New Website, New Blog, New Studio!

New website! www.LisaElbertsen.com

New Blog! www.sunnydazedesign.blogspot.com

New Studio! - classes, art sales, pottery, crochet, jewelry, DIY sprout kits! See my new website and blog for details!

Where Have I Been!

I haven't posted in over 6 months!!!! My business has really taken off and has kept me very busy. Unfortunately it is not pottery or crochet related.

Good news as Sunny Daze Design will soon have a NEW heated studio which will allow me to create all year round as the garage is just too cold and damp during the winter. It also means that I will have a proper space to offer pottery classes (mostly hand-building and some wheel work) as well as crochet classes and regular Stitch 'n Bitch get togethers!

The studio will be complete in the fall of 2010 which will mean that classes and Stitch 'n Bitch meetings will start in October!

For more information please visit our new website at www.LisaElbertsen.com

See you soon!

Silk Purse Gallery Show ~ Dec 4 - 20, 2009

Visit the Silk Purse Galley at 1570 Argle Ave in West Vancouver, Dec 4 - 20, 2009 for the Visuals Art Group "Seeing Red" show. Gallery is open 12pm - 5pm except Mondays. My red pitcher and two matching tumblers are on sale at the show. Hope to see you there.

~ Foyer Gallery Show Oct 6 - Nov 1, 2009 ~

Some photos from the Squamish Library Foyer Gallery - "Fall Harvest" show featuring functional pottery and crochet design. Come out and see my show from October 6, 2009 - November 1, 2009.

Foyer Gallery Show Oct 6 - Nov 1, 2009

Click on to the image above to view larger

Come see my functional pottery and crochet designs at
the Foyer Gallery in the Squamish Library
in the 3 cases (walls will be photography by Susan Carmody)
from October 6 - November 1, 200

Gallery Hours:
Mondays 12pm - 8pm
Tuesdays 12pm - 8pm
Wednesdays 12pm - 8pm
Thursdays 12pm - 8pm
Fridays 10am - 4pm
Saturdays 10am - 4pm
Sundays 10am - 4pm

Newspaper Article - Foyer Gallery Art Show

Click on to the image for a larger view.

Happy Fall!

4 more weeks away from my Fall Harvest Show at the Library Foyer Gallery. I am busy crocheting and running the kiln!

Sushi Plates, Butter Dishes and Handbuilding

You may have noticed I haven't been using my wheel at all in all of my latest creations. There are many reasons for that. I didn't use my wheel for almost 8 months and I feel like I lost all of my throwing skills. I know I will get them back if I spend lots of time without huge gaps in between re-learning the wheel. Practice is definitely something I need. Time is something I do not have a lot of these days.

There are other reasons also. I absolutely love hand-building. I feel way more in control of what I have planned for each piece. I also find it easier to duplicate something I like because I create templates in which I can use again. Another factor is I work full-time and have other hobbies and responsibilities so I do not have the time I would like to spend in the studio. Hand-building allows me to complete one entire pieces at a time instead of coming back to something 1 - 2 days later to trim and add handles. I never know when I am going to get the time to finish my work so I take each opportunity I have to complete my piece(s) at once while I can. I also like how individual and unique my hand-built work is. A bowl on the wheel isn't any more special than any old wheel-thrown bowl unless you do something unique with the finishing or glazes. I can accomplish that with hand-building. It is all personal preference. I will never be at the level or stage to mass produce my work although I have no desire to do that. I enjoy everything I make or I just won't make it. Each piece I make is planned out and executed until I have exactly what I want or it doesn't even make it to the kiln. Simple. Made with love.

Hmmmm, yummy shino red glaze

I love this new red glaze. Definitely a keeper!

Remember you can click on any photo for a larger view.

Crochet Food

Latest Items - New Glazes

Sunflower Bag

This Sunflower Bag will be on display and for sale at my "Fall Harvest" solo show at the Squamish Public Library Foyer Gallery from October 6 - November 2, 2009.

Photos for Sale

Click here to view more photos available for purchase in any size either on high quality photo paper, stretched canvas or plaque mounted, please email me for more info on pricing and shipping.

Pottery, Crochet and also Photography!

I haven't had a chance to update in awhile. Damn work getting in the way of my creativity! I am starting to prepare for my "Fall Harvest" solo show in October (hence the crocheted Sunflowers).

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I've decided that I am adding photography to the mix! What the hell I live in such a beautiful place it is almost impossible NOT to take good photos. I hope to take some photography courses in the near future as I am a total amateur.

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I am super excited about the two day pottery course by Vincent Massey course this weekend through the Whistler Pottery Club which I am now a member. Vincent Massey is a pottery god! For more info visit his website to see both his pottery and his wife's super cool bull kelp baskets.

Published Patterns!!

To purchase this pattern and others, please go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5081673

Friends of the Foyer Art Gallery Gala

Click on the poster above for larger image.

The 2009 Gallery Artist Fundraiser Exhibition show dates April 7 - May 4: Artists are donating original work that represents their style in the value of $100+. Last year gallery artists were extremely generous, donating works in the value of $100 - $500. The 2009 Gala is on May 4, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, at the gallery, where artists and sponsors can meet at this terrific evening of nibblies, drinks & live music! New this year, there will be an art auction as well as the sponsors draw for art.

Sponsors will pay $50 to become a "Foyer Gallery Friend" and draw for the original art by Gallery Artists -- most have shown/will be showing at the gallery in 2009. Last year's event was a huge successful! We are hoping this year's event will be even more fun.

Please stop by the library gallery between April 7 - May 4 and join me at the Gala on May 4th! Hope to see you there!

Beginner Crochet Classes - Squamish, BC

Crochet as well as many other yarn crafts is becoming more and more popular. It is a craft that you can do literally anywhere and doesn't cost a lot or require lots of tools to get started. Just a couple of crochet hooks and some yarn.

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I am offering beginner crochet classes for $15/hour for one person or $10/hour per person for 2 or more people. Yarn and hooks are $12 or you can provide your own (we can determine before-hand what you will need).

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At of each class you will be given written instruction to take with you to continue to practice your skills as well as a different projects to work on based on your growing skills.

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Feel free to book one class at a time as your skills develop.

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For more information, please contact me at sunnydazedesign@gmail.com

Friends of the Foyer Art Gallery

The Foyer Gallery
􀁉 Foyer Gallery Friends 􀁋

Sponsorship
THE FOYER GALLERY is a contemporary space dedicated
to exhibiting excellent artwork in all media by talented artists
in the Sea to Sky corridor and beyond.
Your sponsorship goes to continuing the operations,
maintenance and promotions of the Foyer Gallery
a non-profit space.

In return for your sponsorship of just $50,
you will also receive:
• A tax receipt for the value of the sponsorship,
• Recognition of your sponsorship in the Gallery,
• Advance notice of upcoming Gallery shows and artist
statements,
• An invitation to the annual Foyer Gallery Soiree for
Gallery Artists and sponsors (in the Foyer Gallery
Monday May 4, 2009 7:00-8:30pm),
• A guaranteed draw for an original artwork by an Artist
of the gallery - many pieces valued at $100 or more!
• The opportunity to participate in an exciting art auction,
• And a chance to win a door-prize.

The Foyer Gallery thanks you for your sponsorship!
Please send this form and your $50.00 payment to:
The Squamish Public Library,
”Foyer Gallery Friends” Sponsorship,
PO Box 1039, 37907 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC V8B 0A7
or drop off at the Library front desk.

Sponsor’s Name:………………………………………..………………......…..
Address:………………………………………………………………............…...
………………………………………………………………........................……….
Tel:…………………………….……………………………………………..............
Email:………………..………………………….…………..........……….………...
Make tax receipt out to……………………………....………………………..
Cash or cheque?……………………………………….........……………………
Questions? Contact the Curator:
Toby Jaxon 604-898-1895 tobyjaxon@shaw.ca
􀁊 􀁋

You have a 95% chance of going home with a piece of artwork valued at $100 or more. Not bad for a $50 sponsorship! A couple of the items you could win are in the photo's above. Hope to see you there!

For more information on the Foyer Gallery including upcoming shows, please visit: http://squamish.bclibrary.ca/services-programs/foyer-gallery

It's all about me!

The snow is melting, the temperature is slowly rising, robins have been spotted and the sun is finally starting to shine over the mountain tops on the house twice a day! We’re finally getting close to 4 hours of sun a day.

The pottery studio is still too cold and my glazes are still frozen. I hope to be out there in a month as I am bursting with ideas and dying to make some new glazes!

In the meantime I am continuing to try new crochet techniques and making all kinds of new things. All for ME! I just finished a couple of ponchos or as my partner in crime call’s them, neck doilies. I am half way done a sweater and have 4 other patterns and yarn waiting for me to create more. I am making something for my niece’s upcoming wedding also so I guess it is not ALL about me. LOL!

Scroll down to the bottom of this website to see all of the pottery and crochet items currently for sale online.

Did You Know?

Did you know that unlike knitting, crochet cannot be replicated by a machine? There are machines that call themselves (or rather their manufacturers call them) “crochet machines”. They weave a fabric that from a distance resembles crocheted lace. However, when looked at up close, it truly is a simple warp and weft weave! The machine just has complex templates for weaving. On the other hand, machine knitting is indistinguishable from hand knitting, assuming even tension by the hand knitter, because the machine actually creates a knit stitch for each stitch. The so-called “crochet machines” can only make woven lace fabric that looks like crochet from a distance, and there are no machines that even attempt to create a facsimile of crocheted fabric, such as a sweater or afghan. I’ve seen the fake “crocheted” curtain panels and tablecloths produced on those machines… they aren’t particularly attractive and I’ve only seen them in cheap “diner” style restaurants and WalMart’s curtain department. So, if you see a bargain priced crocheted doily (Michael’s loves to sell these as decorating accessories) sweater or afghan, you can bet your last dollar that it was produced in a sweat shop somewhere by some woman or child working for pennies… or less.

What to Expect for 2009

2009 will be an exciting year of new glazes and more intricate and unique designs for both my pottery and crochet creations.

The main pottery colors will still be blues and greens but I am going to have more glossy versus matt glazes as they react more together so you never know what you are going to get. I will also be integrating additional colors to the mix such as a red/purple.

Crochet will also encompass more colors as well as more unique designs. Items you would never find in a store.

I am really excited about getting back into the studio and creating new pieces, thawing out my glazes and creating new glazes once the studio warms up again. The plan for 2009 is also to build a new studio which I will be able to heat and work in year round..

<---- To buy online please visit my Etsy shop by clicking on the buy online link to the left or scrolling to the very bottom of this website.

See you soon!

Seasons Greetings!

The craft fairs are done for the season but I still have some stock is anyone is looking for some last minute gifts!

The 3 craft fairs were a success! The last one at the Brackendale Art Gallery the most interesting since we lost power during the wind storm and had to resort to candles but it made it quaint and Christmasy!

Enjoy the video below. The video consists of myself, Greg, little Lucy, Big Jake and an unknown elf! Seasons Greetings!

Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub Craft Fair

A photo from yesterday's craft fair at the Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub (click on to the photo to enlarge)

Thank you everyone for stopping by and visiting!

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I have two more craft fairs coming up:

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Saturday December 6 ~ 10am - 3pm
Brennan Park Recreation Centre** I will be selling off all my SALE items for both pottery and crochet. Most items are $10 and under **

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Saturday December 13 ~ 10am - 6pm
Brackendale Art Gallery

Integrating Techniques!

I crocheted a fern from the book Crochet Bouquet - Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson and pressed it into a clay plate. This particular plate has been sent to the author of this book!

To learn more about Suzann Thompson, please visit her website.

Upcoming Craft Fairs

This holiday season will be busy with the following craft fairs:

Sunday November 30 ~ 10am - 4pm

Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub

Saturday December 6 ~ 10am - 3pm

Brennan Park Recreation Centre
** I will be selling off all my SALE items for both pottery and crochet. Most items are $10 and under **

Saturday December 13 ~ 10am - 6pm

Brackendale Art Gallery

I will have an assortment of gifts that will appeal to all people of all ages.

Pottery - Lanterns, bird houses, pitchers, and tea pots

Crochet - Organic wash cloths, dolls, retro coasters and bags

Hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Halloween!

I absolutely LOVE Halloween!

I have been busy in the studio making many new pieces for the upcoming Xmas craft fair season as well as crocheting in the evenings. Check for more updates soon on the items I will be selling at this years craft fairs.

Random New Items