HO HO HO

Thank you from all the artists/artisans from Blackberry Gift Shop for your kind patronage this year and all past years as well! 

Have a wonderful, safe holiday season.  We look forward to seeing you all in the new year ahead.

Our gift shop reopens on January 4, 2016  12 noon to 4pm.

Auf Wiedersehen!

We close today - thank you from all of us Blackberry Artists, for a wonderful Christmas Marketplace. We enjoyed meeting each and every one of you.
Wishing you a peaceful or exciting Christmas and New year - we'll be back on duty as artists in the gift shop on Monday, January 4th, 2016!

PS: This is the ned of daily posting - for newsletter subscribers, it's safe to adjust your MailChimp settings back to "every post" if you so desire. Thanks for hanging out with us!

On the twelfth day of Christmas ...

Watercolor dragonfly by Elizabeth Wallace

Almost there - Christmas is nigh.
Last night, as we snuggled together as a family, pets, and other visitors, with the smell of tobacco wafting gently in from the kitchen on the notes of a sea shanty, My True Love and I looked back over the last twelve months. A lot had changed - house, family, dog ... Our previous twelve days of Christmas seemed a lifetime ago.

"I think this seems appropriate," My True Love smiled as he reached behind the armchair, handing me a square package.
I opened it to find a beautiful watercolour dragonfly, its wings still shimmering from the water it emerged from s it dried out in the heat from the fire. A dragonfly - the symbol of change - how fitting.

Merry Christmas from us to you!

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,

For free, a knitting pattern , 

Five boxed foxes, 

Six waving branches,

A seven seas salty seadog,

Eight piggywig toes,

Around nine for winetime, 

Ten flowers on silk, 

Eleven paper boxes with earrings, 

A dragonfly for twelve months of change ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the eleventh day of Christmas ...

Earrings in handmade paper gift boxes by Zara Lau

Since it is our adorable baby's first Christmas, My True Love has decided that we should attend every possible party in the neighbourhood.
My idea of a first Christmas together is to go into deep hibernation in front of the fire and stay home as much as possible.
Never mind that I don't have any party clothes, or that I need to stay in to let the cat in, the foxes out, make sure the pig wipes his feet on the mat, shoo the gulls and stop the dog from worrying my slippers.
In the true spirit of Christmas Past, My True Love returned home with not one but eleven tiny boxes. Inside each handmade paper box was a beautiful pair of earrings, enough to make any outfit look special.
Maybe I am ready for the season after all!

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,

For free, a knitting pattern , 

Five boxed foxes, 

Six waving branches,

A seven seas salty seadog,

Eight piggywig toes,

Around nine for winetime, 

Ten flowers on silk, 

Eleven paper boxes with earrings, ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the tenth day of Christmas ...

Hand painted silk glasses case by Jane Ostenstad

Test-driving all the wine coasters maybe got away on me last night.
This morning (and I left the cat out on purpose to teach her and her party pals a lesson) I slept in till 8:30am. By the time I got up, My True Love had crept quietly off with the baby and the dog for a morning walk, leaving me what should have been a lovely slice of cinnamon toast with butter if he hadn't let the cat back in on his way out ...

Along with the greasy paw prints all over my night stand, she had also left her indignation across the lenses of my spectacles.

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,

For free, a knitting pattern , 

Five boxed foxes, 

Six waving branches,
A seven seas salty seadog,
Eight piggywig toes,
Around nine for winetime, 
Ten flowers on silk, ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the ninth day of Christmas ...

Wine coasters by Angela Holbrook

It was a good thing I finished my cowl yesterday.
It came in very handy as I hunted round the garden for the cat early this morning. She had been out partying during the night but this time, the dog had blocked her cat door so she wailed until I woke to let her in.
Or at least, I think it was the dog who blocked her way - the flap was somehow wedged in its frame as if something had pushed through. And I swear those were trotter marks in the snow outside but I must be dreaming?
So sleep-deprived now - My True Love noticed that I'm turning forgetful and brought he something to make things better - wine coasters that stay with your glass. These intriguing cloth envelopes fit on the bottom of a stemmed wine glass so where it goes, so do they.
And at the end of the day, around nine pm for me, that last thing I want is to be reminded of my memory issues and then have to remember to wipe up drips!

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,

For free, a knitting pattern , 

Five boxed foxes, 

Six waving branches,
A seven seas salty seadog,
Eight piggywig toes,
Around nine for winetime, ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the eighth day of Christmas ...

Eight piggy toes sculpted in alabaster by Tom Reid

Still snowing overnight.

The cat has been out frolicking in the garden with her mystery pals while the dog barks at the gathering gulls overhead.

I swear there's a lick of salt crust on the window panes, even though we're a kilometer or so from the inlet, and I'm sure I caught the baby humming a sea shanty ...

This evening's treat from My True Love was for the baby - he calls her his little piggy - an enchanting alabaster pig. Bedtimes are such fun counting ten little piggies and then the eight piggy toes

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,

For free, a knitting pattern , 

Five boxed foxes, 

Six waving branches,
A seven seas salty seadog,
Eight piggywig toes, ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

Artist Call: New Members in the Blackberry Artist'S Society

work by Sarah Ronald

Psst!

New Members: First Call for 2016 Members

PORT MOODY ARTIST CO-OP SEEKS NEW MEMBERS FOR EXPANDED GIFT SHOP

First Chance to Apply to Blackberry Gift Shop in 2016!

Are you an Artist or Artisan with:

*  High quality, unique art and/or fine craft with wide demographic appeal

*  The ability and interest to work monthly in a co-op environment in Port Moody

*  Well-thought out packaging and marketing for your artwork

*  A good range of price points for your items

*  Interesting year-round product as well as holiday gifts

If so, Blackberry Artist's Society is doing a first jury call of the year.

Applications may be picked up at the Gift Shop in the Port Moody Arts Centre,

2425 St John's Street, Port Moody, BC
or
Downloaded online here - Blackberry Artist's Society Application for Membership [pdf]

Applications must be received by February 7, 2016, 4 pm at Blackberry Gift Shop or by email notification. 
Applicants must attend the jury session to discuss their work February 10, 2016 at 7 pm.

Monthly jurying resumes in March.

For more information, visit www.blackberrygiftshop.ca, call the shop at 604-931-2008 ext 102 or email blackberrygiftshop [at] live dot ca

On the seventh day of Christmas ...

Salty sea dog driftwood sculpture by Pat de Couto

As I clicked through knitting my cowl this afternoon (nearly finished - beautiful chunky wool!), I suddenly felt that there were eyes upon me. I looked up just in time to imagine a fox tail twitch to stillness.
Facing the cubs, I sternly wagged my finger (silently - the baby was on an afternoon nap - oh bliss) to stay well behaved. But still I could feel those eyes ...
I turned slowly in my slippers, surveying the walls when suddenly just out of my line of sight I saw a movement. The figure on the driftwood sculpture - where did he come from and when did he arrive?
And are those really gulls crying overhead?

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,

For free, a knitting pattern , 

Five boxed foxes, 

Six waving branches,
A seven seas salty seadog, ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

One more week ...

artwork by Sarah Ronald

No snoozing!
A quick note to remind you that our Blackberry Artist's Society annual Christmas Marketplace is now in its last week. We are open every day, from 10am to 6pm during the week, then until 5pm on Saturday and between 12 and 4pm on Sunday.

The main Marketplace will be cleared starting on Tuesday, December 22nd but the gift shop remains open until 4pm that evening.

So don't leave it until last minute - shop local, shop often and support your local artists!
We really appreciate it :)

On the sixth day of Christmas ...

Snowfall tile by Jan Pavlic

Snow fell for the first time this Christmas. I looked out of my bedroom window in the early hours this morning (! i wonder why!) and big fat blobs of white stuff were falling, covering the grass ... and the cat. She must have been partying hard, as there were tracks and paw prints over the whole lawn ... and was that an orange brush tail disappearing into the shrubbery?

The cat and I counted snowflakes on the ceramic tile, the latest gift from the Blackberry Artist's Society gift shop that My True Love brought home, as we snuggled together to get warm and fall asleep again.

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,
For free, a knitting pattern , 
Five boxed foxes, 
Six waving branches...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the fifth day of Christmas ...

Foxes in boxes by Sarah Ronald

After last year's move, the last thing I wanted to see this Christmas was another box.
However, this bundle of foxes in boxes that arrived in front of me this evening are so enchanting that My True Love is forgiven.

The dog has started howling at night - I wonder why? and where did the echos come from?

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,
For free, a knitting pattern , 
Five boxed foxes ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the fourth day of Christmas ...

Yarn with free cowl pattern by Dalia Levy

Christmas is creeping up and I'm beginning to feel the stress. My True Love has noticed and regularly whisks both dog and baby out into the crisp air for a looooong hike on the forest trails.
Last night, after the chocolate baby incident, he brought home a skein of hand-dyed local yarn with a free knitting pattern, so this afternoon I'm destressing by knitting up a superfast cowl to keep my neck cosy when I join the two out on hikes.

At least, once I can find the end of my yarn ... I think it might have a cat attached?

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm,
For free, a knitting pattern ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the third day of Christmas

Intarsia wall plaque by Del Holbrook

Unwilling to share the chocolatey treats that she knows the dog will love, the cat has been hiding the marzipan delights under the baby.
How do I know this? At 2am, I found myself dealing with a peculiarly sticky brown substance apparently oozing from my child. Being half asleep and with my nose plugged ready for the onslaught, it took an entire clean-and-change before I absentmindedly licked my thumb ...

Joy Peace Love, My True Love reminded me.
I have chocolate smeared on my slipper and the dog won't leave me alone.

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers,

Three wooden words of calm ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the second day of Christmas ...

Felted slippers by Yara Pyrozhok

So the mystery of my vanishing treats continues.
Both the cat and dog apparently "know nothing" and I've had to prowl round the house hoping to find the missing chocolates. Without a shredded bag that they came in, I'm pretty sure that the dog has not eaten them ... but the cat is looking really smug.
I followed her down to the basement today, totally appreciating the warm toasty felted slipper My True Love presented me with this morning as I shuffled around where the heating does not reach.

One lidded treats jar,

Two toasty slippers ...

Catch up with all the 12 days of Christmas posts!

On the first day of Christmas ...

Lidded bowl by Lucy Hwang

This year I am hoping for a peaceful Christmas season, unlike our house moving saga from the year before. My True Love and I are settled in to a new house - we've done as much renovating as each of us can stand. The cat has stopped shredding curtains and has settled down as "ruler of all she surveys"; she is now stalking our new dog when she's not spying on the baby.
Maybe I can relax a little...
...with the marzipan chocolates that arrived one evening with My True Love, neatly packaged in this gorgeous ceramic jar.
At least, that's what was in the jar yesterday evening - this evening I pulled out a dehydrated fishy treat and a milk bone. Hmmm?

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

One lidded treats jar ...

Daily posting alert! and Daily Marketplace alert!

Dear reader

This is the time of year when the Blackberry blog goes nuts with its 12 Days of Christmas postings (catch up with 2014 here and 2013 here and 2012 here [phew!]).
This means that starting Monday, there will be a post on the blog every single day until we close on December 22nd.
If you are signed up to subscribe to the enewsletter, you may want to Manage Your Subscription by changing to the weekly digest ... but we are more than happy if you continue to receive a little slice of Blackberry every day!
See you in the gift shop soon :)

Blackberry Artists at City Hall

This month and next,we have a group display in the cases leading up the stairs to where you pay your city invoices, taxes and fines. We hope that our work makes your financial responsibilities a little less painful and, at this time of year, helps solve some of your gifting problems.

Our Christmas Marketplace at the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody) is open every day until Dec 22nd, from 10am until 6pm Monday to Friday, to 5pm on Saturdays, and between 12 noon and 4pm on Sundays.

All items on display in the City Hall cases are available for purchase - simply leave a message at 604 931 2008 (ext. 102) or email blackberrygiftshop [at] live dot ca to arrange to have it brought to the shop for you. We accept cash and credit cards in payment, and have handmade gift bags, cards, magnets and card enclosures as well as our amazing artisan tree decorations for sale to complete the gift.

See you soon!

Port Moody City Hall at 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody

Art at Council: Vicki Allesia

by Vicki Allesia

Every so often, City Hall asks us to provide a piece of art at council.
As the City of the Arts, it is important to show artists to the general public and for us as an artist society, it's fun to tell the story behind a piece of art.
This month, Blackberry member and treasurer presented her art to Port Moody city council. After being introduced by the mayor, Mike Clay, Vicki described how a painting emerged and then re-emerged as she worked through her artistic process.
Enjoy the story - you can listen in the clip here.

Take the guesswork out of gifting this holiday season....

p

Gifts as unique as each individual you need to shop for this holiday season.... that's what you will find in the Blackberry Gift Shop.  All handmade by local artists/artisans.  All one of a kind.  Various price ranges, for all your shopping needs!

During the Christmas Marketplace show on now till Dec 21, we are open extended hours.  Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm; Sat 10am to 5pm; Sun 12 noon to 4pm

Wordless Wednesday .... One month til Christmas

Wire crochet and felt bracelet by Amanda Maxwell

No woman can have too much jewellery!

That's the honest truth! And there is no better time than now to come see the beautiful collection we have at the Blackberry Gift Shop. Extra selections for your shopping pleasure are available now during our Christmas Marketplace show.

Any woman would be thrilled to receive these handcrafted one of a kind item!

Hours are Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm; Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12noon - 4pm.

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Marketplace in full swing!

Christmas Tree full of handmade ornaments by The Blackberry Artists Society members

The Show Goes On

The 19th Annual Christmas Marketplace is on now until Dec 21.  All the Blackberry Gift Shop artists have worked hard to bring you wonderful unique selections for your gift giving this Christmas season.

If you have not had a chance to stop by, we hope you will do so soon.  And if you have, please be sure to stop in again (and again) as new items are constantly being added as the show continues.

Our Marketplace show hours are Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm; Sat 10am to 5pm; Sun 12noon to 4pm.

See you soon!

Wordless Wednesday - Come for Tea

Water Colour by Elizabeth Wallace

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Marketplace starts tomorrow!!

You are invited ... Christmas Marketplace opens Thursday, November 5th

Dear reader
You are cordially invited to the opening of the Blackberry Artist's Society 19th Annual Christmas Marketplace on Thursday, November 5th starting at 6pm.
Kicking off a little earlier this year, our annual artisan market is the solution to all your gift buying puzzles, with fine arts, crafts and handmade goodness for your whole list.
Please join us as we showcase our members' work for your delight - there will be refreshments and a cash bar ... and don't forget to visit the Christmas Tree for handcrafted decorations and hostess gifts.
If you'd like to start things off a little earlier, the Arts Centre is hosting a party to celebrate art instructor Agata Teodorwicz's 20th anniversary - the fun starts at 5pm so drop by and wish Agata congratulations.

Wordless Wednesday - Blue on Blue!

Bowl by Pauline Doyle, Chinese Knotted necklace by Zara Lau

On display at City Hall in October

A few more days to catch a peek at the wonderful display of wood from Blackberry artists Pat de Couto and Del Holbrook in the display case at City Hall this month.
It's definitely worth a special trip to see ...

Be that special BFF !

Wordless Wednesday - Jack o'lanterns

Felted pumpkin family by Yara Pyrozhok

Yes, you can!

Want to support your local artists and artisans?

It's easy to do! And fun too!

Every item in the Blackberry Gift Shop is hand made by local artists and artisans.  Come, browse and you will sure be able to find and take home something that is individually unique.

Wordless Wednesday - Seal of approval!

Seal carving by Tom Reid

Slip Sliding Into Fall

The weather is changing, Fall is in the air. As bears start thinking of hibernation, we humans turn our
thoughts to warmth and comfort. Take time to curl up with a good book and a cuppa - beautiful cups make that tea tastes so much more special. Slip those cold feet into gorgeous handmade felted cozy booties! Wrap up with original hand woven scarfs and felted wraps!
And incredibly smooth to the touch - wooden comfort birds for that special gift or for yourself!

See all these and more at the Blackberry Gift Shop. We have just all the things you need to get into Fall!

Wordless Wednesday - Photobomb by the Fox!

Cup by Lucy Hwang, Felted flower by Yara Pyrozhok, Monster Box by Pauline Doyle and Fox by Sarah Ronald

Welcome new artist Zara Lau!

A long overdue welcome to new artist, Zara Lau.
Zara brings with her some fine artistic talent for jewelry making, and also experience working in a larger artist cooperative.

Her work is a beautiful mixture of Chinese knot work using silky cords in combination with delightful beads and findings. Her work varies according to its content and each piece is unique since the knots are formed by hand.
Zara's work makes great gifts for a loved one and also for yourself.
Please stop by the gift shop and see for yourself.

Bring Back That Feeling

Remember the time when you found something unique and special?  How it made you smile and perhaps also made someone else smile too when you presented it to them? 

Well, you can be sure to bring back that feeling again... come to Blackberry Gift Shop to discover all we have to offer you. Every item is hand made by a local artist/artisan. Guaranteed to be unique and special.

See you shortly!

Wordless Wednesday - Cheese with my fruit!?

details of plate by Lucy Hwang

Never Shop Alone ....

Studies have shown (yes, studies have shown) that it is immeasurably more pleasurable to ship with a friend. Absolutely.

So come on down, bring a friend, visit BlackberryGift Shop this weekend and do some awesome browsing and shopping together!

We'd love to see you.

P.S.  And be sure to share this post with all your friends!

Celebrate Culture Days with us!

Our artists are very happy to be taking part in Port Moody's first ever Day of Arts celebrating BC's Culture Days this weekend. From 12 noon until 5pm on Saturday, September 26th, you can stop by the City Hall to meet up with five of our artists - Vicki Allesia, Jack Prasad, Beryl Hickinbottom, Alison White and Del Holbrook.
Each will be demonstrating how they make their art and they may even have a few pieces for sale.
Please drop by and say hello.
Happy Culture Days :)

Wordless Wednesday - Stunning!

detail of bracelet by Amanda Maxwell

September's Artist at City Hall: Sarah Ronald

This month, City Hall is,lucky enough to have Blackberry member, Sarah Ronald's work on display. Her amazing collection of charming, personable, quirky and downright collectable artwork is filling the display cabinet on the mezzanine level above just up from the reception desk.

Please visit (at least once) and buy something (at least once) - all work is for sale. Phone the gift shop at 604 931 2008 ext. 102 to arrange your purchase.
Christmas is coming, so don't let anyone else snap it up!