Filou Designs

New Branch Ring!

2011-06-02T12:04:00.001-07:00

Okay, this is probably a little sneek peek for Fall but having an iPhone makes it too easy to share things as they unfold! Branch Ring, Adjustable!...Click here to view

Filou's Bird Seed Project!

2011-05-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Filou’s Bird Seed Project is inspired by the artist’s two lovebirds, Banana and Sailor. Banana, a 4 year old yellow creamino lady bird and Sailor, a 2 year old whiteface double factor violet sweetie boy, drop their beautiful feathers while flying around the home. The growing collection of feathers inspired the jewelry designer to make a limited edition collection in honour of her feathered friends. She loves the way the earrings catch the wind and make flapping sounds like her birds! Her mother who loves lovebirds as well has started to save feathers for the Bird Seed Project. Her birds are named Snow, Bubble Tea, Frosty, Popied, Opal, Crayola, Jack and Jill. Banana and Sailor love organic bird seed and millet seed, which are their “candy”. 100% of the proceeds go to their organic birdie lifestyle!

Available at Shop Cocoon (3345 Cambie St., Vancouver BC) and Favourite Gifts (Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver BC) and select shows.

New Work from the Spring Collection

2011-04-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

The new Spring Collection includes both a little of nature and whimsy. Most of the pieces are mini sculptures fashioned by hand while the button was actually cast from a real little button! Fortune Cookie Necklace 3D is a cute little lucky charm which can be worn everyday or kept for special occasions (ie. chinese takeout date?).

At this very moment, I am wearing the Button Necklace 3D on a 16" chain and the Bee Necklace 3D on a 20" chain. It makes a wonderful layering duo and matches pretty much anything!

When I look at all the pieces together I see a story hiding within...Check out more of the Spring Collection at www.filoudesigns.bigcartel.com

The Miracle Workers

2011-04-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to care for your jewelry. We find that one of the best ways to clean our silver pendants is by simply using whitening toothpaste such as Crest Whitening, and then buffing it with a polish cloth. For updated tips on how to care for your jewelry, including 24K gold vermeil & bronze, please visit our website http://www.filoudesigns.com/jewelrycare.html =)

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-24T23:36:00.001-08:00

New Letter Medallions!

2010-09-22T15:25:00.001-07:00

We were getting several requests for the Filou Signature Medallions to come in letters...and now here they are! These make the perfect personalized gift and can be worn everyday (also great for layering!)

Available online at www.filoudesigns.bigcartel.com and select shops =)

Limited Edition Ametrine Collection

2010-07-12T14:13:00.001-07:00

Ametrine is a crystal combination with purple amythest and yellowy citrine. I love raw cut stones!

Please e-mail us (admin@filoudesigns.com) for availability. We will sell the pieces in the order we receive requests. Thanks!

1. Leaf 3D Small with Tassels & Ametrine, 36 inch $110
2. Circle Twig with Ametrine, 18 inch $86
3. Damask Mirror Bird with Ametrine and Chain, 22 inch $134
4. Coral 3D Bronze with Ametrine, 18 inch $81
5. Double Flat Cable Leaf 3D with Ametrine, 30 inch $105
6. Wishbone 3D Bronze with Ametrine, 18 inch $72
7. Twig 3D Chameleon with Ametrine, 32 inch $127
8. Silver Medallion Swallow with Ametrine and Chain, 18 inch $98
9. Little Owl Hoop with Ametrine, 24 inch $143
10. Twig 3D Bronze Chameleon with Ametrine, 36 inch $114 SOLD
11. Heart Key and Ametrine Layered Necklace, 16/18 inch $88

Hidden Gem Soiree

2010-06-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

hidden gem soiree is a series of fun filled evenings taking place in vancouver's neatest cafes, wine bars, galleries and studios. each evening highlights works of a small group of talented local designers in fashion, jewellery, accessories and home decor.

our next event is...

Date: Thursday, July 8, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Raw Canvas
Street: 1046 Hamilton Street
City/Town: Vancouver, BC

featuring:

Filou Designs -handcrafted sterling silver and 24K gold vermeil jewelry
Rosy Designs - sweet cards and prints
L'arbre Love - original wood jewelry
& a Communal Canvas!!

Feel free to book your own canvas through Raw Canvas!

For more info: http://www.hiddengemsoiree.com/

Hope to see you there!!

The Tiny Fig

2010-06-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a great little post by The Tiny Fig on Fab Fair !!

Wholesale

2010-06-04T13:27:00.001-07:00

If you have a store and are interested in carrying the Limited Edition or One of a Kind pieces, please contact us at sales@filoudesigns.com to schedule a viewing at our Vancouver Studio.

Message in a Bottle

2010-06-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Limited Edition: "Message in a Bottle" Collection

The "Message in a Bottle" Necklace is the perfect necklace to go with your summer attire. On a 24" chain this piece is very versatile and easily thrown over summer dresses, tanks and bikinis! Each bottle is different. Some have a few grains of special "Hoshisuna" star sand collected from my travels to Okinawa, Japan; a little message on recycled cotton fabric paper from South India, a seashell, and a feather! Feel free to add your own little treasures!!

New Bronze!!

2010-05-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, Beautiful Bronze. I am really liking this metal. It's different, it's vintage-y, it's earthy. The 3D pieces look especially nice in this colour. If you would like one in this colour please contact me!

Studio Pictures

2010-04-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

More Reclaimed Seaglass Necklaces

2010-04-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Limited Edition & One of a Kind: Filou Reclaimed Seaglass

2010-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico (a fabulous and quaint island off of Cancun), I came across a beach that was full of seaglass. This beach was quite rocky and was obviously a place for party-ers to hang out, thus leaving their broken beer and liquor bottles behind. Something good did come out of it though. There are little treasures of seaglass sprinkling the shoreline. My favourite being the aqua pieces. The clean salt water has been washing over them for months...years maybe, which have softened the edges and give a nice smooth 'sand-blasted' texture. I love the rawness and irregularity to the pieces.

I was looking for something to add to the Filou pieces. I think Seaglass is a nice little addition. The pieces are one of a kind, unique and we are doing some good for the environment by reclaiming and reusing the glass (not to mention cleaning up the beaches a bit!).

The nature of these pieces are that no two are alike and when you spot one you like, you shouldn't let it go. The Filou Reclaimed Seaglass pieces are Limited Edition and One of a Kind. We'll be on the look out for seaglass on the beaches we travel to. Another excuse to travel... =)

Fun Little Slideshow !!!

2010-04-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Facebook Fan Page Contest

2010-03-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

We just started a Facebook Fanpage, please join us!! We will pick one lucky fan in May who will win a Filou Designs Necklace valued at $50!! Click here to join!

Get the Look

2010-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Filou Designs new Shells 3D Collections was recently featured in TV Week Magazine! Get your hands on one here!!

Filou Bracelets!!!

2010-03-16T10:14:00.001-07:00

Behold! The new Filou Medallion Hoop Bracelet (which is available in all medallion designs and in silver or gold vermeil)!!

I was out to design a bracelet that was sleek, non-fuss, comfortable and suited wrists of all sizes. I have to give a little credit to my husband Jim in helping me figure out this one =) I haven't seen anything like it so it's completely unique.

How does it work? Simply place the bracelet on your wrist and pull the end through the hoop. Then clasp on to any link that is comfortable. This bracelet is adjustable so you can wear it loose or tighter.

If you would like one, please e-mail me at admin(at)filoudesigns.com !

30 Essential Vancouver Jewellery Designers

2010-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you Vancouver Mom for this wonderful article and including Filou Designs on your list!!!

Vancouver Mom has some other great lists such as 50 Essential Vancouver Portrait Photographers. This is a great place to start in checking out Vancouver talent =)

A peek into the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection!

2010-03-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

For the Spring/Summer 2010 Collections I worked on some special 3D pieces that are cast from my favourite shells collected over the years. Thank you Lisa for this lovely little article!

Here are a couple more pieces!

Cast from a branch found while strolling along Kits Beach.

For coffee lovers! Cast from a really bean!!

Filou in New York!

2010-02-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

I have been very fortunate to travel with Filou and earlier this month, Filou took me all the way to New York to show at the New York International Gift Fair! Filou Designs was in the company of other amazing handmade jewelry artists from all across the US and Canada, including our friendly neighbour Jennifer & Irine from Matsu (www.matsujewellery.com). In my spare time, I enjoyed cupcakes at Magnolia, bruchetta and paninis at Cafe Ino, shopping in Soho, and watching "Wicked" at the Gershwin theatre.

Spend on Trend

2009-08-27T16:14:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for coming out to Spend on Trend! You can view pictures of the event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102270874068&ref=search&sid=524635315.4269605036..1

Filou Designs was also featured in Stylefinds (posted by Lisa), a happy owner of the new Acorn Necklace 3D. Thank you Lisa!! http://stylefinds.blogspot.com/2009/08/spotted-at-spend-on-trend.html

Learn more about the show at www.spendontrend.com

On model (Madison): Filou Designs Twig Necklace 3D

Upcoming Shows

2009-06-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Filou Designs was at Portobello West yesterday! You can also visit us at these other design shows coming up:

Portobello West Vancouver
Rocky Mountaineer Station 12-6pm
June 28
July 26
August 30
September 27
October 25
(Every last Sunday of the Month)
http://vancouver.portobellowest.com/

Spend on Trend Vancouver
Scotiabank Dance Center (677 Davie)
August 21, 22, 23
http://www.spendontrend.com

One of a Kind Show Vancouver
Oct 8-10
http://oneofakindvancouver.com/

Our Best to You- Red Deer, AB
Oct 30-Nov 1
http://ourbesttoyou.ca

Our Best to You- Regina, SK
Nov 13-15
http://ourbesttoyou.ca

Winnipeg Signatures Christmas Show
Nov 19-22
http://signatures.ca/winnipeg/

Out of Hand- Victoria, BC
Nov 20-22
http://outofhand.ca

Festival of Crafts- Calgary, AB
Nov 26-29
http://ourbesttoyou.ca/calgary/

Portobello West Vancouver
Nov 28-29
http://vancouver.portobellowest.com/

One of a Kind Toronto
Dec 1-6
http://www.oneofakindshow.com/xmas09/

One of a Kind Chicago
Dec 3-6
http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/

Butterdome Christmas, Edmonton
Dec 3-6
http://www.worldofcrafts.ca/xmas08/default.html

Portobello West Vancouver
Dec 12-13
http://vancouver.portobellowest.com/

Visit http://www.filoudesigns.com to find out where to find Filou Designs in stores!

Beluga Family

2009-06-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Vancouver Aquarium and was recruited as a volunteer Beluga Observer to observe and research Aurora's pregnancy and birth of her calf (2 days ago). Here is a photo I took the day after the new baby beluga girl was born. This is a photo of 4 generations of the Beluga Family (from top; the Baby, Tiqa, Aurora, and Qila). Today is also Tiqa's 1st Birthday! Perhaps you will see a beluga inspired piece in the near future...

You can see a live web cam of the Belugas and a video of the birth at http://www.vanaqua.org/belugacam/

Our trip to Edmonton

2009-05-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the Butterdome Show in Edmonton. We stayed on Whyte Avenue which is my favourite strip in the city, it's got lots of funky independent boutiques. One of the shops has just picked up the Filou line so stay tuned...it will be there in a few weeks!

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-29T11:56:00.001-07:00

You all know Filou loves all things to do with trees, leaves, birds and nature. Some of my inspiration comes from walks in the forests, the beach, travels small and big, and everyday life.

This is a photo we took while planting trees and shrubs at Jericho Beach to celebrate Earth Day with http://www.evergreen.ca/en/

Open Studio

2009-04-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Open Studio and everyone who sent their warm wishes! It was a fantastic night =) Wish I got a picture of the crowd but I must have got caught up in it all!!

My Jewelry bench that Jim handmade

Buddies, Jenny and Tabitha from Two of Hearts boutique http://two-of-hearts-clothing.com and designers of Cici http://jystarapparel.com and Togs Design http://www.togsdesign.com clothing lines

Yves and Jim

The lovely Geneva

Filou Designs Open Studio Sale!

2009-04-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Details at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=66379958949&ref=mf

Online Portfolio

2009-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak of the New 3D Collections

2009-03-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

New this season is is the 3D Collections. You will be able to see more at the Shop Cocoon Spring Forward Designer Launch Event and popping up in stores across Canada. The 3D Collection compliments Filou Designs signature cutout and medallion styles. These new pieces also sport Filou Designs Original "Fiddlehead Bail".

Shop Cocoon Spring Forward Designer Launch Event

2009-03-11T08:42:00.001-07:00

Filou Designs will be taking part in Shop Cocoon's Spring Forward Designer Launch event. There will be a selection of the new 3D Collections; inspired by the Sea.

"Scope out must-haves for Spring & enjoy a one day sale on new arrivals. Free goodie bag worth over $35 for first 40 customers. Drinks and nibbles served. At Shop Cocoon 3345 Cambie Street (@ 17th Avenue). Thursday March 26th, 2009 11-9pm. http://www.shopcocoon.com "

2009-03-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

This is the Kyoto Garden Eastern Narrative Necklace. It is from the first collection I worked on, inspired by my time living in Japan. This is an example of one of my original sketches before I saw it out in sterling silver sheet metal.

Hello!

2009-03-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

My name is Fiona I am the creator of Filou Designs jewelry which features handcrafted solid sterling silver and 24K gold vermeil jewelry. I transform my original sketches into wearable art. My signature styles are Cutouts (that play with negative and positive spaces composing little images like in a photo or on a canvas) and Medallions (meldy looking raised images that are derived from a process using my own carvings).

Samples of my jewelry collections can be viewed on my website http://www.filoudesigns.com . Here you will be able to check out the latest ongoings of Filou Designs. Welcome!