Gallantandjones's Blog

Gallant and Jones launch new website!

gallantandjones — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:42:11 +0000

So our new website is up and launched! Wow, it’s been crazy and took longer than we expected – doesn’t it always? Anyway, we love it and hope you will too.

You will also find new lower pricing which we are really happy to offer, although it meant letting go of wholesale for now. But we really wanted to sell our North American made furniture at a price we think people can afford and get some real value and enjoyment from.

Our blog is also now being moved over to one site. If you have subscribed by email, you will get notifications when we write a new post. However, if you are a WordPress follower and you wish to continue following us, please go over to our new blog and enter your email to subscribe!

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

Gwyn & Tamra

Chair of the Month: Ib Kofod-Larsen Shell Chair

gallantandjones — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:23:13 +0000

Don’t you think these chairs are just divine?

I’m looking for some comfortable, plain, wooden chairs for our rather small dining area and boom! I wanted something I could add thin cushions to so that I can feed my textiles monster and change them up whenever I get bored…. I found these gorgeous chaps are on 1st Dibbs

As I had never heard of Kofod or Larsen before, or the Ib Shell chair — it felt like time for a Chair of the Month post…

And there I made my first mistake… Kofod-Larsen is actually one man, his first name is Ib and the chair is called the Shell Chair! Ib Kofod Larsen was a Danish furniture designer and architect of the 1950′s and 60′s. Unfortunately he did not garner too much respect for the designs he sold in Sweden, but his pieces were appreciated and enjoyed in Denmark and England. By today Ib Kofod-Larsen is very well respected and admired, his pieces go for an absolute fortune at vintage markets and antiques stores.

These ones are a mighty bit cheaper (about $9,000 less expensive!), except for the shipping from Europe, I’m sure… But they have orangey vinyl seats and I prefer the all wood variety, don’t you?

Ib Kofod-Larsen designed many variants of the Shell Chair, some in leather or vinyl with or without wood, some with metal legs, I believe these variants are also known as Penguin chairs? Love this Rocking Penguin! Something for everyone…. Cross your fingers I find some on eBay!

Gwyn

Textiles Inspiration: Skinny laMinx

gallantandjones — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:18:10 +0000

At last a post about Skinny laMinx and Heather Moore! She’s a sure favourite of mine and no doubt yours too if you have seen her work before? And what better time to write this but at the introduction of her brand new fabulous collection: Rough Cuts.

I find Heather‘s work absolutely spot on in the new indie textiles market. It has soul, it’ rustic, it’s modern and often there is an imaginative nod to past styles and cool designers. This current collection (Rough Cuts pictured in first four images) is inspired by Scandinavian design but has her usual African roots

I LOVE South Africa by the way… And I just love everything she does!

I once had the pleasure of meeting Heather once whilst in Cape Town, South Africa. I asked if I could pop into her studio (a shared space not too far from her newish shop on Bree street). She was awesome, she advised me on the textiles market in Cape Town and told me about her work (this was quite a while before Gallant & Jones came into being and our big move to Canada). Heather couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. I found her to be a likeable, thoughtful, smart and earthy woman who was on her way to becoming a well known name in the textiles and home interiors industry.

Heather is a writer (for Elle Decoration South Africa in the past) an illustrator and designer. She is one busy lady!

The two patterns above are still my favourites. Herds and Cloudbirds… Which are your favourite patterns by Heather Moore?

You can buy her products and yardage at the Skinny laMinx Etsy shop.

xo Gwyn

Textiles Inspiration: Elizabeth Olwen

gallantandjones — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:00:29 +0000

How fresh and uplifting Elizabeth Olwen‘s work is. Put me in a great mood writing this post (rainy rainy Vancouver day). All her prints are really cute and whimsical with interesting shapes and colours. Very fresh and inspiring this rainy Friday!

Elizabeth Olwen lives and works from her home studio in Toronto. She is originally an illustrator and new to surface pattern design. She’s good hey? Elizabeth has recently partnered with Wallpapered.com and created a lovely range of wallpapers, available here. Along with some other cute products that you can find here on Society 6.

Elizabeth Olwen is inspired by pastoral beauty, nature in its most playful forms, folklore and romance. Elizabeth’s work is driven by the desire to leave something beautiful behind with every step she takes. (I got this off her website, I think it’s a nice way to think.)

Elizabeth will attend the Surtex 2013 Show in NYC (isn’t she cute in her lovely video?), booth 752. I have a feeling she will do very well. Good luck Elizabeth!

I think they are lovely, don’t you? Fresh and crisp.
Please visit Elizabeth Olwen’s website and blog.

What do you think? Would love to know!

Gwyn

Smiles For the People

gallantandjones — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:34 +0000

When I threw away yet another toothbrush last week, I wondered how many landfills are brimming with our discarded dental hygiene products? So today we wanted to introduce you to a new and environmentally responsible toothbrush with a generous heart…

The Smiles for the People toothbrush has a 100% biodegradable bamboo handle and soft bristles to make your mouth clean and your dentist happy! But that’s not all, buy one and the equivalent is donated to a person in need!

Smiles For the People

Was founded in 2013 by Joe Brennan, a young entrepreneur with a big plan. Joe hopes that through his buy one donate one toothbrush business he will be giving everyone the opportunity to have access to quality, affordable dental care.

“ We believe that consumers can turn their everyday purchases into small acts of generosity; by purchasing a simple, beautiful, environmentally responsible toothbrush, YOU can help change a life.” says Brennan.

Another thing Brennan mentions that I found poignant is the importance of the smile and how people who lack the ability to smile can often be plagued by feelings of insecurity, poor self-image and sometimes feelings of physical or emotional pain.

“Our name,” Brennan says, “is a rallying cry and a call to action. It demands that each of us stand up and fight for the right of all people to smile- regardless of whether they can afford a dentist or a toothbrush.”

Brennan believes that helping maintain a persons smile can help make the world a more positive and happy place.

I must say I agree, a little smile goes a long way. Funny how a strangers smile can brighten the gloomiest of days…

Here are some other things Smiles for the People do to be eco-responsible:

Every shipment they make is carbon neutral and supports the development of renewable energy.

Their website is powered by wind!

Each toothbrushes is biodegradable and doesn’t use harmful chemicals.

They only work with suppliers who pay their employees enough to afford food, education, shelter, and healthcare.

The box is made of recyclable paper and has limited packaging.

Join their movement and purchase a bamboo toothbrush today and they will donate the equivalent to a smile in need. The website launches today! You can buy yours here.

Good luck guys!

Are you a small company with a big vision? Drop us a line, we love helping to spread the word.

Gwyn

Handmade and Hot: Wineplanks BC

gallantandjones — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:19 +0000

When we visited Circle Craft this year, I came across Wineplanks and Cathy Davison (maker and owner). I really loved all the rustic bread boards and was happy to learn they were made from old wine barrels, and you know how we love repurposing with style…

Who are you and where is your studio? What is your studio like?

My name is Cathy Davison and my company is Wineplanks. I have a studio at my home in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, with a view towards the mountains and vineyards.

Where did you get the idea to make such beautiful products from recycled wine barrels?

I started wineplanks just after I moved to Canada from Australia. I was waiting for my visa and started playing around with a wine barrel my husband had bought home (he is a winemaker). 10 years on I am still creating pieces from barrels. I still get a surprise when I open a barrel and see the wood inside. Each one has a different texture, finish or colour.

Why do you hand make your products? What do you get out of it?

Ever since I was young my hands have been busy. I enjoy the process of creating a piece from scratch and the satisfaction of the customer using that piece in their home. If I am not creating something (anything!) I feel a part of me is missing.

How long does it take to make your pieces and how many barrels are used in the process?

I go through about 150 barrels a year creating my pieces (good job I live in the Okanagan!) Pieces take varying amounts of time, I always have many pieces on the go at once, when one piece is drying, I am sanding another, drilling another, putting handles on another, oiling many more….it goes on and on…..

What new products do you have in mind for 2013?

I have just started producing some black boards, the frames are made up of mosaic pieces of the staves of the barrel. I try and use as much as a barrel as possible and this was another way to create less waste and make something beautiful out of it.

How would you like your collection to grow? And where else would you like to see it sold?

I am constantly thinking up new ideas of products to create. I really enjoy that fact that as well as being beautiful, the pieces are functional and I know people get enjoyment out of using them and are not hidden in a drawer. I love having my pieces sold in a variety of stores, from gift boutiques to eco stores to wineries.

What is the best thing about what you do?

Being able to work from home is a luxury not everyone can have. Having the freedom to set my hours and to work at something that I am still passionate is about after 10 years is privilege that I don’t take for granted. And to see the excitement and pleasure that customers get when they see my work at shows is always great to get the reinforcement that what I am doing is worthwhile.

www.wineplanks.com

Wineplanks products can also be seen and purchased at the “One of a Kind” show in Toronto.

Good luck Cathy! Thanks for answering our questions.

Gwyn & Tamra

Spotted: J Crew Fall/Winter 2014

gallantandjones — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:56:55 +0000

Well we have been quiet this week! It’s been all systems go here preparing for next weeks BC Home + Garden Show, (if you would like free tickets, just leave us a comment at the bottom of the blog post – we have 2 left to give away). Anyway, we have to get back to the grind, but I wanted to show you something I saw today via The Sartorialist: The J Crew 2013 Autumn/Winter Collection in the hopes that it might give you a bit of Inspiration today!

Loving all the mixes of patterns, styles, colours and cultures. A Suzanni design embroidered on a sweater? Clever designers!

Hope you like and have a wonderful weekend.

See you sporadically next week and then we will start picking things up over here properly in March.

Gwyn & Tamra

Chinese New Year Party: Year of the Snake

gallantandjones — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:00:09 +0000

Year of the Snake Fabric by Miriam Bos on Spoonflower

Year of the Snake Fabric by Miriam Bos (fabric above available at Spoonflower)

Our best friend Tannis Ling is throwing her annual Chinese New Year Party this coming Sunday at her amazing restaurant Bao Bei, it jolted some excitement in Tamra and I as it is Year Of the Snake (and that’s us!!) so Tam thought it would be cool to come up with some fun ideas for the party…

Year of the snake banner from Piccadilly Party Co

: Chinese New Year-Snake Puppet by Alphamom blog

Chinese New Year Craft: Year Of The Snake Puppet DIY! by Alphamom

Year of the Snake 2013 Zen Art Original Painting for the Chinese New Year Zodiac by Zen Brush


: Red Ted’s DIY Tutorial Chinese Lantern Fairylights

Chinese Fairy Lanterns, crafts for kids by Red Ted’s Art’s Blog

Beautiful Handmade Faience Snake 10″ Round Plate by John Deriam Co, great gift idea to celebrate the Chinese New Year, especially if they are a Snake…

DIY Paper Fortune Cookies by Spoonful

DIY Paper Fortune Cookies by Spoonful

Tannis will be partnering in revitalising the new Chinese Night Market here in Vancouver, another project to improve our China Town, which means great eats and stylish goods at a market that has sadly faded into insignificance. Bring it on we say, if Tannis is involved it’s bound to be awesome. You can find out more here…

Have a great weekend a fabuloussssssssssss (sorry, couldn’t resist) Chinese New Year!

Gwyn & Tamra

BC Home and Garden Show 2013: Gallant and Jones

gallantandjones — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 04:52:39 +0000

This year we will be at the BC Home & Garden Show on February 20th to the 24th 2013 at BC Place Stadium.

BC Home + Garden Show | February 20th to 24th, 2013 – BC Place Stadium

We are very excited here at Gallant and Jones, because… We will be giving away a FREE DECK CHAIR to one lucky entrant to our competition (must be at the show to enter)!

You will get a sneak peak at our brand new products and new fabric collection for 2013! We are offering FREE SHIPPING on any product bought or ordered at the show (BC addresses only)!

We will also give away some free tickets to the BC Home and Garden Show, all you have to do is go to our website and sign up to our mailing list/like us on Facebook and write a comment here to let us know you are participating.

Come see us at Booth 2316 (upstairs beside the food cart) to enter our competition and meet Tamra and I. The winner will be drawn on the last day of the show…

Gallant and Jones deck chairs in Stanley Park. Photography: Janis Nicolay

This is what they say:

It’s time to RENOVATE, RENEW, & REFRESH!

The BC Home + Garden Show is the most trusted resource for every home improvement project, inside & out. Five days of insight and inspiration for making your house a home, featuring HGTV stars like Bryan Baeumler of Leave it to Bryan, Paul Lafrance of Decked Out and Vancouver’s own Philip DuMoulin & Sarah Daniels of Urban Suburban, 425 retailers and a full line-up of new features, all under one roof.
Satisfaction guaranteed – or the cost of admission is on us.

Hopefully see you there!
Gwyn & Tamra

Textiles Inspiration: Holli Zollinger

gallantandjones — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:00:22 +0000

Hello! Hows about some Monday Textiles Inspiration via the talented artist and textile designer Holli Zollinger?

I recently came across her work on Spoonflower where you can buy her various and varied designs on a range of different types of fabric…

Holli lives in Moab a city in Grand County, Eastern Utah in the western United States. Here is what she says inspires her designs and artwork…

“Inspiration moves me from one thing to the next all day long.

First, I am a mother.

Some days I am a graphic designer.

Some days I am a painter.

Some days I draw and sketch.

Some days I am a fabric designer.

My muses come in different forms,

a potent yellow forsythia bush appearing in spring next to the dark loamy soil,

the wasatch mountains changing to the color pink in the last fading daylight,

the red rock desert,

the spires of the tetons,

the great salt lake and the silent promontory mountains,

and of course…the many many talented artists i discover daily and how they weave creativity throughout their life.”

She obviously has a very broad range of styles. I love the animals and clean cut folkloric themes. And all her graphic patterns would look beautiful as interiors fabrics.

You can also visit Holli’s Etsy shop and buy some of her artwork.

Follow these links to Holli’s website and blog.

Have a great week!

Gwyn