Friday, September 7, 2012

Back to School, Back to Textures...

Another carefree summer has come and (almost) gone, and the little ones have headed back to class.  This summer has brought us a LOT of heat, and not a lot of rain.  For some, these conditions have been ideal.  For others?  Not so much.

Looking back a couple of weeks, Textures was very proud to celebrate it's 29th birthday on August 15!  We opened for business on August 15, 1983, and were located at 30 Hess Street - current site of the Gown and Gavel.



In early 1994, Textures moved down the street to 11 Hess St. (beside the parking lot at King Street).



Early 2000 found us at our current spot -  236 Locke Street South .  Hard to believe we've been on Locke for 12 years now! 



Our original six members have blossomed to more than 50, so you are always assured of finding a wide variety of unique, handcrafted works, and our personal approach to serving our loyal customers remains the same!



In celebration of back to school, the approaching fall season, and the annual Locke Street Festival (September 15, 2012) we would like to offer a seasonal sampling of sensational specialties to whet your appetite, and maybe lure you down to Locke Street for another visit:

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ABC
Easy as
one, two, three
Or simple as
Do re mi
ABC, one, two, three, baby, you and me! – Jackson 5



lunchbox clock by Margo Griffith - $18
 
 
button rings by Sandra Rodwell - $10
 
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And that's why
The student body's got a bad reputation
(oh yeah, oh yeah)
What they need is adult education
Back to school it's a bad situation
(oh yeah, oh yeah)
But what you want is an adult education – Hall & Oates
 
 

wire-wrapped bracelet by Karen Bottcher - $18
 
 
 
ceramic mug by Diane Irons - $20
 
 
 knitted fingerless mittens by Helen Pergentile
 
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We don't need no education
We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! teachers! leave the kids alone!
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall. – Pink Floyd
 
 
character magnets by Renee Sandelowsky - $3.75
 
 
cell phone charms by Rebecca Johnston - $3
 
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So be true to your school now
Just like you would to your girl or guy
Be true to your school now
And let your colors fly
Be true to your school – the Beach Boys


woven ribbon headbands by Linda Somerville - $7.99
 
 
 


 
chainmaille key chains by Rebecca Johnston - $5
 
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I study nuclear science, I love my classes
I got a crazy teacher who wears dark glasses
Things are going great, and they're only getting better
I'm doing all right, getting good grades
The future's so bright I gotta wear shades – Timbuk3
 
 
ceramic owl pencil holder and treasure box by Clemencia Prieto - $8.95 each
 
 

turned wood pens by Malcolm Cumming - $24.95 - $33
 
 
Needlepoint bookmarks by Helen Pergentile - $8 each
 
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The note said, "Mrs. Johnson, you're wearing your dresses way too high
It's reported you've been drinking and a-runnin' 'round with men and going wild
And we don't believe you ought to be bringing up your little girl this way"
It was signed by the secretary, Harper Valley P.T.A. – Jeannie C. Riley



 Fun Notes notepads by Sharon Beasley - $1.75 each
 
 
 

8-pack of notecards by Patti Fortune - $20
 
 
vintage fabric bags by Maryanne Kammermans - $29 - $48 each
 
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Well, I'm on my way
I don't know where I'm going
But I'm on my way
I'm takin my time but I don't know where
Good-bye to Rosie the Queen of Corona
See you me and Julio down by the school yard
See you me and Julio down by the school yard – Paul Simon
 
 

Leather-bound journals by Sharon Beasley - $45 - $55 each
 
 

recycled CD candle votives by Sheila Olsen
 
 

 

ceramic sushi set by Diane Irons - $34
 
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Smokin' in the boys room
Smokin' in the boys room
Teacher don't you fill me up with your rule
Everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed in school – Brownsville Station
 
 
 
leather maple leaf flyswatter by Sharon Beasley - $18.95
 
 
denim pouches by Sumi Nogami - $15 - $25 each
 
 
hand-knitted wool slippers by Lynne Therrien - $28
 
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Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,
I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try – Lulu
 
 
felted lip balm holder keyring by Barb Dillon- $14.99
 
 
 

assorted hand-knitted scarves by various artisans - prices vary
 
 
 

regular and flavoured honeys by Fern De Gois - $3 -$6.75
 

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And to finish off today's post, we'd like to highlight one of our member artisans, Mary Stauber.  Mary has been a member of Textures since 1996:
 

Mary Stauber working in her studio.
 
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"I began as a potter almost 40 years ago. It was an interest at first shared with me by a friend who was an accomplished potter. Gradually, I became quite addicted to clay and what one could do with it. During my early years as a potter I took courses from here and there. Then in 1996, I retired from my "real" job. As part of my retirement package I was able to do some retraining...so I attended Sheridan College for two years in the Ceramics Program. As well, I have been involved with the Hamilton Potters’ Guild, the Dundas Valley School of Art, and Textures. As I developed the skills of potting I also developed my own studio where I can do oxidation firings. "
 

 
ceramic mug by Mary Stauber
 
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"I am inspired by the many excellent and renowned potters. At our monthly Guild meetings we have speakers and presenters which expand our mind and help us sharpen our skills. I work in oxidation, reduction and raku firings. I work on the wheel and do handbuilding as well as a combination of both. Exploring new forms always fascinates me. Glazing is another challenge and one never ends developing glazes and decorating techniques to perfect the finished product. "


 
 
raku fish wallhanging by Mary Stauber
 
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"I am not a production potter but rather do pieces that give me pleasure and please those who purchase my work. It is difficult to say what is my favorite thing to make but mugs, bowls and raku fish are high on the list.. Besides my own sales, I work to make bowls for the "Empty Bowls" Sale at the Fall Guild Sale . All proceeds from the sale of these bowls become a donation to the Hamilton Food Share."

 
raku journal cover by Mary Stauber. 
 
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"As I age, I hope this is the last activity I have to give up because it is so life giving and therapeutic!" 
 
 -Mary Stauber
 
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So that's it until next time.  Enjoy all that the fall season has to offer, and we hope to see you again soon!