Side Street Studio Blog | The best art that B.C. can offer
About This Site
Side Street Studio in Oak Bay Village, Victoria, has been selling the work of British Columbia artists for over 26 years. Currently the Studio represents over 320 local B.C. artists and the web site www.sidestreetstudio.com has over 2000 pages of unique and exceptional value local artists work.
Unique and original pottery, jewellery, textiles, glass-art, wood turnings and carvings, sculptures and west coast photography; all unique and one-of-a-kind. There are gifts for every occasion, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, housewarmings, romantic events, thanks yours, good luck and just for you! more...
HOW TO MAKE THAT PERFECT POT OF TEA
The best way to make tea is to use boiling water. The important point is for the water to be boiling when you pour it over the tea, either in a cup, mug or best of all, a teapot. By doing this you obtain the most flavor from the tea. The longer that you leave tea to brew, the more bitter tasting tannin will be enter into the water. Using a microwave to heat your water is slower, can be dangerous and produces a lower quality tea and is not advised.
TERRACOTTA TEAPOT
Best results are obtained using loose tea in a teapot rather than teabags. I appreciate that tea bags are simple and convenient to use but loose tea is not ground as fine as the tea in tea bags so it has more room to circulate in the pot. In addition, the finer ground tea used in tea bags allows for more bitter tannin to be released – so for a perfect cup of tea – loose tea wins every time. But don’t forget to use a tea strainer to avoid getting tea leaves in your cup.
SALT FIRED TEAPOT
- Use one teaspoon of loose tea per person plus one for the pot.
- Use fresh water because when water is re-boiled it loses oxygen which prevents the full flavor of the tea being released.
- We suggest warming the pot first! This helps the brewing process by maintaining the brewing temperature for longer, to extract more flavour from the tea. It is very important to use boiling water to make the tea. Water which is not boiling does not allow the tea to brew properly.
- Brew for 4-5 minutes as using a shorter time will not allow the full flavor to develop. Longer brewing will result in a bitter tasting tea as Tannin will start to be extracted from the tea leaves.
- Stir the tea in the pot once while it is brewing. Note about using tea bags – the same basic rules apply as for loose tea. But you will get best results brewing in a pot. If you must brew in a cup then brew for a much shorter time, say - 2 - 3 minutes.
Enjoy your tea!
PEARS DESIGN LARGE TEAPOT
Tea Pots make superb gifts and are a \’must\’ for any household or family. Tea is acknowledged as one of the most healthy drinks that you can find and drinking 3 cups a day is believed to be good for you heath. You can find a great selection of hand crafted Tea Pots & Mugs at http://www.sidestreettudio.com/catalog/pottery-pots-c-1_116.html
|
TEA ‘HEALTHIER’ DRINK THAN WATER! |
Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.
QUASIMODO TEAPOT
The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates.
Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UKnutritionists found. Read more at the BBC article http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5281046.stm
All of these beautiful Tea pots are locally made on Vancouver Island. They are available at Side Street Studio, Oak Bay Village, Victoria, B.C. Canada or on line at www.sidestreetstudio.com
CLASSIC TEAPOT & INFUSER
Chicken with Red Wine Sauce Recipe
A casserole, from the French word for “saucepan”,is a large, deep dish used both in the oven and as a serving vessel. The word casserole is also used for the food cooked and served in such a vessel, with the cookware itself called a “casserole dish”. (Source: Wikipedia)
Large Casserole
A rich red wine flavored casserole of chicken, bacon, onions and mushrooms. Serves 4 – 6, (hot). Perfect for a cold winters day!
Apple Design Casserole
- Defrost 4 skinless chicken breasts & cut into 1 inch pieces. Slice bacon into small 1 inch strips. Peel & slice onions & wipe then chop the mushrooms. Finely chop garlic.
- Melt 1 -1 ½ oz butter and fry bacon & onions until they just start to colour. Then add the garlic for 2 – 3 minutes. Remove to casserole and keep warm. Fry chicken pieces in the same butter until they are just browning. Remove to casserole.
- Pour the red wine into the pan and bring to the boil; lower the heat and slowly to reduce the quantity by ½. Add the stock and bring to a slow boil for 5 minutes. Season with salt & black pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the casserole. Add herbs. Bring to the boil. Then remove to oven and cook for 45 – 60 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking melt the remaining butter and cook the mushrooms. Add to casserole for the last 20 minutes of cooking time.
- Serve with green beans and baked potatoes.
Covered Casserole
4 skinless chicken breasts
4 rashers smoked bacon
2 medium onions
12 – 16 mushrooms
2 cloves garlic
2 oz butter (olive oil can be substituted if desired)
½ pint inexpensive red wine
½ pint good chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried parsley (2 – 3 sprigs of fresh parsley if available)
1 sprig thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
1 bay leaf.
Pre heat oven to 325 degrees F or 160 degrees Celsius.
Small, medium or large, all of our casseroles are unique and hand crafted in B.C and will grace even the most discerning of tables. All are of course, oven, dishwasher and microwave proof. Foodsafe. Our casseroles make outstanding gifts just for you or for that someone special. www.sidestreetstudio.com
Pear Design Casserole
Maeva Collins writes;
‘Pit Fired pottery is the oldest known method of firing clay and the ultimate source of all the modern firing variations used by potters. Each vessel is burnished twice, once when it is leather hard and then again when it is bone dry. This picture shows the second burnishing. Various shapes and sizes of agates, quartz stones etc. are used’. 
‘After the second burnishing, the pots are bisque fired in an electric kiln to cone 012. If they are fired any higher it would cause the pots to loose their shine.
‘A 3” layer of shavings is put on the bottom of the pit and then the pots are nestled into the shavings’. ‘Each piece is layered with combustibles such as dog food, pine needles, fine sawdust, coffee or anything else that is available’.
‘Paper and kindling is added on top and the fire is started.Usually I use alder and maple firewood, simply because that’s what is available’. ‘More wood is added until I’m happy with the amount of hot embers’. At some point the metal lid is dropped and the fired is allowed to burn down for at least two days. 
‘Most of the combustibles will have burned away but there is usually enough ash to protect the pots’. ‘It’s so exciting to see the finished process’. ‘The fire leaves flashes and patterns as does the combustibles; each pot wears the result of its experience during the firing’.
‘Many more hours are spent washing the pots and then they are left to dry. When completely dry they are finished with a coat of paste wax and a good polishing to protect them’.
‘My pit fired pots have a high sheen and that is very important to me as the high shine seems to give the pieces some depth rather than the pattern from the fire just being on the surface’.
Maeva lives & works on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and you can see more of Maver’s fabulous work at www.sidestreetstudio.com
TENDER LOVING CARE FOR YOUR HONICA JEWELLERY
Once you own a fine piece of Honica jewellery, please take a moment to read these suggestions for proper care.
TOFINO BLUE NECKLACE
Each piece of Honica’s hand made jewellery is dipped in an anti-tarnish coating to protect and maintain the finish. Do not apply hair spray, perfume or other sprays and cosmetics while wearing jewellery as this may affect the finish.
DANGER ZONE BRACELET
Handle and store gently! Do not stuff unprotected jewellery into pockets, a purse or suitcase as earring backs may be loosened or bent and the jewellery may become scratched or broken.
CLASSIC BLACK ONYX BRACELET
Makeup and natural skin chemical affect jewellery finishes over time. Occasional wiping with a soft cloth and warm soapy water will prolong the life of your brass jewellery. Sterling silver may be cleaned as needed with good quality silver cleaner.
ELEMENTAL AMBER NECKLACE
Check for loose clutch backs on your earrings – if they become loose or worn please replace them to avoid loss.
PASSION FOR PURPLE BRACELET
We hope that you will enjoy your Honica jewellery for many years to come!
The Care of Sterling Silver Jewellery
Silver, the whitest of the precious metals, will tarnish with exposure to air. Copper, present in the sterling silver, oxidizes with the sulphur in the air. 
This reaction causes the silver to turn dark. So care is important. To slow this process down, store your silver jewellery in a closed jewellery box.
To clean tarnished silver jewellery, use a jeweler’s cloth (a rouge cloth) or clean with toothpaste and a toothbrush under warm water. This method will also brighten precious stones.
Since ancient times, silver has been closely associated with the moon and lunar influences.
Diana the Roman goddess of the moon hunted with a silver bow.
Sarah writes, “I left the corporate world behind when my family moved from Victoria to Whistler for a one year sabbatical. That one year has turned into six and now Whistler is home for my husband, our two children and I. The natural beauty of the mountains and their ease of access is a daily inspiration”.
DOUBLE BLACK ONYX BRACELET
“I have collected, played and worked with natural things since I was able to crawl. In my teens and twenties I had a small textile company designing and creating sewn and knitted garments. After 20 years in the nursing and clinical research field, it is with absolute excitement that I am revisiting my creative side in designing and sewing leather and bead wrap bracelets“.
TRIPLE CHRYSOCOLLA, QUARTZ & JADE BRACELET
“These leather wrap bracelets are hand crafted using buttons and beads from around the world. I purchase the Karen Hill Tribe silver beads directly from a fair trade company in Thailand. My wide range of wrap bracelets are comfortable enough to wear on a hike but dressy enough to wear out in the evening. An earthy gem stone double wrap can be “blinged-up” by adding a wrap or two of silver, cubic zirconia or onyx. Play around with the colours, textures and sparkle to create your own unique look!”
SINGLE TURQUOISE BRACELET
“Beyond the dream of making jewelry for a living, I’d love to travel the world and personally collect my materials and gems from the international craftsman that cut, shape and mold them!”
SINGLE TIGER'S EYE & GOLD VERMEIL BRACELET
“Please take care of your unique piece by not getting it wet, the leather doesn’t like it and neither do some of the gems. Enjoy! ”
See more of Sarah’s fabulous bracelets at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/sarah-sladen-fabulous-bracelets-m-80482.html
DOUBLE BRONZITE BRACELET
Live Green. Buy Local!
Over 20,000 Unique gifts. 2000 pages of locally made hand crafted pottery, jewellery, glass-art, wood turnings & carvings, textiles, aromatherapy and West Coast Art.
Unique Gifts. Great Prices. Since 1984. at www.sidestreetstudio.com
Apple Design Casserole
9 Tips for Finding The Perfect Wedding Gift
Finding the perfect wedding gift is often very difficult! You want to give the bride and groom the very best gift that you can, but there is often questions of “Will they really like this”? or “Is this to their taste”?
By following our list of “9 Tips” you can be certain of finding a gift that the couple will love and appreciate for many years.
1. Identify with the Bride & Groom – While this seems obvious, it is the most common mistake made when purchasing a gift for the couple! It important to understand the couples’ likes and dislikes; their décor style and colour schemes. So why not ask them if there is something you are unsure of or if you have a suggestion; particularly if you do not know the couple well. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Meadow Glass Bowl
WESTERN MAPLE SALAD BOWL
2. The Wedding Registry – If there is one, then use this as the key guide, especially if the couple is collecting a specific range e.g. dinnerware. Often Registry Lists are meant as guides; so be confident and seek out original and personal gifts.
3. Look for locally made Alternatives – Too often much of what we see in our department stores and boutiques is mass produced work made in a far off factory overseas. Wherever possible look for gifts that are made in North America and not just some import whose reputation has been built on advertising.
Apple Casserole Dish
4. Focus on Uniqueness – Consider locally crafted work. Most of this is unique and, unlike items made in some anonymous factory, local crafts people make work that is individual and one-of-a-kind. This does not just apply to a magnificent vase or a glass bowl. Even with a humble coffee mug, each one has a very slight difference. When just one person or a husband & wife team makes an item the numbers are small. It’s great for the couple to have something that is genuinely unique.
5. Focus on Quality – Local artists always take personal pride in their hand made work. I have yet to meet an artist who was not passionate about their work. From potters to glass artists to textile makers – this is their life and they are justly proud of their art. If treated well much of this work can last a lifetime. How many things can you say that about today?
CHARLES VAN SANDWYK 'AFFAIRS OF THE HEART' BOOK
6. Find a source for true Personal Service – Given time most artists will custom -make work to your specification. A unique wedding gift that has been made just for the couple is something that they will remember and cherish.
7. Check out local Availability – Many items may be matched or repeated. Full ranges are available that can be added to or simply collected over time. Not just pottery but wood or even glass. This can be very useful for the couple as time and money allows them to add pieces to their collections.
8. Help your local Economy – Shopping locally helps your local economy and by supporting local artists it keeps money in the community and ensures that these hard learned skills are alive for future generations.
Large Pie Dish
9. Support your local Community and Help the Environment – A locally handmade gift helps reflects the community and region in which it was created. It has greater relevance for the person who purchased it and to the wedding couple to whom the gift is given. Local arts & crafts produce a minimal carbon footprint – little transportation and excess packaging is involved.
Mocha Pottery Mug
Side Street Studio has been supporting local artists for over 26 years. More than 300 local artists from pottery, jewellery, textiles, glass art, wood turnings, aromatherapy, cards, books, and lots more. Shipping is world wide with FedEx and Canada Post. http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/
1. Uniqueness – locally crafted work is unique. Unlike items made in a far off factory; local crafts people make work that is individual and one-of-a-kind. This does not just apply to a magnificent vase or a glass bowl. Even with a humble coffee mug, every one has a very slight difference.
Humble Cat Mug - Very Rare!
When just one person or a husband & wife team make an item the numbers are by the nature of the process – small. It’s great to have or give as a gift something that is genuinely unique.
WESTERN MAPLE SALAD BOWL
2. Quality – artists always take a personal pride in their hand-made work. I have yet to meet an artist who was not passionate about their work. From potters to glass artists to textile makers – this is their life and they are justly proud of their work. If treated well much of this work can last a lifetime. How many things can you say that about in our society today?
GIVERNY GLASS BOWL
3. Value for money – Contrary to what many people still believe, buying directly from the artist or their local retailer can most often cost less than buying some mass produced item from a department store. Reduced transportation costs, no middle men and low advertising helps to keep costs down.
4. Excellent after purchase service. The artists really do care about their work! Artists are available to repair, alter, clean or replace your purchase. They are interested to help if there is ever a problem. You never need to speak with some remote Customer Service line.
CARNIVAL PEARL NECKLACE, EARRINGS & BRACELET
5. Personal service – many artists will custom -make work to your specification. If you need a gift for a special occasion then very often, provided that you allow enough time, the artist will make to your requirements.
6. Availability – Most ranges are always available so that you can add to your range or just collect individual pieces over time. Not just for pottery but jewellery or even glass.
COPPER RUBY VASE
7. Help your local economy! Shopping locally helps your local economy, by supporting local artists it keeps money in the community and ensures that hard learned skills are alive for future generations.
BABY WOOL SLIPPERS
8. Help the environment! Local arts & crafts produce a minimal carbon footprint – little transportation is involved. Conservation is important to all of us. Much of what local artists use is recycled – including what little packaging is ever used!
9. Fun and Learning. It really can be a fun shopping experience – you get to meet the artist and find out about their skills, how they make their work, the huge time and effort that goes into a single piece.
CHARLES VAN SANDWYK ANIMAL WISDOM BOOK
10. Support you local Community. A locally handmade gift reflects the community and region in which it was created. It has greater relevance for the person who purchased it or the person to whom the gift is given.
APPLE DESIGN CASSEROLE
Side Street Studio has been supporting local artists for over 26 years. More than 300 local artists from pottery, jewellery, textiles, glass art, wood turnings, aromatherpy, cards, books, and lots more. Shipping is world wide with FedEx and Canada Post. www.sidestreetstudio.com
BRONZE JAPANESE STYLE NEOLITHIC JAR
Enter our Free Draw on Saturday 14th August and you have a chance to win a beautiful set of pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet. No purchase necessary.
Carnival Pearl Jewellery Prize
Simply come to our Humboldt Street Studio (Directly opposite the Marriott Hotel), fill in a form with your contact details, then answer a simple question; In what year did Side Street Studio first open its doors” 1) 1900. 2) 1984. 3) 2004. (Hint. We have been open for 26 years).
These beautiful Carnival Pearls are a riot of vibrant freshwater pearls. Hand made in Victoria by Sheila Smedley. 
Freshwater pearls are natural pearls that are formed inside a freshwater mussel. These pearls grow in a baroque or irregular shape as distinct from their rounded saltwater cousins, known as cultured pearls.
In ancient mythology pearls were thought to be heavenly dewdrops caught by shells rising from the sea bed. They are believed to be sacred to the Roman moon goddess Diana.
Pearl is the birthstone for June and is thought to symbolize peace, beauty and friendship.
Join us during the Humboldt Valley Summer Festival 14th August
Feedburner RSS
