Did you know that the friendly and oh-so-helpful staff at the Mozy Rue ECO Collective are actually artists and crafters masquerading as clerks? Yup...the very people who sell you the goods are the ones who made them, too. (No wonder they look so cool!) It's just one of the things that makes our shop so unique.
Personally, I love getting the chance to talk to the person who built/grew/sewed the item that I am about to buy. If they are passionate about their craft, then it's impossible not to get caught up in their excitement. I always find that knowing the back-story or hearing a little about the process really makes me appreciate the item even more. And, speaking as an artist, I love talking about my art AND hearing about where it's going. (Sometimes I get a little attached to things...it's good to get some closure. *wink*)
So, the next time you're in the shop picking up a gift or a "little something" for yourself, be sure to strike up a conversation with "the girl behind the counter". Chances are, you'll come out of there with more than just a necklace or a notebook.
~ Rebecca
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Handmade in Manitoba? Why, yes!
Look who's been featured on the Handmade in Manitoba blog:
Winnipeg's Eco Craft Collective Shop
~ Rebecca
Winnipeg's Eco Craft Collective Shop
~ Rebecca
Friday, July 16, 2010
Check us out on Try Handmade!
As a columnist at the Try Handmade website, I try to seek out the best in eco-friendly handmade goods for my “going green” column. In the 11 months that I have been writing my articles, I have featured sellers from all over the globe, but it always makes me a little extra happy to big-up my local peeps.
Of course, I don’t want my readers to think I’m biased, so I try to keep the Winnipegcentric content to a minimum. I have also made a point of not featuring my own Etsy shop (save for using a picture of one of my upcycled pillows). With my article about opening of the shop, however, I have broken my own rule and put myself in there. Twice!
So, without further ado, please take a look at our first *feature* article, written by yours truly! What’s in Store – The Mozy Rue ECO Collective
There is so much incredible, diverse talent at the shop; I just wish that I had room enough to include everyone in the piece. (I smell a sequel…)
~ Rebecca
Of course, I don’t want my readers to think I’m biased, so I try to keep the Winnipegcentric content to a minimum. I have also made a point of not featuring my own Etsy shop (save for using a picture of one of my upcycled pillows). With my article about opening of the shop, however, I have broken my own rule and put myself in there. Twice!
So, without further ado, please take a look at our first *feature* article, written by yours truly! What’s in Store – The Mozy Rue ECO Collective
There is so much incredible, diverse talent at the shop; I just wish that I had room enough to include everyone in the piece. (I smell a sequel…)
~ Rebecca
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Follow us!
A little bird told me that EmmsgEMs has a special offer for Twitter followers…twitterers? Tweeters? Twits?
If you're not following us yet, what are you waiting for?
For even more fun, you can also follow emmsgems and zenbecca (that’s me!).
~ Rebecca
If you're not following us yet, what are you waiting for?
For even more fun, you can also follow emmsgems and zenbecca (that’s me!).
~ Rebecca
We've got class(es)!
Although it doesn’t look like much at first glance, one of the cool things about the shop is the big, black movable table/counter/island at the back of the store. During set-up and renovations, it served as a tool bench. After a good wipe-down, it became a buffet; holding trays of hors d'oeuvres (and champagne!) for our friends & family sneak-peak. And soon it will become a classroom of sorts for some after-hours workshops that we have in the works!
In just a couple of weeks, our resident bead-girl, Jody, will be starting a series of terrific jewelry making classes, starting with a Paua Shell Necklace class on Thursday, August 5th, 7-9pm. The cost of the class is $40 and includes everything that you’ll need to make a gorgeous necklace like the one below. Please check out Jody's class calendar for more details.
As a former papercrafting instructor, I can't wait to put on a few workshops of my own, too, and I have a great first project in mind - a pre-loved t-shirt upcycled into a faux-mesh grocery bag. It’s a perfect project for anyone who wants to go green and get a little crafty…and its *almost* no-sew. If you can use scissors, you can make a bag! Are you intrigued yet? Watch this space for details!
~ Rebecca
In just a couple of weeks, our resident bead-girl, Jody, will be starting a series of terrific jewelry making classes, starting with a Paua Shell Necklace class on Thursday, August 5th, 7-9pm. The cost of the class is $40 and includes everything that you’ll need to make a gorgeous necklace like the one below. Please check out Jody's class calendar for more details.
As a former papercrafting instructor, I can't wait to put on a few workshops of my own, too, and I have a great first project in mind - a pre-loved t-shirt upcycled into a faux-mesh grocery bag. It’s a perfect project for anyone who wants to go green and get a little crafty…and its *almost* no-sew. If you can use scissors, you can make a bag! Are you intrigued yet? Watch this space for details!
~ Rebecca
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
More gEMs...just in case.
I stocked my jewelry display case on Friday – each item perfectly placed – not too much, nor too little. Except I neglected to think of the consequences when something sells: gaping holes! Voids in my visual display! I didn’t bring enough jewelry to re-stock. Oops.
So today I’ll go in armed with over-stock. When each item is unique, it’s difficult to think of anything as “extra” – it’s just more earthy goodness waiting to be worn! So buy it all up so that I can put out more!
~ emmsgems
So today I’ll go in armed with over-stock. When each item is unique, it’s difficult to think of anything as “extra” – it’s just more earthy goodness waiting to be worn! So buy it all up so that I can put out more!
~ emmsgems
Today's the day!
At noon today, in a shop window on Osborne Street, a “closed” sign will be replaced with one that says “open” and Winnipeg will become just a little bit cooler.
After weeks and weeks of planning and preparation, the Mozy Rue ECO Collective will open its doors to the public, offering-up an amazing assortment of handmade “green” items. The collective itself is made up of some of the city’s cleverest artists, crafters and designers who share a passion for creating unique, sustainable, eco-friendly goods; each with their own, special twist.
We hope that everyone will stop by to check us out; there is literally something for everyone at the shop and most items are one-of-a-kind. As the assortment will constantly be changing and evolving, customers are encouraged to visit often*. We can guarantee that your shopping experience will never be the same twice!
The Mozy Rue ECO Collective is located at 531 Osborne, right beside Burton Lysecki books. We are open Tuesday – Sunday, 12-5pm every day except Thurs and Fri, when we’re open until 9. Can’t wait to see you there!
~ Rebecca
*Tip: if you see something you like – buy it! It might not be there next time!
After weeks and weeks of planning and preparation, the Mozy Rue ECO Collective will open its doors to the public, offering-up an amazing assortment of handmade “green” items. The collective itself is made up of some of the city’s cleverest artists, crafters and designers who share a passion for creating unique, sustainable, eco-friendly goods; each with their own, special twist.
We hope that everyone will stop by to check us out; there is literally something for everyone at the shop and most items are one-of-a-kind. As the assortment will constantly be changing and evolving, customers are encouraged to visit often*. We can guarantee that your shopping experience will never be the same twice!
The Mozy Rue ECO Collective is located at 531 Osborne, right beside Burton Lysecki books. We are open Tuesday – Sunday, 12-5pm every day except Thurs and Fri, when we’re open until 9. Can’t wait to see you there!
~ Rebecca
*Tip: if you see something you like – buy it! It might not be there next time!
Monday, July 12, 2010
One more sleep!
I can't believe it - the Mozy Rue ECO Collective shop is stocked up and ready to open at noon tomorrow!
I have to give Jody major kudos for all of her hard work and for making it all come together. Trying to organize that many artists is probably very similar to nailing jello to a tree, but she pulled us together and pulled it off...and with time to spare, no less. *round of applause*
Yay us!
~ Rebecca
I have to give Jody major kudos for all of her hard work and for making it all come together. Trying to organize that many artists is probably very similar to nailing jello to a tree, but she pulled us together and pulled it off...and with time to spare, no less. *round of applause*
Yay us!
~ Rebecca
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The countdown is on!
I stopped by the Mozy Rue shop at 531 Osborne last night and things are definitely starting to take shape. Shelves are getting stocked, Jewelry cases are filling up, displays are taking shape...it's starting to look like an actual *store*. How exciting! I can't wait to see it all cleaned-up and full of handmade goodness.
Don't forget, opening day is Tuesday, July 13th...6 more sleeps!
~ Rebecca
Don't forget, opening day is Tuesday, July 13th...6 more sleeps!
~ Rebecca
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tweet, tweet!
Spread the word - Twitter users can now follow us for shop updates, news and more at twitter.com/wpg_ecocraft
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