Shop Spotlight: IGBijoux

If you've ever thought your outfit was missing that little extra something, there's a good chance you'll find it at IGBijoux. Run out of Montreal, this great shop features the vibrant and refined jewellery creations of Isabelle Gaumont. Isabelle is also an actress, novelist, screenwriter and director. It's a wonder she has the time to make jewellery, but thank goodness she does. She has a wonderful eye for putting the right beads, stones, and colors together. Browsing through her shop is always such a delight.

Oh Canada: Of all the things that you sell, which item or style is your favorite?

Isabelle: I like all my necklaces for different reasons. The long and thin ones for their elegance, the chunky natural stone ones for their personality and versatility, and the multi-strand or crazy chain experiments for their uniqueness and sense of fun. I'm a fan of sparkly crystal, earthy gemstones, colourful glass, groovy resin, and combining all those in unexpected ways.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

My wonderful and generous friend Jennifer (shop name: Sparklepod) taught me everything I needed to know to get started. At every opportunity, I learn more techniques to help bring my new ideas to life. I make jewelry to relax. To me, it is not unlike meditation. I hope a little bit of the joy I feel when I compose a necklace can be seen in the finished product.

Everyone has different motivations for making their unique wares. What drives you to create?

Isabelle: I'm a writer and an actress, so I'm constantly creating, but I guess what drives me to create jewelry is a little different. Writing novels is a long, drawn-out job and acting often depends on the schedule and choices of others. Making jewelry allows me to go from idea to finished product more quickly. I find it very satisfying. Initially, I began making jewelry for myself because I could never find exactly what I needed in stores and I hate to wear what everybody else is wearing. Also, as an actress, I audition for a lot of different characters... sometimes on the same day. Changing the accessories between auditions instead the whole outfit makes my life much easier... and my big purse much lighter. Colleagues soon started complimenting me on my necklaces, asking where they could buy them. Being on Etsy gave me a place where they could see more examples of my work.

Oh Canada: Any plans to incorporate a new product into your shop this year?

Isabelle: Because every necklace I make is unique, I would have to say yes. I plan to add a lot more. 

Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing about selling on Etsy? 

Isabelle: With my crazy schedule, I would not be able to use a system that requires regular actions at specific times. Etsy allows me the freedom to feed it whenever I can.

Oh Canada: Do you have a number one tip for new sellers?

Isabelle: Try different things with your photos and get it right before listing 70 items with bad pictures you'll have to spend a week replacing! And become part of a great team, like this one, and learn a ton from other members :-)

Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing to buy on Etsy?

Isabelle: Steampunk storage and accessories to hide modern technology. Vintage treasures.

Oh Canada: What is the number one best item in your shop right now?

Tough call... but the necklace that got the most hearts and was included in the greatest number of treasuries is "Yellow Stone".







You can keep up with Isabelle on her website and on Facebook. You can also follow her on Twitter. And don't forget to drop by IGBijoux. You might find that special little something that you've been looking for. The perfect piece to add to your jewellery box.




Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team