Tidepools: A Jewelry Collection Inspired by the West Coast Trail

Nature has an amazing ability to spark creativity. Recently, a good friend and I went on a 6-day backpacking trip along the West Coast Trail, stretching from Bamfield to Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island's west coast. Hiking through wild beaches and dense old-growth forests reminded me of my family's camping trips in the nearby Broken Island and Deer Island groups. This breathtaking part of the coast has always been dear to me, as we spent several weeks each summer camping on those islands with our children over about a 10 year period. Those beaches from years ago have influenced many of my jewelry collections. It was incredible to spend a week hiking and camping on the area's beaches and trails. So many steps and abundant and unrestricted trail time gave me so many ideas for new pieces and inspired the collection I'm currently working on.

A Hike to Remember!

The West Coast Trail is famous for its stunning scenery and challenging trails. In the first quarter mile of the hike, we did our first series of ladders and I knew this was going to be a challenge. Featuring over 70 ladders, more than 100 bridges (many of which had collapsed), hand powered cable cars to cross rivers, miles of board walks and plenty of mud and slippery tree roots, it was challenging to say the least. We joked that those Spartan Races must have taken notes from this trail. The combination of walking on the wild beaches with crashing waves and through old growth forests with a ground cover of ferns and kilometers of mud made for an experience I won't forget anytime soon.

Inspiration from the Sea

The beaches along the West Coast Trail were not just wild; they were stunningly beautiful and raw. We spent hours walking along the beaches, admiring the tides pools filled with shells and critters. The beaches, featuring distinctive rock formations and uniquely shaped stones, turned into a rich source of inspiration. I enjoyed observing the numerous sea urchin shells, massive tangles of bull kelp, and heaps of driftwood. It is a wild coastline. One misty morning, we even spotted a bear on the beach.

The sea urchin shells, with their distinct patterns and hues, immediately drew me in. Urchins and the smooth stones, polished perfectly by the waves, have long been a staple in my jewelry and my time along these beaches inspired me to revisit these time and water worn stones and relics of sea life as focal points in my jewelry. Now that I am back in the studio, I am working on a range of charm necklaces, rings and earrings all incorporate the stones with the cast pieces of marine and forest life inspired by this trek through the wilds of the outer coast of Vancouver Island (in our friendly and loved neighboring country - CANADA!).

Old Growth Inspiration

As I hiked through the forest, I was surrounded by the towering old-growth cedars, firs, and hemlocks. Various types of ferns thrived along the forest floor under the canopy of these massive trees. Ferns, cedar sprigs, and cones have become part of this collection, serving as a reminder of everything I encountered on the trail. Each piece reflects these stunning wild places that we are fortunate to be able to explore.

Crafting the Collection: A Labor of Love

Creating this jewelry collection has indeed been a labor of love. Many of the pieces crafted in this collection started long ago with the treasures I collected all those years ago camping on the beaches off of Vancouver Island. This recent hiking trip reminded me of how much I love those wild beaches where the waves polish the stones and wash ashore bits of shells and driftwood. For me, these pieces are tiny vignettes of the beaches and forests of the wild and raw Pacific Northwest coastlines.

This collection is about more than just jewelry; it represents a deeper connection with nature and a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us. My hike along the West Coast Trail reminded me of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural environment. Each piece is a tribute to the landscapes that inspire us and a gentle reminder of our need to care for and protect them for future generations.

Embrace Nature: Wear a Piece from the Collection

I invite you to explore this collection and discover a piece that speaks to you. From the textures of plants and shells to the elegance of smooth beach stones, every piece tells a story of beauty, resilience, and our connection to the earth. This collection will be coming your direction soon. Make sure you are signed up for my VIP list so you are the first to know when it is being released. You can sign up here:

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rings in process

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I hope you find inspiration in the wild beauty of the West Coast Trail, just as I did.

Here are a few more shots of the hike. Big kudos goes to my friend, Cristina, for planning the hiking and being a great trail partner even when the going got tough! P.S. (there was a lot of mud the last few days).

Happy Exploring, April