End of Year looking back on 2014

2014 was to be my year to burst forth. I am proud that I took risks with new ventures, some were more successful than others, but overall I am pleased with this year. I promised myself that I was going to launch a new line of urban pots, in a minimalist black and white theme. The reception has been mixed but I am going to forge ahead

I will continue to make more espresso cups and shot glasses.

The christmas ornaments, in particular the polar bears did well and are a good symbol of Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Yarn bowls and fiber festivals with my buttons are fun and financially rewarding.

The Pop Up shops supporting local and handmade have had ups and downs, but I have been really happy about feeling a greater sense of community and support from makers.   We will see how that goes in 2015, but paying rent for 2 shops was harder than I anticipated, and will have to consider that more carefully for the coming year. Gman is becoming a good support and help when on the road, we will do more of those in 2015 and find more travelling companions, where we can split costs when doing out of town shows. I know that I am doing the Fiber Festival at the Norwood community centre on January 10 and the Big One in Brandon in October. Other than that the year is an Open Canvas! Here are a few of my favourite pots from the year.

Have I said how much I love selling on Etsy

I love Etsy.  It helps me feel connected to the world of handmade crafty artisty types, since I work in my own little studio in my basement.

This Leaf plate has  home in Georgia.  It made it there!

This butter dish went to the United States. I am doing French Butter Keepers now for a lady in California.

This bowl was a custom made piece for a wedding gift last year, in Texa.

I love reading my stats on a daily basis, and constantly am amazed that out of the bizillions of pottery and other items on Etsy, people actually find mine.

Community Supported Agriculture for Casi Cielo (almost Heaven)

Casi Cielo-CSA



I am developing a Community Supported Agriculture project for my micro Urban Farm, called Casi Cielo or Almost Heaven for 2013. I have a small house on a big yard in Norwood/St. Boniface where I am living out the principle of grow food, not lawns.



Since my “farm” is quite small, my plan is to offer a crate of fresh, organic (not certified) , locally grown fruit and vegetables on a weekly baiss starting at the end of June until mid September for a total of 13 weeks. A share in the Casi Cielo project will 300.00 (or 23.07 per week). The food will be fresh, full of nutrients and hand picked. There is risk in any farming or gardening venture, but I will aim ensure a good quantity, with high quality food throughout the season. Peter Rabbit ensures that we have well naturally fertilized soil that is augmented by compost. Amounts and types of produce will vary with the seasons, and the weather conditions. I will grow a variety of greens, root vegetables, squashes, herbs and beans. My aim is to supply enough vegetables for a family of four, or two vegetarians for each week. Pick up locations will be one mid city (downtown) point and my home in St. Boniface. Pick ups will be on Friday afternoons.

My Philosophy

I love growing food and flowers. I love sharing the fruits of my labours with others, and would love to grow full time. I want my customers to know how I grow the food, and even have input into what I grow, to match the needs of their family’s diet. If you cannot pick up your vegetables due to travel or other summer time issues, please call and let me know if you are sending an alternate. Food should not be wasted!!
I will offer 13 weeks of produce from the end of June to mid September, with produce available based on early to late producing vegetables and fruit and herbs.  I will be growing rhubarb, spinach, kale, lettuce,onions, raspberries, strawberries, apples, tomatoes, peppers, ground cherries, beans, carrots , beans and a variety of squashes.  Each share is 300.00, breaking down to 23. 10 per week with a wooden crate of produce every week!

I need 3 more families to make this viable and hope that you will support me in this new adventure. 
If you want to be a part of my farm dream comin alive; email me at nancyblokland@msn.com, with your name, address, and phone number. deposit of 50.00 required by April 15th, with the remainder due June 1, 2013. Please call me with questions, concerns or requests at 204-799-3792