Friday Finds: Cdn Artist Brazen Edwards-Hager

At first glance this looks like a photograph, until you see the artist's signature in the right hand corner!  Today I am featuring the talented  work of artist Brazen Edwards-Hager of BrazenDesignStudio.   Her shop is full of beautiful and orginal artwork featuring a nature theme.  Animals and flowers feature strongly in her work. Her medium is watercolours in bright and vibrant colours.   Her shop features original works, prints, cards, and she accepts commissions to paint portraits from photographs. What a lovely gift to give someone!

Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team and BrazenDesignStudio

Canadian Landmarks: The Nanaimo Bastion

The Bastion, Nanaimo
Photo Credit: Fippy1.

In 1854, the Hudson’s Bay Company completed construction on the harbor bastion for their outpost in what is now Nanaimo, British Columbia. The small, three story fort was constructed entirely by hand, without a single nail. Today, it is the only surviving structure of it’s kind in North America, and is the oldest building in the city of Nanaimo.

After the Hudson's Bay Company began mining coal in the area, with the help of the Snuneymuxw First Nations, the bastion was erected to offer protection to the workers and settlers. In addition to being a temporary shelter, it could also conceal up to 8 riflemen and 2 cannons, allowing them to defend the fort during times of trouble. Later, it would also serve as Nanaimo’s first jailhouse.

Today, the bastion is one of the city’s proudest landmarks, and it is host to a tiny pioneer museum. During the summer months, residents and visitors can experience a traditional cannon salute every day at noon. Unfortunately, age and weather have started to take their toll on the bastion, and it has been closed for much needed repairs.

Thanks to generous donations from the public and Hbc, restoration of the bastion will not be delayed, and the bastion will continue to serve as a reminder of the city’s heritage. Daily cannon firings will still be conducted starting on the May long weekend. With luck, the bastion’s doors will soon be open for all to enjoy!

This Canadian Landmark was nominated by Nanaimo team member, The Sage’s Cupboard. To see handmade creations and vintage finds from Canadian sellers, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Favorite Things

One of the most wonderful things about shopping on Etsy is the amazing array of unique and specialty items to choose from. If you’re crazy about vintage toys, or insist on all natural beauty products, there are many, many sellers that have exactly what you’re looking for.

Then there are the surprise discoveries, when you stumble across a handmade product that you didn’t even know you wanted until you saw it. There are so many great artists and makers offering one of a kind creations and original products that it’s a shopping paradise!

Today’s selection of Oh Canada Team treasuries features a delightful mixture of items within assorted themes. We can’t always have a huge collection of our favorite things, but we can put them together in a treasury for others to enjoy with us!

The aptly named Pink Champagne, by Simple Sundries, is full of elegant rose and taupe items. The unique shade of pink has a lovely vintage feel to it, like party gifts for a Victorian sweet sixteen.

Herbally Yours features wonderfully Earthy picks for anyone who loves the garden or natural living. Among these selections are some adorable potted herb gift tags by Oh Canada Team member Suzie’s Cards. This treasury was curated by AquarianBath.

Beautiful Blues by Simple Sundries is a great sky-colored collection. These pale, clear shades of blue create feelings of tranquility and peace.

Just in time for the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC, littlesistahstudio has created a beautiful collection of First Nations inspired art. It includes pieces with both Inuit and Haida influences, as well as other familiar Native themes. Cultures of British Columbia features a necklace from The Sage’s Cupboard.

If you’re ever stuck for ideas when planning a treasury, just think of a few of your favorite things. Share your passions and preferences for colors, tastes and styles.

To see even more incredible creations by Canadian artists, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog

Beautiful British Columbia

Juggler Hat with Dangling Tassles
Yoyo Hats - Vancouver

British Columbia officially became a province of Canada in 1871, but it remained almost completely isolated from the rest of the country until the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Though the first major settlements in B.C. were Rocky Mountain House and Fort St. John - established by the Northwest Company in the far north- most of the population dotted the coast and major rivers like the Fraser and Columbia.

Lavender Valentine Sachet Pouch
The Brynn Alexandra Fund - Sunshine Coast

In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, British Columbia was visited by many infamous explorers, including James Cook, Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser, and David Thompson. The discovery of gold drew the attention of the British Empire, and the United States, but it was Canada that would ultimately claim the lush lands for its own.

The provincial capital of Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, was originally known as Fort Albert. The name was changed to honor the British Queen in 1843. On August 2nd, 1862, the town of Victoria was officially incorporated. Two weeks later, the town elected it’s first mayor, Thomas Harris. Like many Canadian capitals, Victoria is now dwarfed by another nearby city which has been the hub of travel and trade in the province since the beginning of the gold rush.

Kimono Silk Slouch Purse
Momiji Studio - Vancouver

Vancouver began as tiny Fort Langley in 1827. It wasn’t until 1858 that local and British interest in the area would be truly sparked. In order to protect the valuable resources of the area from the rush of American gold seekers, mainland British Columbia was claimed as a colony of the Empire, and the production of roads and other amenities began. Each year new developments were made in the Delta area - first a church, then a newspaper, a hospital, and eventually a telegraph line. Today the Greater Vancouver area is home to over 2 million people.

Black and Teal Wristlet
There and Back Bags - Vancouver Island

Despite decades of human development and poor urban planning, British Columbia remains one of the most beautiful places in North America. It is a popular tourist and retirement destination, and draws many visitors for business and pleasure. Vancouver and the surrounding area - including Vancouver Island - are often hosts to crews from the Hollywood film industry. Whistler and Vancouver will soon enjoy the honor of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic games.

A Touch of Pink Earrings
Mountain Man Creations - Gabriola

Although very few Hollywood film characters ever visit Vancouver - apart from the famous ferry stand off in Shoot to Kill - there are hundreds of movies that feature landmarks recognizable to B.C. locals. Major movie and television titles filmed in British Columbia include:

The X-Files - The sci-fi series about a mysterious branch if the FBI.
Fantastic Four - An action film based on the popular comic books.
Twilight: New Moon - The second film based on Stephenie Meyer‘s teen vampire saga.
Battlestar Galactica - Glen Larson’s hit sci-fi series.
Legends of the Fall - Starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.
Smallville - The adventures of young Superman.

Plenty of screen and stage stars have also made their way from B.C. to the halls and walks of fame. Some of our home-grown celebrities include:

Medusa in the 80's Felt Scarf
Mireilles -Vernon

Michael J. Fox - Burnaby
Ryan Reynolds - Vancouver
Nelly Furtado - Victoria
Jason Priestley - Victoria
Pamela Anderson - Ladysmith
Seth Rogen - Vancouver
Coco Rocha - Richmond

Jimi Hendrix, the infamous guitar god of the 1960’s, grew up in Seattle, but often lived with his grandmother on East Georgia Street in Vancouver.

Happy Hearts Backpack
Fly High Creations - Keremeos

Although our contributions to popular media are notable in modern times, British Columbia has also been home to many other iconic Canadians. Our very rich history is dotted with some incredibly influential and inspiring personalities.

Mary Ellen Smith was the first female Cabinet Minister in Canada and the British Empire. She began her political career as the first female member of the B.C. Legislature in 1918. Emily Carr is considered one of the greatest female artists in North America, as well as a feminist role model and champion of First Nations history.

Grape Cluster Necklace
Akane Designs - Vancouver

Although not as famous - yet! - many of our hard working Oh Canada Team members hail from Beautiful British Columbia. To see what their hands have been making for you, have a look at their unique shops:

Akane Designs - Handmade jewelry and Japanese crafts.
Bella Bijou Jewellery - Handmade jewelry with Heart & Soul
The Brynn Alexandra Fund - Stationary, jewelry and gifts for a good cause
Fly High Creations - Seasonal jewelry and gifts
Mireilles - Handmade Felt Scarves and Shawls
Momiji Studio - Kimono inspired scarves, purses and accessories
Mountain Man Creations - Handmade feather jewelry and gifts
Sushi Dragon - Original fantasy art and charms
There and Back Bags - Handmade bags and totes
The Sage’s Cupboard - Handmade metal-free jewelry
Yoyo Hats - Cheerful knitted hats and footwear

To see even more incredible creations by the Oh Canada team, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Gemmy Dreams Tourmaline Ring
Bella Bijou Jewellery - Vancouver



West Coast Woman Necklace
The Sage's Cupboard - Nanaimo

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog