Wordless Wednesday: the eyes have it!

carvings by George Blackstock and Pat de Couto;
intarsia pup by Del Holbrook; mixed media by Valerie Simons

Be Prepared

hand-painted silk scarf by Jane Ostenstad

origami gift stars by Yolanda Cheung; ceramic buttons by Dan Severance; photo pendant by Sarah Ronald

Not just the motto of the Boy Scouts - the cry of every well-organised Christmas planner everywhere (yes, they do exist).

If you're looking for neat gifts which tuck easily into cards for mailing overseas then check out our shelves and hanging racks. We have beautiful art cards, funky dog tag pendants, intricate origami gift pockets and even ceramic buttons for the distant crafter in your thoughts. A carefully folded silk scarf won't add much to envelope weight either, but it will bring an extra-large smile to whoever opens it.

See you soon (Christmas is coming - sooner than you think!)

Public Service Announcement: Christmas is closer than you think

Best things ... small packages

long necklace by Sandra Ho

beaded necklace by Luci Gimenes

It's what I keep telling my son, and it's true.

The best chocolate comes in small bars.

Tiny diamonds look classy.

The best thing in my life is just over 4 foot tall.

... and of course there's the amazing jewelry for sale in the gift shop.

Nuff said.

beaded necklace by Sandra Ho

Wordless Wednesday: the eyes have it!

keen-eyed eagle: intarsia work by Del Holbrook

Welcome!

I'd like to introduce a new member of the Blackberry Artist's Society, Jane Ostenstad, who joined us during the summer.

Jane creates the most beautiful painted silk scarves, as shown in these photographs.

As usual, it's much better to see them in person rather than rely on mere photographs (we're open 11.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and between 12 noon and 4pm on a Sunday).

Wordless Wednesday: Sarah Ronald at City Hall

This month, artist and photographer Sarah Ronald's work is in the display case on the mezzanine level (just pop up the stairs to the council's main offices).

All images copyright S Ronald

Happy Thanksgiving

stained glass leaf by Margret Billings

... from the Blackberry Artist's Society

October's Featured Artist: Valerie Gilbert

This month's featured artist is Valerie Gilbert, one of Blackberry's three paper artists. Valerie's work comprises intricately folded papers framed in a reverse silhouette - she describes the technique as iris folding and she is an expert. Her work is available in some truly unique cards, which incidentally make great hostess gifts when you want to be extra-appreciative, and beautiful framed works.

How long have you been an artist? 3 1/2 years
Where did you train? Self-taught
Do you work in a studio or at home? At home
Do you work as an artist full-time, part-time, or do you squeeze in the creating as a hobby? Full time (when I'm not volunteering or doing shows)
Describe how a piece progresses, from first inspiration to finished object in the gift shop. I draw the design, cut out with a straight edge knife, then select papers that I hope will work together. I cut strips of the paper, fold them and then create the design (hopefully it looks good!)
What's your favourite piece to make? Probably the Kimono
Who inspires you, and why? I think the customer - when I am at shows and hear the positive comments, it feels good and I want to do more!

Wordless Wednesday: Hyperlocal

set of four notecards from the photographic archives
(available in the gift shop, $4)