Artist turns sticks and stones into beautiful gift items

Do you remember playing with sticks and stones as a child? Did you enjoy gathering sea shells on the beach? As adults many of us still gather shells and we also find sticks and stones interesting, but Angie Bissett of Nanaimo, Canada has turned her fascination into an art form.

Check out some of Angie's work in the Sticks and Stones Gallery, an Etsy shop that she opened in 2011. She has wonderful gift items for every occasion.

Sticks and Stones Gallery

"Growing up on beautiful Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, has led to a strong love of the ocean and nature," says Angie. "My family and I love to go for a walk on the beach, looking for special stones, pieces of driftwood, beach glass and shells. Spending time fly fishing from the shore in the fall has also assisted in spying natural treasures along the shore line.

"Last year my sister, who lives in the desert, got married and I wanted to bring a bit of the West Coast love to them, while also recognizing their special occasion. This first shadow box was of an oyster shell and stone bride and groom. Since then a variety of special occasions have led to peaceful scenes with stones, driftwood, shells and beach glass.

"I'm hoping that you enjoy these pieces, as each one means something special to me. We had fun looking for all the things that went into creating them."

Here are some more of her items: