August 5, 2010
Summer Sales are popping up here, there and everywhere it seems- not just at local shops but in the world of handmade too!
Handmade Jewellery from Bird in Flight Boutique
Handmade Pillows from Utilitarian Franchise
Art from Hide n Seek
~Posted by: Amy
June 22, 2010
Studio Shop – Vancouver Events
It’s shaping up to be another very fun weekend in Vancouver! A wonderful group of local artisans is teaming up to bring you Studio Shop. You’ll find a beautiful selection of handmade pottery, art, jewelry, handbags and more from some of the cities most talented makers. With a few of the designers offering special discounts and wine and cheese at the ready – this is a sale not to be missed.
Sale Participants:
Handbags & Accessories
Bronsino
Patina Designs
Pottery and Ceramics
Dahlhaus
Cul de Sac
Eikcam
Hey Day Designs
Kelly Austin Design
Jewelry
Su Foster Jewellery
I’ve had my eye on Eikcam’s gorgeous handmade pottery and jewelry for quite some time and felt this sale is the perfect opportunity to highlight it. Each one of her pieces is so unique and wonderfully detailed – do take a look at the rest of her work here.
Studio Shop Event Details:
975 & 965 Vernon Drive, East Vancouver (Mergatroid Studios)
Sat. June 26th & Sun. June 27th: 11am-5pm daily
~Posted by: Amy
November 16, 2009
I met Mercedes, the creator and designer of bijougraphie, about 2 years ago through mutual friends. Little did I know she had an amazing jewelry line up her sleeve! I love the sleek, yet pretty design of the leaf and petal motifs (Laureates Only and Dearest Algy)…and the retro appeal of swirling lines and dots on Neuromantics. Finally, the beautiful simplicity of freewheeling streaks on Nixnay would complement any outfit. I wear my necklace alone, or layer with one or two other delicate gold pieces for a more bohemian look.
Visit the Bijougraphie online shop: Here
Christine: How long has bijougraphie been around for?
Mercedes: Unofficially, 27 years. Officially however, Bijougraphie launched in September 2009.
Christine: What was your inspiration for the line and how did you get the idea to start making the pieces?
Mercedes: It’s been a long-standing challenge to see how I can reconcile different views with one another and this extends to how I treat what I design. More specifically, it’s driven by the idea of mutating whimsicalness and sensibility. For Bijougraphie, it’s also how to project simplicity in ornamentation with moderation.
Christine: Do you have any background in fashion prior to bijougraphie? Any formal fashion education or work experience?
Mercedes: The fundamental background comes from the hands-on thrill of scouring, sourcing and haggling for materials and export overruns in obscure, dingy markets in the Philippines, being taught to sew by my grandmother on her Singer machine from the 40s, going to dress fittings for myself and mom, aunts and grandmothers for special events, going to the tailor with my dad and uncle and getting pants and blazers made as a kid. It’s having experienced and seen what’s behind fashion, the things that some people find boring and unglamourous; I just love it.
Christine: What type of materials do you use? Is there a reason why you chose these materials?
Mercedes: The primary material I use is wood for its practicality and versatility. It’s light, less prone to break and a great base to paint on. With wood, I’m allowed to make wearable and versatile pieces that have a great visual impact, without having to weigh too much.
Christine: What’s next for bijougraphie?
Mercedes: Well, while the pieces are exclusively available at select boutiques in Vancouver (Dream, Two of a Few and U Life Accessory Store) and Montreal (Headquarters Gallery, Boutique Unicorn and General 54) and are available as necklaces, I’m in the process of re-vamping the website and developing the next collection.
~Posted by: Christine Davis
