Doreen Carscadden never imagined her artwork would be used to decorate the sandals she has cherished since childhood.

Two of CarscaddenB次元官网网址檚 artistic creations were chosen recently for the design of two sets of Birkenstock sandals, much to her surprise.

B次元官网网址淚 was in disbelief when I got an email saying IB次元官网网址檇 been chosen,B次元官网网址� said the long-time Sooke resident. B次元官网网址淚t was definitely a pinch me moment. IB次元官网网址檝e always been a huge fan and IB次元官网网址檝e worn Birkenstocks since I was a kid.B次元官网网址�

The process began when Carscadden saw an article on Instagram last year about artists collaborating with the Michael Gray Sandal Factory, an authorized Birkenstock sandal maker in Savannah, Ga.

B次元官网网址淚 thought why not, that would be so cool, so when I saw the call for art this year, I thought why not give it a try?B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 was lucky enough to be selected, and Michael is such a kind man to work with.B次元官网网址�

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The two works chosen for GrayB次元官网网址檚 exclusive run of 30 pairs of Birkenstocks are Sunny Daze and Summer Breeze.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been making art of some kind as long as I can remember,B次元官网网址� said Carscadden, who worked in the insurance industry for 30 years. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 in my DNA.B次元官网网址�

Carscadden has done some pastels and works in watercolour, ink, acrylic paint, oil, and collage.

B次元官网网址淎bout 10 years ago I got really sick, and that illness changed my life,B次元官网网址� she said.

The illness prevented her from performing many tasks that she could easily do before. This situationB次元官网网址檚 grief and frustration motivated her to create art journals. These journals are books bound in various styles, documenting her work over the past eight years.

Carscadden has a collection of about 35 books, with many more on the way.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of florals and birds,B次元官网网址� Carscadden said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 really attracted to colours, itB次元官网网址檚 very comforting to me.B次元官网网址�

Carscadden has never tried to sell any of her art. Although friends and family have purchased a few pieces through word of mouth, she doubts if her work on the Birkenstock deal will kickstart any local interest.

B次元官网网址淭he only way youB次元官网网址檒l get to see the sandals in Sooke is on my feet,B次元官网网址� she said with a laugh.