Who We AreValerie Lynn Yamashita has been a creator all her life using whatever materials made themselves available. No craft went unexplored including sewing, knitting, painting, bookbinding and beading. As she grew older and her jewellery designs became more complicated then her skills allowed, she was led to the Jewellery and Metals program at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario where she learned the skills of a goldsmith and lapidary artist. Valerie currently lives and works in Waterloo, Ontario with her husband Michael where their home is bursting with creativity.
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A Style All Her OwnValerie's work is a study in colour and texture. She prefers to use natural materials and different metals to add depth and interest to her work. You will find each piece will include some kind of contrast: a high mirror polish paired with a rough burred texture, the soft curves of a lush wood cut through with a modern line of silver or even precious gold tucked in amongst base copper. Every material is prized for it's individual beauty and when combined creating a work unlike any other.
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Awards and Shows
2007 - Georgian College Scholarship Show, Barrie, ON
Awarded: Donna Billes Choice Award
2008 - Georgian College Scholarship Show, Barrie, ON
Awarded: Gambhir's Import International Ltd. Award, Best in Show - 2nd Year
Ontario Crafts Council Design Award
Byrex Gems Inc. Award for Excellence
H&W Perrin Award for Excellence in Show
Handy & Harman of Canada Award of Excellence
Jewellery and Metals Program Design Award
2008 - Georgian College One of a Kind Booth - One of a Kind Spring Sale, Toronto, ON
2009 - Georgian College Graduate Exhibition Raw and Redefined, Barrie, Toronto, Ottawa, Kanata, Caledonia and Ridgetown, ON
2010 - Jewellery, Fashion and Gift Show, Kitchener, ON
2015 - Kitchener-Waterloo Chirstmas Craft Festival, Kitchener, ON
2015 - Original Works Market, Cambridge, ON
2016 - ACE Spring Show and Sale, Guelph, ON
2016 - Art in the Street, Guelph, ON
Awarded: Donna Billes Choice Award
2008 - Georgian College Scholarship Show, Barrie, ON
Awarded: Gambhir's Import International Ltd. Award, Best in Show - 2nd Year
Ontario Crafts Council Design Award
Byrex Gems Inc. Award for Excellence
H&W Perrin Award for Excellence in Show
Handy & Harman of Canada Award of Excellence
Jewellery and Metals Program Design Award
2008 - Georgian College One of a Kind Booth - One of a Kind Spring Sale, Toronto, ON
2009 - Georgian College Graduate Exhibition Raw and Redefined, Barrie, Toronto, Ottawa, Kanata, Caledonia and Ridgetown, ON
2010 - Jewellery, Fashion and Gift Show, Kitchener, ON
2015 - Kitchener-Waterloo Chirstmas Craft Festival, Kitchener, ON
2015 - Original Works Market, Cambridge, ON
2016 - ACE Spring Show and Sale, Guelph, ON
2016 - Art in the Street, Guelph, ON