Update your life this spring with some of the ROAM team’s top picks for the season. Some of them smell good, one of them tastes good, and all of them look good. Made with love by original, creative, and beautiful people.
They’re all made in BC—most right here on the Island—and they’re all available locally. By buying one (or more) of these nifty pieces, you’re supporting independent retailers, local artists and entrepreneurs, and even a few charitable causes.
1. THE GARDEN GIRLS DOLLS
These cuddly, sassy dolls with delightful handmade outfits are lovingly designed, handcrafted, and hand embroidered on the Island. Five per cent of sales go to a charity that funds special supports not covered by MSP (speech therapy, art therapy, counselling, and more) for local kids.
Wildflower Mercantile in Courtenay
2. HUMMINGBIRD
12” x 8.5” ORIGINAL ARTWORK
Artist Christine Boyer says these colourful little birds bring joy and comfort: “they can remind us of loved ones who have crossed over or can be a sign when we most need one.” We’re sure there’s a spot on your wall for this beauty.
5th Street Florist in Courtenay
3. INDIGENOUS INDULGENCES
Standing Spruce is 100% Indigenous owned and operated. Their home and body products use the finest natural and wild-sourced ingredients. Pictured: Sacred Woods soy candle, luxuriously scented with ethically sourced essential oils. Rose Lip Salve brings a nourishing, hydrating pop of colour to lips (great on cheeks, too).
Jipsi Tree in Cumberland, Standing Spruce in Campbell River, or standingspruce.com
4. WHALE CIRCLE
5.5” x 7” WOODBLOCK
Nature lover and artist Alex Maertz’s handmade artwork looks great on locally reclaimed wood. Laser-engraved and handmade with love on Vancouver Island. There are several designs available. Due to the woody nature of this product, each piece is unique.
Tin Town Café in Courtenay, ROAM Store in Cumberland, or alexmaertz.com
5. PETITE HALO VASES
Functional, stylish blown-glass art pieces, crafted in Vancouver. These little bud vases with a mid-century modern vibe are perfect to display alone or in groups, with flowers or just as they are. They’re also great for propagating cuttings.
Artifact in Courtenay or doughertyglassworks.com
6. CENTENNIAL LAGER
Courtenay’s Ace Brewing Company teamed up with the Royal Canadian Air Force Association to produce this beer celebrating the RCAF’s 100th anniversary. Featuring Canadian ingredients, including BC-grown Centennial hops, this refreshing lager is light in body and malt presence, with delicate grapefruit and pine character.
Ace Brewing Co. in Courtenay or local liquor stores
