The Great Canadian Mitten Giveaway!

{Note: all new posts this week will be directly below this one.}

Come one, come all to The Great Canadian Mitten Giveaway. After the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on Friday night I got so many emails from US readers wanting to know how they could get some of the coveted red, Canadian Olympic Mittens that are the fashion hit of the games so far. Lucky for you we have the goods - Yes it's true, thanks to my well-connected friend Linda we have managed to get our hands on some of the official wooly wonderfulness that everyone is coveting - and they could be yours! Details below.

It's open to everyone, not just Canadians! All you have to do is comment below. Tell me one thing you know about Canada. If you'd like to enter more than once then you will have to know 2 things about Canada! No seriously, to enter more than once you just have to Tweet this, reblog it or if you don't already follow Cafe Cartolina just sign up on the right and you can enter again. Good luck! Email me if you have any questions! {Don't forget to make sure there is a way for me to contact you on the comment.} Winners here on Monday morning - the 22nd!

Update: the comment page has split itself into 2(because it can only handle 200 at a time) so if you leave a comment, and wish to see it, click on the tiny blue link in the corner of the window that says 'newest' - thanks!

Canadiana

I am quite intrigued by both of these items from Etsy seller Hindsvik. The first one is a vintage Canadian film reel case - I think it's quite wonderful. Next up, we have some authentic vintage cabin-chic in the form of a stoneware lamp with a rustic Canadian scene on the translucent lampshade - I'd say that's a real score - and it's up for grabs at $54.

Treasures

When I saw these images I just knew you would love them. These amazing treasures are from a store called Trove in Laguna Beach CA. I discovered the store and these fabulous images through Trouvais.com which is a site you are sure to love. Love this french bird cage and the aqua coloured furniture.

Interiors

We seem to have developed a pattern of featuring my favourite interiors on Fridays - I always have so many inspiring goodies to share with you during the rest of the week - we can relax and just enjoy some eye candy on Fridays. It feels like I'm in the mood for rearranging furniture and rethinking my decor at the weekends - I thought I would attempt this marbleized wall tomorrow - looks pretty straight forward don't you think ;-)

This fabulous collection of shots is from Lovely Clusters - where I always feel perfectly at home - we must be design soul-sisters!

Found

These are fun - iconic upcycled pendants made from utilitarian numbers. Not sure if I would wear one but it's an interesting idea - I think I would just hang it up somewhere and enjoy it. There's something about the seven that is very pleasing to the eye - maybe the scale - what do you think? From here.

Inspiration

I was reading Alicia Hanson's pretty design blog the other day, and noticed these amazing bouquets made from vintage jewelry pieces - aren't they incredible? What a great idea. they are from a selection of very pretty pictures here at Flickr Giac1061. Thanks for the inspiration Alicia!

Spring

It's been so amazingly spring-like in BC - I can't believe its only mid February. I have been throwing open the windows and listening to the robins singing every morning. These cheery housewares are just the thing we need to make that transition from winter to spring!

Inspiration

Okay, I know what it's like, you feel like you've died and gone to heaven - no you're just right here at The Cafe allowing yourself to indulge in my latest obsession - good old fashioned embroidery. I could have called this trend you know - I saw it coming and now I am completely smitten - by these one of a kind bags from Carolina Gana. Thank you Lori for alerting me to these amazing works of art. It says on her Etsy shop, Le Petit Rococo - "Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, I have been embroidering for most of my life and continue to be very passionate about rescuing and preserving the ancient embroidery of different cultures. My intention as an artisan is to bring all of the century old techniques that I have mastered over many years, into the modern world through stunning, one-of-a-kind merchandise that is both contemporary and elegant." Absolutely awe inspiring Carolina, we thank you!

Inspiration

I rather like these pieces - for those of you who are inspired by flowers(like me) - so quirky and fresh - made with salvaged pieces again - From here.

Inspiration

I stumbled on this sweet little dress the other day - I love that big fat embroidered medallion in the middle - then I checked out the rest of the site. It is mostly kids clothes but I was really inspired by the colours and patterns. Even though I don't feature kids stuff here usually I thought you would want to see these great colours and textures - perhaps inspire you do some creative today. All images from here.

Inspiration

When Carina wrote to me last week to say hi I was blown away when I checked out the links in her email signature - this is one talented gal! I'd love you to see her work too - there are so many amazing images on her Flickr collection I seriously couldn't decide which ones to show you. And then there's her blog, - amazing - but that's not all, Carina's gorgeous work is available as sewing patterns, to buy, in her shop, Polka and Bloom. So refreshing and honest. Her use of colour is wonderful - and it just feels like spring, doesn't it?

Found

I was checking out these cool recycled canvas bags from Forestbound when I found this wonderful little brass paw necklace which I just had to share with you. It is so esthetically pleasing I am really drawn to it.