Living in small spaces has been a theme for Jesse and I since we started dating. Our first apartment that was our home for three years was less than 600 sq. ft. and where we live now, in our first house, we have less than 700 sq. ft. of living space. Living little works for us. We have a big, beautiful backyard for my kitchen garden, a deck and our new fire pit and live a ten minute bike ride form downtown while still living in a safe, upscale part of the city.

Okay, okay. Safe and upscale except for when arsonists set a neighbour’s car on fire and it explodes in the back lane. Which I know I posted about on Twitter, but now can’t for the life of me find, but if you can take a moment imagine a car engulfed in fire exploding in your back lane at 3 AM you have an accurate picture of the scene. I maintain that it keeps the property values on the nearby homes from getting too high, which means there are pretty character homes that are kind of affordable. Which just goes to show you that life is all about compromise! In this case pretty houses with a tiny side dish of explosions. Also, did you know that when a car really and thoroughly burns out, that the horn honks for an extended period of time until it explodes with the rest of the car?

You know, I might be getting side tracked here. :)

So the main part of the story and while our house is very small it’s filled with amazing nooks, crannies and character features that make it charming and quirky. This summer I decided that I wanted to dive into decorating it more, and specifically that I wanted to add more art by independent artists. I’ve been taking to etsy and have received some amazing pieces that I’m thrilled with and wanted to share.

And before you get your hopes up, no. None of them are illustrations of cars exploding.

“Hold on, if you’re an alien, why do you sound like you’re from the north?” 

This spring, with the encouragement of friends on my blog and on twitter I started watching Dr. Who and completely fell in love. I’ve heard so much about it that I started resisting it just because it seemed like it couldn’t live up to the praise, except that it exceeded the great things I’d heard about it and crept right into my geeky heart. This is a quote from the first episode, called Rose, with Rose and David Tennant’s Doctor. It’s is a great example of how the two play off each other, as well as the enthusiastic, playful spirit of the show.

Rose: “Hold on, if you’re an alien, why do you sound like you’re from the north?”

The Doctor: “Lots of planets have a North!”

Edit: Oops! It was Christopher Ecclestone, not David Tennant- turns out that I’m so biased in which actor is my favourite that I’ve edited my memories ;) Thanks Annie!

Dr Who Rose Poster by The Geekerie // $18.00 USD

I have an alarming amount of love for all things victorian and an alarming love of all things tattoo related, so when I found this dapper gentleman I couldn’t resist. He’s a handmade 15″ articulated puppet, with tiny joints that let you position him however you like. I love his heart pin, too large eyes, and that he’s wearing tiny spats. So far I can’t walk past him without moving him around, and am tempted to get another tattooed gentleman when they come back up for sale.

Victorian Tattooed Johnny Boy Paper Puppet by Crankbunny // $20 USD

“The Kitten Bandit” was one of the first illustrations by Emily Martin of The Black Apple that I ever came across, and I’ve been in love with it from afar ever since. Emily’s work is a big part of the way that I discovered Etsy and the handmade community as I know it which has helped me become especially attached to her work. I’m love the vintage feeling to this piece and her simple, intriguing disguise. As soon as I had a good excuse to give her a home in my home, this was my first purchase.

Mysterious Girls: The Kitten Bandit by The Black Apple // $16 USD

How do you find art for your room, apartment or house?

I’m a pretty dedicated etsy buyer myself, but if I come across a beautiful piece locally I always jump at the chance. No shipping! What a treat :)