Okanagan goldsmith inspired by the Rockies for holiday mystery bags

Kelowna silver and goldsmith Brittani Buettner has always made jewellery inspired by B.C.’s landscape, and this year there are more people looking for local gifts like hers. 

She makes custom work for people who want something specific, but she also has mystery bags that she tries to fit to someone’s style.

She said the “Buy Canadian” movement is alive and well for the holidays. 

“I’ve gotten a lot more customers this year that are very specifically saying it’s important that it’s Canadian made. And then they find I’m in the Okanagan, and it’s even better because I’m close to home,” she said.

Buettner was inspired by seeing other people online and decided to make a change, go to school and start her brand, Scenic Route Co. She often makes pieces inspired by the Rockies and sometimes the Okanagan itself. 

“I have done a Kelowna necklace, so that’s a view from Upper Mission. You can see the bridge and like Knox Mountain and stuff like that,” she said. 

Buettner uses a picture from a customer and turns it into a ring or a scene on a pendant. 

“I’m sawing out the details with my saw. And then soldering like little components together. So it’s kind of like putting together a painting or a puzzle, but with metal and fire,” she said. 

She does everything on her own, from making the pieces to shipping and marketing, while raising twins. 

She said putting your personality out there is the best way for small businesses and local entrepreneurs to connect with people who want to support locals this holiday season. 

“People really connect with people, not brands. Realizing myself, even connecting with brands in town, once I know the person behind it, there’s so much more trust there. And that really goes a long way,” she said. 

When someone buys one of her holiday mystery bags she goes onto their social media to see if they have a distinct style that she can personalize the pieces she sends.

“I’ll go on their Instagram and check out maybe their vibe or see what I think they’d like. So it’s kind of like an interactive mystery bundle,” she said. 

She said she loves making things that she knows people are going to wear for years to come. 

“I just really love making jewellery for people that is really tangible and has meaning,” she said. “It’s something that has a lot of intention behind it and they’re going to hold on to it for a while.”

If you’re interested or want to see more of her work, check out Scenic Route Co. here.