Canvas to the Imagination

RubyDog’s Art House is my favorite place to buy supplies and find inspiration for the collage work I create. I’ve been going there for the last couple of years and I always find something unique and inspiring to take home. The shop is owned by Leanne Bishop and it’s always fun to chat with her while I browse through the store.

When I dropped by a yesterday to pick up a new book about collage I decided to take a few photos and show people some of the interesting things you can find in the shop. There is an excellent selection of books on collage, book making, painting, and more. I think I’ve bought most of my art books from RubyDog’s because she seems to be the only one in Vancouver to carry as many books about altering books.

This is Ruby the dog, who can often be found napping peacefully in the corner, and is the namesake of the shop.

There are plenty of interesting little things to look at all through the store.

I’ve used these some of these tiny bottles in one of my altered books (that now belongs to someone else).

I have some of these clarinet pieces in my possession and that have not yet made their way into a collage. Leanne has a HUGE collection of letterpress pieces for collaging or collecting.

There’s really no end to the variety of things you can find at RubyDog’s Art House, from vintage ephemera to billiard balls. Please check out the shop and help support a wonderful local business.

RubyDog’s Art House
623 Kingsway
(Kingsway near Fraser Street)
Vancouver BC V5T 3K5

Last weekend I dropped by the new Vancouver “Art Strip” which is an area on the Kingsway between 15th and Fraser. It is quickly becoming creativity central with stores such as Collage Collage, RubyDog’s Art House, as well as a few galleries located there. Spool of Thread is the latest addition to the area, with a drop-in sewing lounge and many classes on offer.

The space is newly renovated with high ceilings that give the store an airy feel. There are lots of beautiful and colourful things to look at including the front counter which is covered in vintage yardsticks. At this point I should mention I don’t actually sew but I do love threads and textiles.

The store was having a soft launch last weekend with their official opening day this Saturday, June 5th.

Did I mention the gorgeous fabrics Spool of Thread has for sale? These are pretty wow. Some of them would be dreamy as a summer dress or as curtains in my new place.

Thanks to Spool of Thread owners Lili and Henry for being so welcoming to their shop and allowing me to take photos. I’m sure the store is a welcome addition to the Vancouver craft scene.

The title is the first line from a song called, “Gee I’m glad I’m no one else but me”. I’ve had it in my head since the fifth grade when I was in the school production of Anne of Green Gables the musical. Blossoms always remind me of this song.