And another year comes to a close

Thanks to everyone who made it out to Originals in what turned out to be pretty awful weather, especially the last few days.  I look forward to being there again next year, perhaps for the full show.

In fact, thanks are due to everyone who encourages good craftsmanship by purchasing art, crafts, goods and services from the makers.  You're helping to keep skills alive!

The local CBC television station did a piece recently called "Made in Ottawa" featuring myself, a glass artist and a jeweller which you can view here:

http://fw.to/ipYHzJX

Even though they spelled my name incorrectly and prompted me to talk about getting out my aggressions by slapping clay around.....I hope you enjoy it!

Originals show

I'm at the Originals show again for the last six days, December 17-22.  Details below:

Sanaa--my annual open house Dec. 14th

Every year I schlep most of my pots into the house, invite some artist friends over to display their works, bake some Christmas cookies and open up my home to neighbours, friends and customers--a great way to get in the mood for the holidays and do some Christmas shopping too!

This week I'll be sorting through my pots and discounting the ones that aren't quite up to snuff.  There should be quite a good selection of these slightly flawed but still functional pots.

Fisher Park Community Centre Christmas Craft Sale

Looking forward to this popular community event tomorrow...literally a stone's throw from home!

Handmade Here in Westboro this Saturday

click on image to enlarge

Looking forward to this show in Kim's lovely home.  Each year this show expands a little bit.  Five of us have been exhibiting together for several years, and this year there are five new artists.  Jewellers, painters, potters, glassblowers, felters--each making beautiful, unique creations right here in Ottawa.  It will be a festive day with hot cider & treats to enjoy while customers discover the handmade treasures and visit with the artists.

Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Sale

It's that time of year again!  Over 40 potters will be displaying their work for sale in the bright, spacious foyer of the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans.  This year the Guild is celebrating 40 years of existence and a small gallery show at the Centre will feature works from some of those initial potters.  I think I first joined 29 years ago when I moved to Ottawa and have benefited from the Guild in many ways over the years.

It's a great place to find unique gifts--functional and/or decorative.  I'll have lots of my popular gift items--egg separators, French butter pots, mugs, goblets, brie bakers, egg cups, yarn bowls, etc.  And a good selection of large serving dishes and decorative platters.  And Christmas ornaments for your tree!

fireGifts pottery and glass sale Oct. 25-27

I'll be joining 30 other clay and glass artists this week-end at this west end pottery sale.  In addition to oval bakers (like the one pictured on the postcard) I'll have platters, vases and lots of practical dishes that you can use every day in your kitchen and dining room.  All of my work is dishwasher and microwave safe.  Details at www.fireGifts.ca