pip and pipper handmade

I've been busy!!!

2010-05-31T11:29:00.002-03:00

I've had a more than a few people give me grief for not posting ANYTHING for the last few months. Sorry.

I have started a new venture. You can find me HERE.

I may be back! not sure yet where I'm going!

Winter Woolies - Layer it on!

2009-10-03T16:01:00.008-03:00

New goodies for sale!!!

These are all made from upcycled wool sweaters.

It's getting a little cold here in NS and the time has come to break out the woolies. I'm one of those people that is Always cold and wearing in a million layers.

A girl can't have too many fun mittens and this year it's also going to be arm warmers.

If you can't wear wool next to your skin, just throw a pair over your

l/s tee or thin knit sweater.

There is no such thing as too many layers!!!

As always, you can find these beauties at

Love Me Boutique on Birmingham st

or you can send me an e-mail to place an order.

pipandpipper@gmail.com

Handmade Nation

2009-09-25T10:11:00.004-03:00

Thanks to Chara At Love Me Boutique, I spent a most enjoyable evening at the Atlantic Film Festival
I'm not really much for the theatre but I had to go check this out.
Handmade Nation

"It brings the indie craft scene to the big screen. Long-time crafter and first-time filmmmaker, Faythe Levine, sets out to document the DIY movement sweeping the nation.

She Travels across the USA, interviewing dozens of artists, crafters and designers who are embracing the marriage of historical techniques with punk sensibilities and the DIY ethos. Together, they form a growing community that is spreading an appreciation of handicraft and inspiring a whole new generation to do it themselves."

Hey, That's Me!!!!!!! I've been inspired.

For anyone who is doubting themselves about their choice to do it themselves, build a

small business and make a living doing it; you have to see this documentary.

You'll definately be inspired.

Check out this site for more information.

They did it Again!!!

2009-09-15T21:26:00.002-03:00

Those sweet girlie girls over at Fashionable People, Questionable Things have given me the shout out again. Thank you ladies, you have such great taste!

For those of you that haven't checked out this fantastic Halifax blogging duo, you're missing out!!!

Get on over there and check out my 5 mins of fame.

The Tide Came In.

2009-09-13T23:13:00.004-03:00

Have you ever really watched the tide come in? It's kinda neat. You can actually see it rolling in.

I took a little (we had no plans)road trip last week and ended up in South Maitland just at the right time to watch the magic.

It was only a matter of minutes and the sand disappeared.

I can't believe I've never done this before.

You can even go Tidal Bore rafting. That'll be another post.

If you haven't been to the Bay Of Fundy to check this out, you don't know what you're missing.

Another Local Talent!

2009-09-04T09:00:00.005-03:00

Lindsay Hicks @ Love Me Boutique

You have to check these out! I recently bought this print at Love Me and I Love It.

This picture doesn't do it any justice; the colors are much more vibrant and happy.

You have to check out Lindsay's site and then hit Love Me to pick up your own signed copy. They don't carry prints of everything, but there are some other really cool street scenes to choose from.

Here's a little bitty of some other things she's done.

My Favorite Photographer is at it Again!!!!!

2009-08-12T12:11:00.009-03:00

Patricia Sampson aka "Patty-cakes" of

Patricia Sampson Photographics; never ceases to amaze me.

She has just recently won 3rd place in the star shooter photo contest. She won with this amazing pic of "Grace" Check it out here.

I'm in awe.... isn't it fantastic?

More amazing photos from this HALIFAX talent on her New website

www.psphotographics.com

check it out!!!!

I've been slacking!!!!

2009-08-10T09:28:00.003-03:00

I know I've been slacking in the bloggidy department.

We finally had a stretch of nice weather, my fiance Big Mac came home from the Wild West and I've got a really Big project (and of course a bunch of little ones) on the go.

Not much time for sewing or blogging with all this sun. (yes I'm in Nova Scotia and Yes, it is raining today)

I'll try to be a better host and post more often. I've got some fun pics to share this week.

I hope you are all having as great a summer as I am.

check back soon. Jen

2009-07-21T14:39:00.009-03:00

New Watches!!!!!!!! Brighter colors;

I can't keep them in stock !!!!

these are available at Love Me Boutique or

E-mail me directly.

pipandpipper@gmail.com

Did I mention that I got a Shout Out from fellow Halifax bloggers?;

Fashionable People, Questionable Things

It's not a huge shout out, but they did mention my watches. check it here. It's right after the 5th pic.

I know it's silly of me, but it's so cool at the same time.

Actually this blog is kind of fun, it's become one of my daily reads. There's a little bit of everything in there; What to wear, what not to wear and what's supposed to be cool at the moment.

Thank goodness someone is following the trends, I certainly don't. enjoy!!!

Where is the summer going?

2009-07-15T15:30:00.005-03:00

I've been a busy bee so far this summer.

As you can see my grass is growing.

Before

After: I know it's not the prettiest, give me time.

I've made more watches. Brighter colors!

Bird mobiles for Love Me Boutique. These aren't just for babies!

And I've been hangin out with these two lovely ladies. Katie and Marissa.

Here we are outside the Paul McCartney concert. We thought we'd just do a drive by, but ended up sitting double parked just off Robie st. for the whole show. Amazing!!!! $135 for what?

New Website - Patricia Sampson (patty-cakes)

2009-07-03T22:53:00.004-03:00

I know I've mentioned her before and it won't be the last time..... she's my bfriend and the best damn photographer in the city of Halifax .....

Introducing Patricia Sampson's brand spankin new Website,

You absolutely have to check it out. There's even a picture of me and big mac in there somewhere. Now if that's not worth it.......

CONGRATULATIONS PATTY-CAKES!!!!!!!!! IT'S FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

Warm wooly!

2009-06-30T01:23:00.013-03:00

Another custom order finished.

I know, I know, it's supposed to be summer and we shouldn't even be thinking about wool. Well if your living here on the east coast, it's been nothing but rainy, muggy and cool in the evenings.

Perfect for a little snuggle under a new up-cycled wool blanket.

Blankets are approx 2' x 3'. $55.00 each

Available via e-mail or at Love Me Boutique HFX

They can be made to any size. Just send me off an e-mail with your size request and I'll give you a price.

Don't wait for the cold weather to order, these things are HOT!

CD/DVD Cases - NEW PRODUCT

2009-06-21T22:55:00.011-03:00

So, I have a new product. I didn't plan on it, it just happened.

You may recall me mentioning my favorite photographer/friend/the reason I started sewing again; Patricia Sampson AKA Patty-cakes. Well she NEEDED something fun to put her cds in when she presents them to her clients. Apparently they is nothing suitable for a reasonable price. This is where I come in.

Jen..... do you think you could make something. The girl knows I'd do anything to help her out.

So here we are: CD/DVD cases, $8.00 each, min order 10.

They are made from 100% cotton with a fusible interfacing on the inside to make them stiffer.

There will be other colors available and I will do custom orders.

I'm not set up to take orders on line right now so just drop me a line at pipandpipper@gmail.com and I'll do what I can to help. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask! Jennifer

Rainy Weekend?

2009-06-19T11:27:00.012-03:00

It may not look like it right now, but it's supposed to rain for the next 3 days. We are on the coast however, so you never really know what's going to happen.

With that in mind, I am preparing for "being stuck in the house"

I hate being stuck in the house!

It'll be a weekend of cleaning, organizing and sewing!

I have a few projects I've been meaning to try; it's my rainy day venture list.

I'll post a few now and save some for the next anticipated rainy day.

Make something creative this weekend and have fun.

Ruffle tube top at Happy Together

How cute is this, I'm going to try it with an old t-shirt.

Shirred Pillowcase Top

By Betz White

Totally rad Naptime Pants over at ...The World More Beautiful

I have a pj pant obsession!!!!

Love this!

Sneak Peak!

2009-06-17T00:57:00.002-03:00

I've got some goodies on the way.

Greenhouse - How "They" did it.

2009-06-15T10:30:00.001-03:00

So, blogger will NOT allow me to upload the rest of my how to pics. I'm not techy enough to figure out what I'm doing wrong. No advice needed, I'll never remember it anyway.

I did however, promise more pictures to a few people. This is what I have.

They laid all windows on the ground to get a general idea for the height and width. 4 walls, 4 layouts. If you end up with a small extra space, like over my door, fill it with a screen or piece of wood, up to you.

They framed in the windows(3 at a time) on 1 wall then put it together; for the other 3 walls they built the frame first (lots of measuring and leveling) got that standing, then screwed in the windows. (caulk everywhere, 12 tubes, 2 bulk packs of 6 from Kent)

I think Big Mac is a little obsessed with caulking and you probably don't need that many tubes.
Almost everything we used to build this palace was stuff we or Sherri(side kick, bff, muscle) had from other projects; 2x4, 2x6, concrete post things for the base, screws and nails.

They did buy the corrugated fibery sheets of stuff for the roof. 15$x 3 a sheet at Home Hardware. Safer idea than putting windows on the roof.

In total I'd say we didn't spend more than 100$ and I know it could have been done for less. Some builders are fussy and need things to be just so.

If anyone would like to see more pics I can try and send them to you by e-mail, just drop me a line.

You have to get yourself one of these. I can't bear to part with him.

We Need More Sun!!!!!

2009-06-13T22:44:00.008-03:00

Rain Rain go away!!

I'm trying to grow some grass!

It looks soggy and miserable!

Does anyone have any pointers?

All of the other plants are loving it.

Fire bush

My 30 year old Rhododendron needed the shower.

I love ferns!

Even the Lady Slippers hiding in the trees perked up. Aren't they fantastic?

Neck Lush

2009-06-09T08:23:00.012-03:00

"A Necklush™ is designed to keep you warm while looking cool, and keep you looking cool all year long"

I always like to be warm, and if that means looking cool at the same time, I'm in.

It's important to look cool, isn't it?

Who cares, this thing looks so cozy I have to have one. I know it isn't a local artist, hell they aren't even from Canada (Brooklyn,NY) I can't help myself. I haven't figured out how to make one for myself so I'm ordering one today.

They start at $40, that's not a bad price for coolness, I mean warmth.

The grey one is my fave.

or maybe this one.

You can order your own right here. the original Neck Lush on Etsy. "Your place to buy and sell all things Handmade"

Gift Ideas - Hand Made- Nova Scotia

2009-06-05T07:37:00.014-03:00

I Love the look of these journals! Don't they look soft? I need to have one. I'm not much for journal writing, but, I could always use it for sketching; I'll find a use for it if someone buys it for me.

These beauties are from the handiwork of Bev (aka "Bookyeti") She is from right here in Nova Scotia! Check out her blog.

You can order on line here (etsy) or head down to my favorite spot for all things handmade;

Love Me Boutique on Birmingham.

Is it too early to start Christmas shopping?

I'm one of those people!!!

2009-06-04T08:58:00.007-03:00

It's official, I am a person who carries an Epipen! You know the nerdy kid in school that couldn't do ANYTHING? Does this mean I HAVE to wear some kind of bracelet or neck tag that gives other people license to stab me with my own needle?

How strange it is to be 35+3 ish and developing all these wonderful allergies. Anyone else having any allergy issues? Is it something my parents fed me when I was young? What is going on?

All joking aside, I will be forever grateful to Nick for having an asthma inhaler close by. You meet people for a reason!!!!

I am writing this because I got the scare of my life yesterday. I have been developing different allergies over the last 10 years. I am stubborn and have a really low tolerance to any type of drugs; soooo, I didn't really take anything for them. Dumb!!!!!!! 10 weeks of shots for allergies? are you crazy? 1 day a week for 10 whole weeks? Well, I'll be doing it next year for sure.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is DON'T IGNORE that little tickle in your throat. If you have an annoying cough along with all the other wonderful symptoms( runny nose, itchy eyes....) Make sure you tell your doctor or allergist. Pay attention to anyone you know that has allergies and is coughing a lot; make them go to the doctor. You could be saving their life!!!

I didn't mean for this to be a downer post folks, but It's important! I promise to write about something cheery tomorrow.

Take care of yourselves, pay attention to your body and thanks for reading!!!

Awkward photos? you know you have one!

2009-05-31T08:27:00.024-03:00

Awkward Family Photos.com

Check out this site. It's new and already has more hits than I'll get in my lifetime. I had a few good belly laughs this morning and thought you might need one too. It'll make you think twice next time you smile for the camera!

Who? (are these people) What? (were they thinking?) When? (did it become OK to dress up like Pooh?) Where? (In the world are these people from?) WHY? (why? why? why?)e

Venus de Mom

Mommy-the-Pooh

The Van HelsingsSaturday Night Special: Bon Family Blowout

There are plenty more where these came from (here)

New Greenhouse - old windows

2009-05-28T10:56:00.019-03:00

This was the inspiration. I found it here.

I would like to thank my lovely community for their involuntary contribution to this project. Garbage night rocks!!! It's amazing what people throw out. I guess I should also give a big hand, a hug and lots of kisses to my fiance Big Mac and his ADD partner in crime Sherri. Wait till you see this!!!! Hold your breath.......

Isn't it fabulous? Old Windows!!! New greenhouse!!! Yeah!!!

Fresh tomatoes anyone?

It isn't actually completely finished, I just

had to share it with you.

Blogger won't allow me to upload more pics (again).

I'll post the "how they made it" pics ASAP. Notice I said "they"; you see, I didn't have much of a hand in the construction of this beauty, I'm simply the idea gal. "OOOOH I have an Idea, can you build it for me" that kind of gal. Big Mac loves it!!!!! There is always something to do. Do you think I'm taking advantage of the fact that he has ADHD?

Wish I was this Halifax Broad !

2009-05-26T20:54:00.011-03:00

Have any of you read this blog yet?

http://halifaxbroad.blogspot.com

Sometimes I think I'm going to pee myself she's so funny. I'd love, just for one day, to be able to express myself like her. Thank you Cindy!!! I read you every morning before I do anything else. I'm on the bus! I'm on the bus!

WHO IS THIS BROAD?

Fur-Babies Photo Shoot

2009-05-26T05:53:00.016-03:00

Ever have a photo session with your animals? Be sure and pick a time when they are tired. You can always just give em a little poke to get their eyes open.

How cute is that? That's one of my fur-babies. B.B. Buttercup is her name. She runs the show.

This beautiful creature is Eli, A.K.A- Handsome.

He's very calm, cool and collected. I think he

resents his sister for being such a baby. "gives cats a bad rap"

His "bedroom eyes"

"Seriously? You're in my way."

Favorite spot, up in the loft away from all the noise.

"please, no more, I'm pooped"

Photos shot by Maggie Thomas. Maggie LOVES animals and is a very patient and bubbly gal. I guess you have to be if you want to deal with animals for a living. She is just starting out and has great prices. I you are interested and live in the Halifax area please don't hesitate to e-mail her. slade_rose@hotmail.com

Comments are always welcome!!!!!!!

Share With You Sunday

2009-05-24T10:18:00.026-03:00

You have got to check out this shop on Etsy or here.I found my soap downtown Halifax at the Love Me boutique . They don't stock everything this little shop has to offer, but, I'm sure if you ask nicely....

I am in LOVE, L O V E, Love !!!!! I am allergic to just about everything I put on my face. Then I found this little wonder, Carrot Complexion Soap. Can you say Heaven?!

Sherrie Graham runs this home based business from Yarmouth Nova Scotia. I always like to support Local business but I'd buy these goodies from China if I had to. They are soooooo nice; they smell edible ( none of that yucky soapy smell you usually get from handmade soap) they lather just enough and rinse off perfectly. I've tried the carrot and the pink grapefruit loofah, now I'm hooked and have to try them all.

Pink Grapefruit Loofah Soap

Description

This great little round bar of high-lather soap has a section of all-natural loofah embedded in it. It makes a great scrubby surface for elbows, feet, and anywhere you want smooth skin. This is a long lasting bar which is just plain lovely. The scent is light and fresh and a perfect morning pick-me-up.

Carrot Complexion Soap

Description

The sunrise colour of these complexion bars comes from pure organic carrot juice. Its gentle fragrance, which smells faintly like a health food store, is very mild and is from pure howood essential oil. This nutrient-rich soap is full of skin conditioning ingredients such as cocoa butter and castor oil, and your skin will thank you for washing with it!

Lavender Bath Bar

I bet this is heavenly!

Cherry Almond Bath Bar

You really NEED to smell this, stop in to Love Me even if it's just to have a little sniff. You won't be disappointed.

New goodies at Love Me !!!!

2009-05-19T16:44:00.008-03:00

Just dropped off some new pieces at Love Me Boutique.

Have you been there yet? It's fantastic. If you're looking for something unique you have to go check it out. It has a little bit of everything. All made by Canadian crafts-people; purses, jewelry, artwork, clothes, pottery, etc.... you name it she probably has it ! Most important are these beauties.......$40-$60 All are made from upcycled, recycled, previously loved; whatever you want to call it, suits. Yes, suits. They're fantastic, even if I do say so myself. They are a lot of work, but I loved making them. I didn't really want to give them away. ( a girl's gotta eat though and I know they'll get good homes)

These pictures really don't do them any justice.

I dropped off a few new tie watches and some different clutches. I can't upload the photos right now, Blogger is having a time out. I'll post when I can.

It's finally sunny here today and that means yardwork. My lawn looks like a grassy beast and I'm the only one that can use the electric (it has a cord?) mower.Have a Happy Happy Day.

Favorite photographer

2009-05-16T02:26:00.012-03:00

I would like to introduce PatriciaSampson;

my favorite photographer. Cute eh? Not only is she the most fabulous photographer in Halifax, she is my person, my thrifty/junky shopping partner, my way to spend the day getting inspiration partner, my favorite chocolate chip cookie maker and my brother's girlfriend.

You absolutely have to check out her pictures. They're fun and fresh.

http://patriciasampson.blogspot.com

I have a little sampling of the beauty she captures.... I can hear all the ooooh's and aaaah's already. enjoy !!!!

Handmade goodies!

2009-05-15T09:58:00.020-03:00

I can't really go on with this blog until I show you some more of my goodies. It may seem like this is all about me, well.... it kinda is.

Up-cycled ties $45.00

You can purchase these bad-boys at

Love Me Boutique

1539 Birmingham Street, Halifax.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

B3J 2J6

P: 902-444-3668

E: lovemebouti

que@eastlink.ca

W: www.lov

emeboutiqu

e.ca

Baby blanket/throw 2.5'x3' $50.00

Up-cycled wool sweaters with orange cotton on the back side.
You'll be sooooo cool while baby stays warm and squishy with your exclusive (one of a kind) blanket.

I take custom orders and can make them out of tees if you'd like. :)

My Ex-boyfriends sweater purse. $25 - $35

I've made a ton of these, I can even make one for you if you have a favorite sweater (wool please) that would look better as a purse. I don't want to know where it comes from, no names please, I don't want to get involved; just e-mail me for a quote.

Stuffies: All made from up-cycled wool sweaters (washed and felted of course) I make them randomly and do custom orders.

They make me smile! You just can't help yourself can you?

I promise it won't be all about me tomorrow. I have a fantastic local photograher I want to share with you. toodles

Where to Start?

2009-05-14T10:55:00.004-03:00

Well, I have to start somewhere, so why not tell you and show you what I've been up to.

At least I think I can show you, I'm not 100% sure I know how to upload pics yet. We'll find out soon.

This past year has been really interesting to say the least. It has forced me to slow down and learn how to take care of myself. One of the best things I did for myself was "find my passion". Yes, I said passion. Apparently I didn't have any. Who knew? So I started to sew again. I Love to sew! who knew? Well now, Patty-cakes (my BFF- you'll be hearing a lot about her) does and she's been at the receiving end of my many sewing "adventures".

I'll call them adventures because most times it's something I haven't done before and it's at her urging that I take the adventure. Well, now I'm sewing like a mad woman and I can't stop.

Sewing and selling, sewing and selling. I love it and have never been happier.

Here are some pics of things I made already. Next post will be some new things, e-mail me (for now) if you'd like to buy or have something made.

I'm not the best photographer (Patty-c) is. Don't judge me.

Enjoy!

2009-05-12T22:20:00.000-03:00

I'll be up and running SOON, I promise.