Et Cetera

Confession: I am addicted to jewellery. I’m always finding new designers to gawk over, perhaps sometimes to the detriment of my bank account. Regardless, here are five of my current obsessions that are worth every penny…

Foe and Dear // Katherine Huie; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Foe and Dear is modern simplicity and delicate style. The collection uses both unique and expected materials and elements, offering rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. This choupette kitten ring was spotted by my friend when we were browsing Scout in Toronto, and I absolutely adore it.

See more Foe and Dear on Etsy or at www.foeanddear.com.

White Feather Designs // Breanne Morrow; Meaford, Ontario, Canada

These rings and studs are just a little tiny taste-tester—the rest of White Feather Designs is immensely geometric 3D designs that are seriously hip as heck. These basic rings are perfect for stacking or midis. I love the playful twist on the brass diamond studs. Keep tuned for more on this designer shortly.

See more White Feather Designs on Etsy (clearance sale currently on some geometric pieces!) or at www.wfdjewellery.com.

Nylon Sky // London, England, United Kingdom

Another shop obsessed with geometric elements, Nylon Sky’s graphic style may seem bold (and in this case, the colours are a little less than neutral), but these natural wood, brass, and Perspex pieces are incredibly easy to pair with nearly any outfit. In fact, I’d go so far as to say this little gem (purchased for me by my bestie practically since birth from White Elephant in Hamilton) is my newest #ootd staple.

Shop Nylon Sky on Etsy or at www.nylon-sky.com.

Dconcstruct

I’d had my eye on the cement studs by Dconstruct since last year’s One-of-a-Kind-Show in Toronto, but just managed to pick some up this year. I love the more industrial yet organic look of Dconstruct’s cement designs. Dconstruct also offers pieces created using eco-friendly material like recycled resin and such other organic elements as banana fibre. Finally, Dconstruct sources their organics and textiles from developing artisan communities to support local economics and help fight poverty.

Find Dconstruct’s other designs at www.dconstruct.ca.

Compliment // Sacramento, California, United States

The designs and ideas that go into making Compliment the feel-good collection that it is may be simple, but they’re powerful. Each offering from Compliment comes (quite fittingly) with a hand-stamped compliment. Compliment sets aside a portion of every sale for the Compliment Scholarship Program. Compliment offers earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and candles, along with custom orders. Order something for your self and have a compliment included that reminds you of why you should be proud to be you.

Shop Compliment at www.shopcompliment.com.

Choupette kitten ring by Foe and Dear, turquoise earrings by Compliment, cement studs by Dconstruct, and necklace by Nylon Sky; image copyright Erin Torrance

Choupette kitten ring by Foe and Dear, turquoise earrings by Compliment, cement studs by Dconstruct, necklace by Nylon Sky, and stacking rings and “diamond” studs by White Feather Designs; image copyright Erin Torrance

Cement studs by Dconstruct; image copyright Erin Torrance

Stacking rings by White Feather Design; image copyright Erin Torrance

Stacking rings by White Feather Designs (foreground) and choupette kitten ring by Foe and Dear (far back left); image copyright Erin Torrance

Choupette kitten ring by Foe and Dear (foreground) and stacking rings by White Feather Designs; image copyright Erin Torrance

Turquoise earrings by Compliment; image copyright Erin Torrance

“Diamond” studs by White Feather Designs; image copyright Erin Torrance

Necklace by Nylon Sky; image copyright Erin Torrance

Cement studs by Dconstruct; image copyright Erin Torrance

Choupette kitten ring by Foe and Dear and stacking rings by White Feather Designs; image copyright Erin Torrance

Bethany Butterworth; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

I first came across Bread and Butter Pottery when I hit my first One-of-a-Kind Show in Toronto with my bestie of eons of years (or so it seems). We both fell in love, the tiny little booth that it was. Drawn in by egg and bacon mugs (though mostly the bacon mug), amused by mermen and mermaid mugs, and finally being sold by cat mugs, I have to say I feel like Bethany Butterworth, the creative genius behind the cheeky, quirky, and smile-inducing pottery, just gets me. (Better yet, the mug I chose had an illustrated kitty that closely resembled my personal obsession, my cat Bea—who inspired the little ears in the Et Cetera header!)

Since then, I’ve found good homes for even more Bread and Butter mugs and I only foresee even more purchases in my near future (new designs are emerging and the classics are forever faves). Better yet, when I first decided to get matching merpeople mugs for my boyfriend’s parents, I found a stockist in Toronto that’s now become quite possibly one of my favourite stores ever. (I’m talking about Scout in Toronto!)

I’ve had a lot of down days and just plain old sick or grumpy days; when I do, a cup of tea in my beloved Bread and Butter kitty mug always helps. My mug has brought me so many smiles, and Bethany Butterworth gets all the credit for that. Seriously, THANK YOU for bringing this kitty-lovin’ mug into my life.