What started out as a sweet potter's co-op and boutique to showcase all of the handmade pottery,…read morehas now transformed into a beautiful café in the heart of Le Petit Laurier. It's still a co-op of about 10-15 different local potters, and the boutique still features a wide selection of absolutely gorgeous one-of-a-kind pottery, but you can now linger a little longer, nestled in a vintage chair or relaxing at the chunky central wooden table, sipping your espresso and taking your time to decide on which piece of handcrafted clay you need to take home with you that day.
I've been here a number of times, typically to pick up affordable and unique wedding gifts for friends, or when I want to treat myself to a new piece for my own eclectic pottery collection (I pride myself on my collection). I am never disappointed. I come from a craft background and have a number of family members and friends who are established potters, so I know quality craftsmanship when I see it. I've always been *extremely* impressed by the pots, platters, mugs, teapots, plates and bowls that this collective kicks out. I often stop in my tracks on the sidewalk to stare at the ever-changing window displays, making a mental note to come back and get one of what I've just seen. There are a wide variety of styles: classic porcelain ware, arty stoneware with funky glazes, cutesy earthenware, hip decal work, high end vases and basins, some larger sculptural pieces, one-off wall tiles, and all extremely affordable and reasonably priced for what they are. Some of the glazes are to die for.
They have a very large studio in the back, with an number of electric potter's wheels (not sure if they have kick wheels or not), and offer pottery classes to those who want to learn how to make muck into useful housewares themselves. Super down to earth bunch. Yep... I really DID just make that obvious pun...