GWENDOLYNE HATS FOR LIFE

Turn up the Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:31:00 +0000

Our radiant Shop awaits... It's brimming with beautiful things. We bring artistry, fresh design and fine materials to practical accessories. So you can look your best and feel it too. Once you've experienced a Gwendolyne design you understand. Our kind of quality creates a lasting impression.

We'd love to show you our latest. There's something for everyone at Gwendolyne Hats. We've introduced exciting new designs & a range of affordable prices to please. Make it an outing, bring friends and enjoy.

Gwendolyne makes magic in the heart of her Atelier.
Sometimes her surroundings are as exciting as the finished piece.
Beautiful materials inspire great things, details create character.

We create modern classics you enjoy everyday.
All the world's a stage. You can play the Romantic in our new Corona.

Cordy cap & Boucle scarf with an autumn fringe.
Never underestimate the benefits of a great hat and scarf. A warm smile & cozy disposition can change your day. We took this picture out on the street. I wanted to capture Toronto's vibrant urban culture.

Many coloured scarves & a Mikado shoulder bag in blue.

The cavalcade of colour outside our windows has been absolutely stunning. It's just so beautiful I had to get some pictures. To see my slideshow click here. You'll get the first peak at our new Amelia design, as in Earhart the aviator. Yes a new Gwendolyne hat with earflaps has arrived.

Avoid the crowds. Shop with us before we go to the One of a Kind Show.
Our cozy Shop is where you'll get the most selection & personal service.

We look forward to your arrival!
Our last shopping day before the show is Friday November the 20th.

Harvest Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:40:00 +0000

Abbey Road & Boucle scarf with wool fringe
The midnight oil has been burning bright in our beautiful downtown Atelier.
Life is rich and full as we prepare for the season ahead. This year's harvest
is sweet and our tasty new treats are ripe for the picking. Here's some
imagery to celebrate the colours of Autumn.

The Abbey Road our classic peaked cap.
It was a sunny Sunday afternoon...together we created this still life with some of the tools of our trade. We wanted to illustrate how our work brings old world craft to life with a modern sensibility and style.

The Bean our funky wool toque.
People inspire our designs. This year three talented women brought our artistry
to life on camera. We got some great pictures and had a lot of fun!
Click here to see more of our photo shoot with Dana in Toronto's Kensington Market.

If you love Gwendolyne Hats . . .
Watch for frequent updates to our blog. We have so many exciting things to show you. You can subscribe to our posts below. Feedback is appreciated, inspire us with a comment.

Visit our downtown Atelier where culture art and fashion meet.
Discover a magical Shop that welcomes the creative spirit and celebrates individuality.

Spread the word!

Our Garden of Earthly Delights

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 01:38:00 +0000

It’s been a different kind of summer this year in Toronto, elusive and uncertain. A little bit like our world today. One minute its looking good and the next minute it’s not. The plants have certainly flourished. Perhaps it’s because they follow a natural order. They just keep the faith, move forward with confidence and grow with the flow. I guess the lesson here is to trust your instincts and make the best of what you've got. In short live for the day and advance with optimism.

I read a wonderful quote that sums this thought up nicely:

“Success is a journey not a destination and half the fun is getting there.”
- Gita Bellin

Here are some sunny Summer moments from the award winning Rooftop Garden outside our window. The first is a picture of Gwendolyne, the beautiful spirit who continues to inspire my life. And if you're familiar with Gwendolyne Hats, chances are she’s inspired you too. Many smiling faces have passed through our doors and left with joy in their hearts. Love is the thread that connects our work together. Love is full of meaning. Everything in our Atelier is infused with a little bit of that magic.

"The mind determines what is possible. The heart surpasses it.''
- Pilar Colinta

These days we've been starting work with a refreshing tête-à-tête on the Roof Garden. This peaceful oasis gets our creative juices flowing while nature's power helps to ground us. Our studio is right in the heart of the city. As we contemplate our day ahead we can feel the energy of the urban landscape around us. It's a wonderful balance. While the city feeds our mind and belly, the garden feeds our soul. I dream of a day when the roof tops of the world are green and we all live in greater harmony with nature.

Our work is a magnet for happy people. During the Summer months many travel to our city. They are always thrilled to discover this marvelous building our business calls home. Here is Lily an artist and hat lover from Vancouver who found us on her holiday. One of our greatest pleasures is meeting kindred spirits who like ourselves share their joy and spread happiness wherever they go.

As luck would have it last week we got away for a holiday up north at a cottage on Horseshoe Lake. It was so refreshing to dive into the water and wash our cares away.

It was a well deserved rest. We've been very busy working on some exciting new surprises for the cool seasons ahead. Vacations are relaxing but they're also a great opportunity to see life from a clear perspective. In our case it has re-confirmed our direction. Art is our calling and creativity the driving force behind our life. True to our hearts we have always made choices to follow that path. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but that's just who we are. We create the beautiful things that we think the world should see and we're proud of it. Our bottom line is quality and true value with meaning. This year you can expect our collection to be the best ever. Seize the day and get them while you can. After all where would the world be without flowers.

Smile!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Spring in ancient times was celebrated by the gods of fertility who rose up from the under world with the keys to life.

Living here in Toronto just north of the 49th parallel, our eagerness for the warm weather is heightened by a longer wait. It’s always such a magical time of year. Nature’s a powerful force that never ceases to amaze. I often remind people that our Canadian Maple Syrup is the result of our unique temperatures. That's why it tastes so sweet.

Spring is the eternal optimist. She can lift your spirits; bring a skip to your step and a flutter to your heart. The desire to open ourselves to the new life ahead is everywhere we go.

Here in our Atelier Gwendolyne has been busy birthing many new designs for the shop. With a fresh palette of colors, her reversible Hairbands will be delighting many faces this summer. Made in all sizes, from cotton prints, these colorful bands will brighten and cool any hot summer day.

This year we’ve added to our scarf collection. Loving silks and color, Gwendolyne has collaborated on this limited edition of exquisite shawls with an artist in Australia. Hand dyed with the themes of water, earth and fire the touch and finished edges of the silks are divine. They are perfect for the many outdoor celebrations planned in the months ahead.

Gwendolyne's button collection has inspired a new line of chokers. Made from Japanese ribbons and braids the adjustable sizing allows great comfort. Here is one decorated with antique vegetable ivory turned buttons. The subtle details of these buttons are set off brilliantly from the background. New to the shop they are selling fast. You can ask about one to be made for you as Gwendolyne is also taking custom orders.

Recently a customer dropped by and shared her daughters’ love for buttons. I think many of us have this fascination. Especially if your grandmother had jars full of them. Today there are few button producers in the world that create the beautiful styles that were made in the past. The Czech Republic still produces molded glass buttons. It’s nice to see this art and craft tradition continue. It is important to celebrate the good things in our world. After all you reap what you sow. Money is a vehicle that defines our worth and values. How we circulate it is the determining factor of what we want our world to be. More then ever before we must understand what we are buying and look closely at the energy invested in it. We decide what will be created today and cherished in the future.

In Gwendolyne's latest line of Button Love bracelets she has brought her cherished glass buttons from the 20's to 50's era to life on the wrist. The colors are vibrant and the base beads simple to set off the detail and color of each button. Many people love the magnetic clasp as it allows for easy closure when putting them on. We have sizes for everyone, come see them soon. I know you'll love them.

Last year many new bag designs were created and produced in our studio. Gwendolyne is always determined to bring function and beauty together. She is truly enjoying bag design, as it is both technically challenging and a perfect canvas to display her love of detail and artistry.

This year she has continued her search for the perfect carry all. The Raven wristlet is designed to carry the essentials. It can be worn on the wrist or on the shoulder. I think it's all the rage these days as it allows women to carry their core goodies. Some tell me they carry it in their bigger bags during the day and later when they go out at night all they carry is their wristlet. It would certainly make it very easy to dance the night away.

As always we have many beautiful hat designs for the season ahead. Come down to our shop and try one on or watch for the next blog.

Several weeks ago we both had a wonderful bike ride down by the lake to Humber Bay Park. With the wind at our back the going was easy. On this bright Spring day many people were out walking, riding, and roller blading. Everywhere we went the birds were also enjoying the weather. The freshness in the air and the excitement that winter was over was all around us. We saw a lot of mating rituals that day. In fact these two majestic swans did their dance right before our eyes. Afterwards they leaned in for a kiss and their graceful necks formed the shape of a heart. It was a beautiful moment and a reminder that Spring is a time for new beginnings and a lot of love.

Snow Angel

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:40:00 +0000

Happy year of the Ox!
May the soil you till be rich and fertile.

Right off the top we would like to thank everyone for making the start of our winter season such a success. Your enthusiasm was heart warming. With your valued patronage we will continue to make magic.

Wow! What a fresh start for the New Year. It’s frosty white here in Toronto. Of course if you’re the proud owner of a Gwendolyne Hat it's perfect. Say hello winter baby and enjoy it every day.

With the weather we’ve had lots of sightings and positive feedback. Apparently Art Eggleton was seen wearing one of our Tibetans. Is it true? I don’t know. Keep your eyes peeled; if you see others please let us know.

A lot has happened since we last spoke. The end of the year is always such a busy time. Our focus going into the 2008 One of a Kind Show was tremendous. All year long we had pursued a path of growth and re-invention in a landscape of economic uncertainty. Think Positive was our daily mantra. Whatever the outcome, we were going to roll up our talents and have fun. The marketplace would decide.

When the doors to the show opened something remarkable happened. People were excited to see us and they wanted what we had to offer. Our beautiful hats, bags, scarves, talismans and zipper fobs were all the rage. We felt blessed. Our determination to inspire both the world and ourselves had carried the day.

With a new look and an upbeat attitude our booth was a magnet for happy people and smiling faces. Gwendolyne even managed to get on TV twice. First CTV Weather live with Tom Brown at the show. Then CBC Newsworld with Colleen Jones, which broadcast right across the country. After that we had a buzz in our booth and it followed us home.

It's great to be back in the studio. Time to send all that positive energy forward and catch up with the demand. Gwendolyne's just finished a beautiful new edition of her ever-popular Abbey Road cap. You can see a couple of juicy brights from this batch above. Who knew winter could be so fun and colourful. These beauties are definitely a cure for the winter blahs.

This month our cozy Atelier was filled with laughter and delight. Gwendolynes' Sunday Salons have become such a wonderful addition to our creative life. They're popular too, so we've added a Monday night. We love our studio and it feels good to share it. All you need to join us is the desire to create beautiful things with your own hands.

As an artist Gwendolyne has had a creative connection with the needle and thread for the better part of her life. Her textile art courses are a lot of fun and encourage a community of spirit. They are a wonderful opportunity to open your mind, explore your creativity and bring more art to your life.

I encourage you to read further by visiting her new BLOG Atelier Gwendolyne. If you're interested in joining please click here.

Here's a New Years greeting!

Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:00:00 +0000

by William

It's a chilly day outside and our cozy Atelier is bustling with activity. Autumn is here and winter is just around the corner. It's time to prepare for the cool weather ahead.
At Gwendolyne Hats you'll find a bounty of warmth and colour to brighten your day.

As we stop to admire all the beauty in our shop Gwendolyne and I are giddy with excitement and pride. Our repertoire has grown this year and we’re delighted with the results. Evolution is invigorating. It’s brought a fresh perspective to our worktable. This Fall harvest is sweet and our amazing new creations are ripe for the picking.

We've seen success in our new products and good things are on the way. Our antique Button Love bracelets are a big hit. Men and women love our latest Abbey Road peaked caps. And this season we even have some wonderful merino wool fingerless gloves in the store.

But the best news of all? Our little Zoë bag created in the Spring has given birth to a whole new line of Gwendolyne Bags! Congratulations are definitely in order.

There's a fabulous selection of these items and more in our shop right now. Remember, it's the accessories that make your outfit. Our work has lasting beauty. It looks great together too!

Our new bags are absolutely gorgeous. It's been an amazing journey and we're thrilled with the results. There are four different designs and each individual bag has a character that's all it's own. Gwendolyne has really outdone herself. They're just so desirable.

The new designs are created in limited editions and each bag is unique. You could be the only one in the world. Everybody we've shown is talking about them. Here are a few of my favourites.

Our fiber art is expertly handcrafted from the finest natural materials. Like paintings each one is a distinct composition of texture, pattern, colour and detailing.

We want people to have value in their life. That’s why we design and create tangible things you can appreciate everyday. We invest our work with meaning and a spirit that speaks. It's special because we take the time to make it that way. It takes over 200 steps to make one of Gwendolynes' bags. Here are some photo's to illustrate her journey.

Our Talisman started as a romantic flourish for the bags. A final signature detail to celebrate it's beauty or an opportunity to personalize your own. After making one Gwendolyne realized it's true power. Sometimes your work just tells you what it wants to be. Now we see the Talisman as a little bit of magic like a rabbits foot or lucky charm. They come in many sizes and can be hooked onto anything; zippers, key chains, knapsacks, bags, anything that's waiting to be embellished. They make great gifts for friends and family. For a closer look double click on the photo below.

Last weekend we were privileged to be part of Toronto’s Nuit Blanche Festival at our building 401 Richmond. The city was alive with enthusiastic seekers of Art and Culture. Our Atelier was open all night long and we had lots of fun. The excitement and support of our visitors was invigorating. It was wonderful to meet so many smiling faces. Art can feed your soul.

We feel blessed. Thank you.

Fairy Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:16:00 +0000

by William

It’s a lazy Summer day at Gwendolyne Hats and that feels good. We’ve been very industrious lately now it's time to relax. After the Toronto Outdoor Art Show we took a little break to enjoy the creativity of our studio and experience some of the excitement our city has to offer.

Our Shop’s been busy with some delightful visitors from abroad. Summer is a great time for travel and we’ve met new people from Japan, Italy and the States.

Tonight we’re off to the Toronto Music Garden for a wonderful outdoor concert of classical music down by our waterfront. Tucked away at the foot of Spadina, this magnificent garden is a magical setting for many reasons.

Its intimate outdoor concerts are always outstanding and the garden is absolutely gorgeous. The local birds play host to 2 free concerts a week all summer long. If you listen carefully you can hear them singing along with the music for their supper. We always bring a picnic dinner to double the fun. I’m looking forward to Persian Music for a Summer Night Thursday Aug 7th. ~ Maybe we’ll see you there.

If you want to see a slide show of this beautiful garden in full bloom click here.

A special thanks to all the people involved with the Music Garden; especially Tamara Bernstein, for providing us with this enlightening opportunity.

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition was great fun this year. It’s always such an amazing display of beautiful handmade things from the heart. This year was no exception. Our booth was bustling with fresh and familiar faces. I think people really enjoyed themselves. I know we did.

There are 3 Graces in Greek mythology. Each with the power to grant charm, happiness and beauty. Here is a picture of the modern version; Gwendolyne, Evelyn and Joey. It was sunny and hot, hot, hot, with the occasional breeze. We drank lots of water and entertained many. It was the peak of the season. By the end of the weekend I really appreciated the value of a great hat.

Yes our hats are practical. They also bring a lot of character into the theatre of life. Have a look at Evelyn. She's playing "Juliette" in one of our blue Zinnia hats. “ Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” Wow! She's so beautiful we felt lucky.

And here is our good friend the lovely Rita. She's wearing a vintage Gwendolyne hat called the Garden Shade. How's that for a little glamour! You can see that our work is about self-expression. We create magical things to inspire peoples' individuality, beauty, beliefs and spirit.

What a refreshing relief. Our booth was close to the Peace Garden, a lush oasis in a sea of cement. If you travel with a few trees and bring along some running water you can usually attract a breeze. But lets be sensible. You'll always be cool under the brim of a fabulous Gwendolyne Hats original!

It's Hip to be Happy!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:30:00 +0000

by William

We had a taste of summer this weekend and it was delicious. The city felt joyful and sprang to life. There was a buzz in the air and people were talking. It was a magical moment the world was smiling. I thought, we need more of a life like this.

That evening the rain came down in all its thunderous glory and brought cool weather. The time had passed so quickly it felt like a dream. It’s going to be a long hot season ahead, so I continued to nurture my thought from the weekend. I imagined what the Summer of Love was like and the positive things that decade had to offer. Peace, love and understanding. Free thinking, self- awareness. We could certainly use more of those ideas today.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a new era of optimism and hope? Now is a good time to start. Inspire the world around you; celebrate life and all it has to offer. Let's put the power back into the flower!

Gwendolyne and I live by these ideas. We invest our work with positive energy and share it with you. Yes we make beautiful things but we're philosophers too! Our designs have purpose, feel good and feed your spirit. This summer step out with confidence and spread that joy forward.

So, if you want to treat yourself to something special that has meaning and lasting value, Gwendolyne Hats shop in Toronto is the place to be!

We love music and it's power to transport us to another time or place. Recently we had the pleasure to enjoy a marvelous concert right on our doorstep. Donald Quan and his new store Musideum were celebrating their grand opening. This amazing new addition to our building sells captivating old, new and exotic instruments. Wow! What wonderful sounds come from incredible instruments.

While working with our hands we love listening to Jazz FM 91.1 Sometimes it's the soundtrack to our life. This was totally confirmed when we heard “It’s Hip to be Happy”. This jazzy tune by Ann Hampton Callaway is an anthem for our times. You must read her lyrics, they’re light hearted, charming and very timely. Busy lives can be distracting. It's always nice to be reminded that a big smile, a positive attitude and...
A Great Hat can change the day!

We invite you to visit us at Our shop Tuesday to Saturday from noon till six.

Or, Come to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit in Nathan Phillips Square.
July 11-13, 2008

We will be in Booth 560 in the turquoise section. Just north of the Peace Garden.

Our Fertile Oasis!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Mon, 26 May 2008 22:52:00 +0000

by William

What a magnificent Spring we’ve had this year, so fresh and green. All we need now is the warmth of the sun. Then we can look forward to a big burst of colour to top it all off. It's the perfect opportunity to step out and enjoy life. Our studio has been filled with laughter and enthusiasm this month. Gwendolyne has begun teaching a fiber art workshop on Sundays called
the Four Elements. If you are interested in joining us please click here.

Water is the first element in this series and the weather has been very co-operative, with lots of rain for inspiration.

You may have seen Gwendolyne Hats on CityTV recently, JoJo Chinto stopped by our shop. He was doing a story about the award winning building our business calls home; 401 Richmond St. West. While JoJo tried on some hats, Gwendolyne talked about how this vibrant creative community has helped us and other people grow.

There’s always something exciting happening here at 401 Richmond and Our Atelier is no exception . If you love Culture, Design and the Arts you must drop by for a visit. It will uplift your spirits and enrich your life.

Sometimes you discover a special spot in the world that's so amazing you put down roots and blossom. That's what our atelier means to us. We're on the top floor. Our windows look out over the courtyard and onto the roof garden. It's a lush oasis of climbing vines and new growth out there these days. How inspiring!

It’s a quiet day today as we recover from Doors Open Toronto. We’re a popular destination on this city wide tour and this weekend was a lot of fun. Our Shop was bustling with activity as many new people took advantage of the opportunity to play dress up with our latest designs. As you can see we're more than just a hat shop. It was very rewarding to see the positive response.

There's a guest book in our Shop for comments. But, this weekend Gwendolyne got a big smile when the Lady Julia said,

"I am so happy to find this place. This is what the world needs these days, things made with care, wonderful materials and so much beauty. Your work speaks of individuality, I am so excited.
I want you to be successful as I love what you are making. You are making things that I can relate to, that have spirit and meaning". Then Julia bought something for herself to celebrate that idea!

It's great when people totally understand where you are coming from and cast their vote for the positive things in life. That's certainly what Gwendolyne and I believe in. If we noticed one common thread this weekend... More people are feeling this way too.

Spring it on!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:31:00 +0000

Written by William

The warm sun has been streaming in the windows of our cozy Toronto Atelier, making us feel like Spring has arrived. These beautiful bright days keep the spirits up and our creative juices flowing. We're very focused, creating new work to change with the weather. While sweet sap flows from the maple trees here in Canada, our urban sugar shack is cooking with gas. With birds singing outside and the orchids blooming, our sunny studio is an inspiration for the season ahead.

Of course we only have to step outdoors to realize it’s still quite chilly. But, it’s the thought that counts.

Spring is a time of growth, renewal and of new life being born. Gwendolyne and I are very excited this year about creating new products that expand our vision. We intend to try our hand at new things. So keep your eyes open and ears to the ground.

Our Abbey Road is a popular hat. I've certainly enjoyed mine. It's charming, stylish and I find the peak very practical. This season we’ve created a fresh look with some wonderful new colours. There is also a lighter weight version for the warmer weather; shown here. Remember, each one of these beauties features a luxurious lamb leather peak with a magical vintage button accent.

Zoë means life
and this limited edition of pocket-sized messenger bags, is definitely full of spirit. A lot of care has gone into making them. They are long lasting as well as beautiful. Each Zoe is one of a kind. I know Gwendolyne is very proud. Miniature masterpieces, they are just big enough to carry the essential things. Perfect for when we take off all those layers and want to travel light.

Good things come in small packages and each one of these beauties comes with a signature, edition number and their very own box. If you need one to match a special outfit there's more choice available in our shop.

Gwendolyne adores antique and vintage buttons. Attracted by their attention to detail and celebration of craft, she is also fascinated with the stories that surround them.

Like Gwendolyne designs, collectable buttons are practical things invested with meaning, that celebrate life. Buttons are a type of jewelry. Which leads me to yet another wonderful new addition to our shop. One that reflects Gwendolyne's passion for beautiful things that resonate.

Button Love Bracelets sparkle in the light.

In our shop we have a treasure chest of choice and a variety of sizes. Every button a is piece of history and each bracelet has it's own story. Fastened with a sterling silver magnetic clasp, they're easy to get on and off. These buttons are all late 19th century antiques.

Pretty exciting!

A Big Winter!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:30:00 +0000

It's a blizzard out there.

At this time of year people are eager to see the end of winter. However Mother Nature has a mind of her own. These last snowfalls are essential for the waking of sleepy roots and seeds beneath the ground. In warmer climates this time of year is called the wet season.

Most people in Toronto feel beleaguered by all the snow. Personally, I just love it! I’m always inspired by the power and beauty of nature. Every snowfall is an opportunity for me. Should I play inside and create the perfect winter hat or go outside to experience the invigorating vitality of winter activities.

Born in January, I'm a winter baby and I enjoy every minute of it. To see a slide show celebrating my favourite season click here

William and I were fortunate to get out of the city and enjoy the country these last few weeks. Growing up in Northern Ontario I skied every weekend with my family. Winter was a lot of fun. On the ski slopes one of my big challenges was perfecting my slalom, the other, like all young girls, was getting the attention of older boys.

Gwendolyne Hats goes out on the road at this time of year. Like gypsies we travel to spread our magic. There's always a sense of excitement as we leave the city. Our daily routine has changed and we’re off on an adventure. Into the winter wonderland we go, the sun is bright, the snow white, and everything glistens.

Here we are traveling north to ski country to do a trunk show. This beautiful yellow truck caught our eye on the way. We always drive up ahead of time to enjoy the sights. Mixing a little business with pleasure is essential. It’s great to get out of the studio after making some beautiful new things to inspire people. Creating and selling your own work is like Show and Tell in school. Once your new work is complete, you can't wait to share it with others.

Arriving at our destination we set up our display and go out for a nice dinner. Returning to our B&B we enjoy a relaxing evening of in front of a cozy fire. The next day it’s Showtime! People play dress up while we illustrate the power and lasting beauty of our handmade wares. During the day we meet new friends and say hello to familiar faces. Some discover us for the first time; others are in the know already. Then there are dreamers looking forward to the future. Everyone an individual, all with smiling faces.

Our customers share stories about meeting people who own and wear our designs. It feels good to know we make something that brings such pleasure, comfort and individuality to peoples lives. Many thanks to all those who have supported us in our journey. We look forward to meeting many more of you.

After all, Winter is a season I believe is largely misunderstood, until you own a Gwendolyne Hat.

The Year of the Rat

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:19:00 +0000

It was refreshing start this January. An open heart and positive thinking. We wanted to revitalize our approach in our atelier and we have done so with a full force creating together some new and wonderful accessories below the head.

Back in December a customer of mine made a request. He wanted to surprise his wife with a gift she so desired. Five years earlier I had created a small shoulder purse sample and eventually gave it to a friend. There was still work for me to do on the design, so onto back burner it went.
Sinter Claus (the Dutch equivalent to our Christmas) is a magical time as my design house began 1991 because of it's tradition of the making of a gift for one person. His wife's desire and the timing, pushed me on to complete the purse design and bring it to life. I named the design "The Zoe" which translates from the Greek to "life" in English.

Continuing the topic of life, the Lunar New Year calender begins tomorrow. William and I took advantage of last week's snow abundance that fell onto our city of Toronto and made this Snow Rat to celebrate the "Year of the Rat". Made in less than 2 hours we dressed our icy friend with a Gwendolyne Hat (The Enoch and The Boucle Scarf). Dashing don't you think? We are fortunate to have two new years to celebrate. One to get us on track, and the second to confirm our new direction. I would conclude that yes, we are definitely enjoying the fruits of our labor and thrilled to see our results.

Button Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:58:00 +0000

I love my new Abbey Road design. It has been a wonderful new addition to our collection and we've had a lot of success with it. For years my customers have been asking for a Gwendolyne peaked cap. Well here it is! These beauties take over 150 steps to build and they're worth it. This cut is so charming, people are just loving the luxurious lamb leather peak and the vintage button accent. This edition is limited so I encourage those who are interested to come and visit the shop, there's still great choice in your size.
This has been My Year of the Button!
I love detail and will always embellish my designs with handwork. I've used antique and vintage buttons, but this year I became a serious collector. You'll see evidence of this in my latest designs. I find older buttons extremely beautiful, they have far more character than those produced today. Like my work they are practical things that overflow with spirit.

I've added a bit more punch to our Clarissa cloche this year. The button accent is larger and plays a more dynamic role in its' detailing. The Celluloid buttons I've used, date from the 1890s to the 1930s. I have carefully selected the most beautiful button color and design to accent each hat. This way I can share my button passion with the world and get them back onto the street. It's great to see the big button trend on the new coat styles this year. Think about a hat to match. Oh what fun!

There are 3 stylish beret designs in our collection this year. Remember you don't need to be French to enjoy a beret. These days there are many people who enjoy the romance, comfort and style of this timeless design.

Here is picture of our Celeste on a happy new client. This is a very limited edition and each one is exquisite. There are great styling opportunities with this design because of it's fullness. Its' collage of different woven wools and button detailing has a striking old world sensibility.

As for our other 2 beret designs, the Ashley can be seen on our website and the Wool Beret is in our store. Drop by and you can try on all three.

I'm sad to say that this is the last year for our Tibetan design. This cozy Gwendolyne classic will look different next year. Unfortunately I'm unable to source all my materials.

Change is a constant and with that comes new beginnings. Over the last 10 years there's been a drastic change in global manufacturing. I used to order my custom trims from a 70 year old Canadian company that closed two years ago when it couldn't survive this shift. We will see more dramatic changes like this in the near future as our industries struggle to survive in this new economy.

As you can see the shelf in our shop is still full of this wonderful design. But this is the last batch. So, if you’ve enjoyed your hat and thought of replacing it, or if you’ve always dreamed of owning one... This is the year!

There is still time to visit our shop before we pack our work and go to The One of a Kind Show (at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto). Our shop will be closed from Wednesday Nov 15th until Dec 5th for this exciting shopping event.

If you can't make it to the show or prefer a more leisurely shopping experience be sure to drop by our shop before then. Come experience our fabulous new collection in the beautiful atelier where we design and create it.

Enjoy the pleasure of trying everything on in your own size and colours. Take your time and discover what looks best on you. Let our expertise and well-trained eyes be your guide. We love to give our clients the best in personal service. Perhaps an espresso coffee will be what you need when you drop by. Please ask us if you crave one, we love making them for our customers.

I grew up loving my handmade Christmas stocking. The Christmas morning ritual was to run downstairs with my brothers to see what Santa had put in them. Over years my stocking collected many wonderful memories of growing up. I made these stockings to re-create that same experience for someone else, a little piece of magic that could be passed from generation to generation. These luxurious stockings are made of the finest materials and decorated with appliquéd wool felt, glass beads, and antique buttons. They’re the perfect gift to stuff full of goodies. Give them to someone special...

Time is just flying by as we busily prepare for the One of a Kind Show. Our hectic and full schedule can be a bit daunting at times, but when I sit down and dream of my customers’ enthusiastic response to my beautiful new designs, it's all seems worthwhile.

I ask that you give us a blessing of good luck by rubbing this Buddha’s belly button.
He always brings a smile to my face.

Dress up!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:10:00 +0000

It has been a while since my last post. Our Summer seemed to pass by so quickly as we created beautiful hats in the studio and played in the city. Autumn has arrived and winter is just around the corner. Time to cozy up for the cool weather ahead. I always look forward to the Fall. The drop in temperature and smell of the earth are my first signs. The crisp light and brisk air stimulate my senses.

I begin my preparations at home by opening my trunks and pulling out the warmer clothing. It's always exciting to see my clothes again but, what do I need to complete my wardrobe?

Our food choices begin to reflect the juicy full flavors of the harvest and the cooler temperatures make it all taste so good. William and I love this season. Perhaps it's the Cavalcade of color that spurs us on. Mother Natures' fiery display of burning brights and her rich but subtle earth tones inspire my colour sensibilities.

Our Atelier is bustling with activity at this time of year. The Shop is full of abundance. New hats are coming out of the workshop daily. Customers are dropping by to see what’s in store for them. It’s a busy and exciting time of year for Gwendolyne Hats. We work all year round to prepare for this moment. This is when our work truly shines and we look forward to sharing it’s radiance.

It’s always exciting to see the fruits of our labour assembled and in our shop at this time of year. The collection looks fabulous…

Our designs come to life on people and they're always a lot of fun to try on. So we invited a couple of friends over to play Dress Up. We took pictures and created two slide shows to illustrate some of our new collection for you.
Above is a picture of Joey in the Aubrey. The Aubrey is a beautiful patchwork poem of tapestries from around the world. This mid-season design, with a three panel lamb leather top, offers great protection from Fall to Spring. See more hats on Joey click here.

Audrey models our new Clarissa cloche below & one of our cozy hand fringed boucle knit scarves. This Romantic hat, hand-cut from cashmere blend wool, is accented with specialty trims and a vintage button. Its brim can be styled up to highlight your face or down to protect you from the weather. See more hats on Audrey click here.
Gwendolyne hats have personality, they speak to people about warmth, style, individuality, and spirit. They are a great form for expression. A lot goes into each hat. We make all sizes, each one well designed, expertly crafted and unique. Wearing our creations is definitely a feel good experience.

I make beautiful hats for beautiful people. My customers are special human beings that celebrate life. For them beauty radiates from the inside out. A confidant smile is very powerful force. It can change the way you see the world and affect how the world perceives you. I want my customers to be happy in their hat and spread that positive energy forward.

Below you will find a picture of me with my latest fiber art creation titled “Good Vibrations”, for the Textile Museum of Canada’s 12th annual Shadowbox Show and Silent Auction. This amazing show is always a highlight of the season and it just keeps getting better. I highly recommend that you go see it.

I love handwork and over the years I’ve noticed a renewed interest in these traditions. I want to share some of my knowledge in this field.

In the Spring I plan to teach a Fiber Art course in my Atelier. If you are interested please send me an e-mail.

Tah! Tah! . . . ( that's hat spelled backwards)

Colour your world

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:55:00 +0000

For what you will find at our Sale click here!

Summer is in full bloom, school's out and the kids are frolicking. We have already experienced some wonderful moments ourselves. I do love how our city of Toronto is such a magnet for great musical talent in the summer. The best part of it?... the fun's all outside. William and I have been enjoying the Harbourfront concert stage, where free music events hit center stage every weekend. Our taste in music is adventurous, so we appreciate the many different styles and cultures on the program. We've enjoyed many a moonlit serenade while dancing under the stars. It's a lot cooler down by the lake.

Our most exciting concert to date featured a 10 piece Afro Soul group from New York called the Budos Band. Tremendous live energy and a great new CD too.

On another day we came across a colorful display of the multi- cultured creativity our city offers. It's so great that Toronto celebrates its diversity. In the end we learn more about each other and that's why we live together peacefully. What a beautiful day!

My son Aaron and his wife Catalina have been living in Japan this past year. This photo illustrates the true beauty of the Japanese cherry blossom.

It's so nice to see a Gwendolyne Hat underneath these magnificent blooms and on the head of my wonderful daughter- in- law.

It was a honour for me to be one of the judges at this year's Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition held in the Nathans Philips Square. I was very lucky to meet some very creative artists and I enjoyed this opportunity to talk with them about their art. In the end I got to choose who I thought to be the "Best" and the "Honourable Mention" in the Fiber Media category. Fourteen years ago I was the recipient for Best in Fiber, so for me this was a full circle. I got to pass the torch on to someone else. It is great to see how many new artists have embraced this tradition. For centuries it was a cherished creative outlet amongst women. I’m so happy to watch this passion continue to grow.

It may be hot outside but in the studio we are busy preparing for the cold. It takes 8 long diligent months to create my new winter collection. We had a lot of fun this past month building the 2007 edition of my Boucle Scarves.

Here I am working with my talented assistant Jessica. Each scarve's fringe is created from international designer yarns. Like an artist's palette the yarns are stored different colour containers to make the colour selection more accessible.

The yarns are then cut and hand laid one by one at each end and then sewn in later. Like a painting each fringe is a unique combination of colour and texture. As a child it was always the fringe that made me enjoy my winter scarfs. So I produce these not only to provide terrific winter warmth but also to offer my clients that splash of color to inspire their winter days.

I realized this weekend that our intentions create the wonderful world we get to experience. All you have to do is open your mind and life will unfold. By making a simple plan, to get outside on our bikes, with a picnic in our baskets, we laid a path to the most magical day.

The surprises that await you are always just around the corner. It is all about timing and whether we are ready to recognize the gift! You're only as lucky as you want to be. So lift your wings and soar like a bird, then sing out loud and spread that joy forward.

Bee in your bonnet!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 01:49:00 +0000

I have just completed a Beautiful new edition of my Zinnia. With a stylish modern romantic look, this 100% linen hat offers terrific shelter from the suns rays.

The natural colored linen on the top and upper brim of each hat reflects the heat, while the under side of the rim and the band bring a fun splash of summer colors to the face.

The trims I use in this design provide a crisp yet delicate finish. The shot 2 colour light weight cotton scarf offers a softening flourish. It can also be tightened when the wind picks up, to keep your hat on top.

If you have long hair, this shape will also allow you to tuck your hair up inside and keep the back of your neck cool.

I am blessed to have our business in one of Toronto’s most inspiring creative buildings. This community of like-minded souls filled with new ideas and the spirit of creation has helped me to blossom into the person I am today. One of the magical features of 401 Richmond St. West is it’s amazing roof garden. This calming environment has allowed me to reflect on my designs and take refuge from the fast pace of daily life in the city.

My Zinnia design got its name when I fell in love with the Giant Zinnias on the roof garden at 401. This beautiful flower has become one of my favorites during the hot summer months. They come in many colours and thrive in the sunny weather when temperatures soar.

The roof garden is also a testing ground for new summer products or in this case a photo to show how my colors dance with the greenery!

Tucked away in the heart of our city, this hidden gem, was featured as an official green site in the 8th annual Doors Open Toronto. Many visitors were eager to experience both the garden and our work that weekend. Fortunately our atelier looks right out onto this wonderful oasis and inspires us everyday.

Mike Moody is the gardener extraordinaire behind this incredible vision. His recent addition to the rooftop is an Aviary of Budgies. We have watched his garden grow from a mere postage stamp into the marvel it is today. Who knows where Mikes new passion will lead...

With a community of creative thinkers at the helm and a community of birds, bees and butterflies on the deck, 401 Richmond is like a modern day Noah’s ark, protecting the creative spirit and moving towards a more sustainable future.

It gives me great satisfaction to know that when you shop at Gwendolyne Hats all the abundance surrounding our atelier is part of your purchase.

Many of the materials and techniques I use in my work are disappearing. For example "toile de jouy" a printed linen fabric used on the band of this hat.

I recently started a silkscreen course to remedy this dilemma. Not only will I be adding another skill to my repertoire, I hope to inspire some new directions in my designs.

My course is on the ground floor of 401 Richmond, in Studio 109 at The Contemporary Textile Studio Co-operative. A wonderful new addition.

Of the marvelous

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Wed, 02 May 2007 20:35:00 +0000

Hurray it’s truly here! The big smile on my face says it all. The warm weather has finally arrived and planted its feet firmly into the ground. I remember that sunny day when everyone came out of their collective caves. People were definitely under dressed, but hey, we were all happy and the smiles were infectious. Here I am modeling my new Abbey Road design downtown in one of Toronto's many graffiti alleys.

With all the beautiful weather outside I've been a bit distracted, who can blame me.
Fortunately the natural light streaming in the southern windows of our studio has spurred on my creativity.

I've just finished a gorgeous new edition of Gwendolyne Hairbands for the shop. I love hair bands, but I always had difficulty finding the proper fit and selection was limited. So, last year I created my own.

This year my customers are telling me "hair bands are in". Well I personally didn't think they were ever out, at least not for me. Perhaps it's my long hair. In the Summer, I don't like how the heat can build up at the back of my neck. A Hair band helps to keep me cool. After a swim a hair band keeps the wet hair off my face.
A good hair band can be a great Summer accessory.

Some of my new Hair band designs have miniature vignettes of fabric appliques and antique buttons. They were a lot of fun to make, and are a thrill to see on my customers. Here is Andrea, new to Toronto from the East coast. She was happy to have her Hair band choice custom sized for her on the spot. It is so nice to offer those extras to my customers when I can. We ended up talking about the acting scene in T.O.

As a farewell gift, I gave Shihoko this hair band and best wishes for her journey back home. She is a lovely Japanese woman who worked in our building’s cafe this past year.

My son Aaron and his wife Catalina are teaching English in Japan. On this spring day they visit the temple at Nara and feed the deer who roam freely all year round. Notice the hat.

Over last several weeks there has been a real buzz about the environment here in Canada. It's great to watch this fertile seed grow in our collective conscious. Together we are a powerful force that can stand up and effect change. Wake up that sleepy giant and let's strive for a better world. Last weekend the Green Living Show was happening in T.O. It was exciting to see a show about alternate lifestyle choices become a platform where politicians and environmentalists duke it out for social change. Kudos to David Suzuki for standing up for the environment. Instead of going to the show we decided to venture out and appreciate nature first hand.
We packed a picnic and off we rode to the Leslie Spit; an amazing natural resource and one of our favorite spots in the city.

It was a day full of wonderful surprises. Like ourselves many people were out enjoying the Spit, on bicycle or on foot. So were all the flora and fauna. I have never experienced so many wonderful creatures on one day. It was a special gift for us, to see more. Here is a rabbit passing by William as he was resting on a timber cut down by the beavers teeth.

This quick video William took of me sums up our Sunday outing the best!

Tapping the source

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:13:00 +0000

Recently an early tobacco card of a Red Breasted Woodpecker caught my eye.
I was captivated by both the painters composition and use of color. I now have the complete set of 30 antique Imperial Tobacco cards (circa 1900). They celebrate illustration in ways that are reminiscent of the past. As an artist I cherish this sensitivity. As a designer I try to bring these ideas into the present.

The Woodpecker is a potent symbol for me, it conjures up the idea of tapping the new energy of Spring. Though it's not always visable to the naked eye, life is emerging everywhere. In fact prior to Easter my girlfriend saw one of these birds in her backyard, here is a photo . William and I love birdwatching, as of late we have had some wonderful experiences. In our garden we have a bird bath. It is the local water pub for the small birds to drink, bathe and have fun in everyday. It's presence is a great addition to our garden. I look forward to those moments again. If you love birds here is a great site
for information.

The last several weeks have been tough as I came down with a debilitating cold. It has been two years since my last cold, it also was around this time of year. At first I didn't slow down and created a fun set of Flower power corduroy patio cushions.

Then I lost my voice. For three days I was silent and drained. I had some body nurturing to do. Rest gave me a moment to regain my strength and ponder my inner self. I had extra time to observe life around me and to reflect upon some trying relationships within my own life. We all carry patterns that at times haunt us.

My break from routine allowed me to examine a life long pattern of questioning my acceptance by others. Our relations with other people are built on believing people understand and love us for who we are. We are fortunate that we get to select our friends, but we do not get to choose everybody in our life. Some people are chosen for us. They are the ones that push our buttons and test our self worth. Their acceptance, or lack thereof , can create comfort or conflict within us. It is the latter that has offered me more insight lately.
I have come to accept that not all people can
celebrate who I am.
We are all on our own journey of self approval and we are all at different stages. To acknowledge this is to release one from the self doubt that resides from our perceived thoughts of others towards us. I believe now that the things people see in others which they have not yet attained for themselves, can create barriers for deeper relationships to grow. By acknowledging this, I can let go of my struggle and tap into my source. I will accept these relationships where they stand, without expecting the emotional change to happen. I know this will bring me a greater peace with these people in my life. Letting go can lead to a new beginning. That is one thing the Spring season offers us, a fresh start!

Now what does all this have to do with HATS? Acceptance of ones appearance is the key to enjoying the most out of life and the key to enjoying the wearing of a hat. We are unable to change our birth right of looks. Our genetics have been given to us without choice. It is only when I accept my face in the mirror am I able to celebrate it. There are many people that visit our shop and say they are not Hat people. I understand deeper what that comment means.

We were gifted last Thursday, to see the Stars on Ice by my brother Jeff and his family. It was an exciting evening out at the Air Canada center. Kurt Browning was a sight to behold. His ability on and off the ice reveals the exceptional talent this individual has. Every performance on the ice was breath taking. I hope one day he visits us at Gwendolyne Hats as he would look amazing in our Tibetan design. Now having seen his live performances that evening, I have officially become another a Kurt Browning fan!

My cold is on its last legs and I am very grateful for the lessons this journey opened me up to. All is well, and I am once again busy creating some new hats for wonderful people.

Spring rituals

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 23:54:00 +0000

Happy Spring!
It was the eve of the Spring Equinox. When the day light equals that of the night. I took this photo of the moon just after dusk on the 20th. Earlier in the evening the planet Venus was also making a visual guest appearance. It is always fun for me to see. I am lucky for I have a friend who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to astronomy and he gives me the updates about the sky from time to time. This one being a very special.

Lately we've been bringing the Spring indoors with a daily bouquet of fresh cut flowers. People experience an energy shift amongest flowers. Our bodies become calm and our minds open to uplifting sensations. Flower power, that's what it is all about. Perhaps that is why the Spring season is so revitalizing.

My new Abbey Road design is exciting. It's the first time I've had the opportunity to showcase my antique vegetable ivory buttons (circa early 1900). Filled with colors of a new Spring garden, this cap will surely brighten anyone's day.

Made from in boucle plaid wools from France. All are lined with silk and have lamb leather peaks. The edition is limited, each one is unique.

My quote for this day:
"We stand at a place, knowing there was a past, knowing there will be a future"

Spring Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:28:00 +0000

Our last snow storm shut our city down. It was the final blast to give our gardens a root quenching supply of water for natures' new growing season.

Earlier this week I could feel the sensation of the renewal under my feet. My Parsley was turning green in our garden. The longer hours of sunlight was helping to wake all life forms. Everywhere outside you looked, there was a lift of energy and spirit.
March break began on Friday and the weather was kind. By Sunday there were so many people out and about all one could do was get excited. Walking by our City Hall I checked out the rink. The number of people were less then usual. This winter William and I have had a lot of fun skating. We try to go out at least twice a week. I think I have captured one of the last shots of decent skating ice for the season. Here is a slide show of one of our lasts.

It was also the day we turned back the clock. This photo here is our old City Hall. I just love how the setting sun creates such glowing golds onto the buildings surfaces.

In the shop during Saturday some of our Spring and Summer was unveiled. It was so uplifting to see the new fabrics. Very soon we will all need to protect ourselves from the sun and the heat. Till then Spring is just fine for me. Time to pull out my light weight clothes from storage.

Later in the evening I went out with a girlfriend to the Canada Blooms show here in Toronto. This was a first for me. We arrived when the day crowds had just left. So we could experience the show on our own terms. I also was very impressed with the environmental garden displays. To create these dioramas is a challenging task. The one that was the most exciting included a garden shed, a pond, and a cozy "S" curved walled retreat. I could visualize themself one day with something like that in our garden. I would make it my morning retreat. The website does not really represent the talent that you will see when you go. All 5 senses need to be involved, so if you are in Toronto I highly recommend going. Especially if you love to garden. I didn't bring my camera sorry no photos of the evening.

I have just finished a new fab design called "The Abbey Road". It is going to be a great cap for the wearing during moderate temperatures. My customers will be getting a sneak preview first by personal email. I will post a picture of it next time I web log on.

In closing, I wish you a happy Spring cleaning. I find it brings a lot of fresh new energy into my life. A yard sale seems to be shaping up with all the items I am sorting through. What fun! I think I will be contacting my girlfriends and do one together.

Embrace simple pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 03:26:00 +0000

These last winter weeks have been very challenging and exciting as I have produced a new winter hat design that will surely bring many new smiles to my customers. My best design work has always been created in the season to which the hat is best worn. Recently my new design "The Nadia" was perfected. The construction of this hat requires a lot patience because I create the band design with hand sewing. Over the years I have grown to enjoy hand sewing. When I stitch I become one with time, I become grounded in the present, and do not feel the need, to hurry. My concentration is rewarded by the beauty of the furs butting up against each other.

Akin to hand sewing is knitting. Twenty years ago I worked in Romi Wools, a yarn shop here in Toronto. If you ever have a chance to visit, I truly recommend you to go there one day. Romni Wools is a knitters paradise here in Toronto. When I worked there, it was my Moms generation that kept the craft alive. Today with the renewed interest, a whole new generation of knitting is becoming established. Knitting collectives are popping up all over our city. I am thrilled to see this movement.

My friend Carolyn Barnett has made her passion of knitting a very big part of her life. She inspired me to begin this blog last August. Here we are last summer at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.

In life and business today the drive for quick solutions, and short cuts are celebrated and awarded by our contemporaries. There is a higher financial return for this sped up pace. I believe we carry this mentality into our lives. We validate how good the day is by how much we accomplished. Are these ideas sinking into our consciousness? Are we aware of the residual thinking patterns we create when we incorporate those thoughts into our lives on a regular basis? Is this torch being passed onto our children? In the Thesaurus some synonyms for consciousness are: sensibility, carefulness, mindfulness, recognition, and regard. These words best describe the experience I have when I hand stitch. They also describe for me a way of life that would allow our lives to be filled with great joy and gratefulness.

It is a good to embrace the simple pleasures of life, to slow down, and absorb the unfolding nature our life is directing us by. Our minds will get filled with a greater positive feeling to carry us throughout the day with the recognition of our abundance. I will add that when I place myself in this awareness, I experience a greater physical, emotional and spiritual sensation throughout my body.

I highly recommend the book You can heal your life by author/healer Louise L. Hays.
I recieved a copy for my birthday this year from a dear friend. I read a chapter once every morning till I finished the book. Her words were so positive and insightful about our thinking patterns. The book lifted my spirits even higher and gave me new tools to use for personal growth. Like the hats I make for people, this book is a keeper to use and read many times over. Instead of passing it along, I intend to cherish this book gift and inspire others to get a copy.

Investing in our future

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:22:00 +0000

For the first time in many years our cold winter weather didn’t began as per the usual in December. It was not until the first week of January that we realized how unusual it was.

Our conversations about the weather now became focused discussions about climate change, polar ice caps, flooding, and extreme weather. The images and stories we began seeing and hearing, made us think more about our present world.

Twenty years ago they knew how important it was to create renewable energy. I enjoyed many courses about our environment. The Energy course was one of the most informative. Fossil fuel research, forecasted a twenty year consummation to exhaust all the known and undiscovered deposits. So if their predictions were correct, that would mean our fossil fuel clock has run out. Right now, more than ever, as individuals we hold the key to change. When we live with a sensibility for our world and its' inhabits, we can reshape the existing destructive path into a healthy one.

The money that leaves my hands has the power to support my neighbors, support my city, support my country, and the most importantly support my values.

My friend Jane recently said to me, "spending money is the same as voting". We get to decide how each dollar is spent.That in turn, supports something to exist. I am voting for a world that will inspire us to live in harmony and respect mother nature.

My partner and I live in the core of our Toronto city. Where ever we walk, there is so much vitality. We do all of our shopping at small local stores. The opportunity of selection, community, and freshness makes Kensingston Market a special place for so many. If you ever visit this part of the world I encourage you to visit our shop and then walk north along Spadina into our Chinatown. Continue walking another block north to St. Andrews, where the Cat on a chair sculpture by Shirley Yanover and David Hlynsky signals the middle of the market. Walking west you will experience the many flavors that the market has for you to discover.
As you can see by this photo, you have to look up 5 feet to see this charming artwork.

Here along Baldwin St. we met a girl celebrating that first snowball of Winter. I don't know where she found that much snow to make a ball as large as that. I do know that ambition has a way of making things happen. Even though she looks a little shy in this photo, she was pleased that I saw her creation and allowed me to take this shot.

This January our shop had the buzz of customers. We met so many wonderful spirited people. In the studio, I had a very focused creative period. The new Snowflake design collection, was challenging and exciting at the same time. Here's a moment catching a some of them in their building process.

They are finished now and in our shop next door. I am glad we took this picture, for process is a beautiful thing.

We are all experiencing one form of process everyday we live. Right now we are celebrating Winter and our lives.

Here's a beautiful moment looking out of our building, as the sun is going down I captured it's reflection onto a tall downtown building. I often snap photos of this vantage point. This building was built in 1890. It holds great inspiration for us. Every day I am grateful for my bounty. I enjoy sharing it with you one day at a time!

The Law of Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 16:07:00 +0000

As we all know the last two months of any year are booked solid with many activities. It is during this time of year that my business Gwendolyne Hats is also very busy. It is for that reason it has taken me eight weeks to do a posting on this blog.

The last week of any year can be very reflective. I think back and look at how my intentions of the year unfolded. As you can see by this recent photo, the smile on our faces are symbolic of how 2006 was for us. My Chinese animal sign is the dog sign, and for this "dog", it was a terrific year. I am very grateful.

In November we participated in Toronto’s One of a Kind Show. It was so exciting to share our new designs with our customers and to find the perfect fit and colouring for them to look their best.
My partner William and I wanted a fun and successful show. We got just that. The energy of the show and the people we met was very inspiring. To see more of our adventures click here.

During this show many people are shopping for Christmas presents. As a personal gift, finding the right hat for someone is a lot of fun. I took so many photos. In this photo below my friends and I celebrate the spirit of the season.

After the show we still had to keep our socks up, for we were also participating in our building's Holiday Marketplace. The weather was terrific for getting out and we had some lovely visitors dropping by the shop and spending some quality time with us.

Then it was time to begin my own Christmas preparations. This year I decided to make some bright yellow linen Santa sacks. It was both a nice presentation and a method for transporting the goodies to each family household. My golden sacks of love were filled with small items I had selected for people throughout the year. I enjoyed the presentation as much as finding the gifts. For one full week, the wrapping was both a focus and highlight in my life.

I wanted a happy connective Christmas holiday. I got five wonderful days visiting family relatives. Abundance and love surrounded me. I understand now, that our thoughts and intentions create the possibilities in our life. In short make sure you know what you want and keep that focus. Believe in it so it will happen.

I want the 2007 New Year ahead, to be powerful and healthy for me personally. Many beautiful hats will be made, and many wonderful people will come looking to own them. New hat designs will be explored, and new hat designs will be made. Creativity and a happy healthy life will balance my year. I will think no barriers, or carry any fears to inhibit these thoughts from manifesting. I will make every day count, and make it the best day ever.

These are my thoughts to end 2006. They will open my New Year ahead!

Happy Homobonus Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 03:27:00 +0000

Yes that says Happy Homobonus Day. I do not belong to any organized religion. In fact I am a strong believer that a person should listen to their inner spirit. It is my guide and it helps me to bring good things into the world.

"Do unto others as you would do unto yourself". I know that I must be accountable for my actions towards others, every day I strive to improve myself in all directions in life. I recognize I can always do more for others and improve myself to be a kinder and more tolerant individual. If we all worked on that, more JOY would be around the world!

Every year my artist friend Anthony gives me a card to celebrate the patron saint of the cloth worker / small business owner. This man was canonized in in 1198, a year following his unexplained death . It was a first in Catholic history; that an ordinary man living a extraordinary life, of goodness and sharing with those around him, was sainted.

He is one of my patron saints. I am a Hat designer / maker, and a small business. You can see my Gwendolyne Hats winter designs and creations of 2006 here

If you are devoted to textile creations best wishes for you on this November 13th lets all say to each other Happy Homobonus day. It will be fun to see the facial looks you get when you greet someone. I also think it is great to celebrate people whenever we can. In this case, learning about a person who lived a little over 800 years ago. A person in his life-time made the world a better place. Today we have new inspirations all around us. We just have to begin one of them ourselves as more just follow. I believe sharing positive energy is like ripples in a pond, they spread out.

Some Heart Hugging for all!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwendolyne) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:24:00 +0000

Several years ago I made a stuffed heart for a decoration. Recently I used it as a sleeping arm support close to my tummy. Loving it, I was inspired to begin this new project "The Huggable Heart". There are two sizes; the Large is $45 Cdn, and the Small is $35 Cdn. So if you are looking to for a unique gift contact us at Gwendolyne Hats. A portion of the pillow sales are going to Regent Park School of Music, helping inner city youth to follow their dreams.

Many of my customers who shop just before the holiday season, want to leave our store with something special for someone else. Hat sizing can make Hat gift giving very tricky. I think that people get the best hat from us when we are able to connect with them personally, whether it is over the internet, or here in our shop/atelier that is located in Toronto's fashion district. Our fifteen years of knowledge comes in handy. We take pride to make our customers happy.
Thursday Nov 23rd till Sunday Dec 3rd we will be displaying our creations in Canada's largest artisan show called the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. We will be in Booth I - 45.
I will try to take some great photos to share with you later!

Recently I was inspired by a video on Youtube. This site is powerful it can bring people together, sharing ideas and beginning movements. If you have not seen this “free hugs” video here it is. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Juan Mann from Australia, the creator, is now taking his project further and now building a campaign of where people can find and help each other. Like a stone dropped in the water, the ripples spread out.