What's New for this Season's Craft Fairs

1. Filigree Dragonfly Necklace

2. Filigree Glass and Wirework Necklace

3. Swarovski Crystal & Peridot Glass

4. Steampunk Key Rm #127

5. Steampunk Keyhole

Magic Cottage Craft Sale

Wonderful things await you at the Magic Cottage!

It’s that time of year and the Magic Cottage has gathered the creations of over seven artisans to help you with your Christmas Shopping. Our crafters have been busy little elves creating a delightful shopping experience just for you! An amazing assortment of quality giftware handcrafted by local artists awaits you, all wrapped up in a cozy cottage setting.

At the cottage, you’ll find Christmas trees brimming with intricate ornaments, succulent sweets from The Sugar Shak, and festive floral creations made by Carmen and Jane. James is creating tasty gifts from his kitchen along with his gourmet spices and seasonings. Nichi is busy creating gifts in the Japanese fashioned crochet called amigurumi, and Marlies’ Victorian paper creations will bring back memories of seasons gone by. But take your time browsing or you might miss our new additions Paul’s funky origami, Mickey’s fabulous pottery, Elaine’s new mixed media collage and art cards, or the gorgeous fashion jewellery from the Jaded Plum. There’ll be Christmas gifts and trimmings galore, and with your donation to the Shelter, you’ll be entered to win a beautiful Swarovski crystal necklace.

The Magic Cottage will be open Saturday, Nov 14 (10-6), Sunday, Nov 15 (10-5) & Saturday, Nov 28 (10-6), Sunday, Nov 29 (10-5). The Magic Cottage is located at 3945-4th Avenue, between Morton and Maitland, Port Alberni, BC. Just look for the craft sale signs and be sure to come in and browse.

Christmas in the Valley

"Christmas in the Valley Now at Glenwood Centre in Port Alberni!"

A much loved Christmas event has a new home at the Glenwood Centre! "Christmas in the Valley!" has more room for you to browse with over 50 tables of arts and crafts. Right now, local artists and crafters are busy creating Christmas treasures just for you, featuring hand crafted items perfect for gifts, or to enhance your own home this Christmas.

Browse through the aisles of intriguing items like, festive floral arrangements, hand painted watercolours, wooden toys and jewellery. You’ll find a variety of creative gifts including fabric and needlework, pottery and ceramics, wood and fretwork, plus a wide assortment of Christmas decorations.

Fair hours are Friday, November 6 from 3-9pm, Saturday, November 7 from 10-5pm and Sunday, November 8 from 11-4pm, and admission is absolutely free! So mark your calendars for “Christmas in the Valley” at Glenwood Centre, 4480 Vimy Street, Port Alberni. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Bread of Life, Port Alberni Shelter or the SPCA.

New Creations

Here's a few pictures of the jewellery we've been working on, enjoy!
















Freshwater pearls, handmade glass














Freshwater pearls

















Amethyst and freshwater pearls














Carnelian, chalk turquoise, amber













Green and blue turquoise














Peridot, multi-stones and glass
















Peridot and freshwater pearls


















Tiger's eye, freshwater pearls


















Green shell, optic and glass beads





















Colourful summer beads strands


















Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls


















Swarovski crystal, angel wing charms


















Smokey quartz and flight of fancy charms

Days with the Arts at the Magic Cottage

You are invited to come share in our creative journey as we showcase a selection of our newest handmade arts and crafts. Throughout the quiet winter months, we have been busy in our studio creating an inspiring collection of jewellery designs, paper crafts, artwork, and collage. The Magic Cottage opens its doors for the Port Alberni Days with the Arts on Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop by for the opportunity to meet us in our studio, and see us demonstrate our creative techniques.

The Butterfly Project

If you haven't heard of "The Butterfly Project" then you need to read this. Leanne of RubyDog's Art House brought this amazing art project to my attention and I'm hoping that everyone will participate. So here's the skinny on it. The Holocaust Museum is planning a commemorative exhibit in Spring 2012 for the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust. The exhibition feature a display of 1.5 million butterflies, 1 for each child that died needlessly and they need your help. They are looking for artists of all kinds to create 1,500,000 butterflies and send them to the museum to be displayed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of something truely meaningful! There are only a few rules such as your butterflies can be no larger than 8" x 10" and must NOT have glitter on them. For more information please visit http://www.hmh.org/minisite/butterfly/index.html

Christmas in the Valley

A much loved Christmas event has a brand new name! The Giant Christmas Craft Fair is now “Christmas in the Valley”. Right now, local artists and crafters are busy creating Christmas treasures just for you, featuring hand crafted items perfect for gifts, or to enhance your own home this Christmas.
Browse through the aisles of intriguing items like, festive floral arrangements, hand painted watercolours, wooden toys and glass crafts. You’ll find a variety of creative gifts including fabric and needlework, pottery and ceramics, wood and fretwork, plus a wide assortment of Christmas decorations.

Fair hours are Friday, November 7th from 3-9pm, Saturday, November 8th from 10-5pm and Sunday, November 9th from 11-4pm, and admission is absolutely free! So mark your calendars for “Christmas in the Valley” at the Athletic Hall, 4835 Beaver Creek Road, Port Alberni. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Bread of Life, Port Alberni Hostel or the SPCA