On the Blog:
MEET THE CREATORS
As a self-taught jewelry designer, Jenny is naturally drawn to other founders. We sat down (virtually of course) with three of Toronto’s top female creators, all decked out in our Holiday 2020 Collection for the shoot. These three women also happen to make some of Jenny’s favourite things, using their sharp eyes and sleight of hands, pouring their heart and soul into the pieces they create.
To bring some holiday joy, we have secured a discount code for 20% off your purchases on sidiathebrand.com, maryratcliffe.studio, and carmelfloral.com from December 10th until December 13th.
Use code JBFAVES20 at checkout on their sites to apply the discount.
MARY RATCLIFFE
Principal of Mary Ratcliffe Studio
@maryratcliffestudio
You might know her for:
Her handsome, solid furniture pieces.
You might know her for:
Her handsome, solid furniture pieces.
Mary Ratcliffe in the Stevie Chain Necklace, Constance Chain Necklace and the Teeni Toni Huggie Earrings.
As a self-taught artist, Mary Ratcliffe is known for her timeless-with-a twist solid furniture pieces that are handmade out of her studio in Toronto. Her recent Catch Alls have caught the eye of just about everyone. Here’s how she brought it all together.
ON GAINING EXPERIENCE
MR: My path was anything but linear, though I wish I worked at more than three studios (before launching her own). I probably could have learned some lessons that would be less painful or easier if I had the experience—as opposed to learning on the fly.
The Biggie Chain Necklace & Constance Chain in the Calcatta Gold Catch All.
ON THE CATCH ALLS
MR: I wanted to incorporate a material into my furniture practice for so long, and I explored this material (a hybrid of man-made stone and pigments from natural stone) with an intern about a year ago. We played around with it and put it back, and went back to making my solid wood furniture. We gave a few away as client gifts during the holidays. But once the pandemic hit in March, people weren’t buying big pieces of furniture. So we come back to the Catch Alls. One day we posted 10-12 of them up on IG—they sold out in seven minutes.
ON THE CATCH ALLS
MR: I wanted to incorporate a material into my furniture practice for so long, and I explored this material (a hybrid of man-made stone and pigments from natural stone) with an intern about a year ago. We played around with it and put it back, and went back to making my solid wood furniture. We gave a few away as client gifts during the holidays. But once the pandemic hit in March, people weren’t buying big pieces of furniture. So we come back to the Catch Alls. One day we posted 10-12 of them up on IG—they sold out in seven minutes.
As a self-taught artist, Mary Ratcliffe is known for her timeless-with-a twist solid furniture pieces that are handmade out of her studio in Toronto. Her recent Catch Alls have caught the eye of just about everyone. Here’s how she brought it all together.
ON GAINING EXPERIENCE
MR: My path was anything but linear, though I wish I worked at more than three studios (before launching her own). I probably could have learned some lessons that would be less painful or easier if I had the experience—as opposed to learning on the fly.
The Biggie Chain Necklace & Constance Chain in the Calcatta Gold Catch All.
ON SPARKING CREATIVITY
MR: Lists really help me. I often feel stuck because I’m feeling emotional about something. So I identify the problem, the emotion. Then I get some exercise. It’s really so important, it’s been tough during the pandemic. I wasn’t a runner before—I used to go to a pilates class or go for a swim. And getting into nature; so much of what I create is influenced by nature—though it’s not immediately obvious.
ON HER FAVE PIECE IN HER CLOSET
MR: I have a pair of light acid wash Dolce and Gabbana jeans that I bought in university at Value Village for $11.99 over 15 years ago. They fit me so perfectly. Also my vintage ring, with a wedding date of the original couple inscribed. It’s over 100 years old.
ON GOAL SETTING
MR: Ask to talk to people: Entrepreneurs, or people you admire. People are surprisingly nice. I also always write down my goals, and check back with them every 3-4 months. I might alter and assess them— it’s crazy how often these things come through.
SHOP MARy'S JB PICKS
Swipe to view products
Stevie Necklace in gold
Constance Chain Necklace in gold
Teeni Toni Huggie Earrings in gold
Biggie Chain Necklace in gold
Biggie Chain Necklace in gold
Stevie Necklace in gold
Constance Chain in gold
Teeni Toni Huggers in gold
Erin Kleinberg
CEO of SIDIA and Métier Creative
@erinkleinberg
You might know her for:
Her drapey, ultra flattering caftans
You might know her for:
Her drapey, ultra flattering caftans
Erin is wearing the Acton SIDIA set with the JENNY BIRD Cordo Drop Earrings, Foli Ear Cuffs & the Constance Necklace.
In just over a decade, Erin Kleinberg has launched a handful of brands (including her newest, SIDIA), birthed two beautiful humans and helped dozens of top tier brands level up their game.
ON HER NEW BABY, SIDIA THE BRAND
EK: My newest brainchild is a combination of everything I’ve done, from styling to consulting with brands. Sidia is named after my grandmother, who died on March 11th—the day before the world closed. She was the last funeral I attended and I felt like as one life ends, another is birthed. While grief stricken, I used the brand’s platform to tell stories and create a world that celebrates her story. We started with a caftan which is so universally appealing and a symbol of multi-generational living and living an effortless life. You can show up on Zoom and still feel super beautiful.
ON HER NEW “SETS”
EK: Like the iconic Dianas (Princess, Ross) before us, we can all agree that a matching, monochrome set is a no-brainer way to look instantly pulled together. Think of our draped cardigan and wide-leg palazzo pant as a step above your classic sweatsuit.
ON CREATIVITY
EK: It used to be, I’d be dreaming of a trip to Morocco. But now, sometimes I’ll go back in my mind to a moment where I was having lunch with my Mum in New York City—I seek out little Easter egg moments. To go back and look at something in precise detail, like a kitchen in a Nancy Meyers movie for example—I think targeted creativity like that is so cool, and so inspiring.
ON INSPIRATION
EK: I’m addicted to fresh air. This year has catapulted it even further. I love taking my children into nature and experiencing it with them. I get so much inspiration from seeing things through a child’s eyes for the first time, like how my daughter Parker experiences jelly fish at the aquarium; that virginal creativity is so visceral.
ON BREAKING THE RULES
EK: It might seem taboo, but sometimes my most creative work comes on the weekends. If my kids are sleeping and I don’t have emails coming in constantly, sometimes my best creativity comes through.
ON TRENDS
EK: I loved them a lot in my early twenties; as I got older I started to trust my intuition more and my taste evolved. Fashion is so cyclical, and it takes time to develop your personal style. The idea of seeing something on the runway and then rethinking it six months later? That’s over. What works for me is almost like a uniform— yellow gold jewelry, sneakers and SIDIA.
ON HER FAVE PIECE IN HER CLOSET
EK: It all goes back to Sidia. I have this a tri-colour prong necklace of hers that feels regal, like a piece of armour when I wear it.
In just over a decade, Erin Kleinberg has launched a handful of brands (including her newest, SIDIA), birthed two beautiful humans and helped dozens of top tier brands level up their game.
ON HER NEW BABY, SIDIA THE BRAND
EK: My newest brainchild is a combination of everything I’ve done, from styling to consulting with brands. Sidia is named after my grandmother, who died on March 11th—the day before the world closed. She was the last funeral I attended and I felt like as one life ends, another is birthed. While grief stricken, I used the brand’s platform to tell stories and create a world that celebrates her story. We started with a caftan which is so universally appealing and a symbol of multi-generational living and living an effortless life. You can show up on Zoom and still feel super beautiful.
ON HER NEW “SETS”
EK: Like the iconic Dianas (Princess, Ross) before us, we can all agree that a matching, monochrome set is a no-brainer way to look instantly pulled together. Think of our draped cardigan and wide-leg palazzo pant as a step above your classic sweatsuit.
ON CREATIVITY
EK: It used to be, I’d be dreaming of a trip to Morocco. But now, sometimes I’ll go back in my mind to a moment where I was having lunch with my Mum in New York City—I seek out little Easter egg moments. To go back and look at something in precise detail, like a kitchen in a Nancy Meyers movie for example—I think targeted creativity like that is so cool, and so inspiring.
The Acton Sidia set with the JENNY BIRD Cordo Drop Earrings & the Foli Ear Cuffs.
SHOP ERIN'S JB PICKS
Swipe to view products
Cordo Drop Earrings in gold
Constance Chain Necklace in gold
Foli Ear Cuff Set
Constance Chain in Silver
Cordo Drop Earrings in gold
Foli Ear Cuff Set
Constance Chain Necklace in gold
HAYLEY O’BYRNE
Founder of CARMEL FLORAL
@carmelfloral
You might know her for:
Her fluid, otherworldly floral designs.
You might know her for:
Her fluid, otherworldly floral designs.
Hayley is a self-taught floral designer who fuses both a fashion and artistic lens to every arrangement she creates. From working with Levi’s to living in London, here’s how she flows through her floral practice.
ON WORKING IN A BOX
HO: While it’s fun being alone and experimenting with zero constraints, I also love to collaborate. I like working within a box to see how far things can be pushed, and how to represent a brand or product in a new or unexpected way. Fitting into a brand or designer's character is always an interesting challenge.
ON DRIED FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
HO: I’ve been hoarding dried grasses for various things—I’m really excited about it. I started making monthly dried floral arrangements for two local restaurants, that was an incredible way to explore the medium and unexpected pieces. There’s something very pleasant about dried flowers; it’s nice to be able to hold onto something that’s unchanging.
ON THE PANDEMIC AND HER PROCESS
HO: Earlier in the year, I had to pause on work as I was caring for a family member. A lot changed with my business after experimenting with different ideas, like individual deliveries. And being attuned to this worldwide pause gave me a chance to learn and think about my new trajectory. I thought about how I could pull away from the aesthetic and make my practice a more authentic endeavour, out of respect for the plants I work with. That’s one of the key pillars of the philosophy behind Ikebana (the Japanese style of arranging). I thought about taking it a step deeper, whether it's growing my own flowers or using more local plants.
ON BELOVED ITEMS IN HER CLOSET
HO: I have these wool sweaters from my Mum that were made in England. They feel very unchanged, and haven’t pilled. I love older clothing and understanding how it’s made.
ON THE PANDEMIC AND HER PROCESS
HO: Earlier in the year, I had to pause on work as I was caring for a family member. A lot changed with my business after experimenting with different ideas, like individual deliveries. And being attuned to this worldwide pause gave me a chance to learn and think about my new trajectory. I thought about how I could pull away from the aesthetic and make my practice a more authentic endeavour, out of respect for the plants I work with. That’s one of the key pillars of the philosophy behind Ikebana (the Japanese style of arranging). I thought about taking it a step deeper, whether it's growing my own flowers or using more local plants.
ON DRIED FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
HO: I’ve been hoarding dried grasses for various things—I’m really excited about it. I started making monthly dried floral arrangements for two local restaurants, that was an incredible way to explore the medium and unexpected pieces. There’s something very pleasant about dried flowers; it’s nice to be able to hold onto something that’s unchanging.
Hayley is a self-taught floral designer who fuses both a fashion and artistic lens to every arrangement she creates. From working with Levi’s to living in London, here’s how she flows through her floral practice.
ON WORKING IN A BOX
HO: While it’s fun being alone and experimenting with zero constraints, I also love to collaborate. I like working within a box to see how far things can be pushed, and how to represent a brand or product in a new or unexpected way. Fitting into a brand or designer's character is always an interesting challenge.
ON ARRANGING
HO: It’s really about the vessel. The height, width and material are all things to consider when putting an arrangement together. As a visual person, I get really excited about material and shape. I’m also constantly collecting reference images - as an internet kid, I have over a decade of images saved that I refer to frequently.
Hayley is wearing the Cordo Convertible Hoops Set & the Constance Chain Necklace.
SHOP HAYLEy'S JB PICKS
Swipe to view products
Cordo Convertible Hoops Set
Constance Chain Necklace in gold
Cordo Ring in gold
Cordo Ring in silver
Cordo Convertible Hoops Set
Cordo Ring in gold
Constance Chain in gold
Cordo Ring in silver