¿What Do You Think About the Revolution of the Sweet Potatoes?
Friday, April 02, 2010
Izzy & Buds Jewelry Designs at Portobello West Calgary
We're excited and looking forward to our trip to Calgary, Alberta for the Portobello West Market on next week from April 9th to 12th.
Come out and see us at Booth #41 (across from the DJ)...mention this blog post and receive a free pair of earrings (retail value $20.00) with a minimum purchase of $50.00.
I was absolutely dismayed when I saw the pile of jewelry rubbish Bridget gave to Jesee for "repair". What I saw were casualties of a jewelry cleaning mishap from using a harsh chemical cleaner specifically designed for silver...imagine that!
He did his best to restore the once shiny and lustrous jewelry (which incidentally was purchased just a short time ago), but sadly the results were not successful. The chemicals had eaten away and destroyed the silver. Jesee would need to re-create the pieces.
There is no need for this type of cruelty, please love your sparkly treasures and handle with care. Follow these quick, easy and safe instructions and your jewelry will stay shiny forever.
In a mere seventeen days, Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs will have our own "storefront" at the Qortezan Artisan Market, a showcase of handcrafted items from local vendors displayed specifically during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
The opportunity for local artisans to proudly present their craft to an international audience of this magnitude is crazy! Just imagine the exposure!
The market is ideally situated in the designated pedestrian corridor where we will be mingling with athletes and visitors from near and afar. Free entertainment for the whole family including nightly concerts will just be a stone's throw away at the David Lam Park. As each day passes, it's hard not to get swept up in the excitement and fun we are about to experience.
Here's our fall/winter show schedule for the next two weeks with two new venues added to our repertoire.
Pre-Olympic madness, fresh powdery snow and the 21st annual Bizarre Bazaar holiday craft market makes now the most favourable time to visit Whistler. Stop in après-ski and be dazzled by over 100 participating artisans at this well-attended show.
We're also looking forward to our debut showing at Portobello West, where we'll be representing Next Door Style as one of their designers featured alongside Bloomfield Clothing.
Whistler Arts Council Bizarre Bazaar(Booth #312) November 27th, 15h00 to 20h00 & November 28th, 10h00 to 18h00 Telus Whistler Conference Centre 4010 Whistler Way Whistler, BC
VGH 13th Annual Holiday Craft Market December 3rd & 4th, 07h30 to 15h30 Vancouver General Hospital Jim Pattison Pavilion 899 W. 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC
Partial proceeds benefit the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to help fund the latest, most sophisticated medical equipment, pioneering research and highly specialized care for patients.
BICS Christmas Craft Fair (Booth #5)
December 6th, 10h00 to 16h00 Bowen Island Community School 1041 Mt. Gardner Road Bowen Island, BC
This 24th annual event is a community favourite for informal gatherings and holiday cheer, but completely accessible to off-islanders via water taxi from Granville Island and just a short 5-minute walk from the pier...
Izzy and Buds has just donated this très vert Swarovski crystal necklace and earring set for a raffle prize draw at the Modern Mix Vancouver One Year Anniversary and Reader Appreciation Party.
For your opportunity to win, be sure to RSVP for this social event on Tuesday, May 12th at Suki's Salon on South Granville, where you can mingle and mix it up with a little nosh from Cru and a sweet from Ganache.
Hey Vancouver! If you're looking for some unique gifts for Mother's Day (May 10th), stop by the VGH Spring Craft Market for some inspiration. You know we'll be there!
13th Annual VGH Spring Craft Market Jim Pattison Pavilion, 1st Floor Corridor 899 W. 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC
The trend of the week at Izzy and Buds appear to be our Swarovski crystal bling rings.
It all started at the Wired Woman Fashion Show last week, which was tons of fun meeting all these wonderful, intelligent women in the IT and new media industry. There's something so civilized about enjoying a glass of wine and groovin' to the tunes of DJ Leanne while shopping for shiny baubles. Several lucky ladies left with rings adorning their fingers that night and to our pleasant surprise...a couple more throughout the weekend.
It was also on that night, we sold our 3D chandeliers to a very special customer. Anita thought she recognized our jewelry from a show in West Vancouver a couple of years ago. She had purchased a pair of our brilliant Swarovski hoops for herself despite the fact she didn't have pierced ears. She admitted that she soon after went and had her ears pierced, just so that she could wear our earrings. *blush*
Unfortunately, Anita has since lost those earrings, so we were destined to meet again. When I held up these dangling pieces of architecture next to her face - I knew she would do them justice.
Are you interested in an evening get together with other like-minded women with a career in technology? Do you have a penchant for ultra-feminine, sparkly Swarovski jewelry?
This Thursday, April 2nd, Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs will be participating in the Wired Woman Fashion Show & Networking Event. Come down for the show, meet some great women and treat yourself to a little something special.
Three eccentric Spaniards all with a common passion to create dramatically visual art which is subjective to the eye of the beholder.
Ferran Adrià, world renowned chef of El Bulli has created much controversy amongst food purists that describe his unparallelled dishes as molecular gastronomy. While this type of experimental fare doesn't really tickle our culinary appetite, there is a morbid curiosity within us to go just for the adventure. With limited reservations (open June to December) accepted only on one single day in October for the following year, I would hope that my U2 ticket buying experience rubs off ;)
In preparation for a recent photo shoot with Martin Krzywinski from Lumondo Photography, I directed Jesee to create some extraordinary pieces for himself and not just something uninspired for the mainstream market. One of the results was this pair of three-dimensional hematite and crystal earrings...a purely unconscious resemblance to Gaudi's avant-garde design of La Sagrada Familia...crazy minds think alike.
Upon request, we happily donated one of our stunning Crystal AB cuffs for the Diana Krall charity auction and benefit. This big night takes place on Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, which coincidentally is where I was promised the best Chocolate Martini...ever!
A colleague of mine who kindly delivered the package to the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation office mentioned that she was looking for something to go with her newly acquired diamond cocktail ring and that this cuff could be the perfect match. I told the said interested party that it could be hers if she could finagle tickets to this black tie, invitation-only event at a mere $1000 per ticket AND win the highest auction bid!
The unbounded palette of colours in the Swarovski crystal bead collection is the grown-up equivalent of a big ass box of Crayola Crayons! With new colours added to the collection two to three times a year, it's near impossible to keep track of them all!
However grand our inventory is, we do not stock every size, shape or colour. If you have your heart set on something particular - with adequate notice (and a big budget), we can special order most anything for your custom request.
My bad, I nearly missed the boat on blogging this contest...
Next Door Style is offering YOU a chance to win either a photo shoot with Lumondo Photography OR a $100.00 Gift Certificate for NextDoorStyle.com just by posting on their Facebook Fan Page.
For more information visit Next Door Diary and hurry...the contest ends on January 31, 2009.
If you're looking for something out of the "norm" for your nuptial celebrations, then visit the Indie I Do wedding event showcasing independent designers and retailers.
Intended to be a departure from traditional wedding shows, Indie I Do is targeted to couples who have modern and unique views of marriage and weddings, as well as the traditionalist looking to add a little bit of personality to their wedding. The event will feature independent, edgy and innovative exhibitors in wedding-related areas such as fashion & accessories, jewelry, florists, wedding coordinators, food and beverage, photographers and videographers.
Unfortunately we didn't find out about this show in time to participate this year, but hope to do so for 2010. It sounds like the perfect venue for Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs...funky, Spanish attitude...inspiring and unique jewelry that glitter and shout, "Ooh la la!"
Wacky wedding fiascoes can be seen on Bride Wars, which opens in theaters today. When looking at the trailers, I was rather disappointed that neither of the brides were adorned in jewelry - clearly Patricia Fields was not the costume designer ;) Current Music: Beginner's Guide to Buddha Lounge
In just a few days, we'll be flying up to Northern BC for the 32nd annual Studio Fair 2008, presented by the Prince George Community Arts Council. It kicks-off on October 31st where we will spend three whole days living and breathing this marketplace with over 75 artisans from across Canada.
The weather promises to be COLD with light snow, so I've dug out my vintage fur coat to help keep my chattering teeth down to a minimum. Despite facing the sub-zero temperatures (hel-looo winter itch), we're excited to show off our fabulous jewelry to a brand new audience!
If any of you Prince Georgians are reading this, come down and visit us at booth #57#17 - we'd love to meet you.
Next Door Style is a new online shop that promotes Vancouver talent exclusively. Izzy and Buds is proud to be one of the participating designers in what promises to be an exciting marketing venture.
As the value of our Canadian dollar declines, supporting your local designers makes so much more cents.
I'm a sucker for sap. A rainy Saturday afternoon in bed watching back to back chick flicks on the W Network is my guilty pleasure. I never tire of Pretty Woman, Breakfast at Tiffany's or Hugh Grant, but my all time favourite would be Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth...oh lord!
It's rather ballsy of us to admit, given that a large number of our clients are brides, BUT we're really not into big real-life weddings (we're not wedding haters either). The crazy OTT drama makes for good comedy in the movies, but do you really need to spend your life savings stuffing the mouths of two hundred plus of your closest friends and family? Not so much. We believe in love, romance and the sanctity of marriage, just not financially exhausting one's resources for the big day. It's about celebrating your love and commitment, not about keeping up appearances.
We've been lucky enough not to have any Bridezillas for clients. Most brides who come to see us are more or less near the end of their wedding task list, have allowed themselves sufficient time and have a good idea of what they would like.
Then there are those who haven't a clue or are so stressed out with having to make yet another decision that it makes for a challenging consultation. Who wouldn't be overwhelmed after having to select their gown, bridesmaids dresses, ceremony and reception sites, (priest, minister or JP?), music, guest list, invitations, caterer, menu, flowers, cake, photographer, gifts for the maid of honour and bridal party? *silent sympathy scream*
During the consultation, it is my goal to make the entire experience as painless as possible. Photos of the dresses and girls are always helpful, but here are a few questions that brides should be prepared to answer.
What colour is the wedding gown? What type of neckline does it have? Is there any beading on it? How will you wear your hair? What length of earrings are you most comfortable wearing?
For the bridal party...
What colour are the dresses for the maid of honour, bridesmaids, flower girl? Do you want crystal colours that match the dress or something more neutral and versatile? Do the girls have pierced ears? What is their skin tone, hair colour? What size frame are they?
And lastly...what's your budget? Creating the perfect adornments while working within your budget will be the icing on your cake!
Contact Izzy and Buds for a consultation by appointment only.
It was an impulsive moment, a random act of kindness - it felt good then, but it feels even better now...
Hi Jesee & Koko,
I was on Bowen Island last Sunday at the fair near the docks. Jesee saw my earrings (the spiralling wire ones) and saw that something was missing. I was very touched by the friendliness of both of you, that you would would add the black beads free of charge.
I gratefully accept your gift to me, and will look for ways to pay this kind of generosity "forward".
Why are long weekends never long enough? With hardly a moment to breathe, we travelled from the Bowen Market to the Pride Festival and right up to Harrison Hot Springs for some much needed reprieve - found at the bottom of an ice cold Heineken.
It was BUSY everywhere we went - ferries, roads and highways clogged with people who just wanted to get the hell out of dodge. We couldn't drive fast enough to avoid the traffic of tourists in our own backyard.
Then there were the 500,00 plus people lining the streets to watch the Pride Parade as participants shook and shimmied their way through the West End. Happy times.
It was a stellar weekend and the weather was perfect. The finale was one of Jesee's renowned paella and sangria meals followed by a short siesta on the deck.
Come out and join us at Vancouver's 30th annual Pride Day Festival on Sunday, August 3rd down at Sunset Beach between 12 pm and 6 pm.
In addition to our usual glittery treasures, we'll have an assortment of RAINBOW jewelry for you to adorn and show your support for the GLBT community.
Personally, I cannot wait to hear Simone Denny perform on the Vancity Mainstage - you may recognize her vocal from the theme song of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Bring your dancing shoes and show YOUR true colours!
This year we've been invited to participate in an interactive arts exhibit at the annual Greek Dayevent on West Broadway. Our table will be located in the Artisan Display Booth on the south side of Broadway at Balaclava Street.
click image to enlarge
Jesee will be demonstrating the basic techniques of wire wrapping and giving customers an opportunity to sit down and help design their own earrings.
If belly dancing is your thing...we have the perfect adornments for your ankles. Let the inner Shakira in you shimmy away!
Yesterday, we did a home party for a customer that we met at the VGH Craft Market last month. Magnanimous Maggie invited her fellow Singaporean friends, family and neighbours to her spacious home on the hill for an afternoon of tea and shopping...lots of shopping.
Both her very lovely mother and mother-in-law were busy making fresh, tasty sweets in the kitchen all afternoon, while the laughter amongst her mah jong mates echoed throughout her home. As they all helped one another pick out jewelry, I stood back and watched the dynamics of their very own Joy Luck Club. I am both envious and sad that this is lacking in my life.
It's not so much about friends (we are blessed with great ones), as it is about the coming together of generations and missing my grandparents. It was always about food and breaking bread together. Memories of my grandmothers making parcels of sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves are etched upon me. I ache for the pungent smells of Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp, pan-fried turnip cakes and most of all - salted fish.
Growing up in a predominantly lo fan neighbourhood, it was embarrassing inviting friends over to my house and having layers of newspaper spread across the balcony with dead fish drying in the sun that stunk like nobody's business! Jesee is the most adventurous gourmand I know, but "stinky" fish is not on his top-ten list. I'm not sure what his problem is, since he grew up with bacalao?
I close my eyes and can vividly remember the clatter of mah jong tiles lulling me to sleep right after a late night snack of congee and Chinese donuts...
Living in an inter-racial marriage allows us (and our children) to have the best of both worlds, but sometimes due to our cultural differences, we are missing that unspoken understanding.
I am certain that I was French in another lifetime. Je parle français comme une vache espagnole, but somehow I am fluent in my dreams!
When I first met Jesee, I had just returned from a stint in France and interestingly enough, he was practicing the I Ching - although we may not fill those cultural voids for one another completely, we are each others Yin and Yang.
Photo: The abandoned and dilapidated home of my paternal grandparents in Guangdong, China.
Izzy and Buds will soon be available at the Urban Phoenix Wellness Spa located in the historic Galbraith House in New Westminster, BC.
This intimate and ethereal spa setting is the perfect compliment to showcase our goddess jewelry for women with discriminating appetites.
Hey guys, in case you had any doubt, the spa isn't just for the ladies. Manscaping services are also available at the Urban Phoenix.
Summer is the time to attack those tumbleweeds head-on. Furry toes and ears are SO not attractive; go ahead and pamper yourself - go get defuzzed.
Those closest to me know about my eyebrow obsession and how I like them well-manicured. Jesee and I actually have personal grooming days together, which include trips to the barber and getting our eyebrows threaded. Feeling brave? Why stop there? Michael Ford's article in Friday's news brought a giggle to my morning commute.
"The consensus is clear when it comes to the boxer-short region; it definitely needs to be kept under control. There is nothing attractive about a wilderness down there". Those who dare may order a back, crack and sac service, but be warned that this is not for the faint of heart.
Urban Phoenix Wellness Spa 131 8th Street New Westminster, BC 604-523-0016 info@urbanphoenixspa.com
Come out and support the 12th annual VGH Spring Craft Market featuring fifteen BC artisans and craftspeople. Shoppers will find everything from pottery, jewelry, unique fashion accessories, greeting cards, home décor, handmade natural bath products, delicious jams & preserves and so much more!
Partial proceeds benefit the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundationto help fund the latest, most sophisticated medical equipment, pioneering research and highly specialized care for patients.
Here is a taste of the talented artists you will find there...
• Anne's Preserves – yummy jams & jellies • Baroness Ashley Hats – fashionable headgear • Lampwork Art from Minori Takagi • Izzy & Buds Jewelry Designs – bijoux en Swarovski • Marla Morris - whimsical art products • Matthew Freed Pottery – functional pottery • Nikilites – decorative night lights and baby bling • Lynsey Paterson’s Rustic Clay Art – whimsical and humorous home décor • Kermodi Living Art – modern plant décor • Annie Mac Design – handcrafted greeting cards • Wet Coast Glassics – fused glass art & jewelry • Art at Snow – visual art by Michelle K.S. Fung • Swirly Spoons – artfully decorated serving utensils • Naked Soapworks – natural bath and beauty products • Enchanted Designs – luscious scarves & handbags
Thursday, May 8th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Vancouver General Hospital Jim Pattison Pavilion, 1st Floor Corridor (outside the Gift Shop) 899 W. 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC
As shown in the Châtelaine 80th Anniversary Collector's Edition (May 2008) under Style Tips.
I've been trying to tell some of you gals this for years - that you needn't a fancy dress or someplace special to wear a gorgeous pair of Swarovski chandeliers. It's all about how it makes YOU feel, so celebrate the goddess within!
If you are a bride-to-be and looking for some wonderful deals on wedding dresses, accessories, products and services - make sure to visit the Wedding Bazaar this weekend.
Place your bridal party jewelry order at the show and receive a free gift ($35.00 value).
Sunday, April 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Call it bridal overdose, but this weekend was spent watching wedding movies (27 Dresses and The Wedding Date) and finishing off custom wedding jewelry orders.
I've also posted (long overdue) new items on Etsy featuring very suitable bridal jewelry made with the vintage crystals that we purchased in London last October. Our vintage line is extremely popular and from an artist's view - these crystals are an inspiration in itself!
We haven't actually sold anything on Etsy, but are pleased to have an outlet to showcase our goods online. In fact most of our Etsy inventory was sold at our market shows and some as a result of an Etsy "preview".
Once again we placed an advert in the 24 Hours Fall Wedding Guide, which was published while we were away in Spain...hence my neglect in blogging about this then. Should you be interested in a hard copy of this issue, please email me your mailing address and I'd be more than happy to send one out PDQ.
For the Bridezilla in all of us...chill and enjoy your special day!
Our holiday in Spain last October was by way of London; although we had great reservations of how much we would enjoy our stay there given how expensive the city is - we had a marvelous time getting reacquainted with our friends Kay and Nigel along with their three darling boys.
LOST: blue tights and red cape
After a day of walking the Portobello Market and squeezing in as many touristy visits, Big Ben reminded us that we should be making our way to find solace for our weary bodies.
Before heading to Gatwick for our flight home, we stopped by a few antique shops along Northcote Road in Battersea for our never-ending search of crystals. This old chap had jolly good luck!
This Saturday, there will be two events celebrating the pleasures of French culture in Vancouver.
Once again we will be participating at the Marché de Noël 2007 . It's a charming little market that embraces and supports the francophone artist community. Market hours are 10h00 to 15h00.
Avez-vous faim? Drop by the adjoining Salade de Fruits for lunch or a light snack after you shop. We've dined at this cozy café bistro for breakfast, lunch and dinner (not all in one day!) and have never been disappointed.
If all zis is not enough French culture for you, zen you should pop by Edie's Hats down at Granville Island for a taste of la vie parisienne.
Thanks to all of you who pledged to buy handmade, officially or not.
Our day at the Dunbar Community Centre was ROCKIN'and it's all thanks to those of you who chose to stay home and buy locally handmade goods. We were concerned about Black Friday and the soaring Canadian dollar affecting our sales this weekend, but it soon became evident that many of you did not feel the need to turn your gift buying experience into a competitive sport!
Many hardcore customers braved the near-zero temperatures waiting for the doors to open, but I'm certain it was better than a three hour wait at the border!
On behalf of all independent artists, designers and crafters, thank you for your support!
We've been back for two and a half weeks from our Spanish holiday and are JUST getting back into the groove of things. Leaving behind the warm and sunny island after a FABulous time with family and friends was a difficult journey. I will elaborate on our trip in another post...promise.
Tomorrow we start our winter roadshow beginning with St. Thomas Aquinas High School in North Vancouver. With over seventy-five vendors participating in this 21st annual show, STA is always a crowd-pleaser. Come by and say hello, our booth is in the gymnasium in front of the bleachers.
We have finally set up shop at Etsy, an online store to buy and sell all things handmade. Of course we cannot possibly will not list everything in our collection on here...let's be realistic (if you've been to one of our markets, you'd fully understand why)!
Instead, we've chosen to list the latest and greatest from la maison atelier. If you're looking for something in particular or would like to commission Jesee for a custom piece, please contact usfor more information. We can ship worldwide and accept payment via PayPal.
So go on and share the love - tell all your friends that Izzy and Buds are NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE.
I was hugely intrigued by this beauty tip featured in the Fall 2007 In Style Makeover magazine.
Countless numbers of customers have commented that they love our beautiful earrings, but do not want to bring attention to their ear lobes which have stretched out from the big heavy earrings of the 80's. Remember when?
Shame NO MORE! Now everyone can wear our fabulous chandeliers thanks to the Ear Lift. If anyone has tried this dandy invention, I'd love to hear your review of this product.
Jesee's set up of crystal beads and findings are always an impressive attraction. Undoubtedly, it fascinates curious onlookers to watch him work and many like to come and touch his fussy display. I suppose the vast array of colours and bling begs inquisitive hands to fondle the goods, but REALLY it's not a good thing.
Being set up on an uneven surface for outdoor markets always leaves the table resting precariously to begin with, so when people come by and touch - it makes for a very nervous Jesee. Past experience evinces that signage is generally ignored...its human nature.
A few summers ago, his worse nightmare came true. A windy day along with a jerk and a jolt led to the unfortunate catastrophe of tens of thousands of crystals tipping all over the grass. It made a grown man cry.
As other vendors and customers stooped low to the ground to aid us is picking up his precious gems, I came up with the clever idea to contact a friend on the island whom I hoped had a Shop-Vac. Marcus came to our rescue and brought down the crystal picker-upper from his studio. We plugged it in to an exterior outlet at the marina and started vacuuming the grass! What a sight and what a job it was to sort out all the dirt and grass from the crystals and arrange them all back into the proper containers by colour, size and shape.
So if you come to our table and find Jesee somewhat excitable (unlike a puppy dog) if you get too close to his crystals, you'll understand why.
I present to you "the addict", also known as my new best friend. Last evening, the girls and I were celebrating her new appointment over cocktails and oysters down at Monk's patio in False Creek.
*Note the incredible Vancouver skyline in the reflection of the glass.
Just look at her infectious smile as she opens her gift of specially designed, spicy Indian Red chandeliers fit for a Masala Princess.
Come out and see us at the Bowen Summer Market every weekend starting June 30th to September 2nd. Look for us under the tents beside the Union Steamship Marina located in Snug Cove.
Only an 18 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cypress Mountains and Howe Sound while you explore the market of unique arts and crafts made by local artisans.
Just two weeks ago, a bike was stolen from this area, so I was hesitant to lock it up. The building was secured, so I patiently waited for someone to exit, as I imitated a bike courier with a special delivery.
I walked through a maze of corridors before I met up with the Masala Princess* and we ducked into the women's washroom, where I then pulled out the goods for viewing.
As I laid out the selection of merchandise, her eyes widened while smacking her lips and her body temperature rose in excitement. During the course of our transaction, several women were taken aback as they walked in on us. They were curious, but tried not to make eye contact as we went about our business.
Dizzy with emotion and with unsteady hands, MP explored each piece with little constraint. What was promised to be a quick and dirty job soon became an event, as MP was a self-confessed addict. Only an addict would call me their new best friend after one introduction. Another woman happened upon us and wanted in on the action. Who was I to say no? Business is business.
One hour later, MP had nailed down her choices and was intoxicated with her purchase of a black diamond and jet necklace, two fabulous pairs of crystal AB chandeliers and dazzling cocktail ring. Impulsively, Jane Doe also picked up a pair of vintage drop crystal earrings - she knows a good deal when she sees one.
Word-of-mouth advertisement, no table fees, no long and tedious set-up and no need for someone to watch my booth while I run to the loo!
This was entrepreneurship at it's finest. Look for Izzy and Buds at a potty near you.
It was all very spontaneous... I merely suggested to the bridegroom less than two weeks before his wedding, that if his fiancée had not yet picked out her jewelry - I could help with that. Intrigued by my proposal, a rendezvous was arranged. Two dumplings and a spring roll later...et voilà, beautiful Nadine looking very reflective as she dons her crystal necklace, moments before her march down the aisle.
Hosting a jewelry home party is simple...just pick a date and invite all your friends who love fabulous, eye-catching jewelry that glitter and shout, "Ooh la la!"
You provide the nibbles and drinks and we'll provide the invitations to send to your friends. What a great way to earn free jewelry and have a relaxing and fun girls' night out!
Hostess benefits include:
Special "Thank You" gift for hosting the party.
With $300+ in sales, earn 20% of total guests sales in merchandise credit.
Show sales under $300 earn 15% of total guests sales in merchandise credit.
Show sales under $100 receive the special "Thank You" gift.
Invite your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers over for a wonderfully special and personal shopping adventure.
To book a date or for further information, contact Izzy and Buds.
Come out and support the Spring Craft Market featuring BC artisans and craftspeople. You'll be sure to find something special for Mother's Day gift giving and perhaps an objet d'art for yourself?
Partial proceeds benefit the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to help fund the latest, most sophisticated medical equipment, pioneering research and highly specialized care for patients.
With every purchase over $25.00, enter to win a draw for fabulous spa gifts from the Absolute Spa Group and Deserving Thyme because who doesn't deserve a little pampering?
Friday, May 11, 2007 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Vancouver General Hospital 899 West 12th Avenue Jim Pattison Pavilion South - 1st Floor Hallway (outside the Gift Shop)
Participating vendors include:
Antipasto from Chefmade Products Ingrid Eglsaer Leather Goods Enchanted Designs - Scarves & Handbags Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs Handpainted Ceramics from Jose Ventura Designs Justice by Design - unique greeting cards Rustic Clay Art by Lynsey Paterson Whimsical handpainted art from Marla Morris Beautiful, handcrafted soaps from Cosmopolita Naturals Pottery from ArtSpot Hats and accessories from Morehats Night lights by Nikilites Wet Coast Glassics
At the eleventh hour, we finally decided to take the plunge into the world of advertisement and placed a teeny weeny ad in 24 Hours special feature, All Things Bridal Wedding Guide.
100,000 copies of this sixteen page insert will be distributed over the next couple of days and a PDF version of this is available for download from their website.
Brides-to-be and bridal parties have been adorned with Izzy and Buds' glamorous, ultra-feminine jewelry for years. We would be thrilled to work with you in designing the perfect jewelry for your very special day.
This Saturday Izzy and Buds has been asked to participate in an exclusive ladies only event - The Saturday Salon. Bring your BFF, girlfriends, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother...anyone who wants to spend a self-indulgent afternoon being treated like the goddess she deserves to be.
Other participants include SHED Home Furnishings, Rejuvenating Spa, Purple Orange Arts and Sandy's Cards. A coffee bar and wine lounge will also be at your service.
Forgo the daily humdrum for a social and networking opportunity while supporting local artisans and the Harvest Project through a raffle of fabulously handcrafted donated items.
As the ferry turned towards the terminal in Snug Cove, reality sunk in...this was the last weekend of the summer market. We took a deep breath, started our engines and filed out one by one. While we were setting up our tables, there appeared to be a quiet solemness amongst the crafters, but before long the hustle and bustle kicked in and all was good.
Next year the Bowen Summer Market promises to be bigger and better with produce from local farms and organic orchards, fresh homemade pies and baked goodies, face painting for the kids and live music. We can hardly wait another year!
August 26th Bowfest celebrations attracted many locals and visitors.
It is almost unofficially over. This will be the last weekend of the Bowen Summer Market. The last days of our little artisan family hanging out under the tents sharing our friendships and our lives. As it does every year at this time - a little twinge of sorrow strikes us all.
How we'll miss it so.
We will move onward with our lives - back to school, back to work, back to humdrum, until the Christmas show in December, where we hug, laugh and catch up on news over a glass of mulled apple cider or hot cocoa.
As tornado-like winds ripped through the market and Snug Cove Saturday morning, vendors were hanging on to their tents and wares for dear life. It was strong enough to take down this tree along the main road, which would then create a bit of a havoc as it hit the powerlines and left most of Bowen without electricity.
It was most fortunate that there was a detour available through Cates Hill Road to get to the other side of the island, otherwise the backlog of ferry traffic could have been darn ugly.
Desperately in need of warmth and fuel, we packed up early and headed up to Artisan Square to grab a late lunch at The Galley Bistro with our friends Holly and David.
Other than the quick hellos in the ferry queue, we haven't had much time to catch up. They haven't participated in the market this year due to their ever growing business and since they also had no power at their gallery, we called this impromptu rendezvous a divine intervention. This was also an opportunity for David to give us a personal invite to celebrate Holly's birthday next weekend. *wink*
The absence of light on this cloudy day made for a somewhat romantic ambiance. Only cold plates were being offered...so wine and a Lazy Fisherman sandwich next to the fireplace it was.
tormented and tired from being in the shadows of the yam, the sweet potato decisively revolted and took control of its identity.
About Me
Name: Tapas and Dim Sum
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
The trials and tribulations of Jesee and Koko, the dream team behind Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs
...inspiring and unique jewelry that glitter and shout, "Ooh la la!"
Hey Vancouver! If you're looking for some unique gifts for Mother's Day (May 10th), stop by the VGH Spring Craft Market for some inspiration. You know we'll be there!
It was also on that night, we sold our 3D chandeliers to a very special customer. Anita thought she recognized our jewelry from a show in West Vancouver a couple of years ago. She had purchased a pair of our brilliant Swarovski hoops for herself despite the fact she didn't have pierced ears. She admitted that she soon after went and had her ears pierced, just so that she could wear our earrings. *blush*
Are you interested in an evening get together with other like-minded women with a career in technology? Do you have a penchant for ultra-feminine, sparkly Swarovski jewelry?
Edgy double-heart earrings without all the sweetness available online at Next Door Style just in time for Valentine's or anytime.
The unbounded palette of colours in the Swarovski crystal bead collection is the grown-up equivalent of a big ass box of Crayola Crayons! With new colours added to the collection two to three times a year, it's near impossible to keep track of them all!
Objets d'art, wearable art, illustrated art, functional art, living art - you'll find it all at the VGH Holiday Craft Market from December 4th to 6th.
The weather promises to be COLD with light snow, so I've dug out my vintage fur coat to help keep my chattering teeth down to a minimum. Despite facing the sub-zero temperatures (hel-looo winter itch), we're excited to show off our fabulous jewelry to a brand new audience!
Why are long weekends never long enough? With hardly a moment to breathe, we travelled from the Bowen Market to the Pride Festival and right up to Harrison Hot Springs for some much needed reprieve - found at the bottom of an ice cold Heineken.
click image to enlarge
If belly dancing is your thing...we have the perfect adornments for your ankles. Let the inner Shakira in you shimmy away!
It's not so much about friends (we are blessed with great ones), as it is about the coming together of generations and missing my grandparents. It was always about food and breaking bread together. Memories of my grandmothers making parcels of sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves are etched upon me. I ache for the pungent smells of Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp, pan-fried turnip cakes and most of all - salted fish.
Feeling brave? Why stop there? Michael Ford's article in Friday's news brought a giggle to my morning commute.
Come out and support the 12th annual VGH Spring Craft Market featuring fifteen BC artisans and craftspeople. Shoppers will find everything from pottery, jewelry, unique fashion accessories, greeting cards, home décor, handmade natural bath products, delicious jams & preserves and so much more!
As shown in the Châtelaine 80th Anniversary Collector's Edition (May 2008) under Style Tips.
If you are a bride-to-be and looking for some wonderful deals on wedding dresses, accessories, products and services - make sure to visit the Wedding Bazaar this weekend.
Once again we placed an advert in the 24 Hours Fall Wedding Guide, which was published while we were away in Spain...hence my neglect in blogging about this then. Should you be interested in a hard copy of this issue, please email me your mailing address and I'd be more than happy to send one out PDQ.
LOST: blue tights and red cape
After a day of walking the Portobello Market and squeezing in as many touristy visits, Big Ben reminded us that we should be making our way to find solace for our weary bodies.
Before heading to Gatwick for our flight home, we stopped by a few antique shops along Northcote Road in Battersea for our never-ending search of crystals. This old chap had jolly good luck!
Instead, we've chosen to list the latest and greatest from la maison atelier. If you're looking for something in particular or would like to commission Jesee for a custom piece, please contact us for more information. We can ship worldwide and accept payment via PayPal.
I was hugely intrigued by this beauty tip featured in the Fall 2007 In Style Makeover magazine.
Jesee's set up of crystal beads and findings are always an impressive attraction. Undoubtedly, it fascinates curious onlookers to watch him work and many like to come and touch his fussy display. I suppose the vast array of colours and bling begs inquisitive hands to fondle the goods, but REALLY it's not a good thing.
OMG...
Look at me, these are sooo beautiful!
I AM the Masala Princess and we are BFF.
The weekend forecast for Bowen Island looks less than promising...so we won't be at the market on Saturday and most likely Sunday as well.
Come out and see us at the Bowen Summer Market every weekend starting June 30th to September 2nd. Look for us under the tents beside the Union Steamship Marina located in Snug Cove. 
It was all very spontaneous...
At the eleventh hour, we finally decided to take the plunge into the world of advertisement and placed a teeny weeny ad in 24 Hours special feature, All Things Bridal Wedding Guide.
Click on image to enlarge.
August 26th Bowfest celebrations attracted many locals and visitors.
As tornado-like winds ripped through the market and Snug Cove Saturday morning, vendors were hanging on to their tents and wares for dear life. It was strong enough to take down this tree along the main road, which would then create a bit of a havoc as it hit the powerlines and left most of Bowen without electricity.
Desperately in need of warmth and fuel, we packed up early and headed up to Artisan Square to grab a late lunch at The Galley Bistro with our friends Holly and David.
The absence of light on this cloudy day made for a somewhat romantic ambiance. Only cold plates were being offered...so wine and a Lazy Fisherman sandwich next to the fireplace it was.
