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. 

It's the little things that make me truly happy:

Like sweet fresh shelled peas from the farmer's market...

Or making more homemade ice-cream –

Here's the first strawberry flavour @itbitme and I ever attemped and it was amazing...

 

My first homemade ice-cream sandwich

After the oreo cookie had some time to chill in the frigo – it was the perfect balance of soft and crisp so the result was really good!

Ice-Cream Project: Second Attempt

The addition of @itbitme to the mix improved everything tenfold – the consistency and texture of the ice-cream was perfect tonight! So rich and custardy.

Just packed some of it into ice-cream sandwiches for tomorrow – can't wait to see how they turn out! :-)

 

Today was International Ice-Cream Day, so I made some.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted an ice-cream maker. Yesterday, I was in such a bad mood that I decided there was only one thing that could cheer me up. As it turned out, my timing was perfect. Today is National Ice-Cream Day in the U.S., which I conveniently internalized as a big sign that my decision to buy a very singular kitchen appliance was brilliant.

Then I set to work researching every recipe I could get my hands on and what I discovered, as usual, is that there are many different theories on how to prepare this classic dessert. 

My goal was simple. Make an incredible vanilla. So I not only bought a Madagascar vanilla bean, I also stopped by Dlish Cupcakes to ask Verg what vanilla extract he uses in his buttercream frosting and he generously gave me some of his to take home and try too.

The whole process was quite simple all told – that is if you forgo using eggs, which I did for this first try. I bought duck eggs for round 2 tomorrow! Which should yield a very rich, custardy version!

 

Dear Ribwich, I Love You

It looks dirty and messy and it was the best e-v-e-r...

Made at home with love, sauce and smokey paprika by @itbitme and I – we rock.