January 26, 2009 by Peggy.

There is a lot of confusion about crystalline glazed pots and their functionality. These dramatic and beautiful glazes are largely used on decorative pieces such as vases, where the interiors are glazed with a standard clear liner glaze. Never one to follow convention, I enjoy combining different coloured crystalline glazes on plates and bowls.  Since the glazes run together within these containers during the firing, I often get pooling in the bottoms.  Pooling occurs as a result of the glaze running, and the thick layer of glaze often crazes during the cooling process.  I think the fascinating images and pictures that I achieve are worth the risk.  Some people really like the crazing; others consider it a flaw. From my point of view, they are unavoidable and so I have learned to accept them. As for functionality, crazes may absorb oils from salad dressings. The worst problem with this is that the beauty of the glaze might be compromised over time.

Therefore, I advise people to use their crystalline platters and bowls as serving dishes only. Foods such as fruit, cheese and crackers and other non-oily items are perfectly safe. You can serve foods with oils or sauces in them, as long as they are not left in the vessel long enough to absorb these substances.  I do not recommend cooking in a crystalline bowl or storing food on them. Enjoy your beautiful crystalline glazed pottery as a serving piece, then remove the food soon after your meal is over.  There is no food safety issue at play here.  It is simply a matter of perserving the beauty of your piece for years to come.

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January 5, 2009 by Peggy.

Well, it has been quite a winter for us Vancouver Islanders.  Today we shovelled yet again after another heavy snowfall last night.  Brad could be seen wading through the snow after dark  with a long stick to tap the snow off of Peggy’s prized Japanese Maple!

The good news for you is that no one has been able to come out and take advantage of our December sale - so we are extending it for the month of January.  You see, we are itching to make new work, and need to make room for it.  So, digital art is at an absolute giveaway price and pottery is still 25-50% off.  This is your absolute last chance to take advantage of this sale.  We are now re-open for normal business - Tuesdays - Sundays 11am - 6pm.  Ring and knock when you arrive, as we will be busy little bees in the studio!

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December 29, 2008 by Peggy.

In the December 23rd edition of The Ladysmith Chronicle, I debuted my monthly column, called “Creative Parenting”.  Using a question and answer format, my goal is to help parents learn how to deal with difficult teenage issues.  Readers are encouraged to send me their questions and I will rack my brains for the answers and best strategies to build a healthy relationship between parents and teens.  If you have a question you would like addressed, email me at peggy@grigor.org using the subject line:  Questions for Chronicle.  Your question may be printed, although I do not reveal any personal information. 

The first column addressed two questions.  The first was “What do you do when you know that something suspicious is going on, but you can’t prove it?”  The second was “What do you do when your teen talks back to you and is belligerent in front of your friends?”  For the answers to these and other quieries, look for my column, featured under “Creative Parenting” in the Chronicle, on the third Tuesday of each month.  For further information about my counseling services, be sure to check out my web site:  www.peggygrigor.com.

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December 29, 2008 by Peggy.

On December 15th, my dear friend and writing colleague, Joyce Barnes, passed away quietly in her sleep.  She had been fighting brain cancer for 18 months.  Remarkably, after removal of a sizable tumor early in the summer of 2007, Joyce managed to fulfill the wish list she made when diagnosed.  She accompanied the family on a cruise to Austrailia last January, she attended the International Midwifery conference in Glasgow last May and leading up to that, she completed and published her book “The Green Lady: Memoirs of a Glasgow Midwife”.  Brad and I were proud and priveleged to contribute to the book’s birth through editing, layout and book design as well as facilitating the publication and printing process.  Happily, most of the original 1000 books have sold and a second printing is being considered.

Joyce, whose pen name was Helena Joyce, never lost her quick wit and humour.  She was taken quickly and painlessly while her two daughters, Morag, from Austrailia and Sheila, from Wales, accompanied Rick at the Palliative Care Unit.  I spent some time with her just six days prior and we discussed other projects she would like to have published.  Brad and I hope to help that dream come true someday.   In our hearts, this dear and lovable lady lives on through her many stories and characters, including ‘Smithy, the Transfer Beach Ghost’, ‘The Adventures of Molly and Donegal’ and ‘Angus McDuff’.  I love you, Joyce.

Peggy

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November 26, 2008 by Peggy.

Just wanted to share some of the wild and crazy things we do to challenge ourselves.  I participated in the 2008 Nanowrimo Contest - that is - National Novel Writing Month Contest.  The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November.  This is the 10th year this contest has run and the first that I have participated in.  Despite travel plans and Christmas art show committments, I got talked into (I mean, encouraged to) joining.  Today, FIVE WHOLE DAYS EARLY, I completed the challenge.  My prize, an 8-1/2 X 11 certificate naming me as a winner as well as the privilege of using the attached sticker forever more on my website.  The novel, currently titled “Within You and Without You”, (yes, a tribute to George Harrison) is not complete yet, but I get the prize for meeting the word count.  My next challenge is to finish the story, which I plan to do before the contest deadline on November 30th.  Wish me luck!

Peggy

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November 26, 2008 by Peggy.

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery is holding a one day art show featuring the work of thirteen local artisans on Saturday, November 29, 2008.  Peggy will be there with pottery and her new book.  Please plan to come by to start your Christmas Shopping.  The Gallery is located at 610 Oyster Bay Drive in Ladysmith (that’s the road that leads to Transfer Beach) and the show is open from 10 am til 4pm.  Hope to see you there!

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November 23, 2008 by Peggy.

This season we are hosting our first annual year end sale.  In order to make room for fresh art in the new year, we are offering our regular customers an opportunity to come by and find great deals on existing work.  Everything in the studio will be reduced by 20-50% for this weekend only.  

To help take the chill off, we will be offering holiday refreshments, so come by, say hello and find some treasures for those on your Christmas shopping list.

Time and Location:   Friday Dec 12 - Sunday Dec 14 10 am-6pm at Turning Point Arts Studio 10849 Olsen Road, Saltair.

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