Video

Just a little video I put together.
Enjoy.

MMM xo

PEACE has been accepted in this years Sooke Fine Arts Show

I was given about 25 brass bullet casings from a friend. I had an idea of a necklace that I wanted to create. The bullets sat for sometime on my work bench while I plugged away at making my ' bread and butter' pieces for the shops that I supply and my market inventory. I was chomping at the bit to get to them but business came first. Finally I had a little free time. I had been dreaming of this piece for some time. It wasn't always exactly the same result but very close. Sometimes when you turn off your brain and follow your heart things just happen. I did not work on this piece all at once, I played here and there when I had free time...and it killed me because all I wanted to do was work on it until it was finished and I as well. I can not tell you how many hours went into it, I started by keeping track and quickly forgot to continue. I knew that I wanted to make something beautiful from something that I felt strongly about.
I had been invited to fire all sorts of weapons one day at the Victoria Fish and Game Protective Ass. everything from a black powder rifle, 100 year old buffalo rifle to a semi automatic. Don't get me wrong it was a rush and I loved it. My husband spent more money buying ammo just so that he could see the smile on my face when I lined up behind this amazing power. But honestly guns scare me. They get into the wrong hands and it only takes seconds for a mistake to happen.
I started by sawing out flowers because I love flowers and I love sawing ( some days...are better than others with the saw ) before I knew it I had 70 + flowers and 6 dragonflies. This year I starting working with dyes and inks to add color to the vintage metal that I work from and so this is what I decided to do. I etched each 17 bullet casing one at a time with a subtle floral motif. Each flower and insect were soldered to a brass wire which was then joined by one brass wire that came through the top of the bullet and attached to the thick black recycled rubber cord. the ends of the cord were finished with 2 separate bullets that I sawed down as end caps,and finally a large multicolored peace sign became the clasp. Each bundle of colorful flowers and pretty dragonflies pop out of the bullets as if they grew out from them.
I am very honored and humbled to say that it has been accepted into this years Sooke Fine Arts Show.
I hope that my piece will portray Peace !
MMM xo

Sometimes we are guided...

As some of you may know my mom and dad in Montreal are my best pickers. They spend 3 seasons scouring the thrift stores, garage and estate sales to find me the best silver platters, serving trays and plates to make my jewelry. Today they shared a lovely and touching story with me. They were off to garage sales in the West Island. They came upon a group of ladies who were selling some goods for a fund raiser. My folks quickly spotted some silver and told the ladies that their daughter makes jewelry from these forgotten treasures. The women said to them that she had just heard of a women in BC that makes jewelry with this metal and my parents said, " it is our daughter ". Sometimes we are guided...
I could hear the quiver in my dads voice as he told me this story, they are both so thrilled for me and I know that they are so proud. With all their encouragement as I was growing up and the constant reinforcement that I could do anything if I set my mind to it,  this has helped make me the strong and determined person that I am today.
Love you mom and dad, more than you know.
MMM xoxo

Mother's Day

Mom,

 

Happy Mother’s Day.

 

I am so sorry that you are without your children today and everyday.

But today I will think of you as I do often. If you were with me today I would spoil you. I would take you out for a pedicure, then off to Butchart Gardens we would go. We would stroll through the gardens hand in hand and you would teach me all about the beauty, we would order tea and sit and chat. We would talk from the heart about nice things, happy things and things that needed to be said. Then off we would go for a beautiful lunch at one of my favorite vineyards, we would sit on their gorgeous patio while sipping chilled white wine as the mist would cool us from the wooden pillars of the pergola. We would order cheese, specialty breads and of course seafood and we would laugh and laugh and enjoy each others company. Then we would come back to our place and we would kick off our shoes and we would sit on the swing and let the breeze guide us. We would listen to the birds sing , watch the turtles sunning themselves on the log in the pond, we would follow the path of the ducks and the babies as they played carefree in the water as the dragonflies fly overhead.

 

I love you mom and think of you often. Please don’t feel alone, because we are always in your heart.

Just remember that Henry and I are the only two people who have ever heard your heart beat from inside your body.

 

Much love mama,

Mimi + H xoxo

New Mediterranean Collection

I was playing around in the studio the other day after being inspired by a class that I took with Brendalee Astells. I got out all my little bits, nails, rivets, screws. I found a lovely Mediterranean style tray in a thrift store not too long ago and this was the end result. Love the layering. I am really enjoying

combining the different metals. Mixed Metal Mimi...

MMM xo

New Spring of 2015 Colors Collection.

It feels like spring here on Vancouver Island. I know that the rest of Canada has suffered greatly this winter with storm after storm. We virtually have not experienced winter this year at all. I feel grateful and relieved to live in such a beautiful place. Therefore I have been inspired to create a very cheerful and colorful line of jewelry. As always I use recycled silver plate platters, trays and plates which I add a concoction of colorful dyes.
Enjoy .
MMM xo

Helpful Tips

Good to know when choosing a bracelet size.

MMM xo

Mixed Metal Mimi on TV

Mixed Metal Mimi is on TV.

I was so fortunate to have Daphne Goode and Orlando her cameraman come visit my studio and do a piece on my story.

Here it is, enjoy.

MMM xo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er599qOzr6I

Choosing the Right Necklace Length

Choosing the Right Necklace Length.
Ever wonder which length is best for you? I hope this helps.
MMM xo

News Paper Article

Thank you Caroline Storie for taking the time to visit my studio and taking an interest in my story.
MMM xo

http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/news/291347271.html

Day 5 of the Art Challenge

Last day of the Art Challenge.

MMM xo

Art Challenge

I was nominated by one of my artists friends to take part in an art challenge. I am to post on Facebook 3 photos of my art work for 5 days. Here is day 1-4 .
MMM xo

Mother and Daughter Bond

Mother and Daughter Bond

I am 50 years old this year and I still receive care packages from my parents in Montreal. As some of you may know they are my 'Great Canadian Pickers' they spend 3 seasons souring the garage sales and estate sales to get me the best silver plate items for me to recycle. I could not do it without them because I just don't have the time. I don't tell them enough how much it means to me. ( love you mom and dad and thank you xoxo) When a box of silver comes in there is always a little treat. Sometimes it is a box of Quebec maple syrup ( liquid gold ) or a little bird for my garden or a cute top that my mom found in a garage sale that she knows  I will love. So at Christmas time there was a heavy box that came filled with 4 cans of maple syrup, candies, recipes cut out from a magazine ( my mom loves her magazines- I always tell her that she can get any recipe that she wants on the 'Google box' but she still love her magazines.) As I unpacked the box there was another box of cookies I just figured that they 're-gifted' them to me. But inside was the most special gift. A hand knit sweater from my mom. It was so lovingly folded with tissue , extra wool and buttons and the best part was the tag which she added a few special words with a pen. It fits me like a glove. We live miles apart and don't see each other often but she still knows me. I guess you are always your mothers baby. Since losing my only sibling some time ago I have formed a wall around myself so that when I will face losing another important person in my life it will hurt less. This gift really touched my heart. My mom has always bean a knitter and sewer and she taught me something I will always cherish. We used to tease her because she would knit at night while ' watching TV '  and often she would fall asleep with her knitting needles in hand, she could doze off for minutes at a time and all you had to do was nudge her and she would wake up and continue exactly where she left off never missing a stitch. These are some of the many special memories that I will always carry in my heart.
Thank you mom, I love you with all  my heart.xo
MMM xo

Christmas Show Schedule for 2014

Here is a list of the shows that I will be at before Christmas:

Soul Escape Spa - Duncan- Nov.18th 3-6pm
Butchart Gardens Invitational- Brentwood Bay BC- Nov.20th
Gifts for Myself and Others- Victoria BC- Nov. 21-23
Gifts and Wishes- Coast Collective, Colwood- Nov.26th-Dec.21st
Out of Hand Artisan Fair- Victoria BC- Nov. 28-30
A Touch of Salt Spring- Saanichton BC- Dec.5-7
Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair- Sidney BC -Dec. 13-14

Come say hello if you are planning on going 
MMM xo

A Hero

I have discovered a hero.
I have been following a young girl on Facebook who lives in Port Alberni and makes blankets for sick children. She started 2 years ago and it has grown to be a full time job. I was fortunate to meet Angel and her mom Cheryl last week. Mr. Roy, Shiraz and I went for a rainy drive to deliver some of my life long quilting fabric, thread and extras. After Angel excitedly dove into the 2 boxes pulling out every color and pattern I was invited to sew some hearts on one sick child's quilt. After each quilt gets assembled it gets 4 hearts sewn into each corner, a pocket sewn on the front where a small stuffed animal will live and of course an angel gets sewn on as well. Then each quilt and stuffy gets a hug from Angel where she adds her love. Shiraz and I were asked to add our ' love' to the blankets as well before they get carefully packed and sent to any sick child in the world that needs one. Unfortunately there will never be a lack of sick children. They are always looking for donations of fabric, money and time. Shiraz and I are invited back to help sew and this is in my plans for 2015. I also know where my money donation will be going this year :) I could have stayed all day but we needed to make our way back home and Mr. Roy was already very patient and sat in the truck for 1 hour while I visited. I came away from this experience with a full heart. The world is a better place because of this loving young lady. Thank you Angel for being you.
MMM xo

October Give Away

October is Breast Cancer month. This was the first year that I did not participate in the 'Run for the Cure' and I missed the pre walk celebrations and time spent with the ' pink' girls. So here is this months Mixed Metal Mimi's Give away.
Please just 'like' and 'share' to get your name in the draw. Contest will end Oct.28th, 2014 at 11:59 PM.
Thank you and good luck.
MMM xo

The best Canadian Pickers

The best Canadian pickers are my mom and dad. They live in Montreal, they are retired and they spend 3 seasons scouring the garage and estate sales for treasures to keep Mixed Metal Mimi Jewelry stocked up. They spend Saturdays and most Sundays driving around the Island of Montreal searching for silver, copper and brass treasures that people have lost interest in. They are experts now after 3 years of doing this for me. They do not bother buying one piece at a time anymore they buy up EVERYTHING.
They load up their vehicle, bring everything into the house and carefully wrap each piece in bubble wrap
 and tissue. They have also become expert packers and often have to make their own cardboard boxes to house all these treasures. Then off to the local

 post office they go, sometimes with a box of my mom's homemade fudge ( sucre a la creme ) for the post office employees that know them by name I am sure. My dad will track the parcels and call me , " Mimi you will need your dolly, make sure someone helps you, we don't want you to get a hernia..." I get the parcel home and this is like Christmas for me everytime.
I am busier than I have ever been these days and loving it but sometimes I forget to tell them how much I appreciate what they do for me, it is their way of helping me in my business and feeling close to me since we are many miles apart, But it all means the world to me, they mean the world to me. I love you both very much mom and dad, you are the best.
MMM xoxo

On the Butchart Gardens Blog

Here is a little write up on Mixed Metal Mimi at the Butchart Gardens Gallery.
MMM xo

The Butchart Chronicles : March 12, 2014

GALLERY OPENS IN APRIL

What:  Boutique Gallery

Where:  Next to the Information Center

When:  Early April to October 16

Our boutique Gallery is located next to the Information Center. The Gallery displays and sells local artisanal works such as sculpture, garden décor, and jewellery.

This year the Gallery is showcasing recycled-metal jewellery and accessories made from vintage silver, copper and brass serving platters, serving trays and plates, turning family heirlooms no longer used or cherished into jewellery for people to enjoy.

Mimi Roy is the artisan behind Mixed Metal Mimi.  Asked when she started turning old, unused metal objects into jewellery and accessories, she tells a story about glancing at a rather non-descript copper pot one day. It had sat on her desk for ages, and in the blink of an eye, she didn't see a copper pot any more but rather a pair of 'funky' copper ear rings.  The ball was set into motion and Mixed Metal Mimi the result.  We enquired about what keeps her interested after almost five years of doing this work and she explained, "Each piece intrigues me because there are so many secrets, history and mystery locked in their blemished, tarnished exteriors. You never know what was served on these beautiful pieces, or who might have eaten from them. Some pieces date back to the early 1900s when times were simpler."

We are sure you will be as delighted with her designs and fascinating story about how she recycles old metal into new and one-of-a-kind creations.

New Photos

Photo Shoot at Mixed Metal Mimi's Studio.

I am so fortunate to have a

wonderful and creative photographer capture what I wanted in my photographs so beautifully. She is truly a professional.  Thank you so much for accepting my offer Marcelle  to photograph my work and myself. I am so proud to share these with my family, friends and wonderful customers.

Mimi xo

What a beautiful way to start my day.

This was a note from a customer that I received today and wanted to share with you.
Recently I have decided to take a leave from my dental hygiene position ( a profession that I have worked at for 22 yrs. ) to pursue my love for recycling vintage metal into one of a kind jewelry. This note encouraged me to continue doing what I love to do.
Thank you J xo

" What a lovely etsy shop you have! I found you quite by accident - I was searching for recycled copper earrings. I love how you described the process for developing the leaf earrings I am buying. 

I shop here on etsy because I want one-of-a-kind pieces - and I can tell from the write-ups in your shop descriptions that that is important to you too. I love vintage, I love originality, I love the idea that I can shop all over the world here on etsy! Finding your shop has made the start of my work day in a cubicle with no natural light much brighter! Your love for what you do came across in the descriptions of your creations; that was a needed inspiration! "