#countrylife:beinit – Page 2 – The Arcadian Artisan

At the mid-point of the year…

June 30, 2018June 30, 2018 by prisoners of the crown, posted in baked, handmade, harvest, market to market

With the solstice behind us, we’ve turned the (psychological!) seasonal corner and set our course for summer…

ss arcadia

But, that distant allure of balmy weather notwithstanding, we’re still in the throes of the winter chill and the goodies for this weekend’s pop-up reflect that frosty reality.

From the garden we’ll have lemons (for your lemon and honey cold remedies!), rhubarb and potted lavender (hedge your bets against those infernal ticks!)

From the kitchen we’re turning up the heat with robust chutneys and relishes and replenishing the stores of naughty treaties (for those cosy Netflix binges!); Sweet Ned and Rocky Road Royale, Monte Carlos, Rich Fruit Cake, Crostoli and Orange and Walnut cake…yum yum yum.

From the studios, we’re showing Megxx new work, Surf and Turf, alongside the Yardbirds, Oysters and Venetians, Ginger’s fabulous jewellery, Sangmi’s lovely embroidery and Ernesto’s darling critters. Jen’s beating the drum for heartwarming heritage crafts and it would be fair to say that Contemporary Craft and Country Chic abounds!!

A glimpse of this week around the yard at our place…

Hope to see you tomorrow at our monthly pop-up @ the Crossing, Candelo. 9am – 1pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology promises sunshine!!

Pleasantly fair…

June 6, 2018June 6, 2018 by prisoners of the crown, posted in baked, handmade, harvest, market to market

Against all indications to the contrary (given the preceding week of wind, rain and increasing chill), the day of our June pop-up astonished us all – mild and sunny and nary a hint of a breeze!

Excellent – not that it really matters because we are indoors and we do have heating, but oh! how lovely it was to be slipped such a moderate day.

Last month we became caught up in the whirl and completely forgot to take snaps; such a shame because the installation shifts for each pop-up, as do the goodies on offer. So we jumped in early this time, to capture the set-up at least…

lost wax cast lead crystal oyster shells

It was (again!) a fab social day – thanks to all for your interest, enthusiasm and superior taste in comestibles!

We’re now back in the garden, kitchen, studio, workshop, with a keen eye on July.

Winter’s upon us…

June 2, 2018June 2, 2018 by prisoners of the crown, posted in baked, general, handmade, harvest, market to market

Time to gather in the stores and cuddle up for the duration. For our June pop-up we’ve ramped up in the kitchen, putting together some very naughty pantry fillers to add fireside cheer to those bleak nights ahead (…you would have made these goodies yourselves, for sure – but hey, why not let us do it for you…)

Indulgent treats include: Jen’s rich spiced rum boiled fruitcake and her beyond killer brownies, melting moments (be still our beating hearts!), monte carlos and utterly delectable nougat; Megxx has supplemented the Rocky Road Royale with a bushranger variety (yes, Neddie – who else!), and added scrumptious crostoli (because every moment should be a celebration) and rempeyek kacung (just for when that savoury urge kicks in – because, yes, it really is okay to enjoy a beer in winter!!)

Wyndham macadamias

Sweet Neddie; homage to Sid

Sangmi’s silk wrap

winter’s coming

Megxx crostoli

Grey skies

Jen’s spiced rum fruit cake

bleak days

Jen’s nougat

Stand and deliver; Bushranger Road

Ratsutra greeting cards

drop dead killer brownies

Ernesto’s critters

macadamias

Megxx’ wild birds

cosy fires

Jen’s beanies

Megxx rempeyek kacung

swinging in the wind

From the garden we have lavender lane and garlic…and other produce that we’ve not actually checked as yet today (because it’s been too windy and chilly to go outside!!) We have jams and cordials and pickled all-sorts – and Wyndham macadamia nuts!

Jen, concerned for your winter well being, has knitted more beanies and her gorgeous mosaics will lend instant classical charm to your dun winter gardenscapes. Megxx has added top flight colourful pop with her wild bird/Yardbird series. And Ginger’s brought her signature eye-candy – and with Queen’s Birthday coming up she’ll be showcasing some of her top-shelf pieces. [SPENNY ALERT!! although, in the event you can’t resist, we do have PayPal!!)

Sangmi’s elegant embroidery and Ernesto’s darling ceramic llamas enrich the general charm of our regular handcrafted/limited edition/small batch items.

This Sunday 9am – 2pm @ the Crossing, Candelo.

Never mind the weather – we’re indoors.

Hey ho away we go…

April 3, 2018April 7, 2018 by prisoners of the crown, posted in baked, general, handmade, harvest, market to market

Easter Sunday saw the launch of our little pop-up shop at the Crossing in Candelo – and what a lovely day we had! Friends old and new have been so curious to see what on earth we’re up to – and our first reveal is a fair signpost of things to come.

The Arcadian Artisan is the purveyor of a sweet country state of mind, reflecting the deep contentment we find in our rural preoccupations; the garden, the kitchen, the handcraft, the artwork. And, more particularly, the very diligence of it all (handed down from our beloved grandmothers!)

More importantly, The Arcadian Artisan is our line in the sand; a repudiation of mass production and an homage to the natural industry of a (relatively!)tranquil lifestyle. Our ‘wares’ reflect our varied interests and our dedication to the preservation of genuine quality in our lives. We’re not stuck in tradition – rather we find ourselves constantly reinvigorated by it. If we had a ‘theme song’ it would be Nigel Kennedy’s Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (particularly the 2013 BBC Proms performance) though, of course, we’re not so highfalutin!

Thanks to everybody who dropped by (we only managed a few early and late snaps – once the crowd turned up we were too busy to take pictures!) We’ll be back next month, popping up like a veritable Brigadoon! See you on May 6th.