Blog: Velvet

Novel-Worthy Camping

Our upcoming weekend getaway promises to be a little like something out of a novel.  Renaud, former Cirque du Soleil Props Director turned ceramicist and Gilbert, wood artisan, have graciously accepted to open their workshop doors to us.  Atelier des Cent Ans is set in the idyllic Bois Francs Region of central Quebec.  

If the images we've seen so far are any indication, we feel like we'll be walking into a workshop of wonders!

Other than the visit of the atelier, we plan on having picnics by the Larochelle River... 

and on camping out in the meadow with Ignace, the donkey (We kid you not!!).

If the weather acts up, we'll sleep in the barn (again, no joke!). 

We promise to bring back photos of the atelier... and of Ignace, of course!

Until then, here are samples of Renaud's beautiful work.  As you'll see, not only is he a very skilled ceramicist, he has also mastered the art of the vignette.

'Oursin' Bowl (Sea Urchin)

Tea Set

'Patte de raton' Bowl (Racoon Paw)

'Coupelle'

Photography: Renaud Sauvé

Gus* Keep On Giving Event!

We're excited to let you know that we are participating in Gus* Modern's "Keep On Giving" event again this year, for the whole month of January.

Your generosity has been building from each year to the next and we hope to make an even bigger impact this year. 

Get 15% off all Gus* Modern Essentials (includes upholstery, dining, storage, lighting, and accessories)** when you bring in 3 non-perishable food items to your local food bank or make a donation to Food Banks Canada.  This is a great opportunity to get that long-coveted sofa or table while helping to support those in need in your community!

Please send your donation receipt to donate@modernkaribou.ca in order to redeem your 15% discount.

**This offer applies to all to all Gus* Modern furniture and accessories with the exception of the UpCycle Ottoman and Thompson Dining Chairs.

Need more convincing?  Just have a look at the Gus* Modern pieces below, all available through Modern Karibou!

 

Atwood Sofa

Annex Cabinet

Pawn Stool

School Chair

Fruit Trough

Bella & Edward's Honeymoon Bed!

A bit of a debate in the MK office about whether or not we should mention the fact that the new PCHseries Canopy Bed from MASHstudios  is featured in the honeymoon scene from the latest Twilight movie – Breaking Dawn.  Guess who won?

Some of us are fans and some of us couldn’t care less, but however you feel about the vampire series, you have to admit that this bed is gorgeous!

Those of you who’ve seen the movie know that the bed gets destroyed.  In its defense, I’d say that only a supernatural being would have that kind of strength.  Not real life folks!  This bed is sturdy and will withstand pretty much anything... except perhaps a fairy tale romp.

You can have a closer look at the bed here.

Photo: PCHseries.com

Summer Outdoor Entertaining

Summer is the perfect time to entertain. There is something magical about sitting outside, eating barbecue, lighting candles and having that cool breeze blow through your hair. If you're looking for a quick way to spice up your patio set before having the Johnsons over, try these MK quick tips.

1. If your table is looking weathered, cover it  with a long tablecloth and put down a few "nature inspired" place mats.
2. Most of the time you will need additional lighting when eating outdoors, so in order to create a cool ambiance, use a couple hurricane lamps on the table and place a few torches and lanterns strategically around the yard.
3. Although plastic seems like the obvious choice for dinnerware, break out some nice glass tumblers and some simple and elegant plates to keep your outdoor "dining room" classy.
4. Lastly, decorate your table with various wild flowers from your garden. Check them twice though, or you might have some unwanted dinner guests!

Herb Garden

Gardening can be a real challenge if you work full-time or are planning on vacationing over the summer. However, if you would like to exercise your green thumb without worrying about harbouring the neighbourhood weeds, keep your gardening simple and focused.

Try growing a small herb garden in some planters or in a couple of smaller pots on your windowsill. Herbs are very easy to maintain, smell great, are fun to nibble on and can really spice up your cooking. Basil, chives, oregano, thyme, parsley, cilantro, rosemary and many more simply delicious herbs can be found in your local market and usually cost very little at this time of year.

If you feel like you aren't taking advantage of all your planted specimens, try making some herb infused olive oil! Click on the read more link below for our famous infused olive oil recipe!

The Balconies

A few years back, a couple of music students from the University of Ottawa made a connection that was going to ignite a musical path that would pave their futures in wonderfully Canadian high energy pop music! Liam Jaeger and Jacquie Neville set off on an adventure that would include letting loose on stage and ecstatic and franticly dancing fans.

The two ambitious classical music students quickly roped in Jacquie's younger brother, Steve, and started putting their creative minds to work. One basement practice lead to another and it had become obvious that The Balconies, had something special. With Jacquie on lead vocals and guitar, Liam on the drums and Steve on bass, the trio played in big Ottawa acts that sky rocketed the band to local stardom.

Now, after playing alongside the likes of Mother Mother, Dog Day, Land of Talk and personally being invited to play a number of festivals, including Ottawa Bluesfest, North by Northeast, Canadian Music Fest and Pop Montreal, the young trio travels through Canadian cities and leave a lasting impression on all who have the opportunity to see their electric connection on stage.

Check out The Balconies' summer show dates and circle in bright colours the day they come to your canadian city. This is a must see act and a favourite of ours!  

David Suzuki's Tips for Blue Bin Recycling

Here at MK we are aware of our impact on the planet. This is why we are always on the lookout for products that are made from renewable resources and are eco-friendly. This is also why we are totally disgusted by all the trash that is being revealed now that the snow is gone…bleurk! We are doing our part in helping restore our planet and now it's time for you to do yours! Find out how you can be a smart recycler, from our friends at the David Suzuki Foundation. Reuse your glass, recycle your plastics, bring back your styrofoam and help keep our planet in business. Learn how to go green at home with Canada's #1 environmental activist, David Suzuki.

New In-Store: Fatboy Flowerpowersol

Summer is finally starting to settle-in and to celebrate great weather and warmth, we have added a wonderful new product to our online store; The Fatboy Flowerpowersol. Fatboy has collaborated with renowned Finnish textile and design company, Marimekko, in creating a bright coloured parasol with a bold flower print. The large parasol is approximately 3.5 meters in diameter and comes in two timeless coulours; unikko red and black. The fabric is water resistant and anti-fungal so you don't need to worry about getting your beautiful bouquet wet. To boot, the parasol comes with a cute little Fatboy logo weathervane. Check out the Modern Karibou Store for more details about this great summer product!

Sale! Dine with Gus* Modern

 

Modern Karibou and Toronto-based furniture company, Gus* Modern, are having a SALE! Receive 20% off all Gus* Modern dining tables, chairs, benches, stools, storage and accessories on orders placed between May 1st and May 31st. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of simple, practical and elegant pieces for your dining room and kitchen. See what's being served-up by Gus* here!

Events : La Biennale de Montréal

This month, Montreal will be hosting it's 7th edition of La Biennale de Montréal, a contemporary art festival. The events will be held from May 1st to 31st at the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal (3450 Saint-Urbain.) Artists will gather throughout the month under the theme "Chance," which was selected and curated by Claude Gosselin, Executive and Artistic Director of CIAC and David Liss, Artistic Director of MOCCA. In total, some 40 artists, emerging and reputed, stemming from ten different countries will be featured throughout the events. With that being said, Quebec and Canadian artists will represent nearly 50% of all participants. The program promises to be rich and varied and will include photography, electronic art, cinéma, music, visual arts and much more. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to soak in some good Canadian culture. Doors open daily from noon to 6 pm, Thursday until 9 pm. Suggested donation is $2.00 See you there!