They Thought She was a Goner but...

No one noticed that 4+ month long lapse in posts, did they? What lapse in posts, you ask? Exactly. Moving right along…

Where I’ve been:

Atlantic Fashion Week

 In June, I showed at Atlantic Fashion Weeks’ Fashion Market. There are not enough synonyms of awesome to describe that experience. The creativity (and sass) was palpable, I loved it. I am currently scheming up a potential runway collection for next year.  I would like to highlight ‘scheme’ and ‘potential’.

The Stella Polaris booth at Atlantic Fashion Week

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, NB.

I love creating jewellery for bridal parties. Nothing makes me happier than to see a bride and her party excited to wear the jewellery I custom created for them. Unfortunately it’s rare that I get to see everyone dolled up and adorned (brides, please consider inviting the jewellery designer, we’ll stand at the back and only eat the salad, promise!) so I was delighted when I got the invite and my cousin-in-law asked me to design the jewellery for her wedding.

Four of a kind

Art vs. Craft, Halifax

This was a fun show! It was the first year for this event and as time goes by I’m sure it will only get bigger and better. I met some really cool and talented people and was grateful for the opportunity. I did a dry run of the Stella Polaris Fall/Winter 2011 collection and showed a few new paintings.  I encourage you all to keep your eyes and ears open for the Art vs. Craft sequel next year!

Ottawa

This was mostly a leisurely excursion, although I naturally found the time to squeeze some jewel shopping in. I found this cute little consignment shop that was having a huge sale and picked up some awesome pieces to upcycle into the collection; brooches become pendants, earrings become beads, bracelets… stay bracelets, but get a modern twist.


Turntable pendant



On a personal note, I felt very fortunate to be in Ottawa to personally pay my respects to Jack Layton. Like his politics or not; his energy, focus and determination was admirable. His perseverance inspired me, especially over the last year, and I was very sad to see that light go out.



Taking a moment for Jack



What’s Next:

·   Fall/Winter 2011 Collection to be posted on Stella Polaris Studios Facebook page.

·   When and where you can find Stella Polaris at the Keith’s Brewery Market in Halifax.

·   Details about a new  shop.

·   Next blog post: Jewellery Myths and Preoccupations that Piss Me Off

Flattered Platters the First

If you follow me on twitter (@StellarPolarity) you may have noticed that I've been alluding to a brand-new project that I've have been working on. This is something completely new for me and I find it's been really refreshing working with totally different materials from what I'm used to. Jewellery will always be my first love but I have so many other inspirations that I must feed. Without further ado, I give you my first completed set from a collection I am tentatively calling, Flattered Platters.

 Each plate is one-of-a-kind. I try to keep a certain palette in mind when I'm making them though so that they can easily be grouped into eclectic sets. I love this set; I think it would look so pretty on a table with fresh flowers and shiny silverware. You could always use them as individuals, as well, for setting out cookies, hors d'oeuvres or tapas. Right now I'm working on a more funky set that has bold patterns and bright colours that I think would be great for summer entertaining. It's all in the presentation.

I haven't decided if I'm going to put these up on the website. I fear shipping could get both pricey and perilous. That being said, I have successfully packed and shipped A LOT of glass in my day so I may do it after all. In the meantime, you will be able to purchase these pretty plates at Love, Me Boutique in Halifax within the coming week(s). They will be $15 each or a set of four for $50.

Well, that's enough for one day. I'm going to play outside in my backyard.



Actually, this is my neighbours' yard but you get the idea.


I do hope you are able to do the same; Happy Easter weekend to you all!

Fevers and Facebook Transgressions

This post has nothing to do with jewellery, fashion or anything else that I had originally intended this bog for. I am currently delirious with fever and unable to even attempt sleep. As such, I thought I would try and distract myself with something monotonous in hopes that it would make me drowsey so, I began cleaning up old files on my 'puter. In doing so I came across this cartoon that I drew a while back. I know you've all encountered someone as nauseating as this so I thought I would share.

On that note; Happy Easter weekend, all!!

And Now for Something (Almost) Completely Different...

It has been one hell of a busy week. No complaints here, though. I did, however, make a point to take time out to watch both the English and French debates between the political leaders of our nation. Well, four of them anyway. Apparently Elizabeth May and one million Canadians aren't worthy enough to be allowed to argue their points. Not that I'm pro-Green Party because I'm not really but it just struck me as quite undemocratic. I was also irked that not a soul addressed environmental issues and I'm pretty sure May would have forced that conversation. Alas, I digress.

I'm not going to lie, in the four hours that I watched Harper, Ignatieff, Layton and Duceppe duke it out, my mind wandered in and out of the debate. (Tune out is more like it; I am allergic to BS after all). Anyway, I couldn't help but be distracted by their uncanny resemblances to other people/characters/animals. I give you my take on what I call, 'Poli-Appearance Mash-Up". These mash-ups have squat to do with my personal political preferences; I feel I've treated them all equally unfairly. Enjoy.

Bill Gates + Robot = Stehpen Harper

Sea Turtle + Bon Homme Carnivale = Gilles Duceppe

Dracula (this one particularly) + Spock = Michael Ignatieff

                      Monopoly Man IS Jack Layton

You'll notice I spared Elizabeth May. Again, not because I care but she probably feels bad enough as it is. I encourage you to come up with your own mash-ups and send them to me either via email or on Twitter. I do enjoy such dailliances!

Finally, I must once again remind you to come down to Love, Me Boutique this Saturday (11am-1pm) and check out my trunk show. I'd love to meet you and chat arts, crafts and jewellery. I'm also making banana cupcakes with peanut butter icing for your pleasure. Don't forget to add Love, Me Boutique to your route this Saturday!

To You. Love, Me.

Wow, my package came in record time, for a change. Finally, Canada Post does me a solid! I just got the most beautiful shades of Swarovski crystal you have ever seen. Come down to Love, Me Boutique on Birmingham St. in Halifax this Saturday and check them out! I'll make you something sparkly. Got kiddies? Add their names to the sparkle and order yourself a Mother's Bracelet. Maybe grandma wants one too? I just finished a couple samples for the show. Have a look see..

Keep checking back, I'll be posting more samples as they happen. Eeeps! Is it Saturday yet? In the meantime I hope you're enjoying this fine day, wherever you are!

Show yourself (April 16th)!

Hello, Monday!

I am up early this fine day. I have spent the last hour or so with a tea, sitting by the fire. I can hear boat horns sound off in the distance and I am being highly entertained by the court jester who is watching the birds. He stops intermittently to look at me adoringly (because I just fed him). Not a bad start to what’s sure to be a busy week!

This Saturday, April 16^th I will be having a trunk show at Love, Me Boutique on Birmingham St. in Halifax. I blogged about this gem a few weeks ago and am really excited to be showing some work there. Come down and say hello; there’s going to be lots pretty things to be seen and inspired by! I’m going to be there between 11am and 1pm taking custom orders and I’m pretty much giving you free range over my collection of gems and jewels. Create whatever you like; necklace, earrings, bracelet, anklet, whatever. While you’re picking out something for you, why not get something for mom, too? She totally deserves it and Mother’s Day is like right there -> May 8th . May I suggest a Mother’s Bracelet?

 Get her kiddies name(s) in sterling silver blocks with beautiful stones and her favourite colour Swarovski crystals! She’ll love it! I’m also going to have my latest collection available at special prices so, if you see something you like on the website come down to the LM Boutique and see what it’s on for. Did I mention there’s going to be snacks too? There’s going to be snacks. See you on Saturday!

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.
~William Shakespeare

All-Canadian Fashion Magazines and Other Mythical Creatures

I’m an addict.

 My addiction; fashion magazines. I get such pleasure out of curling up with a cup of tea or glass of wine and a fresh, glossy mag. I love their collage quality. Each page is something completely different from the page before, much like each issue is completely different from the next. I can’t get enough of the clothes, the photography and the creative genius behind them. In my opinion, each issue is a unique piece of art in its own right. Also, for me, magazines represent a snapshot of a space in time that will never come again. I am and have always been a sucker for nostalgia. This month Elle Canada celebrated their 10^th anniversary and put out a retrospective issue. It was fun to look back at (and chuckle at) old trends, cover girls and styles. You should pick up a copy for yourself; it was an all-around solid issue! While I’m plugging magazines, I strongly suggest checking out an article in this month’s issue of Flare called, ‘Deadline Obsessed’ by Shawna Cohen.  Cohen asks the question, ‘Are your self-imposed plans ruining your life?’  Think about it. It’s a pretty powerful question, no?

I digress.

 I fell in love with magazines when I was 12 or 13. Back then I was into Seventeen and YM (R.I.P YM!). I remember sneaking them in and out of my house to share with friends; my dad wasn’t a fan of me reading anything that promoted me wearing lipstick and or ‘snagging’ my crush. Oh, the days of grooving to TLC and cutting out CK One perfume ads so we could save them to use for school dances. Wow, did I just admit to that? Huh. Naturally, my palate has since matured into publications like Elle, Vogue and Glamour. My absolute favourite magazines though, bar none, are Canadian; I’m looking at you Elle Canada, Fashion and, most recently, Flare.  As a (goddamn) proud Canadian, I am all about supporting Canadian anything in every way that I can. Magazines included.

 This brings me to the crux of this post; I would love to see a Canadian magazine put out just one issue that is front to back Canadian content. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Marc, Louis and Jean Paul as much as everyone else but, they’re established and they’re everywhere.  It would be so refreshing to pick up a magazine and see totally new faces, names and their interpretations of fashion. Now, before anyone gets their designer undies in a bunch, I’m well aware that there is already a healthy inclusion of Canadian content in Canadian mags but what I’m talking about here is one issue that is coast to coast, cover to cover, Canadian domination. I’d like to take a second to emphasize the coast to coast bit. I find that the Atlantic Provinces, the North and the Prairies get almost squat exposure in fashion magazines. I often wonder why that is because I can speak for the Atlantic Provinces when I say that there are tons of talented, creative people at work here (I’m sure the same goes for the North and the Prairies) and I want to read about them too!

It makes me really proud that this country is crawling with such mad skills. I’m thinking specifically people like; Kim Munson, Veronica MacIsaac, Lisa Drader-Murphy and Yasmine Wasfy. Never heard of them? My point exactly.  I would love to be able to exclusively buy and wear new, diverse Canadian labels. I just haven’t got the time to traverse the country or trawl the internet looking for them myself. I know for a fact that I’m not alone on this.  That’s why we need a Canadian magazine to bring us more of our own brilliant talent.

I’m not asking for a magazine revolution here, just a one issue coup! Please?

(Sorry folks, no time for cartoons with this post. I’m getting really for a trunk show next week which will be the subject of next week’s blog – stay tuned)!