Locally inspired accessible Art.

Bird on a Wire is a mecca for all things local, but most specifically locally produced art.  From their website, “We are the ‘Yes’ store for artisans and those looking for locally made arts and crafts”.  Besides Bird on a Wire being amazing in itself, why are we interested?  Art is accessible, art is affordable and for the couple who has everything art can purchased as part of your wedding registry.

Karen opened Bird on a Wire in October of 2010 with 42 artists.  Now the store boasts 150 artists and acts also as a community meeting place for knitters and crafters alike.   Karen’s mandate is to change starving artists into thriving artists and she is doing a very fine job indeed.

When Karen was first inspired to open her business it was to answer a calling to build community through creativity; to create a space where “dreams can flower, where one can stir the imagination and feed the soul”.  What I also love about her vision is that she wishes to keep alive traditions and techniques from the past.  The store contains upcycled, recycled and handcrafted wares from a wide range of artists and artisans.

For couples, Karen will set up a wedding registry and that beautiful piece of art that you have spied on Bird’s wall can be yours.  Art can move quickly though so keep abreast of the “spotlight on artists” series through the store’s blog and website.  Karen keeps on top of local artists and is always visiting local galleries and artist’s own studios so the store’s walls will have something to match anyone’s tastes.  I currently am impressed with Lori Bagneres’ crow paintings such as the large one pictured above. 

It is not just art that should entice you to visit.  The store supports many diverse artisans from fabric artists, jewellers, soap makers, ceramic artists ( Grace Lee of eikcam is also shown above), wood workers and so much more.  I personally always search for locally produced goods when purchasing gifts.  Ask your family and friends to do the same.  Why register at Home Sense or The Bay when you can choose to support your local community and receive one of a kind creations.

Karen’s suggestion for your art choice, “buy it because it moves you” and not simply as an investment. With the criteria for the art work present being produced within a 100m radius of Vancouver and of good quality, you are sure to be investing instead in your local community.  With all the cutbacks to the local art scene it is up to the community around to support our local artists and artisans. 

The store is constantly growing and in the long term we may see more Bird on a Wire creations popping up in the city.  That can only be a good thing. 

I would like to thank Karen for sharing her story and the inspiration behind Bird on a Wire.

article by Shona Dion, sweet earth photographics

 

 

 

 

Custom, Locally Sourced and Sustainable Wedding Registry – Union Wood Co.

Union Wood Co. only opened its doors six months ago and already the little wood shop on Railway Street is going strong with custom orders of locally produced furniture from salvaged wood.  Many of his clientelle include young couples looking to furnish their first home with unique pieces that have the added bonus of being eco-friendly.

Owner Craig Pearce bided his time until the perfect space became available in his neighbourhood to open Union Wood Co.; a business that combines a viable wood shop with four full time employees and a store front to sell both hand-crafted furniture and collected vintage and repurposed items.  All the wood used to create the store’s one of a kind pieces comes from locally sourced lumber which would otherwise be lost in the demolition of Vancouver’s older buildings.

Craig knows the value of rescuing this wood not only for its quality, but for the history that each piece brings with it.  Everything has a story.   Wood rescued from the R.C.M.P. Stables from 110 East Cordova waits in the wood shop.  Metal parts are also upcycled when found which include repurposed old sprinkler pipes to metal tables bases and antique hardware.  Craig collected, salvaged and ‘treasure’ hunted for years to bring true vintage, non-reproduction objects to the store.  The only items the store sells that are not antique are the light bulbs, but the cages to go around them are all originals.  Hand-sewn aprons from old army tents and pillows created from old sails are also found at Union Wood Co.  and all of this creating/treasure hunting can be followed via Union Wood Co.’s blog.  By the way, did I mention that he is also a full-time fireman? 

What struck me the most while visiting Union Wood Co. is that this enterprise stems from Craig’s passion for  history ( or obsession as he states it ) and his desire to breath life back into discarded items.   The store itself is fully furnished by the past with old barn boards fitted on the back wall, a large marine spotlight hangs over the service area, old racks, rebuilt tables display the collected treasures and all are for sale ( except the barn boards).  Craig calls himself a bit of a hoarder and can’t seem to throw away any wood scraps which is great for the store as he created beautiful solid butcher blocks, door stoppers, other items as the wood inspires him.  Waste is kept to a minimum.  Currently in the shop is a rescued block of wood from an old airplane hangar with bolted metal screws that is just waiting to be made into a coffee or side table perhaps?  I asked Craig how he knows what each scrap of wood will become and he can see almost immediately how the wood will evolve.

What interests us the most at this time is the new addition of a wedding registry.  To the couples who have everything Union Wood Co. offers a non-traditional registry that will enable guests to contribute to a custom designed piece or a credit towards an item found in the store, but beware, all items are one of a kind and stock rotates rather quickly.  If a custom designed piece is what you are interested in Craig and his team will set up a consultation, set up an account for guests to contribute to in amounts that you are agreeable with and you will be that much closer to your goal of owning a stunning hand-crafted, locally sourced, one of a kind furniture piece.

Thanks to Craig and Otis for my tour and for chatting with me.  Union Wood Co. is a very cool shop and I love that being green is just a part of who they are.

 Article by Shona Dion, photos by sweet earth photographics

The sweet scent of a natural parfum.

On a beautiful yet crisp day in November I was lucky enough to finally attend  a tea party and perfume launch with Ayala Moriel Parfums.  The tea and the fantastic homemade delicacies prepared by Ayala Moriel were served on the beautiful ceramic wares of Eikcam Designs.

I have followed Ayala for a little while now as what she creates is unique and in this chemical-infused world, a welcome alternative to highly processed scents.   Ayala Moriel has a line that includes not only the handcrafted perfumes, but teas, candles, bath salts and balms.

Above is the Zangvil Tea that Ayala launched accompanied by the new Cocoa Nymph chocolate bar, White Potion, that was created in collaboration with Ayala.  The tea is a white tea scented with jasmine and flavoured with candied ginger and vanilla bean.

The white chocolate bar is made with coconut for a smooth creamy texture, but is not too sweet. White Potion bar is based on the perfume of that name and also has tuberose flower essence in it, which is what makes it so special and different from all other chocolates in the world!

Above are a few baked homemade goodies: ginger-orange icebox cookies, Halva and snowballs.

Ayala offers tea and scent parties to interested brides-to-be.  These parties include her signature teas, handbaked cookies, sandwiches and a tutorial with the opportunity for guests to create their blended perfumes.  Her tea parties for brides can have up to 15 people.

The personalized perfume making workshops have space for only 6 people. Participants can create their own labels to go with their personal fragrances.  The process takes up to three hours and guests can chat and eat locally sourced treats handmade in Ayala’s kitchen.

 Her Zangvil Tea debuted at this event, but we were all warmed first with a delightful chai tea served in Eikcam teapots and cups.

The pears were most excellent having spent the morning marinating in wine and vanilla pods . . . yummy goodness.  The pears were marinated with ginger, citron fruit, vanilla, honey & Riesling.  These were just one of the many courses offered. 

The tea sandwiches pictured below are Asian pear with cheddar & quince mustard .  I believe these were my favourite!

For more information on scent bridal parties please contact Ayala directly at ayala@ayalamoriel.com . Eikcam ceramic ware can be purchased through Grace Lee’s studio in the Mergatroid Building on Vernon Street in Vancouver or if you make it out to One of a Kind, Grace will be exhibiting there next week!  Cocoa Nymph can be found online and at Portobello Market.

photos by sweet earth photographics

EP!C weekend

Many  vendors from The Grassroots Wedding Fair are at EP!C this year.  The event itself is quite phenomenal and it truly is an eco-friendly love-in.  The wedding showcase features many old friends and day 1 was great to meet and see how everyone is doing.

The green wedding community is not very large and EP!C is a nice way to welcome new businesses into the fold.  I believe we will all come away from this event more resolved in making a difference in our community. 

sweet earth photographics (that’s me!) and Sweet Naturally Bakery fill out one corner of the wedding showcase quite nicely.  I am enjoying chatting with Francis and Dickson of Sweet Naturally and finding out more about how their stint with the winter Farmers Markets went.  They will return for the summer markets as well.  I love the diversity of their baking specialties from gorgeous wedding cakes to scrumptious scones and cookies.

Another old friend is Onyx from Amoda Flowers who brought in both centrepieces for the Epicurean Court and bouquets for the Wedding Showcase.  Her sense of style always impresses me and the range of bouquets she creates can match any bride’s whimsy.

Shoo-Foo Bamboo offers wedding registries to couples interested in more sustainable options.  Shoo-Foo has a well-organized system to help couples set up their registries and their products are beautifully made.

Pure Magnolia provided wedding attire and Spark Jewelry provided bridal accessories for the EP!C Wedding Showcase.  Patty and Christina make sustainable fashion come to life with gowns made from natural materials and bridal jewelry made from recycled silver.

Olla Urban Flower Project is also at EP!C with air plant boutennieres, stunning bouquets and their signature living favours and centrepieces.

EP!C is a truly exciting event for those commited to sustainability and for those who are curious and want to learn more.  I am very pleased to see so many familiar faces.  Change may come slowly, but attending an event such as this just reminds me that yes, we are on the right path.

Shona Dion

photos by sweet earth photographics

The Organic Sleep Solution

Sleep is a luxury at times.  In this busy life our nighttime respite from the every day is gold.  Unfortunately for the majority of us our beds are not always the safe havens they should be. 

A completely safe and sustainable bedding system is definitely a financial investment, but one that will pay off immediately.  What better way to invest in a more sustainable sleep system by creating a wedding registry that can address all of your nighttime needs.  Organic latex mattress alone can last between 20 and 30 years!

inBed Organics is a local and sustainable company that is unique in its custom mattresses and bedding.  It is also the only company in Canada to offer a complete certified organic sleeping experience.  Their custom-made 100% organic latex mattresses are certified through very strict European and North American standards.

All sewing for inBed Organics is done in-house.  This includes duvets, sheets,  pillows and pillowcases made from organic wools, organic cottons, hemp, natural wood fibres and even shredded organic latex.  Their products are many and can easily be ordered online from their website. 

Jem, the owner of inBed Organics ,started her company Organic O’Canada five years ago when she started asking questions about what her and her family were sleeping on and her own education process began.  Jem believed in a healthy bed and found limited choices available to her in Canada.    What she found about the chemicals added to mattresses to make sure that they are flame retardant left her feeling deceived, angry and mislead.  She began Organic O’Canada as a ‘basic human right’ for anyone concerned about what they were sleeping on. Her advice, “Do your research.  Educate yourself and do not always believe what sales people will tell you.”  Many ‘organic’ mattresses may only have components that are organic without the whole process following those guidelines.

inBed Organics has a wealth of information available through their website and is definitely worth a visit to learn more about how organic latex mattresses can help you live a healthier lifestyle.  For all your wedding needs set up an appointment for a consultation and visit their Vancouver showroom to arrange your registry and allow your family and friends to contribute to a complete organic sleep system. 

article by Shona Dion

photography by sweet earth photographics

Going the extra mile to be green with your wedding registry

The best part of a wedding (at least when it’s all over) has got to be the gifts – the beautiful ones, the returnable ones, the ones you hoped for and the ones you have no idea what to do with. The best way to appreciate your gifts, no matter how out-of-this-world they are, is to know that each of them expresses the planet-lover in you.

With today’s entrepreneurial, post-American-dream economy, tree huggers and mainstream green buyers alike can find eco-friendly, local and fair trade products to compose their wedding gift registry. The dilemma? It isn’t a cinch like walking to the big box retailer and using an electronic scanner to ‘beep’ your gift list within an hour.

But the fact remains that sustainable gift registries and ideas are out there, and it only takes a little bit of effort for the planet-minded brides and grooms-to-be to find them. Yes, it may mean splitting up gift registries into categories of different stores, and yes, it may be an online-only thing, which grandma may have trouble with (until you teach her the modern meaning of ‘mouse’). But is it worth it?

Boy, is it ever! Going with small, local and green companies for your wedding registry will get you the most unique and well-cared for products out there. Green doesn’t have to be more expensive, and in fact the quality and sustainable specialties of green brands are just as prestigious as going high-end on your wedding registry. Take, for example, Cookworks, a local Vancouver kitchenware store. For lovebirds who already have all the household necessities, thinking outside the box with a gift registry is also an option with requests for fine art gifts (a great investment scheme), or experience gifts, like a gourmet kayaking trip from Edible British Columbia. Then there are things like rafting or some other fear-defying activity perfect for learning the meaning of “till death do us part.”

Shoo-Foo Eco Linens, exhibitor at the upcoming Grassroots Wedding Fair, also has a local, green wedding gift registry. It’s a great place to start a gift registry for wedding showers, stagettes and rehearsal dinners that are all about healthy home lifestyles with linens sourced from organically grown bamboo.

Available to add to your Shoo-Foo bamboo linen gift registry includes:

A 300-thread count bedding set. These sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover and blanket hang and shine like silk or cashmere. They are breathable and ultra comfortable for a good night’s rest. They go especially well for people with sensitive skin and temperature problems while sleeping. Click on this link to see them all! http://shoo-foo.com/en/e-boutique/bamboo-beddings/

Luxury bath towels. They’ve got it all from robes to face cloths, shower mats, gym towels and of course, a huge bath sheet! (plus more!). Many of their products come in four colours: natural, royal indigo, sage green and mocha brown, allowing a great match for any home decor! The towels are 600gr/sq meter, which means lasting quality. Best of all, all their products are sourced from organically grown bamboo. View the complete line here: http://shoo-foo.com/en/e-boutique/bamboo-bath-towels/

Are they really green? You bet they are. While rumors abound questioning the sustainability of bamboo products ‘out there’, Shoo-Foo can say for sure that our manufacturing process is certified eco-friendly by multiple governing bodies including the USDA and OCIA. To learn more about their certifications, click on this link: http://shoo-foo.com/en/bamboo/organic-certification/

Receiving gifts is only one way to use bamboo linens for your wedding day – there are plenty more ways! Want more ideas? check out their blog post on How to Use Bamboo Linens for a Green Wedding! Not bad for a Canadian local green gift registry, eh?

Green Donation Recipient – WC2

I was very excited to hear that Western Canada Wilderness Committee accepted our donation recipient request.  WC2 is a westcoast icon.  For many years they have been fighting the good fight and raising awareness of environmental issues for all of Western Canada. 

What is so great about Western Canada Wilderness Committee is that they actually have a wedding component that ties in nicely to our event.  We encourage those couples who have everything, or need nothing, to accept donations to a charitable organization in lieu of gifts.  Guests love to give gifts and what a great idea to direct those energies to something that has so much more substance.  Not only is it good for our community, it  allows friends and family of the couple to understand their passion and commitment to the environment.  

A wedding I recently photographed even had the couple donate monies to a charitable organization as wedding favours.  Each guest received a small card that advised what had been given on their behalf.  I was impressed with this progressive idea.

Western Canada Wilderness Committee can give you a display to put up at your wedding to give your guests more information on where their gift monies go. The donation can be granted to a specific cause or to the organization itself.

Sue Fox of Western Canada Wilderness Committee also told me that  the organization sells a lot of cards that are used as invitations and thank you cards.  All of the funds from the purchases go right back into the community and the photography is amazing.

I have been a member of WC2 for many years and was an eco-activist in my youth trying to save the Elaho Valley, a success story.  I volunteered with mail outs and calendars.  To give back more than just a membership now is very inspiring for me.  Western Canada Wilderness Committee will receive $2.50 from each paid entrant from The Grassroots Wedding Fair.  Money well raised, I believe.

Western Canada Wilderness Committee will be at The Grassroots Wedding Fair with cards on hand for sale and information regarding their donation program.

Shona Dion

The Green General Store

 

Scraps – The Green General Store is a new and very cool store that has only recently opened on Main Street at 32nd Avenue.  They have only been open for a few months, but already their store is an inviting gallery of eco friendly treats. 

Started by Christina and Cara, Scraps, the Green General Store, began with a mission to bring sustainable items to conscious consumers.  As local residents of the area they have a vested interest in their community.

Their Mission Statement:

“scraps mission is to offer simple, ethical and affordable solutions to conscious consumers in the community. Investors, employees and customers will benefit from their involvement with scraps as they play an integral role in attaining our vision of promoting respect, equality and awareness. scraps will continually strive to gain and share knowledge in order to lighten our carbon footprint and find solutions supporting sustainability.”

Their concept is fantastic and another sign of Vancouver’s further growing as a green city.  Scraps is also still growing.  At my visit Christina and Cara are expanding the store, bringing in new product and establishing themselves as a go-to eco-boutique store.  They have promised to keep us updated with new and exciting news.  I will be following them with interest. 

When I visited the store I was looking for wedding ideas.  I found handmade soaps, beautiful artisan hair accessories, jewelry and upcycled gifting bags.  The store also has great fashions and many unique green products. 

Scraps is located at 4770 Main Street.  You can can visit their website at: http://www.scrapsvancouver.com

photos by sweet earth photographics

Artist Profile – eikcam designs

Grace Lee of eikcam designs holds many titles that describe her efforts as an artist.  Not only is she a jewelry designer and creative photographer, she is an amazing ceramic artist.  Her work incorporates an old world feel that often mimics nature and illicits a romantic sense of style.  Her ceramic wares are both functional and artistic. 

I was invited into her studio recently to watch her work and it was an afternoon of laughter, excitement and creative vision.  It was not until I simply sat back quietly and watched her work that I saw not just beauty in the objects she created, but in the complete process.  To witness that moment was an artist slips effortlessly into that creative space was memorable for me; to document that moment was privileged.

Grace heads to Toronto in a few days to exhibit at the One of a Kind Show .  She was chosen to head to the big TO on an artistic scholarship. 

But back to the wedding connection!  eikcam designs creates beautiful table ware sets that can be given as wedding gifts.  Grace makes a complete set, numbered to your liking!  Let the rellies know and register directly with her.

One more thing… are you stuck finding a meaningful wedding favour?  Grace also creates lovely little ceramic objects that can be given as wedding favours.  She makes lovely hanging birds, tiny bowls, garden accessories and many more items.  Contact her directly at gracelee.designer@gmail.com to arrange a visit to her Vernon Street studio or keep checking in to see what markets she will exhibit at this year.

Candle Wedding Favours

Wedding favours are an element of a wedding that are stressed over.  Many wedding favours can end up collecting dust or are simply lost in the clutter of our lives. 

Wedding favours that can be consumed are truly the best choice.  Think yummy farmer’s market jams, chocolates, cookies and ahah…even candles.

I have already written about the great benefits of beeswax candles.  What about handing them out as wedding favours?  Small and perfect little gifts that can be used for any occasion following your wedding that are clean burning and a lot healthier than parafin wax candles.

von Hardenberg Candles fit the bill nicely.  Made with the perfect gifting size in mind, these little wedding favour candles are a great addition to any wedding.

Look in the Sun this week for a special article on the benefits of beeswax candles with a special mention of our exhibitor von Hardenberg Candles.