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Breakfast Television Segment: Baby Backpack Carriers

Christine — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:24:23 +0000

Last week, VancouverMom.ca was on Breakfast Television showcasing some of the best brands in baby carriers. Check out our segment!

View our segment.

To find out more about the carriers we covered in our segment, check out Baby Back Carriers: Active Baby Names Its Favourites.

30 Essential Jewellery Designers: Benée Rubin

Christine — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:00:08 +0000

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.

Why did you get into jewellery design?

I was going to university and working part-time in the jewellery business, working at Ben Moss. I really liked it: I loved art classes and building things with my hands. British Columbia was the only place where you could do a jewellery manufacturer and repair apprenticeship.

In 1989, I started my company Designs by Benée, and at 34 years’ old, I was a single mother. I knew that I wanted to be my own boss and I had $100 in my account after I finished buying all of my tools. I was so young and stupid I didn’t know how afraid I needed to be. I just did it.

I am a master goldsmith. I physically make the jewellery. It’s a different aspect than just being a designer. I’m fascinated by how things work and how things fit together. I’m one of the few women classically trained to work at the “bench”, as they like to call it, who got to work with gold and diamonds and rubies and make stuff. When I started my career, I trained with Europeans: two years with Erik Lyth, a Danish master, and two years with Swiss master Elois Lander.

Tell us a bit about your company.

I really believe in jewellery that tells a story and that everyone has their own unique story to share. People tell me why they are getting a Two in One necklace made and who will be wearing the second piece of the design. I’ve had husbands and wives buy my necklaces because one of them was going off to be stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan, or they were buying a Mother and Child necklace because their son or daughter was going to leave to college. I have even had one of my necklaces go up on the NASA Space Shuttle into orbit!

Starting with the Oneness Mandala necklace, which I was inspired to make after seeing it in the Jet Li movie “The One”, I got a huge response from people, who seemed to like that these pieces of jewellery were two pieces that came together. Soon people started requesting different things but I didn’t have the time or resources to make brand new pieces. After a few years I went by, I decided to make a couple of new Mandala necklaces, followed by Mandala cufflinks. Then it became crosses and then others asked for a Star of David. Then someone asked for dog tags. Jewellery takes on an extra meaning if people can add their own ideas to it, so I left room for people to customize.

After my daughter grew up and went to live with her dad, I wasn’t a full time caregiver and I could take the time to think about where my business was going to go and to grow my business. It’s unbelievably time consuming to not only design the jewellery but also to do the writing of the material, the photographs, making the molds, your master models. It was a year in the making to get to this point and really launch the line.

How would you characterize your style?

Clean lines. I love detail and clean lines. I love history, I love symbols. I like things that are multipurpose.

Who are your clients?

For these collections, my customers are romantics. A lot of parents and husbands and wives buy my jewellery. For instance, a mother will buy the Two in One crosses for herself and her son or daughter. I design so that it won’t go out of style the next year or two down the road.

What do you think moms should know about your jewellery?

Well it takes a beating! You can wear it everyday. You can get baby food or puke on it and it’ll clean up perfectly. That’s a lesson I learned pretty fast as a jewellery designer and a mom! The little ones can grab the chain and it won’t break. My jewellery is built to last and can be handed down. I make things that are practical but can stand the test of time and are beautiful in its design and manufacturing.

Where can people buy your jewellery?

My website is www.benee.com, which has all of my launch designs broken up into four categories: the Mandala necklaces, the Yin-Yang necklaces, Two as One necklaces and Cufflinks. And anybody who reads this, if they contact me and mention that they read about my jewellery on Vancouver Moms I’ll take 10% off!

Anything else to add?

I think that what stands out for me is that I will really work with you to make you something special. If you’ve got old gold, some of grandma’s silver spoons, stones handed down, we’ll use them in any one of our designs to make something that is really unique to you. And share your story about why you are getting one of my necklaces or cufflinks or a custom design and I will post it on my site! You bring us your story and we’ll let your story shine.

Benée Rubin

www.benee.com | Twitter: @beneerubin | Facebook

30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designers: Colleen Baran

Christine — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:00:16 +0000

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.

Why did you get into jewellery design?

I first started making jewellery 17 years ago and my passion and enthusiasm for it are still as great as ever. I’ve been interested in art and design since I was little, for as long as I can remember. I explored many media: jewellery, photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, writing, cooking and clothing. I enjoyed them all, but of everything, it was jewellery that always intrigued and excited me the most. I love the fun and functionality of it, the durability of metal and its potential life as an heirloom. And jewellery makes people happy, which is a definite perk.

Tell us a bit about your company.

I’ve been working under my own name Colleen Baran for the last few years but may be better recognized locally as See:Be. Each piece of jewellery is designed and handmade from start to finish by me in my studio. They’re made with care and attention to craftsmanship. Most pieces are made of 100% recycled silver combined with a focus on eco-friendly studio practices, packaging and supplies. I love playing with possible shapes for rings, focusing on pieces meant for both form and function; working with open shapes; two finger rings; and multiple piece sets. Effortless but interesting, rings that are bold but still surprising comfortable. One of my rings was recently published in Italian Vogue. Other press includes Western Living, Fashion, Flare, the Georgia Strait, the Province and the Vancouver Sun.

How would you characterize your style?

Modern yet classic design with an occasionally vintage feel. I’m inspired by a love of patterns and repetition, line, balanced asymmetry, shapes that are clean, modern and yet often organic.

Who are your clients?

I’ve sold to people of all ages, ranging from 10 to 70, though most are in their 20s to 40s. Since designs range from clean and modern to ornate and feminine, my clients are wonderfully diverse. My jewellery has sold to people all over the world including countries as widespread and far flung as England, France, Russia, Japan, China, Australia, and even the United Arab Emirates.

What do you think moms should know about your jewellery?

For moms of small children stud earrings are always a great choice. Earrings that hang down and swing will be tugged at by little hands. Some rings are bold and dramatic and more for a night out then a day gardening, though I particularly love making rings and enjoy making large, oversized cocktail rings that are designed to fit with surprising comfort. Since most of my jewellery is made of recycled silver and all of it’s handmade locally, it’s a great eco-friendly option.

Where can people buy your jewellery?

Online at www.colleenbaran.etsy.com or the Crafthouse on Granville Island http://www.craftcouncilbc.ca/final2/index.htm

Anything else to add?

I’ve started Green/Eco Jewelry, a group devoted to eco-friendly jewellery and welcome contributions of photos and comments from other jewellers.

Colleen Baran

www.colleenbaran.com | Twitter: @ColleenBaran

Sneak Peek of Vancouver’s Top 30 Mom Blogger Headshots

Christine — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:19 +0000

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.

30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designers: Jaime Pickering of Bella-Bijou Jewellery

Roanne Weyermars — Wed, 19 May 2010 07:00:49 +0000

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.

Why did you get into jewellery design?

I got into jewellery completely by fluke. One day on a walk, I discovered a little gem shop not far from where I was living. I picked up a few findings and beads and thought I would make myself a pair of earrings like I used to when I was young. Before I knew it, I was making earrings for all my friends and throwing myself into the world of jewellery!

Tell us a bit about your company.

Bella-Bijou Jewellery is really about story telling. Each piece has its own chapter in my book of creativity, and I hope to pass that on to its new owner so that they can make it part of their story.

How would you characterize your style?

I have never been one to stick to one particular style. I define my style by my mood that day. Somedays its artsy and organic, others days its clean and minimal and occasionally, even sleek and sexy!

Who are your clients?

My clients are woman who want to treat themselves to something all of their own – something that their girlfriends won’t all have. Essentially, women who likes to feel unique and one of a kind.

What do you think moms should know about your jewellery?

Moms should know I make my jewellery with the very best quality materials. Being eco-friendly is very important to me, so I use recycled metals, recycled packaging, and I believe in supporting other small businesses. I know that a busy mom may not get the chance to treat herself very often, so I want her to know that when she treats herself to Bella-Bijou it is made to last, made earth friendly, and made by a one-woman-show trying to make her mark!

Where can people buy your jewellery?

I sell from my etsy shop and soon will have my work in a couple boutiques around the city!

Bella-Bijou Jewellery

www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com | @bellabijou | Facebook

Top 30 Vancouver Mom Blogger Party

Christine — Mon, 17 May 2010 07:00:24 +0000

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.

It was so great to finally meet all these women after so many weeks of tweeting, following, fanning and voting online!

Goody bag and door prizes were provided by:

All images © The Labour Union Photographers.

Vancouver’s Top 30 Mom Bloggers – Thanks To Our Event Sponsors!

Roanne Weyermars — Thu, 13 May 2010 06:35:08 +0000

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. All of our generous event sponsors are recognized below:

30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designers: Christina Hidalgo of Spark Jewelry

Roanne Weyermars — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:00:41 +0000

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. Born and raised in North Vancouver, she constantly strives to create unique, imaginative, and economical pieces of wearable art. She loves using her hands in what is her artistic outlet away from her high school teaching position. Argentium sterling silver and 14kt gold fill wire is simply a medium for her to get out her inner artist.

Why did you get into jewellery design?

I started tinkering around with jewellery design about four years ago, making beaded accessories with some of my girlfriends. Very quickly those same girlfriends started asking me to make them pieces. Soon I entered the limitless bounds of wirework and I haven’t looked back. I absolutely love the light, organic look that you can achieve by simply using your hands and a spool of wire.

Tell us a bit about your company.

Spark officially was born about six months before my first baby Diego, back in the summer of 2008. Before that I was simply making jewellery for family, friends and as requests. But those requests started getting more and more frequent and I was ready to take my work out into the world! After humble beginnings in art galleries and local gift shops, I began doing shows, fairs, and artisan markets like Portobello West. As a full time high school Chemistry teacher, this artistic outlet is exactly what I need.

How would you characterize your style?

Versatile. Like most women, I want to be able to wear my jewellery with jeans, or with that perfect dress. By showcasing the beauty of the silver and gold on their own, with only the occasional splash of coloured crystals or gemstones, it allows my pieces to be worn with your entire wardrobe. By being simple, yet eye-catching in their intricacy, it allows the versatility that I require.

Who are your clients?

My clients range from senior high school students looking for the perfect custom-made grad jewellery, to brides looking for the perfect spark to add to their day, all the way up to a 93 year old fan who loves the simplicity of many of my pieces. I have fans that are extremely casual and ones that have never even worn a pair of jeans.

What do you think moms should know about your jewellery?

As a mompreneur, I’ve put lots of thought into what I use and how I use it. From using Argentium sterling silver which is anti-tarnish but without chemical coatings, to making my own clasps instead of using the hard-to-handle lobster claw clasps, I want to make my jewelleryeasy for people like myself to enjoy. That means they need to be easy to put on and not require any cleaning. It also means that my pieces are economically priced. I work hard to find the best prices for my materials, and make my own clasps and earwires so that I can allow Spark to enter the hearts and homes of women in all walks of life.

Where can people buy your jewellery?

Online at www.sparkjewelry.ca and I am often at Portobello West Fashion market, as well as other artisan markets around town.

Spark Jewelry

www.sparkjewelry.ca | Facebook | 778-338-4247

Vancouver’s Top Mom Blogger: Lesley Stenning of smidgebox designs

Christine — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:01:58 +0000

This is my fourth year celebrating Mother’s Day. We spent the morning at Jericho Beach and a lovely afternoon planting pansies in our garden.

It also happens to be the weekend of Northern Voice, an annual weblogging conference that has become so popular that it’s had to add a second day. This year, one topic was Family Matters: Blogging the Parenthood Experience, whose panel featured some of the bloggers listed in our list of Vancouver’s Ultimate 30 Mom Bloggers.

So it’s only fitting that we announce our – or rather your – favourite Vancouver mom blogger. With over 4000 votes cast, you named your favourite: Lesley Stenning of smidgebox designs.

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Lesley, a born and raised Vancouver girl who runs her small business smidgebox designs out of a tiny corner in her kitchen. Having learned how to sew at an early age, Lesley now produces handmade tote bags, play blocks, fabric buckets and cozy up blankets are just a few of the things that Lesley creates. On her smidgebox blog, Lesley shares the designs and pretty things that inspire her.

Other mom bloggers who made the Ultimate 30 list include:

Kelly Diels of Cleavage, who is also a regular contributor of the well-known blog Problogger.
Harriet Fancott of SeeTheoRun.com writes about her adventures in open adoption and parenting Theo, whom she and her husband adopted last summer.
Mother, wife and business woman Erica Wells of Survival Guide for Rookie Moms, who recently launched a book of the same name.
mom and award-winning journalist Cori Howard of The Momoir Project, which she created to give her students – and any writer moms for that matter – an online forum where they could meet and write together.

This Thursday, VancouverMom.ca, together with Raspberry Kids, will be honouring the Ultimate 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers, who will be provided with free headshots, courtesy of Union Photographers, and other goodies provided by Fresh Fix Catering, the Wickininnish Hotel, Ilus Elu, the Sugar Mamas and more.

Check out the complete list.

Vote for Your Favourite Vancouver Mom Blogger!

Christine — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:00:56 +0000

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.