Nancy Blokland Pottery

More of the pieces from the new Kiln

2012-02-08T21:32:00.000-06:00

Well, it's really only a new kiln to me. I am reglazing all of the black pots, and making mugs, wine tumblers, and more yarn bowls where I am going to experiment with multiple glazes. Pots are being dried now to go into the bisque for the weekend. Only 2 weeks to Festival and a birthday party in between, no rest for the wicked.

Pots everywhere

2012-02-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

I as usual am trying to do too many things at once. I am simulatneously throwing, trimming, drying and glazing my pots in a very very small studio. I am glad that only we have to cope with this chaos. Guests in my basement right now would probably be phoning someone to come and do some kind of intervention. I know what I am doing (maybe) but it likely doesn't look that. Sadly the garage is more or less the same. Happy madness.

Will they like them??

2012-02-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

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.

Moving along with the cone 6 pots or Bowling for Dollars

2012-02-04T22:45:00.000-06:00

It seems to me that somewhere in the 1970's there was a really bad tv show called Bowling for Dollars. I seem to be making lots of variations of bowls here, so I guess I am "bowling" for dollars too. the days before my next big sale, 9 days long is coming up in less than two weeks, so I will not be making anything much after tomorrow. It's 10:45 when usually I am fast asleep but I need to go out and turn up the bisque, so I can start glazing tomorrow, as well as throw and trim.

Opening the first glaze firing in the kiln

2012-01-29T09:03:00.000-06:00

Well so far not too bad, need to practice with these glazes, all the black is thin and will have to be painted and fired again. the pink needs to be sieved, and I picked up a new milky white yesterday to work with. Onward ho! Festival is only a few weeks away and I need to get things over to the big kiln too. Never a dull moment.

Isn't it Procrastinary???

2012-01-26T09:07:00.000-06:00

January, I become as much like eyeore as I will ever be. Just about anything is easier than getting down to work in the studio. I had a great start on Sunday, but now I have the sore throat, general malaise, and lack of desire. This will not help me meet my big goals for 2012 my brain says, but the rest of me is lagging behind. I had boundless energy in Mexico and desire to be in my studio, perhaps I had moved it to Mexico in my mind, or at least a tropical climate.

Inspiring Faces and Places for 2012

2012-01-24T20:39:00.000-06:00

A new year of pottery and adventures for our little family. We started out in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, and had a wonderful time. I hope all that beauty was integrated and I can produce something in homage to that through my art this year.

Here is a treasury I put together today for a little lift, http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAzMDI4Njd8MTkyMjMyMDE2OA/surround-yourself-in-beauty-and-colour

Time for a break

2012-01-02T11:54:00.000-06:00

I don't expect to be blogging much for the next while, time to rest, rejuvenate and recharge.

Hope 2012 makes your dreams come true. I will continue to seek balance in my life, work, "real work", parenting and being an positive energy in the things I do.

Favourite pots of 2011

2011-12-30T22:11:00.001-06:00

These aren't all my favorite pots of 2011, but a good cross section. Hopefully many new challenges will be tackled in 2012. Happy New Year to all!

A yummy recipe for a quick meal to celebrate the End of 2011

2011-12-30T08:39:00.000-06:00

This is a family favorite of ours. Quick, easy and delicious.

Shrimp in tomato sauce

(Enchilado de Camarones)

Ingredients

1 pound fresh shrimp

2 tbsp minced garlic

½ bell pepper finely chopped

1 ½ tsp vinegar

6 oz tomato sauce

1 tsp oregano

1 bay leaf

½ cup dry white wine

¾ cup water reserved from the boiling shrimp
(throw in a handful of chopped fresh cilantro)

Directions

1. Boil in large pot shrimp for 3 minutes and clean.

2. Keep about ½ cup of the water the shrimp was boiled in.

3. In a deep frying pan, heat oil and add garlic, onion and green pepper.

4. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes and add vinegar, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaf, wine and shrimp water.

5. Mix well and cook over medium heat until mixture begins to bubble.

6. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add shrimp just prior to serving and mix well. do not overcook, please!

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Serve on a beautiful handmade dish.

Chillin at home

2011-12-28T11:03:00.000-06:00

This Christmas relaxin' is great, but no pots are being produced. Washed a few buckets this morning, and now hope to go out and look for a "wax pan" so I can start waxing the freshly bisqued pots. I could get used to this pace,way too easy.

No white Christmas here!

2011-12-23T21:57:00.001-06:00

Well I think this is a first in my life time, it is expected that we will have 1 degree Celsius for Christmas Day! Winnipeg without snow at Christmas! it's almost unheard of. Even if we can't go tobogganing, I think we will slide down the grass at local Norwood Bowl. That should make for interesting pictures!

Firing the bisque tomorrow and will wait for boxing day to hunt for a electric frying pan to melt wax before mixing up the glazes for the pots to go into my kiln. It's been a great year for pottery, including today when I had a great visit with a fellow Etsian who bought a yarn bowl fresh out of the kiln.
check out her work at smashknits.com and on Etsy smashlyn.etsy.com

More photos in the coming days.

Etsy numbers

2011-12-22T20:58:00.000-06:00

I have had a great November and December on Etsy, but would like to finish off with a Bang! Right now I am at 985 views for the month and 6 sales.
I would consider 2011 to be a great success if I could have 10 sales and 1000 plus views.
anyone want to help

A different focus

2011-12-22T11:30:00.000-06:00

I haven't been a very devoted blogger of late, we had our first Christmas Concert yesterday and it was a Christmas moment. We got a reply from Santa from the North Pole and that was great too. Still want to fire my kiln in the next week, but for now need to do Santa wrapping etc.

Here's a seasonal recipe, more to follow
Candied Fruit Biscotti

A very festive cookie for the holidays.

Servings: 36

Ingredients:

½ cup butter

2 cups white sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons anise extract

6 egg

5 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1-1/3 cups diced mixed candied fruit

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Blend in eggs and anise extract. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the egg mixture. Finally, stir in the candied fruit. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 12 inches long. Place 2 logs per cookie sheet. Press down slightly and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pans for about 5 minutes. Slice diagonally into ½ inch thick slices. Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and return to the oven for another 16 to 18 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Cool on racks and store in airtight containers.

Enjoy

Pots going all over the place

2011-12-13T08:52:00.000-06:00

One of my joys of selling my work on Etsy is the vicarious travelling I get to do through my pottery. This week pots have gone to BC, Toronto, Minnesota, Georgia, and now Arizona! I think that's cool. I am reaching pottery lovers in places I will likely never show my work, but a little piece of me is there. That's pretty ego boosting.

As we go into the darkest days of the year, (read no long sunny days in Winnipeg), I like that kind of reinforcement.

Fresh Hot pots just in time!

2011-12-08T20:20:00.000-06:00

These pots are a few of the ones that came out of Steve J's kiln today. Only one run and all my mugs and plates for longstanding orders. Pretty happy about that. New venture coming, will be working cooperatively with Louise May of Aurora Farms selling together at Festival du Voyageur in February. Yarn bowls for her alapaca yarn, soap plates for her hand made soap and so on and so on. Just need to be on the hunt for good mukluks, as it is an "outdoor" festival in Winnipeg in Feburary,yikes.

In my Happy Place

2011-12-04T21:27:00.000-06:00

Back at work on the wheel making items to fire my first glaze firing here at home, hopefully in the next week. These are earring bowls, an idea from a friend, and of course yarn bowls. I will likely do some larger bowls with carving on them, maybe tomorrow. My photographer is still practicing, he is only 5.

2011-11-28T20:24:00.000-06:00

All of these diverse pieces found homes this weekend, as well as many more. I am glad I took photos, I became fond of a few of them. Now on to new adventures with the cone 6 clay. The bisque problem has been resolved. Needed a bit of perseverance and the wise counsel of Vern from Sounding Stone.

Vineryard another whopping success

2011-11-27T21:24:00.000-06:00

Is it really Monday tomorrow. This weekend went by in a blur. These are photos of the lesser crowds at the sale yesterday. This is in the afternoon. it was busier in the morning if you can believe it. I never did see the other booths. People made positive comments about the crafts and I think were only somewhat disappointed because sometimes it was hard to see the work for all the bodies. Not sure what the solution is. As a crafter, I like the one day in and out. Today was running from one event to another, and something appears to be wrong with my electric kiln. Oh well, I wouldn't want to get too comfortable. Keeps me on my toes!

Black Friday Discount!!

2011-11-24T20:22:00.000-06:00

My Etsy shop will be joining the retail tradition of a Black Friday discount from now till Saturday!
15% off all Etsy purchases! Check out the WEST Blog for more discounts on handmade!

Prairie Peasant: Craft Fair Wrap Up

2011-11-22T13:42:00.000-06:00

Prairie Peasant: Craft Fair Wrap Up: I survived my first craft fair! Here's me behind my table just before the sale began: The Creative Collections Craft Fair was in one gy...

WEST: Winnipeg Etsy Street Team: Winnipeg Center Vineyard - November 26

2011-11-22T13:38:00.000-06:00

WEST: Winnipeg Etsy Street Team: Winnipeg Center Vineyard - November 26: WESTies: Marathon1981 NancyBloklandPottery

In the Blues

2011-11-19T16:29:00.001-06:00

It seems I continue to be working in the blues as evidenced in these photos. Softer, muted and varied tones with the odd bit of cafe au lait thrown in on the hosta leaf soap plate, but little by little there is new work to take to the sales and put in the stores and Etsy. Hope you see something that makes you smile. Enjoy the whiteness of the snow outside too, even if it is a little blinding.

Upcoming Sales

2011-11-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

I am proud that my next two weekends are sales that are Handmade only;

Creative Collections is only a few days away and conveniently located on Corydon Ave all day on the 20th, for all the animal lovers there will be a great raffle with all proceeds going to Cat Rescue! Even though I am allergic, I am happy to support pets having a good and safe place to be in our cold and chilly climate.

The 26th is Vineyard Sale. Here are all the particulars!
www.vineyardcraftsale.com

our event page link: (goal 7000 people, we can SO DO THIS!!!)

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171294166289332

Our fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/WCVcraftsale

Please come and check them out!

WEST: Winnipeg Etsy Street Team: feature Friday: Nancy Blokland Pottery

2011-11-18T13:51:00.000-06:00

WEST: Winnipeg Etsy Street Team: feature Friday: Nancy Blokland Pottery: Today we talk to Nancy Blokland of Nancy Blokland Pottery about her experience in pottery, what Etsy means to her and she also shares ...

Proud to be on this website!

2011-11-16T12:44:00.000-06:00

I have talked about the Vineyard Sale before, but I can't say enough about their beautiful interactive website. This is the link:

www.vineyardcraftsale.com

I hope you check it out to see all of the vendors before you get to the sale. It is pretty busy so having a head's up before you as a customer or we as vendors get there.. And the food....homemade and just yummy.

I will post my favorite brownie recipe later this week.. Boreal forest Brownies with cranberries, very Canadian.

Smashed to Bits!

2011-11-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

The life lessons just don't quit. I was trying to bisque large plates and platters for the kiln going in tomorrow. I thought I fired the kiln slow enough to dry them out without risking explosion. Boy was I wrong. It looks like I blew up everything in the bisque. That means clay, work, electricity and more time all for naught.

I have decided to try to learn not to rush things as much, but knowing my character as I do, it is likely to happen again. This long weekend was long on lessons and trying my patience as a potter and a mom...time to slow down and focus. At least that's what I am saying on Monday....

What the heck???

2011-11-12T18:01:00.001-06:00

When I took these pictures I didn't realize how very weird they looked. They are clay rolled into lace, and then pinched into mugs or maritini pick holders ( my latest idea from a customer) they have been bisqued and glazed in hopefully fabulous colours and (again hopefully) going into the kiln this week. Thanks to Cathy for watching my little guy so I could go and glaze. Results forthcoming!!

Christmas Countdown, if it aint' fun we aint doing it.

2011-11-09T13:06:00.000-06:00

Only 47 days to Christmas. This tidbit of information creates very different responses based on your age in my experience. My son, who is 5 thinks that is too far away and can hardly wait. As a producer of pottery that can't be "cranked" out and sold, I find that it creates pressure and stress. Should I be doing more sales, or putting more work in stores, or should I just be happy with what I have done, and focus on marketing. I know that I am prone to try and go faster, and faster, but I should likely be working smarter (read slower). What will the public demand??? It seems like there is a resurgence in the demand for creams and sugars?? Who knew??

I am deciding that I am going to enjoy the last 3 sales of the season, see sidebar for dates and places. I will continue to produce while it is still fun. As my wise friend Ray says, if it aint' fun , we aint' doin it.

At the same time, I look forward to all of the decorating, celebrations and my child's joy and wonder at the season. Friends will be home, and we will have "legitimized" visiting time. Hope we all focus on the fun and non commercial aspects of the season with the same fervor that we use to attend to the "selling".

Back on the wheel...

2011-11-07T21:35:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year where a part of me says, stop production, it's enough.. The other part says just a few more mugs, bowls, plates and wine tumblers.. and maybe some brie bakers. I still have 3 more sales, and would like to get some stock in the stores..Time is as always my nemesis, not enough of it, to keep the house from being condemned the child from being neglected... and oh yes, that pesky full time job.

Got a few mugs thrown tonight, hopefully these ones won't dry out before I trim them...La lucha continua,,,vencermos??? A little Spanish influence today.

Other agenda this week

2011-10-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

I didn't produce a single piece of pottery this week. Paperwork from the sales, and getting ready for a fundraiser at the church are consuming me. Back to the potter life next week. Three more big sales coming up, the next one is Creative collections on November 20th. Must make yarn bowls, and more butter dishes.

Scattered Seeds, October 21, 22 and 23

2011-10-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

Day one of Scattered Seeds at the assiniboia Downs complete. 200 booths this year, and I am right near the stage and the mini donuts. I haven't succumbed to the mini donuts, but did enjoy a dinner of Tiramisu gelato. Cindy Cain is singing some old time spirituals, and i am singing right along. No complaints so far, at least not that I can hear over my warbling. It's really nice to have Deanna Einarson from the church just two booths down, and Jason her husband was kind enough to spell me off a couple of times yesterday. Next to me I have the common ground people selling their spelt bread and mate and teas. Great neighbours to have on a long day. I am suggesting people don't come first thing in the morning as it is madness, but 3:00 is pretty quiet and makes for better calm shopping. HOping all these pots find homes.

Ready to go for Scattered Seeds

2011-10-20T20:59:00.000-05:00

Lots of new pots with lots of colour, and new shapes, some surprises and a few let downs. I have broken my record for making both mugs and wine tumblers, I would have to say it's over 100 from the last couple of kilns. This for me is shocking, since I find handling mugs so odious, and would much rather make most anything else. Hoping that I have lots of energy for the next three days, and can avoid too much junk. Hope to see you there if you can make it.

Too many good things.

2011-10-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

September and October have become crazy busy months. Now that we are part of the "school" world I am having to accomodate more to allow for reading all the correspondence from the school, making sure I send the right food, the right colored clothes on the right day, and a whole lot of other rights. So with trying to make pots, sell pots and blog about pots, I forgot to pay the car insurance. Thank goodness for overdraught until I get to the bank with the cheque from the great show on the weekend.

Getting ready for my biggest 3 day show of the year, and feeling like I am going to forget something for that, like maybe the pots. Whatever else happens we had a successful Halloween party here on Sunday for the age 5 and 6 group. This is an example of the fun we had with apple bobbing. Hope your Halloween is shaping up to be safe and fun filled.

News!

2011-10-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

Sunflowers in the garden herald the end of a glorious summer and garden, and now the season of producing stock for stores and shows. I am really excited that as of today, McNally Robinson, a fine independent bookstore in Winnipeg is carrying my pots, with an emphasis on turquoise. Another bisque fired off today, and a kiln being loaded this week. Also my Autumn Odyssey show this weekend. Not a dull moment.

Small Fry & Co.: Spider Web Plates

2011-10-08T22:17:00.000-05:00

Small Fry & Co.: Spider Web Plates: This project was inspired by my neighbor and friend Jenni. I took the girls to our Thrift Store as an afternoon outing and found a really ...

Fall Colours now arriving!

2011-10-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

maple leaves and sunflowers leaves ready for use. I am happy with how natural they look and how the veins have shown up so well in the porcelain. It's a good reflection of Manitoba fall colours, even if it was 31 Celsius today and I wore shorts to take these pictures outside.

These yarn bowls in large and small, are pleasing to me with their chocolatey browns and pumpkin oranges.

Leaf pots running out of days.

2011-10-01T17:21:00.000-05:00

These are the beginnings of my Leaf Plates, here are sunflower and grape leaves from my yard. I have to harvest the leaves before there is any more frost. It's a long winter in Winnipeg with no big leaves. I am hoping to glaze them in autumn hues of orange, brown and yellows, and of course a few bright red just for the bolder customers.

High production in a small studio

2011-09-27T21:17:00.000-05:00

Due to issues of time constraints and a small studio, I am producing lots for the upcoming kilns, but small numbers of many things. Teh butter crocks are coming along, as are the new wine decanters to go with my wine tumblers, and just for fall Pumpkin pots for cooking or candies in our beautiful fall season when we have an abundance of pumpkins and butternut squash.

Goat Milk Cheese Making workshop at Aurora Farms

2011-09-24T19:10:00.000-05:00

In my never ending drive to make our life more self sufficient and less reliant on a "paycheque" I have been thinking about goat's and how to have goats for the last couple of years. Yesterday, I took the opportunity to go to a nearby farm to learn about goat milk cheese making. Yes, that's me at the top milking my first goat. It was great, I need a lot of practice, and I hope to get it. We made chevre, mozzarella, ricotta, feta cheese and yogurt. It was great, thanks to Louise May and the goats of course, who I find endlessly interesting.

Local Fall Fun and a Delicious Apple Sauce Cake

2011-09-20T19:35:00.000-05:00

Applesauce Cake
Ingredients

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons cloves

2 teaspoons nutmeg

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 cups raisins

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

Directions

1.Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat well. Set aside. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Remove 1/2 cup of flour mixture and stir into nuts and raisins. Set both aside. Alternately stir flour mixture and applesauce into creamed mixture. Mix well. Add nuts and raisins; stir to blend. Pour batter into greased and floured bundt cake pan. bake at 350 degrees F for 65-75 minutes, or until cake tests done when wooden pick is inserted near center. Cool in pan 10 minutes; turn out on rack to complete cooling.

Pots in Progress, but here's a favourite fall recipe Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake

2011-09-20T08:26:00.000-05:00

CRANBERRY STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE

Great for a brunch, coffee party or with whipped cream makes a scrumptious dessert.

Cinnamon streusel

¾ cup brown sugar

½ cup flour

1tsp. Cinnamon

¼ cup margarine.

Cranberry Coffee Cake

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 tsp. Baking soda

½ tsp. Salt

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen

mix together streusel ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.

With an electric mixer, in a large bowl, cram butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. In a smaller bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, alternately with soured cream, beating well after each addition.

Spread ½ of batter in a greased and floured bundt pan. Sprinkle 1 cup cranberries and ½ of streusel mixture over batter. Spread with remaining batter. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cranberries. Press cranberries lightly into batter. Sprinkle with reamaining streusel mixture. Bake in a 350 oven for 50-60minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a plate. Serve warm or cold.

Another Sale to add to the Fall Season

2011-09-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

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.

Featured Potter

2011-09-09T17:09:00.002-05:00

I was contacted to be a featured potter on an American blog by Lisa Walker called Food and Pottery. Sounds good to me!
here is the link
lisawbwalker.blogspot.com/2011/09/nancy-blokland-pottery.html

.check out my mom's recipe for Spare Ribs, a yummy addition to your fall repetoire of comfort foods.

Summer Successes

2011-09-08T07:13:00.000-05:00

The hot summer provided for a year of wonderful abundances in the garden. From the heirloom tomatoes that continue to ripen daily, to the red okra, to the passion flower vines and the patty pan squashes, apples and melons. I continue to love growing food for my home and family, and also for others. Just because we are in Zone 3A doesn't mean we can't have variety beyond beans and carrots. This weekend may be salsa making time. I will try to do pictures of that process.

Momentous changes

2011-09-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

I just flipped through some of the many blogs I follow by creative moms. Seems there is a rash of children off to Kindergarten and their moms who are becoming emotionally overwhelmed. A friend and colleague said to me "this is a year of momentous change". That hit this morning when we arrived at Kindercare, which is the onsite daycare at the school and all the doors were locked. We both tried to be brave for one another, and walked around to all the doors. Banging on the last available door roused the caretaker, who said I needed to ring the buzzer. Nobody told me about the buzzer or where to find it. I humbly said I felt a little silly and proceeded to try and find the classroom in the empty dark school guided by my 5 year old son who had a tour on Friday. His nose and eyes were red, but he didn't cry and neither did I till I got to work. Since then I have been a weepy little mess. He is there with good people and friend, but it is not preschool with bright colours and a couch for resting on. Big changes for us both.

Now, on to something more comical about having a sometimes smarty pants 5 year old. during a recent meltdown during an intense game of Candyland my child was sure that one player (an adult) was cheating and he proceeded to stomp around the house and yell that based on some loophole he knew that Uncle was cheating. I quietly said my "little litigator" to the other adults. This was overheard as "alligator", as he then proceeded to sob and say that I had hurt his feelings very badly by calling him an "alligator". Having worked in, among, with and against lawyers all of my professional life, sometimes alligator and litigator aren't so far off. This is a keeper for 5 year old mis-translations.

Another recipe for things abundant in the Garden!!

2011-08-31T20:31:00.001-05:00

This recipe is a keeper, and since the last one was so well received here is another gem!
Mom’s Bean Salad

3 cups fresh yellow beans, blanched
3 cups fresh green beans, blanched
1 14 oz can Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can lima Beans
½ cups Spanish Onion chopped
½ cup red onion chopped (optional)
1 large red or green pepper chopped fine
2 stalks celery chopped fine
¾ cup white vinegar
2/3 cup white sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
½ tsp. salt
1/ 2 tsp pepper
Mix and leave overnight in the refrigerator to marinate
Canned beans can be substituted with fresh blanched beans, even better!!
I will add zuchhini in at the last minute and re stock for a few days! Friends have been known to survive for weeks in the summer on this salad and the occasional piece of toast.
Enjoy!

Something new and fun!

2011-08-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

I was asked to be a featured potter on a pottery/food blog out of Massachussetts today. She found me through Etsy, an unexpected pleasure. I think there are a lot of functional potters out there, who relish the thought of people using their bowls, cups, plates in every day situations of meals. I think of it as being a part of somebody's family. People often take a lot of time choosing mugs, right shape, right colour, right weight, not too heavy, not too light. It seems like a highly personal decision. I think it's cool that out of all the choices they have on e commerce sites like Etsy, that some people choose mine, when there are thousands of options before them.

Handmade is still the best, and will always have an important place, even if it feels like everyone's dollars are going to Best Buy, Visions, and Ipods and Ipads, etc... Still don't really know too much about all of that, but I do know about making my mugs. Back to the wheel.

Last Farmer's Market of the season

2011-08-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

These are 2 booth photos of Pineridge Hollow Market yesterday. Another beautiful day and lots of people. next show will likely be indoors. C Fetterly is the winner of the draw for a 25.00 gift certificate. Congratulations!

Hoping for a Great Farmer's Market tomorrow

2011-08-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

I love being at the market on saturday mornings, but tomorrow will be my last day for this season. I am finding it hard to work all week, try to harvest vegetables, load the car, do market standing up for 5 hours, repack and load the truck and then still try to have weekend fun with my little boy. It's the dang balance thing again, sometimes my spirit is willing but my back is weak. Went for an xray today, and hope that nothing is really wrong, but I am getting tired of the chronic pain, which doesn't really change over the last few months.

Tomorrow will be sunny, and while I am at market I hope to connect with lots of the wonderful customers we have at Pineridge Hollow, and will be offering a 25.00 gift certificate of pottery! the entry box wil out in front for all to see!

Yet another recipe to enjoy those vegetables that are in such abundance!

2011-08-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

Beets to Zucchini Cake
Metric Ingredient Imperial
250 ml vegetable oil 1 cup
375 ml sugar 1 1/2 cup
3 egg yolks 3
40 ml hot water 3 tbsp
5 ml vanilla 1 tsp
500 ml shredded raw beets, carrots, zucchini, combined 2 cup
500 ml flour (1/2 whole 1/2 all purpose) 2 cup
10 ml baking powder 2 tsp
2 ml salt 1/2 tsp
5 ml cinnamon 1 tsp
125 ml chopped walnuts 1/2 cup
3 egg whites, stiffly beaten 3

In a large bowl; beat together oil, sugar, egg yolks, hot water and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Mix in beets, carrots and zucchini. Add dry ingredients and walnuts.

Lastly, fold in egg whites. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) oblong pan and bake in preheated 350 F (180 C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 15

Werid and wonderful things in my garden

2011-08-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

These are some of the summer wonders abounding in my garden this summer. The selection of tomatoes is so beautiful and delicious. The red Okra is a beautiful plant, and red Okra just makes people talk. The passion fruit vine is a memory of my life in Brazil, and Batman, wait how did he get in the Garden???

Another recipe for things abundant in the Garden!!

2011-08-22T21:21:00.001-05:00

Recipe time!

2011-08-18T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have always said this blog was about pottery and gardening two of my passions. There are others, but some are less bloggable than others. At any rate, I think it only makes sense to offer some of what happens to garden produce that we consume, that doesn't go to market. Alternately this may be an idea for some of my customers...we use swiss chard and zucchini interchangably. I think nutritionally swiss chard likely has the upper hand , and both are in abundance right now in this garden.

Hot Zucchini Squares

3 cups zucchini, grated or thinly sliced
1/4 cup onion, minced
2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. leaf oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup canola oil

In a large bowl mix zucchini, onion,parsley, oregano,salt, garlic and cheese.

Stir in eggs and mix well.

In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, seasoned salt and pepper.

Mix well into zucchini mixture, then add melted butter and oil.

Pour into a 9 x 13 inch greased pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cut into squares and serve warm. This freezes well.

Footed cake plates, hosta leaf plates, cups and more summer work

2011-08-16T21:09:00.001-05:00

These will go up on Etsy by the weekend. I really love the vases with their tilted openings and the carved cake plate. Shows my more whimsical side.

Harvesting loads of vegetables for Pineridge Hollow Farmer's Market

2011-08-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

These photos give a little idea of my harvesting for market tomorrow morning. Still need to get the kale and the chard, oh yes and the herbs in the morning so they don't look wilty.

On my summer vacation

2011-08-10T12:53:00.000-05:00

Summer vacation is a relative term when you are a potter/producer of food /farmer, because this is heavy production time. These are some of my efforts.

Pottery is travelling all around

2011-08-08T22:04:00.002-05:00

One of the things I find very rewarding about making pottery for others, is where it goes to. In the last few weeks, my work has found it's way to Texas, Massachussetts, Iowa, and New Jersey. I think that's really cool, and I usually get to hear some stories of who will receive it and why. That's an honour in my book. This one is going to be a wedding gift and is a custom piece on Etsy.

Sioux Narrows Arts Festival was GREAT

2011-08-01T17:45:00.000-05:00

Another year with a great crowd, great hosts who put on a super meal for the Artists on Saturday night and a lot of heat. Wish there had been time for swimming. Looking forward to next year! My pottery is finding it s way to New Mexico, Iowa, Texas, New Jersey, Ontario, Manitoba and lots of other places. I am honored by the patronage.

2011-07-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

A holiday week of adventures, from canoeing and lily pad hunting to a farm trip with chicks and bunnies and goats, to Assiniboine Park and a birthday party. It's been a full stay at home mom week, but we never stayed at home!

My Garden in July gives me so much

2011-07-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

Holidays for a few more days....

2011-07-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

I don't have much to offer about pottery right now, I have the boy home for holidays for a few days... so we are to a farm trip with daycare tomorrow and to connect with friends on Thursday who are moving across the country. I am off to Sioux narrow on Friday, and thinking lots about how to pack the car most efficiently, making lists, which shelves, which pots, all the details.

Leaf Pots

2011-07-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

In the heat of summer, and I mean heat, 37 celsius the other day, it is easy to take the leaves for granted and forget about making leaf bowls and plates. Intellectually I know that soon things will start dying off and I will be desperate to find any leaves. The plan is when the evening comes, I will harves leaves and create something beautiful, unique and functional with them. Stay tuned for my progress.

The beans are coming on fast and furious.

2011-07-19T22:14:00.002-05:00

Our heat wave continues, and so the watering continues. Popped into the studio to glaze some wine tumblers today, but most of the energy was spent on looking at the clouds and hoping for some rain, and a cooling breeze. No luck yet. The beans are looking good, green and purple for Saturdays market and lots of basil to go with berry bowls, and knitting bowls. Mugs of course. Only 1 week after that to Sioux Narrows, how much can I pack in an SUV?? We'll see.

short term marriage

2011-07-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

For the few weeks or days depending on the heat I will be married to my lilies and raspberries. The lilies to watch over them from the marauding red lily beetles, and the raspberries which will be picked twice a day for consumption here on the home front and for market. I love them both, but they are high maintenance!

Etsy pick of the week!

2011-07-15T10:05:00.001-05:00

My handmade pottery plate from a rhubarb leaf was selected. Please take a moment to vote for me, and I will be happy to promote Etsy pottery.
thanks
Congrats! Your Rhubarb Leaf Plate is one of MissEileen's Etsy Picks of the week. Winner of this week's poll gets a feature interview.
Here is the link: misseileen-aka-goofingoff.blogspot.com/2011/07/miss-eileens-etsy-pi....

to market, to market to sell my fine wares

2011-07-11T19:03:00.000-05:00

these are some of the pots and the flowers that went off to the 2 markets I did this weekend. The heat was killer, and i need to allow more time for harvesting, etc...Hopefully I will be at Pineridge Hollow on the 23rd with Kale, beans, beets, carrots and pottery of course. Like the wool bowls???

New Stores Selling Nancy Blokland Pottery

2011-07-06T19:48:00.002-05:00

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!

time for festivals and farmer's markets

2011-07-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

while it is sometimes debatable whether or not crafts should be at Farmer's Markets, or should I be at Farmer's Markets I have decided that it meets my criterion for what is important.

Sometimes I only just cover my costs in attending to the event, but what I get out of it is "real" social interaction. The market is something I dearly miss from living in South America. It was a place to see and be seen, catch up on the local news (gossip) and find some funky goods and great locally grown food. I am not going to make the comparison to grocery shopping in our chain grocery stores, I don't think I need to.

I am looking forward to packing up my smaller pottery items and my precious vegetables from my micro urban farmer and heading off to Market. It's time to catch up with my local vendors, be outdoors for several hours at a time in the elements, and to be entertained by local buskers. The people watching is pretty great too. With 14 markets in the city, there is sure to be one close to you. See you there I hope!

Tags: events, farmer's, herbs, local, markets, outdoors, pottery, shop, summer
..Comment

Beauty in the Garden

2011-07-02T17:27:00.000-05:00

For me the vegetable patch is just as lovely as the flowers. All that lettuce, chard, beets, carrots, tomatoes, fresh REAL food for me and the friends family and Farmer's Market customers is really a big deal for me in summer. I plan my summer and holidays and schedule around it, the farmer's daughter can't be extinguished.

Busy Fall shaping up!!

2011-06-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

This is when I have to make the decisions about how much to commit myself to shows and sales in the fall season. As well as working full time, and "mommying" I am involved in preparing a group for an overseas trip. So,,,how many weekends or parts of weekends can I give to sales? I know this is an ongoing dilemna for my other ADHD type creative friends and cohorts.. that balance thing is so elusive,, when is enough enough??

Let me know if you have the answer..Please!

The Garden in Bloom

2011-06-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

These are a few pictures from the garden this past weekend. Some of the leaves will become plates and bowls when they are rolled into porcelain, and some of the flowers are just for joy. I love this time of year and wanted to share it. Please check out a new store Savoir Faire at 241 Henderson Hwy., a home decor and fashion store supporting and featuring many local artists, as of today including me!

Thoughts and efforts move to the garden

2011-06-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

While I have a couple of orders to do, it is very hard to stay out of the garden even when it is muddy. I have put these garden markers on ETsy, but I think I will be using several of them.. I have lots of lettuces, and greens that need to be labelled for me and the visitors to the garden. Peter Rabbit was effectively shooed out of there by Gabriel today. He is very bold, this little one, let us get within three feet of him.

More pictures of the garden to come!

Spring Leaves into pottery

2011-06-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

the Canadian Prairies first fruit, the humble rhubarb plant. In my yard there are six different plants, that from April to September will be harvested for both leaves and fruit. The leaves which are highly toxic, are just great for the starting place for handbuilt porcelain and stoneware pottery. The concrete rhubarb leaves are lovely, but I wanted something for year round indoors and for food of course. The red rhubarb leaves are some of my favourites to make as soap dishes, spoon rests, cheese plates and of course conversation pieces. Any other users that you "bleaders" can think of???

Something new....

2011-06-10T11:32:00.002-05:00

In Plain View Open House

2011-06-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks to those who came out over the weekend. It was quiet, but we had a good time, and ate goodies and rhubarb punch all weekend. Looking forward to Farmer's Market season next month. These are a few of the results of the last kiln and the new camera.

Pots Ready for IPV Open House

2011-05-31T08:26:00.000-05:00

Loading the Kiln....

2011-05-30T21:03:00.000-05:00

The loading of a large gas kiln like this is not for the faint of heart. I work with two great partners, and it takes many hours of glazing and then two days of work to load it and brick it shut. Then Ray fires it, the last time for 24 hours to achieve the reduction atmosphere that gives us those great deep colours. Wednesday night is unloading...we hope it will be a "christmas" type moment, not "halloween". Only another two days to wait....

Getting Ready for In Plain View Open House

2011-05-26T07:19:00.002-05:00

Just got all the things out of the basement for the garage sale, which will have to have a second go round due to the rain, and now I need to move someones' toystore downstairs. It feels like the movement is a perpetual thing these days. Getting to the studio to glaze and load for the next few days...
Only 9 days to Open House.
Here are two places to find great local Manitoba creations.
www.Inplainviewwinnipeg.com and www.uniquelymanitoba.com

What's a Open House Studio Tour you ask??? In Plain View

2011-05-23T12:40:00.002-05:00

Self-Guided Tour
Take a self-guided tour and visit artists in their studio environments and view original art in the setting in which it has been created. Get in your car, join a group of friends, or do a walking tour of the areas listed on the map. You will be able to meet and chat with artists and see the working spaces of both established and emerging artists, from basements to self contained studios. You will also have the opportunity to visit galleries in the city who promote and show the work of local artists.

These tours are free of charge. Local artists offer you a peek into their world, where you will experience art in many media - paintings, ceramics, sculpture, watercolour, printmaking, glass art, jewellery-making, wearable art and more.

An abundance of creative, original artworks will be on exhibit for show and for sale. Many artists also accept private commissions. Please note that some studios do not accept credit card payments, but cheques and cash are widely received.

We will be offering tour-goers a chance to draw for a $100 gift certificate for each of these tours
for more information and maps see www.inplainviewwinnipeg.com

countdown to Spring Open House

2011-05-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

Less than 2 weeks away for the In Plain View Studio Tour throughout Winnipeg. I have thrown and decorated the knitting bowls, tea pots and tea bowls along with new leaf plates and bowls are going to be glazed and fired this week. The yard is colourful and fragrant and ready for visitors.

Limiting Myself

2011-05-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

I have made a major turning point. It is not realistic to think that while working full time and parenting on my own that I am going to be able to master the art of felting in addition to pottery and micro urban farming.

My aching back is probably the real limitation telling me that it is not possible or even a good idea to try and do more than what I am already tackling. Everything needs to be done in very short bits and I have to change tasks, even if I do develop a super "core" to support this body.

so as I part with gobs of fabric and wool in my garage sale tomorrow ( I Hope) I shall feel more able to concentrate on the things I know and love best. A certain little boy gets an overdue play space as well.

Kiln firing next week, photos to come in the next few days.

Royal Inspired Cake Plates enroute

2011-05-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

the cake plates have been thrown and assembled. Now on to the bisque and more Berry Bowls mugs, and mugs, and mugs, and mugs.

Royal Wedding Inspired

2011-05-02T20:29:00.001-05:00

I have been rumbling around with the idea of doing fancy cake plates for the past few months, and the Royal Wedding and all things royal and related to tea, make it seem like this is the time to do some cake plates. The challenge will be to make a nicely footed plate that is still well balanced, and keep the price(therefore the labour) reasonable too. Will keep you posted with photos.

Mommy Blogging

2011-04-29T07:37:00.000-05:00

A lot of the blogs I follow are written by women who are mommy's first, and creative in a whole lot of ways. Sometimes they are jugglers, trying to create balance in the lives of their family through working, creating and still parenting with energy and enthusiasm. I usually say that I have 2 jobs, because my pottery is not just a hobby, it has ups and downs, stresses and heartaches and sometimes a paycheque. Yes I love being able to express creativity, but because it's a business, practicality and WHAT SELLS are big parts of that role.

As a blogger about all of these issues, I appreciate blogs like smallfryandco., and the WEST
smallfryandco
who have given me the opportunity to write a guest blog. Thanks very much!

Branching out into Jewellery

2011-04-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

These are some of the pendants I will be selling at shows and on Etsy now.

I hope to add more items like this, let me know what you think

Celebration

2011-04-28T08:25:00.000-05:00

Exhibition of IN PLAIN VIEW ARTISTS Opening May 1, 2011 1 pm to 4 pm.
Wayne ARthur Gallery 186 Provencher Blvd. Winnipeg, Manitoba
A selection of pieces from some of the 33 artists who make up IPV, kicking off their 5th Spring Studio Tour June 4 and 5 weekend throughout Winnipeg. Painters, sculptors, photographers, potters, multi media artists, jewellers

Garage Sale postponed!!!!

2011-04-27T13:52:00.002-05:00

Garage Sale at 273 Enfield Crescent, corner of Enfield and Eugenie. 2 blocks from Marion. Change of Plans, sale postponed to may21, from 9-3 pm due to poor weather forecast for Saturday!
Time to reduce our household goods! Antique and collectible dishes, brand new boy's shoes and clothing, outdoor riding toys. Television, furniture, craft supplies, brand new fabric, women's magazines and books for the crafter! Lots of children's toys, books. Overstocked with pottery, one time only 2.00 selection!

Mother's Day Sale on Etsy!

2011-04-27T08:25:00.001-05:00

I am offering 15% off on Etsy purchases between April 27-May 6, 2011.

Please check out NancyBloklandPottery on Etsy! There will be handmade porcelain pendants added in the next few days, watch for them.

Spring has arrived , time to make a bird feeder.

2011-04-26T12:31:00.000-05:00

My name is Nancy Blokland and I have the joy of being a mom to a creative and busy five year old. We live in a part of Canada where we just got through another snowstorm in the last week. We hope that this time it is really spring. As soon as we can, that means 5 degrees celsius and above, we are in the yard and garden. During the winter I focus more on my functional pottery, but now it is time to get outside. I am a big believer in having my child learn early about recycling, art and caring for our world. Just after Easter on a day off from work seems a perfect time to do a craft that incorporates all those values. What could be better than a bird feeder made from a milk jug to hang in our apple tree. Take a gallon or 4liter milk jug and cut a good sized hole, it only looks like my son did it, but it is pretty easy to cut. Decorate or paint with acryclics stickers, probably not shiny objects as that would be a detractor. Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and put in about a cup of bird seed , not too weighty. I hung it up with ribbon, and placed it outside the living room window, where we sit to watch the wildlife that comes to our yard. Now back to the pottery studio, and getting ready for Spring Sales. Please keep up with other gardening and crafting projects on my blog at NancyBloklandPottery@blogspot.com.

Spring Lambs

2011-04-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

These pictures for me are both springtime and Easter. My little lamb is not quite this small anymore, but still is enraptured by God's Creatures, both large and small. I had to share these pictures.

photos of Havana from January 2011

2011-04-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

The latest show addition!

2011-04-19T21:10:00.000-05:00

I am really happy to announce that I will be at the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival in Sioux Narrows Ontario, east of Kenora on July 30 and 31st this year. It's a great show with lots of talent and is run by a top notch team of volunteers.

I love this show and the beautiful location, it's a real get away spot!

Photos from Newest work

2011-04-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

Many of these pots have found new homes, but some of the others will go on Etsy soon.

Scattered Seeds Show

2011-04-18T16:13:00.000-05:00

This was my birthday party this year, in my booth selling pots.Until October!

Scattered Seeds Show

2011-04-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

Pictures will be posted later this week, but happy to say that the Spring show of Scattered Seeds was a success. Met lots of lovely customers in spite of the snow storm on Friday that could still be felt on Saturday, and met lots of Facebook friends, face to face!

It's the personal connections at shows that make it so special! I look forward to the Fall show with lots of new pots and some help in the booth. Thanks to friends and family for set up and break down help, my aching back and I are very grateful!!

Computer crash

2011-04-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

This has been a disconnected kind of time. I continue to struggle with my ear infection that leaves me saying, Mommy can't hear you, what did you say a lot. And then my computer just stopped working, it's in the shop now. I am working on a borrowed one, so a little awkward.
Packing up pots, remembering that I need to buy bungi cords so pots dont' go falling off the dolly like they did last summer in downtown Winnipeg.

Not very exciting, just the nitty gritty of the week before a Big sale.

Spring is on it's way.

2011-04-08T22:16:00.000-05:00

Spring is on it's way, rainy and grey tomorrow with the promise of 13 degrees celsius for Monday. This is not a picture of now, but of last May. I need and want colour in my world, right now mounds of snow mould on the grass and bits of filty snow loaded up with sand and Unknown substances. This is not a pretty time in Winnipeg, but within a few weeks. I have seen my tulips, irises and peonies bravely peeking through. Unbelievably the zone 6 Wasabi plant appears to have survived. I love the shape of the leaves, and they make great impressions in the porcelain for dainty, tiny plates. Grow rhubarb grow, I want to see you too, for your leaves and your fruit. It's hard to wait as a gardener and a potter. We are off to our Spring tradition of "church sales" tomorrow. We love the hunt for treasures and the prices can't be beat.

9 days left

2011-04-06T13:22:00.001-05:00

Scattered Seeds Spring Show is only 9 days away. that means I have lists to make , pots to pack, tables to order and a truck to pack. Then to remember what I have forgotten. I am excited and nervous, 3 days of a show, that's a marathon for me. I will look forward to seeing friendly faces throughout the 3 days, and hope for lots of sales for our upcoming adventure that I still haven't told Gabriel about. Shhh!it's a secret that we are going to the Land of Mickey and Minnie!

Colourful Results I will say no more

2011-04-03T17:06:00.000-05:00