Margit's Handbuilt Ideas

my blog has moved

2010-08-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

I now have a new blog. For updates about my work, upcoming shows and other musings go to www.margitnellemann.com/blog

For information about our teafarm, teas and other tea related activities check out our new tea blog
www.teafarm.ca

See you there.

Launching Cowichan Valley Artisans

2010-07-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Last week's launch at the Benchmark Gallery in Duncan was a huge success. I would like to thank everyone who came to the opening reception. We had a wonderful evening.
The exhibit runs until July 13 (Benchmark Gallery/Excellent Frameworks, 28 Station St, Duncan).
It was also great to meet all the people who made their way to our studio and tea gallery during our inaugural Cowichan Valley Artisans studio tour.

Cowichan Valley Artisans

2010-06-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the reasons why it's been very quiet in my world of blogging....

Together with six other fellow artisans, I have been involved in creating a group to help promote food and art in the Cowichan Valley. The Cowichan Valley Artisans consist of 13 creative souls, who have dedicated themselves to their craft, be it glass, woodwork, clay or food, and who have now joined forces making a visit to the Valley even more alluring.
We are celebrating the launch of our year-round studio tour with a reception at Benchmark Gallery 28 Station St. in Duncan, June 30th, 5 - 9pm. Brock Windsor, one of our food artisans from Stone Soup Inn in Lake Cowichan, will be preparing some delicious appies for the event. There will be wine to accompany the food and Victor will be offering some tasty teafarm teas to top it all off.
We have created a beautiful brochure with map and website - www.CowichanValleyArtisans.com - to help guide people to our studios.

To debut this new group, all studios and venues will be open July 1st through 4th from 10am to 5pm. The studios remain open throughout the year. Please check each individual studio for their open hours.

See you on the tour.

Spring Clay Classes

2010-04-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

With our recent studio renovations mostly behind us, I am happy to be offering a round of Spring clay classes.

Starting in May, I will be conducting three different handbuilding sessions.

The two Core Handbuilding classes are on Tuesdays - one in the morning and one in the evening.
Thursday evening I offer a Teapot Building class.

These spring sessions are the only classes I will be offering this year.

I look forward to hearing from you and to claying together this spring.

If you have any questions give me a call 250 748 3811
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ceramics by Hand ~ Spring 2010 Class Schedule

Core / ClayPlay
This six-week course will explore the basic principles of hand-building as well as experiment with various methods of decorating and glazing techniques.
Open to all levels.
Time: May 11 – June 15, 2010 Tuesday 9:30 am -12:00 pm Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Course fee: $195 + GST – includes 15 hours of instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.
Deposit: $75 at registration. Non-refundable.
Maximum enrollment: 8 per class, pre-registration required.

Teapot Building
This course takes place over 6 Thursdays. You will create your very own tea set using different hand-building techniques. We will explore teapot design and decoration.
Previous experience with hand-building required. Tea served (of course!).
Time: May 13 – June 17, 2010 Thursday 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Course fee: $195 + GST – includes 15 hours of instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.
Deposit: $75 at registration, Non Refundable.
Maximum enrollment: 8 per class, pre-registration required.

studio closed for renovations

2010-03-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

So I realize the blog has been very quiet as of late. A quiet blog usually means a very busy studio. I have been completing all sorts of clay projects and, on top of it, the gallery and tea area is getting a new floor. I am still able to work in the studio but since everything is upside down and not looking its best, we have decided to close the tea bar and studio until April 8. We promise it will be worth the wait and I really look forward to showcasing all the brand new pieces I have been working on. If you are visiting from a far and really want to come by, please give me a call @ 250 748 3811.

cups of good health

2010-03-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

After the grand cup production and the busyness of the Victoria Tea Festival, I managed to come down with a very stubborn cold. While this may be a good excuse to get some rest, I also feel drawn to the studio and the many unfinished projects I have on the go. Thinking of all the many projects and plans I am keen to get started on, I drink lots and lots of tea to get healthy quickly.

attacked by tea cups

2010-02-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

It is true - my studio has literally been taken over by tasting cups. A while ago, we offered to create and donate some 800 tasting cups to the Victoria Tea Festival and with the festival coming up this weekend (February 13 + 14) everything we do seems to revolve around cups.
In between kneading, wedging, extruding, shaping, trimming, drying, firing and glazing, I try to fit in some teapot time as well. And yes, there will be new and cool teapots available at the tea festival. Come have a look if you are at Crystal Gardens.

Art of Craft

2010-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last week, I went to the opening of the Cultural Olympiad exhibit 'Art of Craft' at the Museum of Vancouver. The exhibit, a cultural exchange between Canada and Korea, features craft artists from across Canada as well as Korea.

These are the three parts represented at the museum -

Unity & Diversity: Selected Works - 75 pieces from across Canada recently on display at the 2009 Cheongju International Craft Biennale in the Republic of Korea.

By Hand/BC and Yukon - 51 pieces from Canada’s West Coast with a focus on the artists’ creative processes and studio environments.

Craft from the Republic of Korea - 47 pieces demonstrating the excellence of traditional and contemporary crafts.

I am honoured to have one of my tea sets in the By Hand/BC and Yukon part of the exhibit.

If you find yourself in Vancouver between now and April 11, I highly recommend you have a look at this exhibit.

www.museumofvancouver.ca/exhibition.php?id=15

a new year steeped in tea

2010-01-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

It is back to work week here at the studio. With the up-coming Tea Festival in Victoria (February 13+14), I am making teapots again. Big pots and small pots, fun pots and new pots. I have some different designs in mind that I am looking forward to trying out. I will keep you posted here.

Happy & Merry Holiday Wishes

2009-12-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

The studio remains open December 22nd - December 24th, 10 am - 5 pm.
Click on the link below if you need directions, or simply give me a call at (250) 748 3811

www.margitnellemann.com/contact.php

We are open again Saturday December 26 & 27, 10 am - 4 pm.

Wishing you a very blissful holiday season. May the new year bring joy and peace.

and the teapot goes to .....

2009-12-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was International Tea Day and at the end of the day while mulling over a cup of tea I sat down with all the entries I have received during this past month and drew a number.
The lucky winner of this year's Win a Teapot draw is:

Pamela Welgan of Vancouver, BC

Pamela gets to take home a teapot hot off the kiln similar to the one in the picture.
Congratulations!

Thanks to all of you for participating and playing. I look forward to International Tea Day 2010 when we will do it again.

Happy International Tea Day!

2009-12-15T23:26:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It is getting kind of late and I have been meaning to share a moment all day. I have been glazing teapots and cups and drinking tea most of the day. Hope you have enjoyed many a lovely cup today thinking of all the great tea workers across the globe. I am forever thankful for their contribution to the wonderful world of tea.
Stay tuned for the teapot draw. I will be back with more....

Working on it

2009-12-12T23:33:00.000-08:00

The little tea creatures just keep coming. I started working on these teapots before heading into Vancouver for the Circle Craft Fair. They have been patiently waiting for me to come back to the studio to give them life. Two firings to go and they are off into their new worlds.

CLAY + GLASS exhibit and sale

2009-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

4th annual Artfarm open studio CLAY + GLASS exhibit and sale

Margit Nellemann HANDBUILT CERAMICS
decorative and functional clay pieces
ranging from distinctive lamps to vases
to exceptional teapots & tea ware

KilnArt Glass Studio
Jo Ludwig's palm-of-the-hand sized glittering glass vessels
and Peggy Brackett's finely crafted colourful glass jewellery

+featuring also luscious local teas and a wide variety of locally made decadent sweets+

SATURDAY + SUNDAY DECEMBER 5 + 6 10am – 5pm
8350 richards trail (westholme end) north cowichan
250.748.3811
www.artfarm.ca

Back at it

2009-11-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

After two exciting and busy weekends in Vancouver and Victoria, it was nice to come home and set up the studio again. I really enjoyed meeting everyone who stopped by my booth during the two shows.
I am back claying and hope to complete another couple of firings before our up-coming open house Dec 5+6.

Fair Season

2009-11-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

Just back from a great Circle Craft Show in Vancouver this past weekend, I am already gearing up for my next show. This coming weekend, I will be at the Out-of-Hand fair in Victoria. Do come by for a visit if you are anywhere near Southern Vancouver Island.
Remember to put your name in the draw for one of my teapots.
See you at the Crystal Gardens November 20 - 22.
The hours are:
Friday 12–9
Saturday 10–6
Sunday 10–5
http://www.outofhand.ca/

Studio Hours

2009-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

So we are off to Vancouver for the Circle Craft Christmas Fair. The show starts Wednesday Nov 11 and runs until Sunday Nov 15. After Circle Craft, I will be in Victoria for the Out-of-Hand Christmas Show, Nov 20-22.
My studio and gallery will be closed during these two fairs. I will look forward to seeing you during the shows and at my studio starting again Nov 26. Don't forget to come by my booth to sign up for the teapot draw.

Win a Teapot

2009-11-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

I have decided to turn last year's 'Win a Teapot' into an annual affair.
In honour of International Tea Day December 15, I will draw for one of my teapots (similar to the one in the picture). What you need to do to enter is to come and see me at the Circle Craft Christmas Fair in Vancouver, Nov 11-15, 2009, Out-of-Hand in Victoria, Nov 20-22, or at our Open House here at the Artfarm, Dec 5-6.
See the following links for more information -
www.circlecraft.net/page129.htm
www.outofhand.ca
www.artfarm.ca
The draw will take place at my studio December 15 and I will post the winner here on the blog.

a lot of building going on

2009-11-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

After a very full summer with farming, tea and a lot of studio visits, late summer came and went in a heartbeat. It's hard to believe but the christmas fair season has arrived.
My studio is upside down with last minute projects. I am working around the clock creating, firing and glazing. There just aren't enough hours and minutes in the day. It seems like late night firings have become the norm.

Cowichan Valley Wine & Culinary Festival

2009-09-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Later today we will be setting up for the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival, September 19+20, 11am - 5pm. This year we have a booth at Cherry Point Vineyards along with Quails Nest Studios and several other Cowichan artists. I will be showcasing my work as well as our wonderful Artfarm loose leaf teas. There will be tea for sampling so come by my booth for some tea after your wine.
For more information, please check out the links below.

http://www.artfarm.ca
http://www.cherrypointvineyards.com/index.php
http://wines.cowichan.net/video2009.htm

Teapot Exhibit

2009-08-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island is hosting a four-week exhibit with my teapot creations. The opening reception is Wednesday August 26 from 7 pm - 9 pm. For more information, please go to
http://www.theoldschoolhouse.org/exhibitions/current2.htm
or send me a line.
I am looking forward to seeing you there for wine, or tea.

Carrot Teapot

2009-08-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

I think this is what happens when you focus all your energy in one area.
For most of the summer I have been creating new teapots in preparation for an upcoming teapot exhibit.
And I had to laugh when I pulled a carrot the other day.
Even the carrots are creating teapots now.

Visions

2009-06-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

The hollyhocks outside my studio just opened up today. Somehow, they know how to put on a show for the Visions Art Studio Tour.
I am delighted to be opening the studio yet again for another Cowichan Valley art tour and to be featuring new clay work designs.
The tour runs Thursday July 2 to Monday July 6, 10 am - 5 pm. For more information and a detailed map of this year's participating artists, go to www.visionsarttour.ca

Sunday July 5 coincides with our weekly tea tastings at the farm. Please join us for a complimentary tea tasting during the Visions tour. Looking forward to seeing you.

Gardening

2009-05-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

I love gardening. This time of year is wonderfully intense. Everything is growing a mile a minute and I am racing to get more things in the ground. After a couple of years of serious soil building and weeding I am now the proud garden mom of carrots, radishes, spinach, arugula, peas, beans, squash. Then, of course, there are the larger more serious crops like garlic, potatoes and herbs. We have lots of fresh herbs that I look forward to harvesting, drying and turning into tea when they are all ready.

Tea Tastings

2009-05-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

This coming Sunday (May 24th) is the fourth in a row of summer tea tastings. These fun and informal events allow you to try a variety of different teas. Our tea menu is ever expanding and we are always happy to hear from you, to learn more about your favourite teas and recommendations. We will serve up three different teas accompanied by some locally produced sweets.

The weekend promises lots of sunshine so come on out to the Artfarm for a fun taste of what we do here. We have herbal infusions on the menu and if it gets really hot we will likely put one on ice for you.

- - - - - - -
Tea Tastings Sunday 2 - 5 pm throughout the summer. Price per tasting is $ 5.00/person.
Artfarm
8350 Richards Trail, Duncan BC V9L 6B4

For more information, go to www.artfarm.ca or give us a call @ 250.748.3811

Keeping the lid on

2009-05-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

It's spring time here at the Artfarm. We are getting our gardens growing, we are seeding & weeding, cutting & mowing. We are at the Duncan Farmer's Market Saturdays. I am working on all kinds of new pieces, the tea bar is stock piled with many, many wonderful new teas and our Sundays are dedicated to tea tastings.
Good thing tea drinking helps you keep the lid on....

See you at the market

2009-05-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

This year, we decided to sign up for the Duncan Farmer's Market. Every Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm you will find me at the market with freshly blended teas, teas to sample and, of course, with some of my tea related ceramics. Later on, when our produce is ready we will also be selling that at the market. Can't wait for our fresh greens.
Also, do come by my booth for a cuppa.....

A Taste of Tea

2009-04-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

This coming Sunday (May 3rd), we are starting a series of tea tastings at the Artfarm - www.artfarm.ca.
'Black Teas of India - Darjeeling, Assam & Nilgiri' is the title of our first tasting.

From 2 pm - 5 pm you will be able to sample a minimum of three different fair trade and organic teas with an assortment of tea inspired sweets. Tea seminars on the various teas offered on the hour (2:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm).
Price of admission is $5.00.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend that you reserve a spot. Call 250 748 3811 for more information.

These tea tastings and seminars will run every Sunday throughout the summer.

A Big Pot of Tea

2009-04-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am having great fun at stretching my teapot limits these days making anything from cute, little teapots to really large pots. This one is for the serious tea fanatic.

Another Pot

2009-04-19T22:00:00.001-07:00

Here is one of the more recent tea sets. Just love creating these little tea families...

New Teapots

2009-04-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

In August, I have a teapot exhibit coming up in in Qualicum Beach here on Vancouver Island. This means I have been working on teapots for a while now. It also means I will be doing the same for another while still. I really enjoy making teapots. I find their uniqueness amusing and their functionality attractive.
Here is one of the recent additions -

Snowy Tofino - Sunny Cowichan

2009-04-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, just before the beginning of a very busy season, and to celebrate Victor's birthday, we decided to go to Tofino for a little break. It was all very Tofino - windy, gorgeous, sandy, exhilarating and then...... it snowed! If you know Tofino and the West Coast you know how rare this is. It was odd to watch the snow falling on the beach. We enjoyed it, as did the dogs.
A few days after we got back to Cowichan, Spring arrived and we have been enjoying all the early budding. The garlic is out of the ground, peas, spinach and arugula on the way. The daffys are gracing the outside of the studio. Ahh, does it feel good!

New Inspirations

2009-03-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have just returned full of new ideas and inspiration from a trip to Denmark. I went to visit my family on the island of Fyn. I also had a chance to walk the streets of Copenhagen. The old city core of Copenhagen is as beautiful as ever. Being the tea fanatic that I am, I truly rejoiced in the tea houses of Copenhagen. Some new, some that have been around for close to two centuries. Tante T is one of the more recent additions. In 2008, Tante T was voted best tea house in Copenhagen. Check out their website for more information - http://www.tante-t.dk

Thank You!

2009-02-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

A belated thank you to all of you to came to see us at the Victoria Tea Festival. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope you did too. It was such a busy and successful event that we found ourselves with little time to chat and entertain. But we look forward to seeing you again - soon.

Just a reminder.....

2009-02-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

The Victoria Tea Festival is just around the corner. Come see me this coming weekend, February 14+15. I am in booth No. 40 upstairs in beautiful Crystal Garden.
For more information www.victoriateafestival.com

The hours are 12:00 - 5:00 pm Saurday and Sunday.
See you there.

Tea, Tea, Tea

2009-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I am so busy making teapots these days that I have been neglecting my blog.
February 14+15 I will be at The Victoria Tea Festival with an array of loose leaf teas and teapots. Come join me at the festival. I will look forward to serving you some of our new and exciting organic teas.
The event is at 713 Douglas Street (Crystal Garden) in Victoria, BC.
Come thirsty and hungry as there will be teas and goodies galore.
For more information go to -
http://www.victoriateafestival.com/

Up for Grabs

2009-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

In December, in connection with International Tea Day, I decided to draw for one of my teapots. The only requirement to enter was the purchase of any type of fair trade, organic tea that we carry here at the Artfarm. Well, a week or so into this fun little draw we got bombarded by Mother Nature. We had more snow than we know how to handle on the coast and I had to shut down the studio and gallery. Unfortunately, the teapot draw disappeared from the radar. But the snow is mostly gone now, our driveway is accessible and the studio is open again. So I have decided to extend the draw until the end of January.
And here it is - if you come by the studio before January 31 during my regular open hours (Thursday - Sunday 10 am - 4 pm), I will happily enter your name to the draw.
Visit my website - www.margitnellemann.com - for directions to the studio.

Soon enough ......

2009-01-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

So we got about one meter of snow in a matter of three or so snowstorms. It was unusually cold for the west coast. For a while it didn't seem like it was going anywhere until the pineapple express arrived with mild temperatures and lots of rain. Now we are wading through slush and more slush. And I am thinking of sunny spring days, of starting my seeds, of the garden and of the lush summer beauty outside the studio....

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As this past year has come to a close, a heartfelt thank you for being a part of growing the Artfarm.
Here is to a healthful and prosperous 2009. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Margit & Victor

Classes Winter '09

2008-12-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ceramics by Hand

Here is my Winter ‘09 Class Schedule.

In Handbuilding we pinch, slab, coil and sculpt.
These classes are fun for any and all your creative ideas.
In the Teapot Course we build an entire tea set, including cups and/or creamer and sugar bowl.
Lamp Making is just that - we create tea lamps, oil lamps, table lamps, sconces etc. using handbuilding techniques.

Core / ClayPlay
Time: January 20 – February 24, 2009
Tuesday 9:30 am -12:00 pm
Tuesday 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Course fee: $195 – Deposit $75 at registration.

Teapot Building
You will create your very own tea set using different hand-building techniques. Previous experience with hand-building recommended.
Time: January 22 – February 26
Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Course fee: $195 – Deposit $75 at registration.

Lamp Making We will be creating tea lamps, oil lamps, table lamps, sconces and/or outdoor garden lamps. Open to all levels.
Time: January 28 – February 25
Wednesday 9:30 am -12:00 pm
Course fee: $175 – Deposit $75 at registration.

Maximum enrollment: 6 per class, pre-registration recommended.
All courses include instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.

Margit Nellemann Handbuilt Ceramics
8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan, BC 250.748.3811
www.margitnellemann.com

Win a Teapot - part two

2008-12-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Because my studio looks more like an igloo these days and because you need 4-wheel drive to be able to navigate my driveway, I have decided to extend the teapot draw until the end of January.
When the weather lets up do come by for some tea and enter your name to win the teapot.

A Season of Giving

2008-12-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

This is what our little road looks like these days. A major winter storm has hit Vancouver Island. Winter storms tend to last one or two days around here. Not this one, however. We have been in a deep freeze for a while now and it doesn't show any signs of moving along.

If you are stuck at home with more christmas shopping to do, giving clay may be a perfect solution for you.
I have four different workshops coming up in January and I offer gift certificates.
Let me know what works for you and I can get it to you via e-mail. No need to venture out to my studio.

Pitchers

2008-12-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

A little while ago I ran out of pitchers as I kept getting inquiries for more. Well, guess what? The new pitchers are here. I have pitchers in all sizes and colours. Come see for yourself....

In Honour of Tea

2008-12-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

Today is International Tea Day. Enjoy your daily cup of fairly traded tea to help raise awareness of the conditions of tea workers across the globe.

My studio and tea bar remain open Thursday - Sunday 10 am - 4 pm up until Christmas.
Pop by for a cup of tea and enter your name to win a teapot.

A Favourite Cup

2008-12-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

With the cold, wet weather here I am really enjoying my daily teas. Here is one of my absolute favourites....
Jazmine Dragon Tears.
These are little beads of hand-rolled tea leaves infused with a delicate scent of jazmine. Yum!

Win a Teapot

2008-12-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

Come to the Artfarm between now and Christmas and help us celebrate International Tea Day (December 15th). We will brew you an amazing cup of tea while you browse the studio and tea bar. And with a purchase of one of our fair trade, organic teas we will enter your name to win the teapot in the picture. How is that for a cool Holiday treat!

International Tea Day was initiated in India in 2005 in order to bring awareness to the working conditions of tea workers across the planet. By enjoying a cup of fairly traded tea we can all help improve the lives of these workers. If you would like to know more about our tea menu, feel free to e-mail me.

New Tea Bar

2008-11-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Prior to the shows, I set up a new tea bar in the gallery. It feels really good. We have a new supplier and have some great quality organic teas. Feel free to come and sample when you are on Vancouver Island.

Post Holiday Sale

2008-11-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting the blog a bit lately. I have been so busy with the two weekends of my Holiday Sale. The weather was beautiful. A very low sun filled the studio with warm and golden colours. Thanks to everyone for coming out. We thoroughly enjoy sharing our farm, tea and art with you.

Now, it is back to work. I am coiling up a storm these days working on a lot of Christmas orders.
I have lots of teapots and really large vases on the go. Looking forward to sharing these soon.

Holiday Sale

2008-11-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

November 15+16 and November 22+23

10 am - 6 pm
at the Artfarm

Two Weekends of Open Studio
&
Gift Finding

Tea by the Tao of Tea and Artfarm
Trufles and more by Art to Eat (Michelle Plain)
Chocolates by Pearl Chocolate (Patty Doyle)
Tea cosies by Angela McDiarmid
and lots of my handbuilt ceramics

8350 Richards Trail, Duncan, BC
250 748 3811

Clay Classes

2008-10-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here is your opportunity for another round of classes before the Holidays.
I am offering regular Handbuilding Classes, Teapot Building and Mask Making.

In Handbuilding we pinch, slab, coil and sculpt. These classes are fun for any and all your creative ideas. This time, I am offering slightly longer sessions over a period of five weeks.

In the Teapot Course we build an entire tea set, including cups and/or creamer and sugar bowl. This a great gift idea as well. The tea sets will be ready in time for the Holidays.

In Mask Making we create a beautiful wall hanging using basic handbuilding techniques.

Core / ClayPlay
Mondays 9:30 am -12:30 pm November 10 – December 15
Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm November 6 – December 11
Course fee: $195 – Deposit: $75 at registration.

Teapot Building
You will create your very own tea set using different hand-building techniques. Previous experience with hand-building recommended.
Time: November 4 – December 9 - Tuesday 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Course fee: $195 – Deposit: $75 at registration.

Mask Making
During this 4-week course you will design and create your own mask that can be used as a decorative wall hanging. Open to all levels.
Time: October 23 – November 20 - Thursday 6:30 pm -9:00 pm
Course fee: $150 – Deposit: $75 at registration.

Maximum enrollment: 6 per class, pre-registration recommended.
All courses include instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.

Margit Nellemann Handbuilt Ceramics 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan, BC 250.748.3811 www.margitnellemann.com

Sidney Fine Art Show

2008-10-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

Feels like I haven't stopped running since my last post. I have some catching up and a bit of blogging to do after a hectic month.
This coming weekend the beautiful town of Sidney, BC is opening its doors to the Sidney Fine Art Show. I have two pieces in the show. If you are in British Columbia and anywhere near Southern Vancouver Island be sure to visit the show. Have a look for more information -
http://blog.sidneyfineartshow.com/

Clay Classes

2008-09-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

I am starting my Fall round of clay classes this coming Tuesday (September 16). I have a Monday morning handbuilding class that starts September 22 (10:30 am - 1 pm). There is one spot available in this class and a few in the Teapot, Lamp and Mask Making classes. Check my previous class post for further info -

Tea at the Artfarm

2008-09-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

I am a huge tea fan. I start with black tea in the morning and then I will sip almost any colour tea for the rest of the day. Delightful! I also have a soft spot for teapots and love making them. Well, what would be more natural than to add tea to the blend. We now offer loose leaf teas out my studio. We currently have 15 different varieties. Have a look at the menu -

TEA MENU

Standards – $3.50 (50gm) $ 6.00 (100gm) - Earl Grey, Monks Blend, Borengajuli (Assam), Keemun, Darjeeling, Pinhead Gunpowder, Genmaicha.
Special Teas - Matcha $ 13.00 (50 gm) $ 24.00 (100 gm), Darjeeling White Tips $ 14.00 (50 gm) $ 25.00
(100 gm), Chrysanthemum $ 9.50 (50 gm), $ 17.50 (100 gm), Hojicha $ 4.00 (50 gm) $ 8.00 (100 gm), Jazmine Dragon Tears $ 13.00 (50 gm) $ 25.00 (100 gm).
Red Teas - Hunny Roiboos $ 3.50 (50 gm) $ 6.00 ( 100 gm).
Artfarm Blends - Iranian Blend(Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Orange Pekoe & Lavender) – $ 3.50 (50 gm)
$ 6.00 (100 gm). Moroccan Blend (Pinhead Gunpowder & Peppermint) $ 3.50( 50 gm) $ 6.00 (100 gm).

artfarm teas
8350 Richards Trail, Duncan, BC V9L 6B4 T 250 748 3811

ARTichokes

2008-08-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here is what it looks like when you don't eat your ARTichokes -

Handbuilding Classes

2008-08-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

With ART+TEA behind me and September just around the corner, it's time to get clay building.
Here is a schedule of the clay classes I will be offering this Fall -

Fall ‘08 Class Schedule

Core / ClayPlay
This six-week course will explore the basic principles of hand-building as well as experiment with various methods of decorating and glazing techniques. Open to all levels.
Time: September 16 – October 28
Tuesdays 9:30 am -12:00 pm
Tuesdays 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Course fee: $195 – includes 15 hours of instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.
Deposit: $75 at registration. Non-refundable.
Maximum enrollment: 6 per class, pre-registration recommended.

Teapot Building
This course takes place over three Saturdays. You will create your very own tea set through different hand-building techniques. We will explore teapot design and decoration. Previous experience with hand-building recommended. Tea served (of course!).
Time: September 20, September 27 & October 4
Saturday 10:00 am -2:00 pm
Course fee: $195 – includes 12 hours of instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.
Deposit: $75 at registration, Non Refundable.
Maximum enrollment: 6 per class, pre-registration recommended.

Lamp Building
This six-week course offers insight into the magic of lamp making. We will be creating tea lamps, oil lamps, table lamps, sconces and/or outdoor garden lamps. Bring your creative ideas and we'll shed some light on them. Open to all levels.
Time: October 23 – December 4
Thursdays 9:30 am -12:00 pm
Course fee: $195 – includes 15 hours of instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings (electrical parts extra).
Deposit: $75 at registration. Non-Refundable.
Maximum enrollment: 6 per class, pre-registration recommended.

Mask Making
During this 4-week course you will design and create your own mask that can be used as a decorative wall hanging. Basic sculpting techniques will be taught along with the opportunity to glaze and embellish your mask in the last class. Open to all levels.
Time: October 23 – November 20
Thursdays 6:30 pm -9:00 pm
Course fee: $150 – includes 10 hours of instruction, clay, use of tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firings.
Deposit: $75 at registration. Non-Refundable.
Maximum enrollment: 6 per class, pre-registration recommended.

Margit Nellemann Handbuilt Ceramics
8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan, BC
250.748.3811
www.margitnellemann.com

ART+TEA

2008-08-26T23:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a month it has been since my last post. With very little time we managed to organise and promote a wonderful 1-day ART+TEA event at our Artfarm. We decided to create cups that would serve as tickets. And because we were sure ART+TEA would be a huge success we made lots...

Even the corners of the farm were cleaned up and the studio polished for the day. We erected two tipis and set them up as a Morroccan and a Japanese teahouse.

Millie, Chris and Angela were our belly dancers for the day. They performed in the Moroccan tipi throughout the day.

Most of my studio was emptied. The tea bar was at one end and then I shared my space with three other artists - Cory Judge from Shi Studio Design, Sharon A. Stone, Rob Gentleman from Green Earth Woodworks and Angela McDiarmid.
The weather cooperated beautifully. We served lots of tea, baklava and sticky rice goodies -

ART+TEA

2008-07-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

One of my big pleasures is creating teapots. Another one is tea. I hardly need an excuse to combine the two and turn it into a day of celebration and indulgence. Great artwork, exquisite teas, more tea, music and....tea!
I would like to invite anyone who is in the area to come out and celebrate with us.
Here are the details -

August 23, 10 - 4 pm - ART+TEA. This is a funtastic day of fusion - a Morroccan and a Japanese teahouse set in two spectacular North American tipis. Tea tastings, exotic teas for sale, belly dance and brilliant art by several local artists exhibiting at the beautiful ARTFARM gallery in the heart of the Cowichan Valley.

8350 Richards Trail
North Cowichan, BC
250 748 3811

Sooke Fine Arts Show

2008-07-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

It is the perfect combination. A beautiful small West coast town and a fine art show. The Sooke Fine Arts Show runs from July 26th until August 4th. This show is well worth a visit to lovely Sooke on Vancouver Island.

I am excited that one of my platters was selected for the show.
For more information check out the website

http://www.sookefinearts.com/

Lavender

2008-07-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago we planted lavender at the artfarm. We had originally dreamed of row upon row upon row of purple bliss. What we ended up doing was putting about 200 plants in the ground. They are now 2 years old and still growing strong. They love their sunny south facing slope and are just prime and irresistible these days. I have been picking and bundling, drying and giving away. Lavender is marvellous in tea and ice cream.
Here is a sample ....

We have a few tipis staying at the farm at the moment. This one looks nifty between the lavender and the barn.

Thank You!

2008-07-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the ARTFARM during the 10 day Visions Tour. It was great meeting you at our beautiful ARTFARM. I enjoyed every minute of it.

The draw for the two little dishes was won by Margaret deWeese. Congratulations Margaret!

If you would like to come back for more of that lovely country air and peruse the clay works again, my studio remains open throughout the summer.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Margit Nellemann Handbuilt Ceramics
8350 Richards Trail
North Cowichan, BC V9L 6B4
250 748 3811
www.margitnellemann.com

Gallery hours: Thursday-Sunday 10:00 - 4:00 pm

Art Studio Tour

2008-07-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

For the second year, I was part of the Visions Art Studio Tour. The Visions Art Studio Tour runs throughout the Cowichan Valley every summer in July. This year there were 24 studios with 37 artists and artisans. I had two guests artists here who had their work in my studio for the duration of the Tour. Françoise Moulin is a multimedia artist whose love for colour and spirit is manifested in her brilliant and lively creatures. Angela McDiarmid makes fantastic & colourful tea cozies made from antique sari silks.

I thoroughly enjoyed having people visit the studio and the ARTFARM during the tour.

Many of the studios on the tour remain open for the season.
Go to www.VisionsArtTour.ca for maps and more tour information.

ARTichokes

2008-07-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

This season seems to be an amazing year for artichokes. I have three plants right outside the studio. Prolific to say the least. We have been eating lots, harvesting and giving away as well. Now I am going to let some of them flower. Curious to see what purple show that will be.

Welcome!

2008-07-18T23:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog. I am excited about my new website. It has been a long time coming. And now I will be blogging as well. What great fun! This is all very new to me so please bear with the blogger in training that I am.