CAMEO and 18 HANDS GALLERY present
Over 35 artists from England, Australia and the US have submitted clay teapots up to two feet in size. Jointly sponsoring with CAMEO, which is dedicated to the promotion of the ceramic arts and in particular, support of emerging ceramic artists. Two major purchase prizes to be awarded to outstanding participants and the winning submissions will become part CAMEO’s permanent collection. Come vote for the 2013 People’s Chocie Award. The Juror for the exhibition is Piero Fenci. Professor Fenci’s work is represented in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in the Schein-Joseph Museum of International Ceramic Art in Alfred New York, and in the Tyler Museum of Art, Tyler, Texas.
JANUARY / 2013
1 2 - 2 9
Houston, Texas
International Texas Teapot Tournament 249-B West 19th Street in the Houston Heights Opening Reception Saturday, January 12, 2013 / 6-9 p.m.
Book- Reviews Dallas North Texas
New Year Books Reviews by Janet Pool
Quilts, Tacos & Tattoos A Novel By Alicia Diane Durand Alicia Diane Durand’s new book QUILTS, TACOS & TATTOOS might become a favorite if quilts and/or mysteries are your passion. This delightful book has been very well received. In fact, so much so that Durand sold completely out of books slated for several signings while at her first at the Plano Quilt Show. The setting for Durand’s mystery is Marble Falls, Texas in the early 1990’s. The little quilt shop Marmie & Me becomes the target for a series of crimes “after a mysterious man in red boots demands the return of his unrepaired sewing machine.” The main character, Cricket, is a quirky teen in her senior year of high school. She, along with “Candy, her mother, and Bea, her grandmother, are on a mission to understand why their shop is at the centre of the small-town crime spree. Over the summer, the ladies of the quilt shop partner with the other merchants in the strip mall, the owners of the Local Taco restaurant and the hooligans of the Indigo Ink tattoo parlor, to stitch together this patchwork mystery.” Along with unraveling the mystery, readers will find themselves appreciating the love and support demonstrated between the three generations of family. Their hearts will also be touched by the sweet ties of friendship Cricket, Candy, and Bea share with their quilt shop co-workers Betsy, Ruthie, Luanne, and Poncho. More information about the author can be found at the following website: www.aliciadianedurand.com
4 World-Famous Chinese Green Teas By Jason C. S. Chen On a cold winters day, we often turn to a steaming hot cup of green or oolong tea to bring us comforting warmth. With many flavorful variations, it is easy to see why these teas have become so popular with today’s tea lovers. Have you ever wondered about the process that tea leaves undergo as they are transformed from plants growing along the mountainsides into the delectable nectar we enjoy?
6
www.teaintexas.com |
Tea Master Jason C. S. Chen has written two books that provide a lovely excursion into the various aspects of how green and oolong teas are grown and harvested. His exquisite photography not only transports readers to China’s beautiful countryside and tea gardens, but also introduces them to many of the workers and Tea Masters working behind the scenes to bring tea leaves from the mountain tops to our teacups. In addition, Chen’s fascinating narrative of Chinese history and culture (written in both English and Chinese) brings his adventures to life for readers. His newly released book, entitled 4 World-Famous Chinese Green Teas, showcases: Dragonwell (aka the National Tea drink of China), Ping Shui Ri Zhu, Bi Luo Chun, and Mao Feng. The multi-stepped process includes the plucking of tea leaves, withering (both indoor and outdoor), fermentation, rolling, separating the leaves, creating shapes, drying, panfiring, and tasting. For example, the “Dragonwell process requires ten different skills including crushing, tossing and separating. A tea maker needs 3-5 years of training before becoming a novice Tea Master in the manufacture of Dragonwell.” “Ping Shui Ri Zhu (which is considered to be the best tea in the Zhejiang province) began during the North Song Dynasty. The name comes from Ping Shui, the town; and Ri Zhu, the mountain in Shaoxing county, Zhejiang province, China. Ri Zhu tea was the first to move from steamed to pan-fired, the first to go from crushed leaves to rolling the leaves, and change from circle-style cakes to loose leaf.” Bi Luo Chun, “one of the top ten famous teas in China,” began being produced during the Tang Dynasty. Its name is best described by the following: “Bi is the lovely green color of this brewed tea. Luo is the shape – spiral, as the leaves are twisted during processing—and Chun is Spring, the best season for this tea.” Mao Feng, an “air-fired green tea,” has several varieties of “tea leaf shapes, including ‘twist’ and ‘needle’.” In early spring, this tea is picked “one bud, two leaves.” However, many of our flowered or bagged teas are made from leaves with two or three leaves per bud which are harvested in late spring from the high mountain (Wuyi mountains) plantations.
A Tea Lover’s Travel Diary By Jason C. S. Chen Readers will want to continue their Chinese travel adventures with Chen’s companion book entitled A Tea Lover’s Travel Diary. Released in 2010, this book features Phoenix Single-Tree Oolong Tea and Tie Kuan Yin Oolong Tea. Chen’s gorgeous photography will, once again, provide breathtaking views of
January - February 2013
Follow your heart
as you stroll through 50,000 square feet of antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry and collectibles at
800 North Central Expressway, Plano, Texas 75074 Open Mondays - Saturdays 10 am - 6 pm / Sundays 11 am - 6 pm 972.509.7878
...and come by for an enjoyable lunch or a delightful Valentine tea experience at
The Chocolate Angel CafĂŠ & Tearoom Inside High Street Antiques & Design Open for Lunch Tuesdays - Saturdays 11 am - 3 pm Buffet Brunch on Sundays 11 am - 3 pm Afternoon Teas begin Tuesdays - Saturdays 3:30 pm Reservations Recommended 972.904.9597 chocolateangel.com
Charming Garden Cottage where the Love for the Lord is King.
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
For reservations call 817-488-8850
Mon-Thurs 9 am-4 pm Fri-Sat 9 am-8 pm 216 W Wall Street, Historic Grapevine
Indulge Your Senses
T ea and Choc olate
by Margie’s Tea Service
High Street Antiques and Design Space 052 800 North Central Expressway Plano, Texas 75074
214.808.5250
TEA + TOUR $7 5,(1=, Ũ )5,'$< -$18$5< $7 3 0 Enjoy an afternoon tour of Visions of Fancy: George Romney, 18th-Century Paintings and Drawings, paired with a traditional (QJOLVK WHD VHUYLFH DW WKH 0)$+ KRXVH IRU (XURSHDQ WUHDVXUHV 9LVLW PIDK RUJ 5LHQ]L WR UHVHUYH \RXU WLFNHWV .LUE\ 'ULYH Ũ
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE PATH OF TEA, AZTEC EVENTS & TENTS, A FARE EXTRAORDINAIRE.
4PVQT t 4BMBET t 4BOEXJDIFT t 2VJDIFT
N
NEW LOCATIO
Open November in Magnolia, TX 311 FM 1774 Visit us soon!
281-255-4TEA (4832)
0SJHJOBM TIPQ JO 50.#"-- 8 ."*/ TU
magnoliatreehouseoftea@yahoo.com
Sandwiches, Soups, Ice Cream, Milk Shakes, Malts, Ice Cream Sodas, Sundaes, Banana Splits and Homemade Specials!
102 Market Street Tomball, TX 77375 281-516-1942 Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11-6pm Friday - Saturday 11-8pm Sunday 12 - 6pm | Closed Monday Located in the Barns at the Depot across from the Historic Depot Plaza
F�ee
cup of soup
with purchase of any sandwich
Cannot be combined with any other offer, one coupon per customer. Expires 9/7/12
F�ee
B U Y ice cream conegetoronecup ONE
Free cone must be of equal or lesser value. Cannot be combined with any other offer, one coupon per customer Expires 9/7/12
Britishin theIsles village Where Houston Shops in Britain • Food, Candy and Tea • Home Decor • China and Crystal • Toiletries for Women and Men • Gifts for Children and Pet lovers • Celtic Jewelry • Greeting Cards
BritishIslesOnline.com 2366 Rice Blvd. 713.522.6868
9:30-6 Mon-Sat 12-5 Sun
TEA COLORS Design | Print | Web | Create
BRANDING
Branding is an integral part of the business quality process. A brand is a promise. With a brand you set expectations. When customers buy your product or service, they see your commitment to quality. TEAinTEXAS presents our TEA COLORS design team, partnering with clients to increase brand awareness, build a fresh look and enhance customer experience.
INCLUDES:
Logos Business / Rack Cards Website Design & Upgrade Affordable Hosting
D N A BR
alue nal v io t o em ived rs Perce custome n r u Ret
Let us connect you with our design team to
MAXIMIZE YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL. WWW.TEACOLORS.NET design@teaintexas.com
Tea Etiquette
TeaEtiquette By Penny Ward
Another year is here and it is that time again to make New Year’s resolutions! In addition to all the usual resolutions that are about self-improvement, I feel it is just as important make a difference in the lives of others. Do you have any ideas for a simple way to start? I agree that we should be investing in the lives of others. I am reminded of a quote by Audrey Hepburn: “It’s that wonderful, old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so don’t fuss, dear; get on with it.” After all, good manners are about how we treat others! One of my New Year’s resolutions is this: Be Kinder. For the small investment on our part of being aware of the needs of others, we can make a big impact on the lives of others. A few ideas to get you started: Be kinder by forgiving and showing grace. It changes you; it can change them. Be kinder by saying something nice. There is a proverb that says “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healthy to the bones”. A kind word of encouragement
28
www.teaintexas.com | January - February 2013
Home of Old Town Spice Tea
We can help you celebrate a special event Birthdays, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers Call and let us book your tea party in style.
281-528-6550 www.CrossroadsCollection.com 123 Midway, Old Town Spring, TX 77373
We now offer Tea service, cream tea, afternoon tea, and tea classes.
Quilting Corner Central Texas
2013 craft calendar January 25 - 27 Quilts on The Bayou, Jefferson Head to Texas’ southern belle, for a fabulous quilt show celebrating its 10th anniversary! Raffle quilt and vendor fair. Featured exhibits: Hoffman’s Lavendar Collection, and a special hanging of Sharon Newman’s Collection of two centuries of quiltmaking. The featured workshop will be “Crazy Quilt Style,” by Sherril Lewis. Email jqshow@yahoo.com January 25 -27 Quilting Retreat, Happiness is Quilting Kathy Dunigan, a nationally-recognized quilting instructor, leads the retreat on Symphony of Blue Wreaths, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Happiness is Quilting on the McKinney Square. Cost is $199. Special hotel rates available. Happinessisquilting.com/store. January 31 - March 23 “Pieces of the Past” Quilt Exhibit, Collin County Historical Museum Open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursdays – Saturdays, this exhibit showcases historically significant quilts from Collin County. Each weekend will feature a special event with additional quilts on view. On Quilt ID day, two local historians will review family quilts. The Museum is located at 300 East Virginia Street in McKinney. Collincountyhistoricalsociety.org.
KINGWOOD QUILT SHOW SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES Kingwood Area Quilt Guild presents “The Quilted Forest Quilt Show”, April 19 – 20 at the Humble Civic Center. This fundraising event has allowed the Guild to provide thousands of charity quilts to: Hospitals ~ Shelters ~ Veterans – Mission Northeast ~ Family Time ~ HAAM ~ American Red Cross ~ Foster Children’s services – Ronald McDonald House. The guild is a regular provider of educational programs to local schools, civic organizations, and community events such as the children’s quilt project with MD Anderson Children’s Hospital, and Jesse Jones Park Pioneer day. Annually they donate books to all of the HUMBLE ISD elementary school libraries to educate and promote the appreciation of the rich heritage and art of quilting. The organization also provides college scholarships to graduating seniors in area High Schools. Please join the guild for this fun event and help them to continue to reach their goals in the North Houston community!! For more information: www.KingwoodAreaQuiltGuild.com
32
www.teaintexas.com |
January 17 through March 31 Off the Wall, Maverick Quilts at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Fort Worth This exhibition of 35 surprising and exceptional “Maverick” American quilts, most never before displayed publicly, explores the ingenious, wide-ranging, and sometimes unexpected ways that American women interpreted traditional quilt designs. The museum is located at 1720 Gendy Street in Fort Worth. Hours are 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday and 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Cowgirl.net. February 21 – 24 QuiltCon, Austin The inaugural conference and show by The Modern Quilt Guild will be an international affair featuring top modern quilt instructors. Quiltcon.com. February 28 – March 4 Beauty in Blue Art Retreat Gather your crafting friends for an East Texas artistic girlfriends getaway led by artist Karen Hillman. The event includes artist-taught projects, shopping excursions, fabulous dining, and take-home gifts. Space is limited. Beautyinblueevent.blogspot.com. March 8 - 10 Dallas Quilt Celebration Mark your calendar for the Dallas Quilt Guild’s Quilt Celebration. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m. The theme will be “Edibles.” More than 400 quilts on display with appraisals, vendor fair, mini quilt auction, more than $14,000 in prize money, lectures, exhibits, demonstrations, and quilt tours. It’s always a fabulous show!
January - February 2013
Welcome to Conroe
Weddings * Receptions * Special Events * Teas Luncheons * Corporate Functions
www.BurkeshirePlantation.com 915 N.Frazier Conroe, Texas 77301 936.441.0949 (Metro)
Mimi” Burke invites you to visit
Gayle “
Antiques Collectibles Gifts Home Decor Vintage
on Main CONROE
An Antique Mall and More! 312 North Main Conroe, Texas 77301 (Downtown across from Courthouse)
936-441-0002
Silver-plated teapot with fluted vertical bands on the body. Holds five cups of your delicious tea. $51.95 - Item 45668
Tea for Two, Inc. Your source of quality tea accessories since 1997 teafortwo.com | sales@teafortwo.com Toll Free (888) 601-9990