Getting ready for fall sales

This time of year the studio starts to fill up with pottery.  Like craftspeople and retailers everywhere I'm preparing for pre-Christmas sales, which usually account for about half my income....No pressure!  Soon it will be a challenge to find safe places to store all the pots in process, and those ready for sale.  I'm beginning to look around my relatively small studio space with a more critical eye, thinking I really should get rid of a few things that I'm not using.  In the meantime, thought I'd post a few studio shots of the past week or two's production.

Back to Bancroft

Today we're heading back to the cabin, in time for the Bancroft Art and Craft Show and Sale, Saturday and Sunday.  I think this will be my fourth year there.  Once again I'll have lots of seconds for sale--imperfect pots, perfect for cottage living!  And a good selection of my "firsts" too.

You can find me at Millenium Park on the main drag through town, Hwy. 62 north.  Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-4.  In addition to the 30+ artists/artisans, there is live music and an impressive quilt show in an adjacent building.  If memory serves, they usually have a draw for some of the quilted items, including a bed quilt.  I've been learning some new quilting techniques in the winter months and have a renewed appreciation for this art.  The Bancroft quilters are truly a talented bunch!

Bancroft's Rockhound Gemboree is held the same week-end--apparently it's Canada's largest gem and mineral show.  I believe they are set up in the town's community centre.  I hear that tours are available to some of the local mine sites.

Haliburton Arts & Crafts Festival

This will be my first year at the Haliburton Art & Craft Festival.  Sounds like a lovely location in the midst of one of Ontario's most popular tourist areas.  There will be lots to see and do, in addition to the approx. 150 artisans/artists.

It looks like about a one hour drive from our cabin, so the rest of the family can choose to come & go (they are absolutely essential for setting up & tearing down!)

Looking forward to meeting folks in Haliburton in a couple of weeks.

Funeral urns

Audrey & Brendan recently ordered a couple of urns.  It was lovely to meet them and know that they are planning ahead!  Hopefully their family members will be as pleased with these urns as they seem to be.

Flo Glassblowing is having a party and you're invited!

click on image to enlarge

This looks like fun.  Many of the ladies from the Handmade Here show (usually at Kim's house in Westboro) will be exhibiting and selling their work.  I plan to set up my canopy outside with my wares--and this time I'll bring an extra piece of plastic in case it looks like rain, cuz as I discovered last week-end, it leaks like a sieve!

If you have never seen how glass is blown, stop by for a demonstration.  Flo offers all kinds of classes and group experiences throughout the year, so check them out if you have more than a passing interest.  More info about their studio can be found on their website www.floglassblowing.ca

Visit the New Art Festival June 15 & 16

I'm looking forward to being part of the New Art Festival, held in the lovely, spacious Central Park in the Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa.  It's been growing over the past 20 plus years and has become quite an incredible showcase of (mostly) local art.  I finally visited for the first time a few years ago and was really impressed with the variety, and quantity, of work and really enjoyed the atmosphere of this outdoor festival.

It's being held Saturday & Sunday, June 15 & 16, rain or shine, free admission.  More details on the website www.newartfestival.ca   You can find me at 7a Patterson on the map!

Ottawa Guild of Potters Exhibition & Sale April 11-14

This year the Ottawa Guild of Potters is celebrating 40 years!  I think I first joined 29 years ago and have been a member off & on ever since.  Hope you can join us for special celebrations at the opening vernissage on Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m.--or stop in anytime throughout the week-end.  Potters will be demonstrating handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques throughout the sale!