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...
In The Danger Zone
Honica writes; “To give you fair warning….you’re in the “Danger Zone’….power and passion are the attributes of the colour red, so prepare for adventure. Whether your design is extravagantly complex, or simply elegant it embodies the desire for the exotic and the extraordinary.
As I craft these designs in red, I pay assiduous attention to detail. To work the metal, I use hand and electric tools. I shape, tumble, punch, clean, cut, hammer, texture, antique, satin-brush and coat the brass forms. Then I am ready to complete the composition.
I have collected a huge variety of beads in the flame-hot hues of scarlet, crimson, ruby, cherry and wine reds. I pay particular attention to shape and texture so that transparent ‘jewels’ drop like ripe fruit and light dances on smooth polished surfaces”.
You can find more of Honica’s beautiful ‘Danger Zone’ jewellery at Side Street Studio, Victoria, BC.
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.
AURORA – Jewellery for Romance by Sheila Smedley
It’s no secret. I’d be the first to admit that I am and always have been a consummate, hopeless romantic. My past eight years as a jewellery designer has afforded me many an opportunity to design jewellery for a host of clients and occasions. Creating that perfect pair of earrings or one ethereal necklace or bracelet to compliment a dream-come-true outfit is a welcome challenge and artistically satisfying. 
Little wonder then, that with a number of signature jewellery collections already established, the time has come to launch one distinctive collection dedicated to weddings and occasions of glamour. AURORA is classic elegance for life’s most memorable moments.
More than just a jewelley collection, AURORA is a service offering personal attention to those accessory details that can transform ‘special’ into ‘breathtaking’.
AURORA is a collection of distinctive designs, ranging from the most delicate pair of earrings to a statement necklace or bracelet festooned with pearls and crystals. Since every customer arrives with their own set of specifications, my designs are as much ready-to-wear as they are guidelines for the client. Each design can be regarded as a starting point from which together we can create incomparable jewellery. When purchased for special occasions, jewellery really shouldn’t be an after-thought; picked up impulsively just because it matches the colour of the dress. However, with this in mind, I do pride myself on offering a service that is both prompt and completely customized. Last minute orders are seldom a problem.
Although based on classic materials such as freshwater pearls and incomparable Swarovski crystals, there is an entire world of fabulous beads, gemstones and tiny treasures that can be incorporated into my designs. I love presenting and exploring all the possibilities: from classic romance to casual elegance. 
Another important element of this collection, as in fact with all my creations, is price. I do not believe that beautiful jewellery need be excessively expensive. Brides, especially, are often working within a budget. When an entire set of wedding jewellery and matching bridesmaid’s pieces are called for, you can be assured that choosing the AURORA collection will not break the bank. The cost of your jewellery will usually be welcomingly affordable.
I believe that AURORA is destined to be that ‘crown jewel’ amongst all the collections of my jewellery studio. I hope that AURORA speaks to that little ‘hopeless romantic’ in all of us. See more of Sheila Smedleys romantic AURORA jewellery at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/jewellery-wedding-jewellery-c-6_185.html
Stuart writes:
“I founded Wren Silverworks in 1997.
As a child, I was always drawing, deriving inspiration from the natural world around me. My ability to depict the world through the use of realistic lines led me into a career as an illustrator. I also co-owned an art gallery for a few years. In the early 90’s I apprenticed with silver worker Harold Alfred. This inspired me to produce a line of jewellery that marries my ability to draw realistic lines to silver.
This allowed me to create tangible pieces of art with a naturalist theme — jewellery through which the wearer can celebrate the beauty and strength of nature and our connection to it.
My Wren Silverworks jewellery is unusual in that it combines realistic line drawing with the medium of silver.
How is the Jewellery Made?
Each brooch, earring, bracelet or pendant is individually engraved and finished to the highest of standards.
The variety of designs range from birds such as Ravens, Hummingbirds and the Great Blue Herons to the majesty of a Bald Eagle, or the graceful form of a Hummingbird.
All my jewellery is individually engraved, each line carved separately, and each open area cut out with little Jewellers saws. As each design is hand created each time, it will vary just slightly piece to piece, making each a unique work of art. On the back there is a sterling stamp, and my signature.
The first step in crafting the jewellery is to develop the designs. Inspired by Canadian flora and fauna, I create detailed line drawings. Then, the rough outline of the design is sawn out of a flat sheet of sterling silver. 22-gauge silver is used for earrings and brooches and 16 or 18-gauge silver is used for bracelets.
The silver is pre-polished, and the planned design is drawn onto it. Next, the silver is engraved along the design lines, each line individually carved with a variety of gravers. Using a tiny saw, the silver is cut out again, this time following the periphery of the design as well as cutting out any pieces from inside the design.
The edges are filed to a smooth finish. The piece is shaped: this involves using a leather hammer to bang the silver into a pre-carved shaping “holes”, giving the flat silver gentle curves. In the case of a brooch, a clasp is soldered onto the back, and then I polish the brooch with a tripoli (clay) compound. The silver is then washed in an ultrasonic washer, dried, polished with rouge finer clay) and washed again.
All hook earrings have sterling silver Sheppard hooks and stud earrings have sterling silver posts and closures. Brooch backs have a locking clasp. Brooches and earrings are made in 22 gauge silver, and bracelets in 16 gauge and 18 gauge. Sizes listed are approximate”.
Stuart lives on twelve acres, surrounded by wildlife, on the outskirts of Victoria, B.C. His beautiful work can be found at Side Street Studio, Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, B.C. and on line at www.sidestreetstudio.com
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
1. PLAN IN ADVANCE! So very few people plan their shopping in advance. Yet a few moments spent making a list of who you will be buying for this holiday season and where they live will make your shopping so very stress free. You can identify those friends & relatives to whom you need to post / ship gifts. Planning in advance allows you time to ship at the most economical rates. (Note: small items such as jewellery can be shipped on overnight delivery to anywhere in the US for $16).
GIVERNY BOWL - AMETHYST
2. KNOW WHO YOU ARE BUYING FOR! Spending just a few moments thinking about those who you are buying for allows you to plan for specific, tailor-made gifts. Such as a pottery baker for a keen cook or a glass vase for someone who loves flowers. Given a few days notice, local jewellery artists can custom make a piece for you.
COPPER RED OVAL CASSEROLE
3. SET A BUDGET! In these difficult economic times it is so very important to set yourself a budget and stick to it. Locally made gifts offer exceptional value for money.
Carnival Pearls
4. LOOK FOR LOCALLY MADE GIFTS. Locally made gifts are always appreciated and more thoughtful. The uniqueness and quality of local crafts is outstanding and they cost a lot less than you might think. One stop shopping at your local craft store saves you a great deal of time and stress.
REDWOOD (SEQUOIA) LARGE SALAD BOWL
5. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY. By shopping locally you are supporting your local economy and helping to keep jobs in North America. The major department stores and shopping malls are full of produce imported from far off countries. Supporting your local artists & crafts people helps keep your $ at home.
STERLING SILVER, AGATE & AVENTURINE NECKLACE
6. TAKE CARE OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT. This is the only planet that we have and we need to take care of it. Your local arts & crafts people leave a small carbon footprint. They use local materials, advertise less and use less packaging – all to the benefit of our planet.
LADIES WOOL SLIPPERS
7. PERSONAL SERVICE. Look for stores that offer a personal service such as gift wrapping and shipping.
Christmas Gift Wrapping
8. LOCAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. Locally made decorations stand out as being unique and original. They also last a lot longer than the mass of cheap imports which you see thrown away after each holiday season. Buy cheap, buy twice is not clever in today’s tough economy.
COBALT GLASS DECORATION
Melissa McCrosky wrote:
PAPILLO BUTTERFLY EARRINGS
“As with almost any subject, I have discovered there is a lot more to the world of butterflies than I ever thought. I’ve always liked them, but the first time I saw the brilliant blue flashes of a Morpho in flight, I began to love them. They were still just beautiful bugs though. I have since discovered that not only is their biology fascinating, but there is a whole world of human drama surrounding them. To begin with I’ll start with a little of that drama”.
Sunset Moth Pendant
“It turns out Butterflies have been a valuable commodity for a long time now. Starting with hobbyists out with nets collecting, wealthier collectors began hiring people to find rare specimens, and paying handsomely for exotic imports. This has evolved to the complex and sometimes dark business it is today. When you think about poaching, butterflies are not generally what pops into your head. There is, however, an illegal trade in endangered species”.
“The Queen Alexandria’s Birdwing, the world’s largest butterfly whose wingspan reaches up to a foot, will go for thousands of dollars on the black market. There is also a good side to the butterfly business. In places where deforestation is as rampant as poverty, butterfly farms are giving hope to both local families and those concerned with preserving natural ecosystems”.
BLUE PETAL MORPHO BUTTERFLY NECKLACE
“The form butterfly farms take varies. Some collect the chrysalises from the wild, where and average of 9 out of 10 would fall to predators. They raise them and release some back to the wild to maintain the population. Because this practice takes them out of reach of predators while they emerge (a very vulnerable time) and releases some back to the wild, it results in a net increase in the breeding population. In other cases enclosures are set up. The butterflies are collected and bred within the enclosures. A tract of forest with a healthy population is necessary as new butterflies must be brought in from time to time to keep the captive population’s gene pool wide enough”.
“Not all farms are set up or run well, and I quickly learned who to trust. There are people who make it their lives to help struggling families set up farms by educating them and providing equipment. I go through people like these so I know I’m getting my butterflies from ethical and sustainable farms. For anyone interested, here is a link to a larger farm’s website”. http://www.kipepeo.org/index.php
GRAPHIUM BUTTERFLY PENDANT NECKLACE
“I get to go to work everyday and not only do something creative with the spectacular beauty of the wings, but I can feel good about supporting people who have found a way to support their families and their local ecosystems at the same time. It doesn’t get much better than that”.
SUNSET MOTH EARRINGS
You can see more of Melissa’s beautiful & unique work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=80469
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
Upcoming Event! On Saturday 14th August between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm Honica will be at our Humboldt Street Studio showcasing her latest range of jewellery. Honica is one of Canada”s finest jewellery designers and she rarely makes personal appearances. 
This is an exquisite new range from Honica. It is named ‘Grandmother’s Antique Carpet’ and holds great sentimental value to Honica. Events happening in her native Holland during the Second World War inspired this range. At the time of Nazi occupation, soldiers, while searching for weapons, entered the home of her Grandmother and while there destroyed her most cherished possession; an antique carpet that had been in the family for more than two generations. 
The range comprises bracelets, pendants, earrings and necklaces incorporating hand forged,textured,antiqued and vertigried brass with Blue Tigers Eye, Carnelian Agate, Red Tigers Eye, Goldstone, Apatite, Jasper, Swarovski Crystal, Dyed Shell, Pearls, Dyed Agate and Lampworked Glass.
Please come and meet Honica at Side Street Studio on Humboldt Street (opposite the Marriott Hotel) and see for yourself the magnificent jewellery ranges that she creates.
GRANDMOTHERS CARPET CARNELIAN PENDANT NECKLACE
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