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 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. 

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

One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale 2018

Photo credit: Joseph Saraceno

We are all set up! Come see us at the One of a Kind Show running from March 28-April 1! We're in Booth Q-04 and cant wait to see you!

If you haven't picked up your tickets, use coupon code EFC25VW2 to save when buying your tickets online!

New Collection for Spring/Summer 2018

Photo credit: Joseph Saraceno

So happy to share that the MoonRox Collection for Spring/Summer 2018 is now live online!

Here's one of my favourite images of from the Look Book. The Sicilian Bouquet Necklace and Bracelet are so delightful. They make me dream of wandering through fragrant flower fields in the afternoon sun.

Hope you will have a look at the new collection and fall in love with some of the pieces!

www.moonrox.ca

Desert Day 3

K and I were 7th seed when we played on the tennis team back when we were in high school. We reminisced about donning our tennis whites and marching to the public park near our school for practices at dawn. So with access to tennis courts (in three types of surfaces) we had to relive the old days and give it a go. Super fun that we got to get a few hours of play in on this desert trip! Nevermind that we are passable at best, and no one knows that 7th seed was last seed at our tiny school!

Post tennis mornings were spent poolside at the adults only spa pool that was so nice a calm. Coachella was taking place at the same time that we were in Palm Springs, so it was ideal that there was a place you could find a quiet spot that was sure to be free of party mode. Also, it's such a treat to have a hot tub and steam room steps away. Seriously... this trip was the best.

In the late afternoon we decided to drive around to more of the installations up for DesertX. First up was Phillip K. Smith's "Circle of Land and Sky."

Living in Toronto, we do have some events featuring some large installations. I was thinking of things I have seen at the Winterstations or Nuit Blanche events of years past. I wasn't quite expecting the massive scale and quality execution of many of these installations. Perhaps this is due to availability of large desert spaces or maybe they just have a big budget. After seeing the "I am" installation the night before, my expectations were elevated.

Here is the description of Smith's piece from the DesertX site:

The Circle of Land and Sky defines a reflective space within the desert, composed entirely of the environment’s two most prominent physical characteristics -- land and sky. Formed by 300 geometric reflectors angled at 10 degrees, the artwork directly engages with the Sonoran surrounding and the endless heavens.  As the light shifts and the viewer moves through the installation, land and sky are separated, merged, and displaced, subverting one’s assumed relationship with the desert horizon. At times, the sky is pulled down to the land or the land lifted up to the sky, while the colors of the west may merge with the colors of the east. It is a constantly changing installation that can never be seen the same way twice.

The next one was hard to find. We were looking for Will Boone's "Monument." After a few U-turns, we spotted this black shape not far from the side of the road. It was the entrance to a bunker complete with disclaimer. You might die! Enter at your own risk.

Hmm, what could be down there?

After you climb down the narrow space, you feel the air is instantly cooler and it's such a contrast to the glaring heat above ground amidst the desert sand. As you find your bearings, you encounter a space with a heavy vault door. At the end of the tunnel shaped bunker is a seated figure of JFK.

Here is artist Will Boone's statement:

As a Texan I feel connected to the death of John F Kennedy. I’m not sure if I come from the place where he died or the place that killed him. Like the myths surrounding Elvis, Jesus or UFO’s, Boone sees the figure of JFK as lightening in the ground, bunkered in the very same Atlas Survival Shelter that the then president had in case of nuclear attack. Inside Monument the painted bronze figure is based on that of a hobby-kit, scaled up to heroically Hellenistic proportions. It might be equal part Catholic reliquary or one of the secretive roadside shrines found in the nearby deserts of Mexico, dedicated to the narco-saint Jesus Malverde. Either way it speaks not just to all those things that have been driven underground since the extinguished optimism of the sixties but to those same fears - nuclear attack and the invasion of the other – that have been so vividly resurrected in recent times.

Next up was Doug Aitken's "Mirage," a stunning ranch-style house made entirely of mirrors set in the hills where San Jacinto valley range meets Coachella valley, perched above the city of Palm Springs. For more details and beautiful images, visit the artist's website for this piece.

Here is the blurb on this installation from the DesertX site:

In the tradition of land-art as a reflection of the dreams and aspirations projected onto the America West, Mirage presents a continually changing encounter in which subject and object, inside and outside are in constant flux. The ranch-style structure suggests a latter-day architectural version of manifest destiny, a primary structure rendered by the artist without function service or texture. With every available surface clad in mirror it both absorbs and reflects the landscape around in such ways that the exterior will seemingly disappear just as the interior draws the viewer into a never-ending kaleidoscope of light and reflection. As Mirage pulls the landscape in and reflects it back out, this classic one-story suburban house becomes a framing device, a perceptual echo-chamber endlessly bouncing between the dream of nature as pure uninhabited state and the pursuit of its conquest. For more information please visit: dougaitkenmirage.com

Took so many photos! It was hard to resist this photogenic gem.

Next we drove off to the Ace Hotel and Swim Club passing this eye-catching Chase building on our way.

In the early evening, we huddled in a booth at the King's Highway Diner at the Ace Hotel for our B-I-N-G-O session. When's the last time you played Bingo? We were disappointed there were no dabbers but this was quickly forgotten once the dynamic hostess with the mostest, Miss Shirley Claire introduced herself! She is in her late 80's and looked like a million bucks and was vibrant as hell! K and I totally want to be her when we grow up.

We left here for a very forgettable meal at a place that made us change tables three times, then served what we deemed "scoop scoop" food. You know when the meal shows up 2 minutes after ordering it as it was scoop scooped out of a big trough with little care. I can't even remember the name, but I guess that doesn't matter! Should have stayed at our spot at the Ace Hotel. Regrets!

They did have a cool bar top at the resto... too bad about the food. 

All in all, Day 3 was another fabulous day that I really loved.

Desert Day 2 Cont'd - "I am" at DesertX

Following a long afternoon nap after our hike and boozy brunch, we raced out at sundown to view one the the contemporary art installations on exhibition for the art event DesertX.  'I am' by Tavares Strachan was vast and impressive. A multitude of cavities in the desert sand were lit by a neon glow. Each cavity was big enough to trip over and some large enough to fall into. It was an incredible sight. Each shape seemed like an abstract form from our vantage point on the ground. From a bird's eye view, it read "I am." 

Here is the artist's statement from the DesertX website:

“I am” is a work that explores the relationship between human beings and their environment. Borrowing from Vedic Philosophy, the phrase “I am” is to identify oneself with the universe and /or ultimate reality. There is a rich history of human beings exploring the desert as place to disconnect and reconnect with questions about who they might be.  As someone born on an island, surrounded by what may be considered beautiful but potentially Hostile Ocean, I personally have understood these vast landscapes as opportunities to re-center and dislocate one’s imagination all at the same time. With the help of a skilled team, I plan to dig 290 craters over 100,000 square feet or the size of two America football fields. Once the holes are mapped and dug into the desert floor, brightly lit neon tubes will align the perimeter of each crater. The viewer will interact with what seems like an abstracted glowing crevasse of light, but if viewed from the sky one will read the exploded phrase “I am.” 

Now if only we had a drone to see the piece from above. Luckily we found some images on social media and online. Check some out here.

That was our fantastic second day in the desert!

Desert Day 2 - Indian Canyon Hiking Trail

Whoops, time has escaped me again! Time for some major catch up on the blogging. Here are some snapshots from our second desert day way back in the spring. On this day, we headed to Indian Canyon Hiking Trail. Luckily I had scored a great deal on a pair of hiking shoes when we popped into an Adidas outlet the day before. You really needed those treads on this dry desert grit.

Loved these hair palm trees. They reminded me of Muppets and just needed a pair of eyes to come alive. Felt like we had company at all times! Maybe it wasn't the anthropomorphic trees and it was the rattlesnakes... My friend covered her vital organs as i tried not to see them and we skedaddled by as quickly as possible!

I loved this hike. The terrain was so different than what we are used to in Southern Ontario, but my friends told me this was nothing... there are much more scenic trails. As I had joined this trip having done no research whatsoever, I just took their word for it and looked forward to our next outing.

We rewarded ourselves post-hike with an amazing long leisurely brunch, delectable cocktails and bottomless mimosas! The best meal we had on this trip!

They were not joking when they said bottomless. Our mimosa glasses were refilled quicker than most restaurants refill water glasses. So good! Needless to say a big afternoon nap was in order!