Virtual Shows for the Fall

 Many craft shows are moving online this year.  It looks like there are some great virtual experiences that are being created with the handmade community in mind.

HandMade MarketPlace launched their online store last month and will be hosting 3 more events before Christmas.  The next one is Thanksgiving week-end, October 8-12.  I'm participating in all 4 events and will be adding more new items to my store for each event.  Be sure to check them out--there are over 200 of us there!  Great quality craftsmanship; I've met many of these folks at craft shows throughout the province.  This is a great way to continue to support local makers while shopping from the comfort of your home.

The One of a Kind Show, usually out of Toronto, has also gone online this year.  I'm delighted to be able to join their virtual show this year.  Sounds like they have lots of DIY activities and other events planned for the duration of the show which is from October 22-December 20th.  This is a go-to show for so many folks in the crafts community.  The diversity of products is mind boggling.  I look forward to presenting my work in this new venue.

New work during Covid

Needless to say, this covid situation has caused us artisans and crafters to take a long, hard look at how we make a living and come up with creative ways to market our own work, now that festivals, craft fairs and markets have been (temporarily) shuttered.  Who knows when we all will be allowed--or more importantly, feel comfortable--returning to the kinds of crowded venues where we typically sell our work?  Hopefully soon, as that will mean we're getting this virus under control.  But in the meantime....

Like many, I used the extra time to set up a website with an online shop.  I plan to keep it stocked with old favourites and brand new work.  I hope folks will find it a helpful tool when they really need a pottery gift, or addition to their home, or just miss browsing craft fairs to see what's new!

I've added some new glaze colours and have been having fun trying out decorative transfers.  And I decided that I really needed to name my different collections of work to organize them on a website (and in my head!)  So you'll find the Classic collection which has been part of my repertoire for over 12 years now, the Contemporary collection (grey/white) which I introduced a few years back, the Spring collection which expanded a bit this spring, and the Flora and Fauna collection which is bursting forth with flowers, bees, birds, dragonflies, ferns, etc.

The event page on my website will be updated as shows are either cancelled or get the go ahead.  In addition to the online shop, I continue to welcome home studio pick-ups (there's so much more on the studio shelves than will fit in the online shop!), and will happily consider special orders.

(Almost) Tulip Time

Getting tired of spending so much time at home?  Need a pop of colour to brighten up your environment?  I was looking forward to bringing these to spring shows, but it looks like they may have to stay on my shelves for awhile.  The New Art Festival that was to be held at Central Park in the Glebe June 13-14 unfortunately is a casualty of Covid-19.  If you're in the Ottawa area and need one of these vases in your home, feel free to contact me. Safe pick up or delivery can always be arranged.

Spring Colours

I've been working on some new colours to debut at spring shows, but with my April shows cancelled (Originals and the Ottawa Guild of Potters) the pots will patiently wait on my shelves until they and we can mingle out in the world again.  In the meantime, I'm continuing to make more pots as I usually do, in social isolation!  Looking forward to getting my work out to craft sales as soon as we can do so safely.  In the meantime, pottery can always be picked up from my home studio or shipped to your home.  

Back in the Studio

I've been busy working on some new ideas and special orders this month.  Below are a couple of versions of tea strainers. The burrs have been cleaned off of them and they've gone through the first firing.  Looking forward to testing them after the second firing.  Should have some ready for the first show of the year--the Spring Originals Show April 2-5, which will be here before you know it!