{Giving it} Virginia Johnson for Hudson's Bay Co.

Giving it is all about my take on what makes a great gift. Phew, since last week my brain has been totally wrapped up in creating an overgrown English garden in a studio for a book cover shoot. Fun and lots of work... Anyways, back to gifting! I am a huge fan of Canadian designer Virginia Johnson, and just love her point of view, whether it's illustrating a book for Kate Spade or creating printed fabrics that always feel loose, fresh and summery. So, you can guess I was super happy to discover she'd created a special lightweight scarf smothered in bright and sketchy elks as part of HBC's new Hudson's Bay Company Collection. If you fancy one, or fancy giving one to a v. special person, then check out the full collection at The Bay's Queen Street location (yep, along with Best Made Co's point blanket inspired axes).

Have a heart

Happy Val's day one and all! Below you'll see a shot of the ultra swish Alexander Girard design Love Heart's by Columbia Forest Products. The Plyprints line is printed on formaldehyde-free maple-faced plywood and includes 6 classic Girard designs. For more info, click here.

In more Valentine's news, Holly at Decor8 turned me on to the great line of free Kate Spade Valentine's e-cards (I've already sent a few out!). Check them out here. And, Holly kindly just added my blog to Decor8 as her 'weekly blog' pick. Thanks Holly!