it's been a while. 
indeed it has. 
last i was here the world was in contrived order.
now we are in the nest of chaos. 
i'm getting use to it.
i think.
living in a vortex of pots and pups
looking outside only to see the weather. 
i miss my friends.
i never really saw them much anyway. 
life was too busy. 
now i am busy worrying.
but wait
i have always worried. 
nothing has changed 
​everything has changed.
but that's life.
​we say this isn't what was suppose to happen.
but who are we?
maybe this was the plan?
this ol' planet she knows what she's doing. 
she's been watching
and feeling
and reeling
in all of our mistakes and mistreatments of her. 
pain and suffering is so unfair, we say.
but so is not doing better, i say. 
there is more to this world than just our own.
we want it all to come back.
be the way it once was.
but if I could hold a mirror to the world
you would soon see
that will never be.
accept it and you will be free.
the world is still the same.
the trees.
the sky.
the sun and moon.
the water and the fire. 
the animals that roam. 
it's only us who feel entitled to own it all. 
there will always be illness and disease.
poverty and greed. 
joy and sorrow.
and everything in between.
that doesn't mean we can't wake up with grateful hearts. 
sow seeds.
pick up garbage.
bake a pie.
feed a friend.
feed a stranger.
create art.
read a book.
send a letter.
salvage clothing.
salvage furniture.
when something matters make a ruckus. 
disrupt the world by making mischief.
not by buying fancy cars and big houses.
be modest and be kind. 
we are but strangers on this planet
let's be better guests and clean up our mess. 

THE PAST:
After a very unexpected layoff from my management job in the food and wine industry, I decided to sell extra pots that I had from my part-time market gigs. In the spring of 2014, I threw a chalkboard a-frame sign on my lawn: "shed pottery open." I displayed pots on old crates that I had salvaged from a retired farmer down the road. If the weather called for rain, I covered my wares with a tarp and closed-up shop. If the sun was shining shed was open! I was contacted by local talent, Chef Adam Hynam-Smith, he was writing a cookbook: "Curbside: Modern Street Food From A Vegabond Chef" and wanted handmade wares to plate his recipes. Essentially, that is where it all began for shed. After working with Chef Adam, I went on to collaborate with some of Niagara's top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and chefs. I single handedly made thousands of wares for these different establishments. I worked myself into exhaustion, and made an incredible amount of sacrifices along the way, but that is what you do when your are truly passionate about something, you put your entire heart and soul into it. 

THE PRESENT:
In 2017 I reached a tipping point. As demand for my work increased, it became impossible to juggle both the large restaurant contracts while trying to stock my retail gallery - which had now gained its own busy momentum. Now, I was working harder than before, it wasn't possible or sustainable for one human being. It was taking a toll on my mental and physical well-being. I couldn't make everyone happy. Despite my best efforts, "lack of product" was a term I heard far too often in 2017. Most importantly, I was losing my own happiness and passion toward my craft. Finding myself at a crossroads in my business and in my life, I needed to make a decision. Do I quit? Or, do I find a partner?

The path to find a solution was the more obvious choice. I'm not a quitter and this was my dream, I couldn't give up so easily. I had to find someone who was hard-working, passionate, creative, dedicated and capable. Choosing someone to share my very personal, very intimate studio space had to be a careful decision. There was really only one viable solution, it was time to bring my husband Ryan on board. He has always played a strong supporting role in my life and in my business, and he is a creative soul with a lot of value to add to this unique lifestyle and business. 

In July, Ryan quit his corporate management job to work with me full-time as my apprentice. There is so much to teach him and so much for us both still to learn, but it's a beautiful life, because we are now in this together. 2018 is going to be a whole new year and direction at shed. We no longer take on new restaurant contracts, we only continue on a much smaller scale with our existing local relationships. We have passed on all shows to produce solely for our retail gallery. We have exciting plans for a new firing method in the spring (hint below). shed is still so young and so much continues to change and evolve with each passing day. We are humbled and grateful to have tremendous support from our community and beyond, allowing us to stride forward with our brick-and-mortar dream.

Our promise to you as husband and wife potters is, to always work hard, and to put our full heart and soul into everything we create. Thank you for following along in our journey, we can't wait to see what the future brings! ​

Lori and I share a common ground.  We were both involved in the food and wine industry prior to starting our businesses.  I spent my hospitality career in the front of the house (as a server/manager) and Lori spent her time in both the front and the back of the house (she wore many hats, as you will soon read in the interview below).

Our pasts still play a role in our present.  I spent over a decade in the food and wine industry. During that time I gained a true appreciation for how and why a Chef plates his/her food, and that appreciation has translated into the work I make today.  I consider how my tableware will be used in the hands of the person holding it, and how the chef (professional, or non) will use my work as a canvas for their presentation. 

That is why Lori and I always say Provisions and shed are "the perfect marriage." Lori has created a business and product that represents all that she has pursued in her past life. Provisions is what Niagara is all about it.  It's about local ingredients. It's about creating an experience with the food and wine on your table.  It's about appreciating the finer things in life.  

If you haven't had an opportunity to try any of the many delicious Provisions products: jellies, fruit pastes, pickles, and shortbreads (sweet & savoury), this coming weekend is your chance! Provisions is guaranteed to enhance your holiday entertaining needs.  Come speak with Lori and her team to get suggestions on pairings, and excellent stocking stuffer ideas. 

Here's a quick interview I had with Lori:

Visit Provisions website to see a full product listing ☟

Small batch.  What does it mean? It means that you are buying from a person and not a manufacturer.  It means you are buying quality over quantity. Small batch means heart and soul.  

shed is small batch ceramic production.  Each ware is made by hand. Each pot is wheel-thrown, or hand-built, hand-decorated, and hand-glazed.  We put all our love into creating wares for you to enjoy, there is no way to rush the process or to make more than we already do! That's the beauty of small batch, each piece is a treasure and not always easy to obtain.

Someone who understands the hard-work, the thoughtfulness, the consideration, and love that goes into creating a small batch product, is my dearest friend, Jolene.  Jolene Antle, is the Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and the creator behind Garden City Essentials Small Batch Skincare.  

I first met Jolene a few years back at the HandMade Market.  I became immediately smitten with Jolene and her product.  Jolene has created each of her products with great intention; carefully selecting enriching natural ingredients, with holistic qualities to produce the finest skincare products in Niagara.

I recently interviewed Jolene with a few important questions that I thought visitors of the Open House might like to know.  Here is what she had to say:

The GCE  Boutique is located at 35 James St. | Downtown St. Catharines
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Introducing the lovely Sarah Reimer. She has travelled and worked all over this beautiful planet.  During her travels she has carried her most important tool, her camera; capturing moments and breathtaking landscapes from all of her adventures.

In our modern day digital world it is so refreshing to hold and admire a photograph in person. Sarah has very brilliantly turned her photography into functional art and prints.  She makes, books, cards, coasters, ornaments, and new to Sarah's collection -- image transfers on reclaimed wood.  Sarah puts a great deal of thought and detail into each piece of work she creates, from considering the materials used and how they effect our planet, to the handwritten inserts telling you about the photograph she has selected for each piece.

I really enjoyed reading Sarah's thoughtful answers to the 'Maker Interview'. I learned a great deal about what inspires her, and I have a deeper understanding of the story she is telling through her work.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Sarah as much as I did, and please come visit her and the other artist/makers on Dec 2 & 3, at the 2nd Annual shed & Friends Christmas Open House. 

If you have ever visited shed, it's very likely you were greeted at the door by our two galoots, or maybe you've met our hens and cat.  The shed homestead is a bit of a crazy farm at times.  We love our animals deeply and live and travel with them as our pack.

In 2015, we adopted Chance the 9-year-old fawn coloured shar pei/mastiff, who is full of wrinkles and love.  Ryan and I refer to Chance as an "enlightened being".  He is wise and intelligent, and he quickly became the center of our universe.
​  
After living and loving life with Chance, we decided to adopt a second dog, and through a few twists of fate, we found Julius about a year later.  Julius is our grey galoot. Full of pep and vinegar. And we refer to him as our "biggest weirdo". He is a 10-year-old pup - somebody forgot to tell Julius he's a senior.  He makes us laugh constantly, and although our initial transition with him was a little rough, we are now utterly smitten by him.  Chance and Julius are a very bonded pair, and our lives with them are enriched.
 
I can't forget to mention our 4 hens; Henny, Fennel, Captain and Adelaide. Our 2 roos; Henry and Pyjamas. Last, but definitely not least, the most handsome tuxedo cat, Townes (full name: Townes Van Zandt). 
​
I could write daily about the adventures and personalities of our animals, but that's not what this blog is about.  Today I am introducing you to two women who share the same unconditional love for their pets, and because of their love for animals they began a business.  A business called Luck & Mutts Dog Bandanas.

​The day they started this business was the day I found my new addiction, and our animals love it! 

Shanna Lee Schultz is the artist behind Little Wolf & Autumn, and I am certain that I am her biggest fan!  If you have ever stopped into shed you will see that I carry a wide range of Shanna's work.  She is a multi-talented artist who paints, knits, sews, she even sings!  Shanna paints the most enchanting cards for all seasons and occasions.  Her newest Christmas themed cards are my favourite, so far. They will debuting at the shed and Friends Christmas Open House. She will also be bringing her rope products, which include: placemats, ornaments, coasters, bowls, baskets, bags, and more.  She will also showcase her knitwear; hats, for adults and children; chunky christmas stockings, and mittens.  I can't forget to mention her beautifully sewn linen and cotton napkins that pair so wonderfully with shed's Farmhouse dinnerware. 
Shanna is a returning artist to the 2nd Annual Open House and a feature artist at shed year round, you can read more about her in last year's blog.  I interviewed her this year, this is what she had to say:

Tell us about your business Little Wolf & Autumn...what do you make?
I started painting watercolours last summer, and as fall approached, I began knitting and opened up Little Wolf & Autumn. Now, a year later, I create knitwear, rope décor, and watercolour paintings. 

What is the meaning behind your businessʼ name?
Little Wolf & Autumn is named after my two children.  Both of my children's names are inspired by nature.  My daughter, Gwendolynn, her middle name is Autumn.  My son's name, Faelan, its orgin is gaelic and means "little wolf".  I'm lucky to be able to stay home with them and also create so, I wanted to incorporate them somehow into my business name.

I know that among your many talents you are also a mom. How do you find the time to raise two young children and create your art?
Raising children is hard. I am continuously learning all about the art of raising children. I only have so many hours a day I can work, and nothing really goes as planned when you have kids.  I take advantage of long nap times (when they happen), quiet play time, and not so quiet play time. My husband, a furniture maker, also works at home out in his workshop so, he is able to help out a lot with the kids, which is amazing!  I usually don't accomplish everything I have planned in a day!

You live on a hobby farm. How many animals do you have and what are their 
names?
Yes! We live on a 10 acre hobby farm and currently have 13 animals. There's Meera the indoor cat, Ari our komondor gaurdian dog, Piggly the pig, 4 bucks named Oscar, Otis, Loki, and Gorgeous George, 1 Ram named Rammy, 3 female goats called Plancee, Luna, and Pandora, and 2 sheep named Gaia and Little Lamby.

When I first met you, you were in a band. Tell us about that. Do you miss it?
I went to college for Music-Theatre Performance and after graduating, my three friends and I, started a three part harmony group. Our group was based on the Andrews Sisters music and music from the 30s and 40s, and we called ourselves The Scat'r Bugs.  I miss it so much! I yearn to be up on a stage performing again. But, we all live a distance away from one another, and once I became a mama, traveling was too difficult. One day, I will be back up on that stage again!

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The freedom. I love that I have the freedom to create whatever I want in any form I want.  I love everything about being an artist. I have such an urge to create art and it is so fulfilling. 

Is there something you havenʼt pursued, that you have wanted to pursue in life, or in art?
One of my biggest problems I have, is that I want to try everything! I get rather unfocused at times. But, one of my dreams, that I have yet to muster up the courage to pursue, is to write and illustrate a children's story. In fact, I want to write a children's storybook called, "Little Wolf & Autumn" about the adventures of my children.  One day I will sit down and do it.  Maybe I will make that one of my goals for the new year!

Do you have a piece of work that you are bringing to the shed & Friends Open House that you secretly hope does not sell? If so, why?
I'm planning on bringing my newest original Christmas watercolours to the show.  I haven't been able to list them on Etsy yet... I'm quite attached to them for some reason.  I think because they are so magical and I feel connected to them. But, I love the idea of them bringing a little magic into somebody's home!

Can people order from you in advance and pick up at the shed Open House?
Absolutely! { You can e-mail Shanna for more details: shannaleeshultz@gmail.com }

Any final thoughts youʼd like to add to the people who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Open House?
I'm so happy to be a part of Shed & Friends! This is a wonderful opportunity for me to meet people in person! I don't have my own shop where I can get to know my customers (which is another dream for my husband and I). I often sell things on Etsy, where I don't even get chat with the customers online.  I am so excited to meet everyone in person, in this magical small shop setting!

To follow Shanna's shed & Friends Christmas Open House preparation, connect 

Heather Kent is the Niagara farmer-florist behind Feeder Flower Farm.  I met Heather earlier this year when she popped into shed with a friend after she had been out to visit her horse.  We connected immediately; in a former life I spent my days living at a barn riding horses, they were some of the best days of my life.

I believe there is an immediate kinship amongst horse lovers, so I knew after meeting Heather that day, that her and I were only going to become better friends as time goes on.

When I invited Heather to join the rest of us at the Open House and to help decorate the shed space for Christmas, I was over the moon when she said, "yes!" Her flowers are some of the brightest and biggest I have ever seen! They are wild and beautiful, much like Heather herself.  

I interviewed Heather, and was brought to tears by her story. You will need a quiet place to read this interview.  

Thank you Heather for joining us; for being vulnerable, courageous, and a true inspiration. I am so glad to know you.  

When and why did you start your business? 
I have followed my Mom around in the garden since I could walk - she always inspired me to “do what I love”. In 2015 I was diagnosed with a gene mutation called CDH1, which determined that I had a very high chance of getting a rare form of stomach cancer that is very hard to catch in pre-screening. I could do nothing, take the risk & hope I didn’t get it, or totally remove my stomach, and with that, removing all chances of getting the cancer. So, in May of 2016 I underwent a total gastrectomy - removing my entire stomach - this seems crazy, but believe it or not this is what the doctors recommended. It turns out I had stage 1 stomach cancer that was NOT caught on any of my many pre-screens. The surgery saved my life. Going through such a hard recovery really reminded me to take my moms advice and, “do what I love.” After I recovered, I quit doing graphic design work and started planting as much as I could, I joined the Port Colborne Farmers Market, and started a “Build Your Own Bouquet” stand - which was a hit! Unfortunately, I lost my mom to gastric cancer last year, but I look forward to making her proud by working hard and taking full advantage of the gift of life that I have been given, and the great advice that she has given me.

What do you grow? 
We grow a very large variety of things...peonies, tulips, iris, sweet peas, snapdragons, bachelor button, calendula, daffodils, lilacs, gooseneck loosestrife, hostas, sunflowers, lilies, zinnia, dahlia, ammi, celosia, amaranthus, lisianthus, daisies, cosmos, scabiosa, sedum, curly willow, fantail willow, hydrangea, strawflower, dogwood, miscanthus grass, millet, broomcorn, kale, aster, pussy willow, a variety of evergreens, ilex berries. We also have a wide variety of greenery and foliage (blackberry, ferns etc.) ...and whatever other seeds I end up throwing in!

Are all of your flowers & plants homegrown? How big is your farm? 
Mostly everything is homegrown. If someone specifically wants something that I do not grow, I do my best to locally source it with another sustainable grower. We have a 15 acre farm, but we only grow flowers on about 5 acres. We succession plant and crop rotate, so our bed are always filled with different annual crops, as the seasons change. Perennial plants (peonies, iris, etc.) stay in their homes all year. 

What challenges do you face as a flower farmer? 
Most of the challenges that I face as a flower farmer are physical ones. I have to eat very often and if I forget to eat (happens alllll the time since I no longer have a hunger sensation). I get really tired, and I am not able to work as hard as my mind wants me to. Thankfully, I have my husband by my side throwing snacks in my mouth, reminding me to take it easy, and to not work like a horse when I am not feeling great. 

How do you see yourself fitting into the agricultural community of Niagara?
​We are really striving to support as many other local Niagara farmers as possible. We are part of the Port Colborne farmers market currently and are hoping to be part of more next year. Promoting permaculture and sustainable farming by being part of markets is really important to us!

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
I enjoy everything about being a farmer-florist!! Most of all I enjoy getting my hands dirty everyday, and the feeling of growing something amazingly beautiful from a tiny little seed, bulb, tuber cutting, or corn!

How do you plan to grow (very punny, I know!) your business?
I have applied for a scholarship program from Floret Flowers and will be taking their online courses to further my skills in farming and floristry in 2018, wish me luck! We will be joining more markets, and our farm-stand in Wainfleet will be opening - its all very exciting!

Do you host workshops? How can people find out about upcoming events?
I do host workshops - upcoming ones are all in the Niagara Region and will be announced on Facebook and Instagram - you can contact me through either, or call me to sign up.
​{Contact information listed at the end of this interview.}

Can people pre-order wreaths, or other Christmas arrangements from you and pick-up at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House? If yes, how should they contact you?
I will not have pre orders before the shed open house, but I will be taking orders for wreaths and garland and will be able to deliver within the Niagara region the following week. I will also have pre-made wreaths and door swag to shop the day of! 

Any final words for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House?
I am so excited to see you all at the 2nd shed Christmas open house! We are going to have a blast! Thank you so much for supporting local small business. ♡

Thank you for taking the time to read the first artist interview for the 2nd Annual shed and Friends Christmas Open House. 

We would love to hear your thoughts.  Please comment below or share on Facebook with your friends and family.  

Let the OPEN HOUSE countdown begin!! 31 days to go!

We are excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual shed & Friends Christmas Open House. Last year was a delightful success, and we want to do it all over again this year! Please follow along over the next couple of weeks; I will be introducing each artist as we lead up to the event.  

EVENT DETAILS:

shed is a small batch, home-based, pottery production gallery located on the Niagara Wine Route.  Our space is small and charming.  We will be opening up the main floor of our home to host this event. Last year we had several hundred people come through our doors, and we anticipate an even greater response this year! Which never gets old, by the way. I am utterly amazed that we have such a wonderful community of people making a conscious effort to support small business and handmade! Thank you!

With our space limitations we will make the best effort to create flow to the shopping experience, it may be tight at times but we hope you see that as part of the excitement and charm of our humble event.

Parking is limited and there isn't much we can do to offer more.  Please use any available space in our driveway. Parking is available on 8th Street (north-side of our property), and on Pelham Rd (south-side of our property).  We will let you know if any other options become available. Please watch for 'no parking' signs. By-law officers will ticket your car! *shed is not responsible for any tickets incurred.*

Admission is FREE!
Cash & Credit only.
We apologize in advance, but there will be NO public washrooms!

What is on your Christmas list this holiday season?  Perhaps a new sweater? Could it be a new mug from your favourite local potter (wink, wink).  Are you planning a tropical getaway to escape the harsh Canadian winter?  Possibly, you are just looking forward to all the delicious home cooked meals and goodies that you will be indulging in when visiting friends and family over the holidays.  Whatever is on your Christmas list this year I am sure you deserve it! And, I hope ALL your wishes come true!!
 
But let us step outside of our own worlds for a minute and consider the heartbreaking reality for many people in our community this time of year.  What does a Christmas wish list  look like for others? For many people in our community their list reflects a desperate need for basic necessities: food, warm clothes, a place to sleep; help paying rent and bills; someone to drive them to and from doctors appointments; diapers for newborns and formula to feed their growing infants.  This list goes on and sometimes it is even hard to imagine, especially when we are coming from a place where we have all that we need, and we can make lists based on our wants and desires. 

Let's make a difference this holiday season!  Let's give to our community and help a person or family in need!  Any gesture will go a long way and will be appreciated more than we know.  So, when you visit shed this November & December bring your canned goods, gently used clothing, food and toys for children, and cash donations.  Anything that you think could help, will help!  I thank-you, Community Care thanks-you, and most importantly the people receiving your donations THANK-YOU!! 

Wishing everyone an abundance of joy, good health and happiness this holiday season!