Exploring Guelph Part 8

1. Create something at Play with Clay (#6 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     We tapped into our creative side at Play With Clay. We had painted pre-made things like mugs or plates before, so this time we wanted to do something different. So, using a photo of our daughter's house, we built a relief of the front of the house. It took us many weeks to build and paint this piece before it was fired. The staff were very helpful in teaching us techniques so we could get it just right. We gave the art work to Anne and Gregg for their home. We totally enjoyed the experience and learning a new art form

Slabs or layers of clay are put together to achieve the proper profile
or relief of the house

Here is the photo of the house we were following.
First layer of paint on the brick work areas.

Bev painting details on house.
You have to be very patient.
Al painted other parts of the house.

The finished product. Notice Gimli (the cat) sitting in the front window.
In real life, Gimli does sit there each day, waiting for someone to come home or perhaps longing for his freedom to roam.

Nicely framed

2. Take a downtown "cafe crawl" (#11 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     One day we decided to do the cafe crawl in downtown Guelph. We did not want to a have coffee/tea at each place so at some we alternated by having a treat at one and a drink at an other and so on.

They have a lovely Chia Tea. We visited this location several times over the
 months in Guelph since it was next door to Play With Clay.

The green juice we had at the Juice Bar.
Small and expensive but good.

The goodies we tried at the West End Bakery.

     The West End Bakery is described (from their website) as:

     Located in downtown Guelph, our bakery has been family owned and operated for two generations, and we have maintained our original old fashioned philosophy of quality and service.

     We believe that good food is about caring for people. We feel that food should be wholesome and natural, and that quality meals bring people together.

     That’s why we do all of our baking from scratch, using all-natural ingredients. We offer you not only the best quality food, but also the best quality service. We strive to treat our customers the same way we treat guests to our homes.

     We use many of the same recipes that have been in our family for generations. At the same time, we are constantly improving our skills and keeping on top of current trends in the world of baking.

After 50 years of business, on June 2nd the doors of the West End Bakery closed for good.
I am glad that we were able to get into the bakery before it closed and had some
of their treats.

A latte from Planet Bean

     We probably missed a few cafes along the way but how much coffee/tea and treats can one have in a morning?

3. Ever seen a Wonkie? Check out Masterpiece -- Wonkies and Art Gallery (#83 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

Even the exterior of the Masterpiece Wonkies and Art Gallery is a piece of art

   Click here to see Paul Szewc talk about his woodworking business. If in Guelph, visit the Masterpiece -- Wonkie and Art Gallery. It is very interesting. I love the Wonkie furniture but it is too difficult to travel with one of these. 

     

Wonkie Dresser

Miniature Wonkie box (jewellery box)

Faces 

Clocks

Guitars

4. Play a board game at The Round Table (#53 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     Places like The Round Table are very popular today. Getting back to the basics of playing a board game is a nice change from the digital age.  Our family always played games on a regular basis so this evening was very enjoyable. Al and I spent an evening there playing a number of board games and having dinner. It was a great place with the perfect ambiance and shelves and shelves of games we had never heard of.

The atmosphere was great. Almost like a
castle room with shelves filled with games

Note the sword in the stone to the left of the pillar.
Wonderful atmosphere

Have a drink while playing a card game

Our dinner while playing different games

Our third game

I love the "Stay Puft Marshmallow Man" on the bar. He fits in so well

5. Guelph Little Theatre has been entertaining Guelphites since 1935 (#144 from the Guelph Tour Guide 2017)

     Al and I love to attend the local theatre and we have done it for many years, including seeing our son, Aaron in various roles in local theatres near Newmarket. Guelph has the Guelph Little Theatre and one night we went to see Gloria's Guy. We enjoyed the play, acting and comedy.

     Here is a description of this comedy:  It’s been over twenty years since Guy ditched his high-school sweetheart Gloria at the prom, and they haven’t spoken since. Now he’s a failed L.A. lawyer, divorced, and working at his brother’s resort in the Muskokas. When a wedding conveniently brings Gloria to the resort for a weekend, Guy is determined to keep his distance. But their high-school friends Eva, Leslie, and Peggy, and Peggy’s mom Jessie—the crew’s former teacher—decide to play matchmakers and reconnect the long-split pair.

     Between the reunion of old friends, each with their own surprises, Gloria and Guy are pushed together, learning the power of forgiveness, the warmth of opening up to someone, and the possibilities of a rewritten future.

     Local theatre is a gem in the community for entertainment. Support your local theatre by buying a ticket or subscription, making a donation or becoming a member.