Posts Tagged ‘market’
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Make your own pottery for £12
Make your own pottery from OolaMoola on Vimeo.
My parents have been visiting the last two weeks to help me move. I needed to find something fun for us to do together as a family to thank them - the typical dinner out didn’t seem very creative (or affordable!). So when I came across Merton Abbey Mills‘ weekend market and learned about the £12 pottery classes in the Wheelhouse, I could not help but eying a massive opportunity to kill ‘three’ birds with one stone: Entertain the family, learn something new.. at the same time as adding some beautiful pottery to my glass cabinet.
Some of the beautiful pottery at Merton Abbey Mills
The classes are run by Stephen Llewellyn and cost only £12 per person for a 45 minutes session - this includes using the wheel, clay, as well as Stephen’s wonderful tutelage. As if that’s not enough, at the end of the session you’ll get to pick one of your masterpieces for firing and glazing, ready for pick up about 4 weeks later.
Pottery wheel
That’s me trying to shape the clay into something usable - with Stephen’s help. There’s a technique (or science?) to this - pressing the clay from the inside will force the clay to widen outwards, while adding pressure from the outside will make they clay rise upwards. Also - you’ve got to keep a very steady arm, using your right hand to shape the clay while your left hand should only to support your right hand so it keeps steady.
Mr. Teen gets help to shape the clay
Let me tell you - pottery is so much fun but it’s not easy at first! I find the whole concept of not using both hands very confusing, so I learned the hard way…
Doing it right - Doing it wrong..
The atmosphere in the Wheelhouse is historic and relaxed - dating back to 1885. Stephen was an amazing teacher, letting us know when we did well, and telling us not to worry when it all went awry: “It’s just a piece of clay,” he said with a smile as I tossed my fifth vase attempt in the recycle bin. Ay.
We had so much fun on our session. We even got to bring Flint The Wheaten to the session which was an added bonus to the family experience. My parents and Mr. Teen enjoyed themselves and they’re really excited to see the fnished result of their efforts when the clay has been glased and burned. Moolah well spent - so much better than a dinner out!
Below are a few of our finished pottery pieces that we get to pick up in about four weeks time. Don’t worry if you can’t choose just one of your beautiful creations though - you can have your other pottery glazed for only £3 per piece.
The results of our 45 min workshop!
I plan on going again soon - this is a great way to stock up precious Christmas presents (it’s never to early, is it?). And if you don’t want to bring your family around - it’s also a great start to a girl friend’s night out - or you can even bring a special date… there are excellent bars and restaurants in the area to visit afterwards.
Tip for you Londoners: There’s a festival in Colliers Wood this weekend. Get in line for a free ticket to try the pottery wheel this Saturday - show up around 10 to be sure you get on the wait list!
The Wheelhouse
Merton Abbey Mills
A24 Merantun Way (behind Sainsbury’s at Colliers Wood).
0208 647 0076 on weekdays/ 0208 543 6656 at weekends
Individual tuition is in a small group of up to four people. Classes are held from 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, and at other times by arrangement.
The Wheelhouse accommodates only 4 people per session, so don’t leave the booking until it’s too late - two weeks in advance is usually enough time to get your reservation in.
http://www.stephenllewellynpottery.co.uk/
Posted in Bargains & Markets, Beauty, Crafting, Entertainment, Family
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Market challenge: How much can you haggle or get for free? [Part 2]
It’s 4pm at Borough Market, and even though I’ve just filled up on a three-course menu of samples, I really need to get down to some haggling business. And just as I’m starting to panic that I’ll never pick up a bargain, a cacophany of mad discounting fills the air as the stall owners start to pack up for the day.
It’s half-price fish over at Furness Fish Market, “two pies for a fiver” (down from £3.95 each) at Pie Minster and the fruit and veg stand on Stoney Street is flogging bowls of assorted veg for a £1.
I head over to Flour Power City Bakery as the stall owners are clearing the tables by throwing dozens of loaves into bin liners. This is it – time to haggle.
“Will you take two pounds for this?” I ask, pointing at a loaf of £3.50 soda bread.
“No,” says Gruff Dude, shovelling more loaves into the rubbish bag.
“Er, you’re not chucking those away, are you?” I nervously laugh, in a rather clumsy and futile attempt to make conversation.
Gruff Dude continues to shovel bread. The stall is almost empty.
I decide to press on. “So, how much do you want for it?”
“£3.50”
“Ohhh…”
“But I’ll throw in some free bread if you like…”
Aha! A ray of light! “Deal,” I say, handing over the cash.
I watch as Gruff Dude reaches for a shopping bag and proceeds to stuff it with as many different loaves as he can. I take home a total of four loaves of artisan bread valued at £14 – for a total cost of £3.50.
I’ve learnt my lesson. Whilst drastic discounting is out, free extras on top of the original asking price is totally in.
I continue on my merry haggling way, and end up going home with:Wedge of Welsh cheese £2 – reduced from £2.90
4 loaves of artisan bread £3.50 – reduced from £14
6 pork Boston sausages £4 – reduced from £5.20
2 slices of Banoffee pie £3 – reduced from £4
Total spent: £12.50
Full price of produce: £26.10
Total saved: £13.60Posted in Bargains & Markets, Food
