Little Clay Monster

clay hand building class with Kathleen Raven

Just got my little monster back!

Oh my what a funny little guy he turned out to be. 

Last month I took a hand building clay class from one of my most favorite 

Clay Artists, Kathleen Raven. 

I have been collecting Kathleen's work

 for the last 15 years or more.

When she announced she was having a workshop 

I couldn't wait to sign up and this is the little guy I created. 

What a fun class it was.

 I can't wait till she gives another.

Whimsey Houses

Just thought I'd post a few pictures of the workshop I may be teaching some time in the future. 

I had so much fun doing it, I can't wait to share it.

Enjoy!

HiP-piTy HoP tO ThE ARt gALLerY ShOP

............DEAD LINE ...... October 24, 2011

I made it!!!!!!!!!

bye bye my sweeties

coasters

more coasters

"TIME" Please Slow Down and Let Me Catch Up!

I can't believe my last post was in August. Wow!

This summer and the beginning of the fall have been a whirl wind of activities - traveling,  socializing, marketing, preparations and departures.

Two of my three children have moved on to new chapters of their lives. Both to further their education and to experience more of the world away from home. Liam, just graduating, off to University (UBC) in the Engineering facility and Alicia, who already has a fine arts degree, but wants to try a new career assisting in the dental industry. A wonderful thing is that they are both in Vancouver and only 15 minutes away from each other.

That leave's Me, Bob (husband) and Megan (middle child, who is not aloud to leave unless she takes Bob and I with her, hehe) left at home. We've almost made it through the week without any tears. hehe!  However, and of course, I am very happy they are able to pursue their journey and have the courage to do it. Hang in their my sweet children!

Liam's room at Res. Same set up on the other side of the room. Cozy!

I have also been preparing for a new chapter. Quit my full time receptionist job last winter and have been trying to organize myself to be apart of the entrepreneur world.

I did a few markets this summer, had my wares in a local Art/Cafe shoppe, and started an Etsy store. I even got myself involved in teaching four workshops this fall with the City Recreation Programs.  I am hoping that there will be enough people signed up so that the classes will go. In between all this I have been making things to sell at the Christmas Craft Shows and The Christmas Art Gallery Store.
(I bet this sounds familiar to a lot of you artisans out there) just a part of our lives!
Oh ya, and I organized a new space for my studio.  I'll go more into that later, that was a huge undertaking.

So that's where I've been and what I have been doing. Now that I got that out of the way, I hope I can organize this blog so it can be a little more useful for you and me!

I haven't forgot about that recipe section I started and I might have some crafty things to show you as soon as I figure out how to make those nifty tutorials on-line that everyone seems to be doing and of course, get some more stuff in that Etsy shop.

Here's a few pictures of my "Wonderful Whirl Wind Summer"

On our way to Vancouver Island  ( me and meg)

It was a gorgeous day for a ferry ride (bob)

Awesome books I purchased this summer. Love them!

Fernie Market

more Fernie market

 one more Fernie Market

last one

Me and my pals at one of our favourite spots. We had the best weather the whole time

Ali and Liam at Liam's graduation.

Me and Liam at grad

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. 

Albert Einstein 

have a wonderful day!

Trip to the Kamloops Farmers Market

I loooovvvve to go to the Markets! Really, what's not to like about them. Handcrafted lovelies, yummy homemade goodies and everyone is always in such a good mood.

 I don't think I've ever seen anyone there without a smile on their face. 

So YEH!!!! for the Farmers Markets,

We love you!!!

 My daughter Ali and I had the most wonderful day 

taking pictures 

and smelling gorgeous bouquets of flowers.

My sweet daughter Ali

Me doing inspections

Luba Baron of "Soul Fire Pottery"

Luba's Pottery, I love her whimsical expression her pottery has.
It always makes me smile!

Here's Donna Bowie with her gorgeous earth fired pottery 

Me coveting Donnie Bowie's lovelies

Bronwen Grant  of "Fabrico" a very talented lady

These are a few of her wonderful up-cycled creations

If you have the opportunity,

 put a visit to your local Farmers Market on your to do list.

You won't be disappointed!

I Actually Did It!

I can't believe I have finally opened up my Etsy shop. It's 4:10 a.m. and the shop is opened! 

 I wasn't worried if I had to stay up all night to finish it. 

the name of the shop is....  

 caregourleyshop
original eh?!
that's when the cart comes before the horse

crocheted bracelets in my etsy shop

I just started and I said "Self you are staying at this kitchen table until this is done, no more stalling". 

The only things is I only have 3 items for sale, hehe. 

I love those...baby steps, baby steps

There is still tons and tons of reading to do to help your shop be very successful so I will be doing that on my holiday trip to see my family in the south eastern part of British Columbia,  a beautiful little town named Fernie. 

I am planning on doing a few of the markets when I get there so I can't put too much in the Shop until after I have done those,

 (that reminds me, I have to email the lady who is in charge and sign myself up).


  I will only have a dozen things or so for sale to start so I won't
get mixed up with inventory here and there.

 Tomorrow I will take pictures and add the rest of the items.

Now the REAL organization starts.  oh  no...

To bed I will go and tomorrow will be another day.

Night to you all, or maybe I should say

"Good Morning!"
:)