Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Sale Nov. 27-29

Nice to see support for local artisans!

It's been great to meet customers who are coming out to the shows, supporting local handcrafted items.  Someone said today, "it must be tiring" (maybe I looked tired.....) but my response is that it's great to meet people who are using my pots and to get feedback from them.  I get lots of solitary time in my studio.  I would never want to spend all my time in the studio, or all my time at shows; this usually feels like a satisfying mix.  Also there are often new ideas presented to me, that get the creative juices flowing.  In the new year when I'm back in my studio, I like to take the time to call up some of those ideas and try out some new directions.  

Nepean Christmas Craft Show all set up and ready for customers

Hintonburg Christmas Craft Fair

Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Sale

I think it's been about 20 years since I participated in this show, but I'll be back this year....this week!  In years past I had a booth in the lower level hall/rink on the ice surface.  This year I'll be upstairs in the warm carpeted environment.  I'll have new soap dispensers and oil/vinegar dispensers along.

Fall shows continue....

The first year at the Aberfoyle Potters Market (near Guelph) at the end of October was a respectable debut.  A couple of musicians entertained the customers throughout the week-end and when we were hungry, we enjoyed some amazing food from Terra et Silva.  The date/nut braided bread was particularly yummy!

Wouldn't you like to wake up to this view every day?  Thanks to everyone who came out to the Marlin Orchards pottery sale Thanksgiving week-end.  What a spectacular location overlooking the St. Lawrence River.  We're still enjoying the apples & honey I purchased there.

Pottery Sale at Marlin Orchards

Hard to believe this will be my 7th year at this lovely show in Summerstown, just east of Cornwall. Beautiful setting, beautiful pottery.  Pottery displays (over 20 potters from the region) are set up in the empty greenhouses, right beside this building (where you can get just-picked apples, pumpkins, mums, bulbs, etc. etc.)

Making, making, making.....

It's a busy month in the studio.  No shows this month, but I've been restocking the stores who carry my work and am busy filling my shelves with pots to take to fall shows, which begin Thanksgiving week-end.  Here are a few shots from the studio in the past couple of weeks.

mugs and butter pots drying

spray glazing berry bowls

finished pots ready to be unloaded from the kiln

End of Summer Shows for another year

What turned into a fine day at the Central Experimental Farm brought my summer show season to an end for this year.  It's been a good year, with only one day of steady rain and no disastrous direct hit storms, thankfully!   You never know with outdoor shows what mother nature will hand you...best to be ready for anything.  I'm already gearing up for fall shows which start Thanksgiving week-end.  For more on what I'm up to you can always check out my facebook page.  Like it and share it with friends!