Break Time

We'll be closed at the shop until January 3rd, 2012. We'll be making good use of all of this spare time by visiting family, friends and watching all the Die Hard movies. Maybe The Long Kiss Goodnight, too, we'll see how it goes. We were so overwhelmed with all of you who shopped and supported local this year, and we're so thankful for everything that 2011 brought. We hope Santa was good to all of you, and that 2012 will bring much love and joy to you and those that you love. See you in the new year, friends!

Gift Guide Round Up

Don't freak out or anything, but you only have two days left until Christmas!  If you haven't picked out all your gifts yet, you might be panicking. You might be pretty nervous right now, thinking of the terrible crowds and huge line up you'll have to face at the mall.  You're sweating just thinking about it, aren't you?

Don't worry. We've got your back.  If you missed our Holiday Gift Guides over the last two weeks, here's a quick refresher. Each one is linked back to the original guide.

For your girlfriend:

For your boyfriend:

For your best friend:

For the baby boomers:

For children:

For your daughter:

For yourself:

And there you have it! Surely that puts your mind at ease. We'll be open today from 11am - 8pm, and tomorrow (Christmas eve!) from 11am - 4pm. Happy Holidays everyone!

Gift Guide: Treat Yo'Self

You've been so thoughtful this year. You've really been so considerate about each person on your Christmas list, and taken the time to get them a super special heartfelt gift. You're the best. You shopped local, gave back to your community, and now you get to feel good about the fact that you did good. Way to go you! You know what you deserve? To Treat Yo'Self! Enjoy a gift guide made special, just for you.

Have you been drooling over Tree & Kimball Jewelry for ever, but haven't actually purchased yourself one yet? Now is the time because we really have the most amazing selection of colourful necklaces and earrings right now. $27-$37.  Treat yourself and your cat with the most adorable of all cat houses, The Loyal Luxe Cat Cabin.  $25. Grab a beautiful necklace  Is Was + Will Be, these colourful beaded works can be worn solo or layered, and pretty much go with everything. $36-$45.

Feeling proud of just how ready you are for Christmas this season?  Show off how good you feel with a pair of Warrior Princess Earrings, locally made by Shoot from the Hip. $29.  Finally get around to hanging some art on your walls like you've always meant to.  These Oh My Cavalier Post Cards are perfect for small spaces.  $3.  Even though it feels like spring today, I assure you that winter is coming.  Treat your neck right with some beautiful knits by YesJess. $26-$75.

Expecting some Christmas money that going's to be burning a hole in your pocket?  Spend it wisely on a super luxe winter coat like this vintage one from Ainslie Wood Co.  $150. Getting something pretty and delicate to hang around your neck this season, any of the pieces from Steel Magnolias will work just fine.  $29-$35  Want to know what the ultimate in treating yourself is? It's a Cashmere Onesie Underwear from Sartoria. Seriously. $110.

You deserve it.

Gift Guide: For Your Daughters

Parents, if you're anything like my own set, you are constantly asking your daughter what she would really like for Christmas. Never fear, White Elephant kills it when it comes to daughters. We have so many great gift ideas. You have my personal guarantee that everything below will be met with heartfelt gratitude.

The Erin Templeton Kiss + Make-Up Bag is perfect for holding all her beauty products, and is seriously stylish to boot.  Double plus. $44. WORN is an independent Canadian fashion journal worth reading, and conveniently comes in a gift pack with 5 back issues. $26. Ben and Oliver Earrings are such a hit we constantly struggle to keep them in stock. Each pair is so cute, it really doesn't matter which one you pick out.  $13-$15.

The Mechanical Animal Set from Oh My Cavalier is simply magical. As something maybe slightly impractical, but totally beautiful, it makes a really special Christmas gift. $26.  Locally made Jenna Rose Circle Scarves are back in stock in a limited quantity, and really do make a perfect winter accessory. $38.  Trust me when I say that absolutely anything from artist Leah Duncan will go over swimmingly.  We have a huge selection of prints and tea towels, perfect for prettying up your daughter's apartment.  $20-30.

Does your daughter leave her laundry all over the place?  With this Jenna Rose Hamper she'll be excited to put it somewhere from now on. $80. Hand Stitched Barre ttes from The Pin Pals are a great stocking stuffer, and really lovely gift. $12. Finally, get her a beautiful necklace to wear this holiday season. I recommend the Pom Pom Necklace by Sew a Song; a perfect New Year's Eve accessory! $34.

I really do promise the above gifts will be enjoyed by almost any daughter, but if you're still struggling, may I recommend a gift certificate?

Gift Guide: For The Younger Generation

We really try to have something for everyone in this shop of ours, even the wee ones. While you may be tempted to do most of your younger children shopping at a local toy store, we're happy to offer some options for gifts and stocking stuffers as well!

The Not Tuesday, Not Quite Round Beads Necklace is a great one for both young and old, but the polymer clay beads and the cotton cord makes this a great gift for little ones who haven't quite grasped the concept of delicate. $45.  Simpli Jessi Handmade Dolls are a lifelong keepsake. Each doll is hand stitched and no two are alike. $65 - $75. Kate Broughton Animal Pins are popular among every age, but what child wouldn't love an adorable hedgehog brooch? $19 - $32.

These beautiful Hair Bows by MellaMade are made of 100 % felted wool, and are coincidentally 100% adorable.  $7-14. Let your little one know just how proud you are with one of these hand-painted and hand-stitched Merit Badges by Lee Meszaros. The above badge is for "Knocking Socks Off".  $25. We absolutely love these Crocheted Animals that are Handmade in Hamilton. We still have a variety of animals left, plus the ever-favorite sock monkey. $34.

Kate Durkin's Giraffe Pillows are hand embroidered. These adorable guys make a great new stuffed friend. $28. Let imaginations fly with these amazing paper Woodland Creatures Masks by (Kiss me) go. $9. Finally, for a perfect stocking stuffer for a creative young child, these DIY Paper Animal Puppets by Furze Chan are the best. $12.

Gift Guide: For The Baby Boomers

This gift guide was actually requested by one of our customers over the weekend. They asked if we could do "a guide for old people." We took that as for your parents, your grandparents, your aunts and uncles. We find that introducing a handmade/artisan ethic with the older generation can be a little more difficult, but we're certain that we'll have something for every age on your list.

The BBQ Fun Salt and Pepper shakers by Brooklyn Rehab are just that - fun, yet masculine enough for your propane loving dad. $22. Does your mom spend her days in the garden? The Avant-Gardener market tote from Black Sheep Heap is the perfect thing for her. Fill it with some bulbs for her to plant in the springtime, and BOOM you've got yourself a pretty thoughtful gift. $20. The Tea Wallet from Sweet Stitch Shop is cute as a button, sweet as sugar, and protects your Granny's individual tea packages from getting mangled in her bag. $15.

Our Ming Shard Earrings from Asilomar Works are mom-approved earrings. Subtle and delicate, and nothing too flashy. $19.95. We've got a couple of these Tulip pillows from Chakra Pennywhistle still in. They are original hand drawn designs printed on organic cotton, stuffed with raw organic cotton, and sewn with organic cotton thread. And they're super pretty, too. $40. The Stubby pin from Touch the Dutch is enough Canadian nostalgia to make your dad smile, and simple enough for him to wear it on his coat's lapel without feeling too bashful about accessorizing. $35.

Our porcelain Maple Syrup Jugs from Marianne Chenard have been flying off the shelves. Elegant enough for anyone on your list. $28-$38. Every year, Jane gets her dad a calendar and I think that's a really sweet tradition. Gifting Oh My Cavalier's 2012 calendar would be a great way to start it with your own folks. $16. Inside Erin Templeton's leather Writer case is a Moleskin journal. Your bird-watching grandfather would appreciate such a well made tool for his field notes. $46.

Gift Guide: For Your BFF

So many things, so little time. I still have what feels like a million people left on my shopping list, but at least I can breath easy now that I've got my BFF's gift out of the way. Do you still need something for that super special friend? I have some ideas....

These Wooden Bangles by Voz have been super popular at the shop this fall, and we just got a whole bunch of new ones in. $22. Sweetie Pie Press has an amazing selection of button packs, but both Hollie & I are partial to the kitten set she collaborated on with one of our favorite artists, Sarah McNeil. $6. I have long wanted one of the Hair Print Scarves from Hand and Shadow, and it blows my mind why I don't have one yet. We have a whole new order coming in sometime soon, and you can bet I'll be picking one up. You should too. $60.

Cashmere & Cotton Long Johns by Sartoria are the perfect splurge for a good friend. So warm, so cozy, and so so beautiful.  $90 - $120. We still have one of these beautiful Glass Globe Necklaces left by Another Feather, and what a perfect gift it makes. $65.  Let your BFF know just how much you love them by filling this tote by Paperwhite Studios in for them. Or, give them a marker and let them do it themselves. $25

Threadbare Supply Co. Bracelets are the perfect combination of hard & soft. Just like your friend. $38.  Bespoke Uprising's Burlesque Ladies Tea Towels are something every girl need for their kitchen.  Bonus: made in Hamilton.  $15-$30.  I just love these God's Eye Necklaces from nanoukiko, and you can bet your BFF does too.  $25-$30.

It's a Christmas Goat!

Hollie and I feel a little overwhelmed this time of year with gratefulness. We love and appreciate every single person who shops local, and shops handmade, even when it's sometimes easier to run out to the nearest box store.

We're really, really lucky to be able to do what we do and to have the support of our friends, family and community along the way. We wanted to give back, somehow, and we decided that a good way to start would be by supporting Oxfam.  We're sending a happy little couple of goats to a place where they are needed, and these goats will come with animal vaccinations, animal health training and instruction on marketing the products these goats can provide. Not only that, but the goats will be purchased locally in the area they are most needed, and the first female kid produced by these goats will be given to another family who needs it.

We also chose to give the gift of a planted vegetable garden. It didn't come with any pictures of cute animals getting married though, so it's not nearly as cute. Needed and appreciated, yes. Cute, not so much.

Anyway, we really do want to say Thank You to everyone. You can consider this a gift from the entire community, because without you guys supporting us, we wouldn't be able to pay it forward, Kevin Spacey style.  If you want to send your own super adorable goats, there's a whole variety of much-needed gifts available at Oxfam Unwrapped.

Merry Christmas!

Gift Guide: For Your Boyfriend

Someone keep Doug away from the internet, or he's going to spoil his Christmas present! I thought I would make this gift guide for all the men-folk of White Elephant, or at least for the folks who buy the men-folk's gifts.

From left to right:  these amazing ties from Good Heavens come all the way from South Africa, and come in a variety of colours and patterns. $44.   Dear Edna is a local-Hamilton artiste who makes amazing aprons for the men (and women) in your life. $35 for this one here.  For the man who has everything, I bet he doesn't have this In God We Trust Skillionaire Card Case.  $65.

These double-sided bowties from Paukstukai are one of our most popular items, with good reason too. $28.50.  Brand new to the shop, treat your man's special places with the most special of all wools - cashmere undies from Sartoria. $45.  While a lot of our ladies styles have run out, we still have a good selection of some of the softest, warmest mittens around.  Get him a pair of these Things By Slo mitts and he'll be happy all winter. $32.

We can't get enough of the screen printed hankies by Bearface, and your man won't either. $15.  Let him dress up in fine (equestrian) style with these In God We Trust Horse Cufflinks. $60.  And finally, if you want something a little different this year, treat him to one of these hand-knit neckties by Yes Jess. $33.

Hogtown Tour

This weekend Mike and I had a friend's party to attend in Toronto on Saturday night, and on Sunday we had been planning on visiting City of Craft. Instead of making the trip into the city twice, we decided to get all fancy like and book ourselves a room at The Drake Hotel. And just wow. I didn't really take many photos, except for this David Lynch hotel hallway of my dreams. I've never stayed in a boutique hotel before, and I fear I may be spoiled for life.

Saturday night we had good tidings and cheer with good friends where I laughed so much and so hard all night that I ended up bursting a seam on my 1940's dress. So worth it.

After a delicious breakfast at The County General Sunday morning, we headed over to City of Craft. What an inspiring event. From the vendors, to the event space, to the decorations, to the positive vibe, it was the craft fair that I've always wanted to attend. Everyone had high energy, even considering it was the second day of the event. I chatted with so many makers that I am lucky enough to call my friends (Roisin! Bianca! Hazel! Tara-Lynn! Alexx and Ian!) and ran into so many more friends from the crafting community just out to support an awesome thing.

One thing you couldn't help but notice as soon as you walked in was Grant Heaps floral textile installation. It was a total showstopper. Made with pieces of found material, some of the textiles were collected during the time that he worked at the National Ballet of Canada. Thinking about the fact that it incorporates pieces of ballerina's extravagant costumes makes my heart all aflutter. Photos don't do it justice. I'm so happy that I saw this in person and that it will exist in my mind's eye forever.

After finishing up at City of Craft we headed out on our independant shop adventure. Down the street a little ways at The Workroom we were met by Rosalyn's smiling face. It's beautiful here. A happy place for people to learn and create together. It's made me really excited for Needlework to open up on our own street.

Next we stopped in and said hi to Liz from The Arthur. Her current space reminded me of White Elephant's first space. Cozy and homey and beautifully curated. Jane, I may have found something awesome for you here.

Finally, we headed to The Junction to check out Russet and Empire. Micah had just stopped by our shop about two weeks ago, so it was a joy to see her lovely smiling face twice this month. The Junction reminded me a little bit of Hamilton, in that it's a little rougher around the edges than most of the neighbourhoods we hit up that day, and Micah has just done an incredible job brightening up the area.

We hit more along the way - Type, Preloved, Coriander Girl, The Drake General Store, Shop Girls, Robber - and there were so many more stops that we just didn't have time to fit into our whirlwind tour.  It was really inspiring to see so many independant retailers in Toronto. That's all Mike and I kept saying to each other as we walked around, "There's small shops! Everywhere! And they're all open!" Quite a change from Hamilton's retail landscape.

So, my love affair with Toronto has been reignited. It had been so long since I actually spent a significant amount of time in the city for pleasure (as opposed to business) and it was really nice to see all these hardworking folk work towards the same common goal of a more conscious and responsible type of consumerism. I'm happy to say that I got most of my Christmas shopping done, all locally, all from independant stores or designers, and for the third year now without stepping foot in a shopping mall. No matter what city you live in, you should try and do the same.

Gift Guide: For Your Girlfriend

Gentleman, still searching for the perfect gift for your lady friend? My absolute best suggestion is to get her to head down to White Elephant and fill out our wish list. My second best suggestion is any of the lovely things you see here. They are all girlfriend approved.

From left to right:  The Knoxville Scarf by YesJess. This drool-worthy scarf is super soft, super warm, and 1.9 meters long.  $75. The Cat Teepee by Loyal Luxe is perfect for showing that you not only love her, you lovely her furry friend too.  $25  The Martinique Ring by Maap Studio is one of my favorites, but any one of their handmade porcelain pieces will do just fine.  $18-$50.

An Erin Templeton bag is the perfect Christmas present for almost any lady on your list. These bags are handmade with love, using 100% new and recycled leather. Erin Templeton goods run the gamut from $18 to $390. These Rose Earrings by Larque come in every color of the rainbow.  $22.  In God We Trust Sweet Nothings Necklaces are one of our most popular items. Ladies love them.  $49.

Any of our necklaces by Little O by Wolfbrother would make a great gift.   $38   This luxurious Zipper Cowl from Threadbare Supply Co. is the perfect mix of style and function. Made with 100% wool. $120.
Finally, absolutely any piece of jewelry from the amazing Tree and Kimball line will make a perfect holiday gift. $27-$37.

And there you have it!  Of course, if you're still looking for ideas, I always recommend a White Elephant gift certificate. 

Pine Boughs

Just a little peek at our holiday window. I might have a new favourite. It makes me so happy to look at.

This window was a couple of different projects. Jane, Carly, Krysten and Lindsay all got to work making different textured garlands to hang for the backdrop. We bought pretty vintage lace curtains and tablecloths and tore them into strips. They braided and knotted some for dimension. We made more garlands out of coffee filters and sequined fabric. I lined the ground with quilt batting for "snow".

The most exciting part for me was building the teepee. I've been wanting to build one for a while, and had been collecting big branches that were shaped like a "Y". My father-in-law did some tree cutting in his backyard of dead fir and pine trees and I took as much greenery as I could fit in the backseat of our car. It only took me about half an hour to assemble the whole teepee, which makes me SO EXCITED at the prospect of making more. Like, maybe in the woods. That I can sleep in.

Mike is probably getting really nervous reading that, since he's convinced I'm going to end up as a crazy old hermit up north somewhere. I asked him the other day if he thought we should get rid of our fridge and stick to an old fashioned ice box, and he told me that my hippie ways were getting a little too extreme. We'll see though. I bet he'll have no complaints once my dream teepee in the woods has been built and we're both sleeping under the stars.

And speaking of Mike, he did the lovely new design for the blog. We've been wanting to freshen up the look for ages, but you know, life gets in the way. The new design is perfect. Mike is the best. If you see him around, let him know that you think so too.

Tonight is the last art crawl of the year, and the last one before Christmas. Come on down to the shop for some merry-making and for a chance to pick up some unique handmade gifts. Hopefully our window will put a smile on your face too.