Lamps Indoor Outdoor LED Lights

New! Coast Chimes Introduces
Indoor Outdoor Lamps

Several years ago, while struggling to light for my gallery, I stumbled on fairy lights. The response from walk-in customers was encouraging-- they loved my lights almost as much as they loved my work! Always thinking up new ideas, I am now making some really cool indoor / outdoor lights.

Visit the Lights Page at Coast Chimes now to see the new designs. I'll be adding more in the near future.

Hand-dyed Glass 100 LED Lamps
See them at Coast Chimes

Wind Chimes: Beach Stone and Driftwood

Natural Pacific Beach Stone and Copper Wind Chime
at Coast Chimes

When the rain pauses, these are perfect days to ride my bike down to a local beach to collect beach stones and driftwood. So there are some great new beachcomber additions to my website.

These materials look even nicer when wet, with the rain making the stones shine, bringing out the speckles and colour variations. They are all extremely well made, ready to withstand any weather, and wind.

Visit my website or Etsy shop to see the entire collection.

Driftwood and Beach Stones

Beach Stone and Driftwood

Extra-large Works, at Coast Chimes

Extra-large Kaleidoscope Suncatcher
19 1/2 inches by 19 1/2 inches
Available at Coast Chimes with Free Shipping

Just having received a new supply of plate glass, I decided to make an extra-large kaleidoscope suncatcher hanging. I cut a plate in half, making 2 12 X 12 inch pieces, cut extra-large pieces of cedar, and filled up the box frame. It's really BIG, and really nice. Pictured above on a dark, cloudy day, you have to use your imagination to see how bright and beautiful it will be when the sun comes out.

I will update the pictures on my website, first blue sky day. You can also visit the suncatcher section of Coast Chimes to see smaller ones pictured with better light, to see how these look lit up.

Raised Galvanized and Cedar Garden Beds

2 X 6 Cedar for 6 Three X Eight Foot Raised Garden Beds

Cedar and Galvanized Steel Raised Beds, 7 Years Old

Spring is fast approaching on the Sunshine Coast, and my wife's mind has turned to gardening. Out of all the different types of garden beds, she likes the raised galvanized steel and cedar beds that I made for her 7 years ago the best. So six more will shortly be added.

The first image is of the cedar I just lugged home. It is currently drying out a bit, and will be ready in a week or two. We did not have anymore of the metal siding from our home left, so I ordered cut 18 gauge galvanized steel. Mostly, I will look forward to not having to cut it myself-- not a big deal, but dreadfully loud with a circular saw.

Once the steel arrives, I bet it only takes a day to cut all the cedar and screw the six beds together. The old ones in the bottom picture are 16 inches high, and the new ones will only be 12, so less soil to scrounge up-- still, a lot. These will be replacing all the cedar square beds, some of which are visible in the bottom picture. Those were okay, but never quite high enough, at 8 inches.

I'll be sure to post an update, once they are made.

Framed Glass Suncatchers by Coast Chimes

Cedar Frames, Freshly Oiled
Ready for the Addition of Beautiful Glass

These wet, dark, cold days are perfect for tackling some long put off projects. Making cedar frames to fill with my glass is a great thing to tackle.

The end of January through much of April are the slowest days at Coast Chimes for orders, so there is less interruption for answering emails, packing, shipping, and I can concentrate on the somewhat more complex projects, demanding precision use of saws and so on.

I have to admit that I do not overly care for using saws and other power tools, due to the noise, the dust, the bit of danger (will never forget sawing the tip off my left thumb years ago!). But I do enjoy the end result.

I should have these three frames completed later next week, with luck, and then I'll photograph them and have them on my website (Coast Chimes) and in my Etsy store, as soon as there is a bit of sunlight for taking pictures. That might be the longest part! There are a lot of dark, wet days here currently-- sometimes it feels we may never see the sun again. But it will happen, and so will my pictures.

Kaleidoscope Wind Chimes by Coast Chimes

Kaleidoscope Wind Chime
$95 with Free Shipping at Coast Chimes

The wind chime pictured above is great outdoors all year long, but in winter it can add a nice sparkle of color to your property-- it's an eye-catcher!

There are several sizes available, including larger, with five copper chimes.

Large Kaleidoscope Wind Chime
$185 with Free Shipping at Coast Chimes

Copper Wind Chimes

Handcrafted Hardware for Coast Chimes Large
Copper Chimes

At the end of 2019, I was surprised to discover only one set of copper wind chimes left in stock (thank you, to all my customers!). So 2020 is starting with making lots of new chimes. They take a long time to make, due to all the handcrafted hardware, and also the care needed to produce the lovely finish on the copper chimes. I love taking that time and paying attention to each detail, creating a truly exceptional wind chime.

Because the unique top sections (the original art) all uses the same base copper wind chimes, I often find myself with many top sections and not that many bottom chime sections. So if you visit my website, you will still find a great selection of wind chime designs, even though I am not fully caught up on the chime sections. 

To see all the beautiful copper wind chimes, visit Coast Chimes

Copper Wind Chime by Coast Chimes

$135 with Free Shipping

Outdoor Large Wind Chimes, with Salvaged Old Growth Red Cedar

Curves!
Old Growth Salvaged Red Cedar
Copper Wind Chime
$195 with free shipping at Coast Chimes

Using the very best materials is very important at Coast Chimes, so I was thrilled to recently source some stunningly beautiful salvaged locally milled red cedar. This is such awesome wood, as you can see from the pictures.

Red cedar is naturally extremely resistant to the environment. I further protect my wood with an very excellent Eco-oil, a finish that never peels or flakes.

The artist-made cobalt blue sea glass compliments this wood very nicely. And the antiqued copper is perfect, as well.

A treat for the eyes, a treat for the ears-- wonderful in any yard or garden, on any porch or deck.

Visit all the new red cedar designs at Coast Chimes.

Old Growth Salvaged Red Wind Chimes, Coast Chimes

Salvaged Clear Old Growth Red Cedar
Cobalt Blue Artist-made Sea Glass
Copper Outdoor Wind Chime
$195 free shipping, at Coast Chimes

It was a pleasant surprise a few weeks ago to discover a source for beautiful reclaimed and salvaged clear old growth red cedar. I scooped up a few prime lengths, and now I am starting to put some of the creations on my website (Coast Chimes) and in my Etsy Shop. It's a pleasure working with this gorgeous wood, and it's leading me into some new designs (see pic below).

For all my work, I always look for the finest materials. They can cost (a lot) more to source, but they are always worth it.

Old Growth Red Cedar
Cobalt Blue Glass
Natural Beach Stone
Copper Wind Chime by Coast Chimes

Happy New Year, from Coast Chimes

Happy New Year Wishes
from Coast Chimes

I can not believe 2019 is gone! What a busy, great year! My customers kept me busier than ever (thank you!), and kind messages about orders received kept me more motivated than ever: there is nothing better than an email raving about a wind chime or suncatcher, or how happy my work made someone-- so great!

My plan of not getting my workshop back together before the new year fell flat, as I saw only one set of copper chimes left. So ordering copper, sawing, sanding with a vengeance. The copper chimes are for now under control, and onto some new design ideas that I am excited to share, once the sun pokes through and there is enough light to snap a few pictures... soon, I hope!

Happy new year, all the best for 2020!

Making the First of Many Sets
Copper Chimes, Coast Chimes

Thank You, from Coast Chimes

A Sincere Thank You
To All Those Who Appreciate and Support Handmade Quality

Back over 25 years ago, in my home in the woods, far from most people, I first came to understand what an amazing thing the Internet could be, as I discovered I could reach the whole world. Thanks to the Internet, my work started to spread far and wide: the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan.

This year, and especially this Christmas season, has been no exception. And I am grateful. So thank you all my customers. You make what I do possible.

Wishing you a happy holiday season, and a fantastic 2020.

Exceptional Christmas, Housewarming, Birthday Gifts: Coast Chimes

Freestanding Kaleidoscope Suncatcher
$95 with Free Shipping at Coast Chimes

Some call this a suncatcher, but eye-catcher might be more accurate! Loose morsels of artist-made sea glass come to life when the sun shines through the glass. Perfect to brighten any windowsill. What a great gift for Christmas, housewarming, birthday. The well crafted cedar box frame with extra-thick plate glass sits in a contrasting cedar stand, all hand oiled with an exceptional tung nut finish.

See the many original designs featuring glass, copper, driftwood, beach stone and other beautiful materials at Coast Chimes.

Coast Chimes, Something for Everyone

Beach Stone
Cobalt Blue Glass
Copper
Large Outdoor Windchime at Coast Chimes

It doesn't have to be a struggle to find a great gift for a special person. At Coast Chimes, you can find something that they never will guess, and that they most certainly will love. From suncatchers and chimes starting at $55 to giant freestanding wind chimes, all with free shipping to the USA and Canada, you can't go wrong.

Shipping to a 3rd party is also possible. Send along a personal message, and it will be transcribed onto a card and enclosed in the box. What could be easier?

So beautiful, such high-quality, shop at Coast Chimes now for the best selection.

Coast Chime Popular, Beautiful Christmas Gifts

Cobalt Blue Artist-made Sea Glass
Cedar and Copper
Art Wind Chime at Coast Chimes

The Wind Chimes and Suncatchers at Coast Chimes always make popular Christmas gifts. This year orders are going out the door in record numbers. I'm tied up with boxing and shipping, and so no new items will likely be added until the new year. In other words, shop early for the best selection, and also to assure delivery.

Find the entire selection (all with free shipping to the USA and Canada) at Coast Chimes.

Great Christmas Gifts at Coast Chimes

Freestanding Kaleidoscope Suncathcer
Artist-made Sea Glass, Cedar
find it at Coast Chimes

Christmas shopping has evidently started early this year. I do not plan on making any more works until 202: stock is limited, and more limited everyday. For the best selection, and also to assure delivery in time, it is highly recommended to shop soon.

The above popular design, freestanding kaleidoscope suncatcher, featuring loosely trapped artist-made sea glass (yes, it can be shaking about), in a handcrafted cedar box frame with a cedar stand, is proving especially popular this week, and I only have a couple left. Find them (along with a few different styles) in the suncatcher section of my website.

Everything on my website is presented with pride. These are all items that anyone would be thrilled to have as a gift. Free shipping on all orders to the USA and Canada.

Kettle Valley Rail Trail Mini-vacation

Summers are just too beautiful here on the Sunshine Coast to go away! Fall and winter, a different matter.

As the fall rains start, getting away for at least a few days can be refreshing. Strapping the bikes on the back of the car and heading into the Penticton BC area to sample the famous Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a simple, fun holiday.

We warmed up the first day riding the length of Skaha lake, both directions, and exploring Penticton. 60 kilometres was hardly a strain (I do have an e-bike, but my wife was on her heavy regular Liv bike), as the terrain around the lake was quite flat.

We then had a day of hiking, follow by moving to our very comfortable Naramata Airbnb. The next morning we went to a more wilderness section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and, in fact, we only saw a three other people during then entire 50 kilometre trip. The trail was excellent: spectacular views, cool tunnels, fresh air, no vehicles, a gentle grade: perfect!

We had  been mildly concerned about going in mid-November, but this proved, at least this year, to be perfect timing. No snow, no ice, no crowds, and very fresh air to keep you peddling hard to warm up! It was a little too fresh coming back down, but nothing a Baileys coffee at the local pub couldn't put right, followed by a sampler of spirits at a local distillery (Legends, highly recommend for the spirits and the food!).

Below, a few pics from the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.

A Gentle Incline, Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Naramata, BC
(my 2020 Turbo Vado 3.0)

Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Giant Ponderosa Pine, Kettle Valley Rail Trail

View From the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

View on the Return, Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Warming Up, Legend Distilling, Naramata, BC

Framed Cobalt Glass with Driftwood, Coast Chimes

Framed Cobalt Blue Copper Wire Wrapped Glass
with Driftwood by Coast Chimes

I always loved this framed glass with driftwood piece, and regretted not having any pictures. It sold very quickly at an annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl a number of years ago. Then, during this year's Art Crawl, the person who now owns it revisited. I was very happy she agreed to send some pictures.

Seeing it again, at its new home, I am again struck by how beautiful it is— sorry, no modesty here!

Now I am inspired to attempt making another of this style. Top of my list when I get my tools back out at the start of 2020.

In the meantime, there are many nice things to see (and buy!) at Coast Chimes.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, 2019, Coast Chimes

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
October 18-20, 10 AM - 5 PM
Coast Chimes

The 10th Annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl starts tomorrow, October 18 and runs through Sunday. I hope you can visit Coast Chimes, 535 Woodland Avenue, Gibsons!

This year, I started preparing earlier than ever, and it shows! More wind chimes! More suncatchers! Using artist-made sea glass, copper, brass, cedar, beach stones, driftwood, I've made beautiful art for your home and garden.

Despite a rather grim weather forecast, rest assured the Coast Chimes studio gallery will be warm, inviting, bright.

Enjoy the 2019 Art Crawl!

Tree / Christmas Ornaments, Earrings, Suncatchers, Wind Chimes

Large Wind Chimes

Double Freestanding Wind Chime
Beach Stone Base
at Coast Chimes

It is a joy to make some larger works. I used to make more of them, but shipping such things is not as much fun as making them! So the annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl provides a chance to make some, since people come to my studio and I do not have to carefully box them up and pay the postage.

I did still put the above gorgeous chime on my website and Etsy-- it's okay to occasionally ship such things, just not too often!

I made six different styles for the Art Crawl. It will be interesting to see how many I have left after. If I do have a few, that is actually just fine with me, as I love them in my own yard.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, October 18-20, 2019

Cobalt Blue Artist-made Sea Glass and Copper Wind Chime
by Coast Chimes

How exciting! Just over a week until the 2019 Sunshine Coast Art Crawl! I'm almost ready, with nearly 250 gorgeous wind chimes and suncatchers. Most of these are available for preview on the website: Coast Chimes

There are a few more special works to assemble, and then the BIG transformation: changing my workshop into gallery space. This involves moving and storing all the tools and glass, cleaning up, hanging fixtures and lights, and arranging the works of art. I allow four days for that.

If you live on the Sunshine Coast, or if you are visiting for the Crawl, be sure to drop by Coast Chimes. I look forward to seeing you! Here are directions: Coast Chimes Location

Frosty White Artist-made Sea Glass Chime by Coast Chimes