West coast spring mornings

April 6, 2016 //

I’ve been enjoying early-morning walks with a friend. One of our favourite destinations is Government House, the home of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The gardens and grounds are amazing. This particular morning, we made our way into the neighbourhood of Rockland past Craigdarroch Castle, a local attraction.

A peek of Craigdarroch Castle as we make our way to Government House on Rockland Avenue.

Early spring daffodils and grape hyacinths grow in amongst the rocks.

Long morning shadows.

A glimpse of the back of Government House from the rocky terraces which slope down into woodlands.

Tags daffodils, Government House Victoria BC, spring, Spring flowers, spring walk, Victoria BC

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

View of Fairfield from Moss Rock Park

March 22, 2016 //

Victoria BC is a small city with lovely neighbourhoods. We are blessed with tree-lined boulevards and many small parks for nature and recreation. Moss Rock Hill is a rocky, and mossy, outcrop with a fantastic view of most of the city. A great place to watch a sunset or fireworks display in the Inner Harbour.

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Tags morning walk, Moss Rock Park, spring, Victoria BC, west coast, west coast spring

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

Intoxicating scents of early spring

February 24, 2016 //

I was just out in our back courtyard taking some pictures of my latest complete jewellery project. The light on that side of the building is perfect, and the brick walls make a nice backdrop. The entire railing on the second floor is covered in Clematis armandii, which is in full bloom. I was completely engulfed in the most heavenly aroma.

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Tags Clematis armandii, spring, Spring flowers, Victoria BC

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

Winter morning clouds

February 23, 2016 //

We have had some magnificent west-coast weather happening lately; from spring-like days of chirping birds and blooming flowers, to threatening skies and torrential rain storms. Here are some photos of an 8 am sky from a few days ago. It was mesmerizing! The views are of James Bay near Fisherman’s Wharf, and out of the harbour across the straight towards the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.

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Tags clouds, morning light, morning walks, storm clouds, Victoria BC, Victoria Inner Harbour, winter

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

Winter sunsets

February 18, 2016 //

We have been having some beautiful days this month, almost verging on spring. Last week, while I was running errands as the sun was setting, I took some photos of the sky around the downtown Victoria area. Today it’s sunny again, just lovely!

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Tags Chinatown Victoria BC, pink sunset, sunset, Victoria BC, winter

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

Vancouver day trip

February 12, 2016 //

A friend and I had another quick Vancouver day trip this week; this time by road. After running a couple errands we walked through gastown to the east side to visit Anne Starr fabrics, had a wonderful lunch at Nuba on East Hastings, and then retreated back to the ferry terminal and our journey home. Along the way we discovered two must-do places for the next visit: Ask for Luigi, an Italian restaurant, and Soft Peaks organic milk soft serve, both on Alexander Street. We were also treated to a magnificent sunset from the deck of the BC Ferries ship Coastal Celebration. Here are a couple shots form the still-industrial east side of Vancouver, plus that sunset.…

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Tags day trip, railyard, sunset, Vancouver BC

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

New project, ready to begin…

February 11, 2016 //

The design is approved, and now I have all the materials in front of me. Wedding jewellery commission for a friend in pearls of cream, light grey, and rich purple-grey. More on this one later…

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Tags jewellery, jewellery design, jewelry, jewelry design, necklace, pearls, wedding jewellery

Categories Art, Uncategorized

Just Matcha opens in Chinatown

February 11, 2016 //

A tea shop I visit once in a while in Oak Bay, Just Matcha, has just opened a new shop in my neighbourhood. They have a lovely little spot in a newly renovated space near the entrance to history Fan Tan Alley. Our matcha lattes were delicious. Their menu is extensive and varied, something for every taste. They also offer some baked treats and locally-made chocolates – plus, beautiful tea ware, supplies and different grades of matcha to make at home. A really nice place to relax with some healthy matcha tea!

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Tags Chinatown Victoria BC, Just Matcha, matcha latte, matcha tea, tea store, Victoria BC

Categories Travel, Uncategorized

A few new jewellery pieces

February 2, 2016 //

Here are pics of a few pieces I finished just before the Holidays. I always enjoy experimenting with needle felting! You can find them on our online shop.

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Tags brooch, felted, Firehorse Designs, jewellery, jewellery design, jewelry, jewelry design, needle felting, pendant, Victoria BC

Categories Art, Uncategorized

Early morning walks and early spring

February 1, 2016 //

I have really been enjoying early morning walks lately. The light is so remarkable; the streets are coming to life. Here are a few shots from around the harbour in Victoria BC.