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33covet gardeninspiration grows here

glen &michelle Im your fan

2 issue 33

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VALERIE WILCOXphotographer

Toronto photographer Valerie has been shoot-ing people, places and things for over seven years. This spring she will also be adding new mom to her list of accomplishments.

valeriewilcox.ca

ALANNA CAVANAGHillustrator

Alannas prints have appeared frequently on the walls of the homes that we feature. This is the first time her work has graced our cover. Her new collection of home products will debut at The Bay in April 2013.

alannacavanagh.com

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welcomeMichelle and Glen live in one of the happiest homes that we have ever visited. Its not a big house, but it makes the most of its humble footprint, with light beaming in from the west, north and eastit feels as if it was painted with a sunbeam. Michelle and Glen are also a couple with a great sense of humour, and the design and layout of the house capture that light-heartedness.

On the cover: illustration by Alanna Cavanagh

4 the space A small house with big heart

22 Q & A 24 the style The graphic arts

26 the project Pretty pop-up cards

30 the drink Hot toddy times!

34 inspiration Blue sky designs

contents

4 issue 33

The tapestry on the wall was a find from the St. Lawrence Market. I think the lady I bought it from thought it was crazy. My mom thought it was crazy.

The white cupboard was an antique-store discovery. Glen and Michelle decided that wheels would make it even better.

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SOULMEETSBODYMICHELLE AND GLEN TOOK A HOUSE IN NEED OF LOVE AND MADE IT WHOLE AGAIN photography by Valerie Wilcox

6 issue 33

Putting things together and mak-ing them work better is a skill that seems to come naturally to regis-tered massage therapist Michelle and motorcycle parts purveyor Glen. They both have an innate ability to look holistically at a person or a bike or a room and know what that entity needs to work.

And their lovely Leslieville home embodies that tal-ent. Its bright and open and just a happy place to be. As soon as you walk into the open-concept first-floor space, you feel awash in lightness. Theres not a lot of stuff per se, but its all interest-ing. Handmade art and objects hang out casually with vintage antique-shop and thrifted finds. And theres usually the spicy-sweet scent of a freshly

brewed pot of tea hanging in the air. Its like a walk-in welcome sign.

Which is totally appropriate because Michelle and Glenn are fun folk to hang around with. The couple moved in five years ago this summer. We saw a lot of places that were renovated but not to our taste, says Michelle. Which is how they came to fall in love with a real fixer-upper.

Because Michelle and Glen did much of the ren-ovation work themselves, they wanted to keep things simple. To make the project achievable and affordable, they chose a clean white palette for lights, walls and cupboards and warmed things up with wood floors and butcher-block countertops.

I LIKE JAM. I LIKE TEA. theyre COMFORT, AND IM A HOMEBODY

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the spacethe space

8 issue 33

Greg found these dining chairs at the Value Village for $3 dollars each.

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the space

I still love and appreciate the space Ive created

The only draw- back to the open space, says Michelle, is that theres no place to hide when door-to-door salespeople come knocking.opposite: Red Jam print by Michelle.

the space

10 issue 33

On her attrac-tion to wooden

objects, Jen says, Im inter-

ested in the lay-ering of things.

Their things feel meaningful. We

have stuff from my mom, says

Michelle. We have a lot of things from

our youth. Were happy hobo hand-me-down people.

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the spacethe space

Michelle and Glen have been together forever: We met when we were living in the same warehouse building at Duf-ferin and Queen, says Michelle. While living in wide-open loft spaces, they amassed fantastic collections of things like old electric fans, paper ephemera and antique toys and gadgets.

When they moved east, they decided to downsize. The fan collection got out of hand, says Glen. We had about 60 and now were down to 20. Adds Michelle, We could ask our friends to move only so many heavy boxes. Once the collections

had been culled, various themes emerged. One of the most wonderful outcomes of the spare setup is just how colourful and lively the space is. The sim-plicity of the surroundings makes the vivid hues and patterns stand out, which also keeps them in check, so nothing feels gaudy.

Another theme that emerges is how practical and functional the furnishings feel. Again, maybe its because both Michelle and Glen are in the busi-ness of mechanics that theyre interested in bod-ies at rest and in motion. They both come from a graphic-art background: Michelle is an art-school grad who studied printmaking.

12 issue 33

opposite: The framed 1950s fitness posters came from Glens uncle Earl, who lives out east.this page: Some of the zines and artists books from Michelles collection.

For Michelle, who works from home, creating a happy environment was a necessity. We knew Michelles practice would be part of the house, says Glen, so the space had to transition. Michelles stu-dio and office are on the second floor. I used to have a specific idea as to what a massage therapy clinic had to look like, but I realized that if I was going to spend X number of hours in a small room, I had to create a professional-looking space that still let my personality come through. (Check out Michelles studio on page 21).

The same sensibility applies to their spare room.

Her mom was a pediatrician, and the upbeat atmosphere of her 1970s mod-style office and waiting room inspired Michelle when she was dec-orating this space. She also proudly displays the rocking chair that her parents purchased for her just before she was born.

Michelle moved into massage therapy after years of working at the Japanese Paper Place. She loved the creative energy there but realized that at the end of the day she was working toward someone elses dream. She knew she liked work-ing with people one on one, so massage seemed to be an unexpected but appealing change.

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the space

14 issue 33

Collecting art means I can still fuel my passion for printmaking when Im not making art.Many of her favou-rite pieces came from trades with her artist friends.

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the space

16 issue 33

WERE HOBOS. WE LIKE TO TRAVEL. BUT WE ALSO LIKE TO COME HOME

Many of their favourite finds reflect Michelle and Glens love of adventure. In fact, to mark Michelles 10-year anniversary as an RMT, she took 10 weeks off to travel. A big trip is a good way to celebrate. The couple travelled to Telluride, Colorado, for a bluegrass festival, and she also went to Paris with her mom and her partner. The contrast between camping out and hanging out in the City of Lights doesnt seem that great for Michelle. Anything thats a sensuous ex-periencelistening to live music, visiting amazing

outdoor food markets in Parisis appealing . We love things but we dont need any more. You can always have a few more experiences.

Because they pack light, cards are favourite souvenirs. They also make for an easy and inexpen-sive way to dress up a wall. In her office she tapes up her papers along with other found objects such as a picture they believe is of Helen, the homes previous owner, that they found while renovating. She likes to switch up the collection according to her mood. Shes especially fond of playful design.

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the spacethe space

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the space

The bedroom is home to some of Michelles favourite things. I re-ally like the cubbyhole above our bed, she says. It was a way to use a corner with an awkward sloped ceiling by moving the wall forward and adding the inset shelf. We took out so many walls that there was little space to put stuff, says Michelle. And, she adds, she likes the simple joy of the secret space.

The bedroom is also a testament to the strength

of family ties. The checkered wool blanket on the bed belonged to Michelles mother. Kay Bojesenstyle wooden monkeys that used to live in her mothers waiting room have inspired a new col-lection of sock monkeys.

But most of the ideas found throughout the house continue seamlessly into the bedroom. Sunny colours, well-considered use of space and well-loved objects just mesh together. Its eclectic but never clashes.

Michelle says her collections

can be very hap-hazard. I have

a fabric stash and I dont even sew.

the space

20 issue 33

F inally, we take a peek into Michelles massage therapy studio. One of the things that attracted Michelle to massage therapy was the idea of collaboration between therapist and client. So she wanted to create a space that was less clini-cal and less passive. Which meant bringing in elements that created a sense of peacefulnesssuch as poppy-printed curtainsand a soothing but not sleepy colour scheme. Creating a happy ambience was also important, and themes from nature (a moose blanket) add to the feeling of light-heartedness.

While Michelle helps clients with their biome-chanics, Glens motorcycle-supply shop is a quick

hop, skip and jump away. The store is housed in a building full of photographers and furniture makers (and is a great place to keep his collec-tion of motorcycles).

Glen takes their dog, Sadie, with him to work. Sadie is another source of joy and energy in the house, although sometimes too much energy. Says Glen, When we got her they said she was part border collie, part black Lab. Really, its any-bodys guess. Adds Michelle, I think she may be part dragon too.

When you think of what makes a house a home, even the uncontrollable elements contribute to its success.

I love my studio. I call it my sanctuary

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the spacethe spacethe space

22 issue 33

Whats your greatest strength? MICHELLE: Playfulness, especially when Im around Glen!

Michelle Yees former jobs have included twisting a mean soft-serve cone, shelving library books, memorizing the dimensions and fibre content of hundreds of papers, and working in a print shop. Today, she still works with her hands as a registered massage therapist and maker of things.

Glen Morrison is a Toronto-based entre-preneur and owner of Flying Squirrel Motorcycles. If hes not at work or walking the dog, youll find him on two wheels.

linksSoft MechanicFlying Squirrel Motorcycles

wha

t are

you

rea

ding

?who?

michelle

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Whats your greatest strength? MICHELLE: Playfulness, especially when Im around Glen!

the profile

Whats your greatest weakness? MICHELLE: Indecisiveness ... or maybe stubbornness? GLEN: Sugar.

Whats your favourite place on earth? MICHELLE: The Ferry Plaza Farmers market in San Francisco, and Marin County.GLEN: Bed.Whats your favourite place in Toronto? MICHELLE: On a summer Sunday morning, riding our bikes around the Leslie Street Spit. GLEN: The Don Valley bike trails.

If you could travel in time, what era would you most like to visit? MICHELLE: The 30s and 40s. Id like to see how my parents grew up.GLEN: The 50s, for the motorcycles and car culture.Whats the best thing youve ever given someone? MICHELLE: The look of incredulity on my moms face when her partner and I actually pulled off a surprise party for her 75th. It was pretty darn satisfying. GLEN: I surprised Michelle with a new bed for her apartment when we first started dating. I had to carry it up four flights of stairs and set it up while she was in school. I left, and when Michelle got home that night she had to do a double-take when she walked past the bedroom.

michelle1. Fortune by Little Dragon

2. Swimming Pools by Patrick Watson

3. Mmoires du futur by Ren Aubry

4. Just Say So by Bettye Lavette

5. Bluette by Dave Brubeck

glen1. The White Album by The Beatles

2. Boys and Girls by Alabama Shakes

3. London Calling by The Clash

who?

glen

what are you listening to?

24 issue 33

Michelle wears her support for handmade accessories and independent designers on her sleeve (and wrists, neck and feet)

homespun

Something interesting for

my clients to look at when

theyre face down on the

massage table. Happy Socks

Big Dot Socks in Green, $13

Virginia Johnson Frog Scarf $195

Hand and Shadow Hair Scarf in green, $60

Hai

r sca

rf p

hoto

from

Han

d an

d S

hado

w

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I dont wear a lot of jewellery because of work, but I have some Iacoli & McAllister and Young Frankk pieces that I enjoy busting out here and there, and I love the Julie Moon pins of geometric shapes and bird heads.

homespun

I love scarves and screen-printed bags. I justify my addiction by telling myself they are practical.

bejewelled

Young Frankk Saw Brass Cuff, $68

Julie Moon Ceramic Bird Head pin, $75 and Geometric pin, $50

Iacoli & McAllister Hex Neck-lace No. 2-02, $144

Smoking Lily Baggu Weekender Tote, $89

Bookhou Pocket Bag in Bows, $36

Jen Hewett Purple Hearts and Stripes Foldover bag, $40

the style

Hai

r sca

rf p

hoto

from

Han

d an

d S

hado

w

26 issue 33

POP STARSMichelle shares her secrets for making a simple yet stunning 3-D card for your loved ones photography by Jessica Reid

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the project

28 issue 33

MATERIALS 8 x 11 sheet of medium- to heavy- weight card stock

5 x 7 sheet of lightweight card stock

rubber cement glue*

glue stick

low-tack tape (e.g. painters tape or washi tape)

X-Acto knife

metal ruler

bone folder (optionalyou can also just use your thumbnail)

scissors

drawing materials, decorative papers

* Note: Rubber cement, while smelly and toxic, is my first choice for actually gluing the pop-up panel and card together. Youre using only a very small amount, its a stronger bond, wont buckle the paper and dries much faster than glue stick or white glue. For a non-toxic second choice, I would experiment with some high-tack tape.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Make your card: With the bone folder and ruler, score a line that divides the 8 x 11 sheet of heavyweight card stock in half and fold, so that now you have a 5 x 8 card.

2. Make your pop-up panel: With the 5 x 7 sheet of lightweight card stock, repeat the score and fold process down the centre. Along both sides of the 5 edge, measure inward . Score and fold those lines to create a tab. These tabs will be the surfaces that attach to the card.

step 2

step 3a

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3. Position and test-run your pop-up: Before you commit to gluing down the pop-up panel, attach some low-tack tape to the tabs for a test run. With your 8 x 11 card folded inward (the centre seam pointing away from you), position your pop-up panel so its folded in the opposite direction (the centre seam, pointing toward you popping out). Fold your pop-up panel in half and slide it into the card with the pop- ups centre seam lined up against the front edges of the card. Close the card and smooth gently along the areas where your tape is, to stick the surfaces together. Open the card and admire your pop-up handiwork. You can play with the position of the panel, adjusting it vertically up or down. Draw some light pencil marks where the tabs need to go for future reference, when you are ready to glue.

4. Time to decorate the card and pop-up panel. You know what to do. If youre going to be collaging, try to avoid creating a lot of bulk in the centre crease of the card. You want to be able to open and close the card easily.

5. Glue: Using the rubber cement, apply a thin coating to the tabs and the area of the card that theyre going to be affixed to. Press together while its still a bit wet, and allow to completely dry. Now marvel at your talent.

the project

step 3b

step 4

If you want to make even more sophis-ticated pop-up cards, check out pop-up book illustrator Robert Sabudas site for some amazing downloads!

30 issue 33

Michelle makes a mean hot toddy. The secret to her success? A healthy dose of maple syrup photograph by Jessica Reid

WARM & SWEET

Hot toddies: precious medicine or dangerous quackery? They warm the cockles of your heart and cut through your colds at this time of year. What makes Michelles hot toddy different? Wait for it ... maple syrup. This may be sacrilege to some, but we think its the best. Makes 1 drink.

1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated 1 lemon, juiced 1 oz bourbon (or two) 8 oz hot water cinnamon stick and star anise (optional)

1. Pour maple syrup, ginger, lemon juice and bourbon into a large mug.

2. Pour hot water on top and let steep for 2 minutes.

3. Strain out ginger.

4. Serve with a slice of lemon, 23 star anise and/or a cinnamon stick if desired.

the drink

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PLANT THESEEDCovet Garden is a unique online lifestyle magazine with a loyal community of readers. When you advertise with us, you can connect directly with fans both in Toronto and across the planet!

Our homeowners are involved with their neighbourhoods and like to promote local makers and artists.

Readers in the GTA use Covet Garden as a resource for finding the goods and services they need for home improvement projects and style supplies.

Our audience isnt just limited to local businesses: Thanks to the Internet, a large percentage of our readership comes from across Canada, North America, Europe and Australia, and these adventurous explorers search for furnishings and accessories from all over the world.

Local and transglobal advertisers also benefit from coverage on the Covet Garden blog as well as shout-outs on our Twitter feed and Facebook fan pages.

Contact us at advertising@covetgarden.com to find out how your business can grow with Covet Garden!

32 issue 33

Where code isnt a four-letter word.

PRACTICAL, PROFESSIONAL, FUN & FRIENDLY TECH CLASSES IN TORONTO

www.camptech.ca

sweet bliss baking company1304 Queen Street EastToronto 416-916-7895

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covetgarden.com 33

Where code isnt a four-letter word.

PRACTICAL, PROFESSIONAL, FUN & FRIENDLY TECH CLASSES IN TORONTO

www.camptech.ca

34 issue 33

Michelle and Glen have great graphics all over, but this month we took direction from a vintage blue tin in Michelles office

1. Orla Kiely Around the World Print Silk Twill Sleeveless Dress, $523 2. Vintage copy of The Little Sleeping Beauty, $7 3. Jane Buck Teal Hedgehog Cushion Cover, $32 4. Kauniste Sokeri Bag in blue, $26 5. Banquet Big Blue Buffalo note card, $5 6. Fishs Eddy and Lotta Jansdotter Lotta Sugar Bowl with lid, $21 7. Little Auggie Quilted Sham in Cross Stitch Ocean, $78 8. Klippan Royal Chenille Blanket, 48.00 9. Kikkerland Retro Pen (one of a set of five), $7 10. Donna Wilson Sidney snail, 45 11. Skinny Laminx Kids apron in Eep blueberry, $28 12. DwellStudio Night sack in Meadow, $69 13. Urban Outfitters Gumball task lamp, $49 14. Whale Tape Dispenser, $15

the blue print

1

2 312

13

14

covetgarden.com 35

1. Orla Kiely Around the World Print Silk Twill Sleeveless Dress, $523 2. Vintage copy of The Little Sleeping Beauty, $7 3. Jane Buck Teal Hedgehog Cushion Cover, $32 4. Kauniste Sokeri Bag in blue, $26 5. Banquet Big Blue Buffalo note card, $5 6. Fishs Eddy and Lotta Jansdotter Lotta Sugar Bowl with lid, $21 7. Little Auggie Quilted Sham in Cross Stitch Ocean, $78 8. Klippan Royal Chenille Blanket, 48.00 9. Kikkerland Retro Pen (one of a set of five), $7 10. Donna Wilson Sidney snail, 45 11. Skinny Laminx Kids apron in Eep blueberry, $28 12. DwellStudio Night sack in Meadow, $69 13. Urban Outfitters Gumball task lamp, $49 14. Whale Tape Dispenser, $15

3

45

6

78

9

10

11

inspiration

36 issue 33

Morgan and Christophers apartment is half museum, all awesome.

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