Handcrafted Ceramic Van Island Starfish
Welcome to our website showcasing our unique collection of replica starfish.
About Van Island Starfish
Our Products
Our Products
Our Products
We offer a range of sizes, colours and styles of lifelike ceramic starfish, including the always popular fridge magnets and tree ornaments, to collect as west coast representational souvenirs and décor. These artful creations can add realistic features and colour coordination to any ocean theme in your home or work space.
Where to buy
Our Products
Our Products
Fabulous Vancouver Island businesses carrying a selection of Van Island Starfish:
BOWSER
- Salish Sea Market
COURTENAY
- Tin Town Café
- Courtenay & Dist. Museum & Paleontology Centre
COWICHAN VALLEY
- Little Bird Gift Shop - Duncan
- Maple Bay Marina Gift Shop
- Ocean Eco-Ventures & Salish Sea Art Gallery - Cowichan Bay (Apr-Oct)
MALAHAT
- Malahat Skywalk Gift
Fabulous Vancouver Island businesses carrying a selection of Van Island Starfish:
BOWSER
- Salish Sea Market
COURTENAY
- Tin Town Café
- Courtenay & Dist. Museum & Paleontology Centre
COWICHAN VALLEY
- Little Bird Gift Shop - Duncan
- Maple Bay Marina Gift Shop
- Ocean Eco-Ventures & Salish Sea Art Gallery - Cowichan Bay (Apr-Oct)
MALAHAT
- Malahat Skywalk Gift Shop
NANAIMO
- Newfoundland to Nanaimo Gift Shop
PARKSVILLE
- The MAC - McMillan Arts Centre Gift Shop
- Pines Gift Shop @ Tigh-Na-Mara Resort
- Parksville Visitor Centre
QUALICUM BEACH
- Seabreeze Gifts
- Ports & Passes Gift Shop
SAANICH/SIDNEY
- Butchart Gardens Gift Shop
- Seawards Souvenir & Apparel
SOOKE - PORT RENFREW
- Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria & Art Market- Shirley (Mar-Nov)
TOFINO
- The Treehouse Gift Co.
UCLUELET
- Reflecting Spirit Gallery
- Ucluelet Aquarium (Mar-Nov)
UNION BAY
- Lunar Reflection Artist Gift Shop
VICTORIA
- Fern + Crow Gift Co.
Our Process
Our Process
Our Process
Produced in a small Vancouver Island workshop, we use a method referred to as small-batch slip casting. Authentic preserved sea stars were first used in 1995 to create rubber master molds. These master molds continue to be used today to produce working plaster molds into which liquid clay is poured and dried. Once removed from the mold an
Produced in a small Vancouver Island workshop, we use a method referred to as small-batch slip casting. Authentic preserved sea stars were first used in 1995 to create rubber master molds. These master molds continue to be used today to produce working plaster molds into which liquid clay is poured and dried. Once removed from the mold and allowed to dry, the greenware is kiln fired to bisque, then hand glazed with anywhere from two to four coats before a second kiln firing, resulting in a glass like, high gloss finish that brings each piece to life.
Our History
Our Process
Our Process
In 1995, wanting to bring awareness to protecting our delicate coastal ecosystem, and at the same time, identifying a void in the marketplace of quality Canadiana souvenirs to support the fast growing tourist industry in BC, Ponderosa Designs began the production of hand crafted ceramic replica starfish. For nearly 30 years, Ponderosa Des
In 1995, wanting to bring awareness to protecting our delicate coastal ecosystem, and at the same time, identifying a void in the marketplace of quality Canadiana souvenirs to support the fast growing tourist industry in BC, Ponderosa Designs began the production of hand crafted ceramic replica starfish. For nearly 30 years, Ponderosa Designs has filled a niche market for BC coastal businesses, including gift shops, art markets, marinas, restaurants, spas and resorts. Wanting to change their focus from ceramics to silversmithing, Ponderosa Designs began mentoring Island Pacific Art Designs in the art of producing ceramic starfish, passing along their knowledge, techniques and passion for sea stars. 2024 has sparked a new adventure for Island Pacific Art Designs, making it their mission to continue producing these signature premium west coast keepsakes using the same methods and integrity that Ponderosa Designs established over their many years of experience.