Vietnamese Design: Metiseko Clothing

Metiseko – Eco chic lifestyle Donatello and I visited the charming town of Hoi An in Vietnam, where we were enchanted by the lantern-lined streets and rows of happy yellow houses. Not surprisingly, Hoi An is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a photographer’s dream. The shopping is also amazing and we picked up our first piece […]

Canadian Design: FoldIT Creations by Gavin Canning

Silver Orgami Leaf Necklace, FoldIT Creations by Gavin Canning

Tomiko and I first saw FoldIT Creations by Gavin Canning at the Annex Flea a few months ago and thought we had to share our discovery! Gavin Canning’s jewelry pieces are not only beautiful, but mind-blowing in their intricacy. The origami leaves, koi, dragonflies, hearts, and ‘paper’ airplane are gorgeous, but they don’t compare to the detailed cranes. […]

DIY: Block Printing Basics

I started block printing back in high school, more than 10 years ago, and it was the basis for most of my senior art project. I loved the process; it was so simple, created such striking images, and allowed me to use such versatile supplies. I could whip out a beautiful piece in an hour. […]

Canadian Design: L2RStudio with Ivan Zhao

Honest Ed's, L2RStudio, Kiku Corner

L2RStudio is a Toronto-based studio by artists including graphic designer Ivan Zhao. Tomiko and I loved his illustrations at the Etsy Made in Canada pop up back in September, recognizing classic Toronto cultural landmarks. His Toronto City Landmarks Series show buildings that are near-and-dear to our hearts, from past buildings like Sam the Record Man and […]

Canadian Design: Fionna Hanna the Textile Designer

Goose Pillow Cover by Fionna Hanna, Kiku Corner

Fionna Hanna is a Toronto-based textile designer that features archetypal Canadian animals on her cotton or linen pillowcases, scarves and pouches. Silk screen and embroidery combine to form graphic animal silhouettes accented by cheeky red accessories like scarves or headphones (or are those earmuffs?). Growing up overseas, we would often scoff at Canadian things, but […]