Wild things...

So far, the rush of November and stillness of January, has been the time when I design for Spring. All the sketching and patterning comes together as the New Year rolls in, and, if I am really lucky, the first samples are complete by February. I will be adding several  new designs to the current collection.

That's why recently I sourced some wild leathers - for the first time. Nothing truly exotic, just a small bundle of deerskin and elkskin.

Traditional tanning of deerskin leaves it with a richly coloured, velvety, matte surface, which, to the touch, feels very similar to the nubuc side of the leather. It is also subjected to very little `finishing`, leaving it extremely fluid and stretchy. Once on stabilizer, the leather takes shape well and the stitching appears quilted deep into the pliable surface.

It was just what I needed for my tasseled bag design to appear this Spring. I wanted a softer and modernized take on a traditional Western look, suitable for day and night....

Deerskin - soft and velvety, with hunting holes...

Elkskin is much stiffer on the surface finish, and yet amazingly stretchy as well. It`s matte surface made me wish, I could find more upholstery stock, that looks like this.

Elkskin - amazingly speckled

Wild leathers come in significantly smaller pieces, than my usual, upholstery. They have harsher tear edges and holes. They also have unique mesmerizing speckles and patterning.

Soft edges

...and here is a sneak-peek into the results of my experiments with the wilds...

First three colours

Zippers and some brights

Knots and tassels...

Full shoot for the fringe purses coming soon -- along with a few other newbies for Spring...

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

January deals

Life just got very busy again - and we nearly missed the fact, that January is half way through. I meant to publish this post at least a couple of weeks back - but here it is, better later, than never.

This month only, we have some great deals on several designs -


Nijole bags are 50% off:
Pale Sage; Jewel Purple; Light Grey

TerriAnn summer editions are also 50% off:
Vino; Madera; Latte

Current wool TRIFFtextiles stock are 47% off:
Appliqued; Towngirl Argyle

Emma - last and final Pale Sage is also half price...















We will keep you posted on the latest developments in the studio, and some of new stock to appear at the Webshop next month. This will for sure be a Spring of clutches...



Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

2011 in pictures

2011 was a year of big changes...  If up till last February, I was trying to squeeze my design work into all my evenings, weekends and lunch breaks from my day-job,  starting early last year I managed to win some time for my growing business....  From February of 2011 I cut back to half time at my day-job, and never looked back...

Here is the year 2011 in pictures...

February - beginning to job-share.
Even though the year started with a burn-out, cutting back on the day-job time changed how work and feel...

Outside the window - rainy Vancouver  sunset

March - new products follow shortly! 

QtBeach canvas totes

Emma bag

Make It Vancouver Spring

 ... and were launched to buyers at the Spring shows. My first ever vegan, washable line of canvas totes....

 April - Working at home helps to get to know some of the visitors....

She would come and hang out on the window ledge

May - all set up for Epic Expo....

Hitting the runway for the first time!

Telejournal did a brief episode about us

June - launching TRIFFtextiles summer range called Oh, Acid Wash Yours..

"Painted" tote

Bleach painted jeans, re-worked into handbags.


July - sketching, experimenting and starting the new collection ( F/W 2011 Cebrellex).
I was ready to take a different direction with my designs. I wanted to keep the core features, like pleats, punched holes and the strength of my builds, but I also looked towards working with new shapes, exposed stitching and new finishes. Oh, and multiple zippers too!

Vertical frills of Tosca

Structural pleats of Tasmain

Moulding pleats of Khela

July/ August - four dreamy days on the beach at the Harmony Arts Festival, West Vancouver

All set up - and showing some designs of Cebrellex for the first time

Returning customer agrees to pose for a shot with her Renata bag

Live music at Harmony Arts

 September - hitting the road for much needed R&R. First time in Alberta~

look-out in the mountains

first night +  fireplace!

view from the campground...

October - the new, long awaited sewing machine arrives! 
My sewing has not been the same ever since.

on the right - Duerkopp Adler.

And - we launch!
After a few weeks of frantic sewing, we are ready to unveil the all new F/W 2011 Cebrellex; my third collection! We hit the runway at Vancouver Eco Fashion Week.

Patrice Has Options

Dovana

November - Holiday season.... More new products!

Telia recycled fur clutch

Big Skinny belts

For the home - patchwork cushions

Make It Vancouver was our final show of the season - we had an amazing time, as always...

Make It Vancouver, Winter

... and got some great press! 

Vancouver Sun features an article about Make It

 December - Local-E Pop up shop brightens up the neighbourhood for three weeks!

Our corner at Local-E

 We had a blast at this small collective of Indies. I am sure, mulled Holiday wine, helped too!...
And, off to Sunshine Coast, BC for pre-Holiday breather...

Gibsons, BC

 So, there... It has been a remarkable year, proving, that the path I chose... could just be the right one!.. For 2012, I intend to travel a bit more - and be significantly better at staying in touch with people around. Lift my head and smell the roses. Share the simple moments of everyday enchantment.
 Happy 2012...


Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com