Holiday markets are bustling this season, with shoppers weaving through rows of booths in search of the right gift. Dorothy and Rick Schryburt of D&R Designs have built a loyal following by making sure their booth of original handmade leather and beaded jewellery is one where people stop, linger, and leave with something special.
I first came across D&R Designs at the Cumberland Farmers’ Market about six years ago. What struck me then — and still does now — is how their display always feels fresh. Their pieces are stylish without being overdone, and there’s a warmth in the way they welcome every shopper.
Over the years, I’ve added many of their creations to my own collection, and they’ve become staples in my everyday outfits. The jewellery is not only eye‑catching but also durable and reasonably priced, which explains why their booth is often one of the busiest at local markets.
Dorothy and Rick are fixtures in Ottawa’s artisan scene with their collection that includes magnetic‑closure leather stack bracelets, necklaces, and their signature wrap bracelets, alongside other designs. After 16 years of honing their craft, the couple has developed a style that is instantly recognizable: leather and beads combined in ways that feel both modern and timeless.
Dorothy explains their approach: “We like to always bring in new things because we want to keep our customers interested, and it’s a lot of fun for us to have new creations. I think it’s so inspiring for us.” She adds that much of her inspiration comes from travel: “I buy jewellery when I travel, and when I come home, I’m like, hmm, I could do something like this, so I start with some new creations.” That blend of curiosity and experimentation is what gives their work its distinctive character.
Among their standout pieces are the wrap bracelets — long strands of beaded leather finished with magnetic closures. They can be worn wrapped around the wrist or as a necklace, making them versatile and practical. They come in a wide range of colours, and I still wear the soft pink one I bought years ago, which has held up beautifully and remains one of my favourites.
Their leather strand bracelets are another signature item, offered in multiple designs with bold colour combinations and accents. Dorothy says, “One of the things I love to do is put colour together,” and that passion is evident in the way these bracelets pop on display tables.
ABOVE: Doorthy and Rick Schryburt of D&R Designs.
More recently, Dorothy and Rick have introduced thicker multistrand bracelets, about 20 millimetres wide, featuring layered leather and charms. These new designs have quickly become a highlight of their booth.
Accessibility is also central to their work. Rick explains: “We started mostly because of people who have arthritis or people who just can’t work the clasps.” The magnetic closures make their pieces easy to wear, and custom fitting is a regular part of their service.
As Rick puts it: “People walk away wearing stuff they thought they could never wear, like a bracelet, because they thought their wrists were way too big or way too small. We’re able to fit it for them on the spot or make it in short order.” Dorothy adds, “If you buy it for someone and it doesn’t fit, we will custom make it to the right size; all we need is a wrist size.”
This customer‑first approach, combined with affordable pricing and distinctive designs, make D&R Designs a favourite stop for marketgoers.
Their wide variety of magnetic‑closure leather bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are perfect for anyone looking to finish off their holiday gift shopping with something handmade and distinctive.
The Metcalfe Christmas Farmers’ Market on Saturday, December 13, at the Greely Community Centre will be their final stop in what has been a busy year — 53 days of sales in total. They’ll return to markets in 2026 with more opportunities to browse their booth.
In the meantime, shoppers can follow their Facebook page or join their mailing list by emailing dorothy@rogers.com. Many of their pieces, along with pricing, are also featured on their website.
