The name elsi und Edi comes from my Mom's name Elsbeth—
elsi for short—and my Gotti's (Godfather’s) name Edi, two people
who inspired me when I was growing up. The name also represents
my love of Switzerland (where my mother is from). It has been a big
part of my life and I have always been so proud to be half Swiss.

I have been an artist for my entire life. Doing anything creative has
always made me happy. As a child I would spend hours making cards
with my own designs and calligraphy for relatives and braiding bracelets
using thread and the shiny beads I would request as gifts.

A few years ago I rediscovered my love for jewelry making and card design. I liked shopping for jewelry, but when I looked around in stores for pieces that I liked, but they were either too expensive, very poor quality, or everyone else had the same ones. So I started experimenting with bits and bobs, different materials, and re-purposed vintage items. Making something beautiful out of re-purposed items is fun because you have something old from another era, with a story of its own.
I also reinvented my passion for handmade cards and typography,
and started experimenting with designing stationary using Japanese and other unique paper varieties.

I studied graphic design in Toronto and have worked in design, and this experience allows me to have fun with each and every project. When it comes to my work, I don't really plan what I am going to do, I just experiment with different materials and techniques, and if something turns out than that’s awesome, and if it doesn't work than I change it.

My sources of inspiration are always changing depending on where I am and what I am doing. Lately I've been inspired by gemstones, as they are so naturally beautiful in shape, texture, and colour. I have always had a passion for Quotes because they relate to every day life and how different people see the world. I often get inspired by looking at children's illustrations in books because they are so full of colour, simplicity, and really cool illustrations. Most days I can be found mining a giant pile of books on art, typography, music, design, or fashion, or thumbing through a wicked snowboarding magazine or a kid's book.

Right now I am very fortunate to be living overseas, visiting family, working, and travelling in Switzerland and Germany. Exploring this part of the world has always been a dream of mine and I am enjoying taking inspiration from the architecture and geography, observing the way other people live, and the experiences I am having while travelling.

This shop is my creative outlet; like many artists I can't sit still and I always have to be doing something creative. That's why you will find more than one passion of mine in this shop—to me it isn’t simply jewelry and card-making; it’s beading, typography, photography, and design.

elsi & Edi is always growing and changing, especially now as I am travelling and finding new inspirations and materials, so stay tuned for new European-inspired jewelry, stationery, and designs!