By Brian Lawrence
From paintings to textiles, pottery to soap, and flowers to photography, artisan made goodies of all kinds thrive in the Creston Valley. Some can be found at home-based studios, and others at trendy local stores, such as The Fly in the Fibre, a coffee shop, yarn shop and art gallery rolled into one.
Mel Joy and her husband, Mike, have owned the shop since 2016, and she loves offering newer artists their first shot at being seen by the public.
“Once you get established, there are so many more expectations,” says Mel. “The beginning artists are always the ones trying new things. They have no restrictions around them. They come out with, to me, the most original things.”
Hand Crafted Goods Galore
Mel has the work of nearly two dozen Creston Valley artisans on display. A few quick picks include bath products from Bombton Bath Bombs, pottery from Fire & Stone Ceramics, candles from Wynndel Wicks, and fused glass from Sarah Miller.
Fabric art and textiles, such as naturally dyed yarn from Duck Lake Naturals, give the shop a cozy feel, even in the chilliest months. The most unique in the shop, Mel says, is the needle felting from Kimberley Chappell and Lisa Horgan. If you don’t know what that is, just ask — the process is as unique as the amazing results!
All in all, Fly in the Fibre is an impressively eclectic little shop, and visitors are certain to enjoy browsing — even when they’ve simply popped in for a latte.
“They are always so excited,” Mel says. “I think that the best part about it. They come in, and they’ll spend 15-20 minutes looking at all the art. It always my heart happy.”
Home Studio Tour
A lot of artisans also sell their works at their own studios, where you're just as likely to find these talented craftspeople in the middle of their creative process. If mapping out a studio tour you would be remiss without stopping in at Pridham Studio to pickup one of their iconic mugs or bowls, which colourfully depict scenes of life in the Creston Valley.
Outside of the Town you could easily spend a day exploring a handful of quaint studios tucked amongst the rolling fields, orchards, forests and mountains of the area. Highlights include the locally-grown fresh bouquets at Brittany’s Flower Farm in Erickson, wood-fired stoneware pottery at Orde Creek Pottery in Lister and the deliciously scented bath balms, candles and goat milk soap (and rooftop goats!) at Yahk Soap and Candle Co.
And of course don’t forget that the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market offers so much more than the most incredible local produce and food — it’s also a hotbed of local artisans, with woodwork, textiles and photography on display!
Stylish Boutiques & Funky Shops
Local artisan products are just the beginning of an epic shopping experience — downtown Creston is also home to a growing collection of funky shops and stylish boutiques!
One of the newest is the Grater Good Kitchen Supply Co., which has an amazing collection of kitchenware, cook books and seasonal items for sale — a must-stop for any foodie!
While on Canyon Street you might also want to pop by Pageboy Studio to hunt through their collection of vintage clothes and other funky wares. Finally drop into the stylish Modern Alchemy & Public Vinyl for eco-friendly sustainable housewares, fair trade clothing, organic body products and to dig through their impressive collection of records!
Looking to get something for friends and family back home? For local gift shopping downtown you might also want to pop into Tigz Teas & Gifts or Creston Card & Stationery. South of town Legend Logos is a First Nations gift store that features a wide selection buckskin products like moccasins, crystal dream catchers and original First Nations art.
Snack & Drinks
While you are out exploring these boutiques you'll likely need a snack and coffee break at one of the many cute cafes around the area. Alternatively, after a full day of exploring you might want to unwind — perhaps over a craft beer, a fresh cocktails and tapas, or dinner. For a full list of the many fantastic cafes, restaurants and pubs in the area check out the dining and entertainment sections of our website.
What's Next?
Of course there is so much more to see and do in the Creston Valley once you've shopped yourself out. Check out the Play section of our website to see what other activities there are to do in the area or perhaps peruse our Blog section for more inspired ideas. Finally be sure to visit our our Event Calendar to see what sort of entertainment is happening this week!
Freelance writer Brian Lawrence is a former editor and publisher of the Creston Valley Advance. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and trail running, and acting in and directing productions with Creston's Footlighters Theatre Society.