token

wear a pendant close to your heart

2011-12-09T19:27:00.001+02:00

Whilst going through my stock, preparing for tomorrow's I heart Market, I realised I have a lot of pendants. They come in many different shapes, sizes and glaze colours!

Here's some pics of some of the variety of pendants I make. All pendants are made from white stoneware clay fired to 1200 degrees and then hand-glazed. Each pendant comes on an adjustable cotton waxed cord, although this can be easily replaced with any other type of cord or chain you prefer.
A few people I know bought them for their cars to hang from the rear view mirror, great idea :)

Well, I'll be at the I heart Market tomorrow with these and all my other ranges of ceramic ware, so come and take a look.

Large heart pendants

round tag - imprint pendants

small heart pendants

small tag -imprint pendants

large star pendants

crazy for colour

2011-12-02T17:47:00.001+02:00

I've been making these little bowls for a while now and I really enjoy their simplicity and smallness. To me they are just the right size for storing bits and bobs in. I use mine for just about anything, i.e. for storing rechargeable batteries (so you always know where they are), for chucking in loose change or those single buttons that one finds at the bottom of your washing machine and, of course, for jewellery on your nightstand.

Well, I've glazed a whole new batch in fun festive colours, don't they look charming?
These little gems are tougher than they look, they are made in white stoneware, fired to 1200 degrees celcius and then glazed, so they are durable. The bonus is they are priced under R80 so they also make wonderfully affordable gifts.

So hopefully the I heart Market tomorrow is as buzzing as last time and that the weather cooperates (please rain, stay away until later in the day).

collection of small bowls

ceramic flower-shaped bowls

ceramic heart-shaped bowls

This has got to be one of my all time favoutrite I heart Market posters, so joyful! Don't forget the market madness this December, there's 3 markets on before Christmas. Please concider the I heart Market for your gifting needs. Hope to see you there <3 :)

new goodies

2011-11-02T14:49:00.000+02:00

I've had an extremely busy month preparing work for an upcoming group show and making up orders. Token is very proud to be stocked in two new stores: one in Pietermaritzburg and one in Knysna, but more on that in a later post...

I heart market - 1 October 2011 - Moses Mabhida Stadium

Saturday is our second market at the magnificent Moses Mabhida Stadium. We're moving to the lower level opposite Ninos, under the trees and sheltered from the worst of the wind. So look for us there. Underground parking is still free before 12.

Here's a hint of some new goodies:

some of this month's new bounty

flying bird brooch - grey/green glaze

little forest creatures - stamped brooches - new mottled black and off-white glaze colours

scalloped edges - vintage inspired and stamped brooches

some new glaze colours that I'm enjoying - especially the lemon yellow and indigo purple

New Venue for I heart Market

2011-09-29T12:40:00.000+02:00

Please note: we have moved to a new, exciting and BIGGER venue - the Moses Mabhida Stadium! This will be the I heart Market's new home. So, on Saturday, 1 October find us at the North Podium on Isaiah Ntshangase Road (NMR Ave).
I will be there with my Token Ceramcs range as usual, so come visit us :)
This wonderful poster is designed by the super-talented Dominic Strauss

tokens in cyberspace

2011-09-13T16:58:00.001+02:00

I Want That Wedding did a lovely post on Token Ceramics, it's one of my favourite local blogs. Visit it here to check out the post, it's made my week!

Don't forget the I Heart Market round #2 at Chelsea Prep School this weekend, Token will be there, of course, with some new 'vintage' inspired stuff.

I've been having so much fun with these new designs, I ordered the most gorgeous stamps online. They work perfectly with clay, I love the way they give a new dimension to my favourite textures. And the glazes came out well too, I'm super pleased!

I do love birds! Here's what my new bird stamps created

Some new 'vintage' inspired designs

blue/black bird and celadon green stag head

small tag pendants

large round tag pendants

Spring Fever

2011-09-01T18:08:00.001+02:00

What does springtime mean to you? To me it's a time for rejuvenation, growth, lovely weather and, hopefully, more energy. This winter has definitely taken it's toll on my health and thus on my mood, so I'm going to make some positive changes and bring some colour into my life and wardrobe. I love wearing these cheerful flower brooches on a cardi.

With Spring in mind, Token's flower brooches will be on sale at a discounted price at both the I heart Markets this September (3rd September and 17th September).

large flower imprint brooches - glazed ceramic

small flower brooches - various shapes - glazed ceramic

small swirl flower brooches - glazed ceramic

And don't forget, there are two I heart Markets this month, Saturday (3rd Sept) at the usual spot (DLI hall, Greyville) and an extra special I heart Market at the Chelsea Preparatory Arts Festival in Durban North (check the flyer above for details on the address) on the 17th September and, of course, Token will be there. It's going to be awesome!

porcelain hair pins

2011-08-05T14:58:00.001+02:00

Flower porcelain hair barrettes with cross-stitch detail in embroidery cotton

I've been working on these for a while... I wasn't sure how to attach the delicate porcelain onto the metal hair barrette without scratching or damaging the porcelain. I decided to sew them onto a felt backing with an extra loop for the barrette. This allows one to change the barrette to any other clip you like. It can even slide onto a narrow alice-band.


detail of felt on the back of the flower barrette

heart-shaped porcelain hait barrettes with embroidery cotton detail

I think they turned out quite well. I used embroidery cotton for the cross-stitch and stitch detail. These little porcelain hair-pins and some other new goodies will be found on the Token table tomorrow at the I Heart Market. Hope to see you there!

New Fridge Magnets

2011-07-01T15:32:00.000+02:00

HEARTS - various sizes, ceramic fridge magnets

I haven't blogged about these yet - Token's fridge magnets of all shapes, sizes and colours. These little babies will brighten up any area with a metal surface that you can pop these onto, I've got a whole collection on the side of my computer tower :) So don't think your fridge is your only option...

SMALL DOGS - ceramic fridge magnets

SMALL OWLS - ceramic fridge magnets

SMALL BUNNIES - ceramic fridge magnets

VARIOUS - ceramic fridge magnets


LARGE RABBITS - ceramic fridge magents

I've taken a bit of a break from making new stock for Token as I'm making ceramic work for two upcoming exhibitions. Yay, for school holidays with no lectures or students!

Well, if you haven't heard already, the I Heart Market has moved to the beach for July for the 2011 Durban Beach Festival. Token will be there for the next two Saturdays, the 2nd July and 9th of July. It's going to be awesome! There's loads of stuff happening, so make sure you check it out. Please go to the I Heart Market blog for more info. Hope to see you there :)

preview: trinket bowls and holders

2011-06-02T10:07:00.000+02:00

I have some new little bowls and tealight holders ready for Saturday's I heart Market. These are high fired white stoneware or porcelain so it makes them quite durable but I would not recommend using them with food as the glazes are not dinnerware safe. They are glazed in various colours: muted greens, turquoises, pale greys and soft pinks. They will be on sale on at the market on Saturday.

Now, I have to figure out how to display them effectively. Anyone who has been round to my table at the market knows it's always choc-full. And I've been trying to change the layout of the table but I have so much stock and so many different designs that it takes me ages to set up. Anyone who'd like to make some suggestions please feel free to do so.

small lace print bowls - white stoneware

tealight holders with cut-out details - porcelain

small pie-dish - glazed porcelain

tulip bowls - glazed white stoneware

Hope to see you at the market :)

May-be I'll see you at the market

2011-05-05T11:21:00.000+02:00

I Heart Market, Saturday, 7 May. Lovely new stalls to check out, one I'm especially excited about is Miss Happ and many of your regular favourite stalls. Don't miss it :)

Easter Bunny Love

2011-04-24T10:29:00.000+02:00

I picked up this little treasure at a flea market for only R6. I have a small but growing collection of ceramic figurines and this is one of my favourite. Pictured on top of an old cigarette tin and an old biscuit tin.
I'm spending Easter with my family, who are visiting Durban. And eating lots of chocolate :)
What are your plans?

fresh heart love @ the market

2011-03-30T19:25:00.000+02:00

It's the I Heart Market on this Saturday, 2nd April, in the big marquee tent on the lawn. Such a lovely flyer too, well done Dom :) I'll see you there!

I made these hearts and stars last month but I've been so busy that I have not had a chance to blog about them until now (see my other blog). I'm rather pleased with the way they've turned out. They are about 10 to 12 cm at the widest part and strung with tiger-tail wire (plastic-coated super-strong wire). Each piece is unique, they have different textures and imprints and are hand-glazed on one side. I think they would look fantastic in a kitchen or bathroom.
Here's some pics:

doily print delft blue hanging heart

palm print celadon green hanging heart

floral print red hanging heart

swirl patterned turquoise hanging heart

doily print dark forest green hanging heart

chrysanthemum print delft blue hanging star

Saturday is the I Heart Market

2011-03-01T09:44:00.000+02:00

Yes, the market is on Saturday and I've got some new goodies to unveil, new glazes which still have to be fired and all round general rush rush rush before the market. Every month I promise myself that I'll be more organised and get everything done way before but it never seems to happen. Oh well, as long as it all comes together... See you on Saturday, new times are from 9am till 2, so check out the new tasty food stalls for lunch, yummmmm

Sam's Jewellery

2011-02-18T14:32:00.000+02:00

My friend Sam is busy with her Masters and asked me to help her out with some porcelain components for her beautiful jewellery. I was happy to help out and made a few porcelain skirts for her pieces. This particular range is inspired by music box ballerinas, remember those? I think what Sam has done with them is incredibly inventive, in the piece pictured below, the dancer spins on the ring! How marvelous! Please visit her blog, where she's written about her jewellery pieces in progress and her thought processes, so fascinating and inspirational. All the best Sam :)


Ballerina ring

Farm animals, sterling silver, pierced and engraved, 2007

Handmade Things

2011-02-07T17:17:00.000+02:00

Token Ceramics was featured on this fabulous blog Babazeka. Check it out. Many features on handmade goods and upliftment programs happening here in South Africa. Thank you to Sarah for including Token in your great blog :)

http://blog.babazeka.com/?p=3584

market this Saturday

2011-02-03T17:29:00.001+02:00

Yes, the I heart market is on this Saturday at the DLI hall. We've had a break after a very busy December, so this is the first one of 2011 and promises to be a really great one :) New year, new stallholders and new goodies. I'll see you there!

P.S. New times for the market are from 9am till 2pm.

Crafts of love

2011-01-31T10:09:00.000+02:00

Crafts of love: "On the first Saturday of every month, Durban comes alive with a plethora of art, craft and beautiful things at the I Heart Market."
http://www.citypress.co.za/Lifestyle/News/Crafts-of-love-20110128

Lovely article on the market on City Press website :) Pictured is one of my favourite stalls Hey Cherry, with their collection of wonderful found vintage books, children's toys and so much more, and all so beautifully packaged!

hearts a flutter

2011-01-20T16:07:00.001+02:00

And a happy New Year to everyone! I'm still in holiday mode...

This lovely couple, Simone and Gary, chose red ceramic heart brooches for their wedding party. Thank you so much for including Token in your special day, fabulous choice!

Photos taken by MAD Photography

It's so MOOI!

2010-12-14T13:00:00.001+02:00

If you haven't been to Mooi recently, take a trip down there soon. There's loads of lovely little things and gift ideas. Quirky, perky and interesting little treasures. There's many of local designers including: Holmes Bros, Miss MoneyPenny, Tigerlily, Savage Jewellery, Hello Fox, Whimsy and much much more. I took some new Token stock there yesterday and took some snaps too.

The store

Hello Fox

Savage Jewellery

Whimsy

Fabulous Giveaway from Lucky Pony

2010-12-12T10:21:00.000+02:00

If you don't enter this giveaway you'll be kicking yourself, or your pony will... Eight different prizes by eight SA creatives! Enter now to stand a chance to win some awesome super lovely stuff, including a bird brooch by Token :)
Visit Lucky Pony, one of the best local blogs, to enter. Good luck!
http://superduper.co.za/lucky/?p=7134

Marvelous Marquee

2010-12-08T23:54:00.000+02:00

Well, last Saturday was the first of THREE December I heart Markets and yes, it was held in a marquee tent to accommodate the expanding family of Marketeers. I think this was the biggest market yet! There was a wonderful festive vibe, despite the Durban heat.

Here's some pics of the market on the 4th December and my neighbours :)

Super-cool and timeless gifts by Hey Cherry

Hey Cherry

Savage Jewellery - for handmade and beautifully designed pieces - I really love Nicky's work :)

Savage Jewellery

I tried playing around with the display on my table. Please note the new Xmas decorations...

Xmas decorations will be on special this Saturday

many brooches in all shapes and colours

Hope to see you all there this Saturday, 11th December and next Saturday the 18th, plenty of time to get some shopping done. So no excuses ;)

3 x I Heart Market

2010-11-25T11:51:00.006+02:00

I've been so busy preparing for the 3 markets in a row in December. It's going to be HUGE! The I Heart Market is expanding, lots of new stalls and new gift ideas from us regulars. Token has some new xmas tree decorations, new dangly earrings and new rings. So save the dates: 4th, 11th and 18th Dec. Hope to see you there!

Woot! Woot! We're new

2010-11-11T14:27:00.008+02:00

the usual suspects

These sweet owls are new to the token family. Such little characters :)
These are brooches, about 6cm x 3cm. Hope you like them because I really enjoyed making them.

They are made in white stoneware clay, textured and detailed, and then hand glazed. Colours available are medium grey, olive grey, turquoise green, celadon green, matte red, and glossy black.

remember, remember the 6th of November

2010-11-01T20:28:00.005+02:00

Don't forget: the best market for crafty goodies, lovely clothes and yummy treats ... yes, that's the I heart market this Saturday, 6th November at the DLI Hall in Greyville. And Token will have some new designs too :)

Tweet Tweet @ Fat Tuesday

2010-10-07T17:45:00.010+02:00

blue bird brooches

I'm so very excited that Token is now available at the fabulous Fat Tuesday store in Kloof. I seriously could spend hours browsing there. It's a great place for gifts, and there's a wonderful selection of jewellery and ceramics by local designers. Pop in sometime :)

red bird brooch

celadon bird brooch with heart cut-out

Saturday, 2 October, market-time

2010-09-29T14:34:00.004+02:00

It's I Heart Market time again, yay. I always look forward to market days, particularly catching up with and being inspired by all the marketeers :) Don't miss it this Saturday at the DLI hall.

I've been glazing frantically for the last few days and have just packed my kiln so hopefully it's a successful firing. I've been super-busy with orders and coming up with some new designs, so come have a look.

More hearts

2010-09-19T12:15:00.003+02:00

Some more new heart brooches :)

purple large lacy heart

LOVE large heart - leaf green

palm print large heart - leaf green

dark blue lace print large heart

Hanging Hearts

2010-09-19T11:56:00.008+02:00

A new design that I'm quite excited about, three hearts of different sizes strung together with plastic coated wire. The 'LOVE' print is a stamp I bought from Lisa & Jo, available at the I Heart Market. The hanging hearts 'mobile' are about 30cm long, hand-made from porcelain and hand glazed.

Token on Lucky Pony

2010-09-17T12:57:00.012+02:00

I'm super excited, Token is featured in a giveaway on Lucky Pony :) :) :)
Check it out!
http://superduper.co.za/lucky/?p=6323

theDURBAN Online, issue07, 2010

2010-08-05T23:26:00.004+02:00

Check out the Winter issue of the DURBAN, the I heart Market is featured in a wonderful article by Elmi Gous. Nice one :)
Read it online at theDURBAN Online, issue07, 2010

And here's a taste of what you can expect from Token on Saturday, 7 August, at the I heart Market, which is back at the DLI hall. Hope to see you there.

red green medium heart

grey palm print large heart
poinsettia large lacy heart
turquoise large lacy heart

Home Again

2010-08-02T17:27:00.006+02:00

It's back to the DLI hall this Saturday, 7 August, for the I Heart Market.
Remember the first Saturday of every month, between 8.30 and 1pm, we're at the DLI Hall, 5 DLI Avenue, Greyville, Durban. So if you are looking for something special, handmade and unique, come visit the I Heart Market this Saturday :)

2010 House & Garden Show

2010-07-20T16:50:00.007+02:00

So if you're wondering what to do this weekend now that the
you-know-what is over why don't you pop round to the House and Garden show. It starts this Friday and runs until the 1 August, held at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Also don't miss out on the Homegrown Fair part of the show which features smaller local businesses like Mooi, Genevieve Motley jewellery, Ikhaya, and so much more. You can find Token at the Mooi stall at the Homegrown Fair. Can't wait :) Hope to see you there!

bird-brained

2010-07-07T11:13:00.007+02:00

Token has gone to the birds!
These are new brooches of bird silhouettes. They are a reworked version of the birds which I've done previously and are a more compact design. Some have a heart cutout. Each bird is unique in it's texture and glaze, made from porcelain fired to 1190 degrees. I'm quite excited about them :) What do you think?

2010-06-08T16:36:00.010+02:00

Market Day

Had another fantastic market day on Saturday. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera but Jo from Lisa&Jo snapped a picture of some of the new brooches. Check out Jo's wonderful blog coehlo culture, thanks Jo for the photo :)

The next I Heart Market will be held at the Hellenic Community Centre in Durban North on the 4 July 2010, 8.30 til 1 pm

Keeping it local

2010-05-07T13:05:00.007+02:00

Now you can find Token ceramics at the following outlets:

Mooi - 100 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban
http://mooi-mooiboutique.blogspot.com/

Cinnamon & Silk - Shop 56, Lifestyle Centre, Ballito
http://www.cinnamonandsilk.com/

Ebony - 11 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek http://www.ebonydesign.co.za/

Just - 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg

And of course every first Saturday of the month at the
I Heart Market
http://iheartmarket.blogspot.com/

More New Stuff

2010-05-06T09:00:00.005+02:00

Here are some more porcelain discs I've been working on. These are between 8.5cm and 7 cm in diameter and come in a variety of different designs and glazes. A hook for hanging is glued on the back.

New Stuff from Token

2010-05-03T18:02:00.009+02:00

These are some of the new designs I've been working on, they are a departure from the wearable jewellery. The discs are purely decorative wall-pieces and the trinket bowls are cast from a pie dish that I made a mould of. I make these in porcelain which I fire to 1190 degrees Celsius and then glaze and refire. The porcelain has a delicate feel but is also hard-wearing.

discs

trinket bowls

Process

2010-05-03T17:26:00.011+02:00

These are some of the latest pieces I've been working on. I quite like the cleanness of the unglazed porcelain but then again I also enjoy the glazed surface and how it emphasizes the texture and detail. Here are some photos of the work in progress.

ready for glazing

after glazing

Flower Domes

2010-04-23T19:12:00.005+02:00

These ceramic wall pieces will certainly brighten your day :) Each has it's own built-in hanging device and is carefully hand-modeled and glazed.

You can find these at the I Heart Market, first Saturday of every month at the DLI hall in Durban.

Early Days

2010-04-23T18:57:00.008+02:00

Early days at the I Heart Market, December 2008. I was sharing a table with Lindsay Philips and her beautiful On A Whim range. Lindsay has since relocated to Korea, I hope it's temporary, we miss her.

Some early broaches...

Token: a range of ceramic jewellery and accessories made by Carla da Cruz

2010-01-11T16:12:00.012+02:00

Here's some of the Token range:

In November 2008, I was asked to participate in a craft market that a friend was starting. I had three weeks to come up with something! For a while, I'd been toying with the idea of making ceramic jewellery. And so it began... armed with some cookie cutters, stencils and some clay. I began making ceramic brooches or pins and have now expanded into making porcelain earrings too.

Thanks to I 'heart' Market, our monthly market of hand-made and home-made goodies.