Unique Gifts - www.skimages.ca

At Shmilar Kwong we make a point of finding those unique and unusual items that you can’t buy everywhere. Through serendipitous encounters, careful observation, and sheer good fortune, we have found items that are genuine examples of Canadian creativity. From music to woodworking, and everything in between, Canadian artists and entrepreneurs have found a venue for their creations at Shmilar Kwong.
	Baroque ‘n Works are timeless images in plaster cast in the finest materials available, each piece handcrafted by Canadian artist Jennifer Scott. A very observant child one day asked his Dad, “Why are these things broken?” when looking at a display of these wall tiles. He had noticed the deliberately aged look of Jennifer’s work and in his charming innocence thought that they were, indeed, broken. The Baroque styling and intentional “aging” of this collection explains the name of the product line: Baroque ‘n Works. (Say it fast).
		Sa Boothroyd’s humourous line of fridge magnets has proven to be a hit with our shoppers. Sa’s whimsical artistic style makes you smile and her little comic phrases make you laugh out loud. Her work strikes a familiar note with many of us, whether it’s a commentary on parenthood, shopping, pet ownership, aging or a variety of other everyday situations. There is something for everyone who realizes that we need to “lighten up a little”.
		An unusual gift for any occasion, a Tablet Quote is always well received. Created in Edmonton and available exclusively from Shmilar Kwong, these versatile 6-inch square natural slate tiles are attractive and durable for use indoors or out, as trivets, wall hangings or stepping-stones. Each quote has been laser etched on the tablet and protected with a sealant. A hanger on the back allows for wall mounting, and small rubber surface protectors prevent damage to walls or furniture.
		These skillfully crafted cribbage boards provide entertainment, decoration, and a second life for dead and down wood native to western Canada. Lovingly created by Karen Peterson and Andrew Johnson, no two boards are ever the same. A hand-carved and painted skunk marks the skunk line on every board, making these the most unique and unusual cribbage boards we’ve ever seen. Each board is signed and dated by the artist and comes completely wall-mountable with a hanger on back and felt-covered feet to protect your wall or furniture.
		Soapstone is a metamorphic rock having a talc base distinguishable from other types of rock by its ease of carving, soapy feel, and vibrant colour. It has been used as a carving material all over the world for centuries because of its malleability. Edmonton artist, Barry Rogers, works with a variety of Canadian soapstone, primarily Quebec soapstone to produce his distinctly Canadian carvings.
		Karma Coaching Cards, created by Vancouverite Jane Clayton, are based on the simple notion that to be better, we must do better. Each Karma Coaching Card suggests a small, simple activity that can easily be incorporated into one’s hectic day to create some positive karma - providing insight and inspiration while connecting with others on basic levels.

		Humourous CDs from Ukrainian Canadian Ron Cahute and his wacky band will provide hours of entertainment, not to mention Ukrainian language education, for children from one to 101.