MoonRox Non-Medical Washable and Reusable Handmade Masks

It has been an interesting time indeed. We have just started our 13th week of distancing, quarantining, whatever way you would describe they way you have chosen to endure this time. I was surprised to find myself enjoying this time much more than expected in the first few days. I started to really relish the quiet and the stillness, which never occurs in this part of the city in normal pre-COVID times. I loved how we had a little extra time to keep in touch with friends and fam, near and far. It soon became clear to me who was going to stay connected and constantly check in, and who was not going to be supportive at all. It was nice to just take a pause with no need to rush anywhere. Outside of work there was no no pressure to do anything specific. I've been so grateful for the best and most loyal customers. I'm so pleasantly surprised that orders have kept coming in, despite the worldwide pandemic. You guys are the best!

A few weeks into quarantine, I started making masks for friends and family. I was having major flashbacks to my fashion school days at Parsons. We'd be sewing all day and all night! Making the masks has been a lot of fun. It's reminded me how much I love sewing!  More recently I decided to make some MoonRox-y masks to add to the online shop! I found some beautiful soft cotton with a string of Beads motif. Each is lined with a filter pocket and has soft comfortable ear loops. You can select from Pink or Blue.

Now with more restrictions lifting and businesses opening, life is changing again daily. We aren't all inside our homes as much as the first many weeks. Now the advice seems to have changed almost overnight from "stay home" to "get outside!" It can definitely be confusing. More recently our medical officers have been recommending the use of a mask or face covering when in a situation where it is difficult to maintain 6ft distance from others. I for one am happy to wear a mask when I know I will be in the grocery store or post office. So, I sought out some more lovely fabrics, this time in more basic options that are also unisex.

In addition to the Beads print, you'll also find Twill masks in Charcoal Grey and

in Black.

In a finer weight fabric, we have this nice Light Grey.

Lastly, you can select this blue and white Pinstripe!

Each style is available in four sizes. Choose from:

Extra Small - fits kids age 3-6 (without nose wire)

Small - fits kids age 6-10

Regular - fits age 10 up to most average sized adult heads

Large - roomier fit for adults

For more info, check out the website! I'm hoping to add more styles in the days ahead, so keep an eye out. Stay safe and healthy!

www.moonrox.ca

Isolation station

Hi, how is everyone hanging in? I’m still here, but haven’t known what to say. It’s a difficult time for everyone. There is so much to absorb each day. I confess that I have cried, or at least cracked a tear, multiple times a day in the last couple weeks. Sometimes it really hits me when I think of how long it will be until I get to see family again, or when I read a touching tweet posted by a stranger, or sometimes when you hear a certain lyric of a song. I am slowly learning to cut down on the intake of COVID news and put some music on instead.

Work-wise, it’s not a different environment for me as someone who works from home, but it still feels entirely different. With so many big concerns, I know that jewellery is likely one of the last things you need right now. I for one have been living in cozy sweats, but should you have that birthday gift, graduation gift, or anniversary gift to give, the website is still open. Shipments will be made less frequently, so current shipping policies will not be upheld right now, but you can use code STAYHOME for free shipping on orders over $50.

If sh*t had not hit the fan, I would have been all set up for our beloved One Of A Kind Show to start today. This would have been my 19th year at the Spring Show. I was happy the show made the wise decision to postpone the show, but I will very much miss seeing many of your lovely faces! It’s been tough to watch my creative independent business pals struggle with closures and event cancellations at this time, but so uplifting to see everyone support each other in new and inspiring ways from home! 

I’ve heard many predictions of how long this period of social distancing will last. It's hard to imagine potentially months in isolation. I’ve been so grateful for daily messages, phone calls, facetime tea dates and evening zoom drinks with friends. I hope we can all see each other IRL sooner than later. In the meantime, I’m going to take this period as an unexpected gift to work on other creative ideas and home projects that I tend to not make the time for. I’m staying put here in my isolation station and am going to clean up my never-tidy desk, get the easel out, do some sewing, some writing and chef up some delicious meals. 

One last note: Thank you to all of our front line workers! Thank you to our doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, pharmacy workers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, garbage collectors, restaurant staff, delivery people, transit staff and so many more You guys are heroes!

Be safe and stay healthy friends! xo

One of a Kind Spring Show 2020 Promo Coupon

Splendour Series (Photo credit: Joseph Saraceno.)

Every Spring it seems like the One of a Kind Show sneaks up on me quicker and quicker! I thought it felt like I just posted about the Christmas show and I wasn't wrong! My last blog post was indeed about the Winter show! Well, now a few months later and we've been teased by the noticeably longer days and a sprinkling of the nicer weather. I can definitely feel that Spring is near! I can't wait! I'm sure I've said it before, but I don't quite feel like myself until Spring rolls around. Clearly I am made for a different climate.

The Spring edition of the One of a Kind Show is always the perfect springboard into my favourite time of year!

As always, I've got some new pieces coming down the pipeline soon. We'll also bring some gems that were popular from last season and beyond. 

Here are the details:

One of a Kind Spring Show

March 25-29, 2020

Enercare Centre

Exhibition Place

Toronto

To save on tickets, we've got a PROMO/COUPON/DEAL for you! Just follow this link to buy your tickets online at a discounted rate. 

https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/One_Of_A_Kind_2020_Spring_Show?aa=MoonR890&promo=EXHIBITORS20

Come see us in Booth Q-08. It's always a pleasure to visit with all of our lovely customers!

One of a Kind Show Winter 2019 Coupon - Save on tickets!

It's October 1st already! The Summer here seemed brief. I took a vacation with family to Alaska... perhaps the time spent in cooler temps made the Summer feel extra short! So now that Fall has rolled around, Ive been getting busier and busier. One of my suppliers closed yesterday after seventy some odd years, so I may have to find new ways of working in the years ahead without a local place to source amazing materials. Might be a good thing. It might bring out new ideas and inspirations by changing things up a bit!

So, these past few weeks I have been spending some time mapping out a massive To Do List that I plan on knocking off in the next two months!

I'm excited to say that the new Collection for Fall/Winter 2019 will launch soon online. I'll update you when the website has been fully updated!

The One of a Kind Show is next month! The Winter 2019 edition of the Show runs from November 21-December 1 at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, Toronto. To take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Rate from now until the end of the show, follow this LINK that will automatically offer you a discounted price to save a few bucks on tix!

https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/One_Of_A_Kind_2019_Winter_Show?aa=7v03yu&promo=ExhibitorW19

Seconds & Supplies Maker Market

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, June 15! We're joining forces with a bunch of amazing local designers to bring you some pieces from our lines as well crafty and creative supplies.

I'll be bringing some lovely jewels from season's past at the best ever prices! I'll also be going against my hoarding tendencies and de-stashing some of my jewellery findings and other craft supplies. There will be lots of fun stuff that you can put to good use in your own creative endeavours!

The event will be one day only at Artscape Youngplace on Shaw Street here in Toronto. Here's a list of some of the participants!

See you there!!

Plant One on Me Necklace and Earrings

Photo credit: Joseph Saraceno

I'm a lover of plants and flowers. My camera roll is always full of photos of my nephews and then of plants and blossoms! I wanted to make some pieces that were leafy and fun yet could be worn in a very classy way. I mixed brass monstera leaves with semi-precious stones or little pearls for the Plant One on Me Necklace and Plant One on Me Earrings. Clockwise from the top, choose from pearl, sapphire, amethyst and green onyx.

Are you a plant lady too? For more on these pieces visit the website!

www.moonrox.ca

Sherrill and Filip's Wedding

With June upon us, we are in the height of wedding season! 

I've had the pleasure of working with some pretty stellar people lately!

Congrats to lovely newlyweds Sherrill and Filip on gettin' hitched! Sherrill had me when she mentioned Solange in discussing the jewellery and accessories for her destination wedding. I got a sense of her style right away after a quick chat when we first met. As we discussed and worked on our shared Pinterest board, we came up with some lovely ideas in brass with shiny clear crystal and pearl accents.

She chose a group of unique earrings for the bridal party as well as a custom necklace to go with her MoonRox earrings.

I added some little charms to the necklace with the initials of the bride and groom. 

The most fun was had making the series of light ethereal series of hair pieces. They are delicate and can be molded gently to sit perfectly. All of the pieces for the six women incorporated the same materials to tie everything and everyone together.

I was so very honoured to make some pieces for this special day!

Wishing the bride and groom a lifetime of love and happiness!

(Photography by Melissa Tait)

Heirloom Rox Ring in Chatelaine Magazine

Pretty excited to see the Green Issue of Chatelaine on the newsstands now! 

 Flip open to page 33 to read 'Join the Green Party!'

The Heirloom Rox Ring is looking lush and right at home!

It's made using vintage crystal from the former Czechoslovakia and comes in 2 styles, Emerald Cut and Duchess Cut, each in a variety of rich colours. For more details, find them on the website.

Easy DIY Lip Balm

I haven't written a non-jewellery related post in quite some time! The new Collection for Spring/Summer 2019 is now live on the website so I have a little time to off road and write a fun DIY post.

Recently I have had some very strange and frustrating lip issues! Woke up one day in January with big puffy red lips. I looked as if I had botox or lip injections! To be honest the look wasn't terrible, but the tingling and burning sensation and all around discomfort was not enjoyable at all. A week later I went to the walk-in clinic only to be told I could be allergic to something I ate, touched or breathed and may never figure out what it could be. I was sent home with a sample of Benadryl which did nothing.

For the last few months the lip puff has been ongoing! One day it swells up, stretching the skin and causing everything to burn the skin. Then the next day, the lips would de-puff and then get very chapped. The cycle seemed endless. It was getting very uncomfortable, and also fairly embarrassing!

So last week I read something about raw honey being soothing to the skin on the lips. Diagnosis by Google has been my thing lately! I threw some raw honey together with some coconut oil and castor oil. My lips felt soooo much relief right away! The problem was that it was messy concoction to carry around in my hand bag! So I upped the game and decided to make a balm! I found lots of different recipes online. They all varied so I ended up pulling elements from several. Below I put together a recipe and will walk you through what I did to whip up my easy lip balm!

It's super easy and can be made in minutes! Here's what you need:

Supplies:
- Pot for water
- Heat proof glass measuring cup or another vessel for double boiler
- Measuring spoon
- Stir stick or small whisk
- Little fillable pots, jars or tubes. I found I had some small tins that I used to use as jewellery packaging that were perfect for this project. There are lots of container options to be found online or you could re-use something you already have.

Ingredients:
- 4 tsp cosmetic grade organic beeswax. I used pellets but you could also grate a block of beeswax.
- 7 tsp organic virgin coconut oil
- 7 tsp organic castor oil
- 3 tsp raw honey preferably organic, but I didn't have any on hand

Optional Ingredients:
- 2-4 drops essential oil
- natural lip stick to add a hint of colour

Ok, so here we go!

1. Simmer (not boil) a couple inches of water in a pot with measuring cup sitting in the water as a double boiler. You could also use a bowl instead of measuring cup as it might sit above the water better. I don't think my measuring cup is actually supposed to be sitting on the bottom of the pot, but I had to make do!

2. Add beeswax to the measuring cup. Stir until all melted.

3. Add castor oil and coconut oil to beeswax and whisk together.

4. Once well blended, remove from heat and add raw honey. Next time I would use a more liquid type of honey vs. the one I used. I think it would blend into the mixture more easily.

If you want to add a little extra something-something to your balm, follow steps 6 and/or 7. If you want to keep it simple, skip to step 8. I poured some of the liquid in it's unscented and colourless form and reserved a batch in my measuring cup to tint and flavour.

6. Add a little bit of your favourite lip colour. I used a slice of Burt's Bees Lip Crayon as I was trying to keep it fairly natural. It's better to add less and keep adding than to add too much colour. 

7. Stir in 2-4 drops of essential oil. Whisk until well blended!

8. Pour the mixture into your containers. Careful not to burn yourself. A pot holder comes in handy. Also make sure to protect your surface from spillage. You can simply pour or use a dropper to distribute if easier.

 9. Allow to cool and firm up.

10. Taa daa! Treat your lips to this luscious balm!

I made a little batch of natural and a little batch of mint flavoured pink! Had fun sealing them with co-ordinating washi tape. Now they are ready to pass along to friends and family!

Hopefully you'll find this lip balm as lovely to use as I have. It's not sticky and has good staying power. It is fun and easy to make and cost effective! The best part is knowing exactly what is going on your lips. Now here's hoping I found the remedy to my issues and a perfect balm to use all the time!

Happy mixing and making!

New Collection for Spring/Summer 2019

(Photography by Joseph Saraceno)

We debuted our Spring/Summer 2019 Collection a few weeks ago at the Show and now all of the new pieces are available online! Check out the website for all the new arrivals! Let me know what you think!

WWW. MOONROX.CA

The first piece to show off is the Incandescence Necklace. It is made with the most incredible vintage glass beads from Japan. They are the perfect iridescent shade of champagne bubbles and draped over brass chain fringe! 

As I was lucky enough to receive these beautiful beads as a gift, I wanted to pay it forward. 20% of sales from this item will be donated to charity. For more details, view the Incandescence Necklace on the website!

I'll be sharing more new pieces in the days ahead!

One of a Kind Spring Show 2019 Coupon Code EFCC7Y3C

All of a sudden we are a week into March! The One of a Kind Spring Show is a less than 3 weeks away! I hope you are able to come by and see the new pieces that I have coming down the hatch!

This time around the Show runs from March 27-31 at the Enercare Centre here in Toronto. MoonRox will be in Booth Q-12!

Get your tickets ahead of time on line to save. For an extra savings, use coupon code EFCC7Y3C.

For more on the One of a Kind Show and to plan your visit, pop over to their website. 

Barrettes are back!

Photo credit: Joseph Saraceno

These are the best kind of sweet treats! Our Bonbon Barrettes are featured in The Kit! Check out this feature on the comeback of barrettes. We're pleased as punch to be in such good company!

Dancing in the Moonlight Necklace

This is the Dancing in the Moonlight Necklace. It's a piece that moves when you move, sways when you sway, sashays when you sashays! Shiny brass chain fringe is extended below a large hexagonal crystal that catches the light. Choose from Crystal Clear or Silver crystals. This is the perfect necklace to take you through the Holiday Season. It also makes a sweet gift! To see more on this design and loads of other gift options, check out the website.

We ship anywhere in the world for $8 and are available for local pick ups if you are in the Toronto area. Just pop us a note to arrange!

One of a Kind Show and Sale Winter 2018 #OOAK18

We are a few days into the One of a Kind Show. It's always a flurry of making leading up to to this time of year. I love being at this show and seeing all the pieces come out of it's storage places and come to life as people put them on. Everyone has been so lovely. Thank you for the kind response to the new collection!

Here is our sweet little spot for this year's edition of the Show! One more week to come visit us at Booth Y-20.

Need tickets still? Use coupon code EXFAJP7C or click HERE.

Come say hi to us!

MoonRox Collection for Fall/Winter 2018/2019

(Photography by Joseph Saraceno.)

Our new Collection for Fall/Winter 2018/2019 is now live on our website. Some pieces are streamlined and modern, some are delicate and some are opulent. There's a little something for everyone! Here's a look book image showcasing the Venus Earrings, Golden Sun Stud Earrings and Aten Necklace. Have a look at the website to see the rest of the 50+ new arrivals. I hope you will like the new pieces! 

www.moonrox.ca

One of a Kind Winter 2018 Show Dates and Coupon Code

With Fall upon us, it's that much closer to the One of a Kind Showwww.oneofakindshow.com! Admittedly, Fall is my least favourite season (Spring and Summer rule), but I do love the the hub bub of Fall. It's the busiest time of year for most makers and I love the adrenaline rush of getting so much accomplished leading up to the OOAK Show and the Holiday season in general. 

I've got lots of new pieces of jewellery in the works and will be showing you some of the new gems with the release of the Fall/Winter 2018 Collection on the website next month.

This Winter's Show runs from November 22 to December 2 at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place. We always love meeting our customers in person and catching up with many of our regular clients! 

Start planning early and grab your tickets online to save a few bucks with coupon code EXFAJP7C.

Flight of Fancy Series

Flight of Fancy Earrings and Necklace 

Flight of Fancy Lariat with Victory, Figment and Hex Earrings

Sometimes I get caught up in making big statement pieces. This was an extra little personal challenge to make these more soft and delicate jewellery designs! I brought these to the One of a Kind Show a couple weeks ago, and I love the response they got! Glad to hear that some of you like them as much as I do! The Flight of Fancy Necklace, Lariat and Earrings are made with dainty brass chain adorned with brass rods and charms. The same charms are used in the selection of earrings that go with! I've linked each piece in the photo captions above, so click through to see more photos and descriptions.

www.moonrox.ca

Voyage and Wanderlust Earrings

Photo credit: Joseph Saraceno

I'm a little obsessed with these beauties! I just want one of each! These are the Voyage and Wanderlust Stud Earrings. They are made with geometric brass forms and vintage glass cat's eye paillettes. Choose from four lovely pastel colours. 

I'm also kind of digging the one-of-each-style look as shown in this pretty Look Book image! Why not wear one of each style? The smooth surfaces of both of these earring styles catch the light and dance on your ears as you move. These are perfect for when you need a little holiday from the day-to-day!

Check them out on the website!

www.moonrox.ca

One of a Kind Spring 2018 wrap up

It's hard to believe it's already been a week since the One of a Kind Show finished up! The Spring edition always seems to fly by faster year by year!

Leading into the show, I had run myself ragged and was just getting over a little cold on set up day. Luckily I have the bestest of friends that always pull me through these days when I really need the extra help. My good friend K and I set up the booth and made it look beautiful! We had a chill day and slowly put the whole scene together. It's always nice to see everything on display. It's so rewarding to see each piece laid out with other designs from the same series, and not packed away neatly in bags and boxes.

On the first morning of the show, I always try to get there a little early as there are always small tasks to do to get our little home for the next few days looking just right.

I was running a little late and quickly scrambled from the parking lot to head into the building with several bags in tow and a triple espresso in hand. Having made my way across the road plus the streetcar tracks and just about to enter the building, I wondered if I had locked the car.. I always make fun of my Aunt as she doubles back to check if she locked her car 95% of the time. I rifled around all of my bags and pockets in search of the keys. Couldn't find them. Panic set in with the clock ticking closer to show opening time. With my eyes fixed on the car from across the way, I ambled back across the streetcar tracks and across the road. HOLY S*%T, the doors were unlocked and the keys were still in the ignition!? I couldn't believe how stupid I was to have almost given away my car to the next passerby to peek in the window! I was so relieved I had remembered to check before it was too late! I was laughing at myself as I locked the car three times beep beep beep, tucked the keys away and then repeated my steps and went for take 2 to get to the show.

As I crossed the tracks this time, there was a streetcar at the stop. The driver wasn't in his seat so I scampered across despite the do not walk sign. He then leaned to open the door and I attempted to signal that no, I was not looking to board the car. He actually didn't seem to think that I was. He shouted out the door at me. "Have a great day! Sell lots of jewellery!" I said thank you and wished him a great day also. Whaaaaat?! How did he know that I sell jewellery? I mentally checked myself up and down. I had a suitcase and bags and was bundled in my coat. I was not bearing any outside indication that I made or sold jewellery. I didn't recognize him and do not know anyone that drives a TTC streetcar. Maybe he knew me. Maybe he follows me on Instagram or has shopped from me before.

Any which way, that was super nice of him to wish me well and I took it as a positive omen/good vibes/a happy moment.

This is the Sicilian Bouquet Necklace on one of our favourite long time customers. She came in this stunning floral dress and somehow the necklace just seemed meant for her. It's still pretty chilly out for March and April, so I have been so pleased that customers have responded so well to this cheerful piece! Perhaps the more we wear flowers, we will inspire some real ones to pop up! This piece even got a mention on BlogTO!

The Show ran over Easter this year, and I was so happy to see so many of our loyal customers come to share the holiday with us. I know I say this every time, but I am so honoured that so many of you allow me to make some pretty things for you to take with you and make a part of your lives. Seeing our customers in person and catching up on the latest in your lives makes me so happy. 

Thank you to our amazing customers. You guys are the best ever and make all of these jewels come to life! Thank you to my fellow makers for the inspiration, moral support and chocolate eggs. Thanks to the team at the One of a Kind Show for always putting together an incredible event. Lastly, thanks to my friends and family for always supporting me both figuratively and literally holding me up! I have the most incredible friends and family that are always willing to lend a hand, whether it is tagging, prepping, moving, food delivery or tearing the whole thing down again.

Thank you all for making this yet another successful OOAK Show! I can't wait for the next one already! We had a great show, so maybe the TTC man put me in the right lane!

In the next few weeks, I'll share more Look Book images from the Spring/Summer Collection... and maybe I'll try to get up to some random adventures too!

xo
M