RENEW By Vone Is Open For Business!

I’m so happy to share exciting news that I’ve launched my women’s line - RENEW by Vone - and you can find the new shop on Etsy. RENEW is a collection of women’s accessories including jewellery and handbags, made from recycled, re-purposed and recreated materials. My tag line, which I think best describes the line, is Reimage, Reinvent, Renew.

Starting up my two Etsy shops - Hip Lil’ Kid and RENEW by Vone - has been quite an adventure, and a fun challenge. When I first decided in January to start my own venture, I couldn’t decide exactly where to focus: I love my kids creations at Hip Lil’ Kid, but I also love making accessories and bags. In the end I decided to pursue both - to launch two separate lines, and open up two shops. And I think these lines perfectly represent the two sides of me: I’m a fun, crafty Mom with great kids, and I’m a woman that loves to create and wear beautiful, and fashionable things.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find in my RENEW line.

Years ago, I made a purse from one of my old, unused leather jackets - and I absolutely fell in love with it. I loved that I was reusing a jacket that otherwise would have languished in the bottom of my closet, or been thrown out. And I loved that I designed a right-sized bag - big enough to carry all that I need, with some great pockets for organizing all my things. I have since been collecting old leather jackets and other scraps of leather in great condition wherever I can find them, so I can come up with more designs. I’m definitely inspired by all of the different leather I come across - and it’s leather for each one kind of guides my designs. It may sound cheesy, but the leather sort of tells me what type of purse or bag it wants to be! Currently, I have 3 great bags for sale with, many more to come.

For Christmas 2009 I made some leather earrings for my female family members, and I still love them. I’ve started adding real feathers along with leather and beads to create a unique, one of a kind look.

Living near the water, our family has long collected beach glass from our walks along the shoreline. We’ve collected jars and jars of it, in all shapes, sizes and colours. Last year, I started making jewellery from some of the more interesting pieces of beach glass, with wrapped wire and beads. I love the natural look of them.

I started working with aluminum many years ago, and came up with some pretty creative uses like this fireplace screen, and these ornaments. More recently, I started making jewellery pieces from recycled aluminum, and I love the beauty that can be found in this otherwise everyday item. They are light and delicate looking, but yet strong at the same time. The unique necklace pendant above is made from Coca-Cola can, and has been sanded so it has smooth edges and a distressed finish. It can be worn with either the solid silver side, or the distressed red side, showing.

I hope you’ll check out my RENEW by Vone shop, and that you’ll find something you like! And of course, if you have suggestions I’m always willing to entertain custom orders!