Making Watercolour Tags for My Journal

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been gently soaking in the universe of Willa Wanders, aka Wendy Solganik, who makes fabric and paper journals that feel ever so tactile and delicious. https://www.instagram.com/p/CHxiKIznZXl/ Inspired by Wendy's journal class, I wanted to make little fabric tags to include at the back of the journal. For fun, …

Christmas 2020 Ceramics Sale

Ello my lovelies! Here are some of my favourite ceramic creations currently available. Each one is handmade from glazed stoneware, and fired twice (or thrice for the jewellery pieces!) You can drop me an email at alongthelanes@gmail.com or via Facebook / Instagram DM if you have any questions or would like to reserve a piece …

The Summer “To Enjoy” Bucket List

As we enter month 5 of life in a Covid world, I suspect I'm not the only one who feels a bit aimless and frazzled by the stress of it all. To help me feel more settled and in control of my life, I've decided to make a "To Enjoy" bucket list. I mentioned the …

Mask Making in the Time of Covid-19

Yes, I'm publishing a post about masks, as has ever sewing enthusiast in the past month. Why? Here's why... Over the past few weeks, I went through the internal debate of whether to make fabric masks, who to make them for, and how to communicate the importance of good handling if one chooses to wear …

Scrubs Drawstring Bag for the NHS: A Simple Tutorial

This is a simple sewing pattern for a large drawstring bag. This was created to suit the needs of the Scrub Hub project, which aims to provide NHS front line workers with scrubs at a time of need. The bags are approximately 20" x 25" finished size and have a drawstring channel at the top. …

Wrapped with Love: Making Your Christmas Gifting More Eco-Friendly

Did you know that most wrapping paper we use at Christmas is non-recyclable? Until a few years ago, I have to admit that I didn't. Shiny, laminated paper, foiled or glitter-coated paper and textured wrapping paper can't be recycled. In fact, most paper and tissue paper is of such poor fibre quality, it can't be …

Keeping a Kiln Log: What’s Its Purpose? (With Free Kiln Log Template)

I'm very much a digital person; I organise personal notes online, keep my calendar digitally, and barely remembered how to hold a pencil until I started drawing more regularly a couple of years ago. However, I love having a printed kiln log. It's a very satisfying moment; I switch the kiln on, hear the first few clicks of the relays and grab my little black binder. In it, I jot down the details of the firing that's beginning. There are many reasons to keep a kiln log. I thought I'd share the reasons why I love my kiln log, and include a printable PDF to help you keep your own logs.

Shipping Ceramics: The Earth-Friendly Packaging Dilemma

There's no getting around it; Shipping ceramics around the world is a tricky affair. Every precious pottery piece needs to be snuggled safely in packaging that can handle the rough and tumble of the postal system. But I want to be planet-friendly, so what do I do? This dilemma has been on my mind ever …

Fancy seeing you here!

Well, gosh, you're a little early, my lovely! *brushes clay-covered hands down her apron* It's wonderful of you to visit, please don't mind the mess! There'll be much more to look at soon. In the meantime, please do come say hi on Instagram where I'm @thatcanadiangirl. I'll be sharing my latest ceramic makes (and breaks), …

A Wobbly Start

A handful of joyfully-made wibbly wobbly pinch pots mark the beginning of the journey.