Fabulous New Jewelery as seen at New York and Vancouver Fashion Week
Vancouver Island born Erika Lauren began making jewellery in 2009 as a creative outlet during University. Soon friends and family began asking her to make pieces for them and Erika Lauren Design was born.
However, it was a small bag of naturally shed porcupine quills that were gifted to her by a family friend that would become the heart and soul of her work. Being curious about all things, Erika quickly took to the design challenge and created what is now her best-selling porcupine quill collection.
Erika Lauren Design is committed to using materials to create jewellery that is as sustainable as it is sophisticated. Erika’s work has been recognised in numerous international fashion magazines and she has been shown at New York Fashion Week and Vancouver Fashion Week.
See more of Erika's beautiful jewellery HERE
Flame Works Designs
Carolyn and Anthony Green who had a vision, a dream, and determination to create a unique and classy jewelry company founded Flame Work Designs in 2005.
Flame Work's main designers Carolyn and Anthony work exclusively designing the glasswork individually creating each piece of glass from start to finish with perfection and assembles all of their jewelry in their home studio in Victoria, BC.
Flame Work Designs Carolyn and Anthony are inspired by their customers and continue to appreciate all the support and enthusiasm they receive. They strive to provide women with that added touch of flair that gives them confidence and the compliments they deserve.
With each new line, Flame Work Designs reinvents itself, adopting the latest styles and setting new trends. Customers have come to count on Flame Work Designs as a company dedicated to creating jewelry that is enjoyable, affordable, and compliment guaranteed!
They begin the process of Lamp-working by fusing rods of glass around a tool called a mandrel in front of a heat intensive flame of 2000ºF. Each bead is individually created one at a time to ensure quality. Maintaining a hot enough temperature at all times is crucial when creating a bead. If the bead is held away from the flame for more than fifteen seconds the glass can shatter.
Once you start a bead you must give it 100% of your attention until you have completed your creation. Every bead is carefully sculpted freehand to ensure that each bead is unique and individual. All of our work is kiln annealed and carefully cooled down over several hours.
Annealing is the process of slowly lowering the temperature surrounding the piece so that it doesn't stress the glass and cause fracturing. This process, although very time consuming, is a very important step to assuring that you will receive the highest quality piece.
Kiln Art Glass Studios
Dichroic Glass Jewelry By Peggy Brackett Of Kiln Art Glass Studio
My glass jewellery starts out as large 18 x 18 sheets of opaque, transparent and dichroic glass which I cut, piece and layer to create designs which I fuse (melt) together in an electric kiln at about 1500 degrees F.
After the sheet is fused and slow cooled, I re-cut, grind and drill the pieces. All of the drilling and grindings is done under water with special diamond bit tools. Then I return these pieces to the kiln and re-fuse them.
I make many of my own findings, e.g pendant bails, necklace extensions, fancy ear wires etc. I also use commercial high-quality findings such as basic ear wires.
The findings I use are chosen or created to be an element of the overall design of the piece, but are intended mostly to showcase the glass-work. All of the designs are my own. Kiln art Dichroic (Die-crow-ik) glass is glass that has a very fine layer (about 3 microns) of metal fused to its surface.
Different metals in different combinations create the beautiful colours that you see. I also use glass stringers (‘vermicelli’ shaped/sized glass), glass powders, metal foils and surface manipulation of the dichro etc to augment my designs.
You can see more of Peggy's beautiful work at
A Family of Artists - West Coast Jewelry
My creative instincts have their roots in my family home in Port Townsend, Washington. My father is a writer, and our house was always filled with artists. I grew up surrounded by painters, musicians, writers, and ceramists. That early exposure to a wide variety of creative disciplines had a strong impact on my aesthetic sensibilities.
I first studied Art History at Western Washington University, and then moved to Victoria, BC to continue my education at the University of Victoria. Later, I made the decision to move to Toronto so that I could attend the Ontario College of Art and Design University. I completed four years of studies in art.
I didn’t find my passion for metal and fire until years later when I took my first silversmith course. The inherent dichotomy of metal work remains deeply satisfying. The sterling silver is rigid, but with the right tools and techniques it becomes very malleable. Creating handcrafted jewelry requires strength, sometimes brute force, and delicacy of hand. The masculine of fire and hammers becomes the feminine of the jewelry itself.
Although I am an emerging silversmith, I have participated in a number of art festivals and markets in British Columbia including the following:
- Out of Hand (Victoria),
- Steveston Farmers’ and Artisan Market,
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market,
- Burnaby Farmers’ Market,
- White Rock Farmers’ Market.
- Numerous small seasonal markets.
My work may be found at Side Street Studio in Oak Bay B.C.!
I live and work in Richmond, BC.
How to Avoid Shopping and Still Find Amazing (& Affordable) Gifts for the Women You Love
A Guide for Men: Top 10 Gift Ideas for Women
Most men if they are honest will tell you that they hate going shopping. With the approach of the holiday season, the very idea of heading to the mall with their wife or partner fills so many men with dread! It is a syndrome often called 'Death by shopping'; just look at these poor men.......
The very idea of trying on clothes, or wandering around aimlessly (women call it browsing), is simply ‘unnatural’ to men. Shopping malls are not designed for us – it can well be the worst torment that a man could experience. Men generally like to plan their purchase and then get in and out of the store as quickly as possible; 10 – 15 minutes and we’re done. This is illustrated in this popular ‘Men vs. Women’ shopping graphic:
It is often suggested, possibly correctly, that men’s and women’s minds are wired differently – something to do with the male ‘hunter’ instinct, and the female ‘gather’ dynamic so to speak. To women, shopping is a social experience to be enjoyed, but for men, it is a task to be accomplished – the faster, the better. So that’s it – as a male, I can tell you it is a dreadful experience that we wish to avoid at all costs... A little like listening to the Pogues, or Justin Bieber, or watching “The View”.
So when you need gift ideas for the women in your life… What should you do? In this internet age, there is a solution! At Side Street Studio we literally have hundreds of gift items that will appeal to most females – including girlfriends, wives and most importantly Mums (I will avoid daughters as they are simply too difficult). To help you make that purchase easier, you can order Jewellery online and we will GIFT WRAP it for you for Free, and ship it to wherever and to whomever you wish.
If you live in the Greater Victoria area, and you have left your gift buying until the last minute, you have the option to ORDER ONLINE and PICK UP your purchase at our STUDIO in Oak Bay Village – we will aim to have it ready for you in two hours. We will be open until 1.00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Here are our recommendations for Top 10 Gift Ideas for Women:
1/ Jewellery
For your girlfriend, wife or Mum, jewellery is always well received – even for that ‘Someone who has everything’ (there is always someone). A Honica necklace or earrings are stylish and beautiful. Our client’s tell us they always receive compliments when they wear their Honica jewellery.
We have a fantastic artist, Alvaro Sanchez who creates some of the most beautiful and stylish work in B.C. You can see more of his work HERE
If these don’t appeal, we have more jewellery choices than you could shake a Gold Amex card at – all handmade with love right here in B.C. You can see the wide variety of jewellery we offer here: http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/collections/jewellery
2/ Scarves
What’s the best way to avoid that dreaded question, “Does this make me look fat?” The answer is scarves! With scarves, one size fits all, and there are many ways to wear them. We have a variety of unique styles from felted scarves to pure silk scarves. They are a wonderful, versatile gift! We have a good number of local textile Artists who create a superb range of scarves. You can see some of the styles we offer HERE:
3/ Glass Art
For the romantically inclined, Robert Held, one of Canada’s foremost glass artists creates a wide range of unique Glass Heart Bowls, Vases, Paperweights and more. Each one is signed by Bob and is unique. You could write a handwritten card with a note such as, “I give you my heart.” This will be sure to melt her heart when she opens your thoughtful gift.
4/ Pottery
If you appreciate the cook in your life, treat her to a unique piece of pottery! We have casserole dishes, jugs, baking dishes, pie plates, pitchers and glasses. All of our pottery is handmade in B.C. by a great group of Artists. Items are oven, dishwasher and microwave safe.
5/ Sewing accessories
Perhaps your intended or partner is keen on sewing, needlework or knitting. Wray Parsons is a micro wood turner who has been creating the most magnificent pieces for decades – from needle holders with strong rare earth magnets, to scissors of Italian steel together with cases of various local woods from Pacific Yew to Yellow Cedar Burl.
Tiny thimble holders, magnetic pin holders or tape measures in the shapes of Acorns – most are individually signed by Wray and are practical and true keepsakes.
6/ Handmade Padraig Wool Slippers
Padraig wool slippers have been handmade in Vancouver for almost 40 years. They are classics and quite simply the best slipper in the world. The sheepskin interior sole makes them super warm and comfortable. We have a huge range of sizes and colours that will fit ‘bigfoot’ to the smallest ‘twinkle toes’.
7/ Keepsake Books & Cards by Charles Van Sandwyk
Side Street Studio has an enormous collection of Charles Van Sandwyks cards and books - truly beautiful illustrations with wonderful stories that are appreciated by all. Charles’ Christmas book, ‘The Unexpected Gift’ is about the importance of connecting to those we care about - without the electronic devices of the world. Christmas is a wonderful time to do just that. If you have children or grandchildren, Mom or Grandmother will truly appreciate the opportunity to create a new Christmas tradition by reading this imaginative story as a family.
8/ Wood Chopping Boards and Serving Platters
These beautiful, one-of-a-kind wood chopping boards are made on Vancouver Island by Detlef Grundmann These are beautiful & useful handcrafted chopping boards. Made on Vancouver Island by Detlef Grundmann from locally grown Maple, Cherry & Black Walnut woods. Length: 12 inches by width: 9 inches by 3/4 inch thick. Food safe. Well cared for this board should last a lifetime.
9/ Apple Design Teapot
If your lady is an avid tea drinker, why not get her a unique handmade teapot? Jack Olive's beautiful pottery uses a distinctive multi-glazing technique and has a unique look. He discovered that rich, layered ceramic glazes are particularly useful in creating a sense of depth in design.
10/ Hand Made Soap & more!
Luxurious, natural soap made from organic vegetable oil with 5 handmade bars of Ylang Ylang/Patchouli, Fir/Eucalyptus/Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Lavender/Bergamot, Mint/Tee Tree. Strung on a Hemp rope. Undo the knot, use one and hang the others up to make your bathroom, closet etc always smell good. By Kama Soap
Take a moment and look at some of the other perfect gift ideas for women, from handcrafted jewellery boxes, to locally made pure & natural soap, to our BC Art. Side Street Studio has more than 15,000 items all handcrafted in BC - so if you cannot find something then ……..maybe it doesn’t exist
Did we mention you can order Jewellery online and we will GIFT WRAP it for you for FREE, and ship it to wherever and to whomever you wish? Just get in touch and we can make it happen! 250- 592-1262.
As a reminder, if you live in the Greater Victoria area, and you find you have left your gift buying until the last minute, you have the option to ORDER ONLINE and PICK UP your purchase at our studio in Oak Bay Village – we will aim to have it ready for you in two hours.We will be open until 1.00 pm on Christmas Eve.
So that’s it; problem solved – at least for another year. (phew)
Nigel Hayes
Side Street Studio
Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, B. C. Canada
PS. And for that ‘particular’ person may I recommend ‘Bitchy Babe’ from our ‘Soulful Sister’ Aromatherapy Collection.
Finally...a huge thanks to Nick York of www.exclusivepixmedia.co.uk for his kind permission to use three of his great pictures of 'men suffering' under the shopping experience! Nick denies that he is featured in any of the pictures but knows the feeling too well..... :)
Patsy Kay Kolesar - Fabulous Hand Made Jewelry
Patsy writes, "I turn stories into metal. Making jewellery allows me to transform life's amazing moments into wearable art pieces. Using contemporary techniques in the ancient art of enamelling I get to explore colour, pattern, and love stories through intricate metalwork".
"My inspiration is all around me - the vibrant colours of blooming flowers, the detailed patterns on a swatch of fabric, and that moment when your breath escapes you because you see something you love".
"My absolute favourite thing to do is to be at my bench designing and making jewellery with my two hands. I am invested in the art of handmade, and in adding beauty to this world"
"My jewellery work is heavily focused on pattern and colour. In 2012 I was invited to do a 2-month artist residency in Renkum, Holland".
"Since then my work has been very influenced by the bright colours of the gardens that bloomed outside of my workbench and the sea of jewel tones that captivated me when I biked through the tulip fields. I use a process of silk-screening to get the detailed patterns onto my pieces with enamels".
"Silk screening is usually a technique used in textile work and has taken me great patience, practice, and time to perfect in metal work. In the spring of 2014, I was the Touchstone Center for Crafts scholarship recipient, which allowed me to attend a 3-day workshop at Touchstone on Imagery in Metalwork".
"It was there that I learnt how to use decals in my enamel work and have since been able to combine vintage floral decals with my ornate silk-screened patterns. My copper line is also inspired by my time in Europe. I fell in love with all of the rusty metal and red brick architecture".
"I use my favourite hammers to get the texture onto the copper and a process of heating and quenching the metal to achieve one of a kind colours".
Patsy’s lovely work may be found at;
Side Street Studio. http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/collections/patsy-kay-kolesar-design
Beautiful Hand Made Silver Jewelry from Saltspring Island
Beautiful Hand Made Silver Jewelry from Saltspring Island
Alvaro Sanchez was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he studied design, music and architecture.
Since leaving Argentina he has lived in almost every country in Latin America until 1990 when he established residence on Saltspring Island, British Columbia. As a self-taught silversmith Alvaro has gathered influences, techniques and inspiration from the ancient and contemporary art of the many cultures he has been immersed in.
His artistic jewellery style has an urban Latin flavour. Using precious metals and natural gems, Alvaro creates beautiful, fine jewellery that is both stylish, unique and very comfortable to wear.
You can see much more of Alvaro's beautiful work at Side Street Studio.
http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/collections/jewellery/alvaro-sanchez-unique-jewellery
