedom to mix and match with other zub 40s.

starting at $110. we've got lots more in the shop.

we've restocked on their asset organizers and belts too.

happy long weekend!

2011-09-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

hope you're all enjoying a beautiful long weekend.

please note our shop hours for monday,
september 5th are from

12 - 5pm

thank you!

long overdue...sorry!

2011-08-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

we are huge fans of this beautifully made collection. the pieces are made in a farm house in the black forest - i think that fact alone makes it even better. the craftsmanship and packaging are excellent.

the scale of this board is fantastic - measuring out at 800 x 210 x 22mm it's available in light oak and smoked oak. if that's too big, then we also have them in 290 x 120 x 22mm.

i love this beautifully shaped weck jar - completely seals too.

oh this bowl. what can i say, it's perfect.

another board option is this set: the dish allows you to rub parmesan, garlic, ginger...right onto it - see where the rings are?

available in light and smoked oak, the dish is available in black and white and the board in narrow and wide.

part of the 'dance of the glass' series, i think it's quite breathtaking.

this heart shaped cushion is filled with cherry pits. place in the oven, microwave, or freezer and it acts as a warming or cooling pad. you can also heat it and put it in the bottom of your basket of bread to help keep them warm.

*sweet story: a client bought this for her daughter as she heads off to university for the first time....

cambie village is having some fun tomorrow...

2011-08-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

it kicks off with a free showing of the family movie 'Rio' at 10:30am at the Park theatre. and then there will be some local artists, crafters, and merchants displaying, demonstrating, and selling their wares.

12pm - 3pm tomorrow, saturday, august 20th.

hope to see you out and about.

come on down to cambie village!

2011-08-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

http://cambievillage.com/

come down and enjoy the neighbourhood!

it's going to be a countryside kind of week.

2011-08-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

this is the first post, of what's turning out to be a running theme. we certainly appreciate beautifully crafted work, so when Ben introduced his father's work to us, we thought they'd be a lovely addition to the shop.

the view from their house and workshop

the wood drying shed and workshop

salad servers

trivet

the 'ultimate utensil', scrape or stir

love this double ended tasting spoon

all of these handcrafted utensils are designed by marc and bernadette in the inspiring setting on the west coast of the south island, new zealand. all of the wood is sourced from recycled, ancient logs or sustainably managed timber, native to new zealand.

more styles in store and available in rimu, kauri and rewarewa!

lots to celebrate this weekend!

2011-07-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

celebration of light starts off with China tonight

http://www.vancouverfireworks.ca/

pride parade tomorrow - happy pride!

http://www.vancouverpride.ca/vancouver-pride-parade

"British Columbia i/ˌbrɪtɪʃ kəˈlʌmbɪə/ (B.C. or BC) (French: la Colombie-Britannique, C.-B.) is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu ("Splendour without Diminishment"). Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858. In 1871, it became the sixth province of Canada."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia

happy BC day!

august 1st is also swiss national day!

"The day of independence is typically celebrated at a local, municipality level though certain events draw nation-wide attention. Since the mid-nineteenth century, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen has illuminated its 25 meter high waterfalls for special events. Beginning in 1920, the waterfall has been regularly lit for the national holiday and since 1966 is now lit only for this holiday. At the historic location of Rütli Meadow above Lake Lucerne, a representational celebration is staged in the location where the legendary pledge of alliance, the Rütlischwur is said to have taken place."

...sounds beautiful and since half of walrus is swiss we like to celebrate it all.

run out quick - the sun's shining in vancouver.

please note we'll be closed on monday, august 1st. let's face it, we'll be recovering from these festivities.

no ordinary hummingbird feeder

2011-07-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

he's done it again...just look how beautiful they are.

these hummingbird feeders are what design enthusiasts and hummingbird lovers have been waiting for: a modern, colorful, gorgeous feeder that attracts hummingbirds and looks beautiful in the backyard. the hummingbird feeders are finely handcrafted in durable stoneware and are available in six brilliant colors that feature a stamen in a complementary color that ensures your hummingbirds find the food source. each holds 1 1/2 cups of nectar (1 part sugar dissolved in 4 parts water). made in new york.

we've also restocked on the houses and feeders!

houses and feeders currently available in all the above colours.

read more about their technical specifics from a prior blog post here: http://walrushome.blogspot.com/2010/08/tweet-tweet.html

a beautiful way to add a little more life to your garden or deck.

p.s. it's been a popular wedding/anniversary/housewarming choice.

'living deserts' by world reclaimed

2011-07-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

we love it when these guys have new things to share with us. look how simple and beautiful these are....

"Inspired by a recent visit to the desert in California we wanted to create a serene little pot of unusual shapes and textures. Although prickly, these lil guys are modern and simple, and super striking for a little nook in your home. On a bookshelf, by the kitchen sink, or even in a bathroom. As long as they receive about 3 hours of bright open light they will be happy and care is a cinch. Sources say they need watering about twice a month, but I haven't watered ours more than once a year and it is super happy. Regardless, cacti like to dry out well between watering, then receive a good drink that runs through the pot. Remember the number one cause of cactus death is over-watering!"

for more information about aloe designs, a.k.a world reclaimed, and their work: http://www.nestingjournal.com/nesting/

sundays at walrus.

2011-07-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

not that daniel and i are lushes, but we appreciate a nice beer, and peroni seemed to hit the spot this afternoon. thanks for the visit boys, you can stop by anytime...xo

some new, some restock.

2011-07-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

we've recently restocked on some of our favourites & brought in a few new goodies too. there's a lot in this post... feels like i'm over stuffing a turkey.

remember these watering cans? well now we've got 'em in sunny yellow.

don't mind the pun, but really, truly, these bird feeders flew out the door last round.

*a little more info on the products above can be found on our previous post: http://bit.ly/lI3Nw1

i have to say, i love these 'totem coasters'. part of the MoMa collection, they stack one on the other, have a wood base and vibrantly coloured wool inserts. sold as sets of 4.

also part of the 'totem' collection, these natural beech wood votive holders allow you to stack them in a variety of heights and configurations. sold in sets of 3.

these playful fingerprint cufflinks are made of white gold-plated tin.

this next round of products came in and out of the shop swiftly - we didn't have time to share them with you all!

"war is destructive and bombs take away lives. but these beautifully sculpted ceramic love grenade coin banks are designed and made to plant seeds for future growth and prosperity. convert your love to change and save it in "A Love Grenade" and donate it to those who are in need."

add some flowers/green plants and turn this peaceful bomb into a beautiful nurture for life.

"destructive military force is not the only way to resolve conflicts. let this Friendly Tank, made from ceramics, be a wiser and powerful tool in bringing peace by translating ideas into words and images."

all of the pieces above are part of Biaugust's cause, A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) partial proceed goes to support this.

now don't think we're getting all violent on you. i know there seems to be a theme emerging, but there's nothing to be afraid of here. check out what the designers thinking: "here, weapons which may typically be viewed as symbols of violence are converted to tools for peace. our creativity and knowledge expressed through words and sketches are the best means to get our points across, not through force and/or violence - a strong message conveyed by the designer".

these are some of our favourites! made of pewter and ceramic, these animals are designed to balance on their nose and ears/horns when placed as a bottom. can be used as a shot glass, candle holder, paper weight or simply for décor. we just got in the moose and deer - feels very canadian.

and lastly...

while it might look like a regular soda can, instead of aluminum they’re made from a biodegradable corn starch-like material called PLA. and while it’s safer for the environment when disposed of, these cans are designed to be used again and again. they’re actually double-wall insulated so they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, are microwave and dishwasher-friendly and even have a pop-up lid that looks just like a soda can ring pull.

phew! i think that's it for now...hope to see you soon.

on days like this, i just want to cuddle up with things like this...

2011-07-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

if you're not from vancouver, it's a bit on the grey side today.

these luscious pieces are 18" x 18", 100% alpaca, have goose feather and down inserts, and are all designed and hand knit right here in our fair city. by whom? beatriz rempel.

beatriz is an interior designer / knitter who is inspired by where she lives…the beautiful westcoast of British Columbia and the places that have special meaning for her. she says she has a somewhat obsessive attention to detail and quality. you won't get any argument here beatriz. keep obsessing, we'll help take care of the rest.

it's sunny, let's go for a bike ride....

2011-07-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

still in need for a bike bell or tired of your boring old one? Have a look at these!

They are all hand painted in Monteal and they use eco-friendly paints: without solvents or toxic fumes. The painted bells are then baked, making them resistant to all types of weather.

I'm sure your kids will love them and I'm thinking I should get one for my bike as well!

let's make the world a little greener...

2011-07-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

i love these kits. they contain everything you need to get going. and what a beautiful sentiment for someone - house warming, engagement, retirement, or simply because you're thoughtful. we also have a restock of these great pieces: http://walrushome.blogspot.com/2011/05/mothers-day-or-any-day-these-are.html

happy canada day!

2011-06-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

we're closed friday, july 1st, to play some bocce, drink and be merry.

enjoy everyone! we're back to regular hours on saturday.

p.s. did you know we only gained full independence from the U.K. in 1982? i didn't.

sound patriotic and learn more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Day

NICOLE MILKOVICH

2011-06-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Nicole Milkovich was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Nicole graduated with her Diploma in Studio Art from Capilano College in 1997 and went on to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emily Carr in 2000.

Nicole was brought up in a household that was focussed on design, architecture, great food, and hockey. So far the design and architecture part are the obvious influences in her paintings. The food and hockey are mainstays in her personal life but you never know when those worlds could collide.

Nicole creates paintings that build on her love of architectural forms, repetition, and her obsession with colour. Nicole has been part of group shows in the past but this will be her first solo exhibit.

www.nicolemilkovich.com

opening reception.
wednesday. june 29th. 2011
6 - 9pm

we hope you can join us in celebrating nicole's first solo exhibit,

caroline and daniel

this is it!

2011-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

please note shop closes at 6pm today....

thank you!

spring is coming, really.

2011-06-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

this relatively new company is based in the heart of sweden...

"our company is a mix of flamboyant individuals who see and do things differently and have a wealth of international experience. We are guided by a common goal – to create functional products that work better, solve problems, are a pleasure to use and, of course, look great!"

well, they certainly did that, because these 2 pieces are design award winners.

"manufactured from recyclable plastic, it can be mounted on any smooth window pane, thanks to an innovative double-sided suction cup. the carefully selected materials can cope with extreme temperatures as well as UV rays. it is designed for small birds and features a drainage hole at the base of the bowl. diameter 11.5 cm.

care instructions: disassemble and wash every three to four months. dishwasher-safe in upper basket."

"stylish and minimal, yet at the same time striking, this innovative design typifies Born in Sweden’s approach; functional, practical and always aesthetically pleasing. made of 18-0 stainless steel with a flexible silicone hose. the hose has a built-in magnet that allows it to be attached to the can’s body when not in use. when watering your plants, simply hold the metal cylinder with one hand and the hose in the other. to start or stop the water flow, just move the metal cylinder up or down. available in brushed or mirror-polished steel finishes as well as 8 glossy powder-coated options. height 31 cm, diameter 8 cm, volume 1.5 liters.

now available in the shop in white and red.

time for some classic 'manly man'.

2011-05-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Since 1913, the Stanley brand has been building durable, rugged products that last. Passed down from generation to generation, the Stanley® vacuum bottle is an icon. It has survived a 4,000 foot drop from a plane, been run over by a tractor and has even stopped a bullet. Now in its 96th year, the innovation that sparked a revolution in vacuum insulation continues to grow. Today, we deliver superior food and beverage gear for rugged, active lifestyles and remain dedicated to this simple promise: Buy Stanley® products, get quality gear. Built for life."

and i love real life stories too...

"ran over it with a D9 CAT dozer. Still works great" or, "Grandpa and Dad retired from the mines, but not their Stanley bottle" and this one's a favourite "Flat tire. No jack. No problem. I used my Stanley bottle".

Stanley Thermoses, Stanley Cup - perfect combination.

we seem to be on a strong woman roll...

2011-05-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

first our moms, then saskia diez, then claire of heyday design, then queen victoria, and now ulla of LUprints. funny how that works sometimes...

this birchwood hotplate is handcrafted in sweden of FSC certified birchwood, can withstand 150 degrees C and is food safe

this series of trays are also beautifully handcrafted in sweden of FSC certified birchwood. they are both food and dishwasher safe

55% linen/45% cotton these tea towels are hand sewn, designed and printed in canada.

who is Ulla Clark?

"Ulla was introduced to Scandinavian textiles at a young age through growing up with a Swedish mother. On frequent family visits to Sweden she was intrigued by her relatives’ homes which were adorned with collections of hand embroidered and screen printed textiles. It was there her fondness for table runners and napkins blossomed. She has always been drawn to the pleasing simplicity that nature provides, she spent a decade working outside in the forest, often finding time for collecting and cataloguing plants and flowers. Her strong affection for nature as well as her memories of the beautiful, yet functional textiles, are a constant inspiration for new products and prints."

2011-05-23T12:19:00.001-07:00

please note we're open today from 12 - 5pm!

happy Queen Victoria day

2011-05-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

"Victoria Day (in French: Fête de la Reine) is a federal Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday on or before May 24, in honour of both Queen Victoria's birthday and the current reigning Canadian sovereign's official birthday. It is sometimes informally considered as marking the beginning of the summer season in Canada.

The holiday has been observed since before Canada was formed, originally falling on the sovereign's actual birthday, and continues to be celebrated in various fashions across the country on the fixed date." -wikipedia

nicknamed the 'grandmother of Europe' she has quite an interesting story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria

hey hey hey, heyday design's back.

2011-05-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

we're especially thrilled to have the full collection of vintage inspired jars along with some of her jewellery at the shop.

starting at $38.

claire glazes the interior with a glossy, watertight and food-safe glaze and leaves the exterior unglazed - it’s matte, like traditional bisque porcelain. they're perfect.

starting at $30.

saskia diez's 'PAPIER' collection arrives at the shop.

2011-05-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

while the name PAPIER might lend you to think it's made of paper, it's not. launched at Paris Fashion Week last year, these travel bags and wallets are made of Tyvek. “Tyvek is just like paper but without the negative aspects,” says Stefan (co-designer and husband to Saskia),“It’s water resistant, long lasting and won’t tear—yet still has the appearance, foldability and crinkly sound of paper. Like paper, it’s also a very patient material.”
the pieces will take on a beautiful 'crumpled up paper' look with wear. but don't let dissuade you, the material is incredibly robust, lightweight and recyclable.

just look at the work that goes into each bag, beautiful.

silk screening the Tyvek

drying

attaching the zipper

folding

notice the new versus the used pieces in the photo above?

read more about this inspirational couple here: http://stefan-diez.com/files/download-surface-Magazine-2010.pdf, it's a worthwhile read.

PAPIER by saskia diez won the Designpreis Deutschland 2010.

we love our moms.

2011-05-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

just look at them! healthy, beautiful, active, hard working, and not only amazing mothers, but grandmothers too. what would we do without them? can't bear to think of it.

thank you for all you've done and all you continue to do.

mother's day or any day - these are BEAUTIFUL.

2011-05-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

we get really excited about companies that get it, and these guys get it. every extension of what they've created is thoughtful and forward thinking. this collection of potted goods are handmade in the US, the herbs are organic, the containers are made from recycled and, or compostable material all while offering a clean, contemporary look.

a hydrogarden made from repurposed wine bottle, this system has everything you need to get you growing

bonsai kits! handmade in the US, recycled steel, grow yours from seed

what? it's a bonsai forest. loooovvve this.

get your kids involved!

organic herbs - in a compostable rice hull container

thank you!

2011-05-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

such a great night...the weather was perfect, the crowd, the sculptures, the jewellery...

thank you for being part of our celebratory week. this was a great way to kick off our anniversary weekend. haven't seen all the work yet? come on down.

to view more pictures of the event, please visit our facebook page:

facebook/walrus

xo caroline and daniel

this weekend...

2011-04-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

looks like the sun is going to be out for us this weekend! perfect for a glass of prosecco, a sampling of tea, french macarons & this weekend only, receive 10% off everything in the shop*!
we have heaps of new things we're excited to share with you. we're so grateful for all your support, this is our small way of thanking you for being a part of it all.

(*please note, discount does not include macarons & exhibition work)

we're 2.

2011-04-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

yes, 2 years have passed swiftly, thanks to all of you!

we'd like to celebrate, so this weekend, please pop in for a glass of prosecco! our favourite macaron man, Jamie, will be here with new flavours, and spot tea will sampling some new hot and chilled teas as well.

thank you, we hope to see you here.

xo caroline and daniel

fun, fun, fun...

2011-04-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

we love these stylish, young gals from new york. just look at the fun their having with their designs!

cambie village easter hunt tomorrow!

2011-04-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

come one come all! don't have a child? find one - it's supposed to be beautiful out so, come and enjoy the fun!

click here for a closer look at the details: http://www.cambievillage.com/

new shipment of terrariums

2011-04-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

i love these 'mini' worlds...

just in time for Easter. going to someone's home for dinner? this would make an adorable hostess gift. we also have some cute Easter cards in stock....

confluence: a point of juncture

2011-04-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

monica berdin + fei disbrow

opening: thursday, april 28th, 2011

6 - 9pm

we hope to see you here,

caroline and daniel

'world reclaimed' is back...

2011-04-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

...with a beautifully crafted mason bee house. following the success of their boards, this next piece is crafted with the same, if not more, amount of heart and soul.

"This little Mason Bee House began its journey as Ipe end cuts of an outdoor bench we constructed last year. Each leftover piece had its struggles; either being warped or split or simply just not pretty enough for the job… but after some trimming, shaping, finishing and fastening with Grandpa’s nails they worked themselves into homes for our disappearing population of mason bees.

Inside the house is a honeycomb of nesting tubes waiting to be inhabited by some tired mason bees as they take a break from a hard days pollinating. All you have to do to lend a hand, is remove the mesh and hook this humble abode up on a sunny wall, preferably an eastern or southern exposure to energize their wings. Providing protection from any nasty weather that might blow their tiny bodies around would help them get a good night’s sleep, too. Think sun, they do! To ensure some bees take up residence you can populate the house with cocoons. For anything mason bee related go to Beediverse to point you in the right direction.

Now, the mason bee house itself is created from FSC Ipe that seemingly lasts forever. It is as hard as a rock but to keep the rich hues this house has been sealed with Penofin Verde so our petite friends stay healthy. Left untreated or without re-applying an oil, it will silver beautifully.

Take me home, inhabit me, and make some blossoms very happy this spring."

'noo' nookas have arrived

2011-04-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

yes, they're back in stock and in more flavours than before....

"“Yogurt” is Nooka’s collaborative piece with innovative designer Karim Rashid. It is our first circular design, which utilizes soft and flexible polyurethane, making it similar to the Nooka ZUB line of watches. The display incorporates digital hexagons that comprise the hour in the middle while the minutes circle the outer display of the watch. This watch features sleep mode, a 12 and 24 hour display mode."

for those who've been hoping for a circular form from nooka, there you have it!

we've also got a restock of some of our best sellers, so come on down and check it out.

they've been hard at work down in new york. introducing, the new and improved asset organizer - a 'streamlined alternative to the conventional wallet'

now available in shop in limited quantity.

ode to Daniel...

2011-04-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

it's a big birthday today.

while it's a common mistake - we're not married, at least not to each other.

we've worked together for the last 8 years and shared some pretty exceptionally great and not so great times. while we were well warned from close mutual friends and strangers, about 'getting into business with friends', we knew we'd be ok. and i'd say we're better than ok thank you very much. thanks for being a great business partner and friend daniel, here's to amazing year ahead.

happy 40th. xo

the wait is over...

2011-04-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

a fresh batch of fjallraven has just landed at the shop - new colours and their anniversary edition (top photo)!
come see, they can be tricky ones to get sometimes....

we have the 'mini', and the 'classic' in an assortment of colours, along with the 'vintage military 20 litre' in olive and khaki.

'makelike' - more like make'love', well...er...

2011-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

what i mean is, we love these guys and their company name is makelike. they are delightful, in their design and to work with.

made of 100% european linen, designed and screen-printed in portland, oregon. they'd be beautiful framed up too, no?

who are they? a graphic design studio who 'have been designing wallpaper, printed ephemera and other rarified objects for clients (big and small, young and old, near and far) for over a decade now. now we are doing it for ourselves!'

beautiful, perfect & balanced...

2011-03-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

those are words that came to mind when we first set eyes on these jewellery pieces. no surprise when we found out they were designed by architects. we're honoured that hiroko and neil decided to share their work with us.

"hk+np studio is a Vancouver based jewelry design studio, that utilizes techniques and forms derived from the architectural backgrounds of its partners. The partners met in 2005 while apprenticing at the office of Nick Milkovich Architects Inc. with Arthur Erickson.

All of our products are designed in Vancouver, Canada, and produced with exemplary craftsmanship and surface finish in Niigata, Japan."

pieces are available in 3 finishes; mirrored, brushed and 'honed' (i didn't know what it was either - similar to brushed, but takes more work and has a polished, more even finish). if you know architects like we know architects - this collection is a stunning example of design, craftsmanship, and quality. from the packaging to the piece itself....architecture at its 'small scale' best.

just listen to their inspiration:

"The twist series is inspired by the interplay of light reflecting off a water ripple. A shimmer of light illuminates the ripple not in it’s entirety, but only as it dissipates over time. similarly, with it’s twisted form, the bangle is never illuminated in it’s entirety, but accentuated with changes in light and motion." wow.

'bagis' the newest member of the urbanears family

2011-03-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

"The Bagis is a compact version of the full Urbanears experience. It’s an earplug construction for a direct sound and efficient noise reduction. It features rubber housing along with a combined fabric and TPE cord to eliminate distortions caused by friction. As a bonus each earpiece snaps together, allowing you to carry them around your neck when not in use. So now you know where they’re at."
they also come with 3 different ear plug sizes so they should fit every ear comfortably. how nice.

throw some your 'kids' way (or absent-minded individual who can't justify spending more), at $36 - it's the perfect spring break companion