Buckle Up...September is here.

Dang....denial didnt work again!  I try an pretend that September and the hurry up season isnt coming but here we are. Today was another one of those days where all my plans to get 1,000,000 things done didnt happen. My idea was that while the chicken was barbecuing outside and the potatoes were boiling inside, somehow I could start waxing pots for another firing before Friday.

As I was running in and out of the house and up and down to the garage, I suddenly just stopped and said it aint gonna happen. Usually I dont like to give in, and usually crash and burn before giving in, but today I just put the pots away, moved the glazes back into the garage, and focussed on making and enjoying dinner with my little person. I am trying to stop running with the multi tasking fantasy that I can do 10 things at a time and do them well. My mother had a lot of old adages, and one of the best was - A job worth doing, is worth doing well. 

Over the next three months of working, gardening, parenting, soccer schlepping, potting, and volunteer work, I pledge not to be a crazy lady, and to enjoy the blessings of my busy life.  The season of harvest and gathering is here, 

here is a selection of baskets for physical or metaphysical gathering.

Big, bigger and biggest!

bigger is the most common thing I hear from customers about mugs. So being the people pleaser that I am, big mugs are on the mental agenda and on the wheel.  How big will be too big, I guess I am going to find out this fall.

I am fairly sure that some of these would hold a beer , for those of you that are inclined to use them that way.  But as a person whose mind goes way faster than my hands, of course a few bowls and vases made their way onto the wheel as well. I am committed to stretching myself in terms of new forms, so this is my first attempt at altering the top of the bowl with an altered rim.  Let me know what you think of it. I am also starting the garlic bakers, with fall sales in mind. 

Inspiration and more for the Fall Line up

These beautiful bowls were featured in the Royal Ontario Museum Giftshop as part of the Mesopotamia exhibit.  Stunning, but I resisted bringing them home, the pictures will have to do. Such intricate handwork, to be admired.

 

I am adding one more sale to my line up.  The All Charities Wind Up is On November 1, from 11-2 at the Norquay Building 401 York.  It is open to the public and sounds like a fun little event.  Only 12 handpicked crafters! 

Need to make more mugs

This is one of my large black mugs at Chez Sophie sur le pont

 

 

As you see there is only one on the shelf.  It seems the more mugs I make, the more I need to make.  They are the small things that keep the business going, even though it might be more inspiring from an artistic point of view to make funky large plates, bowls or vases, I probably sell one of those for every ten mugs.

 

So,,,, more mugs, hoping to get some out of the gas kiln this week.

 

 

Bowls abound

I am having a Spring Clearance sale tomorrow to move out the seconds and the odds and sods, so I can get working with a cleaner studio, with less clutter.  I find the stuff begins to create anxiety after a while and I need space.  I am working on more collaborations with other women busines owners so I can focus more on the making and leave the actual selling to others.

 

While I love being part of certain select events, schlepping the pottery lost its charm a long time ago.  It is just draining and takes too long to recover from.  So hoping lots of folks have gift needs and give good homes to lots of bowls, mugs, wine tumblers, vasess,,,,,,etc...

Two more weeks of throwing and need to do about 100 mugs, 50 yarn bowls, 25 serrving pieces, and get the garden seeded.  My plan is Vitamin B, water, lots of green vegetables and straight to bed, right now.

 

Good night Irene!  (that is my middle name after all)

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.

 

Blooms abound even in the rain

I wanted to share some of the highlights of my garden in mid June in the Canadian prairies, 30 Celsius one day and maybe 8 Celsisus the next.  And yet we thrive!This hydrangea is my splurge item this summer.

The peonies are hanging low with all this rain, but still fragrant and lovely.

 the rose bush is covered with blooms, and doesn't seem to bothered by the bugs.

Still hoping for some more colours to come out, and that some of the lilies will outthrive the lily beatles.