Without a doubt, Bermuda is a unique place. On top of living in a tropical paradise, Bermuda is also special because of the high number of highly-skilled and overwhelmingly talented artisans and craftsmen, including wood craftsman Martin Humphrey and jeweller Sonia Bremar. A unique team, the pair have been friends for several years and, although their skills are very different, Mr. Humphrey and Ms Bremar have joined forces to sell their wares at several different venues around the island.

“It’s really two separate entities,” Mr. Humphrey explains, who, through his small business, Old School Toys, specialises in handcrafting wooden toys. The pair, though, are sharing their sales table in an effort to increase sales.

Mr. Humphrey, an engineer for BTC, has been playing with wood for nearly ten years and is a former student of renown carpenter Chesley Trott, but it was five years ago that he extended himself into carving childhood playthings.

“I wanted to make money from my craft from things other than wood carving. I can make just about anything - I’m confident in my skill,” he shares of his passion.

“I like to create and I started doing toys because I like to see the smile on a kid’s face. It’s such a thrill!”

Working a variety of different woods, including white pine, spruce, cedar, mahogany and redwood, Mr. Humphrey has produced several of his own creations, but will also use designs from books. However, he never leaves them as is - he always has to add his own twist and personal style to whatever he crafts.

In the past, he’s created variations of a log book and even a magic coin box that worked with paper money.

“Wood gives you such a flexibility,” he continues. “You can mold it into just about anything.” “I try not to use any metal whatsoever. I try to use all wood, but sometimes metal dresses it up.”

Metal accents and hinges made from copper and brass highlight the different warm tones from the woods he masterfully carves into toys.

Quality craftsmanship is very important to Mr. Humphrey: “When you do crafts, you want to take your time and give the best you can.”

This season, he is highlighting a toy truck, a push toy and jewellery boxes. Mr. Humphrey does do some special orders, within limitations, and his works range in price between $40 and $80.

According to Sonia Bremar, the inspiration for her nature-inspired jewellery comes from her grandmother, Iris Bremar, who loved her garden and used clippings to decorate her home.

Selling under the name, Twisted Sistah’s, Ms Bremar is a Park Ranger by day, but has been creating accessories for about six years.

“I just like the fact of wearing something different,” she says is the reason she first started creating her jewellery.

“It’s a part of my expression.”

She uses all natural products including hemp, leather and cedar, as well as some stone and clay. She has also used plant materials, such as almond nut shells, to create watch bands, necklaces, anklets, earrings and wristbands.

Ms Bremar’s jewellery ranges in price, depending on the detail of the work, the kind of item and the cost of the materials.

The pair can be found at the City Market each Saturday at Bull’s Head car park. Ms Bremar also sells her goods at the Culture Fest on Court Street.

For more information, Ms Bremar can be reached via email at sibremar[AT]hotmail.com. Mr. Humphrey can be reached by at 337-6807.