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.

Keeping up with the Pop Ups

This week it is game on, for transitions and setting up another Pop Up Shop here in Winnipeg. The demand shown for handmade and vintage yesterday at the Etsy MIC sale yesterday, which was attended by 3000 people makes me very hopeful for our next three months at Exchange Uporium at 164 McDermot and the new shop, FLASH at 438 Graham Ave. This is a photo from one of our television spots on Global, and CTV the other day.

Today me and Mr. G will go over to FLASH and set up my space with the black and white, turquoise and red pottery. Our soft opening is October 1, from 6-8 pm. Consider yourself invited!!! Kat has lots of dynamic activities planned, and I am pumped to be part of this. I am mindful that I need to find time to create and fire during this time too, so glad I dont have any more Saturday shows until November 1, 2014 at Morden in their Access centre. The Pembina Hills Arts Council broke a record and sold out the show in less than a month.

FLASH in the pan.... not by a long shot

the folks of Etsy and West are combining forces for yet another Pop Up shop in Winnipeg, opening October 2, 2014 at 438 Graham Ave in Downtown Winnipeg. Our name is FLASH, like a Pop, get it??? I am going to focus on my black and white Urban looking pottery as well as some flashes of colour in turquoise and red.  My junior photographer took this video, which is pretty repetitive but awfully true. I am wiping the glaze off the bottom of the pots before they go into the kiln.

Two days later and here are some of the results.

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!

Holiday Pop Up Shop

One last sale this Saturday at the Frame Warehouse. Every time I go out to check on what stock I have and try to complete Etsy orders, I am finding cool pots.  The fun thing about our pop up shop is that the folks who want to support handmade and local have come to know our group for having things that are different and unique.  Of course the vintage folks have a lot of stuff that makes me sentimental and is really hard to resist.

I am looking forward to transforming the warehouse in Winnipegs exchange district into a shoppers paradise.  I have got the treats ready to keep the vendors fueled and smiling and hoping for a great day.  I still have lots of yarn bowls, plates, platters and cute ornaments.

Spring sale coming soon

It is just about time for a Spring "I cant shlep it no more sale".  Loads of pots in the house and garage, and I am starting to trip over them. They need to find new homes.  I like the colours on this mug for example, but it appears the glaze on the bottom half went on to greener pastures, it leapt off the mug in the firing.  Mishaps, and not what I had in mind pots go off to find homes, not because they arent functional but because they arent what somebody ordered  or they might have a swoopier handle than was intended.

However, there is always somebody who finds the beauty in these things.  I hear there is a new reality program called the undateables, maybe it is something like that.  somebody will see beyond what I as the maker can see.

We are off for a break for a few days, but I will announce sale details , time and venue etc. , but be assured the price will be right!!

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.

Leaves are falling more fall colours

A peek into the kiln. new pots and new colours all ready for the WEST Craft and Vintage Sale now only 10 days away.

 My new Harvest Gold Grape Bowl

 golden sunflower leaf, and shades of blue serving plate

nesting bowls in agate and royal blue with fluted edges

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...

New Colours

These are some of the new colours I am working with in the kiln at home, tangerine, lemon and a soft turquoise.  I like the broadened range of options and will be continuing to experiment.

I will be making more wine tumblers, mugs and bowls in these colours for the Spring sales.

Festival du Voyageur

Two days  to Festival. I am working on the theory that being sick this week is better than next.
I will be at Festival du Voyageur in Voyageur  Park in Winnipeg (corner of St. Joseph and Messager) in Saint Boniface.  There is ample parking available.  We will be in what is known as the souvenir tent.

February 17th 9-3 and 5-12 midnight
Feburary 18th 10-12 midnight
Feburary 19th 10-12 midnight
February 20th 10-7 Louis Riel Day, come and bring the kids.
February 21st 9-3
February 22nd 9-3
and so on until the 26th.
It's a marathon, and I hope a great event.

I will lots of new mugs, wine tumblers, loads of yarn bowls, butter keepers, pendants, etc...Come and Celebrate winter with us.  Louise will have handmade soap, cheese making class gift certificates, wool from the alpacas and lots more.

Another Sale to add to the Fall Season

You’re Invited to the Autumn Odyssey Craft Show!






Saturday, October 15, 2011



9:30am-3pm



#2-172 Lilac Street (Corner of McMillan)



All these crafters were hand picked, and it seems quite eclectic and interesting.  The hosts are using their own homes and are doing a lot of the work for us, so I am looking forward to it.  Just need childcare for that day,  how unususal to have that problem.  that in fact is my perennial problem, outside of Farmer's Market.  He is not big enough to be at home, and too big to be carted around.  Thank goodness he has lots of friends for playdates, both adult and child type.

New Stores Selling Nancy Blokland Pottery

I am happy to say that my work is in 2 new stores in Winnipeg.
One is a lovely boutique type home decor and accessory store called Savoir Faire at 241 Henderson Hwy, see her website at savoirfaire.com

and the other as of today is the Dalnavert Museum at 161 Carlton Ave. Their gift shop has some very beautiful things, some Manitoba made and some from away.

Both are carrying my leaves, and I hope to have a long and happy future with them. Check them out!