Wailuku, Hawaii and the story of a table runner that I couldn't resist!

Wow!! Hello there! I am embarrassed to say its been more than a year since my last post. It is something, I hope to rectify. I will strive to be more regular with my posts. 

It is funny how a simple thing like a table runner inspired me to return to blogging :) There is a small story about how this runner came home with me. I love shopping local when I am on vacation. Somehow, the busy souvenir shops and the high end retailers near fancy resorts hold very little appeal for me. I have nothing against them but I enjoy the small local stores and farmers/flea markets way more. 

We were recently on a trip to Maui. This was our second trip back there and I had made a list of some of the towns that I wanted to visit. I had read an article about Wailuku at the base of the West Maui mountains. Often overlooked by tourists, Wailuku is slowly emerging as a cultural and culinary town and is going through an interesting revival. We were in fact told by one of the shopkeepers that she was impressed by the fact that we made it there and that we were truly off the beaten track :)

We browsed a few shops and one of them had some art work but was also selling fresh flowers. A lady came by to pick up the most dazzling display of fresh flowers. We got chatting and she told us to walk with her to see her store. We went along and entered a delightful looking gallery. The gallery was impressive and she introduced us to her husband who was the artist. Christine‘s husband Philip Sabado was born and raised on the tiny island of Molokai. He studied art in California and years later moved back to Hawaii. He now has a studio in Wailuku. It was a delight chatting with the couple. The artwork in the gallery was amazing !! Christine mentioned how during the pandemic she decided to use his artwork to create textiles and especially table linen. I was intrigued. Lately, I have become obsessed with the taro plant after seeing it in a local shop in the Seattle area. Their giant green leaves have stolen my heart. I am waiting impatiently for my local nursery store to get some taro plants. While it is going to be a challenge to grow it in the Pacific Northwest weather, I am certainly going to give it a go :) It was truly love at first sight when I glanced upon this runner with the taro leaves. 

I bought the runner and l love seeing it on my table back home. Shopping for me is all about the experience and about meeting and interacting with locals. I will never forget how a random exchange at another store led us to this gallery. A memorable conversation combined with meeting the artist made this shopping experience truly one of a kind!!

I do hope you enjoyed this story of how this runner came into my life :-) Do stop by Sabado Art Hawaii. if you are ever in Maui, you will not regret it. Our conversation with the artist and his wife was as engaging as the art itself. Interacting with them, one felt how liberating it must be to truly follow your passion and make a career of it!

I am sure a lot of you have interesting stories that go with something you bought. I would love for you to share your story with me :-) Drop me a comment and let me know.

Thank you for your patience and for coming back to My Dream Canvas :)

Images: Copyright My Dream Canvas

Mahalaya and Our Fall Antique Bazaar !

The Festival season is upon us as today is Mahalaya! This day heralds the advent of Durga, the Goddess of supreme power. Navratri, Pujas, Dussehra, Diwali, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.......its all around the corner. We as a family celebrate all the festivals. As you can imagine its a happy time of the year :-)

 I am gearing up for a busy festival season. There will be lots happening here at My Dream Canvas. Do watch this space for more! Here's wishing you all a lovely festival season and Maa Durga is sending blessings your way. 

 This vision of Maa Durga is my favorite. It belonged to my parents and now graces my home!

For more happenings at MDC..........

 The MDC's Fall Antique Bazaar is in full swing! I am having so much fun scouring antique stores and flea markets to find treasures for your home:) My latest find is a stunning tall brass pitcher beautifully etched with flowers and leaves! This vintage pitcher is in excellent condition and will add a lovely boho chic touch to your home!

A " Global Find" for your lovely home! Click HERE  to visit our online store! Please note, we accept Paypal and ship only within The United States. 

Happy shopping and here's wishing you a great week ahead!

Images: Shop At My Dream Canvas

News From The Shop At My Dream Canvas

You probably think its way to early to start thinking of the festive season but we are :) Things have been slow at the Shop At My Dream Canvas.   I have been busy with the summer break and my travels. However, it will soon be time for a new collection at my little store :)

We are taking a giant leap this year with the store.  I am both nervous and excited! As an entrepreneur, I am hoping that this is the first of many. All this would not have been possible without my loyal readers and my wonderful customers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

The image above has my favorite dahlias from the farm nearby, a birthday gift from my parents, my Grandmother vintage silver tray and a pretty lotus shaped tealight.  The bling, the flowers, and the amber hues makes me think of fall and the upcoming festive season!!

Stay tuned for details.......


To view the current collection click here!


Image: 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

The Color Caravan Online Sale

Hello my lovely readers. Today, I am here to share something that you simply cannot miss :) An online sale by The Color Caravan based in India.  This is a venture that links rural Indian artisans to the urban market. It presents traditional handicrafts in a contemporary style and markets them to urban buyers. Their aim is to create livelihood opportunities for artisans and in turn preserve traditional Indian crafts.
The founder of  The Color Caravan is the lovely Swati Seth. Her dedication and vision is what gives Color Caravan the edge in the market. I am personally a huge fan :)
Now for some exciting news. The online exhibition cum sale is now online on Color Caravan's Facebook page. The exhibition presents leather work from Kutch in Gujarat (India).

Here is some information about the people behind this collection.
"The Marwadi Meghwals, a community believed to have migrated to Kutch from the Marwar region of Rajasthan, are famous for their leather work and unusually bold patchwork. In Kutch they work both as leather workers and wool weavers, living and working closely with Maldhari cattle herders from whom they source hides of dead animals.The men make leather products while women embellish these objects with embroidery executed with multi-coloured threads."

Click here to visit the The Color Caravan and to browse the entire collection on sale starting today :) The buying instructions are mentioned in the album featured on their Facebook page. The Color Caravan will ship internationally as well :)

Thank you Swati :)


Images: via

Antique Store Finds

Hi! I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had found an unusual vase at a local antique store. I actually found two :) I went back two days later to get the smaller one! It looks so much better as a pair.......don't you think? The lady at the shop told me that these were used to store lavender! What a lovely idea.The color, the design ad the rusty iron stand......it was love at first sight! Everybody loves a bargain and these were  inexpensive as well..........Yay:)

I love the peonies in my new vase sitting happily by my window :) 

Images : From my Home. Please do not copy without permission.



Joining Tuesday Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Joining Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Joining Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage.
Joining Frugal Treasures Tuesday at Beez Rental Designs

Anek Design in my Home!

For those of you who have have not heard of Anek Designs, you are definitely missing out! I have been fortunate enough to have interacted with Kanika Bahl, the founder of Anek Designs. A dynamic husband and wife team, Kanika and Vivek have created the very colorful, the very artistic, and unique collection of home textiles and accessories. Kanika is a graduate from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

Visit Anek Design here. Find them on Facebook and Etsy and you can also buy their products via SHOPO.

I have always admired Kanika's work and finally I am a proud owner of a beautiful Kantha stole and cushions from her store :-)  The stole reached me a few days ago.  Instead of putting it away in my closet, I have decided to use it as a runner :-) Yes, it is too pretty to be hidden away!  

Kanika, this is for you :-) I am rather pleased with how the runner looks on my table. Aren't the colors gorgeous?

Images: My home

My Bearded Pigeon

I am here to present my latest crush :-) These delightful eco friendly map cushions from My Bearded Pigeon. They have a fantastic collection and do custom orders as well! A cushion with a map printed of your favorite place in your living room or bedroom. What a lovely idea.................don't you think?

Images: via