New Chicken Options in Stock!
ABCs
From Ancona ducks to Zwartbles sheep, learn about the wonderful world of heritage breeds with our new ABC card set!
THE STUDIO
The farm inspires our line of handmade products. Learn about our fibre and fleeces, sheepskins and soaps, artwork and educational materials. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming workshops and events.
Heritage Breed Alphabet Cards
Since the beginning, Brass Bell Farm has been home to a variety of rare, heritage breeds of poultry and livestock. Many of these breeds have fallen out of popularity due to a preference for faster-growing animals that do well in industrial systems. Sadly, this has left many special breeds on the brink of extinction, and the heritage, culture, and traditions surrounding them, at risk of being lost forever.
After her daughter was born, Amber couldn't help but notice how all of the farm animals depicted in children's books were pink pigs, brown hens, and black and white cows. Amber's mother, Jennifer, a lifelong artist, helped bring Amber's idea to life - a handrawn set of alphabet cards, that would appeal to children and adults alike. Jennifer drew each illustration, while Amber penned the descriptions.
Every deck contains 26 cards, each with a unique illustration and write-up explaining the history, origin and purpose of the animal. These cards can be used in a multitude of ways, from letter recognition for early learners, to more advanced comprehension for older students. Both Amber and Jennifer graduated from the University of Victoria with a BA in Child & Youth Care (though many years apart!), and have worked with children in a variety of educational settings. Amber often hosts school groups at the farm and sees the value of engaging children in farming and food literacy from an early age. For those who can't make it to the farm, the Heritage Breed Alphabet is the perfect way to enjoy a piece of the farm, at home.
Sustainability and ethical production practices were top of mind when we embarked on the (complex!) process of producing our alphabet cards. After countless hours of research and many deadends, we discovered a company right here on Vancouver Island who was able to print our cards sustainably, and all of our packaging materials are made from recycled paper and can in turn be recycled.
Milk & Lard Soaps
Our milk and lard soaps use two special products from the farm: milk from our rare breed Oberhasli goats, and lard from our rare breed Large Black pigs. Both milk and lard make a creamy, moisturizing soap, and create a hyper-localized product. We use ethically-harvested essential oils to create unique and seasonal scents, inspired by the natural flora here on the farm.
Our 'soap-scription' will be available soon!
Natural Sheepskins
Sheep skins are a byproduct of raising sheep. Rather than let them go to waste, as is standard practice, we work with our abattoir to ensure our skins are treated with care and returned to us after procecessing. We then preserve our skins, either by salting or freezing, until the weather warms and tanning season begins. Our sheepskins are mineral tanned by hand, using no toxic chemicals, only naturally derived materials. The end product will last for ages if properly cared for, and while they can't be washed, a good brushing does wonders to bring a well-loved rug back to it's former vibrance.
Fleece & Fibre
Our small flock of Shetland sheep produces beautfiul fibre once a year. We shear annually, ever spring, and have selected for fine fleeces in a variety of colours. Shetlands thrive in our climate, and their beautiful wool keeps them warm and dry on even the most blustery of days. After selecting, skirting and sorting our fleeces, we send them away to the mill to be processed into yarn. We sometimes have raw fleeces availble for hand spinners, sold from the farm.
Our 2024 fleeces have been sent to the mill, and we will update here once they have returned!
