Braid Studios

06/13/2026

Many of you knew Carla Thompson.

Carla had a remarkable gift for helping people feel seen, supported, and capable. Whether she was teaching a new skill, helping someone untangle their finances, offering accountability through body doubling, or quietly working behind the scenes to make things run smoothly, she brought kindness and patience to everything she did.

You may have known Carla through Braid Studios, the Decide Your Life Community with , her Holistic Bookkeeper business, her work with the Dot community or her Books & Brew sessions.

Carla first came to Braid Studios as a crochet instructor, but over the years she became so much more than a teacher. She served as our Paint Night Manager, Wedding & Events Manager, administrator, bookkeeper, trusted advisor, and dear friend. Even after moving to Vancouver Island during Covid, Carla remained an important part of the Braid community. For me, as owner of Braid, Carla was my right-hand person and one of my closest friends. For many others, she was a mentor, cheerleader, problem solver, and steady source of support.

Her impact reached far beyond any one business or community and the kindness she brought to each of them was always the same.

On June 27, I want to invite friends, family, artists, colleagues, clients, students, and community members to join us as we share stories and memories of this beautiful woman who touched so many lives. ~ Susan

Remembering Carla Drop-In
June 27, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Braid Studios
321 Sixth Street, New Westminster

Condolences may be shared thru the link in our bio.

06/09/2026

A month ago we moved into our new space on the second floor at 321-6th St.

Our resident artists are settled in. The studio and our Salon space is already busy with classes and workshops.

Yesterday we hung art on the gallery walls for the first time.

And suddenly everything shifted - it feels like the entire community is home.

06/05/2026

We’re doing something we haven’t done in years. This Saturday, artists throughout Braid Studios are clearing out their studios.

Art supplies. Tools. Materials. Original artwork. Hidden treasures.

Come explore working artist studios and discover what usually stays behind closed doors.

The Braid Loft
2nd floor
321 6th Street, New Westminster
Saturday, June 6
12–4pm

Open Studios + Artist Surplus Sale

06/04/2026

Behind the scenes and notes on a special piece of art. From .dolls

Blanchet 🤍
A doll created especially for a woman who embraces Mexican culture as her own. Her home and her memories are filled with afternoons wandering the streets of Oaxaca.

Getting to know her is a true pleasure, and creating a doll inspired by her has been a great honor.

06/03/2026

A different kind of art is happening at the studios.

06/01/2026

05/04/2026

There’s a moment every artist knows.

When the table is finally clear enough.
When the machine is within reach.
When the light hits just right and you think…
yes, I can work here again.

Judy’s been reshaping her space—small shifts, thoughtful moves—until this new studio started to feel like it was working with and for her. And just like that… she’s back in it.

Back in the rhythm.
Back in the making.
Back in business.

This is what happens behind the scenes at Braid.
Not just studios—but spaces that evolve with the artist inside them.

(And sometimes… a little rearranging is all it takes to begin again.)

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Studios, both shared and private available. Artists join Braid Studios is a space to work within an active creative environment that encourages connection, mentorship, and the growth of their creative practice.

02/05/2026

Join us Saturday Feb 7 from 12-4 PM for Open Artist Studios – a unique opportunity to explore our artist community up close! We are open to the public on the first Saturday of every month and it’s a great chance to wander through our 20 studios, meet our resident artists in their creative spaces, and enjoy a special behind-the-scenes look into the world of local art. Watch here for updates on which artists will be featured this month!

Our open to the public Studios days are perfect for art lovers of all ages – bring the family along! Our event is FREE to attend, with ample parking available in and around the area.

Location:
The Braid Loft
3rd floor
321-6th St
New Westminster

Date & Time:
The first Saturday of every month
Feb 7 - 12-4 PM

Artists who will be open:brett.7


12-3pm
12-2pm

BCArtists 100braidst artsnw newwestminster newwest

12/02/2025

Tis the season to support local creatives!
Join us this Saturday, Dec 6, from 12–4pm for our final Open Studios of the year. Explore over a dozen working artist studios, pick up festive gifts, and discover Canadian-made art that actually means something.

Perfect for:
Last-minute shoppers
Lovers of handmade treasures
People who like to say “Oh this? It’s from a local artist.”

The Braid Loft
321–6th St
New Westminster
Open to the public. Bring your cheer. Leave with art.

There is also an opportunity to see our current art show “Gathered: A Collective of Cloth and Story” and meet some of the artists who will be present.

10/06/2025

What a weekend at Braid Studios!

From the Rolling Gallery trucks parked at the side of the building, to our open studios buzzing with creativity — this Crawl was one to remember.

Thank you to everyone who climbed the stairs or took the elevator, met our artists, and explored the Gathered: A Collective of Cloth and Story Art show. We loved seeing so many of you connect with art in all its forms — from the young couple who bought their very first artwork for their home, to the kids proudly choosing cards and stickers, to the collectors who added new pieces to their walls.

Your curiosity, conversations, and support mean the world to our artists and to this creative space.

Here’s to community, creativity, and the connections that keep art alive. Until next time — our doors (and hearts) stay open.
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a reminder we are open the First Saturday of each month. Come see us again on November 1 from 12-4pm