Random Pretty Thoughts

Thanks for the endorsement but...

2010-04-28T15:08:00.001-07:00

I keep trying to take promo photos of my catnip toys. They aren't meant to involve live cat models, but somehow they always do. As a crazy cat lady I feel the need to share these photos of one of my babies, taken earlier today during yet another attempted photo shoot.

Meet Sammy, a stray who adopted us a little more than a year ago. At that time he was beaten up and scraggly and he would not take 'no' for an answer when he asked to move in. As you can see, the cushy lifestyle around here has had a few positive effects. Now he is well fed and gorgeous, and he knows it. Of course, he still won't take no for an answer and as a result I have lost 6 cat toys out of my stock so far. The photo on the top left is the indignant face he pulls when I try to block his theft attempts; the other two illustrate what happens when I invariably give in.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a furry face.

A Brush with The Benevolent Stranger

2010-04-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed a new shop downtown and thought to yourself, "huh, I wonder what that's all about...?" before continuing on your way with no further investigation? It's an all too common practice, and I admit that I've been guilty of it in the past. Usually it is followed by a moment a year or two later when you notice a 'for lease' sign in the front window of the same shop and you think to yourself, "huh, I wonder why that place didn't make it, I'd been meaning to check it out..."

About a month ago I realized that I was gradually drifting into this pattern once again. Around Christmas time, several friends had asked me if I knew anything about the new shop next door to The Only Cafe, called "The Benevolent Stranger." I did not, and for some reason it never occurred to me to fix that. One day I found myself right outside the store discussing what it might be like inside. Suddenly I remembered that doors are things that can be opened in order to facilitate exploration of the areas that lie beyond them. I decided to take radical action and actually enter the shop. To my surprise it was totally painless and I even managed to strike up a conversation with the girl behind the counter. That's how I learned that The Benevolent Stranger is a shop committed to showcasing the works of local artists and designers. Now I am sure you can guess where this is going...

That's right! Amidst the eclectic array of clothing, jewellery, pipes and papers (for tobacco use only!) you may now find some monsters hiding in the shelves courtesy of Random Pretty Things. But seriously, all ulterior motives aside, you should really check it out there are lots of great treasures in there. Plus you can meet Sausage the rockstar wiener dog (pictured above.)

If you don't live in, or plan to visit the greater Peterborough area you can find monsters and more at randomprettythings.etsy.com. You could also help break the cycle of looky loo apathy by heading downtown wherever you live and investigating a local store you've been putting off visiting. Ok, that sounds a bit like one of those "the more you know" segments at the end of a cheesy 80's sitcom, but you know what I mean. Support local, discover neat stuff, it's a win win deal, nuff said.

Java and Jewels- Random Pretty Things at The Gourmet Cup

2010-02-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

Jewellery by Random Pretty Things is now available at The Gourmet Cup in Portage Place mall, Peterborough! Yay!!

I'm very excited by this new outpost for my creations! Three cheers for Lorna Ray, the cafe's owner for her commitment to supporting local business, and her fabulous taste in jewellery ( if I do say so myself ;) Lorna and her staff and I had a ball going through my designs and she has picked some of my absolute favourites to display for sale.

If you are heading to Portage Place be sure to stop by The Gourmet Cup and have a look. While you are there you can check out the cafes new line of gluten free baked goods and super tasty coffee. I personally recommend the chocolate raspberry or the chocolate creme brulee coffee flavours, of course the CEO blend is also oh so good.... I think I may have just talked myself out of my New Years resolution to cut down on coffee, but really who was I kidding? That one was doomed from the very beginning.

2009-03-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Mama's got a brand new bag!

This is my prototype critter bag. His name is Sammy after the cat who inspired him. More have already been commissioned including a teal and lime green raccoon bag. It may have been a joke but I am pretty sure I have to make one now that the idea has been floated into my head.