Ho-Ho-Ho

Damn right, we're serious about our Die Hard marathon over here.

We're still thoroughly enjoying our first full week off in a year, both Jane and I. We're trying (keyword: trying) to avoid the internet, since we're on it so much the rest of the year. Hope you all are also enjoying your holidays. We'll be back soon. Kisses.

Die Hard Part Deux

I just got back from a long walk at the waterfront with Pepper, and now it's time for one of the most exciting parts of my Christmas vacation: Die Hard Marathon!!! This is the 2nd year of a now annual tradition and I couldn't be happier about it. I think it started partially because Hollie could never understand why I loved the entire Die Hard series so much, and was always confusing it with the obviously inferior Lethal Weapon series. Last year we decided it was about time she saw the movies in all their glory, and what better time than over Christmas?

We're meeting at Hollie's in just over an hour and our plan is to watch the first three movies. This year we're replacing the 4th (terrible) movie with a way better addition: The Long Kiss Goodnight. It's lady die hard! Will we make it through 4 movies? I hope so!

ps. I stole this picture from Hollie's flickr. What are you going to do about it?

We Wish You

I'm a little embarrassed that I haven't showcased this amazing yarnbomb yet. On the corner of James and Cannon, this entire tree is covered with knits and pom-poms galore. Super incredible. It's made the entire streetscape so festive this holiday season.

Speaking of the holiday season, as of 3pm today Jane and I will officially be on vacation until January 3rd. We should be saying this everyday, but we are SO thankful for our friends and family and customers and the community and Hamilton as a whole. It's been our dream for a long time to run a shop, and actually doing it has exceeded our expectations so so so much, and it's all due to the wonderful people we have met along the way. We love you all. Seriously. Come in and I'll give you a hug today.

We wish each and every one of you and yours tidings of joy and good will and warmth and love and happiness from the bottom of our hearts. We look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Love,
Hollie and Jane

Last Minute White Elephant Gift Guide: For Your Friends

We've done a gift guide for all those relatives & loved ones on your shopping list except some of the most important people: your dear dear friends. Get them something special this year with one of these last minute gift ideas, all available at White Elephant:

Adorable pouches from Modern Radar. They come in 4 stunning patterns, and are perfect for makeup, essentials, or just looking super duper cute. $16.


Two amazing things from one of our favorites, Cracked Designs. The Great Lakes Card set are always a huge hit, and the Journey Journals come in Canada, USA and Europe editions. $12.50 - 14.50.

Ben & Oliver earrings are the perfect item when you need to give someone a little gift that they'll love a lot. $9 - $15.


We're huge fans of Oh My Cavalier prints over here, and this postcard correspondence set is the perfect way to give that gift to a friend. Each set includes a pencil, eraser, and 15 picture postcards. $25.


These sets of tea towels from Bespoke Uprising are hand printed from original drawings and Canadian made. Dish drying in style! $32.

Give this Knight's Cowl by YesJess to your best friend, and I promise she'll think about how awesome you are all winter long. This is the perfect winter cowl, soft and cozy, stylish and super warm. Because your friend deserves it, right? $7o.


Let your friends write down their thoughts in style with one of these amazing notebooks by The Paper Apartment. $15.

Julia Pott prints are just so great, and this one has the added bonus of giving you a polite way to tell your friend when she's being a bear. $12 & $17.
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Come by the shop for tons more gift ideas. We’re open 11am – 7pm Wednesday, Thursday, and 11am – 3pm on Friday.

Last Minute White Elephant Gift Guide: For Your Kids

Christmas is all about the kids, isn't it? Get them into the handmade movement early with these gift ideas from White Elephant.


Ok, so I have this theory that all little girls growing up around the time that I did (late eighties/early nineties) had dreams of becoming a marine biologist. I don't know if it was a sign of the super eco-conscious times or what, but I know that I wanted to run away and live with the whales, along with a bunch of my friends.

What do girls want to be these days when they grow up? Lady Gaga? Taylor Momsen? Encourage them to get in touch with the life aquatic with these super cute stuffed whales from Kate Durkin. $23.


These sweet crocheted cats and rabbits were made for kissin'. And they were made with love by Mrs. Buttrum - aka the lady who gave birth to (one of) our favourite landlord(s)! They are soft and cuddly, and as our little three year old friend Lou said "they make me happy." A true testament to the love these little guys will bring. $34.


Being a kid is magical. Sometimes I wish I could still do all the things they did. Like wear woodland creatures masks and make forts in the forest. Help them out with one of Abigail Browns' masks. $10.

A whimsical print will brighten up any bedroom or playroom. By Cosas Minimas. $30


Darling hair accessories by Handle and Spout. Let's see if they can make it to midnight this New Years Eve in their fancy party wear. $35.




These dolls are great for kids and big kids alike. Especially since they tend to have a freaky resemblance for someone you know in real life. These dolls are expertly hand stitched by Simpli Jessi and made of linen, cotton, felt, yarn and organic cotton stuffing. $65.


Little animal ornaments from Things By Slo are the perfect stocking stuffer. Or, give it to your kids early to hang on your tree. Either way, these precious creatures will surely be treasured. $15.


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Stop in at the shop to see lots more gift ideas for all the special little people in your life. We’re open 11am – 7pm Wednesday, Thursday, and 11am – 3pm on Friday.

Last Minute White Elephant Gift Guide: For Your Mom

What better way to show your mom you love her than with a warm and cozy organic cotton Jenna Rose blanket, hand screened in Hamilton? $90.


Smells so good she could (almost) eat it. Candy Cane Soap by Lippincott Soap Co. $8.


Remind her of the good ol’ days with a selection of vintage ornaments. $4-12.


These cotton silk-screen napkins are adorable, reusable, and a perfect gift for mom. Set of 2, $14.

Let her indulge with some bath & body products from Brown Butter Beauty. Peppermint Body Cream is perfect for the holidays, and the Brown Sugar Body Polish is absolutely amazing. $12.50 - $15.50.

Choose from a wide selection of hand printed and silk screened scarves, like these beautiful ones from Snoozer Loser. $38.


Remind her you love her all year long with a gorgeous 2011 Good on Paper wall calendar. $21.

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Stop in at the shop to see lots more gift ideas for mom, your lady, and everyone else on your shopping list. We’re open 11am – 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and 11am – 3pm on Friday.

Last Minute White Elephant Gift Guide: For Your Lady

There’s still 4 days of Christmas shopping left at White Elephant! We’ll be staying open on Christmas Eve until 3pm, so all you last minute shoppers have somewhere to go. Not to pigeonhole anyone here, but I usually notice a lot of guys in the shop this last week of Christmas, frantically looking around for something… anything… that would make a nice gift. This year I thought I would help you fellas out with my very own gift guide for your ladies:


You absolutely cannot go wrong with one of these sweetheart necklaces from In God We Trust. On Saturday I recommended one to a friend for his ladyfriend, and he was dead-set against getting her something that read “sweet tits”. Yesterday that very same ladyfriend came in, went right to the necklace, picked it up & asked how much it was. I hope this means my friend will start listening to my suggestions. $49.


Oh My Cavalier prints are just so perfect. They’re equal parts girly and magical, and all limited edition. $30.


Tree & Kimball jewelry is the perfect pick for any accessory loving lady. Handmade, super unique, and absolutely stunning. $25-$36.


These Forest Bound Totes are made from antique lace & recycled military era canvas. They are absolutely stunning and we only have one left! $70.


Fill in the blank for your lady with one of these I Love You More Than totes from Paperwhite Studios. $25.


Give her something truly unique with one of these necklaces by Gather Jewelry. I personally love these 14k Gold-Drizzled Clear Quartz bullet pieces. $60.


Hand & Shadow cotton scarves are beautiful, warm, and the perfect gift for the holidays. $55.


A WORN fashion journal gift pack is a great gift for almost any girl that shops at White Elephant. Locally made, WORN is an alternative to mainstream fashion magazines, and explores the concepts and ideas of clothing. WORN explores fashion from a cultural, historical, political, personal and practical point of view. $26.

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And there you have it. Plenty more where that came from, at White Elephant. We’re open 11am – 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and 11am – 3pm on Friday. Happy shopping!

Last Minute White Elephant Gift Guide: For Your Man

I put off Christmas shopping until the last minute every year because I pretty much have only men & boys to shop for. I have a store full of beautiful girly things, and no ladies to give them to! So while you may have all your Christmas shopping done (good for you!) I'm just starting. Here are some great ideas for the men in your life, all available now at White Elephant:

A striking bowtie from Xoelle. $45.

Super warm wooly mittens from Things by Slo. $30.

Amazing hand-carved & tooled leather wallet from Shoot From The Hip. $67.

Awesome prints by artist Julia Pott. $12 and $17.

Blue Linen Tie by Fieldguided. $35.

Canvas printed notebook cover with pencil & moleskin notebook by RandL Goods. $25-$32.

Merit Badge by Lee Meszaros. $25.

Reversible His & Hers Apron by Dear Edna. $45

That should cover it, don't you think? I'm sure there's something in there for the men in your life, and if not, come in and check out our selection of vintage books, badges & pins.

And while you're at it, you should really swing by Downtown Bike Hounds and see all the great gifts they've stocked up on this year. Bike baskets, accessories, amazing bike bags, and these vintage bike posters which I am totally and completely in love with:

Happy shopping!

Cops and Art!

Today I had a super nice chat with Jay from the ACTION team from Hamilton Police Services. This is a fairly new initiative downtown, and is all about building a community and keeping us safe.

To be perfectly honest, I was a little nervous when he first came in. I just opened shop and a full-uniformed police officer strolls in and says "I'm here to talk about your yarn bombs!" just as the phone began ringing. I reluctantly answered the phone, sweating buckets, because I thought I was about to get a ticket for graffiti. But it turned out that it's just our pal Jay from Twitter. PHEW. I was not convicted!

We chatted about James Street North, and everything his team is trying to accomplish. It was really great meeting one of the people that is so dedicated to keeping our city safe. And so cool that they are down with what's going on down here on James Street. Positivity and community building all around, folks!

Sage!

Swamped! Totally, totally swamped. But happy and well and good.

Also happy and well and good? Our friends over at Victoire with their very first television commercial! How exciting! And super sweet. We met some of these people in real life. And now they are big time tv stars!

Amazing, ladies! We love ya.

Memory Lane

I kept scrapbooks religiously in high school, even into college. It was a bit of a trend in grade nine, and I am so happy that I followed it. It's amazing to have these books still. I scanned some pages this weekend:

I love how beat up this cover has become. Wilt was a nickname that my brothers gave me in grade 5 or 6, and one that stuck around for a pretty long time.

I blurred out some of the last names on this page. To protect the innocent and whatnot. I should mention that while I had a lot of boyfriends in grade 7/8/9, all of them pretty much lasted for only 2 weeks. Sean (with the ponytail) was my first love. Sean Adams (the one with the rose petal beside him) dumped me because I said the word boner too much. TRUE STORY.

I worked at Swiss Chalet for most of Grade 9, and we liked to take the toys out of the toy chest home. I think the Buffy page is pretty self-explanatory.

This was the grade 9 winter formal. I wasn't really wearing that hat with my dress... I just put it on for the picture. My date there was Chris, and he is a SERIOUS FUCKING DREAMBOAT nowadays. I know this because Facebook exists. Chris, I'm sorry I broke up with you in grade nine after three weeks and then later put pin marks through the picture on this page.

This page was all about a guy I was totally obsessed with. We went to see 10 Things I Hate About You once, and took the city bus to get there. We kissed that night, and once more after that, and then he ignored all my calls after that. I have no idea what the "Scrapyard" flyer is about, since I definitely never went to any all ages dance with him.

Deep. Actually, I was obsessed with this poem way back in grade nine, and I still completely love it.

The wind is blowing my bleach blond bangs straight up in the picture and I look crazy. I think this was taken on the last day of grade 9, which pretty much means most of the girls in this picture stopped being friends with each other sometime that summer. But I recently found out that Erin, the blond on the bottom left has opened her own vegan cafe in Toronto, so that is pretty awesome. You can check it out here.

And that's the highlights of book two. There are a ton more pages, but some of them were too embarrassing to post on the internet. Maybe next time I'll scan some from my 2nd scrapbook... featuring much more Hollie! and Vanilla Ice!