Moonlight for Violet

I like this

2011-05-15T18:59:00.001-04:00

On a week such as this where there is nothing but rain in sight, I appreciate the little things that keep me feeling cozy and happy as I tinker away in my apartment.

I am a huge coffee drinker. Though I love my coffee I keep it to one BIG cup in the mornings and that's it. With these rainy afternoons hanging around I'm finding comfort and happiness in my big mug of Forever Nuts tea, by David's Tea.

Here's the description, try not to drool:

For almond lovers

It looks all normal when it’s loose. But steep it and you’ll see that it’s nuts. Within seconds, this tempting jumble of almond slices and chunks, apple bits and cinnamon bark starts turning a crazy shade of pink. Why? Because it contains a hint of beetroot. That’s what gives this rich almond tea its earthy depth and its all-natural signature colour. Deliciously nutty, decidedly addictive.

Personally I don't taste almond at all. But what I do taste is the greatest oatmeal apple cinnamon cookie I've ever had. It reminds me of the cookies my mom used to make us, the ones I've occasionally baked just to smell that smell again, and feel like a little kid. I've blasted through this first tin of tea and I'll be back this week for more. 100 grams + handy tin costs just $13.00, less than the cost of my coffee for a week.

Thanks, David's Tea, for bringing this explosively delicious drink to my happy place.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet, xo

My bike!

2011-05-10T13:37:00.002-04:00

I am almost ready to reveal Vera to the world. Vera is my new Vela folding bike, and she's a dream.

I've got my bike pump, locks (yep, I've decided to stamp it, double lock it...) lights, I'm getting there. I still need a helmet (which I've been very picky about, hence no helmet yet) and I've been waiting for my basket to arrive.

Because I have a folding bike, and that includes the handle bars, I can't have a basket on the front. Which is spectacular, because otherwise I would not have found this beautiful gem

Okay, take a minute to compose yourself and get over the adorableness. This is a handmade special, made by Laurie Macpherson of Abasketfull on ETSY. The price is so incredibly reasonable. If you are in need of a new basket you will visit and revisit this listing and eventually have to have one of your own.

I was also really pleased to support a handmade sale from a fellow Canadian.

Three cheers for Laurie and her contribution to my bike's supreme cuteness this summer! Pics to come when I have her dressed and ready for the world.

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet, xo

The Home

2011-05-10T13:13:00.001-04:00

Good golly,

What a dream this home is. Miller House, designed by Eero Saarinen, completed in 1957.

1957!!!! (See the Dwell slideshow)

Such inspiration. Dare to dream...

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet xo

Ah.. and just like that, I'm off for a visit.

2011-03-18T12:51:00.002-04:00

Off to Vancouver next week, my home away from home. Mountain air, and a change of scene. That does a heart good.

For those around on March 26th and 27th don't not even think about missing the season opener, two-day extravaganza, Portobello West Market. Doors open at 11, admission is $2. Fantastic vendors dishing handmade wares. Love it.

P.S, They've moved! Change is good, it breathes new life into the dusty corners. You'll find the 2011 Portobello West Market at the Creekside Community Recreation Centre in the Olympic Village by False Creek. Be there or be square.

In my lunch-time Etsy meanderings today I came across this fantastic print, I think I might need it...

Cute, huh? Since I don't quite possess the cahones to actually move, this print might have to do.

You can thank inhauspress for this. Check them out.

Oh, and who else is sockless in Toronto today? Feels dang good to slip on some flats a go. I can't seem to surrender the scarf yet though. Oh well, baby steps.

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet, xo

I like this

2011-03-07T17:05:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous! Handwoven Celeste Scarf. I've been admiring the handywork from this shop for quite some time,enjoying the colours and oodles of texture ... see for yourself.

From the item description:

"Handwoven in shades of smoky gray, olive, sparkly green, black, linen, silvery gray, mustard green, sky blue, chocolate, mushroom, seafoam and taupe. This lightweight scarf varies in pattern ("German Bird's Eye") from zig zags and ribs to diamonds."

Simply dreamy.

Yours Truly,

Moonlight for Violet xo

a fondness for cubes

2011-03-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

Smooth and angular, perfectly sqare, cubes of pine, beech and cherry to wear!

Just needed to share - I think these are so charming and perfect!

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet, xo

I like this

2011-02-26T18:24:00.001-05:00

This is one of the sellers I have in my faves on Etsy, thief and bandit.

ceremony necklace - $65

I love the colours and that cool break of braided work. bravo thief and bandit!

Who's ready?

2011-02-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Do you ever get that feeling, it happens to me at this time every year, that feeling like you're holding your breath just waiting, pacing, fidgeting, until spring finally arrives?

It's not just me, right?

I'm sitting here at this very moment watching a gentle snow flurry outside, it's February 26th, and March is just 3 days away. It's -7 degrees today.

Last friday it was 10 degrees. We're officially into the fluctuating weather of pre-spring.

Okay, let's get away from there. I'd rather talk about nicer things. So let's get right down to it then.

These are a few of my new pieces for spring this year. I'm so into these wood cubes right now and the angles and raw edges of these beautiful bits of pyrite seem to blend nicely.

Pyrite is commonly known as fools gold, and that's just one more thing to appreciate about it. I've booked-ended each pyrite bit with a tiny raw diamond chip, to accentuate the raw natural element.

Damn, I love making jewelry!

The pyrite necklaces aren't listed on the Moonlight for Violet Etsy page yet but they'll be there soon!

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet xo

December, you're always so good to me!

2010-12-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

The most wonderful time of the year

2010-11-28T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hello All and happy up-coming holidays to YOU!

I'm busy working like the dickens for A Handmade Holiday this Saturday Decenber 4th. There will be lots of newly released items and of course, some knits.

Take a look at some of my newest items:

winter mementos 001 - scarf pin in antiqued brass

feathered in brass - necklace

mini harmonica - NOW in red and black

Oh, and did you know there's a new Moonlight for Violet website? Check it out!

A Handmade Holiday!

2010-11-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The time of year when there are handmade craft markets each and every weekend!

I'm particularly excited about A Handmade Holiday, hosted and presented by Kid Icarus!

I'm about to get busy posting new holiday pieces, hit up the NEW Moonlight for Violet website to view specatular new items coming soon!

The other side of Moonlight for Violet

2010-08-03T13:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Artsy Fartsy Memories and Comfortably Lovely for including my knit shop, knitrovert, in this Etsy lover's treasury and Crafty Stuff treasury.

Both included my "I heart Etsy" beer cozie. What a coinky-dink!

The knits just aren't getting played up enough on this page. I better step-up my game.

Who's ready?

2010-08-03T12:51:00.001-04:00

Who's ready to see some Fall knits? I love this amazing summer we're having here in Toronto, but I'm ready to see that Tim Horton's commercial. You know the one, right? The one where everyone starts freaking out as the leaves start to fall. That one.

Already on the prowl for my Fall go-to shoes and I think I know what I need. More on that later once I make up my mind.

Fall knits - sneak peek - next week.

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

Weekend in the Mountains

2010-07-22T13:10:00.000-04:00

Today, as I'm thinking about "the good old days" and long ago mountain summers, I get this little note to let me know one of my items has been picked for a treasury. The treasury is entitled "Weekend in the Mountains"
Someone, il gatto selvatico, has taken the time to dream up a theme, sort through all of Etsy to come up with just the right assortment of complimentary items, and assemble them as a group of artistic pieces to share with Etsy sellers and shoppers alike.

This is one of my favourite things about Etsy. Penelope, aka il gatto selvatico, does not know me. She's all the way over there in Rome, creating her own beautiful works like her custom country necklace, and indian princess fleather earrings, working as hard as anyone else on Etsy to promote her own work. And while she is doing this, she takes the time to put together a collection of other people's work, to show and share the skills and expertise of others.

Thanks Penelope!

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

oh wow! 2 treasuries this weekend!

2010-07-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to Deer Mayor for including the dainty antler in gold necklace in their Oh Deer treasury today.

So cute. Look at all the awesome deer treasures!

Light as a feather - thanks Peachy Designs!

2010-07-18T14:08:00.001-04:00

It's always nice to be appreciated. Thanks to Peachy Designs for including the plume necklace in their treasury.

Don't forget to stop in each Monday for the extra special 2 for 1 Monday Madness. Half price accessories? You got it.

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

love and knit - sharing the Etsy love

2010-07-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

Way to make me beg for autumn leaves love and knit!

love and knit is an independent designer creating bright, adventurous knits from Istanbul. I just purchased this gorgeous pink, red, and brown cashmere cowl neck for a very, very reasonable price and I'm so excited to receive it.

One of the fantastic things about Etsy is that designers from all over the world are creating and selling for every season, all year round.

Just because it isn't cool outside yet doesn't mean I can't get a jump-start on fall accessories. The early bird gets the worm, right? In my case, the worm is this luscious cashmere neckwarmer.

Accessory lovers tip: it never hurts to buy out of season. treasures are out there begging to be found.

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

Monday Madness - 2 for 1 fun!

2010-07-05T12:44:00.000-04:00

The scoop:

I'm excited about this one..I hope you're excited too.. Starting TODAY, Moonlight for Violet is offering a Monday Madness 2 for 1 special EACH AND EVERY MONDAY!

How does it work? It's as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Select and purchases any 2 Moonlight for Violet items and complete your payment transaction
2. Moonlight for Violet will send you a refund on your equal or lower cost item through Paypal
3. Voila! you have 2 swank Moonlight for Violet pieces for 1 silly little low price!

Have fun with that.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

teaser

2010-06-28T16:12:00.001-04:00

This week is dedicated to Fall and Winter protos for 2010/2011.

It can be hard to stay focused on winterables when it's 28 degrees outside, but thinking of cooler days and bundling up are among some of my very favourite things. Being at home to leisurly enjoy my coffee on the balcony isn't too shabby either.

Photos soon.

ALSO...stayed tuned for an announcement on Moonlight for Violet's newest promotion, "Monday Madness".

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

What did I miss?

2010-06-15T19:27:00.000-04:00

Holy jumpin gang!

Moonlight for Violet has been off the grid. Just like you, Moonlight for Violet occasionally needs a little time to kick back, relax, and regroup.

Sorry for the break-down in communication. It was necessary to plan the next phase.

So today, as I puttered around the interweb, I received some greetings and congratulations on the recent ETSY storque feature called Whoa, Canada! One of the ETSY team members is on their way up to spend some quality time in Toronto and decided to pull together a cross-Canada shout-out, including your truly, Moonlight for Violet.

Chosen specifically for this feature is a sweet little necklace called let nature be your guide.

I'm happy to share the feature with awesome artists and sellers from across the country. What a pleasant surprise!

Now that's a great way to jump back onto the blog scene!

Take care and I'll talk to you soon.

Yours truly,
Moonlight for Violet

SALE!! 10% or more on Etsy

2010-03-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

Today I got to thinking about the weather, and how if it were nicer out I would have gone for a wander and a wee bit of a shop, just to shake out the winter cobwebs and inject a jolt of spring colour into my weekend.

This motivated me to have a little sale in the Moonlight for Violet Etsy shop. For a limited time most Moonlight for Violet items are 10% off or more. Take advantage of sale prices while they last!

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

New Etsy front page

2010-02-24T16:53:00.000-05:00

It feels so nice to make an appearance on the Etsy front page, especially in a collection as pretty as this one.

And here's our young starlette, up close and personal.

Thanks for keeping Moonlight for Violet on your mind!

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

new Moonlight

2010-02-23T09:29:00.000-05:00

Well wowee. Who knew time could pass by so quickly? Must have been having way too much fun I suppose.

I'm not sure where you live, but here in Toronto we thought we might get away with little to zero winter this year, but as it turned out, the snow clouds made their way here yesterday. It was a very pretty sight, one we've seen only a handful of times since December, and it made it a little bit harder for me to think about spring and summer collections.
If you know me at all, you can attest to the fact that I tend to favour seasons that require layers. I'm not completely sure if that's a temperature or a style preference, it's probably a little bit of both.

Without further ado, here are a few of the new sweeties from the Moonlight for Violet garden for spring & summer:

Gorgeous little budding branches in silver and gold

These are teeny-tiny tundra sapphire faceted rondelles - so sparkly and fresh!

I really like the shape of these branches and the tundra sapphires compliment them nicely.

There will be much more to follow, a few new seasonal collections to suite the many whims of the Moonlight for Violet lover.

Talk to you soon.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

October Moonlight

2009-10-17T22:07:00.000-04:00

Time flys...

I has been nearly a month since the last Moonlight for Violet update. I hope you're as excited as I am about the change in the weather. Fall is the best season for fashion and this year the pickin's are fantastic.

The Portobello Market in September was a great success. It's just about that time again, with the next Portobello Market on October 25th.

Moonlight for Violet will also be in the Winter Fling - A Craft Thing, taking place December 5th at St. Stephen in-the-Fields (College and Bellevue/Kensington Market area)

On top of that there's a Moonlight for Violet Facebook contest going on. Here's the details on how you can win your very own downtown cowl:

1. Post a picture on the Moonlight for Violet page of your best bundled-up cold face
2. Get your friends to vote for your picture as the coldest and most worthy Moonlight for Violet fan by writing "vote" in the comments for your picture.
3. The person with the most votes by end of day November 30th WINS!
4. The winner will be announced December 1st and contacted for their colour of choice.

Good luck, I can't wait to see the winning photo.

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

2009-09-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

Portobello East!
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH ~ THE LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH!

This Sunday September 27th marks the first Portobello East Market in its new location, The corner of Queen and Bathurst! I'm also hearing we've been moved to the main, street-level location which should help to drive some walk-in traffic. noon to 6pm.

What's popular in the Moonlight for Violet Etsy store this week?:

Plume earrings $14 USD

Tundra Sapphire earrings $14 USD

As If You Didn't Know necklace: $27 USD

September Moonlight pics will be added to the Facebook Fan page soon!

Hope to see you at the Portobello East Market.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

The End of Summer is Only the Beginning

2009-09-06T15:55:00.000-04:00

Well hi there,

Been a while since there's been a Moonlight for Violet posting. So many things have happened since we last took a moment to catch up.

1. September Moonlight

Here are a few of the many good things that will come about in September:

Bows and hoops in metallic knit splendor! Such fun.

2. Portobello East Market - Sunday September 27th

The Portobello East Market is moving! This fast-growing Canadian craft and artist institution is moving from the depths of the distillery district to the fast-paced downtown core for two great reasons: 1) A brighter, more centrally located destination for chic Toronto fashionistas, and 2) FREE ADMISSION!!!
The Portobello East Market will take place in the historic Burrough's building at the corner of Queen and Bathurst. The entire 3rd floor will be dedicated to the market. Make sure you swing by the Moonlight for Violet table for a visit.

3. New consignment partner: Bento Boutique, Honesdale, PA

Welcome Bento! It's always nice to meet new people with similar goals and objectives. Bento is the new home of local and "far away" designers and artists, sharing inspired, unique, affordable works for those who like to support the handicrafts.

All that and it's only September 6th! Stay tuned for more Moonlight for Violet updates this month. It's just about time for the knits to make an appearance.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet, xo

Nice Threads

2009-08-25T21:51:00.001-04:00

New, new, new from Moonlight for Violet - a peek at the "nice threads" series.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

FREE FREIGHT!

2009-08-14T21:31:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I like to make things a little more special. It's Moonlight for Violet's way of letting you know that someone is thinking of you.

That's why, for this weekend only, Moonlight for Violet is offering FREE FREIGHT in the Etsy store.

It's true what they say, It's the little things that count.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

Portobello East Market

2009-08-04T19:06:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

I'm excited to let you know Moonlight for Violet will be a proud participant of the Portobello East Market! Those of you in Vancouver are already hip to the Portobello West Market there, held during the last Sunday of every month at Rocky Mountaineer Station. There is also a Portobello West Market in Calgary twice annually.

The Toronto Portobello West Market takes place in the Distillery district on, what looks like, the last Sunday of each month as well. it's just starting out here, so things may change. From noon to 6 pm you'll find artisans and crafters alike in the Fermentation Cellar, dishing their irresistible wares for excellent prices.

I'll send out event invites closer to, but here are the dates:

September 27th
October 25th
November 29th
December 12th & 13th

More updates to follow and new pictures TONIGHT on the Facebook fan page friends.
Tra la la.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

CONTEST!!

2009-07-26T18:29:00.000-04:00

Did someone say contest? Moonlight for Violet LOVES a good contest.

Here's how it works, and it's an easy one.

All you need to do is be the first to get 5 friends to become fans of Moonlight for Violet on Facebook. You can do this by going to the Moonlight for Violet Facebook page and click the "Suggest to friends" option. When your friend becomes a fan they will also need to identify who sent them by making a note on the wall, for example: " Shannon Kehler sent me!"

Simple right?

And guess what you win? Our first place winner will receive these little sweeties:

antique brass leaf with green patina, diving swallow with freshwater pearl dangle necklace

brass branches with freshwater pearl dangle earrings

Second place wins this piece:

antiqued brass leaf pendant with diving swallow and labradorite rondelle dangle necklace

For more photos of these items go the Moonlight for Violet page on Facebook.
Good luck to everyone!

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

Comfortably Lovely

2009-07-22T20:17:00.000-04:00

Moonlight for Violet likes to talk abut crafty stuff with other crafty friends. Let me introduce you to one of them..

Introducing: Comfortabl y Lovely!

Did you look at her shop? You love it right? Hailing all the way from the Motown, Detroit rock city! The even cooler part? Comfortably Lovely, after a long stint and a new tattoo, is making the move to Toronto. Take a look at her Etsy shop if your in the market for a specialty hand-made card, some vintage treasure, collage art, cutiepie plaques and my personal favourite, BUTTONS! I'm incredibly jealous of a gal with a button maker. I'm not joking.
You can join her Facebook group here.

You can currently find her cards at The Drake General Store and Fresh Collective, both on the Q West West.

Thanks for the visit - I so enjoy this time we spend together.

Your truly,

Moonlight for Violet

Shout outs!

2009-07-21T19:40:00.000-04:00

You know what makes us feel great? Being included in a showcase of Etsy artist sellers.

Imagine my surprise when I received a note from OliviaOlivia letting us know we were part of
S&O Productions' Tuesday Treasury elite eight. Oh the excitement!

Take a moment to check out the treasury gems, created by some delightful Etsy sellers.

Thanks to CocoaBeans for picking us to share the spotlight. Look at all of this great stuff! It's always an honour to share a forum with other artists. Here's a larger image of the "catch of the day", entitled the answer is no.

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

New items on Etsy!

2009-07-19T15:05:00.000-04:00

Hidee-ho!

Here's the skinny on Moonlight for Violet today:

At this point most of the items from the knitrovert store have moved to our sweet new Moonlight for Violet shop. The excitement builds!

Thanks to those who've become fans of our Moonlight for Violet page on Facebook. If you haven't already become one don't be disappointed, there's still time. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find the "become a fan" button and click away. Stay tuned to the page for an upcoming contest!

yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet

Salutations

2009-07-16T21:55:00.000-04:00

On behalf of Moonlight for Violet, welcome.

We at Moonlight for Violet like to keep things short and sweet whenever possible. Thanks for taking a minute to check out our blog, thanks for clicking that little link over there to follow us in the blogosphere ( you got it, just down and to the right a little.. that's it!), and thanks (in advance of course) for deciding Moonlight for Violet is a place you like to visit regularly, whether it's alone, or sharing and chatting about us with your friends. Yes, definitely feel free to chat amongst yourselves.

Looking forward to becoming fast friends!

Yours truly,

Moonlight for Violet