LouLouBell Handmade Blog

Spring Equinox 2013

2013-03-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring all! I hope that wherever you are, you rang in the spring equinox with sunshine and flowers pushing their stems up out of the earth. We here in Nova Scotia met spring with a blast of 15 cm of that fluffy, cold, white stuff! I spent the day in the studio, furnace turned up, wool knee socks on, working on these bright blossoms. Not the real thing, but nearly as pretty!

homemade hearts

2013-02-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share this picture with you of our fridge decorated for heart day tomorrow. The large white heart in the middle was decorated by my 3 year old and proudly placed on the fridge among all these other red and pink hearts which were made for me many years ago before my son was even a thought in my head!

One year on my birthday, when I really didn't think it would be any different than any other day, I walked into work to find the door of my office COMPLETELY covered with tiny red hearts! One of my sweet co-workers took the time to make these and decorated as a birthday surprise. It was so pretty, and I just loved them so much that when it was time to take them down, I tucked them away in an envelope.

Since then we have moved twice and I found this envelope this year and pulled them out just in time for Valentine's. Taylor glued some magnets to the back of the hearts and voila! Valentine's decorations we can use again every year! He's been having fun re-arranging them and lining them up....

So to the sweetie who made these pretty little things, Happy Valentine's Day!

A little love giveaway!

2013-02-11T17:44:00.001-08:00

We want to show you some love this Valentine's Day! So we're offering a little treat and will announce the winner on February 14th. We like you and we're hoping you like us - so all you need to do is go to our Facebook page and like us there for an entry and chance to win these goodies!

Halifax Prom Show Coming Up!

2013-01-30T11:58:00.005-08:00

If you're a 2013 Grad in Halifax Regional Municipality, or if you know someone who is, you need to share this with them! There's a one-stop shopping event, The Halifax Prom Show, this Sunday, February 3 at Citadel High. All HRM grads are welcome, AND if you register to attend, you will have a chance to WIN YOUR PROM DRESS. Amazing opportunity to get the gown of your dreams for your big night!

Bridal Accessory Showcase Announced!

2013-01-16T14:37:00.001-08:00

It's official! We're holding our 3rd annual 'Petals & Pearls' bridal accessory showcase! Set for April 27th, 2013! See details below :)

This weekend at Dalhousie!

2012-11-23T08:55:00.001-08:00

We're all set up at Dalplex and it's gorgeous in here! So many great crafters and artists under one roof...this weekend, November 23-25!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Trick or Treat

2012-11-01T08:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! From the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who :) (aka Taylor & little cousin Brynn)

Oh Geez, another hobby!

2012-10-22T19:18:00.004-07:00

Well, I say 'hobby', but this is my job. Really I love it! What could be better than experimenting in the world of craft and design and getting paid to do what I love? So in between sewing and beading and flame-burning a bazillion flowers in the last couple weeks, I've also decided to get out some fabric paint and screen print on the (clean) floor in my studio (only because I've used up every other work station right now with stacks and baskets of inventory I'm prepping for the Christmas shows...) I promise there is a method to the madness and such a thing as 'organized chaos'. It's right here in my studio!

Anyways, I am LOVING screen printing so don't be surprised if you see this creeping into my product line in the coming months. I hope you love it too! (teeny tiny flocks of birds on clutches found here)

Etsy Love

2012-10-17T12:41:00.001-07:00

Curator: Plain2Pretty on Etsy

It makes my little heart happy when I see in my Etsy feed that someone chose one of my pieces for their treasury. And a pretty treasury at that! I've always loved this color combination. Thanks Plain2Pretty for including our chocolate and pink garter.

In the Studio

2012-10-12T06:17:00.001-07:00

Bows and beads and blossoms! Working on baby clips and headbands to take to the Christmas shows! I wanted to add something new this holiday season for the little ones in addition to LouLouBell's signature blossoms, and what is cuter than a bow tie in a little girl's hair? You'll see these on clips and headbands this year. Lots of new colors but plenty of pink and purple which seems to always be the popular pick. What other colors would you like to see?

Flowers & Feathers

2012-09-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

Packaged up and ready to hit the shelves over at Boutique Joliette!

Lots of bridal hairpieces in both ivory and white, and sending along some 'mini fascinators' too for your more informal events. Just because the dress code says business casual doesn't mean you can't wear feathers in your hair!

Ditch that Big Bag!

2012-09-17T06:40:00.002-07:00

I just added my newest designed 'mini-purses' to the shop. Sometimes you just don't feel like lugging around that suit-case sized purse. Maybe you're running out to a movie and just need your money and some lipstick? Perfect small size to grab-n-go with just the essentials.

Coming Soon to Toronto!

2012-09-09T17:45:00.004-07:00

LouLouBell fold over clutches! Along with some pretty hairpins, blossoms and zippered pouches! Check out the arrival of Mint Boutique to the Distillery District in Toronto.... Due to open in November 2012, just in time for the holidays!

Halifax Crafters Spring Up!

2012-05-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

It's this weekend! One of my favourite shows, right here in Halifax. Over 80 amazing and talented artists and crafters, plus some new food vendors I'm looking forward to sampling (in particular Honey Spoon Baking Co. who is launching at the show this weekend! Exciting!)

There's a full list of exhibitors here, check it out and please come to support local Halifax this weekend!

Eclectic Bridesmaid Dresses

2012-03-31T19:45:00.003-07:00

Good grief, these are just the prettiest things! I had to share this etsy shop I stumbled across.

How amazing! All different but they look so pretty together. I like how in the photo above they used the same style of boot and bouquets to tie them all together. Visit this shop: sohomode

So cute and wouldn't they be great for a spring or summer wedding?!

love this face

2012-03-05T06:21:00.003-08:00

Just sayin....

Life can't get much better for a 2 year old with a sprinkle donut

One of my Go-to Recipes for Dinner-Made-Easy

2012-03-01T07:27:00.004-08:00

Image courtesy of Our Big Earth.

I bookmarked this recipe well over a year ago and I'm sure I probably make this at least once a month (and it's in my slow cooker right now as I type). It's the tastiest (and oh so easy!) recipe for slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches. So I thought I would share. Just dump the stuff into the crock pot and let it sit all day to stew in the bbq sauce. Grab some buns and some cole-slaw and voila! Easy, hearty dinner and there's always left over for yummy lunches the next day. See the recipe here.

In my Studio

2012-02-02T10:08:00.001-08:00

It's been a little bit in the making, but my studio space is finally just about completed. Just waiting to put some final wallpaper up and the doorknob on the door. And all the while I've been working in here, so I'm yet to actually 'tidy up' and take some good shots to share, but I thought I'd give you a little taste, and show you one of my favourite parts. I had been collecting artwork for a little while so I was so happy when the day came that the walls were painted and I could finally hang these up! All courtesy of our favourite handmade community etsy!

Top Left: Sew in Love Silkscreen by HowToUseArt

Top Right: Make Something Good Today by pleasebestill

Bottom Left: Blue Bird Art Print by ChasingtheCrayon

Bottom Right: Scissor Print by Rufflewood

Before, just concrete and little gyp-roc. And a two year old making himself at home to watch Daddy hard at work. He did take the opportunity to learn how to use the hammer, Daddy's drill and a measuring tape. Maybe he can help out with the next reno project.

And before my eyes, it had electricity, lighting, paint, floor, custom work desk, cabinets. All kinds of goodness to finally get my work stuff out of my living room and into a home of it's own! Yay! (Another favourite part is that picture of Taylor hanging on the wall above my desk so I can see him when he's out at daycare). I'll post some more when I actually get the time to clean up a bit (I'm a messy worker :)

Do you have time for hobbies?

2012-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Well see my hobby has turned into a full blown business (which I love and am completely grateful for!) But sometimes, I miss making something by hand, just to make it, out of nothingness, from start to finish, with no other creative persuasion but my own!

I am blessed to work with so many lovely customers and brides, but the nature of the majority of that work is custom (which is super fun and challenging sometimes!). So you get what I'm saying? I just every now and again want to create something out of my head with no direction.... until I'm happy I've produced something pretty. That's all.

You may want to sneak a peek over at my baby shop for some of my latest creations (I'm considering this my new 'hobby') ♥

Calling all 2012 brides!

2012-01-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

Announcing the 2nd Annual 'Petals & Pearls' Bridal Accessory Showcase! This is a one-day event with myself and Vive Jewelry (amazing pearls!), hosted by Boutique Joliette on Hollis Street, Halifax. Sneak a peek here... Please see the invite with details and RSVP info. One stop shopping for all your bridal accessory needs!

Extra Show added for the Season!

2011-11-30T05:19:00.001-08:00

We just added one more show for the Holiday Season, this will be the last one, December 8 - 11 at the Piazza at Bishop's Landing on Lower Water Street. Think old fashioned euro style outdoor market with lit up tents, a carousel, and even a visit from the Jolly fellow himself! waterfrontchristmas.ca

One down, Two to go!

2011-11-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to visit at the Halifax Forum show last weekend. It was a great time, nice to see familiar faces and catch up with some old (and new!) friends :)

This weekend I can be found at the Dalplex Christmas show, November 25, 26 & 27.

And then to wrap up the holiday season, I'll be at the Halifax Crafters' Yuletide Cheer show Dec. 3 & 4. Both great places to find that perfect, (one-of-a-kind) handmade gift!

Upcoming Halifax Shows!

2011-10-11T17:29:00.001-07:00

Christmas season is soon going to be upon us, I can hardly believe it!

LouLouBell will be exhibiting at the following shows and hope you can join us there!

November 4 - 6, 2011
Christmas at the Forum
Halifax Forum
Halifax, Nova Scotia

November 25-27, 2011
Dalplex Christmas Craft Market
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia

December 3 & 4, 2011
Halifax Crafters Yuletide Cheer
Olympic Centre, Cunard Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

My Big Day Downtown: Trying Something New

2011-10-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

So you remember last year, I wrote this post about my big day downtown? It was part of an initiative of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission. Local bloggers were recruited to have some fun downtown Halifax and then come back and tell all you lovelies about our day.

This year, I was lucky enough to do this again, only with the stipulation that I try something new. And that's exactly what I did!

I've been living in Halifax for just about 10 years now. I spent the better part of that time actually working in downtown Halifax. And I would walk by Petrie's Halifax Feast Dinner Theatre just about every other day. I always saw the sign out on Salter Street and had always heard about it through friends and co-workers. So I thought, 'This is my big chance!'. I've always wanted to go and this was a great opportunity to check it out.

I called up the box office and explained it was my first show. The lady on the other end of the phone was super friendly and took my reservation quickly and easily. I thought I would bring my husband and make a date night out of it, to say thank you for all the hard work he's been doing building my new sewing studio! (More on that soon, very exciting!) So we were booked in for Saturday night. When I told my Mom we were going, besides being jealous, she asked "Is Darren going to be into that sort of thing?" Well, yes. Because the show that's currently playing is called 'Spree'. Like 'Glee', only different. And let's face it, Darren is a complete Gleek!

There's a parking lot conveniently just across the street, so no need to fuss around trying to get a decent park space. And I was happy for that because we were having typical Halifax rainy, blustery weather.

When we got inside, we were greeted by a friendly gal who took our names and then had 'Skin Mudson' show us to our table. I later started piecing it together that these nice people were actually the cast who were doubling as the wait staff. I'm still sort of in shock at this. Because they're singing their hearts out, dancing their pants off, acting and bobbing around, and then swiftly jump off the stage to the kitchen where they then switch to server mode. Unbelievable! And throughout the night it became apparent that we would meet every single one of the cast members as they keep trading up tables to serve food and drinks. Pretty cool.

So not only was I completely astounded at that, but to top it off, I noticed that they kept taking turns playing the backup music for all the musical numbers. Sometimes it was 'Mercedes Johnson' played by the very talented Sarah Richardson at the keyboards (and this girl can sing!), and then you'd see Skin Mudson (Sean O'Brien) or Bill Schuman (Stephane Gaudet) over at the drum set. Amazing. Singing. Dancing. Serving. Playing instruments. That's some crazy talent. And above all, you can tell they are enjoying every minute of it and are loving what they do. The show was fast paced and seriously funny (my cheeks were numb from smiling and laughing!). The music was awesome and the harmonies were really great. We were impressed!

This is me and my new friend 'Burt Bummel' (Kurt Hummel's counterpart), played by Vianney Aubrecht. Burt claimed he wasn't trying to steal Darren, but he was awfully friendly with him ;)

Amazing singer, amazing dancer!

We also got to meet 'Dru Sylibble' played by Bev Butler and 'Fay Ray' played by Hannah King. These ladies will make you laugh! Belly laughs. Other talented cast members included Joshua Law and Victoria Ryan.

Let's talk food! I have to say, for the price of our tickets, you really get a great deal. If you were to go out for dinner and drinks for the night, you would spend the same amount, minus the entertainment. So for the price of our tickets, we got a starter salad and fresh baked bread, a choice of 6 entrees, so there's something for everyone (we had the steak which was really yummy but my favorite part of the meal was the garlic mashed potatoes prepared by Chef Joel Estabrooks), and then a triple brownie dessert with raspberry sauce, whipped cream and berries (drool!). And the show!

I cannot say enough about how friendly and accommodating these folks were. Even though they were bouncing in and out of the kitchen directly from the stage (and in character all the while!), they were happy and the service was excellent!

The space is a perfect size so it's an intimate atmosphere and everyone is relatively close to the action. They even had a few audience members up on stage at one point dancing, that's fun. As long as it's not me! (shy). But everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Overall, our Big Day Downtown to see 'Spree' at the Halifax Feast Dinner Theatre was a success and I would certainly go back to see another show. You can see 'Spree' until November 2011. There's a complete calender for the 2011 season here. This would be something ideal to take your folks to when they're in town for the holiday season too.

It's so nice to see people are working hard in Halifax to contribute to the arts and keep live, interactive entertainment alive. Jim Petrie's Dinner Theatre is celebrating a milestone this year. 25 years in theatre! Congratulations and I hope they will continue to make great entertainment for many years to come!

Thanks again to the DHBC for the opportunity to review a little piece of what Downtown Halifax has to offer! You can see a complete directory on their website. So if you're looking, check out Downtown Halifax, they're sure to have a little bit of everything.

We're in Weddingbells Magazine!

2011-08-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

So a few months back, my little etsy shop was discovered by one of the editors at Weddingbells Magazine who contacted me about having my stuff in their next issue! I was a loyal reader of Weddingbells while planning my own wedding, and especially their website weddingbells.ca.

Their forums are such a great place to find information and see what other brides are doing and gather some good inspiration.

So I was completely thrilled when they asked me, so up to Toronto went some of my accessories for a big photo shoot. And then in July, there it was on news stands! The Fall/Winter Weddingbells Magazine, with little LouLouBell from Upper Tantallon in their pages! And in three different places throughout, including the Table of Contents! Awesome! Thank you Weddingbells, this was LouLouBell's first magazine appearance, and I couldn't be more happy for it to be one of my own favorite wedding magazines!