Material Archive

I took a pottery class

I post about ceramic artists I admire all the time on this blog, so it's likely no surprise that I finally decided to take a class in it myself!

Well, as would be expected, I loved it and found it to be much harder than I anticipcated. If you ever go to the pre-made pottery shops to paint existing pieces, that is not a real indicator of how much work goes into making something from start to finish. I truly have a whole new level of appreciation for the craft and definitely am more interested in it than ever. It was deeply gratifying to work with my hands in a new way and to make something with no input from anyone else.

The class I took was at Clay Design on Harbord. Over a period of several weeks, I learned how to wedge clay, make a number of pinch pots, dishes and bowls, and of course throw on the wheel, as well as tool and glaze.

Above are some examples of pieces I made. The first photo is of a nubby pot and a series of bowls drying upside down on molds and the second is a collection of items after they've been fired and glazed.

The black stripe bowl was one I was ready to pitch in the garbage intially because I warped it so badly on the wheel. But after glazing, it's easily one of my favourites. Glad I didn't give up on 'im! ;)

Below is a dark, moody plate I went to town on with little impressions and scratches. 

More Nathalie Lété

I love Nathalie Lété's owl illustration so much that I broke my own rule and bought two instead keeping my collection singular. Get them at Anthro.

The Perfect "Rustic" Martini Bar

I've seen these mix-it-yourself "rustic martini bar" photos endlessly on blogs for some time – only today did I find their source! From the lovely ladies at Sunday Suppers no less.

High Tea at the Windsor Arms

Last weekend, a group of friends and I enjoyed High Tea at the Windsor Arms.

The Red Room we started out in was charming as all hell but very hot, so we had to move to a cooler area. Once re-seated, our tea arrived quickly and we were grateful! The rose tea we had was wonderful, as were the scones and Devon clotted cream. The sushi style rolled sandwiches were not remarkable though – a bit dry and flavourless. The petit fours were also not terribly inspired either, although pretty to look at. I would advise skipping those courses and simply focus your attention on what they do best – scones & tea!

Overall, a nice experience, with attentive service.

Next up for High Tea – MoRoCo & The Four Seasons!


P.S. There was a wealth of great art all around too – many great Charlie Pachters throughout the space.

 

A visit to Mjölk

 

Yesterday, after wrapping a TV shoot in the Junction, I luckily came across Mjölk – a store I've been keen to see since it opened. I arrived just as it closed for the day but the manager Lauren was kind enough to let me sneak in and take a quick look around and snag a great bag by Naoto Fuksawa.

With a laser precision curation style, Mjölk carries lovely furniture and craft products from Scandinavia and Japan. In their own words, owners, John Baker & Julie Daoust talk about their vision for the store:

"We specialize in Scandinavia because the north enthralls us. Soft, quiet snowy forests and streets in the winter. Glittery, blinding sunlight on colourful buildings during the summer. Fika (coffee break) at the Konditori, with a kaffe and Napoleon pastry in hand. Trolling the Helsinki open-air markets for treasures. Aalto building tours. S.O.S. (Smör Ost och Sill = butter, cheese and herring). Swedish style. Grass roofs. Hot dog streetside snacks. And of course, the Arctic. These are a few of our favourite things."

 

 

 

  

Angeline Tetrault's Hidden Animal Teacup

This post it is for Jaime, who was taken with the new teacups I bought for @itbitme at the Drake General Store.

I'm on a never-ending mission to find teacups large enough to hold the massive amount of tea @itbitme likes to drink in one serving. These hold a lot and are charming to boot.

Elephant Ceramics

 

 

If you read this blog with any regularity, you already know I am obsessed with ceramics. Design Sponge featured Elephant Ceramics this past week and I am smitten. The simple shapes, transparent washes and textured surfaces are so restrained and perfect.

Today I bought: A Kaj Franck Enamel Mixing Bowl from Arabia

I have always wanted one of these Arabia bowls – keeping my eyes peeled at antique markets. But they are highly collectable and not so easy to come by – luckily I found this one on Etsy. Also love the mushroom pattern below!

 

Maria Kristofersson's Ceramic Art

I want every piece. I love the illustrative quality to all the items – as though they are drawings of dishes made real.

See more here.

RabLabs: Kiva Platters

 

These RabLabs "slabs" are actually serving platters – beautiful!

New Maira

How is it possible to adore someone so much that you've never met?

Paola Navone for Reichenbach

I went to the AGO today to see the Tutankhamen exhibit and afterwards saw these marvelous plates in their giftshop. Italian designer Paola Navone created the "Taste" collection for Reichenbach. They remind me of a more precise version of Astier de Villatte's dishware and as a set look really smart together. Since I live so close to the AGO, this could be a problem... ;)