​This morning before I did anything else, I steeped myself a cup of tea, sat down as the sun rose, and asked myself,
how will 2020 be perceived in years to come?
 
Surely it will be seen as a year of sudden change and adaptation.
A year of over-coming adversities and of drastic personal growth.
Will 2020 be associated with a feeling of fear and bereavement?
Or perhaps a year one will look back on with forgiveness and understanding.
A year of learning, unlearning, fighting, loving, dreaming and creating.
 
You are entitled to feel any which way. I invite you to look back on this year with an open heart.
 
As I see the seasons shift and the cold months roll in here in Kelowna, I am reminded of the power of slowing down. To me, that is one of the more important lessons I have learned this year. That one must give themselves patience and
trust the process.
 
So as I entered my studio today, I did just that. I sat at my bench, trusted my process, and simply let my saw and scribe flow and chose not to reference any previous designs. I felt playful while making this piece. As I finished scribing the final ring of the tree, I picked it up to inspect my work, and it all made sense!
 
If you have a close look at this piece, you will see 7 rings. 7 is a symbol of growth, overcoming, intuition, completeness, and perfection. It is also a representation of beginnings and endings, of light and dark, of beauty and blight.
 
We cannot have one without the other. These are cycles and much like nature, we have cycles too.
Much like the cycle of a new tree growing from a nurse log, we learn from our past, our ancestors and grow.
 
When I finished polishing this pendant, I knew it was a narrative piece.
A piece that tells a very important story... Your story.
 
What are your 7 rings?
What have you grown from this year?
What cycles have you lived through and matured from?
How has 2020 challenged you?
How has it blessed you?
 
I hope this necklace will help you lean into all of this year's moments. May it serve as a tangible reminder of this amazing journey you're on and guide you when you need it most.
 
Give yourself patience. Be kind to yourself and trust that you will grow in time and on time.
 
I feel like this is what the world needs right now.

When I was younger I envisioned 2017 being a big year for me. I always felt in my soul it would be a pivotal year, that would mark a big event like marriage or the birth of a child. As I drew closer to 2017 I began to wonder what would happen because I became happily married in 2015 and we decided not to start our family yet.

My intuition proved to be trustworthy because 2017 did not disappoint and granted me with countless milestones. The two major ones were taking the plunge to be self-employed and becoming a home-owner! 

The following is a list of 17 business and personal highlights from 2017!
​
1.  Made my first gold ring.

2. Made my first wedding ring which led to many more throughout the year!

3. Was a seasonal vendor at the Whistler Farmers Market - one of the biggest in the province!

4. I travelled to California to see my best friend get married.

5. I was able to watch a beautiful and inspiring couple marry each other with rings I made! This particular moment was never on my bucket list until it happened. It was so rewarding to see my work fulfilling its purpose.

6. Made many new friends who I know will be in my life for a long time. 

7. I created a Limited Edition Canada 150 necklace which was approved by the Government of Canada. 

8. Travelled to many new places and ticked Tahoe, Crater Lake and Sunshine Coast off my bucket list. 

9. I spent most of the first month of being self-employed travelling! I was able to experience a summer and still make an income thanks to a few days at the Whistler Farmers Market.

10. I gained so many special clients who wholeheartedly believe in me and my work.

11. I was apart of the engagement of two good friends. He chose to ask the question with my Northern Lights ring. 

12. Moved from Whistler, BC to Big White Ski Resort.

13. I became a home-owner with my husband.

14. We tried adopting a dog which led to an important lesson in humility. It was hard to "fail" at our trial and return the dog, but made us realize that weren't ready. You can't force something when it's not meant to be. 

15. I made my first men's yellow and rose gold wedding ring.

16. I added to my wholesale accounts. Scenic Route Collection jewellery is now available in 7 boutiques throughout British Columbia and Alberta. 

17. I conquered my first official holiday season and surpassed my goals! I was able to say yes to almost every opportunity and have no regrets!

I don't know about you, but it was a little sad saying goodbye to such a fulfilling year. But it does get me excited for the opportunities and adventures that are before me in 2018.
Thanks so much for reading. I wish you all the best this year!

Cheers,
Brittani