May 2, 2007

Belt It Out

Bennie and Olive Designs

Back when Nana was young, she sewed her own quilts, crocheted piles of doilies, and made a mean Jell-O mold.

The last time you DIYed, on the other hand, you made an ass of yourself — literally. (RIP Levi’s cutoffs.)

But Toronto-based designer Jenifer Forrest didn’t fall nearly as far from the tree. After learning the art of crafting from her Grandpa Bennie and Grandma Olive in rural Alberta, she moved to the big city to strike out on her own.

Calling her endeavor Bennie and Olive (awww), she now offers sweetly nostalgic fashion and home accessories via her online shop.

Choose an adorably quirky vintage fabric purse or needlepoint pillow. We love the custom metal-and-resin belt buckles (made from your family photo or sentimental fabric swatch).

And when people ask you how you made it, tell them art’s just in your genes.

If not in your jeans.

Available online at bennieandolive.com.