Ok, let’s admit something: I love shoes! I’ve often seen buying shoes as a way of purchasing the sense of opportunity, of possibility: where will I go and what will I do in these shoes? A way to hold onto something fleeting. In deciding to put First Pick together, one of our first calls was...Read More

In keeping with our men’s week theme, we are taking a look at Neil Singh’s leatherwork company Joesph Henry Workshop. Handcrafted leather goods, with custom stamping, give Neil’s work a bespoke feel that we are eager to see for ourselves at First Pick. We love the simplicity and craftsmanship of Joseph Henry Workshop, which perfectly...Read More

It is often overheard at handmade events that there is a distinct lack of options for men, a lack that we have duly noted. We believe in part this issue has been because there’s not really been a handmade venue to foster men’s clothing collections (beyond t-shirts), not for lack of local design talent. We...Read More

When we started thinking about doing our First Pick Handmade Market, we knew we wanted it to have the atmosphere of a boutique department store, which meant not only carrying clothing lines, but also skin care. Naturally, we wanted to keep things as natural as possible, so Element Botanicals was the perfect fit. Wildcrafted and handmade in...Read More

We’re kicking off Men’s Week with all Vegan Boot Company Anderson’s Boots, made right here in Vancouver. We are exited to see designer/maker Kevin Milne’s cruelty free line of traditionally crafted boots when he makes his market debut at First Pick Handmade. Rumour has it there will also be some selvedge denim at the show,...Read More

We are pleased to profile our favourite woodworker, the talented Adea Chung of Billy Would Designs. We love her eco-conscious, fully modern aesthetic, and are very excited to welcome her to our First Ever First Pick. We can’t wait to see what she’ll have at the show, and with each piece limited edition, we know...Read More

We’re shining a spotlight on all things woollen with our profile of Diane Zwickel, the designer and busy hands behind the hand-knit accessory line Zed Handmade. We love the colours and attention to detail Diane puts in her work, everything is considered and of the highest quality of craftsmanship. It’s warm outside, but winter is...Read More

We’re getting to know Revelstoke based jewelry designer Kat Cadegan today. We love her nature inspired pieces, which turn sterling silver, bronze, raw diamonds and 14K gold into works of art. If you missed Kat at the Vancouver Folk Festival this summer, don’t worry, she’ll be back with lots of goodies in tow for First...Read More

We have a lot of clothing, but it seems the easier something is to wear, the more apt we are to reach for it time and time again. This non-seasonal, dress up/dress down ethic perfectly describes Ellen Walde’s collection Le Fil Rouge Textiles. We love her kimono style robes, which double as jackets, and her...Read More

We’re taking a look at energetically charged jewelry line Subject II Change today, and meeting AJ Molinari, the creative energy behind the collection. WHY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FIRST PICK SHOW?     It’s a great new show kicking off the fall season, featuring some badass local artists. What’s there not to be excited...Read More