refine + companion

Workshop of an Artist - My Atelier Part 2

2012-01-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

More workshop delights. Some of my machines seem as old as dinosaurs, but they were built to last and have so much character. A sunny south exposure is the icing on the cake.www.designbyrefine.com www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com

Workshop of an Artist - My Atelier Part 1

2012-01-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the New Year I have been documenting my studio. Just over one year ago I moved to this wonderful space; the place I go for refuge, the place I go to express my creativity, to work with my hands. Without it I would feel lost. As a mother most of my days are spent being social at the playgrounds, which I adore. Yet I feel so fortunate to have this playground of my own, my sanctuary. It is here that I am able to bring you the designs you have come to know and love.Happy 2012 everyone, may you continue to expect the unexpected from Refine.www.designbyrefine.com www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com

Holiday Classics

2011-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Dream (Vancouver's favourite local designer shop) is currently the only Vancouver shop stocked full of Refine classic styles? Perhaps you are still searching for that perfect gift? Support local this holiday season and pop into Dream, Gastown or Granville Island. They have a pretty collection of Refine classics, pretty sure to please. Happy Holidays!www.designbyrefine.com www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com

Gavin Loves Lisa

2011-07-29T15:40:00.001-07:00

The Refine fallen leaf necklace has been a prized design for years with my customers. So when approached to make a custom leaf necklace, solid 18Kt yellow gold, 36" long style (a fun length for admiring and touching your cherished pendant often), I stuck with this classic favourite. But for Lisa who is strong, energetic, and fun-loving, I made it bigger and bolder while maintaining Refine's delicate finesse. Truly an heirloom birthday surprise.

Inspiration

2011-07-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Creative energies are high. Things are happening. Inspired (to say the least) by a recent (perhaps once in a lifetime chance?) of viewing tiny hummingbird feathers under an antique microscope. I am very lucky indeed. The most magical moment. Ever so dainty, as you can imagine.

June

2011-06-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

"Loyal and efficient work in a great cause, even though it may not be immediately recognized, ultimately bears fruit." - Jawaharlal Nehru

Although not a great deal of jewellery is coming to completion these days as I focus on motherhood, my studio is bursting with new designs! Slow and steady right? June takes me to an organic strawberry farm with my little family. More juicy inspiration I'm sure...

See you in July!

www.designbyrefine.com
www.refineandcompnaion.blogspot.com

In the News

2011-05-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

So the excitement of the Royal Wedding has passed it seems but the floods in Manitoba are sure in the spotlight now. My old stomping grounds are currently bodies of water. The news seems to be making its way into my jewellery designs. I've been collecting lovely souvenir spoon shields ever since I was given my grandmother's spoons about a decade ago. This collection has been in the works since 2008 and it's finally much closer to completion...Join my mailing list to be the first to know!

www.designbyrefine.com
www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com

Nifty for Fifty

2011-03-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

I know, it's crazy. A local designer sale and all goods $50 and under! Stop the press!

This is my Customer Appreciation and 6 Year Anniversary Sale! I went wild at the studio making one of a kinds and one of a fews for YOU, my dear friends and customers. Just to say thank you. I'll also be offering my signature tension earrings at a great one day only price, so if you've always dreamed but never splurged here's your chance!

This sale should not be missed. There's no fee so bring your friends!
(ps. I'm a late joiner so Refine's not on the flyer)

Sunday April 3/2011
Heritage Hall @ 3102 Main Street
Vancouver
11am-8pm

www.designbyrefine.com
www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com

Kissy Companion

2011-01-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

My son Cohen loves the new studio. At this great new space, a cheerful pink couch greets us outside our door in the common area. I love it. He seems compelled to express the love too!

Why Ethiopia?

2010-12-30T22:29:00.001-08:00

Well, my dear friend Kevina moved to Kenya years ago and fell in love with her now husband, Njorro. I didn't make the wedding in Kenya that year, but I did make their wedding rings. We struck a deal; keep some of the payment and I will come visit at a later date. I am a woman of my word. It just so happened when the time was right a job promotion had brought Kevina and her family to Ethiopia. Exciting I thought, the "cradle of mankind" as they say. Also the birthplace of coffee and the Rastafarian culture, and so much more...

And now of course I will go back and see Kenya one day.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and customers,

You have faithfully continued to support Refine Design over the past (nearly) 6 years and I am ever so grateful. The signature Refine kite earrings are how it all began all those years ago and they continue to be a popular favourite in my collection. 2011 brings many changes for Refine...a new exciting look and direction. Don't worry, I'm loyal to you and the classics are here to stay. See you in the New Year!

Ethiopia

2010-12-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Back from my travels in Ethiopia. It will take me some time to digest my inspirations from this trip...

Lost Earring

2010-11-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Maggie lost an antique gold and opal earring when she was a young girl. After years of holding on to the match and wondering what to do with the single beauty, we talked re-design. It was simple, no need for melting or taking things apart. I thought best to work with the integrity of the jewel, simply turning the solo earring into a pendant and stringing it on a delicate gold chain. A special occasion piece or a daily sentimental favourite.

Exhibit

2010-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

The JewellerBau collective exhibit for SWARM is still up, so if you didn't make the opening now's your chance. Come by the gallery for an exciting art jewellery experience. I made 2 new sterling beeswax pendants, one of a kind.

www.designbyrefine.com
www.jbaucollective.com
2408 Main Street
Sat/Sun 11-6pm

Engraved

2010-07-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

More lovely pieces from a selection of sterling silver spoons. The amateur engraving quality of "home" and "high school" makes me smile. Love the fancy Los Angeles bracelet. Anyone have a spoon with a Vancouver engraving? That would be so fun!

www.designbyrefine.com
www.jbaucollective.com

Wow!

2010-07-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

The JewellerBau Collective Opening was a huge success, not to mention a great party. I surprised the crowds with this roaring lion duo.

You'll be pleased to know I rescued this lion ring and made it my mission to refurbish it. It was old, broken, and made of very thin base metals. I fixed it up and made it more substantial, cast them in sterling and set some lovely pearls...from 70's biker/rocker ring to a contemporary show stopper.

Custom orders available!
www.designbyrefine.com
www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com
www.jbaucollective.com

Sneak Preview

2010-07-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

Come to our opening at JewellerBau this Saturday night to see more! 2408 Main St Vancouver. Sat July 10th from 7pm.

www.designbyrefine.com
www.jbaucollective.com

First Opening

2010-07-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Save the date...it's the 1st JewellerBau Collective opening party, Saturday, July 10th at 7pm. Come see the exciting new work on display and all the hard work that has went into our beautiful space. Mingle in the gallery, browse the workshop, buy some jewellery art!

Stay tuned to my blog over the next 10 days for a couple of sneak previews...

www.jbaucollective.com
www.designbyrefine.com
www.refineandcompanion.blogspot.com

Collective!

2010-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

My big move is almost complete ...the mystery is over but the fun is just beginning.

JewellerBau is the only art jewellery gallery of it's kind in western Canada! Featuring one of a kind and one of a few pieces by Dina Gonzalez Mascaro, Shira Laye, and Jacqui Kerr. Showcasing Refine Classics in gold too!

Come browse JewellerBau this weekend and see what all the fuss is about.

2408 Main Street
Open Sat/Sun 11-7pm
www.jbaucollective.com
www.designbyrefine.com
604 872 7759

Moving Sale!

2010-06-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is our 3rd Annual Sale at Allison Wonderland's studio - It's also my moving sale! Come get that Refine classic you've always admired...

Allison Wonderland
Refine Design
Erin Templeton

Things Change

2010-06-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm moving!

I am leaving my beloved Gastown studio for a new exciting opportunity...after 5 delightful years working in the heritage Petrina Building. Mixed emotions indeed; it feels like an end of an era. This is an image of the building in the early days. Much has changed but it's charm you can always count on.

Stay tuned for details about my new exciting venture!

For Mom

2010-05-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Working outside your norm is challenging and rewarding.

For Mother's Day this year I repaired a pair of my mom's favourite earrings (not my design, that was the challenge) and custom made this simple earthy necklace (above image) to compliment. It's made from all given materials...vintage nickel-free chain, scrap brass, and re-worked silver.

Time is Honey

2010-04-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Springtime in our new community garden plot is sure a sweet way to spend time.

I have not yet seen the current exhibition by Michael Lin (above image) at the Vancouver Art Gallery...must make the time on Saturday. Ends this Sunday, May 2nd! www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_michael_lin.html

Home

2010-04-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

Off to the Prairies tomorrow...where my roots are.

These are the last of my persimmon twig rings (unless ordered custom). They are One of a Few. Oxidized sterling silver, 18Kt yellow gold, carnelian, pearl. Wear one or stack them. Size 8-8.5 (organic shape), these ones cannot be sized. Interested? Contact me! They patiently await their new home.

Sleep

2010-03-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

As a mom who practices the daily art of napping, a practical earring is a must. I revived these poorly executed gold sleepers from the 80's in a matter of seconds into something simply organic (top image). "Nature uses as little as possible of anything." - Johannes Kepler (German Astronomer) (NFS)

Hand Tools

2010-03-22T14:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a selection of my favourite hand tools and the title of a "jewellery bible" used in the trade. It's hands themselves I love the most.

70's "Faux Black Pearl" Ring

2010-03-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

My dad gave my mom this white gold, diamond and hematite ring back in the 70's. Then my mom gave it to me as a young girl. Although it's a very interesting piece, sadly it has sat in my jewellery box all these years. What can I say? It has never fit my lifestyle. It makes no sense for something to sit lifeless for so long, so I decided to revive it into the pendant below. I love it and wear it daily. (NFS)

70's Ring Pendant Re-Design

2010-03-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of slices with the saw turned this pretty yet impractical ring into an ultra wearable necklace. Practical doesn't mean boring. It slides along the chain for a little playfulness and catches your eye with white and yellow gold, diamonds, and a "faux black pearl" hematite centre piece. A keeper and one to pass along, again.

Honey

2010-03-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know my past beeswax jewellery. It is a labour of love and I am now finding new ways to make more exciting pieces. This is a photo I took last summer in Saskatchewan of some honeybee hives. Aren't they delightful?

Lucky Break

2010-03-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

It's all about taking things apart...I cut the tops off some dated old gold rings and was pleasantly surprised with the topless shanks that remained. They look lucky, like horseshoes. Seems there is a lucky theme happening (see spoon pendants below). I guess I feel pretty lucky these days. Time to get out the hammers and see what can be done. Pendants, most definitely.

Spoons

2010-03-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

My grandmother Emma gave me her spoons about a decade ago now. Finally, I am getting around to making some pretty pieces from the sterling ones. I guess I sat on it for awhile for 2 reasons : 1) because "spoon jewellery" conjures up images of a wrapped fork or spoon around a wrist and 2) the question, "can I cut up my grandma's spoons?". I got out my saw with confidence, knowing it could be done with finesse and knowing that my grandmother would have wanted me to. These are a few of the pendants I have just begun, alongside some earrings and and perhaps a bracelet too.

My Companion

2010-03-08T21:24:00.001-08:00

These are some recent photos of my sweet boy, Cohen. 15 months.