ABOUT US

History:

In 1986, while on maternity leave from her teaching job, Barbara Newton and a friend made a selection of pinecone wreaths and doughcraft Christmas ornaments for a small local craft show. The ornaments went quickly and Barbara knew she was on to something. Over the next few years Barbara developed dozens of designs, participated in larger craft shows and started to sell directly to some gift shops -- while gradually taking over more and more of the family home.

After moving from Ontario to BC in 1991 Barbara adopted the name Vincent Van Dough for the line that had now grown to several hundred styles.  However, despite many innovations doughcraft still had some limitations so Vincent Van Dough started to explore other materials, finally deciding on a resin based casting medium that feels very much like the original dough, but has many new advantages. Vincent Van Designs was adopted as the new trade name.

 Now, in 2011 the business in being separated into a retail portion which will continue to provide personalized items through large craft shows and web sales under the existing name of Vincent Van Designs and a wholesale portion which produces name dropped souvenir magnets and ornaments for tourist retailers under the new trade name of Bear Hill Studio.

Our Process:

Original and Mold Making - we start with an idea, and then try out several versions on paper. Once we have a design concept we sculpt an original, revisiting it many times. Once this original has been completed we make one or more molds from high quality silicone. Once we have a mold we are ready for production.

Production:

Pieces are carefully hand cast in small batches and hand painted. The hand painting is by far the most time consuming part of the production, but it is very satisfying to see a piece take on its distinctive personality. Finally we finish the piece with a shiny, protective topcoat. Finally, details such as tiny Christmas lights, haloes, bows, ornament hooks are added.

Thank you for reading our story.