Hello there!

This is Amanda! Nice to meet you. I started at Jewel Envy in August, and, how rude of me, I haven’t introduced myself. I like pizza, cats, and long walks on the beach… No, but really, I am the designer/goldsmith of Jewelust. I make mustache-themed jewellery, called Sweet Movember, and I donate a portion of all sales to Movember for prostate cancer research and support. I also make a line of Whirl jewellery, it’s kind of like curled ribbon on a nicely wrapped gift, only made out of silver!

I was fortunate to start at Jewel Envy just before the exciting move to 151 Marion Street. We are now set up and open for business! And what an exciting time for it to all happen. I’ve been meeting the local LoRo residents and, while our Spadina location was right in the middle of the bustling downtown activity, Roncesvales is proving to be a friendly, welcoming neighborhood.

Do you know about the LoRo Block Party? This is just one example of how great this neighbourhood is! On Thursday, December 13th, Lower Roncesvales (LoRo) – that means Roncey south of Galley Ave, is having a block party. Stores will be open late, until 10pm. We’ll be here with special treats. So come on by, say hi, finish that gift shopping, and have a treat!

See you Thursday!
And I can introduce myself properly, in person.

 

During the summer I spent a lot of time perfecting my spray painting technique on my Instinct series. I was lucky enough that at our old studio on Spadina we had this giant encased fume hood that was already messy so I didn’t have to worry too much about getting spray paint everywhere. Here in the new studio, it’s a different story. We ended up having to leave behind our large encased fume hood and trade it in for a smaller one that lays flat on the table. This is still perfect for other types of chemical finishing but doesn’t give me room for the sweeping range of motion used in spray painting. So, what’s a girl to do? Turn to the Pinterest Gods of course! I found two different solutions, one using a portable canvas wardrobe (too big!) and one using a cardboard box (bingo!). Now to test it out and try not to make a mess in the shiny new studio 🙂
-Lauren

Pinterest’s suggestion – My solution

Instinct series with spray paint

Grand opening parties are so much fun!!!

We will be posting more pictures from our big night over the next week or so, for all those who could not make it in person.

Today was my first day working in the studio during retail hours, and it was great to see so many curious people from the neighbourhood walking in to take a look.  Roncesvalles is such a wonderful community of small and creative businesses, and it has been refreshing to meet so many like-minded individuals.

Thank you for welcoming us into your neighbourhood, and we look forward to getting to know all of you!!

One of our fabulous students modeling some of her work at the opening!

Our fun new retail space with funky “pods” holding all of our jewels!

Even our windows have bling. 😉

Our stunning new retail counter!

My new work bench.

Ellen(left) and I (right) enjoying ourselves at the opening!

 We have all been exploring the neighborhood and discovering all of the amazing local businesses in this area!  My next blog will showcase my favorite finds thus far. 

Come on by for a visit and to see everything first hand.

Til next time,
Kathryn Rebecca

 I  completed the three-year post secondary visual arts program at Central Tech Art Centre.
This year The Art Centre is celebrating “50 years of inspiring art education”. Therefore one of my sculputers will be included in the show.
Check it out if you are in the neighborhood.
 www/ctsartcentre.ca

Last time I blogged I shared with you a few of the gemstones I had purchased for my fall/winter collection.

I am very excited to now share a few of the pieces I made with those lovely stones!