I talked with my big sis on the phone this morning and she asked if I could make her a necklace similar to the one I made for the English Dept. Fashion show a couple months ago:
She also really liked this Anthropologie necklace:
But... she wanted it in blush pinks and super soft fabrics for her sensitive skin. VoilĂ ! Here are the results:
Countless, supple layers of blush pink silks, tulle, chiffon on hand dyed self tie ribbon. I rarely get to make anything for myself anymore... but I really hate to part with this one. Alas, my sister will get this one soon!
I'm thinking of listing this piece in my Etsy shop as a "made to order" number. Would this interest anyone?
Update: Made to Order listing is up in my Etsy shop HERE. Thank you, everyone, for your sweet comments!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I also love...
... anything from moderngoods. My favorite is this antler platter. Wouldn't this make a fantastic wedding gift for the bride & groom??
Go HERE to view the antler platter and go HERE to view more from this lovely line.
Go HERE to view the antler platter and go HERE to view more from this lovely line.
Monday, April 27, 2009
I'm just giddy :: Shrug is done!
Remember that fabulous shrug that I adored from Christine's wedding? And then remember the trade with Elizabeth? I just saw a picture over on Elizabeth Dye's blog and I am just a little too excited about this one! Lovely soothing colors, soft layers... impeccably well-made. And oh... I can't even fathom the amount of time it took. Elizabeth... thank you!!!!! After this... you need a vacay!!!
It's making its rounds in the fashion world, but when I get it, I will never let it go. So dreamy, I want to sleep in it... so pretty, I want to wear it everywhere. Thank you, Elizabeth!! You are THE BEST!!!!!
It's making its rounds in the fashion world, but when I get it, I will never let it go. So dreamy, I want to sleep in it... so pretty, I want to wear it everywhere. Thank you, Elizabeth!! You are THE BEST!!!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Introducing :: Naturals :: Vegan and Eco-friendly Twigs & Honey
I got a great comment on my blog the other day from The Veganista:
"I just discovered your designs. They're great! Perhaps you could do a couple of vegan designs with non-silk/feather accessories? I feel so inspired to put something in my hair!"
April 16, 2009 11:11 AM
I have actually already been making vegan and eco-friendly pieces in my collections, but I guess I never formally went all out. My past and current pieces have included cotton only and non-feather pieces, but I thought now would be a great time to formally create a line specifically catering to both vegan and environmentally conscientious brides and clients.
I'm happy to introduce Twigs & Honey Naturals, with the first piece, Fields:
Fields is made with hand cut and pressed hemp/organic cotton fabric (55% hemp, 45% organic cotton). It is attached to a gold plated wire comb. Lovely and stylish... modern and chic... vegan friendly AND it is made with environmentally sustainable materials! Hooray! I'll be dropping the first of the Twigs & Honey Naturals collection off to the English Dept. in Portland, OR today along with these other pieces:
Hair combs, belts, and a "Naturals" piece! I hear they are going quickly and are down to just one piece at the English Dept., not including this batch above. I'll be up in Portland to hand them off about 3-5pm today... head over quick after that to get a lovely piece!
More "Naturals" pieces will be available in my Etsy shop and the Twigs & Honey Online Store very soon! Please spread the word if you're a blogger... word of mouth is great too. ;) Thank you!
"I just discovered your designs. They're great! Perhaps you could do a couple of vegan designs with non-silk/feather accessories? I feel so inspired to put something in my hair!"
April 16, 2009 11:11 AM
I have actually already been making vegan and eco-friendly pieces in my collections, but I guess I never formally went all out. My past and current pieces have included cotton only and non-feather pieces, but I thought now would be a great time to formally create a line specifically catering to both vegan and environmentally conscientious brides and clients.
I'm happy to introduce Twigs & Honey Naturals, with the first piece, Fields:
Fields is made with hand cut and pressed hemp/organic cotton fabric (55% hemp, 45% organic cotton). It is attached to a gold plated wire comb. Lovely and stylish... modern and chic... vegan friendly AND it is made with environmentally sustainable materials! Hooray! I'll be dropping the first of the Twigs & Honey Naturals collection off to the English Dept. in Portland, OR today along with these other pieces:
Hair combs, belts, and a "Naturals" piece! I hear they are going quickly and are down to just one piece at the English Dept., not including this batch above. I'll be up in Portland to hand them off about 3-5pm today... head over quick after that to get a lovely piece!
More "Naturals" pieces will be available in my Etsy shop and the Twigs & Honey Online Store very soon! Please spread the word if you're a blogger... word of mouth is great too. ;) Thank you!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I just love this board...
I just had to do a quick post on this lovely inspiration board I saw today over at Snippet & Ink blog. LOVE IT.
These soft, muted colors are everything I love. Calming. From HERE. Reminds me of this dress, yes?
These soft, muted colors are everything I love. Calming. From HERE. Reminds me of this dress, yes?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Laptop.... kaput
I have the WORST luck with laptops.
My "new" laptop was and is beyond repair... this happened Monday and all day Tuesday, I was completely without internet and computing capabilities. At the moment, it sits in pieces. I had to purchase/order a completely new laptop all day Tuesday and then had to work on trying to recover my putt-putt old hard drive... and then back up everything... and then download all my programs/drivers. Yuck. At this point, I've come to grips with the cost, but the time and sleep lost is the real stinker.
Long story short, I continue to be sorry for any delays. I have received a flood of inquiries this week and I am still trying to catch up on old messages. I am truly sorry if I have not yet responded to an email or convo. Please don't give up! I feel terrible about that! I am really hunkering down and pushing through as much work as I can everyday and I truly, truly want to work with everyone interested!!! Thank you to everyone for your persistence!!! It means the world to me!!!!
Annoying as it might be, please keep re-sending those messages... It really, helps me! I get buried each day with inquiries. Thank you for getting in touch again!!!! Sometimes, I will take names down for orders, but the details may take a bit longer to nail down (i.e. confirming design/color details), but rest assured, you are officially on the list and I'll get in touch! I will post an updated "in progress" list later this week.
My "new" laptop was and is beyond repair... this happened Monday and all day Tuesday, I was completely without internet and computing capabilities. At the moment, it sits in pieces. I had to purchase/order a completely new laptop all day Tuesday and then had to work on trying to recover my putt-putt old hard drive... and then back up everything... and then download all my programs/drivers. Yuck. At this point, I've come to grips with the cost, but the time and sleep lost is the real stinker.
Long story short, I continue to be sorry for any delays. I have received a flood of inquiries this week and I am still trying to catch up on old messages. I am truly sorry if I have not yet responded to an email or convo. Please don't give up! I feel terrible about that! I am really hunkering down and pushing through as much work as I can everyday and I truly, truly want to work with everyone interested!!! Thank you to everyone for your persistence!!! It means the world to me!!!!
Annoying as it might be, please keep re-sending those messages... It really, helps me! I get buried each day with inquiries. Thank you for getting in touch again!!!! Sometimes, I will take names down for orders, but the details may take a bit longer to nail down (i.e. confirming design/color details), but rest assured, you are officially on the list and I'll get in touch! I will post an updated "in progress" list later this week.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sear-Roasted Halibut with Blood Orange Salsa
Blood oranges facinate me. The colors are intense reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and even black for the flesh of the orange. The flavor is not overly sweet but used for adding to salads, poultry, seafood, and desserts, such as tarts and sorbets, which all can really show off the blood orange's colors and flavor.
I learned to shop for oranges of all types by looking for ones firm and heavy for the fruit's size and to definitely steer clear of soft spots, blemishes, and fruit looking dry. Oranges do not continue to ripen once picked.
I have been dying to fix Halibut and we just so happen to have fresh Halibut in stores presently. I know the fish is a little spendy but Halibut is one of the thicker fillets with a firm texture and great flavor worth splurging on! YUM!
I was looking through a Fine Cooking magazine and saw one of the recipes that makes a person stop instantly, look through the ingredient list, and start making out a grocery list of necessary ingredients. Never reaching a point of wondering if the recipe is truly worth creating. Roasted Halibut with blood orange salsa is delicious! I want to double the recipe and make it for a larger group of people next time because the flavor, colors, and presentation are fantastic.
Sear-Roasted Halibut with Blood Orange Salsa
(adapted from FineCooking Magazine)
Ingredients:
For the salsa:
3/4 cup fresh navel or Valencia orange juice (from 2 medium oranges)
3 small blood oranges, cut into segments, segments cut in half
2 Tbs. minced red onion
1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. finely grated navel or Valencia orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the halibut:
1 tsp. finely grated navel or Valencia orange zest (from 1 small orange)
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 6-oz. skinless halibut fillets
3 Tbs. olive oil
Directions:
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F.
Make the salsa:
In a small saucepan, boil the orange juice over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, combine the reduced orange juice, blood orange segments, onion, cilantro, olive oil, and orange zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cook the halibut:
In a small bowl, mix the orange zest, thyme, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Rub the mixture all over the halibut fillets. Heat the oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, arrange the fillets in the pan. Sear for about 2 minutes without moving; then use a thin slotted metal spatula to lift a piece of fish and check the color. When the fillets are nicely browned, flip them and put the pan in the oven.
Roast until the halibut is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the halibut to serving plates. Spoon some of the salsa over each fillet.
I learned to shop for oranges of all types by looking for ones firm and heavy for the fruit's size and to definitely steer clear of soft spots, blemishes, and fruit looking dry. Oranges do not continue to ripen once picked.
I have been dying to fix Halibut and we just so happen to have fresh Halibut in stores presently. I know the fish is a little spendy but Halibut is one of the thicker fillets with a firm texture and great flavor worth splurging on! YUM!
I was looking through a Fine Cooking magazine and saw one of the recipes that makes a person stop instantly, look through the ingredient list, and start making out a grocery list of necessary ingredients. Never reaching a point of wondering if the recipe is truly worth creating. Roasted Halibut with blood orange salsa is delicious! I want to double the recipe and make it for a larger group of people next time because the flavor, colors, and presentation are fantastic.
Sear-Roasted Halibut with Blood Orange Salsa
(adapted from FineCooking Magazine)
Ingredients:
For the salsa:
3/4 cup fresh navel or Valencia orange juice (from 2 medium oranges)
3 small blood oranges, cut into segments, segments cut in half
2 Tbs. minced red onion
1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. finely grated navel or Valencia orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the halibut:
1 tsp. finely grated navel or Valencia orange zest (from 1 small orange)
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 6-oz. skinless halibut fillets
3 Tbs. olive oil
Directions:
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F.
Make the salsa:
In a small saucepan, boil the orange juice over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, combine the reduced orange juice, blood orange segments, onion, cilantro, olive oil, and orange zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cook the halibut:
In a small bowl, mix the orange zest, thyme, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Rub the mixture all over the halibut fillets. Heat the oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, arrange the fillets in the pan. Sear for about 2 minutes without moving; then use a thin slotted metal spatula to lift a piece of fish and check the color. When the fillets are nicely browned, flip them and put the pan in the oven.
Roast until the halibut is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the halibut to serving plates. Spoon some of the salsa over each fillet.
I won something! :: Thank you Elizabeth Messina
I've been admiring the new blog, kiss the groom, which is by the very talented photographer, Elizabeth Messina. All her work is just lovely! A few weeks ago, she had a giveaway for a book written by one of her longtime clients, Tori Spelling! I got it! Hooray! Thank you, Elizabeth! The book, sTORI TELLING, was also signed by Tori and her husband. Too cute!
I love this tri-fold card that Elizabeth sent in a vellum envelope.
Be sure to visit Elizabeth Messina's blog, kiss the groom. She posts gorgeous inspiration daily! I'm completely hooked.
I love this tri-fold card that Elizabeth sent in a vellum envelope.
Be sure to visit Elizabeth Messina's blog, kiss the groom. She posts gorgeous inspiration daily! I'm completely hooked.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Several new pieces! :: Including customizable adornments
I have several new lovely hair adornments in the New Twigs & Honey online SHOP! I've included a couple customizable flowers too. I will add swatches/option pictures in the Ordering & Payment page soon if you are unsure of the look of a particular feather, lace or leaf variety. My favorite piece in this most recent update is Mist, a completely handmade interpretation of a blooming rose:
Remember how I have had the habit of naming hair pieces by cities/places? It's an old tradition since before I officially started Twigs & Honey. Matt has to go to Mist, Oregon for business every couple of weeks and I love tagging along. The drive is just lovely... past some farmlands and through the woods...
Remember how I have had the habit of naming hair pieces by cities/places? It's an old tradition since before I officially started Twigs & Honey. Matt has to go to Mist, Oregon for business every couple of weeks and I love tagging along. The drive is just lovely... past some farmlands and through the woods...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tiny shop update :: more to come!
I added a full birdcage veil and a couple lovely flowers to the new Twigs & honey online shop! I was hoping to have more up today, but all my orders took much longer to process. I will aim to have more lovely pieces up soon!! Thank you so much for your patience. Here is the made to order veil you can purchase through the new shop:
Athena
Sublimity is up too!
Athena
Sublimity is up too!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
New pieces :: In my shop tomorrow!
Just a shop update notice. :)
I'll be adding some pieces in my new online SHOP tomorrow. I am not sure how many, but I will try to get as many as I can in the shop as time permits. Thank you so much for your patience! I'll do a blog post too! Here's one of the pieces:
Sublimity (link to come)
I'll be adding some pieces in my new online SHOP tomorrow. I am not sure how many, but I will try to get as many as I can in the shop as time permits. Thank you so much for your patience! I'll do a blog post too! Here's one of the pieces:
Sublimity (link to come)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
NEW Twigs & Honey online store is LIVE!!!! :: I am thrilled!
Do you know how many hours I have slept in the last 55+ hours? 3. Three hours!
Totally and completely worth it.
The NEW Twigs & Honey online shop is now live! There is a lovely assortment of some of my favorite pieces ever! I admit to not having as much inventory up as I wanted for the grand opening, but I did make it a point to include some gorgeous and truly unique pieces... some of which may be making special appearances in upcoming wedding magazines this summer. ;)
I've started a new bridal/special occasion mini hat line that I will be expanding on, but for now, I've listed a couple in the shop. I've also listed some great headbands and flora/fauna pieces. I had meant to have a bunch of customizable pieces up also, but all the nuts and bolts of getting an online shop going took MUCH more time than expected. I used Zen Cart, which is an open source online store program. It is very powerful, but very time consuming and not user friendly. I think that building the website from scratch was easier than using Zen Cart. All the forums/reviews talk about how cumbersome a program it is and how you really should hire a programmer to make it "pretty" and purposeful. Alas, I figured it out. Mind you, it is not 100% perfect yet and I will continue beta testing it this week to work out any remaining bugs. If any of you clever ones saw it already today, you may have witnessed the "bugs".
I will start listing to the new shop frequently and should have a batch of customizable goodies up soon (hopefully by the end of this week). Check out my labor of love for all the lovely people...
Here is what the default Zen Cart shop looks like (where everyone starts out).. i.e. BEFORE:
AFTER:
Silverton
Cascade
Click HERE to go to the new Twigs & Honey shop!
Visit frequently for updates, deals, and special giveaways!
Totally and completely worth it.
The NEW Twigs & Honey online shop is now live! There is a lovely assortment of some of my favorite pieces ever! I admit to not having as much inventory up as I wanted for the grand opening, but I did make it a point to include some gorgeous and truly unique pieces... some of which may be making special appearances in upcoming wedding magazines this summer. ;)
I've started a new bridal/special occasion mini hat line that I will be expanding on, but for now, I've listed a couple in the shop. I've also listed some great headbands and flora/fauna pieces. I had meant to have a bunch of customizable pieces up also, but all the nuts and bolts of getting an online shop going took MUCH more time than expected. I used Zen Cart, which is an open source online store program. It is very powerful, but very time consuming and not user friendly. I think that building the website from scratch was easier than using Zen Cart. All the forums/reviews talk about how cumbersome a program it is and how you really should hire a programmer to make it "pretty" and purposeful. Alas, I figured it out. Mind you, it is not 100% perfect yet and I will continue beta testing it this week to work out any remaining bugs. If any of you clever ones saw it already today, you may have witnessed the "bugs".
I will start listing to the new shop frequently and should have a batch of customizable goodies up soon (hopefully by the end of this week). Check out my labor of love for all the lovely people...
Here is what the default Zen Cart shop looks like (where everyone starts out).. i.e. BEFORE:
AFTER:
Silverton
Cascade
Click HERE to go to the new Twigs & Honey shop!
Visit frequently for updates, deals, and special giveaways!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Summer dress
I don't know if I'm 100% happy with it, but I'll think of it as good practice for the next one. :)
Excuse my "I just woke up" disheveled look... I did just wake up for this photo.
Silk floral print dress, with ruffle neck and sleeves. I'm wearing my new favorite accessory from Etsy seller, Norwegian Wood. I love anything suspenders and androgynous paired with girly.
Excuse my "I just woke up" disheveled look... I did just wake up for this photo.
Silk floral print dress, with ruffle neck and sleeves. I'm wearing my new favorite accessory from Etsy seller, Norwegian Wood. I love anything suspenders and androgynous paired with girly.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
New boutique! :: Bella Bridesmaid Las Vegas
I am so excited to announce that the Las Vegas Bella Bridesmaid will now be carrying twigs & honey pieces! I just shipped a lovely assortment to the wonderful boutique including hair pieces, brooches and a gorgeous belt! The Las Vegas Bella Bridesmaid carries such lines as Simple Sillhouettes, Jenny Yoo, Lela Rose Bridesmaid, and many more. Brides... don't forget your lovely bridesmaids!
Thank you, Bella Bridesmaid!
The pieces are on their way and should be available within the next week.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
New project :: Summer dress
I have been drooling over these dresses:
Bibi dress from Toast.
Confetti Whirl dress from Anthropologie.
Alas, they are over my budget in terms of a dress I can just throw on during those warm, dry summer days in Oregon. I'm going to try to make something similar between the two. I got some lovely silk last week. A bold and crazy pattern...
Pictures to come if it doesn't look to bad!
Bibi dress from Toast.
Confetti Whirl dress from Anthropologie.
Alas, they are over my budget in terms of a dress I can just throw on during those warm, dry summer days in Oregon. I'm going to try to make something similar between the two. I got some lovely silk last week. A bold and crazy pattern...
Pictures to come if it doesn't look to bad!
Week of Inspiration :: Day 5 (overdue!) :: Best All Around
I never posted my last day of Inspiration week from weeks ago!
Elizabeth Dye! Need I say more. She was the talent behind my gorgeous wedding dress transformation. She owns and runs (yes, meet her in the flesh) a real shop, The English Dept., in Portland, OR. She designs and sews the most beautiful clothing. She also sells on Etsy! *sigh* She is superwoman - a total powerhouse! I don't think I know anyone that has it so together or who works as much as Elizabeth. I could go on and on (and on!) about how uber fabulous she is. What a great inspiration to us all! On top of it all, she is cool. Who uses the word "cool" anymore (makes me feel so 90s using that word)! That is how cool she is. One of those gals that always look effortlessly put together (she has the cutest outfits), can carry a lovely short hairstyle with ease (you always make me want to lob more of my hair off!) and makes you think, "I'd better work harder!" Check out her blog for more inspiration!
A lovely Elizabeth Dye dress and shrug (similar shrug available on Etsy).
I love this jacket she made - ruffles and poufy shoulders!
Oldie but I love it.
I'm doing a trade with Elizabeth and I couldn't be more excited (yes, I feel lucky!). I have a shrug addiction and I have a feeling this will be the shrug of all shrugs. I'll post pictures when it is ready!
Elizabeth Dye! Need I say more. She was the talent behind my gorgeous wedding dress transformation. She owns and runs (yes, meet her in the flesh) a real shop, The English Dept., in Portland, OR. She designs and sews the most beautiful clothing. She also sells on Etsy! *sigh* She is superwoman - a total powerhouse! I don't think I know anyone that has it so together or who works as much as Elizabeth. I could go on and on (and on!) about how uber fabulous she is. What a great inspiration to us all! On top of it all, she is cool. Who uses the word "cool" anymore (makes me feel so 90s using that word)! That is how cool she is. One of those gals that always look effortlessly put together (she has the cutest outfits), can carry a lovely short hairstyle with ease (you always make me want to lob more of my hair off!) and makes you think, "I'd better work harder!" Check out her blog for more inspiration!
A lovely Elizabeth Dye dress and shrug (similar shrug available on Etsy).
I love this jacket she made - ruffles and poufy shoulders!
Oldie but I love it.
I'm doing a trade with Elizabeth and I couldn't be more excited (yes, I feel lucky!). I have a shrug addiction and I have a feeling this will be the shrug of all shrugs. I'll post pictures when it is ready!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Great news! :: New online store is almost here!
I've been on overdrive for the last few months with so many projects that one important one kind of kept getting put on hold.
I just wanted to leak that a new fabulous store is in the works (okay, I announced it on my website... but I don't think I blogged about it!).
The new store will have lots of styles and options - including hair pieces, veils, headbands, a new bridal hat line, and some surprises. I have to get it streamlined and polished up at the moment, but it should be working very soon, so for anyone who has been unable to reach me through emails, hang tight and the new store might be just the thing! I'll make a major announcement when it is LIVE!
Just for kicks. :)
I just wanted to leak that a new fabulous store is in the works (okay, I announced it on my website... but I don't think I blogged about it!).
The new store will have lots of styles and options - including hair pieces, veils, headbands, a new bridal hat line, and some surprises. I have to get it streamlined and polished up at the moment, but it should be working very soon, so for anyone who has been unable to reach me through emails, hang tight and the new store might be just the thing! I'll make a major announcement when it is LIVE!
Just for kicks. :)
Friday, April 3, 2009
I never showed you...
...the dress I made to wear to my sister's wedding in February. I ended up wearing a different blue dress, but I promised to post some pictures!
Silk chiffon overlay skirt and slightly shiny cotton faux corset top with some embellishing along the bustline. With a pretty bow in the back, of course!
Happy weekend!!
Silk chiffon overlay skirt and slightly shiny cotton faux corset top with some embellishing along the bustline. With a pretty bow in the back, of course!
Happy weekend!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
More from the photo shoot :: Lisa Warninger shots
I gasped...
when I opened my email from Lisa Warninger and viewed these pictures. Gorgeous.
Lisa, thank you!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who commented on the previous post! I'm so excited to hear that the shoot is being well received. Expect to see more soon!
Photography credits: Lisa Warninger
Hair accessories: Twigs & Honey by Myra Callan
Lovely dresses: Elizabeth Dye at the English Dept.
Styling: Chelsea Fuss
Model: Anna Adams
when I opened my email from Lisa Warninger and viewed these pictures. Gorgeous.
Lisa, thank you!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who commented on the previous post! I'm so excited to hear that the shoot is being well received. Expect to see more soon!
Photography credits: Lisa Warninger
Hair accessories: Twigs & Honey by Myra Callan
Lovely dresses: Elizabeth Dye at the English Dept.
Styling: Chelsea Fuss
Model: Anna Adams
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