Benée Rubin has worked hard to get where she is now. Trained in how to make custom jewellery at a time when it was still very much a man’s world, this single mother worked full-time crafting jewellery for some of Vancouver’s top jewellery stores before deciding it was time to relaunch her own company with her signature “Two in One” interlocking necklace designs: each of her unique necklaces can be worn together or separated into two necklaces allowing two people to share a bond and show it to the world.

Colleen Baran is a jeweller, artist and designer living and working in Greater Vancouver. She has exhibited in galleries and museums in 11 countries and been published in a few more. Recent publications include the books 500 Wedding Rings (Lark Books), 500 Plastic (also Lark Books) and Kirtsy Takes a Bow (which was in InStyle’s 2009 Christmas gift guide). She’s also won awards for jewellery and photography, both locally and internationally.

Here’s a peek of some of the headshots from the Vancouver Mom Blogger party a few weeks ago.

Check out more photos on the VancouverMom.ca Facebook fan page.

Image provided courtesy of The Labour Union Photographers.

Each piece of Bella-Bijou jewellery has a story behind it on how it came to be. That story is often the inspiration which brought the design to the forefront of designer and metalsmith, Jaime Pickering’s mind. What we think is neat is that Jaime intends each story to be a means to connect the jewellery piece to its new owner. Jaime tells us that her designs come to her in dreams! She plans them out backwards – thinking of the finished product first, then the steps to take to create her vision.

On May 13, VancouverMom.ca, along with Raspberry Kids, honoured the Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers. Special thanks to Roger and Holly of The Labour Union Photographers who provided headshots for all of the bloggers that evening! Meaghan from Ilus Elu provided all the make-up before the photo sessions. Alexis from Fresh Fix whipped up some fabulous yummy treats for us to munch on throughout the evening.

VancouverMom.ca, together with Raspberry Kids, will be honouring our 30 Ultimate Vancouver Mom Bloggers with a celebratory event on May 13th. To make the event extra special, the bloggers will be receiving free professional headshots, courtesy of Union Photographers, goody bags loaded with thank you gifts, door prizes, appetizers and more. Our generous event sponsors include: Union Photographers, Raspberry Kids, Ilus Elu, Ecocessories, Fresh Fix Catering, Spud, Sugar Mama Creations, Wickaninnish Inn, The Gourmet Pregnancy – Leah Douglas, Lullaby League, Enterprising Mom’s Network and Mom Cafe.

Spark Jewelry designer, Christina Hidalgo started her business just before she was about to embark on the biggest change of her life – having her son Diego. A small baby in tow didn’t slow Christina down though – when Diego was only a couple of months old she started selling in stores, art galleries and markets. Three years later her business is still growing and developing. Christina constantly strives to create unique, imaginative, and economical pieces of wearable art from argentium sterling silver, 14kt gold fill wire and the occasional splash of coloured crystals or gemstones.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lesley Stenning of smidgebox designs has been named Vancouver’s Top Mom blogger!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been revealing Vancouver’s 30 Ultimate Mom Blogs. Now is the time for you to vote for your favourite! Pick up to five of your favourites. You can vote once a day and as much as you’d like.

All the bloggers will be treated to a special evening in their honour (more about that later), but the winner will also receive:

• A $100 gift certificate to www.luxe-design.com, where you can choose from a set design or customize your own necklace. Luxe is one of VancouverMom.ca’s 30 Essential Jewellery Designers and was featured in our segment on Breakfast Television.
• A prize worth $50 from Raspberry Kids.
• And of course bragging rights!!

The winner will be announced on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010. Voting closes on May 6.