holiday shopping – go local

So I made some cards for ME and then some of YOU asked for some too!  After a few special orders, I still have a bunch left to sell at the holiday craft fairs I am participating in over the next two weekends.  Come on by and grab a few and send some West Coast wishes to those you love!  Printed on 100 % recycled paper (as all my cards are), these truly are good for the Earth….and the Sea!  Please send me a note if you want a bulk order (and special bulk rate) on cards, or if you cannot make the holiday sales coming up.

send some peace and mark your page with a whale tail

I also decided to show you the entire painting (DIVE DEEP) in the form of a bookmark. Wouldn’t they make a nice pairing with the gift of a book (used book are the best kind to get, share your favourites around).   To top off the ultimate West Coast gift, you could add my DIVE DEEP calendar (also printed on 100% recycled paper).

dive deep 2016 calendar

You will find my PEACEFUL ocean creations Dec 12,13, 19 and 20th at the Pier Gallery Artists Collective (Panacea has the best stocking stuffers, hint hint Santa) and this Sunday at the DRIFT Home Show from 1 – 5 pm (come see where the magic happens at Black Bird Studios and meet a bunch of fabulous artists) .  Check out the links to see who is involved in each of these fabulous shows.

While you are out and about, check out the other craft sales happening on Gabriola over the next two weekends. The Agi Christmas Craft Fair is at the Community Hall this Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm.    Also this Saturday, Dianna Bonder will have her studio open for an Xmas Blast Open House from 10 am – 4 pm (the perfect place to get those books I was talking about). Another talented group of artists will be selling their wares at Christmas at the Roundhouse over the next two weekends from 11 am – 4 pm.  La Belle Vie Studio will be full of my friend Josee Velsen’s creations, so stop by while you are making your rounds (her homemade teas would be the perfect pairing with the books you are gifting and make sure you get some of your own to sip while you write Christmas cards). 

There is simply no reason to go to Nanaimo when you can get all your holiday shopping done right here on our amazing island.  Shop local and have fun!

P.S. If you are in Nanaimo and cannot make it over this way, check out the beautiful creations made by Katherine Moore at her Breeze On In Open House this weekend.  Or head downtown and see my art alongside so many other locals at Artzi Stuff.

new art for the gallery

The Pier Gallery Artists Collective is opening up a month early this year and so I have been working hard to finish some paintings.  This weekend, from 11-5 both Saturday and Sunday, my art will be for sale alongside the incredible creations of over two local dozen artists.  Why not pop in and see what we have been up to?  You might just find the perfect mother’s day gift (for your mom or for yourself)!  Speaking of, here are a couple of my new ones that might just fit the bill…..you will have to come to the gallery to see the rest (including some new card designs)!

tea party games night  --- cuz the ladies like to let loose now and again!

from breakfast on -----fill the day with it!!

And now I must start painting for Artzi Stuff – just last week they sold the last couple paintings I had left in there! Perfect timing since I really love to create at this time of year….though balancing it with work and homeschooling and puppy and all the other stuff is a bit tricky!

a little local art shop

Somehow I have failed to tell you that I am now part of a local cooperative art gallery on Gabriola! I joined the Pier Gallery Artists Collective at the end of May and since then I have been selling paintings, cards and calendars to visitors from all over the world! Today a group from Australia left with my teacup calendar and a couple from Vancouver bought 5 of my art cards (which I imagine will travel to others who will discover my art from a distance)…and three of my paintings have already sold.

During my shifts at the gallery (located at the Silva Bay Marina), I really enjoy chatting with locals, visitors, and so many boaters.  Raena came down to help out one day and cannot wait until her next chance to help with the cash register (living math and another successful homeschooling moment for her).  Alex is hoping to come down for my next shift!proud new gallery memberwith my happy helper!she loves being part of it all

The gallery is open 7 days a week.  Find out more about the collective and see some of the art on our Facebook page.  Creations made by two dozen artists await you!  There is something for everyone…..organic lotions and soaps, herbal teas, pottery, jewellery, fused glass, paintings, photography, art cards, quilted art, tie dye clothes, handcrafted leather, pillows and aprons and more.  We even have fun filled grab bags just for the kids!

Why don’t you drop by and say hello?come on in!