My Dream Canvas Weekend!!

Hello there! Its time to begin a new week. However I am here to give you a quick account of my weekend. It was yet another round of spring cleaning at the MDC Casa :) My family I think is fed up! I owe them a treat as they are officially exhausted with all the cleaning. Van loads of stuff has been moved to Goodwill :) 

I received a few copies of my photographs in the mail. I had some of my tea time moments and other vignettes printed. I am so pleased with the result :)

I made a quick dash to one of my favorite stores and stumbled upon this striking tribal rug. I was so tempted to get it, but like a good girl I walked away from it :) The lady said she thinks it is from Morocco. However, I am confused as I have seen this work before. My mom reminded me that this cross stitch work is similar to the work they do in Kashmir. 
Any thoughts, do you know where this rug could be from???

After dinner last night, we  made a stop at the lake close to home. We were in for a treat. Check out this fabulous view:)

I launched a collection of antique store finds at my little store. Here is one of my favorite things from the store. To know more details and to purchase it, click HERE!

That's my weekend wrap up folks! See you around!

Images: My Dream Canvas

Timeless Treasures : A Curated Collection From The Shop At MDC

As most of you already know, I love decorating with antiques and vintage items. I like to mix things up for a welcoming look. The old with the new, the fancy with the casual :)  One of my "go to" places places for vintage accessories are quirky flea markets and antique stores. I love getting lost in them :) I have a lot of stuff in my home with personal family history. Therefore the key for me is not to buy stuff and make everything look cluttered.  Sometimes, I add an extra layer of charm with a few vintage finds. If you are into vintage accessories and unique finds them my latest collection of antique store finds will be perfect for you! Are you ready to go antiquing with me??
Here goes.....the first of the many :) 
This silver plated vintage bowl is American and carries a marking which says Forbes Silver. My research and a chat with the antique dealer led me to the following information. Forbes Silver Co. was set up in Meriden CT in 1894 as a department of Meriden Britannia Co. This company is one of the original companies which formed The International Silver Co. which is currently in use! 
This piece is in excellent condition for its age. A great "conversation starter" and a wonderful addition to any decor!

To know more about the product  and to purchase click HERE

This stunning silver plated tray below has the marking of Empire Silver Co which was part of the Benedict Manufacturing company set up in Syracuse New York in the early 1900. Its a pretty piece with an intricate design. I have one and use it to display stuff like this pretty green succulent :)

To know more about the product click HERE.

Happy Weekend folks!!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Lets Go Antiquing With The Shop At My Dream Canvas

I love a good find, especially when I have stumbled upon it at an antique store :)  Lately, I have been having a lot of fun finding  interesting things at antique stores. I love the history and some of the pieces I find are rather unique. 

Today, I am happy to announce that I will be curating a small collection of such finds for The Shop At My Dream Canvas. These will be vintage items. I shall share as much history as I know about these pieces. Silver plated dishes like the one in the image below usually have a stamp at the back. The stamp can  lead you to its history and vintage. I love doing the research and find it fascinating!

 Here is a sneak peek into what's coming :)  Sharing a quick picture from my phone.

I am really excited!!

Image: My Dream Canvas

Fabulous Finds : Artnlight Circular Trays

I have always loved Vineeta Nair's work and have blogged about her store Artnlight here before. Her latest collection of circular trays are stunning!

To view the entire collection click Here!

Image: Artnlight and subject to copyright.

Vintage Inspired Tabletop Decor

I am back after the long weekend feeling happy and content. The reason is not because I managed to relax or do something fun! Its because Mr MDC and I tackled some home projects and did some spring cleaning.  We are tired but happy and it feels good :) I am going to kick start the week with these gorgeous images of a vintage inspired tabletop created for a wedding!

The people who created this magical soiree is Patina Rentals. I was fascinated to learn about the concept behind Patina Rentals. To quote " Patina is all about handpicked vintage furniture oozing with the character and beauty that comes with age. Our collection of rentals is curated by a design addicted, vintage junkie who brings pieces from different eras, styles, and far flung places together under one roof in an old garment factory in Brooklyn"

Sounds and looks beautiful, does it not? I found these images on the Free People blog which I have bookmarked for their amazing posts filled with inspiration and creative ideas. 

From the green succulents, the vintage brass candlestands, the indigo hues and the vintage dishes..........this setting is truly enchanting!!

Images: via and subject to copyright

Etsy Finds :The Painted Lily

I am officially obsessed with coasters. I have to sheepishly admit that I have quite a few :) These stunning stone coasters recently caught my eye! The paintedlily is a great resource for one of a kind treasures! The coasters are made on a small rural farm in Pennsylvania. The best part is that the owner Jenny Alexander ships worldwide!! 

Here are a few I like! Which set is your favorite??

Images: Painted Lily and subject to copyright.

Inspiration For Picnic Season

The best part of blogging is stumbling upon something so beautiful that you have to share it instantly :) I have a crazy day ahead of me! However, I can't stop and admire this beautiful picnic setting by SoulMakes. Its dreamy, colorful and bohemian. My favorite accessories are the vibrant Kantha throws and the Mahali market baskets. The way this picnic soiree has been styled is simply fabulous! 

Are you inspired? I for one....am day dreaming :)

Images: via SoulMakes and subject to copyright.

Shop At My Dream Canvas

I love finding and curating stuff for The Shop At My Dream Canvas. This turtle diya caught my attention as soon as I saw it :) It can be used as a Diya/lamp and looks beautiful when lit at night. You can also use it the way I do.....place it on a table on a a pile of books or next to a pretty plant! 

Shop for this and other unique products at my online store! 

Happy Shopping and a very Happy Monday :)


Image: My Dream Canvas

Inside A Rustic Home

Happy Friday folks! When a designer turns a 1959 house into her home this is what it looks like!! I find the decor striking. Its rustic and chic all at the same time. The blue is lovely and adds to the charm. I stumbled upon this home on My Domaine. You can view images of the entire home here. 

 Photographs are by Karen Bianchi

Images: via

Entertaining With Style: A Mexican Soiree and My Childhood

I like to entertain and hosting a party always get me excited. I spend almost the same amount of time cooking as I do in laying out my table:) I grew up in a home where we always had people over. My parents, even if I say so myself were the perfect hosts :) My mom hosted innumerable parties! Our home was a popular hangout for our friends and family! The lack of Pinterest and fancy magazines did not deter my mom from creating exotic dishes and dressing up the dining table :) While I appreciated all the effort that she put into it, I have to admit that, I took it all for granted. I was not the "perfect daughter" who actively helped out my mom. I did what I was told to do but nothing more :) Today, as I look back, and fuss over the table layout in my home, I can't help but smile :) 
Times have changed. I am all grown up now and live thousands of miles away. However, surprisingly I am becoming more and more like my mother!  As for the food, my Mom is the one who is passionate about cooking. She is the gourmet chef in the family. I simply get by :)

One thing I adore is a beautiful layout for a party. This Mexican soiree featured in Style Me Pretty looks dreamy!  It is my kind of party :)

 

Images: via

Benefits of Blogging At The MDC Casa :)

“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” – Danny Kaye

I love the quote above! In my opinion its really apt for My Dream Canvas and the way I want to live my life! These roses came home on Mother's day. The greenery outside my window, the pale peach color of the roses and the aqua hues of the lamp all came together to create the perfect summer palette. It was not by design, but I can't help but smile as I look at this!

Do you believe in seasonal decor? While I do not actively pursue it. I do believe in versatility in decor. I typically buy things that I can use in most seasons. However, I shuffle things around. Sometimes a rug gets put away or something dark and heavy is pushed back and replaced with something light and airy. My prized possessions like the aqua lamp and family heirlooms stay in the limelight forever:)

I know that my blog" My Dream Canvas" is a public space, but for me its my stress buster and still feels incredibly personal. I sound confused....don't I ? Its where I dream, create, photograph and write. That's pretty much all the things I love:)

Lately, one of the biggest perks of blogging is something that helps me immensely when I move things around my house. These days when I take pictures of a room in my house, I look at the photo and go, "Whoa! What was I thinking??" I see the space sometimes as visually cluttered. I can see what's wrong and what's right :) I think taking numerous pictures like I do, really helps control the clutter. As I look at the picture, it enables me to look at the room differently than when I am physically standing there. 

For all you bloggers and decor enthusiasts.....does that happen to you?? Do share your experiences with me!

Decorating should not feel like work. For me, it never is! However, I do strive to create a calm and peaceful home devoid of clutter! I am going to stop rambling now, and leave you with these summer inspired vignettes from my home!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to Copyright

Etsy Finds: Kilims and Suzani's

Hello there! My dinner is done, the kids are heading off to bed and I have a few minutes to myself. As usual I get drawn towards Pinterest and Etsy. My two favorite places to browse. While, I rarely buy anything.... I can't help but admire some of the beautiful things on Etsy :)

I am quite in love with these kilim bags. The turquoise is just so pretty!! This Boho clutch is just what I need to liven up things :) The store Mihrak  is based in Istanbul. They carry these bags in a variety of colors and patterns.  Gosh! I better stop staring at these...... as I might get swept away :)

I found this delightful store called MagicIkat which has some really striking and vivid Suzani pillows. The store is based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.The pillows are reasonably priced and have the right look to add a bit of drama to your decor :) 

Are you tempted??

Images : 1 and 2 : Copyright Mihrak
Images 3 and 4 : Copyright MagicIkat

Thank you On Mothers Day!

Its a gorgeous weekend here in the Pacific Northwest.  The perfect Mothers Day weekend. The sun is shining, the skies are blue and the snow capped peaks are gleaming in the distance. Today was the ideal day to pull out the camera and create some vignettes that are apt for Mother's Day!

The perfect pink roses, Lindt chocolates and pretty cups of tea........ all seem to sparkle as the light streamed into my home :)  My Mom is my lifeline and this post is to thank her for everything she does!

I want to also thank all the lovely mom's out there for all that you do! Here's wishing all my readers a Happy Mothers Day ! 

Keep on smiling today and always............

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Soul Makes : A Bohemian Wonderland

 I am thrilled to bring back my Fabulous Finds series with Soul Makes. As I was browsing through this delightful shop...... I was transported to a bohemian and eclectic wonderland :) Based out of Virginia, this store is the brainchild of a two person creative team who share a common passion for design, photography and decorating!!

Be sure to bookmark their blog which is a visual delight and gives you an insight into their creative journey!

Images: Soul Makes and subject to Copyright