L'empreinte Blog / Célébrations 50e anniversaire

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.

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