Larger Works, BIG Wind Chimes, Sunshine Coast Art Crawl

Massive Driftwood
Glass and Copper Outdoor Wind Chime
at Coast Chimes

The Sunshine Coast Art Crawl is fast approaching (Oct. 18-20, 2019), so I am finishing up a number of works-in-progress. I take the opportunity of having lots of people visit my studio to create some larger than usual wind chime, ones I would not be too keen on shipping.

The gorgeous piece of driftwood pictured above is one I found several months ago. I could ship it, and it is, in fact, available online, I just would prefer not to, for obvious reasons. I also made half a dozen very large freestanding double wind chimes, with huge beach stone bases, that I don't even bother putting online, as they cost so much to ship, and take me many hours to box up. I do love having the chance to make some larger works: so much fun!

If you live on the Sunshine Coast, or if you will be visiting for the Art Crawl, I hope to see you at Coast Chimes, 535 Woodland Avenue, venue no. 13.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, 2019

Getting Ready!
Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
October 18- 20, 2019

Each year it is bigger, better, more exciting: the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. This is an exceptionally well organized, fun, and free, event. If you are on the Sunshine Coast, visit some of the 165 galleries and studios featuring 380 artists and crafters. It's so much fun to not only see the creativity, but also the workshops and display spaces. Chatting with the artists is great, too!

Each year I am determined to have more finished works, and each year I allot more time to prepare. Despite this, it is more of a struggle than ever this year, because online shopping is constantly taking stock away, and there have also been more walk-in customers, mostly thanks to the Purple Banner program. But you can see from the picture above that there will be a great selection available. Also, there is never any need to feel even remotely like if you visit studios you should buy something-- not in the least! It is always a thrill to show off works, talk about inspiration, methods, and there is never any pressure to buy.

That said, Coast Chimes does have lots available for a very reasonable price (starting at $8 for glass and copper tree / garden / Christmas ornaments). And if you should decide to get a larger item, you get one of those for free!

I hope to see you at Coast Chimes, Venue no. 13, 535 Woodland Avenue, Gibsons, BC

Kaleidoscope Wind Chime with Blue Glass
$95 at Coast Chimes

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl 2019

Elegant Sea Glass, Cedar, Copper Wind Chime
$195 at Coast Chimes

Full speed ahead— for the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, 2019!

October 18-20, 165 galleries, 380 artists, including Coast Chimes. If past years are anything to go by, this will be an extremely fun, busy, interesting weekend. If you live on the Sunshine Coast, don't hesitate to visit some studios-- it's free, and so interesting to see the creativity and the studios. If you live outside of the Sunshine Coast and can possibly make it over, it is truly worth the effort. The Sunshine Coast is home to a large number of extremely gifted artists and crafters.

Studios are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM. Some studios also have events on Friday evening. 

I have been working for months in preparation, determined to have the most works, the best displays, yet. Coast Chimes will have about 225 wind chimes and suncatchers: glass, copper, cedar, driftwood, beach stones. Many of these are also on display on my website where you can get a taste (www.coastchimes.com), but when you visit during the Art Crawl, you save at least 30%-- my way of encouraging shop local! Susanne Keller will also have her gorgeous Can't Break Me Bowls, and Can't Break Me games on display.

Eye-catching Suncatchers at Coast Chimes

Freestanding Kaleidoscope Sun Catcher
$95 at Coast Chimes, Free Shipping

The glass is loosely (you can shake it around) trapped between two plates of extra-thick glass in a well crafted cedar frame. When the sun shines through, you are treated to an amazing kaleidoscope of colour!

The cedar is treated with an exceptional eco-friendly hand rubbed finish that will never peel or flake.

This freestanding kaleidoscope suncatcher is great anywhere, but it looks especially nice on a sunny windowsill.

Find many different styles of suncatchers at Coast Chimes.

Unusual Glass, Coast Chime Wind Chimes and Suncatchers

Teal and Gold Sea Glass with Copper
$195 at Coast Chimes

Sometimes I happily happen on unusual glass. Above, a most beautiful shade of teal, and, below, a section at the top of art stained glass. I tend to hoard such glass... waiting until the moment of inspiration hits. I held onto the piece below for at least 7 years, and then I suddenly felt like using it.

See all my amazing wind chimes and suncatchers at Coast Chimes.

Special, Colourful, Handcrafted Chime
$95 at Coast Chimes

Keeping it Simple, Beach Stones and Glass Wind Chimes

Simplicity is Delightful!
Glass, Copper, Beach Stones, Antiqued Brass Chimes
$75, Free Shipping, at Coast Chimes

Adding a few beach pebbles to a chime somehow just seems to make it more balanced, simpler, more natural. Zen, I guess.

This summer I discovered a new beach with many exceptional stones. Mostly going on my bike, I can include a bike ride, a walk along the beach, a swim, a bit of reading, and return with a few lovely fresh stones.

Very high quality diamond drill bits to cut the needed holes through the stones are super expensive, so I rely on relatively cheap diamond bits. The good is that they are not so expensive, the bad is that the quality is... variable. Sometimes it takes 2-3 bits just to cut through one small stone. Sometimes the bit is pretty good, and I can cut 5-6 stones before it is worn out. It's time consuming, but the results are worth it!

The glass, like most beach glass, comes from a wine bottle. With a mat finish and smooth edges, it's just gorgeous.

See all the glass, copper, beach stone, driftwood wind chimes and sun catchers (nearly 200 works, currently!) by visiting my website: Coast Chimes.