Category: small space

Signature Gift-Wrapping

holiday, small space

I love gift-wrapping possibly more than anyone I know. I love paper and beautiful ribbon with coordinating and contrasting colours. But what I don’t love is storing all the supplies.

Small space living requires me to think differently about EVERYTHING including seasonal requirements like gift-wrapping supplies.

Signature Gift-Wrapping is the simple solution for me.

I pick all-purpose combinations suitable for Christmas, birthdays, weddings and more.

Here’s how it works

  • Choose only 1 to 3 rolls of paper in colours that you love. Simple dollar store paper, small-batch handmade paper or luxurious designer collections. Anything goes! If you have small children in your life consider adding something fun to the mix.

Tissue paper takes up hardly any room and is a great solution for packaging  small, awkwardly shaped gifts.

  • Designate a small box to contain extras to pretty up the package.

Tags | Ornaments | Stickers or labels
Stamps | Decorative Tapes
Ribbon | String
Photos

  • Last minute additions of small freshly cut greens tucked under a bow are a thoughtful extra.

 

My Favourite Combos

kraft paper + black ribbon ● white paper + turquoise ribbon

white paper + black ribbon ● white paper + jute

black paper + white ribbon

 

More than 130 inspired wrapping ideas HERE.

The best how-to! Now you can tie a PERFECT BOW.

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Starting an Art Collection | Quick Guide for Beginners

art, decor, small space, style

Do you own art? Do you remember the first piece of art you ever purchased? I do. I was visiting San Francisco for the first time and there was an open-air art exhibit in a public park – lots of artists and not a lot of people browsing or buying. I purchased a piece from a young artist named Zaine Christenson. She was likely an art student at the time. The colours in her work really spoke to me: vivid greens with natural accents. I contacted her a year later to ask if she could send 2 more pieces my way. That was 23 years ago.

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An art collection is a simple accumulation of art works and anyone can have one.

5 Ways To Get Started:

1.    Buy what you like. Don’t worry about where you will put it or whether or not it is “a good piece”. If it calls to you and it is within your budget – buy it.

2.    Not all art is expensive. If you like a piece of work and it doesn’t fit your budget ask the artist if they have a smaller piece or a very small piece for sale.

3.    Art does not need to be large to be meaningful. I have teeny pieces of art tucked in spaces few people would see. I see them and that makes me happy.

4.    There is no shortage of original art. Check out your favourite local websites and community papers for a list of What’s Happening. Art Openings, small galleries, student shows, and studio Open Houses are frequent in most cities. There are amazing deals in thrift stores and don’t forget social media. Spring and Fall studio tours are an amazing way to meet artists in their creative spaces and can make for a fun weekend.

5.    After purchasing art, attach the artist bio or card to the back of the work – that way you can always reference details if need be.

 

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Art work above by Gina Sarro Landscapes.

Art Styling | Top Tips

In the studio with artist Gina Sarro

 

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In the studio with artist Gina Sarro

art, decor, small space, style

Stylist Meets Artist | COLLABORATION

Have you heard the phrase, “there is no accounting for taste?” Essentially it means that we like what we like.  Many of us have strong feelings about colour, design and style, and art is no exception.

Recently, I met local Vancouver artist Gina Sarro and one look at her paintings told me that I needed to see more. Know more. And share more.

This art speaks to me. Gina paints both abstracts and abstract landscapes. Her work is both acrylic and oil, on canvas or wood panel and her unique gift is that she paints as comfortably in soft muted palettes as bold daring ones. Both styles are amazing!

Gina Sarro Landscapes and Studio C are collaborating on a regular Instagram feature during the month of May. Simple art styling tips and outstanding, colourful modern art is coming your way.

Sneak Peek

turn that art

When Gina and I met for this photo shoot we were on the same wavelength … do what it takes to make art feel at home in its setting – and in some cases that means turning an abstract upside down! It’s an abstract – position it to its best advantage and that might be different depending on what else is in a grouping. Here we paired Gina’s green linear painting with fresh white hyacinths in an ivory-coloured ceramic vase.

Comments are open. And we really want to know, “Do you have a favourite?”

Is it the top image (green to the left)?

Or the bottom image (white to the left)?

Maybe you like them equally?

Not a fan of green … no voting required. ♡ ♡ ♡

Check below to see what others are saying.

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