First Weekend of the Show

We are at the One of a Kind Show once again, it's our 24th year! The sales at the show are our major paycheck for the year. I am so thankful for all the work done by the girls that run the show who keep getting thousands of people through the doors. Many come with Christmas lists in their hands and they are ready to shop. The "art nest " once again is our best seller. We all love the birds. The idea is that the birds will take the yarn out of the container and use the yarn when building their nest. Later in the season walk through your neighbourhood and look for the beautiful nest creations.

What are you going to wear this Halloween?

The days between Thanksgiving and the day before Halloween have always been saved for costume making. I have made princesses, dragons, the cookie monster, papagena, and lots of other outfits so when I saw this I had to share it with all of you. I hope this little guy gets a sack full of candy even if his Mum and Dad have to help him eat it.

Thankyou Sunshine

It's getting down to the crunch time and we can't sit and wait for good weather. Last night I put Tyson to bed early and headed out to my foundry. It had started raining an hour before and the sun had set which meant that I would be casting in the rain under the lights. I was casting silver, which melts faster then bronze, and I only had only 2 flasks. Things went quickly so we didn't get to wet. Today we had 7 flasks of bronze and the weather man said we were going to get heavy rain later on in the day. As the temperature in the kiln was rising and getting close to casting temperature the sun started to peek out from behind the clouds. We were able to get all of the casting done while staying dry and see everything without the aid of a flashlight. I have told my children many, many times as they were growing up "look for the joy in life". Joyful events don't have to be big. They can be having the sunshine come out just at the right time, or have the rain stop just before you go outside to do a task which is much nicer done in dry clothes.

I really like this collection of acorns and would like to know what kind of tree to plant to get a harvest as colourful as this. Better ask Frank because it can't be found in my gardening books.

Inspiration Work

I was breezing through some photos and came across this great one of some felted hats. I love the colours, the patterns and the texture of the whole photo. I was thinking about making a felt hat. Now I know I will be.

Farmer's Market

Only a few more Saturday mornings left for this years farmer's market. It moves inside at City Hall the first Saturday of November but only a hand full of members continue for the winter. With 3 Christmas shows this year I won't have time to do anything else. For the last 25 years Derek and I have only ever done 1 Christmas show and that has always been the One of a Kind show. I must be crazy adding 2 more to our list but we need a new furnace. We've never done shows in Ottawa and Sudbury so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We will have a lot of Art Nests with us and you know how people love their birds. Derek is working on 850!!! art nests. He told me that after this run he doesn't want to make another for a long time.

Cabbagetown Weekend

The weather was absolutely perfect for an outside fall art show. How Canadian to start off by talking about the weather. As a nation we always talk about the weather, but it was nice. The crowds came out on Saturday like they usually do but sales were a little slow. All of the summer shows this year have been a little soft. Let's hope everyone brings their wallet to the Christmas shows. My new scarves and knitted necklaces were received very well. I am enthused for the next seasons shows.

A Busy Season Ahead

My first show for the summer season starts July 9. It is the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition which runs Friday through Sunday. Every weekend after that until the civic holiday weekend will be spent at a show. After Toronto Outdoor comes the Muskoka Arts and Crafts show in Bracebridge, then the Haliburton Art show and finally Kempenfest in Barrie.

I have been busy casting bronze in the shape of birds, sticks, nests and teacups. The teacup or teapot to me is a metaphor for family or friends. The ritual of making the tea and then sharing it is my way of showing love or friendship. The birds and rabbits in my work often take on human characteristics and are usually shown with teacups. I guess this shows I love my family and I like what I do. Lucky me.

The wax sculpture.

Melting the bronze before pouring in to the mold.

Still warm.
Bronze pieces cast and still covered with bits of the mold compound.

Cutting the sprues off of the pieces.


Brushing some of the compound off.


Now grinding off the rough edges.

All that is left to do is the filing, putting on the patina, waxing and then polishing.