Deanna Roberts Studio

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Deanna Roberts

How to Make Your Own Pottery Cutting Wire

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If you’ve ever watched a potter slice a lump of clay clean in half like some sort of calm, muddy wizard, they were probably using a cutting wire. The good news? You don’t need a fancy shop-bought one. The even better news? You can make one yourself for next to nothing with things you probably already have lying around.

Let’s get into it so you can easily learn how to make your own pottery cutting wire.

What Is a Cutting Wire (and Why Do I Need One)?

A cutting wire is used to:

  • Slice clay off the block
  • Cut pots off the wheel or batt
  • Divide clay evenly (or unevenly—no judgement)

Basically, if you work with clay, this tool will become your quiet little sidekick.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Own Cutting Wire

You’ll Need:

  • A high E or B Guitar strings: (the thinnest one) is perfect. Ask a musician friend Guitar String: for an old one; they change them all the time.  They are strong and can make very clean, smooth and precise cuts.  Downside: Can feel a bit aggressive on very soft clay—handle gently.
  • Fishing Line: A heavy-duty or braided line works we and is well and is super cheap and easy to find.  It cuts through clay smoothly, particularly soft clay.   Downside:  Can snap if pulled too hard or used on dry clay.
  • Pen Spring: For the adventurous potter, stretching out a spring from a clicky pen creates a “wiggle wire” that leaves a cool, wavy texture on your clay.  They create a subtle, ribbed texture and are great for slab building or decorative edges.  Downside:  Not ideal for cutting thick blocks of clay (save your wrists).
  • Picture hanging wire or piano string wire:   Picture hanging wire is easy to come by and readily available.  For piano wire, chat with your local pianist, music store or piano tuner person, they may have bits and pieces you can salvage.  Both types of wire are flexible and forgiving.  Downside:  May stretch over time—like t-shirts for tools.
  • Two handles – choose from:
    • Wooden beads
    • Small wooden dowel
    • Sticks
    • Old chopsticks
    • Plastic tube offcuts
    • Wine corks
    • Old paintbrush handles
    • Plastic toys, eg rubber ducks
    • Two key rings
    • Polymer clay – if you want to be extra-creative and make your own
  • Scissors or wire cutters
  • Optional: pliers for twisting ends

Step-by-Step Assembly:

Okay, you’ve got your bits and pieces together.  Now let’s prepare.  It’s easier than assembling flat-pack furniture, I promise.

  1. Prepare Your Handles: If you’re using corks or dowel, carefully drill a small hole through the centre of each one for your wire.
  2. Thread the Wire: Feed your wire or fishing line through the hole in one of your handles.
  3. Secure the End: If you’re using fishing line, tie a big, sturdy knot that won’t pull through the hole.  If you’re using a wire, you can wrap it around a small washer or a piece of a stick or a bead before pulling it back into the handle to anchor it.
  4. Measure and Cut: Decide how long you want your cutting wire to be. A good length is about 30 to 40cm between the handles. Cut the wire, leaving a few extra cm for securing the second handle.
  5. Attach the Second Handle: Repeat the process on the other side. Thread the wire, tie your knot or create your anchor, and pull it tight.

Pro-Tip: For a stronger wire that’s less likely to kink, you can twist two strands of wire or fishing line together before attaching them to the handles.  This also adds a subtle texture to your clay cut.

Making your own tools can be fun

You’ve just saved yourself some money and created a tool that is uniquely yours.  Plus, you now have the satisfaction of knowing that if your wire ever breaks again, you can fix it in minutes with a quick trip to your junk drawer or make a few more.  So go forth, cut that clay, and make something amazing.

Where to find pottery supplies in Australia

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Pottery supplies in Australia - Deanna Roberts Studio

Finding the right pottery supplies can be a challenge, especially in a vast country like Australia. Sourcing locally not only supports Aussie businesses but also ensures you get the best quality materials without the hassle of international shipping and customs.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned potter, having access to a wide range of clays, glazes, tools, and kilns is essential for your artistic journey. Our comprehensive list connects you with pottery suppliers across Australia, from bustling city centres to charming rural towns.

Discover hidden gems, compare prices, and find the perfect materials to bring your ceramic visions to life!


Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

How to mix plaster and make a mold

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Mixing plaster bucket - Deanna Roberts StudioFirst things first – get yourself a clean bucket – if the bucket is a bit gritty or dirty then this will leave little marks or dimples in your plaster.

  1. Work out how much water/plaster you’ll require. (Ratio of water:plaster is 1.3 water:1 plaster – for example, 5kg of water will require 6.5 kg of plaster)
  2. Weigh your water in the bucket and tare the scales with the bucket first – 1 litre = 1 kg.
  3. Weigh your plaster
  4. Gradually add plaster to the water in the bucket (never add water to plaster – always plaster to water to prevent lumps) allowing the plaster to slake down – this will only take a few minutes
  5. Immerse your hand in the bucket mix and stir gently – any rapid stirring will create bubbles and air into your plaster mix. You can also use a long spoon to mix however using your hand is better so that you can feel and squash any lumps in the process.
  6. Continue to stir until your mixture begins to resemble thickened cream – this will take another few minutes.
  7. Rotate your bucket backwards and forwards to bring any air bubbles to the surface and tap the sides of the bucket too if necessary.
  8. Spray the surface of your plaster mix with a 50/50 mix of methylated spirits and water to remove any surface air bubbles – or use a spoon to lift any bubbles off the top.
Mixing Plaster - Deanna Roberts Studio

To make a plaster mold

  1. Prepare your item to be cast by placing a mold frame around your item. Paint any plastic surfaces, eg if the mold frame is plastic, the bench top, a plastic model etc, with a 80:20 Water to dish detergent mix (this will prevent the plaster sticking)
  2. Plug any areas around your mold frame with clay to prevent any plaster running out from underneath or through the sides of your frame.
  3. Pour the plaster mix slowly over your model and into the frame ensuring your model is covered by at least 2.5cm
  4. Stir the plaster with a soft brush or narrow wooden tool, eg a chopstick or wooden spoon to ensure the plaster fills every nook and cranny
  5. Tape the sides of your mold gently to bring any air bubbles to the surface and spray with your methylated spirits/water mix
  6. Clean up by washing out your bucket and any tools immediately to prevent the plaster setting
  7. Leave your mold until the plaster sets – you’ll be able to gently touch the surface and feel it get a bit warmer as it sets after which you can remove the mold
  8. Turn your mold over and gently remove any clay and then the mold frame/base board
  9. Clean any edges of your newly created plaster mold with wet and dry sandpaper or a rasp
  10. Allow the mold to try completely – this can take a number of weeks depending on your climate. Your mold will be ready to use when it is completely dry.

Why everyone should own a split-leg apron

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Why-everyone-should-own-a-split-leg-apron- Deanna Roberts Studio

When I first saw some fellow artists wearing a split-leg apron I sought out various fabrics that would suit my own design and began to search for high quality fabric offcuts from industry, deceased estates and private collections for their hard-wearing, durability and endurance qualities. It’s a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle and my aim is to bring new life to these fabrics that were originally designed with another purpose in mind. We artists do make a mess and this type of fabric is perfect for the materials, paints, coffee, garden soil, clay and glazes and every other messy bit we tend to throw at it… literally! These aprons have proven to be valuable for so many trades with many sold to baristas, chefs, bakers, tattoo artists, gardeners, tradies, hens’ parties, art and craft workshops, dog and horse groomers, makeup artists, costume makers, jewellers and artists.

As a pottery teacher I made myself many of these aprons as teaching a few classes a week required a clean apron each time! Many of my students also purchased more than one apron and were very proud to parade them around the studio or in their workplace.

The aprons are ideal for when you’re sitting or standing while working as they keep the mess off your clothes and cover your legs well below the knee. They’re also great while sitting working at a bench as it saves having to have a towel draped over your legs.

There’s quite a bit that goes into these aprons:

Firstly… the fabric is sustainably sourced (as much as possible) so purchasing retail fabrics just doesn’t happen. Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 1 Fabrics are new and unused and in a small way, we’re all contributing to saving the planet one apron at a time, by reducing, reusing and recycling – avoiding unnecessary waste going into landfill.

Next…. pieces are chosen and matched, laid out and cut to size, individually overlocked, seams ironed and pieces sewn together with high quality thread, a designer label and washing/care instruction label inside.

Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 2

Next… the most complimentary colour of straps/ties are selected, measured to fit and pressed.

Next… once each apron is completed, it’s photographed from different angles to highlight its features, each photo edited and uploaded online.

Then… upon purchase, each apron is carefully folded, packed and on its way to you via Australia Post.

As a side note – caring for your aprons is a must. If they’ve got a lot of food residue, factory dust, working tool residue, clay and glazes and other marks on them, be sure to give them a good hose-down by pegging them to your washing line first. For many, this type of wash will suffice. You can then throw them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle and add fabric softener too if you wish.

Thanks for all your support. It’s such a pleasure making these aprons and I’m only too happy to share the joy around. Please leave me a comment below or testimonial from having bought your own, unique split-leg apron.

To purchase your own unique, one-off apron – visit the Shop.

Want to make your own? Click here to download your very own printable Split-Leg Apron sewing pattern.

Cheers, Deanna

How to set up a market stall

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HOW TO SET UP A MARKET STALL

So, you are looking to sell your products at a local market?  There are lots of things to consider when thinking about how to set up a market stall.  Here are a few hints and tips that may assist you when getting organised:

How to set up a market stall - Deanna Roberts Studio

Do your research

  1. Do your homework.  What markets are in your local area?  What markets are in your local area?  There are some websites that list markets and when they operate in your area.
  2. What do the markets sell now that may be in competition to your items or that sell well?  Are there buyers queuing up to buy your type of goods?
  3. What is the weather going to be like?  Is it a factor in whether the market runs or not?  Does it affect your setup?
  4. How often do the markets run?
  5. Have a look at online reviews of the markets you are interested in, or visit one for yourself and check out the local traffic, parking facilities, custom, hours of operation etc.  Talk to some of the stallholders and regular visitors for their thoughts and what they are looking for and expecting to pay for goods and stalls.

Applying for a stall

  1. Most market organisers will have a form for you to complete including your name and address details, contact information, products to sell, compliance with their rules, terms and conditions etc.  There are several things to consider.
  2. What is the cost for a stall?  Is it going to be worthwhile?
  3. How long is the market for – a few hours? A few days?
  4. Are you required to have your own insurance? (Highly recommended – see below).  There are also various insurers and brokers that allow you to have insurance per event/market or you can purchase insurance for a nominated period.
  5. What happens if you cancel your stall?  Will you get a refund?  Will someone else take your space?
  6. Check the Market’s terms and conditions.  If there are not any, be wary.
  7. Is the market purely for arts and crafts?  Is it a trash and treasure market combined with crafts?  Generally, buyers expect markets to offer cheaper prices.  Be prepared to barter with your customers and to bring your prices down if you are at a car boot sale or trash and treasure type market.
  8. Book ahead and pay for your site.  Plan and think well in advance about how you want to stock and set up your stall.
  9. Night markets v. day markets?  Which ones suits you best?  Which ones will most likely attract your target market?
  10. Does the market allow you sufficient space?  Your stall size could be 3 m x 1.5 m, or 3 x 3 m or something different… see what options are available.
  11. Does it allow you space to demonstrate your craft?
  12. What position is your still likely to be in – close to the entrance, exit or food suppliers?  Close to the entrance is not always a good idea – sure your stall may be the first one people see, but often, visitors will want to see what else the market offers before coming back to your stall, if they do.  Being close to food suppliers can be a plus, or not.  Most people are interested in buying food and not in anything else.  They may however eat and browse.

Stock

  1. Make sure you have got plenty of stock.  Sometimes it is difficult to know how much to take, however, more than what you think is good.  If you sell out – bonus!  Always good to have something to replace a sold item.  Keep your stall looking healthy and full.  An empty stall looks like all that is left is what everyone else didn’t want.
  2. Don’t lay out all your stock first.  Clutter = confusion and makes it difficult for a buyer to choose the right item.
  3. Once an item is sold, then replace it from your stock.
  4. Pricing your stock is not always an easy task.  Check out what your competition is charging.  Talk to the market organisers as to what their customers expect – cheap or higher pricing?  Visiting a trash and treasure market might be ideal for you to offload some of your excess stock or seconds at a cheaper price than normal.
Display - Deanna Roberts Studio - How to set up a market stall

Display

  1. Keep it minimalistic.  Less is more.
  2. You can pick up all sorts of display items cheaply at trash and treasure markets, car boot sales, local tips and their shops – where they keep items back from landfill for sale.  Visit hardware stores, recycle centres, online market places and op shops.
  3. Think about display boxes, cloths, ornaments, trinkets, dividers, food (for functional ware), plants or fruit e.g., apples in a large bowl and any sort of partitioning and shelving.  Remember, shelving can be free-standing, on a table, stacked, or hanging.  Storage boxes are great to turn upside down and place under cloths to gain extra display height.
  4. Be sure to check whether you need to BYO tables and chairs or whether they’re provided.  Investing in a couple of trestle/fold-up tables and camping chairs is a great idea.
  5. Think about the setup and how your customers are going to feel when they see your display.  Is it welcoming?  Is it intimidating?  Is it light or dark and easy to see your display?  Sometimes people don’t feel comfortable having to move into a space where you’re sitting or if it’s too far back from the main path or if they feel they’re being watched.  Consider a u-shape design where they can move around easily or even just a front table where you sit or stand behind.
  6. If the ground is uneven on the market site, take chocks along to raise your table height, or if possible and safe to do so, use a hammer or pick to create a hole in the ground to lower one side of the table.
  7. Keep your cash float hidden.  When customers purchase using a credit or debit card always keep the card in their view so that they know that it’s not being tampered with or scanned etc.  I’d highly recommend using Square for credit card purchases – it’s cheap, quick and easy and you receive notification (via email) of sales instantly.  It takes about 3 days for the cash to hit your back account and yes, they have a fee, but you can also include that in your purchase price of course.   If you’re interested in signing up for their services, just click here and receive free processing on up to $1,000 in sales during your first 180 days – Square.

Signage

  1. What signage do you have to promote yourself and/or your business?  Do you have a banner?
  2. Business cards, gift vouchers and posters – can they be placed around your stall so that they’re easily visible?
  3. Display item prices
  4. Consider displaying a short paragraph or two about yourself and your background, how you came to produce the items you do, your inspirations etc – people love a good story.
  5. Think about the colour of your signs.  They need to be easy to read and stand out.  Bargains are always a standout in a red coloured font.
  6. Sandwich/A-frame boards are also a good idea as people will see them before they even get to your stall
Signage - Deanna Roberts Studio - How to set up a market stall

Insurance

  1. Consider purchasing your own public liability and product liability insurance.  There are plenty of providers out there for one-off events or for an annual premium.  If you’re an Australian Ceramics Association member you can organise insurance along with your membership.  Regional Arts Victoria also offers insurance packages, as do various insurance brokers.  It’s worth doing your homework.  This is highly recommended in case someone makes a claim against, you, your products, or your practices.  Check out insurance companies that support vendors like you and in your industry.  Chat to other stall holders too or the business organising the market – they may have some contacts you can enquire with.  Insurance is often available for just one day, or for a nominated period.
  2. Keep insurance at the top of your priority list and protect yourself and others.

What to take

  1. A friend to help you setup and sell!
  2. Marquee/display tent
  3. Cash float
  4. Tables, boxes, shelving, racks
  5. Table cloths
  6. Display boxes and stands
  7. Floor mat for the ground – could be a rug, bamboo mat, rubber mat etc – prevents dust from getting into your products
  8. Stationery (bulldog clips, notepad and pen, price tags, price stands, scissors, rubber bands, ‘Blu-tak’, thick textas
  9. Wet wipes and cleaning cloths (some sites can be dry and dusty)
  10. Promotional banner, business cards, gift certificates, flyers
  11. Carry bags, gift wrap, gift bags
  12. Tools – hammer, rope, tent pegs, sandbags, S-hooks, tape measure
  13. Food and drinks
  14. Wet weather gear – umbrella, rain coat, gumboots, tarpaulins, plastic cloths
  15. Your products
  16. Trolley for moving items from your car to your stall
  17. Camera – always good for PR shots of your stall and promoting the event on social media!
  18. Towels – just in case it rains – one for you and one for your tables and products

Advertise

  • On social media – use your own photographs or videos or ask the market organiser for permission to share theirs
  • In local newspapers
  • On your own website – product and blog pages
  • On the local radio – can you organise an interview to discuss your business?  Perhaps you can take along another stall holder with you.
  • Letterbox drops
  • Local stores may display a poster in their windows for you
  • Local galleries
  • Other markets, festivals and other events prior to your scheduled market day
  • Local community groups
  • Word of mouth
Market stall display - Deanna Roberts Studio - How to set up a market stall

Markets are great fun and can be a wonderful community of people who are willing to help you out on the day, look after your stall and share their hints and tips.  Get along, have some fun and sell your stuff! 

Please leave us a review on our website and let us know your thoughts and experiences in setting up your own stall!

Cheers, Deanna 😊

How to write an artist statement

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How to write an artist statement 1 - Deanna RobertsSo, you’ve got an exhibition in mind and you’re ready to apply right?  They’re asking you for an artist statement and you’re wondering how on earth you write something like that?  Ok… maybe you’ve written a few already and are still not sure whether it’s the right thing… or you’ve done an online search on how to write an artist statement.

Well, let me say, I’ve written a few myself too and I’m still not 100% sure what’s right or what’s wrong, but I am sure that there is no 100% right or wrong.  Different gallery owners and exhibition judges look for different things, I do know that. Remember too that there are a lot of people that are going to read your statement, should your application be successful.  Of course you can have it featured on your Faceboook, Instagram page and website but also, if it’s going to be displayed on a plinth at an exhibition, people will stop and read about you.

How to write an artist statement 2 - Deanna Roberts

Having hunted around on the internet myself on many occasions I’ve found that the main gist of writing is to include information about you and what inspired your work to come to fruition.  It doesn’t have to be deep and meaningful or complicated.  Keep it simple and keep it true.  Avoid babbling on.  You want to keep the reader there, looking at your work, not bored with verbal diarrhoea.

Add some humour to it too if it pushes your buttons.  It may include a story (why not add in a cartoon perhaps?) from your childhood or an occasion where something ridiculous happened and from that came the inspiration for your work.  For example… let’s say you face-planted a birthday cake one day by accident.  From that point on you began to make face sculptures that had additional texture and layers added.

It’s all about sharing what’s true and genuine.  Talk about yourself but keep it simple.  We’re not sending out life stories here.  Sincerity is the key.

Here are a few links which I’ve found helpful and you may also find can assist you in composing your statement:

Art League

Agora Gallery

Art Business Info

Of course, plagiarism is out of the question but do check out some of the artist statements of artists you admire and you know have built a reputation for their work.  Compare and pick out the bits you like and ask yourself why you like them.  What is it about those sentences or paragraphs that you like so much?  What appeals?  Then write your own with all of the above in consideration.

How to write an artist statement 3 - Deanna Roberts

Lastly, get someone who’s done it before and had success to read yours and pick it to bits.  You may get a gold star, sure, but you may also get some objective criticism, which is of course invaluable to your own success and progress.  The key thing with succeeding at how to write an artist statement, for sure, is to look at those who have gone before you.  What have they done to succeed?  Learn from them and utilise those learnings in your own development.

Knock yourself out!  And… good luck 🙂

Transformers in San Bao?

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San Bao Artist Museum - Jingdzhen - Deanna RobertsEntrance to Ancient Artist Museum – San Bao (© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Transformers in San Bao?  What the?  Keep reading…

So, you’re off on a day trip and someone’s suggested San Bao, about 15 mins from Jingdzhen.  I guess you then wonder what to do in San Bao.  Well… there’s plenty to keep you occupied.  You can always hire a taxi to take you there, jump on the back of a motorbike or pedal your own way.  San Bao is only a short distance from Jingdezhen and when you head up the main drag and hang a left, you’ll see that big blue sign on the road that announces the entrance to San Bao.

Road to San Bao - Jingdezhen - Deanna Roberts

Road to San Bao (© Deanna Roberts 2017)

In 2015 the amount of roadworks undertaken in San Bao was huge.  The roads certainly left a lot to be desired but have since been fixed up a great deal and make travel that much more pleasant.  Be sure to find out what you can about the area before departing.  There’s lots of history in San Bao, lots of stories and loads to look at.

Pop by the Ancient Artists Museum adjacent to the Hang Guang Ceramic Cultural Center and explore the grounds.  The entrance road may seem long but the scenery is gorgeous and the mountains in the background are beautiful when lit up by the sun.  Follow the path around to the left and you’ll see the artisans at work, displaying the old and traditional methods of craftsmanship.

Raodway entrance into the old part of the museum (© Deanna Roberts 2017)

(© Deanna Roberts 2017)

(© Deanna Roberts 2017)

(© Deanna Roberts 2017)

There’s a great deal to see and the artists there may even offer you a paintbrush to have a go yourself.  It’s really interesting to watch and you can only admire the patience and skill these artisans have.  They spend hours and hours perfecting their craft and showing it off on beautifully crafted ware.

(© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Venture out the back of the museum too.  The buildings have been constructed in a very traditional manner using materials that look like their going to flake off at any time, yet have stood the test of time and endured the elements.

(© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Not sure whether this workman was fixing the road or weeding the path, but either way it was hard work and lots of elbow grease as he painstakingly sat in the scorching sun chipping away at the sandy mortar between each stone block at his feet.

(© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Hang Guang Ceramic Cultural Experience Centre (© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Be sure to look out for things along the way too and take your camera; you just never know what you might find!

Transformers at timber yard and gallery - San Bao, Jingdezhen - Deanna Roberts

‘Transformers’ autobot figure on the road to San Bao (© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Transformers in San Bao?  What the?  This ‘Transformers’ autobot figure pictured above was found behind this wall (below) – you can just see a glimpse of the autobot on the right of the archway.  It was the archway that caught my eye straight away – the work that must’ve gone into it to put it together… and keep it stable no less!  Amazing workmanship.  Once you enter the timber yard, you’ll see little pockets of galleries along the side and a few bits of artwork scattered across the path.  A fascinating place to visit.

San Bao timber yard and gallery entrance

Timber yard and gallery entrance on the road to San Bao (© Deanna Roberts 2017)

Where to find food in Jingdezhen

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It’s really daunting when you arrive in a strange country, let alone a strange city where time appears to have stood still in many ways.  Not being able to speak the language is one thing but not being able to find or ask for food that you need is another.  This blog article ‘Where to find food in Jingdezhen’ is more like a list of what to look for, look out for and where to find it.  There is a wealth to choose from.  Jingdezhen has no shortage of restaurants or food outlets, whether it’s on the street or in the most sophisticated of restaurants.  Over the years the number of restaurants and cafes have grown from a meagre few to buckets of them… the choice is huge and dining out is certainly a popular pastime.

So, let’s kick it off…

Wang Lao Ji herbal tea - Deanna RobertsOne thing I discovered at a restaurant in San Bao was the drink Wang Lao Ji.  It’s not everybody’s favourite thing but it was certainly mine.  I was ever so pleased to find out I could buy it back in Australia at the local Asian supermarkets!  It’s also apparently for calming the body’s changes in temperatures and restoring body balance and ‘climatic normality’.  I really enjoyed it with most of the food I ate anyway.

It’s pretty much available everywhere.  If you don’t find it at a local street shop you’ll find it many restaurants and cafes.  It’s like the Coca-Cola of China.

Try it!

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Street food in Jingdezhen - Deanna Roberts

Definitely give the street food a go.  Ok… some of it you need to be wary of – eg if it’s been out in the open for a while.  Go for the freshly cooked stuff.  This guy here was making amazingly thin pancakes and filling them with his special sauce, chilli, chopped greens and a crunchy crostini-type thing.  Whatever it was, it was yummy.

Pancakes, dumplings, fish, you name it.  Street food has soooooooooooo much on offer.  Many of the the street food vendors are selling food at night and also many during the day.  You can find a few dotted along the main drag and also at each end of the Sculpture Factory road.  The markets also have a lot on offer and street food there is very popular with people queuing up on occasion… especially for the fresh stuff.

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Dumplings and Maije - Deanna Roberts

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Now you just never know who you’re going to meet.  Maije and her husband found me in my residency studio after asking around.  A group of us had visited her hubby’s studio a few weeks beforehand and I’d admired his work, asked about it and posed for a few photos.  Next thing I was at their home learning how to make dumplings with them and eating mountains of food coupled with a plum wine and lots of conversation.  Good thing I had someone there to interpret.  What was going to be a short lunch turned into an afternoon of entertaining discussion.  Nothing beats the traditional fare I have to say.

Rose tea - Deanna Roberts

Naturally, there’s a wealth of tea to choose from.  Whether you shop at the local supermarket, market or venture to towns like Yao Li, the choice of tea is huge.  Some of the packaging is simply exquisite and gift-boxed so that you don’t even need to worry about wrapping paper and a card!  Shop around though.  Green tea ranges in price from just a few dollars for a few hundred grams to hundreds of dollars a kilo.  Yes, there is definitely a difference in the taste, and I’m told… how it has been hand-picked and handled, so it really comes down to what suits your taste and budget.  Rose bud tea was definitely a fave and again, delightful to know I could also purchase it back home.  Most restaurants will serve up green tea automatically on your arrival and it’s customary to rinse out your glass, chopsticks, spoon, bowl and plate before use.  There’s usually a pot of tea in the centre for all to use to pour and then a bowl to pour in the used liquid.  Some restaurants will also serve you with crockery pre-wrapped and vacuum sealed plastic in order to show you that it has all been carefully washed and is hygienic.

Teahouse food - Deanna Roberts

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Tea, is, of course, such a natural part of the Chinese culture.  To sit down and talk for hours and share tea, carefully brewed and handled is all part of the customary process.  Don’t be surprised if you are also offered small treats along with it, for example, fruit, snack bars and other little sweet temptations.

Po Yung restaurant - Deanna Roberts

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Whether you dine locally or venture out of town to places like Po Yung, there’s always more to discover.  What you know as a favourite dish locally may also be called the same thing when you’re dining out of town but can look and taste slightly different.  Be prepared for those variations as we’re not talking fast-food chains here.  Many restaurants also have plastic sheets on the tables as it is also customary to leave your food scraps beside your plate and on the plastic.  The plastic is then removed and often just wrapped up and thrown away… scraps ‘n all.  You may be invited to sit down at a table where others have just left and their scraps of chicken or fish bones and other discarded items may still be sitting there awaiting disposal.  Be prepared for anything really.

Local restaurant - Deanna Roberts

© Deanna Roberts 2017

With fine dining, there’s usually the big ‘lazy-susan’ thing in the middle and you’ll no doubt end up sharing various dishes with your other guests.   The most respected guest at your table usually sits furthest away from the door and often one person at the table pays for all guests.   The waiting staff will often be holding a mobile device and select menu items from there so it pays to know what you’re ordering – ask to look at the images or take photos of food you have discovered you like and show it to them.  Lotus root, fried chicken and fried dumplings are certainly popular.

Dog restaurant - Jingdezhen - Deanna Roberts When we say be prepared for anything… well… yes… there may still be the odd restaurant that serves dog.  How its all served I don’t know.  I have never been game enough to try, nor do I intend to.  I’m not even sure how many of those restaurants still exist but if you spot a cage of dogs outside the front of a restaurant, well… you can draw your own conclusions.  I’ve also heard that restaurants serving dog are now banned in the major cities (maybe a rumour?) but how far that rule has reached I cannot say.  Ask around.  It may or may not be your thing, but it’s worth checking either way.  There are certainly lots of different ways that we do things, regardless of what country you’re from, we all have our customs and our preferred cuisines.  It just comes down to what you’re prepared to try and how your taste buds are going to react.  Having someone who speaks and reads the local lingo though, is definitely worthwhile.

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Hot pot restaurant - Deanna RobertsIn comparison there’s also the hot pot concept where you share a table with a group of friends and have a hotplate and hot pot directly in front of each of you.  Decide between yourselves what fresh ingredients you’re going to order and plates of fresh hot pot items will arrive for you to share around and make up your own concoctions.

Often the water in your pots may already be boiling if they’re anticipating your arrival and you may well find a few dates and perhaps a piece of lotus root in the pot, bubbling away, and adding a small, refreshing touch of sweetness along with beautiful aromas.  Try different combinations, test a few things out.  Its the perfect opportunity.  Its fresh, its tasty and its totally up to you what you throw in to your hot pot.

© Deanna Roberts 2017

© Deanna Roberts 2017

There are also some very contemporary cafes around too and it’s worth popping in for the atmosphere.  Yo Yo Cafe in Gallery street is well worth a visit but be prepared to pay through the nose for a coffee, ie about 4 times more than what you might pay elsewhere.

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Yinji Cafe is also very eclectic (located just around the corner from the Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute) and well worth a visit.  Venture up the stairs to their little gallery of antiquities or stay downstairs and watch a movie on the big screen while you devour a piece of cheesecake and a cuppa.  Makes for an interesting night out too.

Red dragon fruit - yum (Hóng lóng guǒ) - Deanna Roberts

© Deanna Roberts 2017

Well, now you can say you’ve had a taste of what’s on offer (no pun intended).  Failing all of that there is the supermarket and the fresh fruit stalls.  The red dragon fruit (Hóng lóng guǒ) is delectably sweet and delicious and should be on your ‘bucket food list’.  If you want to remain with completely westernised styled food, there’s always Walmart.  Be prepared, again, to pay through the nose for what you want, usually located in the foreign-food section.

If you’ve got your own food ideas and experiences of where you’ve been in Jingdezhen and what you’ve tried, whether it’s their amazing chicken soup (head ‘n all) or turtle or the simplest of cuisines, we’d love to hear about it.  Please share here in the comments below.

Happy dining!