Secret Gardens and Wedding Season

Two years ago, I was at this beautiful garden at Hycroft Manor in Vancouver for my cousin's wedding. It’s the kind of Secret Garden you picture while reading the book with the same name. This year, I'm going back to Vancouver for my friend's wedding at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which is equally beautiful and picturesque.

BCBG dress, Vintage clutch

The Gardens at Hycroft Manor

Vogue editorial worthy, I know..

 
While I strive to capture moments with the camera, it's these special chapters in life that cannot be truly captured, only experienced. I know, I'm getting sentimental.

Let’s hope there’s a photobooth!

In the studio: Feathers in the Making

Feather Earrings have been taking over my studio. This week I've been busy making a small batch run of feathers, hand gilding and cutting each of the strands to resemble feathers. They remind me of cookies baking in the oven.

Yes, I've been busy with the scissors.

I made this silver and black combination as a special request.

The Leather School, Scuola del Cuoio

The past month of traveling has finally caught up to me. I couldn't be any happier eating, exploring and traveling with good company, but I think my stomach needs a break. Really.

So while my tired feet wanted to rest, I ignored it's plea and we headed to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence to check out the Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio). Florence is known for it's leather, so I couldn't make a trip without a visit to the School or a leather tannery. A historical tidbit: Established just after World War II by the friars of the monastery, the School was a means to give the orphans of war a practical trade to earn a living.

leather handbag patterns

At the Leather School, they sell handcrafted leather handbags and leather goods, but I was more interested in seeing the Florentine leather artisans at work. They also teach courses which I would have loved to take, if only I had more time in Florence.

If you arrive on a weekday, they will actually monogram your name into one of your leather purchases.

tools of the trade