Wanda's Designs

An Artist's Life is full of Surprises!

2011-02-16T22:27:00.004-08:00

When I thought I was all done with prep for my upcoming wholesale show this weekend, I decide to add another product! I've been toying with a flower pendant idea for a month or so now but have been waiting for the bails I've ordered for them also. Well, they arrived this week and I decided to try them out.

Lo and behold, I love the results! And realized they should also be added to my wholesale lines for this upcoming Spring. I don't do retail shows till the Christmas season, so they have to offered my shops for sale. I worked frantically this week and came up with 6 colour patterns for my clients to choose from and in 2 styles, a simple, origami inspired petal and a funky, frilly petal one! I always ask myself why I do this to myself, but I really can't control how my creativity works. It doesn't understand deadlines much.

New Product...Winestoppers!

2011-02-08T14:26:00.005-08:00

With an upcoming wholesale show, I wanted to make a new product for it. These came to me through quite a few requests I received during the christmas craft show season. I had realized if I had more frog and turtle products, I would've sold them in a heartbeat! So, with that thought and the lamps I made....these pond-themed winestoppers were created! I had alot of fun with these.

Rainbows and Piggy!

2011-01-23T14:14:00.009-08:00

I had a neat little project on my agenda beginning of this year. I did a wonderful trade with Peggy Brackett of KilnArt, a beautiful bracelet for a piggy bank! Now, I got this bracelet a year and a half ago...so Peggy's been waiting patiently for her piggy. I spent the past week working on making the perfect piggy for Peggy and I think I did!

This little piggy is covered in a rainbow array of flowers that were created in only one cane. I took a rainbow coloured skinner blend and designed the pattern in such a way that when I cut through the cane, the colours changed. I really loved the simplicity of the design and the piggy was a great shape to illustrate this technique very well.

Another lamp done!

2011-01-15T17:12:00.008-08:00

I've had such a great start to my year creatively! Last January, I didn't have the opportunity to make any of my art because I had 2 big orders right in the New Year. Not so this time around, and I'm so pleased! I love being able to recharge my creative battery before I start doing production work.

I thought I was pleased with the results of my first lamp. That was the case till I completed this one! I'm especially happy with the little turtle on top. He's got personality and I didn't even do it on purpose! All the details you see is made of polymer clay and majority of the details are sculpted canework. I really like look of the translucent clay lit up.

I don't think this will be the last time I make lamps!

A New Year, A New Project!

2011-01-11T12:27:00.009-08:00

Cannot believe another year's over! It was a successful show season and I've been taking it easy since the end of Butterdome in the beginning of December and enjoying the company of my family and friends.

But alas, it's time to get back to work and creating. I'm taking a bit of time off right now to create pieces for my own pleasure and to feed my artistic soul. I've had a few lamps in my studio that I've been meaning to work on but nothing had materialized till now. I had made a translucent floral petal cane last Spring, but the idea didn't gel at that time. Then all of the sudden, right as I was deciding on making an 'art' piece...the idea just flowed for me and I want to share the end result!

It's a waterlily themed lamp with dragonflies...I hope you enjoy it!

Production.....sigh

2010-11-08T21:00:00.002-08:00

Just wanted to show you what it's like when I'm in production mode. Usually I don't have time to take pictures, but I did get one of my slim pen parts after they've been lacquered and set out to dry.

It's that time of year again?

2010-11-08T20:37:00.005-08:00

I can't believe it's that time of year again! It's the Christmas Craft Show Season! This year, I decided to do 4 shows...yes, I said 4! You may say...Hey! That's not alot of shows to do. It may not be a big number if you're doing weekend shows at smaller venues, but I'm actually in 4 different cities....across 2 provinces. Three of these shows are major ones in their cities.

I start this coming weekend in my lovely hometown of Victoria, BC...Gifts for Myself and Others...a beautiful little show with just under 30 of the finest Island Artisans. I'm proud to be part of this group of artists! From Nov. 17-21st, I'll be in Vancouver at the Circle Craft Christmas Market at the new Vancouver Convention Centre. Luckily, I have a nice little break before I head off to Alberta! Calgarians can find me at the Calgary Festival of Crafts from Dec. 2-5th. Hey! Just noticed they used my new teapot in their advertising! Then I wrap up my show circuit in Edmonton at the Butterdome Craft Sale from Dec. 9-12th.

I hope to see familiar faces at these shows...it's the highlight of my year to see my friends at the shows and the clients that I've met through the years.

Sneak Peek on my Work Process...

2010-11-08T20:04:00.006-08:00

Many questions have been asked about my work...'Is it Painted?' is one of the most popular one. I thought I'd add a few photos of my sculpting of a cat face cane for my cat winestoppers to show you a bit of my work process....Enjoy!

2010 Teapot...finally!

2010-09-03T16:38:00.010-07:00

As some of you may know, I only make one or two teapots a year. Usually this happens in January after all the show mayhem. This year was different for some reason. I was very busy with orders right in the beginning of the year, hence I didn't have the opportunity of making one till this summer.

I had this particular teapot sitting on my shelf for a year with an idea brewing in my head. The vision came to me as soon as I bought it. It reminded me of something out of the Jetsons. It gave birth to the Space Girls teapot. The detail is a combination of canes,carving and inlaying, and other polymer clay techniques to come up with the finished product. It is also sanded with 5 grades of fine sandpaper. The finish is so smooth that it's a shame you can't experience it through a photo.

Coming back to the Blog world!

2010-09-03T10:22:00.002-07:00

I've been on a very long hiatus from this blog. Life moves on and this was low on my priority list. But now with the urging of my good PC friend, Gera....I'm going to attempt to jump back onto the Blogging Bandwagon once again!

Ooops!

2009-06-15T07:58:00.001-07:00

I was so excited about the article that I didn't even post the link!

Here it is:
http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/Shum+offers+fine+craft+fair+prices/1694672/story.html

OMG! Thank you, Mr. Amos!

2009-06-14T09:38:00.005-07:00

I awoken this morning to a whole lot of chatter on my MSN Messenger from my dear friend, Gera Scott Chandler. She had seen the article that Victoria Times Colonist's art critic, Robert Amos had written about me! So, of course I had to check it out and must say that he did a wonderful job in encapsulating our conversation the previous week. I've never been one to seek out attention for my work actively, but I was very honoured that my teapots at the Victoria Art Gallery stopped him in his tracks. Though being an artist can be very isolating, an article like this is just what I need to spark my creative fire for new and bigger pieces!

One World~One Heart Winner Announced!

2009-02-12T10:38:00.002-08:00

Hello all,

Thank you for all of you who entered my OWOH giveaway...but there can only be one winner! The winner is.....Sandra Hyler!

I hope you all come back to visit me! Thanks again to Lisa Swifka for holding this wonderful giveaway....what a way to connect the world! I'm looking forward to next years!

2009 Products

2009-02-07T16:46:00.005-08:00

I had some of my products photographed aside from the new teapot. The pens are brand new for this season and you'll see the colour schemes that I'm leaning towards this year....lots of reds, oranges, and blues. I don't know why, but it's what I seem to be working with at the moment. Of course, I'm in still making wine stoppers, perfume applicators and business card holders.

The Reveal!

2009-02-07T16:40:00.003-08:00

A while back, I showed you a teaser sketch of a new teapot. Well, here it is!

I was at a photoshoot that was put on by the Island Artisan's Association and I love the results. All the detail is caned...no painting involved! It was great having someone do the photography instead.

My Workshops are starting...

2009-01-29T20:18:00.006-08:00

This Weekend! I'm teaching a polymer clay basics and beginner's caning workshop on Sunday at Island Blue Print in Victoria. I have a follow up caning workshop called 'Spirals, Stripes, and more' in March 28th. For more info, go to the Island Blue website.

In between these workshops is the Vancouver Polymer Clay Guild's first 'Horizons' retreat. I'll be teaching a workshop called 'Complex Cane Made Easy', which is a companion to Gera Scott Chandler's 'Leggy Bowl' workshop. I'm excited to be participating in this upcoming retreat...sounds like there's alot of fun to be had. If any of you have some free time in February, you may be interested in coming up for this fun retreat!

One World~One Heart

2009-01-21T20:07:00.008-08:00

When I saw this post made by Tina Holden that she is participating in this virtual giveaway, I thought it was a grand idea! What a way to connect with others and have a chance in winning wonderful handcrafted wares!

This wonderful giveaway is the brainchild of Lisa Swifka(A Whimsical Bohemian). What a way to bring artists from around the world closer.

I'm offering a one of a kind business card holder made especially for this giveaway.

How to enter:

-Leave a comment under this post. One post per person only. Leave either your blog or email so that I can contact you if you're the winner.

-The giveaway will be drawn on February 12, 2009 and the winner will be posted here in my blog and will be contacted.

So far there's over 350 artisans participating in this, so please click on the 'One World~One Heart' logo above to check the Gypsy Caravan out. Feel free to enter as many as you want!

Creativity revealed!

2009-01-13T10:36:00.003-08:00

I decided to show you how an idea for a teapot is created. I have had the idea of combining two of my loves, orchids and frogs for about a year now. I finally starting working on it this past weekend. Through my process, I decided on putting the design on a teapot. I've chosen my teapot and now I reveal some of the background work I do before I even start applying any detailing on the actual teapot.

Since majority of my teapot detailing are caned, I still have alot of canes to maked before I even start working on it. Just thought you may like a sneak peek into my creative process.

New Year Start!

2009-01-13T10:09:00.003-08:00

After every christmas production season, I do a major clean up in my studio. I finally got rid of an apartment fridge to make room for a storage unit. Loving the extra storage!

And can you believe my table not covered in cane slices....yet!

First Victoria Craft Show!

2009-01-12T23:38:00.004-08:00

I was so excited that I premiered myself as a local artist in Victoria...finally! I participated in the IAA's Gifts to Myself and Others Show last November. It was an intimate little show (under 30 artisans) with very loyal clienteles. I had a great time and will hopefully be able to attend it next year.

Perfume Project

2009-01-12T23:10:00.003-08:00

The second time I participated in Filberg Festival, I met a wonderful aromatherapist/perfumier, Anita Kalnay of Flying Colors Aromatherapy. She approached me about a project where I could design containers for her custom perfumes based on the scents. I found the idea very intriguing because I strongly believe in the experiences through all levels of our senses.

Finally this past fall, the project was executed. Anita sent me a beautiful fruity blend for me to draw my creativity. I envisioned colours of peaches and visions of peach blossoms swirling around as I held the scent to my nose. I find it fascinating how I can see these imageries just from the smell of something. I was pleased with the final product and so was Anita. We're hoping this is just the beginning of an interesting collaboration!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T22:55:00.002-08:00

Hello all...it's been awhile. I guess if I was to make a resolution, it's to write on my blog a bit more...but I don't make resolutions. ;)

Filberg was Fab! Yet again!

2008-08-20T20:22:00.006-07:00

Well, another year at Filberg Festival is over. I really love this show....so invigorating and energizing. The outdoor venue and all the inspiring artisans are things I look forward to every year.

I was fortunate to set up earlier in the day and missed a big of heavy rain. It was just drizzling when I was doing it. I did come back to the site the next morning with a big pool of water in the roof of my tent. I was so glad to have decided not to put out any of my jewellery and purse hangers till that morning. Luckily, the rest of the show was lovely weather...actually got a bit hot out there. But I was under 2 huge trees with the beach at my back to keep my booth quite cool.

The show was successful which was a bit of a surprise to me. I did not have high expectations with all the high gas prices and such, but I must say that I couldn't complain about how I did. Choosing the right products to create is a big key to success....at least that's what I believe. I truly hope I can get into the show again next year!

Mini Teapots

2008-07-29T21:37:00.002-07:00

Been awhile since I've posted new work, but I have these cute little teapots that were just begging to be covered. They're around 3-4" in size. I liked the way they turned out.

Final Prints for sale!

2008-07-29T09:30:00.006-07:00

After a few attempts with photographing my jewellery....the final prints are ready for sale! Filberg's coming up this weekend and I'll be selling them there. I'm interested in seeing where this venture will go. By the way, these were done by my brother, Ben Shum, a multi-talented artist in his own rite..check out his site!

I'll be putting them up for sale at Etsy later!

Where has the summer gone??

2008-07-26T21:54:00.002-07:00

Can't believe it's halfway through the summer. It's been hectic here in the homefront. My dear husband has been gone since mid-June and will not be home till end of August...leaving me single mommy to Devon for the entire summer! So the role of mom and getting ready for Filberg Festival next weekend has kept me from updating this blog.

On top of it all...I've hit a milestone bday...4---0--- at the end of June. Hubby remembered to send me a gorgeous bouquet of my fave flowers...gerberas. Looking forward to what the next decade will bring me.

New Dragonfly Photo

2008-06-25T23:54:00.002-07:00

Following the suggestion from a number of my clients, I'm going to offer prints of my display photos that I use in my booth. I had never considered using any of my photos in that way, but hopefully my clients will enjoy them. What do you think?

Finally!

2008-06-25T23:41:00.002-07:00

My dear friend Gera provided me with the National Post article. Yippee! I was suprised how big my dragonfly was. For those who haven't seen it yet, I've scanned and posted it for your viewing pleasure.

Workshop Alert!

2008-05-28T08:47:00.002-07:00

Back on my beautiful island home! What a whirlwind trip I had and now it's back to business.

This coming Saturday, May 31st, I'll be at Island Blue for their Art Fair from 12-2. Come visit me if you can!

I'll be teaching a basic polymer clay caning course on the following Saturday June 8th, at the same location.

The next workshop will be at the Beeks Lane Studio in Godfrey, ON. Georgia Ferrell, one of my wonderful pc friends has an annual Polymer Clay Workshop and she invited me to be the guest artist this year! I'm looking forward to having a weekend to share my explorations in caning with others this coming September.

Another mention!

2008-05-27T07:38:00.003-07:00

Thanks goes out to Cynthia Tinapple from Polymer Clay Daily, probably the most popular polymer clay blogs out there, for blogging my dragonfly and bug pins. I'm glad that I'm heading back to Victoria today so that I can make more of my creations soon. I'm very syked about getting back to claying after almost a month away from it.

Keep on the lookout for some 'new' things on the horizon!

National Post Update

2008-05-23T07:22:00.005-07:00

Well, still never saw my pictures in the National Post...will have to wait till I get together with Gera. But since I now have fast enough internet, I can show you the pictures that I submitted to them.

Goodbye Newfoundland...I've found out what your beauty is....

2008-05-23T06:33:00.007-07:00

Finally! I'm back in wireless internet world! Spending a couple of weeks of only having dial up access was like the stone ages for me. I can't believe this technology has grown so fast.

We left Deer Lake, NFLD yesterday and I miss it already. Though it only boasts a Tim Horton's as its only coffee place and a handful of places to eat out....it was one of the warmest places I've ever visited. It helps when people always call you 'M'Love' when you talk to them :)

I had 3 goals when I was there...see a moose(Newfie speedbump), icebergs, and having fresh lobsters(ate 5 1/2 of them)! I completed all of them and then some! I saw a cariboo! It truly is God's country and probably one of the world's best kept secrets. I sure found it suprising how different it is from one coast of Canada to the other. Our country is surely a place I want to explore more of.

Thanks to the National Post!

2008-05-10T21:38:00.003-07:00

Thanks to Nathalie at the National Post....I'm in their 'Crawly Couture' spread with my bug and dragonfly brooches!

Too bad I haven't seen the photo spread yet. I spent 12 hours on airplanes and airports to get from Victoria to Deer Lake, Newfoundland yesterday. Yes, that's the shortest trip I could get from one end of Canada to the other! So, with slight jet lag, I just realized I forgot to pick up the paper!

Thanks to Gera, I will get a copy when I get back to Victoria.

For those who are interested in purchasing any of the bugs, I'll be back in the studio at the end of the month of May. For those who want to see me at a show, I'll be in the Filberg Festival in Comox Valley, BC next.

Catching up II: Devon's Birthday

2008-05-02T23:41:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it, but my little boy turned 5 on April 7th. I still remember just bringing him home. It doesn't take long for them to grow up.

As if my life wasn't busy enough, I decided to make a birthday cake from scratch. My son had requested a dinosaur cake. Now, I could've made it easy for myself, make a flat cake....swipe a few of his dinosaurs....add a few trees...voila! A land of dinosaurs cake. But no! I decided to research and create a 3D dinosaur cake....guess I should get my head examined somedays. Six hours later...well, you see the results. Devon told me it's a dinosaur crocodile and a chocolate one at that!

My brother says I make cakes for a living....as if I don't have enough career options!

Catching up: Sojourn Retreat...

2008-05-02T23:30:00.002-07:00

In February, I attended the premiere Sojourn Retreat in Nanaimo. I was proud to be involved with the organization of this retreat by our beloved VIPCG. With Gera as our fearless leader, the retreat went off without a hitch (not counting the fire alarm going off on the first night!). It was nice to spend a weekend with a group of wonderful and creative ladies from both our guild and the Vancouver PC Guild. To be honest, I spent more time socializing than claying. I really enjoyed my classes and seeing the diversity of how others 'clay'.

I had fun with the workshops I gave. I hope my 'students' came out of there with less fear of trying canework.

I'm so looking forward to the next retreat....do you hear me, VPCG?

A big and LONG project....

2008-05-02T23:11:00.007-07:00

I've been so bogged down with my latest project, this blog has been terribly neglected. That project is the renovation of the livingroom/play area of our home. I never thought I would complete the drywall and mudding of it all! Mind you, if my polymer clay career doesn't pan out...I could become a drywall mudder!

We're at the last legs of the renos...and I'm so excited! Just in time for us to leave for 2 weeks to Newfoundland(my first trip) and a week in Winterpeg next Thursday. It will be nice to finally take our furniture out of the sea container in our driveway.

Some new pendant ideas

2008-02-14T11:11:00.004-08:00

Well, I had brought some fun freshwater pearls last year because I think the combination of pearls and polymer clay makes a nice mix. I had a little brain spurt right before bed last week and these are the results!

They're a hollow pendant that is very different on both sides to give you versatility of wear. The pearl is suspended on sterling silver wire to give it an illusion of floating. The bails are handworked silver. The pendant is strung on a rubber cording with a magnetic clasp. I really love the end product.

2008 Froggy!

2008-01-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm feeling I'm on a roll with making teapots lately. While I was working on the previous RetroLady teapot, a frog teapot was brewing and here's the end results! It was done on these brand new glass teapots I found at the last wholesale gift show I went to. They're very lightweight but withstands alot of heat. Unlike previous glass teapots, these come in a variety of styles that have inspired me. Like all the other teapots, most of the details are caned including the sculpted frogs.

You can see more views of the teapot on my Flickr.

I joined Etsy!

2008-01-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I couldn't resist....I joined the world of Etsy.com! Just posted a few things...will be adding more soon, but it's start! Come check it out!

www.Wandashumdesign.etsy.com

Belated Happy 2008!

2008-01-16T21:04:00.001-08:00

Yes, another year has gone by.....time's flying by so quickly now! I'm looking forward to seeing what this year brings.

So far, it's inspired me to do another Retrolady teapot. And I'm very happy with the results. The colour combinations have come out brighter than the ones I've created before. Perhaps the westcoast air has its influence on me already! Think there are more of these to be created in the near future.

Also, a big thank you to Gera Scott Chandler for the idea of putting 'Desi' on the b&w tv behind 'Lucy'. Love it!

New Face Cane!

2007-12-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I had one of those creative polymer clay moments a few days ago and made a face cane. I'm in need of new ones for the next year's production. This one is inspired by 80's illustration icon Patrick Nagel's women. I've always liked how the eyes are done. Very pleased with the outcome....now I have to see what I'm going to do with it!

A Break from Clay...

2007-12-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

I spent an hour photographing the blooming orchids last week and there's one, a brassia that has inspired me to paint again. I've only worked on a rought watercolour pencil sketch. Love the control of the pencil with the look of watercolour. A favorite medium of mine. I really haven't done alot of drawing or sketching lately, and I felt a bit rusty. It's really like biking or swimming....you don't really lose it. Am getting more comfortable with it and looking forward to reproducing this in oils.

I'm also going to post the other really cool pics of the orchids. I'm really enjoying these new charges of mine, both in care and as muses.

Christmas Rush is over!

2007-12-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

Phew! Another christmas craft season sales are over! It's been a very hectic one for me since I have so much on my plate at the moment. I still have a livingroom to redo before I can move my things in!

This season was a great success. The Calgary Art Market was excellent! Better than expected, for sure. Winnipeg's Signatures Christmas Craft Show was bigger and better this year and I had a great spot right by the main entrance. Was good to be back in my adopted hometown for the past 16 years. Wish I could've gone there with more stock. Calgary left me a bit short in stock....was glad I only booked 2 shows this year!

Some new items!

2007-10-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

So, I should be just in production for stock and supplying my clients and what do I do? I make a new item, as if I don't have enough!

I'm making business card holders now. Seem to be getting a good response to them. These ones are in a store in Victoria called Oscar & Libby's, a very funky place that you should go visit! They're the only store that'll be carrying it this season. I'll probably add them to my wholesale line for 2008.

2007-10-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

A new promotion for shows!

2007-10-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

This past summer, a good friend of mine suggested a great idea to showcase my millefiori technique at shows. I'm always trying to describe the process and most people end up with a glazed eye look trying to picture it.

A digital photo frame! What a concept!

I spent last night making a floral cane and documented the progression of it. So, now I have it uploaded to show all of you and also have a copy for my digital picture frame for the upcoming shows. Let's see if this will stop the questions being asked about 'how did you do it?'

Don't we look pretty?

2007-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking these orchids are growing on me...so to speak. I'm finding myself thinking about them and going in to check on them...see what is new. Am so excited when I see a new spike in a plant which signals a blossom is on its way.

Today, I decided to take some studio style pictures of a beautiful blooming Paph. orchid to try out my new camera, a Canon Powershot S5IS. I must say....love the pics that came out. I'm really starting to understand why my father has loved these flowers so much.

VIPCAG-Sojourn Retreat is coming!

2007-10-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

In February 2008, the Vancouver Island Polymer Clay Guild is hosting our first Polymer Clay Retreat - 'Sojourn'. We're hoping it'll be a get together of inspirational workshops and demos and a gathering of both 'newbie' and 'experienced' clayers!

I'll be giving a workshop during the retreat called 'To Market, To Market-tips on selling your crafts'. With 15 years of selling my wares in both retail and wholesale craft shows, I want to pass on some great tips on display, lighting, and selling techniques that may help others who are interested in doing so or improving on what they are already doing. I will also be able to offer some insight to those who may want to know the difference between selling 'retail' or 'wholesale' or deciding on what shows may be the most effective for them.

I am so looking forward to this retreat, it's exciting to connect with the Polymer Clay addicts of the westcoast!

New Studio!

2007-10-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

First on my agenda with my new home is creating a studio. The space we took over in my mom's home was originally created as student suites. The included 2 bedrooms and kitchen and bath. Works just fine with us! The kitchen was totally perfect for my studio since it already included an oven and a sink, great for polymer clay! The cupboard space was great for storage for all my supplies and such.

We installed a nice ceramic tile floor, easier for cleaning and scraping off clay. A lick of paint and new custom counter, I'm good to go! As a treat for myself, I decided to get a LCD tv, since it takes up so little space! ;)

I'm already deep into production and the space is a godsend.

Orchids, orchids, everywhere!

2007-10-05T19:55:00.001-07:00

Another interesting development with my move back to my childhood home is I've become the proud owner of a little greenhouse full of orchids. My father's sudden passing this Spring has left his legacy to me, a reluctant orchid owner. The reluctancy comes from the lack of knowledge and the intimidation of these exotic beauties. They are like divas, very picky with the way they are treated (how much water, temperature, pampering, etc).

I remember that last summer, my father came to me and said that if anything were to happen to him, that these beauties will be mine. My reply was please don't burden me since my life was full enough as is! I said this as I thought of all the time and energy my father had devoted to them.

I've been slowly learning about them through a good friend of my father who has become my mentor. He showed me that I don't have to be intimidated and that I can do as much as I'm able to and do not pressure myself. In the month or so that I've been taking care of them, I'm starting to really enjoy it. They're growing on me somehow, the anticipation of the flowers blooming and enjoying that they last for months at times. It's now becoming an escape, a bit of sanctuary for me....also a place for me to be close to my father, whom I still miss dearly. I'm understanding the devotion my father felt for these plants more.

Back to the WetCoast!

2007-10-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I really should get on this more often. But as usual, life takes control and goes by quicker than I can blink!

This summer has flown by with our family moving back to my hometown of Victoria. Rough life moving from Winterpeg to Victoria (twist my rubber arm, as most Canadians would understand what I'm talking about). The most challenging of feats is moving the entire contents of our home into my mom's house (which is already full). We're slowly unpacking (still) and will continue to till all is done (whenever that is!).

Filberg Festival was a success again this year! I really love this show. Well managed and well attended. With beautiful weather and great musical acts (including Bruce Cockburn), it was successful for both the artisans and the attendees.

Presently, I'm busy making stock for orders and for my two Christmas shows this year. I'll be at the Calgary Art Market and the Winnipeg Signatures Craft Sale in the month of November. This will keep me quite occupied till after the Christmas season. Guess when it rains, it really pours. Hope my boxes containing my home will be able to wait for me!

Alas! New Works!

2007-07-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

So, it's almost time for Filberg Festival again! It's their 25th Anniversary show and I'm so syked to be in it again. They even gave me a prime spot next too the Teahouse in the Park! If any of you are going to be on Vancouver Island during the August long weekend(3-6th), come visit me in Comox Valley.

For the show, I've created some new work for it. Enjoy them!

Life will move on...

2007-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've been motivated to post.

Since my last one, many things have happened. My father passed away on May 4th quite suddenly. As much as we understand that this will happen to all of us in our lifetime, we're never really prepared for it. For me, I lost the greatest influence and role model in my life. A lover of nature and beauty, my father was one of the most talented artist I've ever seen in my life. I take comfort in the fact that he lived his life to the fullest these last 8 years after his retirement. He was passionate about his new found loves, orchids and made them his muse in his last few paintings. The works are amazing and inspirational to me. The legacy he leaves behind are us, his children whom he's passed on not only his artistic talents, but the core values to live life honestly and fully. I'm honoured to be his daughter.

Post Show Post....

2007-04-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

I know I've been back from the show for ages...but the orders have been keeping me on my toes. My expectations were exceeded at the show. With my move coming up this summer, I just wanted a little bit of wholesale to tie me over till the next show. Well, I ended up with 27 orders instead! So, imagine me working like mad to get them all filled.

I was told that I would be crazy to drive out to Edmonton in February since weather is so unpredictable on the prairies. Well, weather did turn out to be on my side...had a wonderful drive out there and back. If it was a week later, I'd be stuck in some god forsaken town in the middle of the flatlands in a snowstorm!

I'm over half way done with my orders at the moment and working hard to fill the rest for the end of this month. Now, this is all happening while I'm trying to get our home ready for sale! Cannot wait till my husband finally lives with us full time again. When I had our son, I don't think I imagined being a single mom during the week. Hard to juggle family, household and business by yourself most of the time. Especially in the winter when there's a couple feet of snow outside to be shovelled and it's NOT on the weekends! That is the one thing I will not miss leaving Winnipeg.

Anyways, am enclosing a couple of pictures of my wholesale set up which is a 5' x 10' booth. It's great doing wholesale show setups, it's about half the time it takes me to set up a retail sales booth which takes upwards to 6 hours. I was pleased with this set up, it was clean and simple. The buyers can see all the items available to them and it was easy to order. I've learned alot throughout the wholesale shows I've done to find what works or not in selling. Display is of the utmost importance and having everything organized in categories is helpful for the buyers also.

The one big perk from this show is one of my favourite galleries that sell my work, Made in Canada in Edmonton are now proud owners of 2 of my teapots (the frog and the 'genie' style one). It's so nice to know they've gone to good homes.

Art is in the genes!

2007-02-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

I have a very talented brother who's an amazing makeup artist/hairdresser and photographer in Victoria, BC. I want to share his site with you all. Our sister's also a colourtech at Toni&Guy in Vancouver. We all blame our father for our creativity (can't be mom, she says she can't draw a stick man to save her life!).

Brand New Teapots!

2007-02-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

While I'm supposed to getting my stuff ready for the wholesale show in Alberta, I decided to make two new teapots! I'm really pleased with the outcome of them. I'll be taking them to show and see if either of them will find a home.

New Pens

2007-01-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Some new pens I made for a client. I'm really enjoying making these collage pens.

It Never Ends!

2007-01-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

I decided to do a wholesale show again after being away for over a year. Last year was a write off when it came to my wholesale business since we were up in the air in regards to my husband's military career. They couldn't give us a definitive answer about moving us or not and that doesn't allow me to plan my schedule. And if any one of you is in the craft world, you'll know that you have to plan over 6 months ahead for some popular shows.

Finally, he's retiring this coming July so I can actually make plans. What a concept! It's nice to have the freedom of knowing....my life's been in the mercy of the military for too many years.

I'm going to be at the By Hand Gift Show in Edmonton from Feb. 18-21st. Check their site for info: www.byhand.ca . It's running in conjunction with the Alberta Gift Show. It's the first time I've done the Alberta show...looking forward to it. It's not a public show, you'll have to have a resale license to attend.

Right now, I'm working like mad to get all my samples and new products ready. I forgot how much work that takes! But I do hope it's well worth it.

Work in Progress

2007-01-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

While searching for inspiration for some new canes, I came across an old chinese pattern book that I hadn't looked at in ages. As I flipped through the pages, I decided to create a teapot featuring some ancient Chinese beauties. I've been wanting to do a series like this for a while so I guess I'm finally ready to start on it.

Right now, I'm working on a teapot in that theme. I've decided to post a few pics as the work progresses. I've got the one side of the teapot covered and starting on the other side. This is just the base of the detailing. After the first baking, I'll still be going back in and carving details and backfilling them. There will be quite a few more steps before I will be able to say this piece is complete.

New Year, New Works!

2007-01-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

So, you figure when the shows have all ended...there may be breathing space...not!

I was invited to contribute to a silent auction at Arty Gras, a gala fundraiser for the Winnipeg Art Gallery. I felt honoured to have been asked as one of the artisans. It signifies that polymer clay is gaining more recognition as a fine art medium, and so it should!

I created a vase inspired by my dragonfly teapot. It's a theme that's dear to my heart. Hope it makes oodles of money for the gallery.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 2007 has rolled around.

It was a hectic but great Christmas season for me. It's also bittersweet since we'll be moving away from Winnipeg this summer. I have many dear friends here that I'll miss but I sure won't miss the weather!

It will be nice for this BC gal to get back to her roots after 16 years on the Prairies. I always believe change is good for the soul.

The Hook Up

2006-10-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm introducing a new product at my Christmas season....purse hangers! They're a cute little hook that you place on top of a table so that you can hang your purse on it.

It was something that I remember my mother having when I was a young child in Hong Kong and it came back to me about a year ago when I got tired of not having a place to put my purse besides on the floor or hanging from the back of the chair. This little accessory was the result of a year's worth of research to find the right supplier of this item.

The one I've acquired holds a minimum 20lbs! I think it should have no problem holding my husband's military packsack! To personalize the pieces as my own, I've made limited edtion patterns for the disc that sits on the table.

Wish me luck on the sale of these items.

Playing Leapfrog!

2006-10-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

I just completed this teapot recently. As usual, nothing's painted on. The complex details are polymer clay canes. This piece also has a mixture of texture sheet mokume gane techniques, carved and inlaid work. It took around six bakings to complete it and wet sanded to a satinlike finish.

More teapots....

2006-09-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of teapots that I created for the Filberg Festival.

It's been awhile, my friends!

2006-09-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad girl....it's been months since I've posted. Since it was the summer, I have an excuse. Was in Victoria, BC for a month and had a blast. It's great to be with my family. Can't wait to move out there next summer.

Danks(my hubby) and I spent the last 6 days up in Comox Valley at the Filberg Festival. Left the little one(Devon) with my parents. It's the longest we've been together alone since the birth of our little rugrat 3 years ago.

The show was amazing! We did very well....the best summer festival I've ever attended. Wall to wall people in a wonderful and relaxed setting. The Filberg Park is beautiful and I can see why this festival has been so popular for the last 20 years. The weather was great this year for the show. Aside from the dust being kicked up from the path, there were no problems what so ever. Though it was a hectic show...it was still quite relaxing Hopefully I'll get in it again next year.

Pens of all types!

2006-05-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a couple of new things on my site.....pens and 'perfume pens'!

I've been doing them for awhile, but some new designs that I'm excited about.

I'm in!

2006-05-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I got into a juried Art Show called the Filberg Arts Festival in Comox Valley in August(4-7th, to be exact).

Was one of those intimidating processes that was hard to start, but not hard to complete. You know....make sure the pictures are good, in the 'how I did it' write up easily understandable...all that good stuff that makes up a good application. So glad it's over!

Now it's onto making stock for the show! For all those westcoasters interested in seeing a very high caliber art show in Canada, try to attend this show...and stop by to visit me! For more information on the festival, click on the link below.

Filberg Festival

Tea and Coffee Time!

2006-04-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

For anyone in Winnipeg or visiting my fair city...you can see my 'Celtic Dreams' and Retro Teapot at Cornelia Bean on 417 Academy Road. Owner Bob Krul has become an enthusiastic collector of my teapots and have shared it with the patrons at his great shop!

Also, if you want some unique teas(the Rooibos Fireside Chat and Mighty Leaf's Tropical Green Tea are two of my favs) or rich coffee(Black Pearl for me!), check out the website.

Cornelia Bean Coffee and Tea Emporium

My 'First'

2006-04-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is the teapot that started it all....

It was about 10 yrs ago and I haven't stopped doing them since. I guess my hometown of Victoria was my inspiration.

Pyramid Set

2006-04-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a set I just did custom for a client. She's waited for over a year for this...hope she approves!

Retro Teapot

2006-04-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

I'm back with some new works...teapots, of course!

These different shapes have been very inspiring...causing me to step outside my comfort a bit.

Here's a fun one that pays homage to 50s era illustrations....just like the 'I Dream of Jeannie' animation ;o)

Celtic Dreams

2006-03-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Here is one of my favourite teapots. It's the one that inspired me to use the shape of the teapot to inspire me to move in a different direction with my work in that line.

Updated Photos of my Jewellery

2006-03-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

These pieces have been tried and true in my line of work since 2000. I just reshot the most recent ones for my catalogue sheets and my future website. If you're interested in any of the catalogue sheets, I can email you copies of them in PDF files.

New Jewellery Lines

2006-03-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of my new lines of jewellery. The first is my 'Funky Mosaic' which is not quite new, but the colours are though. The feathers are newly created and I love the earthy look to them. Mind you, I made them so I'm biased.

Wine, anyone?

2006-03-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

While I'm awaiting my website to be updated(by me!.....don't hold your breath). I'm going to post my work on here instead.

Here are a couple of pics of some wine stoppers that I was inspired to create by a client of mine. These are handsculpted and clay components collaged onto it. Nothing was painted.

New Work Alert!

2006-02-11T22:41:00.000-08:00

Been busy trying to get a teapot done for jurying into a show I want to do this summer. It was an art deco shaped teapot which inspired me to make this 'vignette' styled relief design. Very different than my usualy work, but I'm very happy with the results.

I've joined the Blog World!

2006-01-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

Yes, I jumped in and joined the blog world! I've seen such fascinating stuff and feels this might allow me to update you all with the work I've been doing and what's going on in my life.

So, here's to my first post!

Later!

Wanda's Designs

An Artist's Life is full of Surprises!

New Product...Winestoppers!

Rainbows and Piggy!

Another lamp done!

A New Year, A New Project!

Production.....*sigh*

It's that time of year again?

Sneak Peek on my Work Process...

2010 Teapot...finally!

Coming back to the Blog world!

Ooops!

OMG! Thank you, Mr. Amos!

One World~One Heart Winner Announced!

2009 Products

The Reveal!

My Workshops are starting...

One World~One Heart

Creativity revealed!

New Year Start!

First Victoria Craft Show!

Perfume Project

Happy New Year!

Filberg was Fab! Yet again!

Mini Teapots

Final Prints for sale!

Where has the summer gone??

New Dragonfly Photo

Finally!

Workshop Alert!

Another mention!

National Post Update

Goodbye Newfoundland...I've found out what your beauty is....

Thanks to the National Post!

Catching up II: Devon's Birthday

Catching up: Sojourn Retreat...

A big and LONG project....

Some new pendant ideas

2008 Froggy!

I joined Etsy!

Belated Happy 2008!

New Face Cane!

A Break from Clay...

Christmas Rush is over!

Some new items!

A new promotion for shows!

Don't we look pretty?

VIPCAG-Sojourn Retreat is coming!

New Studio!

Orchids, orchids, everywhere!

Back to the WetCoast!

Alas! New Works!

Life will move on...

Post Show Post....

Art is in the genes!

Brand New Teapots!

New Pens

It Never Ends!

Work in Progress

New Year, New Works!

Happy New Year!

The Hook Up

Playing Leapfrog!

More teapots....

It's been awhile, my friends!

Pens of all types!

I'm in!

Tea and Coffee Time!

My 'First'

Pyramid Set

Retro Teapot

Celtic Dreams

Updated Photos of my Jewellery

New Jewellery Lines

Wine, anyone?

New Work Alert!

I've joined the Blog World!

Production.....sigh