Bright and colourful spring fashions have begun to arrive from Montreal’s OÖM Ethikwear. OÖM designs stylish, trend-setting clothing that is eco-friendly and ethically produced right here in Canada. Pictured below are a few of the styles we are currently carrying at Raven’s Nest.

More about OÖM and their philosophy: “Since 2005, OÖM has made socially and environmentally ethical clothing a reality! Behind each red button is an ethical philosophy offering consumers the opportunity to wear their conscience, expressing themselves through clothing that reflects their personal values.

“Proud of the positive and engaged message our clothing conveys, we ensure their production by socially engaged organizations in Québec. OÖM clothes are made entirely from organic cotton and eco-responsible fabrics including 70% recycled cotton, recycled polyester, Tencel and hemp.

“Our goal as designers is to progressively overcome the difficulties of producing perfectly ethical clothing. We offer complete transparency on the production of each of our collections.

“Our business does not act independently of its environment, but rather is a responsible citizen participating in the active development of civil society. This is why we have always donated 1% of our sales to organizations that contribute to the betterment of our society and environment.”

Our fine selection of regional books has expanded recently with the addition of brand new works by three West Kootenay authors – Luanne Armstrong, Ellen Burt, and Rod Dunnett, all of whom live on the shores of Kootenay Lake.

A Bright and Steady Future: The Story of an Enduring Friendship by Luanne Armstrong
Armstrong, who lives on her 100-year-old family farm near Boswell, weaves together many stories set in the Kootenays over the seventies and eighties.
The core of this work, which is Armstrong’s 21st book, is the strength and endurance of women’s friendships. Author Jane Silcott writes of Armstrong’s memoir, “From the Kootenays to the coast and back again, from poverty and single parenthood to writing and activism, love and pain, A Bright and Steady Flame is a love letter to a fifty-year friendship and a memoir that offers extraordinary insights into aging, love, loss, and joy.”

What Feels Like Forever: A Memoir of Johnson’s Landing by Ellen Burt
Currently a Nelson resident, Burt has lived most of her life in the remote communities of Argenta and Johnson’s Landing. She has written one previous book, When the Path is Not a Straight Line, which we also carry at Raven’s Nest. Acclaimed Kootenay poet Fred Wah says of Burt’s new book, “This back-to-the-land coming of age narrative … is a captivating account of a smallholder: the farming, the firewood, the frozen pipes and, above all, the community … a sweet story.”

A Place in Time by Rod Dunnett
Dunnett lives in Kaslo, where he was a schoolteacher at J.V. Humphries, and spends considerable time hiking and exploring around our Valley of the Ghosts. Reading the story of a young Sandon girl tragically killed by a 1930s avalanche inspired him to write this ghost/adventure story of a Vancouver family’s exciting summer vacation. Although primarily aimed at pre- and young teens, old-time residents have also enjoyed being transported back in time to childhood memories, and anyone familiar with this area will be entertained as they reaquaint themselves with Sandon-area landmarks and the history of the silver boom.

Photo Credit: Oxygen Art Centre

Founded in 1921, Tokyo’s HARIO Lampwork Factory continues to design elegant glass jewelry, such as the lovely earrings pictured here. Each creation is painstakingly handmade of “heat-resistant glass” by skilled craftswomen, who we have seen at work in their Tokyo shop + studio. Fortunately you need not travel to Japan to see their amazing handiwork as Raven’s Nest carries a fine selection of HARIO Lampwork Factory earrings, rings, and necklaces.

Do you need a 2019 calendar, or know someone who does? This gorgeous “Kootenays: Wild and Spectacular” calendar from Nelson photographer Douglas Noblet is still available at 40% off. Enjoy our region’s awesome natural beauty every day of the coming year!

Photo credit: Wild Air Photography

We would like to offer a big thank you to our local & loyal customers who have supported us at Merchants’ Night and throughout the year! We are still open 11 am to 4 pm every day through December 24, with free gift wrapping and all clothing 10% off the regular price. See you soon, if we haven’t already!

Photo Credit: Jellycat

We have a large selection of new ladies dresses, tops, leggings, and intimates. Come on by and try something on!