Mug Up

Years ago, my mother made it a point to sit me down and to go through all the special pieces of jewellery she had in her possession. Some of these pieces even dated back to my great-grandmother. However, as so often happens, many were tarnished, or in need of quite a bit of repair; so much so that I didn’t ever really consider that I would be able to wear them myself. It takes a special kind of eye, and a special kind of expertise to work with these kinds of family heirlooms.... A particular kind of gentleness and respect. And of course a clear and considered creative vision. Brad Walsh is the expert jeweller behind Island Jewellers. Brad has been working on the bench since he was just 18 years old. He learned his craft through a hands-on apprenticeship, attending top tier diamond training available through the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), and spending countless hours working on the bench to refine his craft. Now in his early thirties (and a new dad no less!), Brad runs and operates his Conception Bay South business - Island Jewellers. Brad’s specialty however is in restoring old, broken and worn jewellery - especially when it has sentimental value to its owners. His years of experience and remarkable eye for detail allow him to recycle or adapt these antique pieces into incredibly beautiful, and very wearable items. As an example, one of Brad’s projects was created from a mother’s rings she left to her daughter. Using every bit of material from the original pieces, Brad was able to create a spectacular new ring using the recycled diamonds, pearl, and gold from the originals. Nothing in Brad’s workshop is mass produced, and it’s all created by hand without any computer layouts - thus ensuring that every piece is created specially for its wearer. Currently, Brad is still putting out orders, though operating through online appointments. So if you’d like to have a piece made, feel free to reach out to Brad through the Island Jewellers Facebook account. You can find Island Jewellers on Instagram, Facebook and in the Clothing & Accessories section of mug-up.ca As always, happy local shopping. 2 Capricorns,

There is something so beautiful about hand woven cloth. These beautiful, precious pieces are as much products of refined craftsmanship, as they are of the experiences woven into them. Megan Samm is a Mi’kmaw clothmaker, and the creative force behind Live Textiles. Based in rural Ktaqmkuk at the Katalisk Sipu (Codroy Valley, Newfoundland), her studio is but a hop, skip and a jump away from her childhood home. It was in this house that Megan first learned to spin and knit yarn.... Today Megan creates the most beautiful, naturally dyed textiles. Due to the nature of this method of producing colour, her palette is dependent on the season; changing throughout the year. Megan grows and forages plants from the land around her dwelling, from her garden and the surrounding bushes. Working alongside Megan is her mother Renée Samms; expertly sewing and tenderly finishing their many pieces. As Megan says, with the same care she has shown me my whole life. In Megan’s words,my intent is to integrate usefulness, beauty, tradition and a sense of shelter in a living cloth; craft that is meant to bring comfort and joy through the generations of the families they belong to, changing along the way, maturing and developing a life of their own. Live textiles. Colour and patterns are explored and inspired by the natural world, time spent on the land and the ideal function(s) of the piece. Production is limited. One of a kind items are available for purchase at various markets, here on my online shop or at my workshop. As a juried member of the Craft Council of Newfoundland, my work can also be found in galleries; please keep your eye out for them! We’re truly completely blown away and humbled by the delicacy and the power of Megan and Renée’s incredible work. What an absolute privilege it is to be able to have such precious, loved works in one’s home. If you’d like to learn more, you can find Live Textiles here: https://livetextiles.online/, as well as on Instagram, and in the Home Decor section of mug-up.ca As always, happy local shopping. 2 Capricorns,

As the freshness of spring makes its way into our homes, so does the spirit to refresh our spaces - to imbue them with a new vitality! And let us assure you that Maudes collective is the perfect resource for doing just that! Based in St.John’s, Maudes Collective has developed a product catalogue aimed at reinventing the aesthetic heritage of vintage crystal and glassware with a modern, elegant reinterpretation. Sourcing unique pieces from thrift shops, antique shops and don...ations from throughout Newfoundland; the creative minds behind the brand take great care to refurbish these items to give them a beautiful contemporary glow. Not only is Maudes Collective a go-to resource for refurbished furniture and accessories, it’s also a fantastic place to get the most beautiful hand-crafted, canister and molded candles. Their range of canister candles are crafted from the simplest of ingredients: natural soy wax, lead free cotton wicks, and the highest quality blend of essential oils. Which produce the most intoxicating scents. Their unique, molded candles are available in a natural soy and beeswax blend, as well as a natural soy and paraffin wax blend. Each candle is given extra care and love by being carefully crafted, designed, and poured one at a time. Including cure time. Therefore, the process is slower than manufactured candles, typically between 4-6 weeks. So if you’re looking to bring a little life, and a little love into your home this spring then look no further! You can find Maudes Collective online, on Instagram, Facebook and in the Home Decor tab of mug-up.ca Happy spring, and happy local shopping! 2 Capricorns,

If you’re a PhD student, or know any PhD students, then you may have very well wanted to give them a hug, a cup of tea, and a soft pat on the back for some encouragement. Though we can’t speak on behalf of KnitJBeale Designs (https://www.ravelry.com//sourc/knitjbeale-designs/patterns), we can’t help but feel that sense of shared coziness and warmth when browsing through her designs. Jennifer, the creator of KnitJBeale Designs, grew up in North Saanich on Vancouver Island..., although Newfoundland and Labrador is now where she calls home. Jennifer has a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Victoria, an M.Sc. in Physical Oceanography from Memorial University, and a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from York University. Apart from this being demonstrative of Jennifer’s love of puzzles and mysteries, simply complex and complexly simple things, her scientific background is also a massive inspiration for her knitwear! Now a former atmospheric scientist, Jennifer devotes her time to designing handknits and spending time with her beautiful family. We have to say that we’re just so grateful that she’s picked up the craft because, as is evidenced by the uniqueness of all her pieces, her work is so very special. If you’re interested in the piece we have featured above here’s a little description, straight from Jennifer herself: Badger! l wear this one tons and it's one of my favourites. It was my first design for Moeke Yarns last year but I didn't release it until the Make Along. If you've been wanting to knit it with the same yarn - Elena - in all three shades, you're in luck. If you're in Canada, Farm to Cable Yarns (https://farmtocableyarns.ca/) has all three shades available for pre-order (they ship worldwide as well). It's the last batch of Moeke Elena, so enjoy it with all your heart You can find KnitJBeale Designs online, on Instagram, Ravelry and in the Clothing & Accessories section of mug-up.ca As always, happy local shopping. 2 Capricorns,

If you’re looking for beautifully made, stylish accessories Femme Bohème Designs would be the perfect place to look! Artist and Femme Bohème founder, Kim Grady, settled in Corner Brook after moving from France about ten years ago. Here she established Femme Bohème, a small jewellery business that was created to empower individuals with their accessories! She also offers custom-made, commissioned pieces. As a one-woman show, Kim is the creative force behind the brand - offe...ring polymer clay jewellery and occasional sewn creations. Kim first started working with polymer clay back in France with her grandmother, and upon completing a jewellery course she combined the two experiences to create something truly special. She draws inspiration from other artists, across all mediums, as well as her own life experiences. Kim is also incredibly generous in sharing her creative process, often posting videos of herself making her products. For Kim part of her spiritual healing falls into her art practice - imbuing every piece with positive, light energy. And we cannot thank her enough for it! You can find Femme Bohème Designs on Instagram, Facebook, Etsy and in the Clothing & Accessories section of mug-up.ca As always, happy shopping, local shopping. 2 Capricorns,