2 steps forward and 2 steps back

Feeling pretty happy about the two new stores I am in, one in the heart of Winnipeg at 296 McDermot with Tannis Ross of A Pinch of Creativity and then one in Minnedosa at Inspire Studios.
Both run by creative talented ladies who have the courage to take on bricks and mortar and support Manitoba artists. Love it!

We made a road trip yesterday, and took a few pictures

 These are from Inspire in Minnedosa. She has made a beautiful gallery setting and mixes different artists work together in groupings, very beautiful. cute little bakery next door too, we stopped in for lunch and picked up brownies and bread to bring home.

So that is the good news, the bad news is what is happening with my base glaze on the Day at the beach pottery. In this last firing, it seemed to crawl and fall off of the pots, leaving a very messy look and almost bare clay. Only thing I can think of is that the last addition of chemicals had something wrong, so I guess that will have to be disposed of, and to find homes at half price for the pots, which are many which are not of an acceptable quality.

So if any of you potters have hints, I am up for suggestions and help

.

Garden Party

Our Summer Solstice Celebration in the Garden last night was a great success. The weather was pretty threatening in the afternoon with predictions of storms, but we were luckier than Alberta and it became clear and hot.

The nibblies were wonderful with Spiros Triangles, Tomato and Bocconcino bites, carrot cake, lemon basil cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, smoked salmon dill quiches, lemon tarts, rhubarb punch, passion fruit punch and blueberry sun tea.

Customers and visitors came throughout the evening both new and old. We had a great turnout and good energy abounded.

Pat Bragg photo work

Cloverleaf cuffs

some green pots

Aelios Design jewellery

Hoshi Handbags

Kay Lew and her Paverposl work

 

 

Kara had her work here, Tawny Bee made us her only sale this year, as well as Cathy Laver Wright and Mary Kay. More photos and rcipes to follow  in the next post!

 

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.

Here it comes, one week away!

Vineyard is a week away.  the power of social networking is seen in the success of this great yearly event that is only 4 years old! I love supporting this group because of their connection with Women in Nepal, and their committment to the core area of Winnipeg.

 

Art In The...: Art in the...

Here is a new blog that is an event based blog promoting handmade local artists in Winnipeg.

I am lucky to be hosting the first 2 events in August and September. Please consider adding us to your summer agenda.

Art In The...: Art in the...: What the... is Art in the...?! Art in the... is a series of events that focus on bringing local artists together with their community. T...

Where I will be this weekend and a new recipe for Basil!

Brandon Folk Music and Art Festival
Brandon Folk Festival Under the Canvas Artisan Village Brandon, Manitoba Behind the Keystone Center July 20 - 6-9pm
July 21 - noon-8pm
July 22 - noon - 6pm


 Thai-Style Stir-Fried Chicken and Basil

by Lori Longbotham



read reviews (16)

Craving your favorite Thai dish, but want to stay in tonight? No problem. This stir-fry is simple to make, quick, and delicious, so it won't disappoint. If you like, finish the dish with a mix of fresh cilantro and mint instead of basil.



Video: Watch the Homegrown/Homemade team demonstrate how to make this recipe.



Serves 2-3





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vegetable oil



shallots



garlic



more

crushed red pepper flakes chicken breast cutlets limes brown sugar basil Asian fish sauce 2 Tbs. vegetable oil

4 medium shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

2 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 lb. chicken breast cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick), cut crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips

1 Tbs. fish sauce

1 Tbs. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. packed light brown sugar

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves





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Heat the oil in a well-seasoned wok or a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots start to soften but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until it’s no longer pink and the shallots are beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes.



Add the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is just cooked through and the liquid reduces to a saucy consistency, 2 to 3 minutes. (If the sauce reduces before the chicken is cooked through, add water, 1 Tbs. at a time.) Remove from the heat, add the basil, and stir to wilt it.

Will they like them??

So it's all well and good to be moving ahead with all these new pots and new colours, etc..But now, will people like them...I am always second guessing myself on this.  I don't want to be stodgy and just repeating the same colours that I like and that sold well last year,,, that seems way too "civil servanty" for me.

However, it was a good year financially in spite of the"economy" and now am I messing with that, is that sado masochistic, or brave??? i am not quite sure and am probably using energy on worrying about it, that might be better invested in something else, and I don't mean eating more pretzels or ice cream bars.  Only 12 days till the Big Festival du Voyageur show begins.. this is a first and a cooperative venture, so lots of new ground. Nervous doesn't quite describe my feelings and so I will just wait and see.  I hope the weather stays cold enough for the snow sculptures but not so cold that I need to buy more outerwear.  Did I mention this Festival is outdoors for 9 days in a tent. I think I am trying to forget that part, since I shiver at Farmer's Market in September sometimes. I hope all my fellow Winnipeg and WEST artisans come out to visit, maybe group hugs can help keep me warm.