Lots of Tourists

 As the weather finally improves and the smoke clears, more tourists are starting to appear and we've also seen people who come annually as they have summer homes here. I'm being kept busy making new pieces to replace sold items. Here's a real beauty combining a beautiful stone, unique hand fashioned copper setting and a show stopping Viking Knit Chain.

I have to say this is one of the most beautiful stones we have found on the neck. It positively glows!

Once again I have embarked on an ambitious project- finish 100 cabochons through the summer. Honestly, if I didn't have my Cab King with the trim saw attachment, I couldn't do it.

Believe it or not, one of the big problems I have is to be selective. Vickie has found me so much beautiful local rock! Here's a sampling.

This gorgeous piece has spectacular colour and patterning and will make a stunning pendant.

Another amazing piece with several different types of structure. It is photographed wet- hence the highlights.

This stunner has areas of moss agate on the bottom and a great pocket of fortification agate along with rich colour shifts. 

And last but by no means least, we have this show stopping combination of plume agate in an amethyst matrix. And these are just a few of this summer's haul. So if your travels take you to Nova Scotia. Make sure to come to the most interesting part- Digby Neck- and stop by to say hello and see the shop.

Cheers.

Back to Work

Well, it certainly has been an interesting summer! Got my new hip May 4th but had to have a second operation to clean up a staph infection so it is only now that things are getting back to what passes for normal around here.

Our daughter, Lisa, is here and she and Vickie are hand dying yarn. Here's some drying in the breeze on the deck.

Here's Vickie hand painting yarn which will be for sale soon in the Etsy shop. It is absolutely beautiful!

And since I can now stand without a walker or cane, I'm back to work in the rock shop, working to replace the rock we have sold this summer.
So come on by and see all the beautiful new merchandise in the shop and check out the rock shop while you are here. Kids of all ages (and I mean ALL) really like seeing how the stone gets transferred from rough to polished.
We are in the process of adding several hundred skeins of yarn into inventory so the shelves will be bulging for all you knitting fanatics (you know who you are!)
Hope to see you soon!

Update From the Rock Shop

Well, the tourist season is in high gear with people from literally all over the world dropping in to the shop. In between visitors, I am getting time to work on some of my "inventory"

Here is a piece that Vickie is going to wire wrap to make a pendant.

This is basically porcelain agate with some nice dark brown inclusions. I have only taken it to 100 grit in this pic so it's going to be pretty glassy at the finish.

I also have some beautiful pieces to cut. Take a look!

After I cut, I'll decide if they are good enough for a pendant but there certainly are some amazing fortification agate patterns.

If you are a family planning a trip to Digby and would like to spend a bit of time in my shop watching me work, just contact me and I'll do my best to set something up.

Hope to see you soon!

More beautiful agate

getting more opportunity to be in the shop and I have some really good material to work with.
This was one small piece that contained crazy lace, fortification and moss agate that I was able to get three pieces from.

Some really beautiful colours and patterns and I managed to get some pretty nice shapes so now they go to Vickie to work her magic. Don't know if she is going to wrap them or get me to drill them but I predict they will be pretty awesome when she's finished!

Come on by and see this stuff in person!

Cheers!

We're officially in the knitting business!

As some of you may know, we have always carried a selection of hand knitted goods courtesy of our daughter, Lisa. What you didn't know was that Lisa was doing the experimental work necessary to create an entire line of luxurious, top quality hand dyed yarns.

The experimental phase is complete and we are proud to announce the birth of Seawall Fibres!

May 11, 2016

For Immediate Release

We are pleased to announce the introduction of Seawall Fibres, a boutique collection of unique, hand dyed luxurious yarns.

Digby Neck is a spectacular slip of nature perched precariously between the rugged waters of the Bay of Fundy and historic St. Mary’s Bay- waters whose colours are constantly changing and whose world famous 20+ foot tides dramatically resculpt the landscape twice daily.

The imposing Seawall towers over all, standing as a silent sentinel to days long past, simpler times when local wool was spun and hand dyed. Her deep red sandstone contrasts with the grey basalt massifs and treasures of amethyst, jasper and multicoloured agates found in the sand and driftwood of the beach below.

This is the inspiration for Seawall Fibres- unique, hand dyed yarns reflecting the enchanting beauty of natural Nova Scotia.

To learn more about this product, please refer to our blog www.seawallfibres.blogspot.ca or follow us on Facebook or Instagram or contact us by email at seawallfibres@yahoo.com .

The Seawall- the inspiration for Seawall Fibres

These gorgeous yarns are now available in the shop but we are kicking things off with a very exciting give away contest with a really nice prize so head on over to www.seawallfibres.blogspot.ca  and check it out!

We look forward to seeing you this summer! 

Seawall Fibres is Open For Business!

This summer we have an exciting new addition to the shop.

Seawall Fibres is the brainchild of our daughter, Lisa. An avid knitter, she was having trouble finding premium luxurious wool and fibres in the colours she wanted. So she decided to make her own! (She's a lot like her mom!).

First she had to find a source of natural premium yarn that met her exacting standards and once that was achieved, she set about to experiment with colour/ yarn/ weight combinations using as her inspiration the beautiful Seawall area across from our shop on St. Mary's Bay. The end result is a spectacular array of beautiful yarns, named after gorgeous rocks and minerals and the ever-changing kaleidoscope of the Seawall.

A small sampling of the Seawall Fibres line of luxurious yarn.

We have stock in the store in several weights from "fingering" to "chunky". Eventually, Seawall Fibres will be available through an Etsy sight but for now, you can get it at the shop.

Our exciting Seawall Fibres display

As you can see, we are also carrying knitting supplies (bags, needles) and a selection of hand knitted items made from this fabulous material. Everything is priced below what you would expect for this quality. So if you are a knitter or know a knitter, come on by and check out Seawall Fibres. You won't be disappointed! And remember, we accept all credit cards.

We're Open!

May 1st is the official opening date for the shop. Actually, we've been open from time to time all winter when there are special events in town. It was great fun meeting so many of the senior curlers and their supporters from all across Canada.

But now we notice more and more out of province plates coming out The Neck so tourist season is here!
So what's new for this season? Lots!
First off we have a larger, eye catching sign that details a lot (not all!) of what we sell.

We've even managed to add a few floats to our collection!

Next we changed the entrance to the shop.

We're putting in new planters and creating a great "photo op" for our guests.

Inside the shop, we've really expanded our knit goods and this year we are selling our own line of luxurious, exclusive hand-dyed yarns. These yarns will also be sold online through a new venture- Seawall Fibres, and will reflect the beauty found in the natural materials around The Seawall.

The colours are truly spectacular and sure to delight any knitting enthusiast. We will be starting a new blog and Facebook and Instagram page with regular updates on what's available, and when that's in place, we'll let you know and provide links from this blog.

Lastly, Vickie has been busy in her studio creating some amazing jewelry!

This is her new Mako design, inspired by the shark of thew same name. It has gotten rave reviews to date so we can't wait for you to see it.

Our house renovations are almost finished and soon I'll be able to get started in the Rock Shop. I have some spectacular agate to work with to create specimen pieces and jewelry.

So if you live in the area or are planning a trip to Nova Scotia, be sure to include the amazing Seawall on scenic Digby Neck. We'll be waiting for you.

Also, if you are planning a trip at a time when we might not be open, just email or call and we'll see if we can arrange to be open, just for you!

Digby Area Tourism Association

Those of you who follow the blog will find a change starting with this post.

The above is the logo for the Digby Area Tourism Association- DATA- a group of which I am a proud member.

DATA has as its mandate, the promotion of tourism in the greater Digby area. Digby is a fantastic destination point for any vacation to the maritimes with a wealth of things to do and see. I try to include businesses and groups on this blog but it is impossible for me to cover everything.

The DATA sight has a much more comprehensive listing of what is available as well as festivals, etc. that you might wish to plan your vacation around.

Summer is just around the corner so you owe it to yourself and your family to see what Digby has to offer. Just click on the logo to the right and you will be magically transported to their web site.

Enjoy!.

Exciting New Merchandise:

We will also be featuring our own exclusive selection of ultra high quality, hand dyed wool yarn this summer, so come on by and see them. If you are a knitter, you'll be in heaven. And for those non-knitters, we have a wonderful selection of unique, high quality knit goods. I'll do a post in the near future.

Congrats to The Champs

Our Friday store visitors had a heck of a finish to the 2016 Womens' Senior Curling Championship. After leaving the shop they went back to town and beat Alberta. Then on Saturday morning they beat Alberta again to get to the finals.

Mary Sue, Colleen and Kim share a laugh

Now I should tell you that Coleen bought one of Vickie's Paintings titled "Sunset at Gold Rock" and in the final that afternoon, they threw the "gold" rocks! Coincidence?? I think not!!
The result...

2016 Senior Womens' Champions- from left to right skip Colleen Jones, third Kim Kelly
second Mary Sue Radford and lead Nancy Delahunt

It was great fun meeting and getting to know this terrific quartet of awesome curlers and wonderful ambassadors of our province and we wish them  success at the World Championships next year in Lethbridge Alberta.

The team surrounded by indigenous wild life

Hope our paths cross again ladies. Life will be a little boring with you leaving town.

Spring Will be A Few Days Late

So yesterday at around noon, we had nothing but bare grass. And then it started to snow. And then it started to blow. And this morning we woke to this:

Winter makes a brief return

At the height of the storm yesterday, we watched a huge section of a dock flow by on the waves and current. It's probably in Boston by now!
If the windows weren't covered, you could see all the neat stuff inside.

The new snowblower is working great and we are connected to the world once again.
So when you come and see us next summer, think of that snowdrift as you walk in the door!
See you soon.

Vickie's Latest Work of Art

Vickie is back on her polymer clay horse and has decided on the theme for her next collection.
She is calling it predator and she is taking her inspiration from the teeth and talons of some pretty nasty beasts whose shapes she finds beautiful (go figure).
The first in the series is the Mako.
When we lived in Jacksonville Florida, Ponta Vedra Beach, actually, we used to find a lot of shark teeth. Each shark has a distinctive tooth design and the Mako's are particularly beautiful.

actual fossilized mako shark's tooth

So starting with this figure, Vickie hand cuts her own forms and uses several different polymer clay techniques to form representational shapes with unique and beautiful patterns. She then combines them with agate and metal spacer beads to produce a beautiful necklace. A set of ear rings, a bracelet and a pendant will complete the set and she plans on doing several in different colour combinations.

The Mako Necklace - no two alike - collect the whole set!

These pieces will be available in the shop next spring and will also be for sale on our new Etsy site (more about that in the next post).
Out here on the Neck, the sun is getting stronger every day and most of the snow has melted. Although we are expecting a big snow storm next week, spring is just around the corner so make your plans now to visit our little piece of paradise out here on scenic Digby Neck.
See you soon.

Whale Cove Campground- a True Digby Neck Experience

Many years ago, I worked as an exploration geologist, spending entire summers living in a tent. I loved it! Growing up, my family camped every summer and the experience gave me some of my fondest memories.
Nova Scotia is basically one big camp site, and a fabulous one to boot! Each year, outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world come here to enjoy the outdoors.
Out on "The Neck" we only have one campground but fortunately, it's a real beauty.
Whale Cove Campground (located, coincidentally, at Whale Cove) gets its name from the numerous whale sightings nearby. It's a beautiful place which offers several different types of accommodations.

Check out the nearby wharf

Do you RV? They have large, easily accessible sites with water and electricity and a dump site.
How about a rustic cottage They have them- with housekeeping!
Campers have a wide choice of clean sites with a lot of amenities including free WiFi, a coin laundry, a small museum and lots more.
Maybe you've never camped in a tent but would like to see what it's like. Well, they even have a Rent-A-Tent program so you don't need to buy expensive equipment before you try it out!

Your home away from home

There are plenty of nearby places to eat and you can even get fresh caught lobster right at the campground!

They even have their own lobster boat!

And there's lots to do for the whole family. Beach comb for agates and sea glass on the rock beach, explore the coves and wharf and hike nearby trails. (And if you find a nice piece of agate, bring it to my lapidary shop at The Artist's Mark Studio/Shop and I'll cut it and polish it for you for a nominal cost. Guests from Whale Cove get a 10% discount on all our goods and services.

Beautiful Bay of Fundy agate

Your hosts at Whale Cove Campground are Tina Frost and her family. If you want to see how big a difference super friendly, helpful hosts can make to your experience, check out the comments on the Whale Cove Campground web site.
Stay at Whale Cove and maximize your Digby Neck Experience!
And while you're here, stop by The Artist's Mark and say hi.

For more information on the Whale Cove Campground, go to www.whalecovecampground.com

A Great Way to Experience the Digby Area

I am fortunate to live in an amazing area. Digby is located within the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere- one of only 16 areas in Canada recognized internationally as being one of the world's most important nature areas and home to many endangered plants and animals. The geology is fascinating (see my earlier post) and the scenery can be breathtaking.
So a trip to this area can be the trip of a lifetime and a real learning experience for the whole family. In short, it can be something that your family will never forget.

Hiking at the Seawall on Digby Neck

 Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could have a really knowledgeable "local" take you to the best spots to maximize your visit? That's the idea behind Gael Tours.

Greg Turner- your Tour Guide

Greg Turner (no relation) is a life-long resident of the Digby area. An avid hiker, he knows all the really great areas off the beaten path and with 31 years experience as an educator, he can show you things that make this area so special and provide you with lifetime memories.
Greg conducts two different tours.

Plankton, Periwinkles and Predators:
This tour will help you explore the fascinating ecosystem of Digby- amazing sea life connected with the remarkable high tides and tidal pools of the famous Bay of Fundy. This tour is a Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience.

Stones, Steeples, Ships and Seafood:
Learn about the history of Digby and our world renowned scallop fishing fleet. In a short time, you'll feel like a native and you'll even get to sample local seafood (which is outstanding by the way).

Ecotours are the hottest trend in travel and a great way to maximize your vacation dollars and create family memories. If you want to learn more, go to www.gaeltours.ca

And while you're in the area, be sure to drop by our shop at the Artist's Mark on Digby Neck- right across from the Seawall cliffs and beach.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our amazing beautiful, unique area.