Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tea, Tea, Tea - Craft Cafe Does a Second Round of Tea Blending


 Vanilla Chai, Goji Berry Green, Peppermint Licorice, Blueberry Bang Rooibos, Red Espresso Rooibos, Cougar Tea (a custom Banff blend that pays homage to the animal, or maybe...), Sadie's Chamomint, Jasmin Dragon Tears, Jasmin Matcha, Izu Gyokuro Matcha, a beautiful new locally made mug, an awesome sleek tea cup from Japan... I had been saving up for this latest Craft Cafe and my family is now completely set for winter. Sheena & I once again partnered with Susanne & Siona from the Banff Tea Company, to bring our participants an evening of tea blending. The Banff Tea Company is locally owned, carries over 180 teas, and they always give 25% of their profits to charity!



Even though the weather outside was frightful, it was warm at Wild Flour Bakery, our usual home for Craft Cafe. We were booked to the maximum, only lost a couple to the nasty roads, and my cousin, Maxine, from Ottawa, was even able to join in during her visit. Our evening began with some tea education and tasting. From there, we walked over to the Tea Co, where everyone was able to blend their own flavour of tea to take home. Before leaving we were able to shop for ourselves and for holiday gifts thanks to Susanne offering 25% off anything in the store. I went a little overboard, but I LOVE tea. I recently traded, without even trying, my one large cup of dark roast swiss water decaf with brown sugar, for a morning cup of chai or an earl grey blend. I was like a kid in a candy store...



Thank you to the Banff Tea Co and to everyone who came out to blend tea, especially those who had to drive from afar. The winning tea blends of the night, worth mentioning for the titles alone, were Mint Country and Iron Maiden Tea. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement for the next Craft Cafe.



Do you have a favourite kind of tea? I would love to know what it is. Please leave a comment...




Monday, December 12, 2011

CAAG Small Gems Show - December 2011 - New Encaustic Collages


Pretty Bird
Encaustic Collage
12x12"
$175

I have work in three group exhibitions this holiday season; at Cube Gallery in Ottawa, at The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, and at the Canmore Artist and Artisan Guild (CAAG) Gallery in Canmore. Running until December 27th, 2011, the CAAG Small Gems show has a wide variety of photography, collage, paintings, pottery, and mixed media pieces. It is at the CAAG Gallery, 950 8th Avenue, in Canmore, the same building as the Canmore Public Library. I have 6 pieces in the show...


 Back When Life Was Simple
Encaustic Collage
9x12"
$175


Spread Your Wings (Fly)
Encaustic Collage
9x12"
 $175


Play
Encaustic Collage
9x12"
$175

He Love Me (He Loves Me Not)
Encaustic Collage
12x12"
$150


Rolling Stone
Encaustic Collage
9x12"
$175

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Canmore Artist and Artisans Guild Mini Art Sale


 If you are in the Bow Valley this weekend, come and see me in Canmore. I will be part of the Canmore Artist and Artisans Guild Mini Art Sale. It is at the CAAG Gallery, 950 8th Avenue, in Canmore, the same building as the Canmore Public Library. The show is on Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday December 4th. I will have a selection of my visual art, bird nest pendants, spoon assemblages, and feather earrings for sale. I hope to see you!