Planning on proposing this leap year?

Since we're in a leap year and it's approaching the 29th February, the day when traditionally it's the woman's turn to do the proposing, we thought we'd use the opportunity to give anyone (of any gender) who's planning to propose to their loved one a hand with planning a romantic meal.

With the exception of the soup these recipes all use ingredients which can be found in the shop, and as you can see look ever so appetising served in Margaret Glackin's beautiful ceramics. Plus while you're in the shop you can buy everything else you might need, including the jewellery.

To start: Ireshopeburn Chestnut Soup (serves 6, so if you're cooking for 2 you can enjoy the next day as well!)


Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 shallots, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
7oz celeriac, chopped
1lb fresh chestnuts (see below for preparation)
2 pints vegetable stock
1 stick cinnamon 
1 small potato, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 x 110g pack blue stilton, crumbled
flat leaf parsley to garnish

Chestnuts: choose heavy, hard, shiny brown ones. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Cut a cross shape in each chestnut, lay them on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, removing when the skins start to curl around the cut. Peel while still warm.

Soup
Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook onion, carrot and celeraic over a medium heat for 5 minutes. 
Add chestnuts, stock, cinnamon and potato. 
Bring to the boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25-30 mins until the vegetables are tender. Remove the cinnamon stick and leave to cool slightly before blending until smooth.
Reheat then serve topped with crumbled stilton and parsley leaves.

Main course: Thai Chicken Skewers

To finish: chocolate mousse (serves 4)

Ingredients
100g / 3 1/2oz Guppy's plain chocolate, broken in to pieces
250ml / 8fl oz soya cream, plus extra to serve
1tbsp brandy, rum, Amaretto or Cointreau
A few toasted flaked almonds to decorate

Place the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (the bowl should not be in the water) and leave for a few minuted until the chocolate has melted. 
Add the soya cream and alcohol to the chocolate, then whisk until the mixture has cooled and thickened a little.
Pour the mousse in to 4 serving dishes and chill overnight, until it is lightly set. Top each serving with a spoonful of soya cream and a toasted almonds.


If you've not left enough time for a dish that requires an overnight chill, this delicious Jamie Oliver ice-cream dusting can be made in minutes: just put 3 tbsp coffee beans, 80g hazelnuts and an 80g pot of Guppy's cocoa nibs in a blender and blitz, then serve over ice-cream.

 

Stuck for those last few gifts?

Are you stuck for those last few gifts for Christmas? (Or maybe you don't know where to start?) If that's the case then we definitely have the answer!

Our sellers have been hard at work creating their beautiful handmade items and while they've been flying off the shelves there is still time left to bag a gift or two (or few!) before Christmas arrives.

There are items for a wide range of budgets and you truly can find something for everyone in the shop, as evidenced by the fact that some of our sellers have done all their Christmas shopping in store, so why not pop along for a look? 

Plus, on Saturday 19th Dec we have the following events happening in the shop:

The infamous Dr Geof will be in attendance from 10 until 6pm, drawing his unmistakable portraits. Perfect for presents or just your own mantlepiece so do drop in, or book a sitting, & the good Dr will immortalise you on canvas in his own inimitable way. See our facebook event for more details.

Safehands Massage will also be in the therapy room from 9.30 until 7 p.m. offering massage taster sessions for just £5, so call in to for a well earned break from the hard work.

 

Happy 3rd Birthday to us!!!

What a difference 3 years makes! Today marks Fabrication's third birthday, the perfect time to look back at how far we've come.

In the beginning it was just a shell of a shop, with marks on the wall left from the previous occupants:

But it took shape, and in October 2012 we were proud to open our doors to the public with 40 sellers:

180 sellers have joined us since then. Our shop in The Light is brimming with beautiful handmade goods from our 83 sellers, some of whom are still with us from that first day:

In celebration of our shop going from strength to strength we have filled our windows with items from each of our sellers, and there is of course birthday cake to share the celebration with our customers today.

We are also launching our brand new store loyalty card, as a thank-you to all our customers for keeping on supporting us. 

Here's to the next three years!

 

Spotlight on the Seller.....Louisa Kemp Arts

 

Louisa & Wendy Kemp work together in partnership ( mother & daughter) producing a collection of mixed media artwork inspired by architecture & skylines. 

As well as slab built ceramics. Some of their ranges include the popular people collection, hearts & stars & circles. All work ios handmade & personally designed, each piece is unique.

They have worked together for more than 18 years and share a workshop in south yorkshire. 

Wendy inspired her daughter to persue the job she loves and Louisa encouraged her mum to find her passion for art once again.

Spotlight on The Seller... CERAMICS AND HOMEWARE by MARGARET L GLACKIN

Originally from Ireland, I am a Leeds based ceramic artist and woodworker.

All my products are individually designed and the glazes are my unique recipes, representing Yorkshire and the coastline of County Antrim. I also produce various interior items made from reclaimed and other sustainably sourced wood. These include serving boards, log carriers, and other furniture.

Yarn Bowls: The Yarn Bowl allows the wool to be dispensed in a controlled manner so preventing it from rolling around and becoming entangled. It allows the knitter to observe the quality and beauty of the wool as it unravels. The solid body of the Yarn Bowl complements the softness of the wool. While remaining essentially functional, the Yarn Bowl can also be enjoyed as a piece of art work.

The Yarn Bowls inevitably evoke a smile and a conversation, usually stimulating memories of a knitter friend or family member (which I love as an observer of social interaction).

The glazes used are all my own recipes and inspired by the Yorkshire Moors and coastline. Latterly I have developed a “heritage” range of glazes, inspired by my childhood memories of the Antrim Coast. Domestic Ware: I make utilitarian domestic ware including furniture, dinner and tea services, drinking vessels. I also offer a bespoke service if you are looking for a particular piece of furniture or a ceramic item, made to measure.

My work is driven by a principle of challenging cheap imports and raising the profile of home-grown, well-designed handmade ceramics and woodwork.

Sculptural Work: My sculptural work is heavily influenced by my previous employment working with the homeless, my interest in politics and the built environment. Such topics are displayed in my pieces where the themes of longing for safe space can be seen. I also aim to challenge the perception of neglect and disregarded people and objects.