Precious Pink Designs

Fall Arrives Now!

2011-09-22T23:05:00.002-04:00

And we are ready for it!

Fall merchandise is now available at all Fresh Collective locations!

692 Queen Street West

401 Roncesvalles

274 Augusta Ave.

All in Toronto

Ottawa will be receiving Fall merchandise by the first week of October.

For now we continue to get ready for the 2011 One of a Kind Show and Sale taking place from

November 24th to December 4th! It is my absolute favorite show!!!

Spring Tea Party!

2011-04-09T12:27:00.003-04:00

I will be joining the likes of Terra Cotta Clothing and B.A.R.F. Bags for this years Spring Tea Party held at 12B Ossington Ave. in downtown Toronto! It's is 2 doors north of Queen St. West.

Saturday April 16th from 12-5pm

I was at this event last year as well and it was so much fun! Treats, coffee and tea will be served!

Come by and say hello! Have some tea with me :)

See you there!

I've missed you...

2011-02-15T16:06:00.005-05:00

Yes I know how long it's been since I've posted anything...

Trying to keep up with Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and life is taking some organizational skills.

Anyway here I am!!

I've been sewing away getting ready for Spring! Yesterday was the big switch over at Fresh Collective so you should really go into the store and see all the beautiful new things! Not only mine :) Most the stores designers have brought in all their Spring stuff in and it is looking good!

Here are a couple of the dresses that I have in. I have started focussing more on dresses this season for whatever reason.

And there is so much more!

I'm working on some new jewelry as well. Always having fun making things :)

Desserts 'n Skirts in at second Fresh Collective!

2010-10-06T09:36:00.004-04:00

Of course the day after the last post I was invited to bring Desserts 'n Skirts into Fresh Collective Kensington. :) I will be bringing some clothes into the store by mid October! Check it out!

I'm receiving a TON of fabric today!! (or maybe just a few bolts)

I'm also moving today so I won't get to touch the fabric until Friday.

Friday will be an exciting day! New tops coming up! And tons of denim skirts, I'm waiting on some pretty fun fabric for my patches.

Fresh Collective Kensington

2010-09-29T12:28:00.002-04:00

There is now a second Fresh Collective!!!

The store used to be called Fresh Baked Goods but has now been changed to Fresh Collective!

So this is our second location now and there will be a third opening up in the spring.

Exact location is yet to be determined but it is pure growth!

Very exciting.

I have my jewelry lines in both locations and should also be in the third.

For the time being, the clothing line is only available at the Queen West location.

New Clothes

2010-09-28T13:22:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pieces that I'm working on.

My denim skirts are becoming my signature so I've got a bunch of different, fun patches.

Here is one of them! Pink bees!!! Are you kidding me?! I also have this fabric with yellow bees and pink background. Also cute!!

They are all at Fresh Collective at the moment. As well as this fab new top! I love my criss cross ribbon at the back. I have this in pink and also in purple at the moment but will have a large selection of new colours within a couple of weeks.

I also made a small selection of pin striped trumpet skirts. I love pin stripes so I may be on the lookout for more nice pin striped fabrics...

Back to the sewing machines!

New Display

2010-09-16T21:34:00.003-04:00

I finally finished my new display for "Nicole Boudreau" jewelry!!

I was supposed to have it done in June but then I broke my hand and that threw a wrench in a few things.

Here are some photos, there are more to come.

I am feverishly working on my fall collection for Desserts 'n Skirts, getting ready for the One of a Kind Show. There is a good selection of new fall stuff at Fresh Collective right now!!! Go see for yourself! But there is much more to come. And again, photos to follow.

We are also working on something magical in the studio ;)

You'll see...

Sweet times

2010-08-23T07:46:00.002-04:00

I have just returned from a month long trip to New Brunswick... my home land. I fully intended on working a lot while I was there but ended up working a little. So now that I am back I will work like a dog (that's hard right?).

Finishing up my fall stuff for Fresh Collective. It should be in the store by September 2nd.

Finishing up my new jewelry display for the store. I will try my best to get it in the store for the weekend.

My hand is healing nicely. I can do all my work. Can't lift heavy things.

Here are a couple of photos from Home County in London Ontario in July. The stage was directly in front of my booth so I had music all weekend! Love it! Bruce Cockburn performed one night on the main stage. One performer named Kristin Sweetland bought a red and white polka dotted apron and wore it during her performance!! That was fun! I had people coming to me for the next two days because of it. So thank you Kristin!

I know I know...

2010-07-20T20:19:00.003-04:00

It's been a while...

My two London shows are behind me now. Next year I'll be dropping one of them. I'll only be doing Home County Folk Festival. It's the one where everything in the park is hand made... no import.

I am typing with both hands again!!! This is really why I'm here. I rode my bicycle for the first time in 5 weeks today :) Happiness returns. I broke my hand riding the bike by the way. Car-doored or "Door Prize" as it's referred to on the "streets".

So I will get to uploading photos to show you some things from the festival.

I made some brand spanking new jewelry yesterday, different from what I've been doing in the past. It will be from the Nicole Boudreau line. The vamping up displays and such will have to wait until the end of august as I am going home to Moncton New Brunswick for 4 weeks or so.

I will be working at home as well as I don't really have time to rest for a month... One of a Kind Show preperations have been calling!!! It's go time!

I've Been Broken

2010-06-30T09:28:00.002-04:00

It's true... I broke my hand! Gasp! But, miraculously I can still make jewelry.

(I am typing this with one hand though so it's gonna be short)

It has slowed me down a bit as far as all my big plans for June go but I should be on track by the end of July. Big plans for the store... still secret though.

I'm gearing up for two London shows. Sunfest and Home County (details to the right). I have some really cute necklaces ready. I'm very excited, I love doing these shows!

So if you're in London from July 8-11 or 16-18 come visit!

The Chosen One

2010-06-01T23:04:00.004-04:00

Here is the postcard that my amazing intern did for me. She also did a couple more but I felt this one was more Precious Pink Designs what with the pink bracelet and all.

I'll probably get some printed in a month or so and do a mailout to boutiques accross the country in time for Fall.

Again with the branding!

Here are a couple more that she did. Also gorgeous but a little too elegant for PPD. Not that PPD can't be elegant! She can be whatever she wants to be! But we like fun and flirty.

Updates

2010-05-31T18:07:00.003-04:00

I'm calling this year my "branding year". Focussing on getting the names recognized and out there which is something I should have done a long time ago... all in time right?
So I'll have new business cards very soon. I'm continually working on the NB website. And I'm also getting jewelry tags printed... Re-Vamping it!!!

I'm vamping up my display arrangments for both Precious Pink Designs and Nicole Boudreau. They're both very similar right now as far as display goes and I want them to completely stand out on individual basis'. I'm veeeerrrry excited about my display plan for NB. But I'm not going to tell you about it, I'm just going to show you photos when it's all finally done. Hopefully by July? But who knows really...

Also, you can no longer buy my jewels at the Blue Banana Market as I pulled out today. It was on a rental basis and just wasn't working out. I gave it a 2 and half year shot... good enough I say.

Here is one of my new pendants. I think it's my favorite by far... so far. I feel like I've said that before though... and probably will again.

That's all for now! I look forward to unveiling all the new goodies coming my way!

OMG!

2010-05-30T15:04:00.003-04:00

How perfect is this earring stand?!

I found it at Urban Outfitters and I'm going again tomorrow to get more.

Love it!

Very Precious Pink Designs.

It's like a crazy pink Earth.

New Fabric

2010-05-29T10:51:00.003-04:00

I received some fabrics the other day that I wasn't supposed to get until july or august so that was an exciting surprise! I immediately started cutting it up! Made some cute skirts and some pretty dresses. Here are photos of the fabric, and coming up with of course be the merchandise. I always forget to take photos of the merchandise while I'm at the shop (where the mannequins are...). I'm still waiting on two more fabrics for spring/summer which I hope come soon and then I will start working on Fall!

Maybe... just maybe... for the first time since I started making clothing, I will be on time for a season. Again, no promises...

Spring should be in stores by end of February (it's now June'ish and I'm still making spring stuff) and Fall should be in by end of August. (I don't think I've ever been ready before November)

How cute are those pink ants!!!

Photos of skirts and dress coming soon.

Annual Spring Party and Sale!!!

2010-05-17T10:19:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again! Join us at Fresh Collective this Thursday, May 20th for our Spring party and sale! All designers in the store have at least 20% off their merchandise but most have an even higher discount. Plus, a lot of bargain bin clear out items.

Then from 6pm onward we have free munchies and refreshments!!! It's always a good time so if you're around you should pop by!

692 Queen St. West, Toronto.

See you there!

2010-05-11T17:30:00.002-04:00

I just joined the 100 Mile Finds website! It's a website that finds things for you that are 100 miles or less from your location. It's a great tool/website for shopping local!

http://100milefinds.com/

And here is where they blogged about me! :)
Thank you 100 mile finds.

http://100milefinds.blogspot.com/2010/05/100-mile-finds-welcomes-precious-pink.html

New Dress

2010-05-08T09:45:00.002-04:00

Ok so here is the dress I made for this spring! I'm waiting on some new fabrics to make more for the summer. Fun fabrics :)

I'm loving frills right now so I sense more coming on.

Website Design

2010-05-05T10:45:00.004-04:00

I've said before, once you make one thing... you want to make it all.
I very much enjoy working on the computer and building my websites.
A friend of mine is a photographer and she asked me to make her a website.
This is what I'm working on.
http://www.zigzagphotography.com/

(She is working on a project on "bums", so this is what you'll see ;))

I'm having so much fun with it! And I already have another friend who wants one so this may also be coming up in the near future. I'll keep you posted!

Now I want to learn everything about building websites as I am very limited.
Start a new (3rd) career?

You never know!

Back to making skirts for today though...

New Business Cards

2010-04-26T15:03:00.002-04:00

My lovely intern Megan has designed my new business card!

I decided to have both jewelry lines on one card. So one side will be PPD and the other side will be NB. Aren't they great?!

Now it's just a matter of getting them printed of course. This will likely happen in the next few weeks as I am currently down to about 20 of the old cards...

And it would be very unprofessional to not have business cards now wouldn't it...

New Tops!

2010-04-23T20:23:00.002-04:00

Some fun new tops for Desserts 'n Skirts!!!

I've been having a lot of fun playing around with some new fabrics and trying new things, which I don't always have time to do. Here's is what I've come up with so far.

They are available at Fresh Collective.

Notice the squiggley lightning on the polka dotted ones...

It's Tea Time!

2010-04-22T20:48:00.004-04:00

I will be selling my jewels at a local tea party!
And to my understanding... it won't be just tea... I heard something about champagne, shhhh.

Come visit and bring all your friends! This is taking place in a designers studio and hosted by Barbara of Terra Cotta. She makes fabulous clothing and handbags and probably so much more that I don't even know about.

Saturday May 1st, 12-5pm
12 B Ossington Ave.
Just north of Queen St. West.
Through the back gates

Come one come all.

I look forward to seeing you :)

Website Re-Design!

2010-04-22T20:27:00.004-04:00

Where to begin?! I feel like I have so much to share right now...
Mostly photos of new things, fun new things.
But first and foremost... the new website is LIVE!
As of two minutes ago, it is up, fresh and ready for business!

Go see it!!!
http://www.preciouspinkdesigns.com

I love it. I really focussed on it and actually got it done in not much more than two months! I hope I can keep my focus going and finish my other two websites...
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

My focus in May is to get some advertising going in multiple places, blogs, shopping sites, google, etc.

Focus seems to be my keyword these days... and I like it.

Ryerson Fashion Show

2010-04-06T12:02:00.004-04:00

I will be selling my jewels at the upcoming Ryerson Fashion Show!

"Serpentinata: Get twisted"

This coming Friday April 9th, 2010

The Arcadian Court

401 Bay St., 8th Floor

Simpson Tower Entrance

The show has been put together by the 2nd and 3rd year Ryerson fashion students.

I am very excited to see all the students works!

If you would like to see the show here is some info for you.

Tickets are $12 for 1 show or $20 for 2 shows (men's wear and women's evening wear)

You can contact Megan Reynolds at:

megan.reynolds@ryerson.ca

For more info on the show visit:

http://www.serpentinata.com/

Come visit me if you're there! I believe I'll be in the reception area for the women's wear.

Sneak Peak!

2010-03-11T22:47:00.002-05:00

Here, as kind-of-promised, is a sneak peak at the newly designed Precious Pink Designs website!

There are a couple of links that are not working yet so if you click on them it will just take you to the old website. Such as stores, links and accessories. Still working on those. :)

Have a look around! http://www.preciouspinkdesigns.com/neckstoneredblack.html

Just need a few more products to post and then I will unleash it to the world.

Also check out the fun new paper that I bought for taking photos on!

Everything is going to be much more colourful! Colour Colour Colour!

New business card is in the works.

Working hard on the websites.

New dress in Fresh Collective. Photo coming next week :)

2010-03-01T20:55:00.003-05:00

Would you believe me if I told you I'm actually working on both my jewelry websites?

It's true!! My "nicoleboudreau.com" website has been under construction since about 2007... and I really think I'll have it done in a month or so. (knocks on wood) (cause I said that in '07) (just being honest).

Anyway here are some new pieces that I've been working on.

There are many more and I am taking tons of photos so you should be seeing more soon.

I may even give you sneak peaks at the newly designed ppd website and the all new nb website.

No promises. ;)

This is what happened next...

2010-02-26T23:06:00.001-05:00

I made a necklace with one of the pendants!

I just "happened" to have the perfect red beads to go with that little red flower.

More to come.

Back to the woods...

2010-02-26T22:02:00.002-05:00

I have finally been able to get to work on these pendants! I love them so much! I'm having fun making them.

I've been focussing a lot on jewelry in the past month... I SHOULD be focussing on a spring line for D 'n S... but, I do not tell the hands what to do.

This is what they want to make? This is what they shall make.

But seriously, I need to start sewing.

Seriously though... sewing.

A New Addition!

2010-02-09T20:25:00.008-05:00

I have this amazing new intern who found me at Fresh Collective and interviewed me for her school project back in November. I invited her to do an internship with me in the new year... which brings us to now, and thanks to her I will be getting a lot more work done on the "internets" part of my business. Such as my primary website that has not been updated in, oh I don't know... 4 years or so?

This is a copy of the slide show from the power point presentation that she did on me!

How cute is this? (and yes I know I say that often... but seriously!)

So excited for the near future!

Stay tuned...

New Location to Shop In!

2010-02-08T19:49:00.002-05:00

Precious Pink Designs/Nicole Boudreau is now available in a new location!

In the heart of Kensington Market you will find this cute little gem.

Inside, you will find colourful new jewelry by... yours truly.

ME!!

Check it out!

Fresh Baked Goods

Kensington Market

274 Augusta Ave.

Toronto, Canada

416-966-0123

2010-01-13T13:22:00.003-05:00

My Dad

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything here.

This is because I lost my dad a couple of weeks before the holidays.

He was awesome.

He was funny.

He was always there.

And of course, always will be.

Love.

Updates and New Favorite Aprons

2009-10-19T19:28:00.006-04:00

It's a mad house at the ole studio these days with preperations to the One of a Kind fully underway. Ups and downs along the way of course, but I do have the help of 3 lovely interns from Ryerson!! Chelsea, Katy and Yvonne. (Hello to the parents who have been googling me... ;))
These ladies are rocking my world! Tons of help.

I'm currently working with denim for the first time. Which in turn broke my serger... which thank-god-fully has been fixed. Production stopped for a day and I almost went crazy... pacing the floor...

I'm so excited about my denim skirts! There is also corduroy in the works. Hopefully I can have some photos by the end of this week. No promises.

For now here are a few of my favorite new aprons that will be available at the show! Notice how the monkeys in the pink apron have pink hearts for bums...

Show at the Drake!

2009-09-20T09:49:00.002-04:00

So there's a last minute little show going on at the Drake Hotel this coming Thursday!
A handful of designers from Fresh Collective will be there, including me of course!

The Make Sale presenst - "Living La Vida Local!" (that's us) :)
at The Drake Hotel - 1150 Queen St. West @ Beaconsfield Ave. Room 222
9pm to 1am

Precious Pink Designs - Semi-precious, glass, wood, etc. Jewelry
Zippan Designs - Sterling Silver and Wood Jewelry
Keri Rounding - Hand Felt Accessories
Cipolla - Bags, Wallets, Cute Accessories of the sort
Jordynn Mackenzie - Bags and Wallets

I believe there should be cocktails... but I'm not sure exactly of the venue... so just come out anyway :)

We'll be in Room 222!!!
See you there!

Desserts 'n Skirts at FC

2009-09-02T09:38:00.003-04:00

I know I mention Fresh Collective a lot but I'm not sure if I've ever said what exactly it is.

Well... it's a very cute little boutique along Queen West (the shopping mecca for those not familiar with Toronto). There is an average of 20 designer who are members of the store. As a member, you rent out space and work one day a week in the shop.

This is my little 3-foot clothing section for Desserts 'n Skirts.

I also have two jewelry cabinets that the previous jewelry shot was taken from.

I work on Thursdays! You should visit.

And the AFTER

2009-08-30T10:06:00.003-04:00

Fabric Fabric Fabric!

Doesn't even look like the same space does it?

Studio

2009-08-30T09:58:00.003-04:00

So, we've been in the new studio space since mid June. These photos were taken pretty much that week, right after the move. The photos here are pretty much the four corners of the room, it's one nice, big open space.

The first photo here is my corner. It's where it all goes down.

Notice my empty cutting table, not too cluttered floor (yes some clutter, but in a creative world there has to be).

So, we'll call this photo the before photo, as I am about to show you a more recent photo of my work space. In all it's glory.

Necklace

2009-08-29T12:25:00.004-04:00

Notice the necklace on the bust that I made with the pendant I showed you earlier in the month!

This is one of the shelves of the two jewelry cabinets that I have at the store... Fresh Collective.

My blue shelf.

Window Display

2009-08-29T12:09:00.003-04:00

Here are the photos of the display that I've had since mid August at the Fresh Collective. My new favorite fabrics on the skirts! I have this window until the end of the month... so merely days left :(. Bye bye window.

More Fun Fabrics

2009-08-29T11:47:00.004-04:00

Most of these fabrics are for aprons (especially the psychadelic black and crazy ones) but some I loved so much I though I'd try skirts with them, like the beige and camouflage ones... I'll show you later. ;)

I've been slaving away in the studio for the past couple of weeks. Tons of aprons coming out AND I made a dress!! I love my dress. I've only made the sample which is full of mistakes and fixes so I'll show that one off when I've made more. I'm also going to try and make a blouse out of the same idea of the dress. So much to do and get photos of to show you!!!

Also, I've been slacking off on this blog thing. In my mind I would like to post at least 10 times a month. And it's now the 29th so it looks like you're getting hit with 6 posts in about 3 days.

Not a problem. I have things to show you.

See you in 5.

New Pendants in the Making...

2009-08-12T22:13:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting to start making these for almost a year now, maybe even over a year? I'm finally on it! It's been a matter of finding all the things I needed to make them... but here we are. At least it's begun. I still need to find some lighter coloured wood.... a bit of variation.

For now here are a couple of pendants that I have yet to turn into necklaces. Coincidentally they match PERFECTLY with my new fabric that I showed you the other day... with the browns, blues and yellows.

That wasn't even on purpose. Can you believe it?

It's true.

Mmmmm mmmm good

2009-08-09T12:16:00.003-04:00

As per summer tradition, here is one of the (not-so) little guys that was consumed while on holiday. (Notice that he doesn't even fit on the plate?)

I miss him so.

Now back to work.

I have begun work on all the skirts for the feature window coming up on the 16th. Very excited about that! After that it's straight on to the One of a Kind Show preparation. Full speed ahead and I should be able to reach my insane goal... or at least get close. We'll see.

Tons of fabric to play with and more photos coming soon!!!

It's Go! Time

2009-08-07T18:55:00.004-04:00

Back home and back to work but so excited! I have so much new fabric it's a bit insane.

I'll have a feature window at the store (Fresh Collective) from August 16th to the 31st and I'm making a bunch of skirts out of this fabric!

I can't wait to see the finished products and will definitley post photos!
Some really cute fabrics for aprons I'll show you soon too!

Stay tuned.

2009-07-30T10:47:00.000-04:00

My dad just walked in with a box full of lobsters...

Just sayin' is all.

Clams - Check!

2009-07-29T10:29:00.002-04:00

Thank god I got those out of the way.

So I'm home, catching up on rest. I always sleep more when I'm here. I think it's because it's so quiet, and I just revert back to being 16 years old.

I will be checking out the fabric store (yes, singular) while I'm here. I always find some cute stuff for the aprons when I'm here. That way when I get back I can start slaving away at the sewing machines... Oh the excitement up ahead... ;)

I DO look forward to the day when I can pay people to do my sewing for me... just open a box and have a pile of finished merchandise... Ah the dream.

On Holiday!

2009-07-28T06:49:00.002-04:00

I'm off to visit the family in Moncton N.B. for over a week... where I will be baking lots and eating lots of lobster, fried clams and of course... home cooked meals.

I'm sure that once again, in the coming month, I will be posting more about food than anything else :)

Oh yeah, I will also be seeing friends and stuff like that... ;)

Yeah I had this a couple of times...

2009-07-27T12:20:00.001-04:00

Mmmmmmm Poutine....

Some Photos From the Shows in London

2009-07-24T23:45:00.004-04:00

Considering how weird the weather has been I can't complain. It rained off and on for the second show but the crowd was determined to not let it ruin their day! Amazing!

I'm getting to know a few people in London now just from doing these festivals and they come back year after year... so THANK YOU!

Yeah you. ;)

My ever-popular cube collection. I will never let it go.

A little from behind the scenes.

This is a new collection that I am very excited about! More individual photos soon...

2009-07-16T22:11:00.002-04:00

So I WAS on the waiting list for the Xmas One of a Kind Show...
Now I'm actually IN the show!!! Woot Woot!

There was a cancellation! They emailed me yesterday to give me the good news!

So excited.
Of course this means work...TONS of sewing to do.

That will have to wait until after my last London show though, which I leave for in the morning.

So... if you're in London come on down to Victoria Park this weekend for Home County Folk Fest!
I'll be there with my jewels...

See you there.

Back from London!

2009-07-14T22:56:00.002-04:00

... and off again on Friday!

I had a great 4 day show last weekend and I have just enough time to breath and make new jewelry. My regulars in London are keeping me on my toes. I need to make sure that I have new designs now every time I go! And, for all my regulars, I have been hard at work on a brand new collection off shiny, pretty, new things. So excited!!!

I will have photos next week, they're on my camera, I just have to focus on making new things right now as I am off to London again this Friday (my birthday!!!) for 3 days.

So, again, if you're in London Ontario this weekend, come by and say hello!!!

Home County Folk Fest
Victoria Park, London Ontario

See you there!

First Big Festival of the Summer!

2009-07-06T22:11:00.001-04:00

Don't forget, all you Londoners (Ontario of course), that Sunfest is this coming weekend!!

I will be there.

In the Park.

Victoria Park.

Thursday July 9th to Sunday July 12th.

Come by and say hello if you're there!

2009-07-03T13:16:00.002-04:00

Here are some photos from the last show that I did, Slam Gallery, at Fire on the Eastside.

My gorgeous display!

Some pretty necklaces...

Superstars Maureen and Ally!
Wearing, oddly enough, the two necklaces I posted about the day before the party.

See 3 posts down :)

My Stalkee...

2009-07-01T22:39:00.004-04:00

I went out to Niagara Falls last weekend (or the weekend before?)... time flies... and I HAD to go to Anna Olson's bakery! Screw the Falls right? I'm kidding, they're amazing... but, here is the first photo I will post, of me with her, of course, in front of the sweets counter. :)

Of course.

We had the White Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake (3 of them between two of us) and a delicious Creamy Lemon Square. We had one each at the bakery then I got two more for the road but then 30 minutes in the car I realized they probably should be eaten soon.

So we did.

Of course.

Her bakery is in the middle of a vinyard in Niagara on the Lake.

It's really quite amazing. We had our desserts with fresh cherry juice in the backyard overlooking all the vines.

R.I.P M.J.

2009-06-25T22:37:00.002-04:00

He changed the face of music in all aspects.

New Beads, New Necklaces

2009-06-16T22:35:00.003-04:00

These are the things that make me happy... among many others of course.

At the show on Thursday!

Now if I could only get my website updated with some of this stuff...

Slam Gallery 2

2009-06-16T00:08:00.003-04:00

Another night of art (and me) at Fire on the Eastside!

Please join us on Thursday June 18th from 7pm to 10 pm!

Fire on the Eastside
6 Gloucester St., Toronto (two streets north of Wellesley, just east of Yonge)

There will be Art
There will be Jewelry
There will be food
There will be booze

Choose your poison... I mean, passion.

"Fire on the East Side presents Slam Gallery. In this second installment, we feature artists Suzanne MacRury, Neil Young, Jewelry designer Nicole Boudreau and others. Mill Street Brewery will be on hand to sample some of their products as well!Please come out and support the arts in your community!"

See you there!

What's new?

2009-06-15T23:48:00.002-04:00

We are officially in Suite 306! Finally, no more drilling and sawing outside my door...

Creative Peacefullness....

Tomorrow is organization and creation day.

Tonight is Lemon Meringue Cheesecake night. 4 minutes on the timer. They will be in the coffee shop tomorrow morning. Freshly delivered!

2 minutes 52 on the timer...

In case you can't find me...

2009-06-11T22:28:00.004-04:00

This snazzy new sign in the building lobby will point you in the right direction...

Except that next week we will be in suite 306. Hopefully they'll get that switched up right away.

Then I can post another photo!! And Photoshop a Graffiti heart around my name once again!

Come visit. I dare you.

Pretty Goodies...

2009-06-11T22:14:00.003-04:00

This is what I've been baking twice a week for the past month.

The top two cupcake looking ones are mine. The middle one is actually a cupcake... vanilla... but the one on the right... ooooh... that's a cheesecake. The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. :) Mmmm.

I'm struggling a bit to find the time to do the baking twice a week but I'm enjoying it. It's pretty awesome that I can get all this baking done and I don't have to eat it all.

But if I have to, I will. Don't get me wrong.

I will.

Tomorrow is baking day so if you're at all tempted to have one of these bad-boys, you will find them at T.A.N. Coffee on saturday. 992 Queen St. West!

Get 'em while they're hot (or set and chilled...), they do not last long.

Headaches this week...

2009-06-10T16:12:00.002-04:00

But these headaches are leading to a new and exciting thing!

Our studio space is moving to a new suite! Same building, different floor, different number.
The owners of the building decided to tear down and open up the entire 5th floor... my floor... so they had to find a new place to put us. It's all working out for the best as they are giving us a slightly bigger space AND they're tearing down all the walls inside so that it is one big open space! Something we planned on doing eventually anyway, only now we don't have to pay for it :)

All good!

Except that for the past 2 weeks I've had to walk through a construction site to get to the studio. And all this week it's been going over proposals, signing new leases, getting new cheques written, choosing paint colours, getting all four of us in the space at the same time... and out of the four of us who share this space, it's my phone number they have.

I swear I hear my phone ringing even when it's not.

Anyway our new lease starts on June 15th so we should be moved in by monday!!

End Rant.

Cupcakes 'n Cheesecakes!

2009-06-02T12:14:00.001-04:00

Baking all morning/afternoon for the coffee shop!

T.A.N. Coffee 992 Queen St. West

Coming up later this afternoon....
Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes
and Vanilla Cupcakes

DE-LISH

Oh...

2009-06-01T16:32:00.000-04:00

There is also a small write-up on the Lou Lou website.

http://www.louloumagazine.com/english/insider/louloushops/article.jsp?content=20090520_094006_6340

A Store Feature!!!

2009-06-01T16:25:00.002-04:00

Amazing Amazing Amazing!

Fresh Collective is featured in the June issue of Lou Lou Magazine!
I can't wait to see what the outcome of this will be. I know the store has already had people coming in because of this. And it's only just the first of June!

Go team!

I've gone ahead and put an arrow pointing to my necklace that is on the bottom mannequin... :)

Feel free to click on the image to see it larger. Yes I know it just looks like a birth mark... but it's my necklace, I swear.

The woman in the photo is the store owner. Laura-Jean the Knitting Queen, or, LJ the KQ as I tend to call her.

Check it out!

Thank you

2009-05-29T11:55:00.001-04:00

The party last night was a huge success!
Thanks to all who came out!

My lemon cupcakes were a huge success too! Yay!
Maybe they'll make their way into the coffee shop... who knows :)

Another Etsy Treasury

2009-05-28T00:43:00.002-04:00

One of the designers from Fresh Collective created a Treasury on Etsy featuring a few of the designers from the shop.

So this is also a sample of the work that you will find in the FC.

Don't forget the party is tonight and the sale is all day long at the shop.

Fresh Collective 11am to 9pm

692 Queen St. West, Toronto

AND I made some pretty fabulous lemon cupcakes that I will be bringing to the party... as if the sale wasn't enough!!!

Come for the sales

Come for the cupcakes

Come for the company!

Some Jewelry...

2009-05-24T12:45:00.003-04:00

...that you will see at Fresh Collective this week.

I will also be posting a lot more items on Etsy in the coming two weeks.

New supplies coming soon and then it will be full speed ahead for Summer stock!

I know, I know... not a lot of colour. This is where the new supplies come in though!

Stay tuned...

This fabric is back...

2009-05-23T22:10:00.002-04:00

...by popular demand.

You can get it at Fresh Collective @ 692 Queen St. West.

It is also out of print so I won't be able to get anymore!

This makes me sad as I love this one... but I suppose I have to move on to new fabrics.

Bye bye corriander pine.

Party Time!

2009-05-22T18:25:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again! Fresh Collective is holding it's
annual Spring Sale and Party!

Everything in the store is at least 20% off, some up to 60% off!

Sale runs all day from 11am to 9pm.

Party starts at 6pm where food and beverage will be served.

Come meet the designers, mingle, snack and shop!

Join us Thursday May 28th!

Fresh Collective

692 Queen Street West (3 streets west of Bathurst), Toronto

See you there!

Eat My Cupcakes!

2009-05-15T09:48:00.003-04:00

They are available at T.A.N. Coffee @ 992 Queen St. West, Toronto.

:)

Last Minute Gig...

2009-05-05T11:32:00.003-04:00

"The first in a series of Visual Art Presentations featuring independent local Artists and Artisans.

The first show features Stevvan Anderson, Kent Bridges, InPrint Collective, Floral Design by Bruno Duarte and Precious Pink Designs Jewelry by Nicole Boudreau.
Pilliterri Wines will also be on hand featuring their new vintages!"

I hear there will also be cheese!
:)

This is taking place on Thursday May 7th from 7pm onward (probably until 11 or so)

Fire on the Eastside
6 Gloucester St., Toronto

Here's another Screen Capture! :)

Hope to see you there!

More Places to Shop!!

2009-05-01T17:24:00.005-04:00

You can now purchase Desserts 'n Skirts aprons from:

T.A.N. Coffee @
992 Queen St. West in Toronto!!

Like this...

2009-04-27T11:09:00.002-04:00

This is where my studio is... 96 Spadina Ave.

Etsy Treasury

2009-04-27T11:00:00.003-04:00

For those of you who know Etsy you know about the Treasury. It's a place where you can see random people's "favorite items" on Etsy. There's only a certain amount of lists at one time, so if you want to make a treasury you have to be on the ball!

What's really great is when one of your items makes it on someones list!!! As seen below :) someone chose one of my skirts for their treasury. :)

And then I learned about "screen capture" so I could show you a photo of the treasury...

I sense more "screen captures" to come...

Did I forget to mention...

2009-04-22T17:37:00.002-04:00

...that I was picked up by a boutique in Vancouver? This all happened at the One of a Kind. So... there is a selection of skirts now available at:

Tutta Mia

1302 Victoria Drive

Vancouver, BC.

Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes

2009-04-20T14:06:00.004-04:00

I made these last week and they were Delicious! Mini Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes. The recipe called for mini muffin pans but I used regular sized muffin pans and ended up making about 24. Now, if I were to make them again.... wait... WHEN I make them again, I will probably make only a dozen and a half as I felt that there wasn't enough "cheesecake" in the cheesecake. Of course as the original recipe called for mini muffin pans, you should get 48 minis.

This is an Anna Olson recipe: http://www.annaolson.ca/files/lemon_meringue_cheesecake.pdf

Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Good.

Gift Packaging

2009-04-17T12:02:00.002-04:00

IF I get accepted to the Christams One of a Kind... this will be my gift packaging. Everyone will get a wooden spoon in their bow and inside I will have a postcard with a recipe on the back. I think that's pretty darn cute!

See?

More...

2009-04-17T11:56:00.003-04:00

A couple more photos from the OOAK.

My Booth!

2009-04-15T19:05:00.001-04:00

Here is a photo of my booth at the One of a Kind Show and Sale!

I just mailed out my application for the Christmas Show this morning... keep your fingers crossed. The deadline is on Friday so I should hopefully hear not too long after that... Maybe by May? Who knows.

The show is over say goodbye...

2009-04-07T15:54:00.002-04:00

And what a ride!
I am nicely recovered from the 5 day show and am already printing up the application form for the 11 DAY Christmas show!! 11 days... the 5 nearly did me in :)
Wish me luck. I know the next one is harder to get into.

Thanks to all who came out!

I will be posting photos in the next couple of days.

Nicole

A Coupon to the show!

2009-03-30T08:57:00.004-04:00

It's been a mad couple of months getting ready for this gig. And after next sunday I will have more updates and photos of the show and also new merchandise (which I have a lot of).

For now this is just a quick post to say "Come to the Show!!!"

It's on from Wednesday April 1st to Sunday April 5th.

Weekdays 11am to 10pm

Saturday 10am to 9pm

Sunday 10am to 6pm

I am at booth number N-48

Print up this coupon to get $3 off!!! Then come say hello!

See you at the show!

Back To Jewels... for a moment.

2009-02-26T14:49:00.004-05:00

I took a break from the sewing machine today to get some more jewelry into the store (Fresh Collective) ... I must not turn my back on the beads 'n stones 'n metal bits...

I think this necklace is one of my favorites. I'm not a blue person at all, but this turquoise and wood mix really makes me happy. Happy, not "blue", get it?

Flirty Skirts

2009-02-25T09:38:00.003-05:00

You'll want to spin yourself around in one of these flirty skirts!

We have retro pink flowers or black and white polka dots for the girly girl or a "tougher" plaid print or grey and black multi stripe (probably my favorite even though I am a girly girl!!) for the "not-as-girly" girl.

So many more things are coming up!!! Stay tuned!

Cute Dress Alert!!!

2009-02-17T20:21:00.002-05:00

I've been wanting to make a dress for almost a year now but got busy and comfortable with skirts and aprons... so I finally took a day out of my schedule to work on it in hopes that it worked out...

And I love it!!!

I will have three different variations on it (so far) but for now here is a sneak peak!

It's a bit big for the mannequin so I will post better photos as soon as I have them.

And the winners are...

2009-02-01T12:21:00.002-05:00

I really wish everyone could win! It's always hard to close
the browser after the winner has been selected...

But, there can only be one winner in each catagory.
And here they are...

Winning a Candy Cube Necklace in pink is:

Stacie from Chalk River Ontario

Winning a Black and White Polka Dot apron is:
BCTeagirl (Janice) from Prince George BC

Congratulations to you both!

New Fabrics!!!

2009-01-31T11:31:00.004-05:00

I love love love getting new supplies!!! I get very excited and inspired and I think it makes me work a little harder...

Which is what I need right now as I seem to not really understand that I only have two months to get ready for the OOAK. I'm not stressed at all. And I really should be. Oh well, I'll live on this cloud for as long as I can.

I got a shipment of new fabrics the other day and another SLEW coming hopefully next week (and another few coming in about a month... I hope).

These ones are for skirts.

And these ones are for aprons!!!
(the aprons can get away with being really cutsy and kitchy)

Now off to work!!

(Me not you)

The Giving Continues!

2009-01-26T09:55:00.004-05:00

Bloggy Giveaways

For the first time, I am participating in the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival with my aprons!

Be sure to click on the link above to enter many contests!

I am giving away an apron to the winner. Any apron from my etsy shop! Just leave a comment here on my blog as to which apron you are interested in. I will choose a winner at random at 10am EST on February 1st. The winner will be posted on my blog that day.The contest is open to anyone in Canada and the US!

Have fun and good luck!!

Also check out my other blog about winning jewelry!! Here

The Time has Come!!

2009-01-26T09:49:00.005-05:00

Bloggy Giveaways

For the second year, I am participating in the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival!!
Be sure to click on the link above to enter many contests!

I am giving away a piece of jewelry of the winners choice. Anything from my Etsy Shop! Just visit my etsy shop and leave a comment here on my blog as to which item you are interested in. I will choose a winner at random at 10am EST on February 1st. The winner will be posted on my blog that day.

The contest is open to anyone in Canada and the US!

Have fun and good luck!!

Also check out my blog for my other giveaway of a Cute 50s inspired Apron!! Here

Coming at you live....

2009-01-24T10:33:00.003-05:00

From the One of a Kind Show!!!

I have just been accepted to the big Kahuna of shows here in Toronto!

I've been trying to get in for years with my jewelry to no avail (the jewelry catagory is always full and impossible) so I decided to try with the clothing and I made it in... finally!

Of course the really big one is the xmas One of a Kind but the spring show is definitley a foot in the door and also an amazing show.

The show runs April 1st through the 5th but I will definitley keep you posted as it gets closer to the date.

Also, stay tuned, on Monday morning I will be hosting a couple of contests through the Bloggy Giveaways. I'll be giving away jewelry and aprons.

An Introduction of Sorts

2009-01-16T12:11:00.003-05:00

This is probably one of my favorite photos from the photoshoot we did for the aprons a while back. I'm sending it in with an application to one of the big shows here.

Amidst all the seriousness of the application there has to be some sugar.

I want the cookie!

The owner of Fresh Collective, Laura-Jean the Knitting Queen, did a lovely write up using this photo http://freshcollectivenews.blogspot.com/2009/01/introducing-nicole-boudreau.html
And she did this on what happened to be my two year anniversary to the day!

Finally...

2009-01-09T12:59:00.002-05:00

I've openend up a new etsy shop for my aprons, and eventually my clothes as well.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6753535
There are only a few pieces listed but it should be growing fairly quickly. I've had a lot of requests for full aprons so that's what I'm going to focus on this week (is it friday today already?) and next week... and surely the week after that. Oh let's call it a month!

It's always hard to "get back to it" after the holidays!

Welcome to the New Year!

2009-01-03T14:37:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday with lots of food, sleep and drink... and then more sleep.

I'm very excited for the new year! But I think I say that every year ;)
I've finally got my computer all hooked up after my recent move (a whole 2 months ago... what?!, I was busy making stuff...) So I will be here, posting new things, more often.

I have decided to add a new catagory to this blog, as I do a lot of baking, I will be posting recipes along with photos of things that I've made. I bake a lot in the winter so I should be able to post fairly frequently!

Having just hooked up my computer I finally got to unload all the photos that I had on my camera, and in this bunch were the photos of the last window that I was featured in at the Fresh Collective with my aprons. It might be one of my favorites!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2009 brings you all things fabulous!

So much to do...

2008-11-14T10:21:00.005-05:00

So little time...
I'm currently getting ready for two big things... I could handle one, but two? What was I thinking. Aprons Aprons Aprons!!! I will be featured in the window at Fresh Collective with my aprons which means I need to be fully stocked in the store. AND I also have my yearly holiday sale/party on thursday which I also need to be fully stocked for... Oy Vay.
I know what you're thinking. "Why are you playing on the computer if you have so much to do?" (this is playing)
Because I have this exciting new photo that I made into a poster that I want to show you!!! I made it to put in the window at the store but I'm sure I'll use it in many many ways to promote the aprons... I love it!!! (if you click on it you should be able to see it bigger.)

My friend/studio-partner Corey Durand took the photos, and my friend/Hair stylist Dania is the model!

Don't forget the party this coming Thursday November 20th at Fire on the Eastside from 6pm to midnight.

Also I'm doing another little show on December 11th called "Partridge in a Cupcake Tree". It will be held in Life is Sweet in the Beaches (a cupcake shop, hence the name) at 2328 Queen Street East from 6pm to 11pm.

Back to work!!!

2008-11-08T11:39:00.002-05:00

It has been a looooong time... sorry.
I have been pretty busy with business and with moving. I'm sneaking some time on a friends computer right now since mine is not set up yet. (actually it's still packed away in a box)... All in time.

What's coming up you ask? Well...
I'm hosting the 6th Annual Shop 'Til You Drop Party at Fire on the Eastside (6 Gloucester Street, two streets north of Wellesley, three doors east of Yonge St.) on Thursday November 20th from 6pm to about midnight. There will be appetizers served and of course there is a bar... for what better way to shop!!

So you should come. And bring all your friends.

I will be there with my jewelry and my aprons (I will have a photo soon I promise). You will also find some fabulous hats by KC's Hats, more jewelry from Belle Boutique, Sea Salts and Bath products and home decor from Selsi Searocks, and of course the lovely Dirty Soap from Soapscum.

Also...

Precious Pink Designs/Desserts 'n Skirts will be featured in the window of Fresh Collective for two weeks starting on November 15th. There will be photos... it's going to be a baking themed window of course!!

What else... I'm at the studio every day during the week now except Tuesdays so feel free to stop by.

Check out all my links to the right to see where PPD can be found.

Hopefully see you on the 20th!

Party Time

2008-09-28T12:15:00.003-04:00

Since I'm not getting ready for any upcoming shows I'm really focusing on the holidays. They're really not that far away. So I'm stocking up on all my hot sellers so I don't have to work around the clock come December and I'm also having fun working on a new collection that will be perfect for any holiday party!! I'm having fun mixing colours and adding sparkle and being all girly-girl.

Here are a few photos of what's new!

Back to Non-Business

2008-09-12T12:01:00.002-04:00

Here is one of the lobsters that I devoured.

... and the slew of others in an aftershot.

Last but NOT least... the triple layer Maple Walnut cake that I made :)

Delicious!!!

Tic Toc Tic Toc

2008-09-01T23:28:00.002-04:00

Where does the time go?! It's already the end of summer (unofficially...)

I just got back from a lovely, relaxing holiday back home on the east coast. Had a feast of lobster and a fill of fried clams... mmm. Also A LOT of dessert. I baked a huge and delicious Maple Walnut 3 layer cake that took us 4 tries to finish. Also mmmm.

There will be photos!!

And now, back to business...
I'll be at the Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts festival this coming weekend! I love doing this festival as Cabbagetowners are big supporters of locally made stuff... and that's me. I'll be there saturday and sunday and my booth is located on Winchester St., just on the north side of the park. I hope you can make it!

This week I'm just busy getting ready for the festival with jewelry, and also working on a few skirts for the store (Fresh Collective). I'll be at the studio every day this week! I think this will be my first full time week at the studio! I love it there. I should be buying a chair this week ;) Maybe a radio or something...

Studio

2008-08-04T11:50:00.003-04:00

As promised. Here are a couple of photos of the studio!
Let's call these the "before" photos. Then once I'm set up, one of the walls is torn down and I've painted, so that it's not yellow... I'll post the "after" photos :)

We're tearing down a wall that you just see in the left hand corner in the photo above, it will open up the space soooo much and make it a lot bigger!

The windows are my favorite :)

And the Winners are...

2008-08-01T11:11:00.004-04:00

With all the great reponse from this contest I decided to choose 3 winners. If I could choose them all, I would :)

Here they are!!!
1. Carol Dziuba from New Jersey
2. Tangie Crates from California
3. Tiffany from Texas

Congratulations to all and thank you to everyone who entered!!!

I'm in!!!

2008-08-01T09:39:00.003-04:00

... and very sore, after I finally moved into my studio yesterday. Half sore from the muscle use, half sore because I kept kicking the furniture as I carried it. No, not on purpose.

Thanks Christine for all your help!!!

I've just thrown everything in there now so today I'm going to go and put some kind of organization into it. It will be much prettier in about a month or so when I can get all the things I want for it... a new desk, chairs, jewelry cases, etc...
For the moment it's very minimal with an ugly old desk that I've had forever. But... it is all about the space. I'll take a photo today and post it here!

I'm going to try and get a schedule set so I can post some hours as to when I'll be there so people can just pop in. But that will take a lot of organizing. So for now, it's "by appointment" only, I could be out getting coffee, supplies or visiting a store, so just email or call me if you would like to stop by. Or feel free to pop in if you're in the neighborhood and see if I'm there! Here's where it's at!

96 Spadina Ave. (@ Adelaide)
Suite 512
nicole@preciouspinkdesigns.com
416-725-7465

P.S. My building is called "The Darling"... how fabulous right?

Contest - Bloggy Giveaways!!

2008-07-28T09:34:00.003-04:00

Bloggy Giveaways

For the first time, I am participating in the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival!!
Be sure to click on the link above to enter many contests!

I am giving away a pair of earrings to the winner. Any pair of earrings!
Just visit my etsy shop and leave a comment here on my blog as to which pair you are interested in. I will choose a winner at random at 10am EST on August 1st. The winner will be posted on my blog that day.

The contest is open to anyone, anywhere!

Have fun and good luck!!

2008-07-23T17:39:00.003-04:00

I've just finished my two yearly London (Ontario) shows! Thanks to all those who came to see me! Until next year... the planning has already begun.
I saw a lot of familiar faces from last years shows, and I truly appreciate the repeat business and hope to only grow from here.

So I wasn't able to bring any of my clothing as I am still waiting on a much delayed fabric order. I'm going to have to try and get used to ordering things FAR in advance. I did have quite a bit of new jewelry that I "premiered" at the London shows and they all got great responses! So I'm very excited to see how they do in the stores.

So much to do this week. I may go to St. Lawrence Market on Friday if the weather holds out. I would like to move into my new studio space this week, but if not this week it will definitely be Monday. As soon as I move in I will post the address so y'all can come and see me! And next week I hope to get a chunk of work done on my website. I know I have a lot of people visiting my website and I know it hasn't been updated in a while. Hold tight, new stuff is coming. :)

Now, off to work!!

Headquarters Up Ahead!

2008-06-25T12:46:00.002-04:00

Exciting times are fast approaching!

Precious Pink Designs and Co. (Nicole Boudreau & Desserts 'n Skirts) will have a new home as of July 1st!! I've found the perfect work studio loft in the middle of the fashion district! There is a bit of work to be done to the space and July is a busy month for me already so I will probably have the grand opening in August.
I was going to have it in July but I just realized that PPD's birthday is mid August so why not have a birthday/grand opening bash! Keep your eyes peeled, I will keep you all posted here.
If you would like to be on my mailing list please email me at nicole@preciouspinkdesigns.com with the words mailing list in the subject line and you will be added. I only send emails out a few times a year so don't worry, I won't be bombarding you :)