Fall is here! New line in production

I am so very happy with the response to my Day at the Beach or Prairie Vista line of products.

People get the landscape idea, and it is so interesting to hear people talk about prairie pride, and it makes sense to them that we celebrate where we live.  Each piece is a bit different in terms of glaze overlap and people can pick the pieces that speak to them. I am making bigger pieces like teapots, utensil holders and serving dishes to go along with the mugs and bowls.

So, now my mind is percolating to something new, something simple and post modern.  I haven't come up with a name yet, as it is still bubbling around and pieces are thrown but not yet glazed. This will be another one I can fire in my kiln at home, as part of my goal towards self sufficiency and less dependence on the gas firing kiln.  It is good to more or less be in charge of when I can fire, it just gets less comfortable as fall sets in and I will only have a few more weeks of glazing outside in my backyard glazing area.

This weekend we have our big Etsy Made in Canada market at the Neeginan center, but on Sunday I will be madly working on firing more buttons and yarn bowls for the Manitoba Fibre Festival on October 2 and 3rd at the Assiniboia Downs.

If anybody has requests for items for either show, send me a message at nancyblokland@msn.com.  always aiming to please my peeps!

Trimming mugs is really hard when snot is running down your face, just sayin....

I loved our time in Costa Rica, but since I got off the plane 9 days ago, I have been getting sicker and sicker. First it was utter exhaustion that went on for days, then the razor blade feeling in the throat, voice disappearing and now I am a complete and utter mucus factory.
Here are a few of the utterly beautiful vistas from Costa Rica.

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Orchids everywhere!

Mountain Lion in a Refuge Center at La Paz Waterfall

I am utterly shattered, but trying to keep on target with production.  I have lots of little bits and bobs, but I really need to have a new good selection of mugs, butter keepers, garlic pots, salt shakers and serving pieces for all the shows I have now booked myself into. Glad to be accepted, but I need to produce some stock to make it all worthwhile.

I have just applied to Etsy Made In Canada Day, know that I will be at Homespun in Carlyle, Sunflower in Yorkton, Manitoba Fibre Festival and Brandonès Big One....its a little overwhelming to put it all in one sentence. Yikes! Spring means I am still making some fairy houses, mushrooms and more goodies to spur on the imagination as well as some plant pots for the deck and garden.

Time to get my head on Straight!

Yet another wonderful expression from my moms collection. Today this Muddy Mama is avoiding the mud, as my congestion and sinus headache are making me feel completely incompetent of making any decisions.  The reality is that I must glaze this afternoon, for all the upcoming sales and stocking stores.  Expansion everywhere, except in my energy.

This weekend is dreary and rainy inside and out, hoping for a  burst of sunshiney energy to help me thrugh glazing today and tomorrow. Next weekend is the long weekend, and I have a need to enjoy our last summer weekend of 2014, so we are joining the Norwood Naughty Knitters on their annual train ride on the Prairie Dog Central, with  a potluck lunch.

Manitoba Fibre Festival is September 6th at St. Norbert Community Centre, and I am sure with all the great workshops and vendors, it will be a really great day. I am madly making buttons, yarn bowls and mugs.  Of course, there will be BIG ones, to meet customer demand.

The Exchange Uporium is going to continue at 264 McDermot Ave until Christmas, where I will continue to rent space.  Time to begin the seasonal ornaments and gifty type items.  Vitamin C and a good nights rest should get me back on track.

Later this month, there are more good things like the Homespun Show in Saskatchewan,,,,and then closer to home....
WEST, Compendium Artist Market and Etsy Canada are joining forces to bring Manitoba an Etsy Made in Canada event!
September 27
10am to 4pm
St James Civic Center
2055 Ness Avenue
Winnipeg Manitoba

Over 40 Manitoba Etsians from vintage curators to handmade mavens!

Free admission

Free activity room with demonstrations and more!

Events will be happening across Canada! Check it out!