L'empreinte Blog

Ten unique rings, made from fused and faceted glass pieces, decorated with various colors of floral patterns, mounted on large textured sterling silver or gold-plated rings: This project is the result of a collaboration between glass artist and jeweler Mélanie...

From the outset, Isabelle sets the tone: "It's going to be beautiful and it's going to be big!

The inspiration behind this collection lies in a common vision shared by Isabelle and Sonya. As Isabelle points out: "Sonya and I have the same vision, the same source. Our work is very organic, in our shapes, in our ideas... It all works out"!

The idea of creating a pin cushion goes back several years for Sonya. She says: "I've already made something similar, but it's very ugly! I've wanted to do this for a very long time. I think it's an object that has crossed generations. I think it's a beautiful product.

One of the key aspects of this project is the use of reclaimed fabrics. Pascale found T-shirt fabric from a seamstresses' cooperative that had gone out of business. The cotton was soft and comfortable, and had a cream color that needed a bit of a boost. "So it was the right opportunity to put a little "oumf" on it," says Pascale.

Julie-Soleil says: "We wanted to mix ceramic and leather in something we had never seen before. Often, on ceramic pots, there is a leather fastener that is used to hang them on the wall or straps for hanging planters. And I had never seen models with leather on a pot. So we started from there."

Julie-Soleil explains: "No one is going to reinvent the tote bag, it's a fairly simple model. The goal was mainly to reuse the material we already had, and to see, with Katherine, for the patterns, including a print from a piece of dyed and colored lace. We wanted to have bags that were colorful, even if they were unique pieces."

This project is the result of a fusion between two areas of expertise, to offer creations that are entirely craftsmanship.

The idea for this collaboration took shape from a shared reflection on the object and its characteristics. Together, they designed a tealight holder, a decorative piece where light becomes a central player. "It was the particularities of the clay used that dictated the choice of black and white." (Mathilda)

For years, some of our artisans have dreamed of creating together. When the idea for the special 50th anniversary collection was born, it was as if a spark had lit a creative fire. Let yourself be carried away by the story of these creations, of these encounters between artisans, and discover a collection that celebrates not only the handmade, but also the spirit of community and innovation that drives l'Empreinte Cooperative.

“A piece of furniture made by hand takes a long time,” confides Sylvie. “When you learn the cabinetmaking trade, you understand that you have to be a perfectionist. Everything has to be perfect. It’s a kind of illness. The question is: when do you stop? But, at the same time, your product has to meet the arts and crafts standards.” Julie-Soleil continues: “We work manually, so your product will never be perfect, but it will be very well made, we are not machines, and that’s the beauty of it!”

A Shared Vision : The Creative Spark of Collaboration The meeting between felt-maker Sonya St-Gelais and eco-responsible designer Pascale Viau sparked an exceptional creative collaboration. Sonya, known for her meticulous work with felt, approached Pascale with the idea of creating...

Since 1974, hundreds of artists have succeeded one another at l'Empreinte, and the cooperative has grown and thrived. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we invite you to come and discover (or rediscover!) what l'Empreinte is and what has been driving it for the last five decades.

In Quebec, arts and crafts occupy an important place in the artistic, cultural, social and economic spheres. They transmit the values of eco-responsibility, applied manufacturing and local purchasing, creating a unique proximity between creators and the general public. At l'Empreinte coopérative, our mission is to promote and democratize Quebec's fine crafts by promoting the works and products of local professional artisans, and we have been doing so for 50 years.

I'm someone who buys mainly locally, whether for gifts or everyday purchases. I find this extremely important! When it's made with passion and love, it touches me all the more. I was also looking forward to meeting the artisans and learning about the process behind their work. For me, it offers a whole new perspective that enriches the work and its history. -Eve Landry, spokesperson for Empreinte coopérative's 50th anniversary celebrations

Offer unique and personalized gifts, handmade in Quebec by experienced artisans: development of exclusive products, affixing of your logo, personalized greeting cards and gift wrapping with your company's colors.

 MAKE SURE YOU RECEIVE YOUR ORDER FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS: ORDER BEFORE OCTOBER 15th ! Your employees and business partners are at the very heart of your company's success. Whether it is to express your gratitude, to congratulate them or...

Our Artisan of the Month for August 2021 How long have you been a member of L'Empreinte coopérative in Montreal? I became a member in February 2020. How would you describe your work as an artisan? I make functional ceramic...

They are the final touch to add style to your outfits, the accessories are definitely essential to enhance your looks this summer. L'Empreinte coopérative has a collection of jewellery and accessories handmade by local artisans, allowing you to find fashionable...

Our June 2021 Artisan of the Month How long have you been a member of  L'Empreinte coopérative in Montreal? I have been a member since 1988. I was so happy to be chosen to be part of this great family....

We all like to spoil our children or those of our loved ones, but sometimes we lack inspiration when it comes to finding them a gift that will please them. L'Empreinte coopérative has a collection of unique products specially designed...

Our artisan of the month for May 2021 Marie-Christine Lété in her workshop How long have you been a member of L'Empreinte cooperative in Montreal? I became a member in 1993. I was first an employee, in 1991. l'Empreinte became...

In recent years, the environment has become a major concern. It is important that each of us be concerned about our impact on the environment. For Earth Day, l'Empreinte coopérative is proposing 5 items from its shop to help you...

Our April 2021 Artisan of the Month How long have you been a member of L'Empreinte coopérative? I have been a member of L'Empreinte coopérative since July 2013 How would you describe your work as an artisan? I am a...

Even though we won't be able to receive for Easter this year, there's nothing to stop us from creating a pretty colourful table for the occasion. L'Empreinte coopérative offers you 5 products from its boutique to make your table look...

A few weeks ago, we introduced you with 5 reasons to give to your employees a gift from l'Empreinte cooperative. In the same vein, we're offering you today a list of l'Empreinte's best crafts to give to employees. Please note that...

L'Empreinte coopérative Montréal is an institution in Quebec in the field of professional crafts thanks to its history, the passion of its artisans and its timeless boutique. With a mission to promote and democratize Quebec's fine crafts by showcasing the...

Buying art has never been so simple ! It is now possible to consult our favourite works of art without even having to move from home. L'Empreinte coopérative Montréal has found a modern way to make its art accessible to everyone...

Sylvie Lupien - in her workshop How long have you been a member of L'empreinte Coopérative ? I have been a member of the cooperative since 1987, so I have been a member for over 34 years. How would you...

The celebration of love is fast approaching and of course it will be very different from previous years. No restaurants, no movies, no day at the spa... in short, no typical Valentine's Day outing. As for doing things differently, why...

Karina Guévin - Flame-blown and shaped glass. How long have you been a member of the cooperative? I joined the cooperative in 2017. How would you describe your work? I am a glassblower, I blow and shape glass with a...

How long have you been a member of the coop? I became a member of the coop in spring 2007, so next spring,  it will be 14 years. Shop this look How would you describe your work? I make necklaces,...

How long have you been a member of the cooperative? To start with, I entered 130 rue St. Paul on a snowy day in November 1978, asking if I could sell my crafts. This address was the first location of...

How long have you been a member of the co-op? Since January 2014 How would you describe your work? I love creating minimalist, meaningful and delicate jewellery in sterling silver. It's my way of helping women feel radiant and invincible...

How long have you been a member of L'Empreinte coopérative? I joined L'empreinte in June 2010. I started at the shop's first address at 272 Saint-Paul Street East. Shop this look How would you describe your work as an artisan?...

How long have you been a member of the co-op? I have been a member of the co-op since 2010. How would you describe your work? I first trained in fashion design. In 1999, I turned to jewellery design.My jewellery...

How long have you been a member of the co-op? I have been a member since May 2019. How would you describe your work? I feel blessed to have been in this business for ten years. To be able to...

The shop reopened its doors. We look forward to seeing you again! L'empreinte coopérative offers you a new shopping experience in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Direction of Public Health. We're changing the pace a little bit, but...

How long have you been a member of the co-op? Since March 2014. How would you describe your work? It's the most beautiful medium in the world. I have been working with hot glass, blown glass, shaped glass and cast...

How long have you been a member of the co-op? I joined the Cooperative Footprint in July 2016. How would you describe your work? I create illustrations mainly from photographs and using software such as Photoshop. I "cut" them, assemble...

How long have you been a member of the co-op? I have been a member of the L'empreinte for 7 years already.... Amazing how time flies in good company! Shop hereHow would you describe your work? Along with my cabinet...

L'empreinte is a cooperative that has been in existence since 1974. Our boutique, located in the heart of Old Montreal, offers artisinal products made exclusively in Quebec. L'empreinte offers an exceptional opportunity to access an international market.