We're Moving Forwards!

It's a whirlwind of activity, here.

Hard to believe it's Christmas, the smell of roast turkey from my kitchen pleasantly reminds me of it. This year has passed by so fast that all I want to do is relax and sleep in and have a glass of wine or two.

Three years ago, I was between jobs, I stumbled onto Etsy. And, being a knitter, it made sense to sell my knit goods online. I had no idea what to call my new business. That's when Richard helped me with the name... Galstudio.

Remember our first logo design?

Gal is the first three letters of my last name, and it was my dream to have my own working studio. Selling my knit goods online was, as I discovered, not very successful. Definitely, not enough to make a living. My goal was to have my own home base business.

Richard had been looking for a well made cycling cap for some time. Like his old and used Campagnolo cap that he liked so much but wanted a classic cycling cap with a urban look. He asked me, "You know how to sew, why not make a cycling cap?" And, soon in March, 2009 I was selling my first handmade cycling cap on Etsy.

Richard wears the very first caps sold in March 2009...

The Paris-Roubaix (first version) & the ever so classic,

The Capello da Ciclismo Nero.

Quickly, Galstudio became a handmade cycling cap company. Soon afterwards, we worked with bike inner tubes creating different rubber accessories. That first year I must've modify the cycling cap pattern ten times to get it just perfect. It was a crazy year, I was working by myself and often asked Richard for help during the evenings. It just made sense when Richard came on board full-time. I suggested we re-brand the company to reflect more of the cycling cap/inner tube accessories.

We both utilize our talents: my sewing expertise/computer knowledge and Richard's cycling passion. It's a match made in cycling heaven.

After three years with the Galstudio name, we believe it is time to grow and move further. Importantly, to come up with a new name that better describes who and what we are. We came up with a few names but we haven't made the final choice ....yet! I'm already sketching  a few ideas for the new logo.

The new name will be launched in January 2012.

And looking at my remaining stock with the Galstudio labels I suggested to Richard that it would be impossible to remove the old labels and put on the new ones. So the simple solution is to have... a MEGA SALE!

This mega sale will start on December 26 and we expect to sell out quickly.

I guess I won't relax, but I'll be comforted to know that I'll be working in front of the computer through the holidays ...with a much needed glass of wine (or two)!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Cheers to all of our customers & friends...

past, present & future!

Make It!

We've made it to our biggest show of the season... Make It!

Today starts four days of handmade love at the Croatian Center here in Vancouver. Richard and I are excited to have our Galstudio cycling caps/accessories on sale. 

I invite you all (if you can make it) to attend and come over and meet us. Our booth is located beside the bar in the main room!

Hackett Park Summer Arts & Crafts Fair

This past weekend's Hackett Park Art Festival in Sechelt BC was by far the friendliest show we've been in.

The music was fantastic. The weather beautiful the people that stopped by to chat were very friendly. And, all the vendors were especially nice, too. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Francophone presence. I had the chance to speak French!

Richard and I had the wonderful opportunity, again, to share our booth with our friend Helene. And, it's going to be fun to come back next year and enjoy the Sunshine Coast rhythm!

Recycled Bike Inner Tubes on Recyclart

Our Galstudio recycled La Piccola bike inner tube wallet.

For some time now, I'm following this excellent Recyclart website on everything about sustainability and creativity.

It's one of those websites I check out daily because I like how people recycle in a creative way.

I'm very proud to be amongst the ones that re-cycle, re-duce and re-use. And I would like to thank them for showcasing Galstudio's La Piccola bike inner tube wallets, today!

Burn Rubber Baby!

Well stock of Piccolo Pouches & La Piccola Wallets.

With the upcoming craft show season about to start... let there be rubber!

We're getting ready producing more recycle rubber inner tube pouches and wallets. It's hard to evaulate how many to make because we have only one show under our belt. Each show is so different from one another ...we can only guess.

It's in my nature to over prepare for any situation. So, I figure I've made enough and can make a last minute rush if need be.

So far we've made over 200 Piccolo Pouches. There's a major learning curve working with rubber. And, I'm happy to say that my confidence is high producing these little gems.

This year our goal is to participate in craft shows. We started off going to many to scout them out. It's a jungle out there. The amount of craft shows has exploded. From sustainable, farmer markets, festivals there's many to choose from. What's more amazing the cost can start at $25 to over $1000 for a selling space. Richard and I navigate through this maze and booked ourselves for the Summer. It starts this early June right through to November.

Some of these shows are very expensive and in order to participate we have partnered with our friend Helene. She is the Sewing Goddess and we're happy to be co-partnering and look forward to be working along side her.

For more details follow my Galstudio Facebook page!

The Rubber Traveler

The one of a kind

rubber inner tube custom bag with recycled

pop bottle felt liner... 

I just made a 'custom special bag' for one of my friend's who's off to Thailand next month. He's requesting a bag with adjustable detachable straps for his Netbook.

If you remember, I used to have a laptop sleeve made of recycled rubber inner tubes on my Etsy shop. The bag is a cross between my SoMa iPad Envelope  and the Laptop Tube.

This Netbook has specific dimensions: 10 1/2 X 7 1/2 inches tapered at the front (1/2" thinner at the front).
The rubber is inconsistently crooked to begin with, difficult to have a completely flat sheet. It's not perfect.
And the only way for me to figure it out is to make a 3D model in foam core.

As much as I love to work with rubber, it is challenging to work with. I find that I can't impose my ideas onto it. Often the first idea changes. I have to constantly adapt my design to follow the natural movement of the material. But when it works, it's fabulous.

I'm very happy with this design. I love working with the imperfections of the rubber. I'm in the zen of sewing taking a flawed material working with it to make a wonderful final product!

Velcro closure...

First time I used metal clasps!

Stretching My Rubber!

Richard with the new Musette de Ville bags...

We've been very busy! And, I have gone crazy developing new products with the help from Richard. Our new 3 panel caps were just the beginning...

Our new SoMa Rubber iPad Envelopes. 

I woke up with the idea of the envelope and put it to paper, make the pattern & the prototype. I just love when it goes together, smoothly.

A few days ago, we discovered a new supplier of fabric. I couldn't find this fabric until now. It's called Ecospun felt, made from post consumer pop bottles. Not too thick but the perfect thickness for the
SoMa Rubber iPad Envelope. I don't own an iPad, but I tried my prototype envelope at the local Apple Store. We couldn't be more excited when we touched the iPad. I'm in love! I turn towards Richard and declared, "I want one!"

It was the perfect fit and I knew I didn't have to re-adjust it . We took it back to the studio and started production. Richard got busy washing all the inner tubes and had them all dry for me to start. I like the different colors of felt on the inside and it's so beautiful.

This is our 2nd generation of musette called Musette de Ville. The first musette was more simple like the classic design except for the added zipper. We felt that we needed to redesign the strap. Everyone prefers to wear it at a certain length. So, we made the strap adjustable and we designed a stronger strap with fabric & rubber inner tube. It was Richard's idea to have the musette match the 3 panel caps. I added the stripes & corner tabs to solidify the bottom of the bag. It's stronger than a typical musette bag but lighter than a messenger bag. It's the perfect day bag on or off the bike.

I'm so proud that our two amazing products are now on sale on Etsy & available at  Bird On The Wire Creations in Vancouver!

Getting Cozy!

In my previous post, it took Galstudio by surprise how the Inner Tube Cafe Racer Cozy are selling. I have been using the Cozy everyday since last Spring. Part of the morning routine. Now, I'm putting more on to the Etsy site and the rest will be on sale at the Bird On A Wire store.

Using a felt liner in between inner tubes proven to work really well as an insulator. I practice so much with the overstitching that I'm getting better at it. I'm having fun creating simple, geometric lines.

The winter here is all damp & grey. So the solution, get COZY & sit down with nice hot cups of coffee!

Introducing Galstudio's new generation of

 Inner Tube Cafe Racer Cozys!

Talkin' Turkey & Inner Tubes

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day than talking turkey and Inner Tubes. It's the long weekend and we're sharing it with Turkey and busy producing winter cycling caps & wallets/pouches.

For many years in the past, I was a vegetarian. I always felt there was something missing, the tradition of Autumn the harvest season. Without the smells of roasting turkey it was not quite the same. Most often, we make a 15 pound turkey and we have plenty of leftovers. But, the most important factor is to share it and we do and that's where it counts. In my case, I'm far away from my Quebec family and I try to create my own tradition with friends.

Richard cut about 150 tubes and they're destine to become wallets. In fact, we're getting excited for our first craft show. We figure it's better to make more than be stuck with not having enough. There's been a huge demand for our winter cap's and I anticipate an even bigger success at the show. No one else makes this type of winter cap. With the weather cooling down I'm sure every cyclist will appreciate one of them.

RUBBER SALE!

Ok, I guess everyone was out this Labor Day weekend. No one participated in my free scuola pouch contest.

Well, now I have a Rubber Sale. A what sale you may ask? On Galstudio's Etsy Site I have the sale on my handy little wallets, piccola & scuola pouches. Take advantage of this huge sale... for a limited time!

Fun with Belts

The Pac Man Inner Tube Belt.

Bicycle inner tubes are so fun to work with. A short while ago I was approached to make a inner tube belt for a birthday present. I was supplied with a very fun Pac Man buckle (above). I've never attempted to make a belt before and I looked forward to the challenge.

It's always challenging to make something new. But, that's what is so fun about it. It showed me how versatile rubber is and that there's still plenty of room to learn & explore. It was fun sewing the overstitch and picking out the vibrant orange fabric. Very colorful & electric. I think it turned out very well and the customer was extremely happy.

As soon as this one was done, my old friend Joey wanted one made. Well as you can see it's more in a classic style. He hasn't seen it yet. I won't see him for a few weeks as he's on vacation. I think he'll be pleasantly surprised!

The Plaid Inner Tube Belt.

Going back to ... Scuola!

The new Scuola (Italian for School) Pencil Case.

Today, we're introducing the Scuola Pencil Case.

Made from recycled bicycle inner tubes it's hardy for kid's storing their pens & pencils and anything they can hold in there. It measures 3" X 8". And, if it gets dirty it can be hand cold washed. Each one has a zipper and overstitich on the inner tube matching the interior fun fabric.

Of course, if school is not where you're at, it's versatile capable of holding a multitude of stuff. It can also hold a pair of your favorite sunglasses. Due to demand for something a little longer than our Recycled Piccolo Pouch we've gone longer!

The new La Piccola Wallet!

The new La Piccola Wallet...

Fun, practical, & handy!

You know, after producing this new product, my excitement has grown more intense. I'm talking about Galstudio's new La Piccola Wallet!

This is our first run and we made 20 of these cute little guys and I kept the first one. We first made three prototypes to fine tune them. Working with rubber seems to have it's own mind. I really have to work with it within the constraint of this material. Rubber is not easy to work with but I find it rewarding when I can make something I truly love. Simple details happy fun fabric wrapped in inner tubes is the perfect handy wallet to hold 8 cards and a few bills. It can probably take a few more cards but that's to the owner's discretion.

I had left over pieces of fabric and I used it in the wallets. So much fun just choosing from the funky bright fabric designs. I'm having a lot of fun creating new designs with inner tubes and I hope people will enjoy them as much as I love making them!

Sushi anyone?

Both images by Galstudio.

More corset's for a good fit!

My messy table is crowded, in a good way, with additional Inner Tube Corset's. I have only one left on my Etsy shop and I realize my friend Jean ask me to keep him one. So I spent the better part of Sunday afternoon producing more of them. The weather's been lousy and with the help from Richard we finish them today.

I just sent one to the States and the feedback was wonderful! The feedback is so important it's the the pat on the back that makes a home business hum. It makes it all worthwhile. I'll post them probably tomorrow. So I'm working on a new design for a new product. And, I must say since Richard's been on board with me I don't seem to have enough time designing new products. It's a good thing because we have to generate more work between the two of us. Production has gone up. If all things go well, I'll have a prototype ready by the end of this week. Cross my fingers!

Plunging into Perfection.

I once again learned something valuable. It was yesterday while designing and producing my new Cafe Racer Cozy. Made from, of course, recycled bicycle inner tubes it's not always the most easiest material to work with.

Perfection. Hmm. I thought I knew how to deal with my overly perfectionist tendency. There it was. It showed it's ugly face while I was working on the cozy. My thoughts on perfection is that you can be professional yet it doesn't mean you have to be perfect all the time. For many years, I stopped myself to be creative. Thinking if you can't do something perfectly... just don't do it at all!

It's in the process that perfection will eventually arrive. You have to be aware during the process of making. So every attempt goes closer to perfection. Every person has their  own idea of perfection. I won't get into that.

When I made the first prototype for the cozy, it was sleek, racy with a grey stripe in the middle ready for action. It was perfect. But on the practical side, it wasn't nice. The reclaimed plastic made it stiff and hard to wrap around the coffee press. It looked perfect but that's where it fell short. Frustrated, I went back to the drawing board with close consultation with Richard. And we both decided that the grey plastic strip was  a no go. Our idea is to keep it like our Piccolo Pouch. We tried it and we finally go it!

Yesterday was a day from Hell. Probably not the day to redesign a cozy prototype. The inner tube challenge my patience. But I love a challenge and with perseverance I produced seven refined coffee cozies.

Life is beautiful this way. It always offers you the possibility to better oneself. The true challenge is to stay in the process of learning everyday!

Percolating with ideas.

My prototype coffee cozy with my 
Rocket Fuel Coffee!

My first memory of coffee is with my Dad. I was around six or seven years old. He used Sanka instant coffee measuring 1T of coffee dissolved in 2T of hot water. I would add this mixture to my cold milk. It taste really good!

In my teens I first experienced drip coffee at Tim Hortons and then tasted real coffee at the Cafe du Vieux Port. This is where I discovered the pleasures of  'un bol de cafe aux lait'. For me, coffee is a pleasant way to share with someone you care for. After moving from Quebec to Vancouver, I still can't understand why folks would walk a cup of coffee. Walking and drinking coffee doesn't make sense to me. I always make sure that I enjoy and sit down when having my coffee.

Lately, I've had frustrating mornings waking up after my partner. He usually wakes up about 30 minutes before I do. And he wants to be nice to have coffee ready. The problem is the coffee is warm by the time I pour it. What to do? I've created a coffee cozy out of inner tubes with an insulating fabric liner for my Bodum 8 cup French Press coffee maker. It basically wraps around and keeps the coffee hot. Well, my mornings are nicer to wake up to with hot coffee.

I originally wanted to knit one or make one out of fabric. Of course, when it gets dirty means washing it. That's the idea to use inner tubes. To make it easier to clean it by running it under the tap. You can sponge it off, too. So simple. I'm considering putting the coffee cozy in my shop, but for now, I'm enjoying the prototype ...along with a nice hot cup of coffee!

Eureka!

My Eureka Moment!

You know it when a eureka moment happens. Well, I had one and as I looked at Richard we both knew...

We had Peter over for dinner on the weekend and asked him for his iPhone. It's important to have the actually item to model with. Our idea was simple make a fun iPhone holder, the Galstudio way. My first prototype was a sad one. Just a sleeve. Even Peter wasn't moved by it. But, then on his second visit over he liked it. Caressing it he liked the second version the best and even gave us input on how to close it.

My inspiration came from my handmade journal and kept with the design of the gray & black textured strip. I've added a new sexy twist like a corset with reusable bicycle chain links. It's stunning.

Look for it in my Etsy shop in a week or two!

New look for the recycled journals.

I'm excited to introduce a new series of handmade journals. As you all know the inner tubes are recycled and now I've included a textured plastic that was destined for the dump. This material is used as photographic background and is tough & waterproof. The enclosed recycled paper is neutral. Two journals have white pages while the other two have gray pages. I'm happy with the product and it now gives the journals a beautiful sporty finish!