Art that is Genuinely Beautiful and Practical

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Sue Hayes | 0 comments

Just occasionally an artist’s work is both genuinely beautiful and practical. And this is the case where Wray Parson’s work is concerned.

MAGNIFYING GLASS

For over 30 years, Wray has been making magnificent tools for all needle craft artists. He originally began turning wood when making toys for his children and after an early career in corporate banking focused all of his time in developing his micro-wood-turning techniques.

BELL 24 INCH TAPE MEASURE

For 7 years Wray worked at Coombes Emporium, Parksville and then as his reputation began to grow he started working from a new studio built in his home.

The tools that Wray crafts are acknowledged to be amongst the world’s finest. They are heritage items designed to be family heirlooms, passed from generation to generation.

SOLDIER’S FRIEND

Wray’s scissors are made in Italy from Italian steel and are reputed to be the best that you can find.

Using 4 woods ranging from African Zebrano (Zebra-wood) to Pacific Yew to Yellow Cedar Burl to Cocobolo Rosewood, Wray makes a range of instruments.

WOODEN SKETCH PENCIL

Needle Holders, Scissors holders (inc. scissors), Thimble holders crafted in various forms, measuring tapes that roll back into Zebra wood holder, needle holders and sewing holders that use rare earth magnets – strong enough to lift a car! Seam rippers turned in Rosewood designed to last more than one lifetime.

Pen & Pencil Set

In addition, miniature vases in a variety of woods including Maple, Yew, Oak Burl and Laburnum are turned in Wray’s studio.

NEW SCISSORS & CASE

Wray lives in Qualicum Beach, B. C. Canada.

A World Made By Hand

Posted in Canadian Gifts, drawing, knitting, local crafts, magnifying glass, needlework, oak bay, pen & pencil set, pencils, pin cushons, rug making, scissors, seam ripper, seam rippers, sewing, shop local, side street studio, sketch pencils, tape measure, tape measures, wedding gifts, wray parsons

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About Side Street Studio

The story of Side Street Studio is more than the history
of a business. It is the physical expression of a belief
that real art should be accessible to everyone. It is
also the evolution of a business model supported by
principles of community-building economics.

Here’s how it happened.. read more