Spring IS Coming

Out here on Digby Neck, the sun is getting stronger, snow is pretty much all gone and winter is, grudgingly, giving up its hold on our amazing slice of Nova Scotia. Sure, we'll probably get a late blizzard but that snow will soon melt. The earth is warming up and I have it on good authority that pussy willows are emerging.

Here at the shop, we are doing a lot of fabrication in studio to produce pieces for the retail shop. We have experimented with new materials such as this leather "barbed wire"- truly unique.

More beautiful copper and silver Viking Knit Chains have been completed and paired with beautiful agates.

New techniques have been perfected- including this show stopping pendant using a really cool cold connection method.

We even have an amazing sterling silver vintage ring from Russia which features an awesome sillimanite cat's eye.

When we got it it was totally black and in need of repair but it has been professionally cleaned and repaired. It is very small (size 4/5) but it is a beautiful example of Russian craftsmanship- complete with Russian hallmarks.

We plan on opening next month if the weather cooperates and even if you have been before, come again as our store is like a box of chocolates- you never know what treasures you will find.

Old Friend- Amazing Talent!

 I am a very fortunate fella!

Through a series of expertly negotiated one year contracts, I have managed to stay married to "She Who MUST Be Obeyed" or as she's commonly known- The Real Artist- for more than 52 years.

In addition, I have been able to stay in contact with several friends I have known for over 60 years! And while we live far apart, we communicate regularly- sometimes via video conferencing so we can confirm the others are actually still alive (heh,heh). I cherish those friendships.

One such friend, Cheryl, is an amazing photographer and dog lover. Recently, she revived her interest in pastel portraits- mostly of animals. Her work is stunning!

Use of high quality pastels and other materials along with her unique technique, enables Cheryl to capture the subtle variations in fur and hair that all animals have. Her skill in capturing the expressive eyes makes her portraits seem to come alive.

Years of photography and attention to detail enable her to capture not only a pet's likeness but also its personality.

Recently I decided to put Cheryl to the test. Our daughter Lisa loves all animals but especially cats. She volunteers with the animal shelter in Freeport, Grand Bahama and has proven to be a complete failure as a foster mom- failure in the sense that she rarely gives them back (she blames her husband)! Lisa has a passion for Maine Coons which led her to become mom to Duke. To say that Duke (named after a famous Hawaiian surfer) was a large cat would not be doing him justice.

Duke was massive and eventually tipped the scales at over 30 pounds! When he died, Lisa and her husband Jarrod were devastated and since their anniversary was coming up, we decided to commission Cheryl to do a portrait. We sent her a photo...and got this back:

Lisa was both ecstatic and deeply touched because Cheryl had captured the essence of her dear pet- right down to his damaged ear!

So if you have a cherished pet or know of someone who does, why not check out Cheryl's web site at www.somewhere-in-time.net. There you will find testimonials and pricing (very reasonable) along with tips on how to photograph your pet(s) and all the info needed to commission what will no doubt become a treasured family heirloom.