Sunday, December 27, 2009

Day shifts, night shifts...




Even though I knew this time of the year will be busy, I did not quite estimate it right
Earlier, with two and some days till Christmas, with gifts still to be acquired; day job covered, aftermath of moving homes still to be tackled, and more boxes moved at the same time.

We're not entertaining this year, and that is a relief... If we could just manage the gift part...

With holidays so close by, any day job is a rush, and mine had been no exeption,- with alot of smarter or simply luckier people long gone onto their vacations, I was there scrambling in for them till the bitter end.


At home, besides the box city situation, I am trying to plan re-stocking for the spring season, shows to do, set up pace of work and see where it gets me.  
Also, starting on my other project, which both excites exhausts me, - my TRIFFtextiles line of ladies one-off bags, dresses, belts, scarves and other nick-nacks made of upcycled materials. In fact, just a few days ago I've completed first custom tote bag for TRIFF! A Christmas gift to my client's family member. Deadlines were tight... (First TRIFFtextiles tote debuted in teh Portobello West market earlier this month - have a peek at the garnet coloured knit tote with red leather reinforcer stripe in the centre of my table)

When I am not sewing, I am touring this fine city on a hunt for Felt-pelts - recycleable unique looking wool and cashemire sweaters I will later felt and rebuild into new TRIFF items; also shipping orders out, meeting clients in person, cutting leather-made parts for other artists`projects - and that`s all in the time-frame of 4 days before X-mas...

I wish I had been more in charge of things these past few days - but I guess from now on I will be more aware of the real pace of life around this time of year and plan accordingly. In the end - everything was accomplished; I had a great year and look forward to the upcoming one...


More creating, lots of restocking (as my Etsy sale really brought it), some expantion would be nice too - I hope that very soon i will be able to tell you about very accidental first Eastern US retail location;

Alot to expect, even more to do....


So for now - happy Holidays to all, and do not forget to have a breather every once in a while.. And follow your dreams -

Monday, December 14, 2009

The 'I Think You Bloody Deserve It' sale



So.. here they finally are - the awaited, and the hated, the innevitable and joyous; ranging and overwhealming; giving and rewarding - Holidays ....

Most of the bustle is in the past now - we know, not all of it though, but, hey - at this point last week things were far worse! All gifts are now boxed, the party food is either already in our bulging stomachs, or will very soon land there, so prevent the bulge if you can (you'll thank me later...)
This is the time of a slower pace, plan making, stretching your legs and... rewarding yourself too for what you've accomplished this year...  Give to yourself the one item you wanted and have a suspicion you will not get it from any of your Santas....

For us, things have been just as hectic up till this moment; but now, all our creative chores aside, we also kick back and reflect... All the Art Shows are done for the year, no more sales to pitch, stores to hound; by now we've attended all the Fashion Shows featuring our products; done are all trades, exchanges, re-stock runs - all in the past. For now...



With a few moments left till the new year, we would like to give back to our supportive customers, silent fans, and those who just are good at waiting... Don't rely on your Santas - get the item you've been lusting after for months yourself.
Now!



Announcing the 'I Think You Bloody Deserve It' Sale for one 8 day week only - December 19th to 27th on all items on my Etsy store! 
The discount is 35% - 45% off - so you get your wish and I get to start fresh in the new year, spreading the good word at the same time.
Shiping rates are regular; all store policies apply.


Be sure to keep me busy!
Shipment may not arrive in time for the X-mas gift unwrapping, but it will sure be there for your New Years parties...

The sale is short; and on the 27th, at midnight, all bags of Intro 2010 Spring collection will go back to their regular pricing.

Monday, December 7, 2009

My debut at Portobello West Market!


This weekend, Dec 12th and 13th
is your last chance to complete a stress-free and fun handmade Holiday gift shopping at this year's very last Portobello West market!
With over 110 vendors under one roof - you will for sure be able to snatch a gift for everyone on your list - and yourself.

Locally made art, jewellery, clothing, accessories, toys, widgets and other fun items will be up for grabs for the very last time before the X-day; and then we are all taking a break till re-opening in March next year.

Come and visit Me - and my wee leather friends on my debut weekend at this wonderful market! 

My bags - big and small - make a unique, practical and beautiful gift, that wil not break your budget, yet will be long remembered.





Portobello West is taking place at:
Rocky Mountaineer Station

1755 Cottrell Street
Vancouver, BC

Admission :$2
Map, directions, vendor lists and other details, incl. free shuttle from Main street Skytrain here!


See you all there!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Kerry - suede fringe bag (Royal blue

This one will also be made available for grabs at Portobello next weekend! (That is my tomorrow's project, if I'm lucky)

Jaki Tote

Jaki Tote - Burnt Red
Jaki Tote - Burnt Red,
originally uploaded by jolavdesigns.

REALLY trying to re-stock for Portobello West next weekend - especially on those in black..

Still, 15% discount on all Jaki range stands for those who mention this blog post...

Monday, November 30, 2009

Moving homes



Today is the Moving day...
All other work aside, till mission is accomplished.  My etsy shop is swept out after the 2 previous shows. Can't wait to get back on the creative wagon.


Will re-stock SWAG! clutches and small totes. Unfortunately, due to active sales I had to pass on being featured in Haute Handbags magazine this spring. I've sold out the items they were interested in - but maybe fall will prove lucky for me?..




In the mean time, there are another dozen boxes waiting to be packed.... Tired - but excited to fill and personalize my new home in Gastown....

For now - just hold on to the hat! Really.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Gastown X-mas Shop Hop



December 3rd:  5pm to 9 pm

A bunch of Gastown stores will stay open after their usual hours, offering 15 - 20% discounts on goodies, treats and great X-mas spirit(s).

Have a look at the flier and shortlist your faves.

More details on discounts in each store here






http://www.gastownblog.com/

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

BCTF/ BC Coastal Health Authority Craft fair

My next show is happening today, 25 November;
12-2 pm at the BC Teachers' Federation building; 550 West 6th Ave, Vancouver.
This event is not limited to the two buildings mentioned above - if anyone'd like to come and have a look, the Reception will be glad to help you..

Friday, November 20, 2009

Fab Fair - my first craft show EVER! !!!!! (Holy sh...)


My new Spring 2010 Intro collection is getting it's launch at this fabulous show. I was really taken by the idea of FabFair when I first visited it in June. I knew right then, I would like to be a part of it, but was not expecting to achieve it in my first 7 months of working as an accessories designer.

Happy 7 month birthday to my line Jola V. designs

Please, come and say 'Hi' - and once you mention my blog postings, get your 15 % off of both Jaki Tote and Jaki Shoulder bags... - based on availability - my appologies in advance, so far they've been fleeing the nest fast.

Wish me luck - this is THE first show, launch of collection, -  I feel so privileged.....





Summary of my Spring 2010 Intro Collection


   Well, after several months of intense part timing, a lot of over-extended lunch breaks at my job, some late night patterning, and skipped fun times, numerous trips to sewing supplies stores and loads of broken needles later, I have come up with this modest sellection of bags, many of which will see the light of day for the first time later this month at Fab Fair, at the beautiful Heritage Hall, Van, BC.

Come, visit me at my launch - see next post for details.







The Elf - Uber stylich shopping bag. Large, pentagon shaped shoulder bag with a drawstring closure, ajdustable strap, cotton or linen lining, featuring 3 pockets inside.

Fully finished liquidated upholstery cowhide.
Measures: height  - 34 cm
Width across bottom - 30 cm
Strap length - 84 - 99 cm.


Colours: Brandywine, Overcoloured Deep Brown
Comes with metal grommets and no hardware finishes














Ladette - party bag with overnight perspective. Medium sized shoulder slouch with zipper closure. Shoulder strap is adjusted by a tie. Mostly lined in cotton. Featuring 3 poskets inside.



Colours vary - mauves, black for liquidated garment thickness leather;  variuos limited edition colours and front details for recycled leather.


Comes  as #1 - patchwork detail to the front.
#2 - a knot detail in the front
#3 - herringbone fringe added to the front
Other limited editions for recycled leather avaialble too.

Measures: Lenght at top - 50 cm
Depth - 35 cm
Strap - 90 - 113 cm



Kerry -  unique and highly complemented all purpose bag. Medium sized suede shoulder bag with long fringe and zipper closure. Lined with cotton, features 3 pockets. Extendible strap can be worn in long or short manner.


Measures: lenghth - 50 cm
Depth - 30 cm
Strap - 60 - 120 cm




Colours : Tan, Mocha, Royal Blue;
Limited edition: Deep Plum, Rosepetal










Heavy Duty Ladette - Great work and weekend bag; gentrified version of Ladette. Medium to large slouchy 2 strap tote, could be transformed into a shoulder bag. Made of 4 - 4.5 oz. liquidated upholstery cowhide, finished or distressed.

Strap attached with a tie, magnetic clasp closure and a zipper pocket on the shell. Unlined, no hardware. Simply beautiful.
Colours: Latte (distressed)
Burnt Red (finished)
Black (finished)







Jaki - medium to large shoulder and tote bags for both business and adventures. Made of thicker - 4 - 4.5 oz Oil Treated or European upholstery cowhide, these bags have great texture and durability. The shoulder bag edition features lace-up design in the front, closes with a magnetic clasp and are unlined. Enjoy looking and touching the sueded side of leather.
Inside somew bags you will find a complementary patchwork pouch to be used as additional private storage. It's made of the leather scraps left over from bag production, part of my Zero Waste intention.


Shoulder bags:
Measures: Height: 34 cm; Width across bottom - 25 cm; Strap: 105-115 cm.
Made of oil treated unfinished cowhide;
Colours: Deep Brown, Mocha Tan.


Tote Bags:
Measures: Length: 54 cm ;
Depth at centre - 23 cm  ; Strap - 80 - 120 cm
Made of liquidated European 4-5 oz upholstery cowhide
Colours: Caramel, Burnt Red, Wedding White, Black.







Stark - limited availability large shoulder bag with copper rivet design across the shell. Large, roomy rock-n-roll themed bag, with lots of decorative and structural hardware - and style. Lined with cotton, has zipper closure and sits flat with the wearer's body.

This bag is limited availability, and mostly for special orders or events. Made of sturdy liquidated upholstery cowhide.


 







SWAG!  by Jola V. - a quirky and humorous sub-line, featuring small and limited selection of various sized cluthces, wrist bags, pouches and small totes.


All in budget pricing range, often one of a kind. SWAG! was created with an idea to make some of my leatherwork available for varied ages, budgets and tastes of customers. Also it is a great way to take care of left over leather scraps, re-use parts or re-work older styles into something new and unique. All sizes, all materials, lots of fun.



Renata - Slouch bag with gathered sides detail.  (pics coming soon -pls., forgive a busy designer...)Can be worn as a tote or shoulder bag. Magnetic clasp closure, unlined, features one structural pocket in the front. Roomy, bohemian, soft. Internal capasity can be adjusted by loosening gathering ties.
Made of garment cowhide. Great for weekend and time out, especially if you're an urbanite who loves a good countryside vacation...
Measures: Lenghth: 37 cm
Depth: 29 cm
Shoulder strap:100 cm
Tote handles: 75 cm


And that is it so far - hope these little friends bring as much joy to the new beholders, as they did when I made them.

Also - keep an eye out for my up-coming annual line of hopefully clothing and accesories made with new and recycled materials - TRIFFtextiles

best wishes for the new year of 2010 -
With lots of love -

jolanta



Thursday, November 19, 2009

Fashion Trunk Sale in the Acacia Hair Boutique


What: Fashion Trunk Sale at Acacia Hair Boutique - Next Sat & Sun!

When: November 29, 2009 12:00 PM

Where:
Acacia Hair Boutique
102-580 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V5K 0A1
604 688 9550


Are you desperately in need of a (affordable!) sexy new dress for the holiday party season? Maybe you really want your hair done for that special night out but you're on a serious budget? Well here is your chance to beat the holiday rush to do some shopping AND get an incredible deal on hair and nail services!

Fresh Out has teamed up with Acacia Hair Boutique to bring you a Fashion Trunk Sale on Sat and Sun Nov 28 &29. Acacia Hair Boutique will host Fresh Out at their brand new gorgeous location downtown at 102 – 580 Hornby St by Dunsmuir – just 1 block from the Burrard Skytrain for you commuters!

Pick up an adorable pair of heels to update your outfit, an eye popping party dress, a sexy leather trench to keep you warm, trendy denim, cute tops, a new handbag, or some accessories to pull everything together. There are tons of items for only $5 - $50!

Anyone attending the sale will receive 20% off any service offered at Acacia including cuts, colour, blow dry’s, mani’s and UV gel nails! Good news for those of you gifting on a budget: the coupons are transferable so you could even give the coupon as a gift!

Get here: Acacia Hair Boutique 102 – 580 Hornby St by Dunsmuir 604 688 9550

When: Sat 28th from 10 – 5 & Sun 29th from 12 – 5

Hope to see you there!

Feel free to email or call Janine if you have any questions! j9janko@hotmail.com or (778) 928 - 5959.

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/Social-Butterflies-BC/calendar/11913079/

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Dress To Your Own Beat fashion show on Van Isle - showcasing my bags


If you happen to be on Vancouver Island in the end of this November, do not miss Dress to Your Own Beat - a dinner and a fashion show event, brought to you by Herb'N Wear, Broken Spoke and Jipsi Clothing Movement, showcasing local BC designers. One of them happens to be yours truly - me - and a few of my little leather friends will put their best looks on for this event...

Just to warn you - they're so cute, you may be wanting to take them home....

Follow the link to find out the dates, location, where to get tickets and prizes you can win...

All details here

Private shopping with Penelope Foo @ Manhattan's Lounge

Wine, holiday fun + bag shopping with Penelope Foo.
Details here:

http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=beaf406fb55012302e2208da1c01153c&#/event.php?eid=203063951094&index=1

Monday, November 9, 2009

Cokluch - Montreal brand and my best ever recycled leather discovery



I was excited to visit Circle Craft Christmas market for the first time this year. Now, I am even more  keen - after discovering Cokluch, a QC design company, making most amazing wares from recycled leather.
I have been pondering to write about leather recycling for quite some time now, but I think this brand deserves a separate mentioning.


Cokluch makes reworked jackets, vests, earrings, cuffs, hats and handbags - all out of recycled Cuir, finished with unique screnprint designs. Pairing  coulours and layering of materials in each piece is astounding, it's not only giving a 'new life' to leather, it is giving it a 'better life'.


I fell in love with Mimi, Zazi, Chikita and other lovely sacs, - too bad, I think, in the race of successful leather recycling, I have to announce our East Coast neighbour as The Winner in 2009.

Unique, different, versatile - no sign of crunchy.

http://www.cokluch.com/index.htm



Cokluch is exibiting in Circle Craft X-mas Market, Nov. 11 - 15, Vancouver Convention centre.

www. circlecraft.net