A long, long time ago...

I approached artist PLF about possibly painting some kind of mural on the side of our building. He agreed, showed me some ideas, so I gave him some money to go and buy paint.

This was last November, so you can imagine my joy as the piece was finished this week!

Bad timing and bad weather has meant that our wall has been waiting for Peters magic for 4 months.

We all love the finished result, so thanks PLF! You beautified our building and we couldn't be more thrilled!

To see more of PLFs work you can go here

Given Take Swap Boutique

On Sunday March 18th we hosted a Given Take swap at the shop.

We thought it was an awesome idea. Pay a ticket fee, donate 10+ items and then shop the store until you drop! Clothes, jewellery, shoes and accessories would all be up for grabs. What a neat way to change up your wardrobe without breaking the bank!

Meagan and Adrienne worked like dogs into the wee hours of the morn the day before to get everything ready, but boy was it worth it!

They had their biggest turnout ever!

Ladies came in and flooded the parking lot making sure to give Hodgepodge a mug in exchange for a ticket that allowed them a free cup of coffee the next time they visited the shop.

Everyone waited patiently and listened to the instructions, and then everyone was swapping! We were worried that it would be a scene from Filine's basements "running of the brides", but everyone was very respectful and seemed genuinely excited for others when they found a gem themselves.

Refreshments were supplied by Hodgepodge in the form of coffee, lemonade, and wine. Krystle made sure to bake up a storm so there were strawberry shortcake, chocolate, red velvet and vanilla cupcakes to nibble on.

The ladies also could treat themselves to a hand or foot massage and a chiropractor consultation, and the wonderful "Silly Silver" donated a beautiful piece of jewellery for one lucky winner.

We're so grateful to "Given Take" for such a wonderful party. We hope to do this again and have even more people come and swap.

Thanks girls, we had a ball!



Merchant, Merchant on our Walls.

As many of you know when you come to our shop we have 2 VERY VERY green glass front book cases that house some wonderful local merchants. 

Here's a little taste of what's in there right now

We have, of course, our Batdorf and Bronson coffee by the pound for $16. It comes whole bean, but just ask us and we'll be happy to grind it for you.

We have boxes of "African Nectar" and "Bombay Chai" Mighty Leaf Tea for $12 (Want a different flavor? Ask us and we'll get it for you)

And to go with your Jamaican patties for dinner, you can pick up AUTHENTIC Jamaican high mountain coffee for $18.

"Sugar Coated Radical" have amazingly delicious fruit pate and caramels in hand printed pouches!

There are some sweet hand made coffee/tea cozies and kiddies crayon rolls made by 'Sweet Daisy Creations". 

The incredible Lori Buff has a wonderful collection of mugs and creamer jugs for sale.

Amandine Drouet has up-cycled cashmere sweaters to make some of the most interesting and imaginative childrens toys we have ever seen. (They feel beautiful too)

There is a collection of all natural handmade candles in a range of yummy scents by Buffalo Yellow Bird. Everything from Honeysuckle and Vanilla to "Bite Me" (fruit punch) and the cheeky titled "Monkey Farts"( tropical mango, banana and citrus).

Bradley Bailey makes sweet flower paintings by using a straw to blow acrylic paint in different directions.

 There are a few different jewellery designers showcased in the shelves;

 "Pink Punkin" has made whimsical and sweet necklaces in sterling silver. There are cupcakes, swallows and mustaches too!

We have a collection of fun beaded bracelets and earrings from"Hoppe Jewels". 

Zawn Villines hand crafted flower jewellery is incredibly detailed and perfect for Spring! 

You can read an interview I did with Zawn here

I'm going to interview some of the artists to learn some more about their creative processes and passion. Until then, don't forget to check out their crafts at the shop!