CONNECT TO THE MOMENT WITH SECRET TEATIME

At Secret Teatime, we make small things, handmade and meant to be used, combining utility and beauty in recognition of the multi-sensory nature of tea.

A Summer Tea Experience at @ichateaca with Helen @moon.y.h.k from @secretteatime served in her handmade ceramic teawares!

In this 60-minutes Omakase-style tea journey, you can taste a selection of Japanese green teas:

- 2025 harvest Shincha (hot steeped)
- premium gyokuro (ice brew)
- matcha (summer style)

There will be sweets/snacks served along with the tea.

Featuring:
- loose leaf tea from @momoteatoronto. - - Matcha and mung bean cake from Icha Tea.

Helen will talk about the seasonality of tea and their vessels. Come to enjoy this curated tea experience. Limited seats available for this intimate gathering.

🚩Icha Tea (Spadina location)
4-235 Spadina Ave
🗓️ Saturday July 26, 11:00am
💵 $40+hst
🎟️ ICHA TEA Online shop. Link in bio.

#secretteatime #handmadeceramicteawares #torontoartist #torontoteahouse #ichatea #seasonalteas #fortheloveoftea

Come and muse in plein air with us!

Anson @hello.anson and Helen @moon.y.h.k presents BRUSH + BREW, a seasonal tea + paint event. 🍵🍵🍵🖌️🖌️🖌️

Featuring premium loose leaf tea from @ichateaca

📍 Evergreen Brickworks (550 Bayview Ave) @evergreen_brick_works
🗓️ Saturday August 2nd, 2:00-5:00pm
💵 $75+hst
🎟️ RSVP link in bio
✨ Free community tickets available upon request. Please email contact@helloanson.com

#secretteatime #helloanson #brushandbrew #teaandpaint #evergreenbrickworks #torontoartists #secretteatimecollabs #pleinair #fortheloveoftea

Come learn about the art of teatime & teaware with me in this JAPANESE TEAWARES POTTERY COURSE!

Designed for intermediate (or above) students, this course covers the tea vessels, their function in tea making, and their how they relate to ritual. It's a form focused technical course with the historic, cultural, and tea context. We will learn about and make CHAWAN, YUZAMASHI/KATAGUCHI, & SHIBORIDASHI.

Limited spots available for a small class (max 3 participants) and more quality one-on-one time.

🚩Secret Teatime - 50 Rolark Drive (Scarborough)
🗓️ Tuesday evenings (7-10pm) July 29, Aug 5, 12, (no class on 19), 26.
💵 $380+hst
RSVP: link in bio

More info available on the online shop.

Reel by @_im.designs

#secretteatime #torontopotterystudio #chawan #yuzamaahi #kataguchi #shiboridashi #handmadeceramics #potterycourse #fortheloveoftea

Japanese Teaware Pottery Course for intermediate potters at Secret Teatime.

Learn about the vessels used to prepare some of your favourite Japanese teas.
- chawan
- yuzamashi / kataguchi
- shiboridashi

Helen @moon.y.h.k will cover how each vessel functions in tea making, the technical skills and considerations to make a vessel that is personally balanced. Prepare to make and sip some green tea along the way.

This course is for intermediate (or more advanced) students. You must have basic skills in centering, pulling, trimming, attaching, and glazing. This course will be form focused. The goal is for you:
- to learn about the tea and vessels
- practice the techniques
- build a tactile library for you to refer to when continuing your teaware making journey.

Limited spots available for a small class (max 3 participants) and more quality one-on-one time.

📍Secret Teatime - 50 Rolark Drive (Scarborough)
🗓️ Tuesday evenings (7-10pm) July 29, Aug 5, 12, (no class on 19), 26.
💵 $380+hst
RSVP: link in bio
More info available on the online shop.

Images and design: 1-5 @_im.designs

#secretteatime #japaneseteawares #chawan #yuzamaahi #kataguchi #shiboridashi #claycourse #torontopotterystudio #fortheloveoftea

ATTN: ANIME NORTH 2025 CLAY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

WIP - we are at the final stages of production. All 105 pieces are ready to glaze and be loaded into the final kiln fire.

Expect to receive emails in your inboxes about picking up or shipping around July 16-20th. For pickups, you will receive the upcoming in studio schedule. For shipping, there will be a confirmation on shipping address, group shipping , and an invoice in shipping costs.

Thank you for your participation in these workshops and patience in waiting for your finished creations.

NOTE: I am available for corporate/group clay socials/workshops. Please DM or email me for inquiries.

#secretteatime #clayworkshops #workwithyourhands #animenorth2025

It's this WEEKEND! Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25.

Secret Teatime is at @animenorthcompass ! We are vendors in the GUEST AREA table # G06 (in the heart of the Artist Alley area) in the Toronto Congress Centre. This year studio members @puchi.mori @breetwo @moodipotat and @dontyuckmyyum.studio will be at the table along with me @moon.y.h.k . We will bring our handmade ceramics, jewellery, and graphic work. Come shop and support our local maker business(es).

We are also offering a series of workshops at the DELTA HOTEL - HAMILTON ROOM. We are offering the following workshops:

CLAY WORKSHOPS:
MAMEZARA (BEAN PLATES) - spots still available
SMALL CUPS - sold out, but rush line is available in case there are no shows

TEA WORKSHOPS:
CHINESE TEA (BOWL STEEPING): spots available
CHADO: DAILY MATCHA RITUAL: spots available

Buy your tickets ahead of time to secure a spot. Link in the bio.

Lastly, Leaf @puchi.mori is part of the Holostars Stamp Rally. Come to the vendor table in the Guest Area (table # G06) to get the stamp card to start your rally. There will be quiz questions along the way. Check Leaf's and other participants IG accounts for more information.

See you this weekend. Again THANK YOU @animenorthcompass for inviting us this year.

#secretteatime #animenorth2025

When a longtime customer and friend sends me snail mail poetry inspired by cups I made. Thank you @jiliyanmilne

A synthesis of lavender on a sister of stone.

A bowl made by hand in the time of the world when such is so rare.
What we truly value is what we are willing to repair.

Oh. A mass-produced mug may well be such.
Especially if it has been a gift to us.

But it is through labor and care that can cause an item to be prized.
In such our days when scarcity itself is rare.

#secretteatime
#handmadeceramics
#snailmailpoetry
#gratitude

Wrapping the 4 session HANDBUILT CHAWAN COURSE with tea under the blooming apricot tree. Although a bit windy, it was warmer outside than the damp chilly studio. The bowls from this cohort were wonderfully unique and functions well for whisking! We can enjoy our own handmade chawan while learning from each other! Thank you for participating!

There is a June-July HANDBUILT CHAWAN COURSE listed in the online shop. Please go to the link in bio for details and RSVP.

We are returning to @animenorthcompass this year! Mark your calendar for FRIDAY MAY 23 - SUNDAY MAY 25!

This year we return as a VENDOR in the GUEST AREA (INDUSTRY) and as WORKSHOP FACILITATORS.

Workshops available this year:
- MAMEZARA (Bean Plate) Workshops - with some new technique options.
- SMALL CUPS Workshops - done differently from previous years.
- CHADO: a daily matcha ritual
- NEW: CHINESE TEA: Steeping in a Chawan - an explorative and meditative way to enjoy Chinese tea through this basic (grandfather) steeping method.

The schedule will be announced and tickets will be available for purchase this SATURDAY APRIL 5TH at 8PM. Link to the online shop page will be available at the launch time.

The ticket prices are a special discount offered for Anime North attendees at this event. You must have a general entry pass to AN2025 to attend the workshops.

PLEASE READ THE DETAILS BEFORE PURCHASING. REFUNDS ARE NOT LIKELY DOABLE.

We look forward to seeing you this year!

#secretteatime #animenorth2025 #animenorthcompass #clayworkshops #teaworkshops #torontopotterystudio

New Summer course schedule is up and available for RSVP-ing.

Aside from the usual Pottery Wheel and Handbuilt Chawan Courses, there is a new course for people with a bit more experience with clay. Introducing the Intermediate Teawares Focused Pottery Wheel Course. This edition will focus on some vessels for Japanese tea and tea making. Forms we will focus on will be chawan (茶碗), yuzamashi (湯冷まし)/ kataguchi (片口), and shiboridashi (絞り出し).

The upcoming course dates:

SUNDAY June 1, 8, 15, (no class on 22), and 29
- afternoon (1:00-4:00pm): Intermediate Pottery Wheel Course (teaware focused)
- evening (6:30-9:30pm): Pottery Wheel Course (for beginners and early stages of learning)

TUESDAY June 17, 24, (no class on July 1), July 8, and 15
- evening (7:00-10:00pm)

For more info check the link in the bio.

#secretteatime #potteryclasses #torontostudio #chawan #yuzamaahi #kataguchi #shiboridashi #handmadeceramicteawares #smallpotteryclasses #fortheloveoftea

Secret Teatime is returning to the @torontoteafestival this year Feb 1+2. Be prepared for a weekend of all things tea related. We will be bringing in our handmade ceramics wares made by yours truly @moon.y.h.k and some handwoven tea textiles by @amandarataj . Come by to visit your local tea practitioner and potter.

Get your entry tickets in advance. See you!

#secretteatime
#handmadeteawares
#torontopotterystudio #chawan #gaiwan #yunomi #shiboridashi #teacups #faircups #fortheloveoftea

Part 3 of PACKAGING of the YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLAB.

This is the unboxing reel.

As mentioned, this box can be collapsed and tuck aside. You can pull it out and pop it open to store your chawan when it's not in season/use or when the bowl is on the move.

Alternatively, since it has no branding labels, it can be easily used to pack another gift too.

I made sure that the packaging materials are recyclable (the box and the green paper), compostable (the cotton string), and upcycled (the bubble wrap). I am not sure if the tissue paper is recyclable or not.

I care about the life and impact that each component has and will have after getting the ceramic piece to you safely. It isn't only about the branding of Secret Teatime, but to make sure things can have second or third lives before they hit landfill or go into high energy/resource recycling.

I hope you enjoyed this series of reels about packaging and continue to support little projects like this one.

Box production: J&P Steel Rule Dies Co
Packaging design and assembly: @moon.y.h.k
All are Kitty Approved by Kiki and Ellie

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #matchachawan #handmadeteawares #torontomakers #packingceramics #packaging #fortheloveoftea

Part 2 of BTS of PACKAGING of the YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLAB

Chawan usually comes in lidded cardboard boxes or lidded wooden boxes with grosgrain ribbon ties. When coming up with a box design for my special chawan or gift wrapping, I wanted an economical and functional box that fits all the check marks for my needs.

1. Size to fit a chawan with a decent amount of cushioning package material
2. Flat when not in use to save space for storage and when carrying them to shows and events
3. Alludes to the style of the wooden boxes that are traditionally used to pack and store chawan when not in season/use.
4. An easily recyclable material.

I think this design fits those needs.

Other packing materials:
- a piece of beautiful handmade green paper - made in India (you can reuse this in your other art projects or journal in it when your journal is full).
- clean new tissue paper to wrap against the chawan
- upcycled bubble wrap. (I try to collect and reuse bubble wrap as much as possible before they go into landfill)
- cotton string and a paper tag.

I used the pamphlet as the label outside instead of an adhesive label. This way, the box can be reused or repurposed for other storage or gift wrapping.

What do you do to make sure your fragile valuables are well packed and care for?

Box production: J&P Steel Rule Dies Co
Package design and assembly: @moon.y.h.k

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #matchachawan #torontomakers #handmadeteawares #packingceramics #packaging #fortheloveoftea

Part 1 of BTS of PACKAGING of the YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLAB

After the chawan are complete, we photo document for images to be used in social media, the online shop, and print media. The pamphlet for the whole collection, labels for the journal covers, and the first entry of each journal are designed, printed and assembled.

This collection is packed in a special box. Growing up working in the print-finishing industry, I have seen many designs in the print and packing field. I've grown very conscientious about the type of packaging I use and don't use.

Please follow me in this series of reels to learn about my philosophy about packaging in the BTS of wrapping up these Snake Chawan.

Product 📸 @puchi.mori
Print media layout: @moon.y.h.k
Box production: J&P Steel Rule Dies Co.
Blank Notebook: @mujicanada

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #chawan #handmadeteawares #torontomakers
#matchachawan #fortheloveoftea #packingceramics #packaging

Celebrate the YEAR OF THE SNAKE with a handmade and hand painted chawan!

The link in the bio will go live at NOON on SAT JAN 18 2025.

All pieces are one/one and there will be no reproductions. If you like it, get it while you can!

Much love goes to the collaborators:
JIEUN @junekima.rt , SABRINA @breetwo , WANDY @wandy_cheng , SHA @dontyuckmyyum.studio and LEAF @puchi.mori

Good luck and good shopping!
Your friendly tea practitioner + potter - Helen @moon.y.h.k
@moon.maru

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #chawan #matchachawan #handmadeteawares #torontomakers #fortheloveoftea

🐍🍵 SPECIAL YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLECTION
🖌️ @wandy_cheng x @secretteatime

🗓️ available for sale on Saturday, Jan 18th at noon online

🪜 As another returning collaborator, Wandy is a Scarborough-based illustrator from Hong Kong. Inspired by the classic Nokia snake mobile game and the Snakes & Ladders board game, each snake wraps around their chawans along a playful, organic path.

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #chawan #matchachawan #torontomakers #handmadeteawares #fortheloveoftea

🐍🍵 SPECIAL YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLECTION
🖌️ @dontyuckmyyum.studio x @secretteatime

🗓️ available for sale on Saturday, Jan 18th at noon online

🌈 Sha is a multidisciplinary frog disguised as a human who is likely casting spells when she's not doing pottery. She wanted to celebrate the abundant queer joy that is to come in the upcoming year through whimsical snakes for her chawan designs.

#secretteatime #seasonalfoodlab #yearofthesnake #matchachawan #chawan #handmadeteawares #torontomakers #fortheloveoftea

🐍🍵 SPECIAL YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLECTION
🖌️ @junekima.rt x @secretteatime

🗓️ available for sale on Saturday, Jan 18th at noon online

🐯 Jieun is a Toronto-based muralist, visual artist, and co-founder of KJ Bit Collective with art that transforms public spaces, reflecting joy, connection, and cultural storytelling. A multicoloured snake that embodies adaptability, transformation and courage emerges through a portal, reminding us of the beauty in embracing life's unexpected twists and turns.

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #lunarnewyear #chawan #matchachawan #handmadeteawares #torontomakers #fortheloveoftea

🐍🍵 SPECIAL YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLECTION
🖌️ @breetwo x @secretteatime

🗓️ available for sale on Saturday, Jan 18th at noon online

🍃 As a returning collaborator, Sabrina's upbringing in the Canadian outdoors intersects with her Taiwanese heritage to inform the nature and folklore imagery in her illustrations. In reference to the Year of Wood Snake, her chawan are inspired by the organic coiling of serpents and the rings of a tree as a metaphor for time. While a green spiraling one invokes a sense of calm for meditative reflection; the other bright and dynamic one is fearless who wears its rings of time as a badge of honour.

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #lunarnewyear #chawan #matchachawan #handmadeteawares #torontomakers #fortheloveoftea

🐍🍵 SPECIAL YEAR OF THE SNAKE CHAWAN COLLECTION
🖌️ @puchi.mori x @secretteatime

🗓️ available for sale on Saturday, Jan 18th at noon online

🌳 If you've met us in person at different markets throughout the years, you've likely seen @puchi.mori 's cute wares in the shapes of cats, hamsters and other animals. Inspired by floral and plant motifs and especially chiyogami patterns, both of Leaf's chawan designs show snakes in a blossoming plum tree, as if the snakes are branches.

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #lunarnewyear #chawan #matchachawan #torontomakers #handmadeteawares #fortheloveoftea

A spontaneous New Years SECRET TEATIME COLLAB with 5 local Toronto artists for the 2025 YEAR OF THE SNAKE! This CHAWAN collection is all one-of-a-kind! Each bowl will come with reusable collapsible packaging, a document about the collection of the 10 bowls, and a chawan journal with notes from the maker and space for you to document your journey with the tea bowl. $160+hst each.

Thank you collaborators: @junekima.rt @breetwo @wandy_cheng @dontyuckmyyum.studio @puchi.mori

The chawan will be launched ONLINE on the SECRET TEATIME ONLINE SHOP on SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH 12:00PM (NOON). The link will be available in the bio.

Mark your calendar! Be ready to purchase your special 1/1 Snake Chawan while it lasts.

📸 @puchi.mori

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #chawan #yearofthesnake #torontomakers #handmadeteawares #bespokedteawares #matchachawan #oneofakind #fortheloveoftea

The schedule for the new courses is up.

Two sessions of the POTTERY WHEEL COURSE:
Sunday Afternoon (2-5pm) or Evening (7-10pm): Feb 16, 23, Mar 2, (no class on 9), and 16.

One session of the HANDBUILT CHAWAN COURSE:
Sunday afternoon (2-5pm). Mar 23, 30, (no class on April 6+13), Apr 20, and 27. Additional evening (7-10pm) time slot can be added if this one fills up.

For more details and booking please go to the Links page in the bio.

Single session workshops to be scheduled soon.

#secretteatime #potteryclasses #torontomakers #scarboroughpotterystudio #fortheloveoftea #chawan #clayclasses #clayworkshops

Looking for last minute holiday gifts? Consider gifting a digital Gift Card from Secret Teatime. You can redeem them for workshops, at in person events purchasing ceramics (the @torontoteafestival, @animenorthcompass @nihonchacanada or when you make an online or in person purchase.

You can send an individual gift or pool money from multiple contributors for one recipient.

Shop and gift local handmade and workshops to support artists and small businesses.

#secretteatime #giftcards #potteryclasses #torontopotterystudio #handmadeteawares #fortheloveoftea

WIP of what is coming out in Jan 2025! It's the Year of the Snake (Wood Snake for 2025).

I am so fortunate to collaborate with new and returning collaborators for this series of Year of the Snake Chawan. These pieces still need to be bisque fired, glazed, and glaze fired. Then we get into the documentation, packaging, and literature making. We aim to launch these available for sale online in Jan in time before the lunar new year (Jan 29).

The artists I am collaborating with this time are @junekima.rt @puchi.mori @breetwo @wandy_cheng @dontyuckmyyum.studio .

I have yet decided on my design for the snake chawan. Perhaps something to commemorate the memory of Soba, our brief studio resident Dekay Brown snake during Feb-May 2022. Hope they are happy somewhere on Rolark since their release.

Stay tuned for the launch of these Year of the Snake Chawan!

#secretteatimecollabs #yearofthesnake #chawan #torontomakers #matchachawan #fortheloveoftea

The LATE AUTUMN edition of the IN ONE CHAWAN SEASONAL FOOD LAB was a wonderful way to wrap up the year of collaboration with @hello.anson at @deporatedseafood. This is a special passion project that I have the fortune to realize with amazing collaborators.

I hope we can do more Seasonal Food Labs and bring people together to share great food, tea, and art brought to you by local makers, small businesses, and passionate people.

Food and beverages featured in this meal include:
- depurated oysters, clams, marinated crabs @deporatedseafood
- veggies and eggs @luminous.ground.farm
- teas @ichateaca @momoteatoronto
- daifuku mochi @naturaljapaneats

Will spend time to dream about the WINTER edition. Hope you can join us for the next IN ONE CHAWAN SEASONAL FOOD LAB!

#secretteatime #inonechawan #torontomakers #depuratedseafood #cookingtogether #fortheloveoftea #chawan #seasonalfoodlab #lateautumn

Today's tea practice is to figure out how to best brew IRON BUDDHA from @ichateaca . I am using this tea for the IN ONE CHAWAN SEASONAL FOOD LAB: LATE AUTUMN EDITION happening this SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30TH from 5-8pm.

We did a taste test with the selection of oysters and are excited to introduce it to the participants of the event. We have been testing and practicing for the month of Oct + Nov to prepare for this seasonal food lab that features depurated seafood from @deporatedseafood , organic produce from @luminous.ground.farm , teas from @momoteatoronto and Icha Tea, as well as seasonal daifuku from @naturaljapaneats .

Co-facilitated with @hello.anson, this food lab is an opportunity to cook, eat, and drink together in a connective way while learning about the work of local and passionate small businesses.

There are still a few spots left in this limited small gathering. Book via link in bio or DM me for alternative payment.

#secretteatime #fortheloveoftea #inonechawan #seasonalfoodlab #tea #fortheloveoftea #depuratedseafood #ironbuddha #tieguanyin #torontofood

For those who have been following my personal account know that I have been posting about the 6 sessions weaving course that I enrolled via @workmanartsto and was wonderfully facilitated by @jana_ghalayini_ (the maker of the piece on the cover slide) .

There will be an exhibition at @youngplaceto in the third floor hallway gallery exhibiting the work made by the participants of the class. The exhibition runs from Nov 3rd to Dec 9. Opening reception is happening on the 3rd from 3-5pm, which I will be absent due to being at @nihonchacanada . I will be hosting a tea gathering as part of the exhibition programming on Sat Dec 7 from 1-3pm, so please join us! There will be a link in the bio for more information about the exhibition and accompanying programming.

About the piece:

“Tea by the Apricot Tree”
From before BCE in China, “杏壇“ (xing-tan - apricot altar) is a term which is used to refer to an
“education circle”. In the Eastern Han during the Three Kingdoms Dynasty (220-280 AD), the
legends of 董奉 (Dong Feng)’s Apricot Forest, where the physician refused payment for his
healing services, instead asked his patients to plant kernels of apricot seeds to grow the future
medicine of his practice. Today, there is a single apricot tree on the lawn of 50 Rolark Drive in
Scarborough, Ontario where the clay studio, Secret Teatime is located. This tree is the reminder
of passage of time. Spring blooms, lush summer green, colours of yellow to reds in autumn, and
finally a frame of strong thick and thin branches naked in winter as the tree hibernates.

This tea mat is woven with the images of the apricot tree of 50 Rolark as I lay under it during an early autumn afternoon. I watched the leaves and branches dance. I remember the times I had
tea under this tree myself and among friends. This tree no longer fruits, but it still holds stories
and memories. Creating this tea mat to be part of a carry-case for travelling tea combines the essence of all three points of history: to gather around tea, to share knowledge, and to heal
collectively.

See the completed piece at the exhibition!

#secretteatime #apricottree #weaving #teagathering #torontomakers

Chillin during Monday Open Studio after a long eventful and tiring weekend. I made Iron Buddha from @ichateaca with a combination of wares from the current autumn-winter collection and the previous spring-summer collection on textiles from @amandarataj (tea mat from spring-summer and a tea cloth from a personal commission).

I am always in awe of how much tea experiences is a collaboration of many elements like work from artists/farmers/tea people, and natural resources like water, earth, tea trees, with ancestral/traditional knowledge and curiosity.

There were so many people who enriched my tea journey along the way. Quite often when someone asks how I met this person, the answer would be "through tea". As I sit here making tea and sharing it with Leaf @puchi.mori she edits images of the current collection, I wonder which homes will my wares go and will they give their humans the same amount of joy that I have with this set.

In this tea setting:
- gaiwan + sieve from the "Grounded" AAWR Collection.
- tea scoop + scent cups from the "Shredded Bark" AAWR Collection
- teacups from the "Dream" AAWR Collection
- faircup from the "Flora" SCSH Collection.
- tea mat from "Seed Head" SCSH Collection
- tea cloth from an earlier commission

I hope you can make it to the ICHA TEA (Spadina location) to see the mini exhibition in person and join one of our events this month.

#secretteatime
#studioteatime
#chineseteawares #torontohandmade #torontopotterystudio #gaiwan #蓋碗 #oolongtea #烏龍茶 #ironbuddha #鐵觀音 #ichatea #amandarataj #secretteatimecollabs #fortheloveoftea

MATCHA TUESDAYS at the ICHA TEA (Spadina)

Along with the 秋豐，冬眠 - AUTUMN ABUNDANCE WINTER REST mini exhibition is MATCHA TUESDAYS every Tuesday from 3-7pm to Nov 5th (closing of the exhibition).

We are featuring 2 ways to make matcha:
- USUCHA (thin tea) with a small dried fruit as a snack before - - KOICHA (thick tea) with a mung bean cake as a paired sweet.

This is NOT served in a chanoyu ritual, but in a rather casual conversation setting that allows for guests to have a dose of matcha at the tea bar and ask questions if they are curious about the matcha itself, the bowls and tools, and the care process (the making of tea and the care of objects that you collaborate with to make the tea)

Dropping in is welcomed, but it would be best to RSVP a spot online, so we know how many people to anticipate. Please follow the link in the bio to book for the day and time you'd like and pay onsite when attending.

See you on Tuesday evenings!

#secretteatime #ichatea #matcha #usucha #koicha #chawan #teaexperiece #torontopottery #fortheloveoftea

秋豐，冬眠 - AUTUMN ABUNDANCE WINTER REST launched at @ichateaca and the mini exhibition is up until Nov 5. This small exhibition features handwoven textiles by @amandarataj and handmade ceramic teawares by @moon.y.h.k . The seasonal collection explores each artist's personal perspective of abundance and rest and how it is related to nature and their practice.

All items in the exhibition is for sale. Please check the catalogue onsite and context us if interested in purchasing.

Along with the exhibition, is a series of workshops at the tea shop.

MATCHA TUESDAYS:
Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5 - 3-7pm
Sessions starting on the hour. RSVP and drop-in is available.
Fee: $14 for usucha with dried fruit, $20 for koicha with mung bean cake

IN ONE TEABOWL with CARINA FUNG
Sunday Oct 20 - 11am-12:30pm
Meditate with a handmade chawan (teabowl) and 2 loose leaf teas. Connect with the senses and learn from these teas.
Fee: $50 - more info to come and RSVP available soon

TEACUP WORKSHOP with HELEN KONG
Sunday Oct 27 - 11am-2pm
Make a pair of ceramic teacups, decorate, and choose your glaze. The pieces will be taken back to the Scarborough studio to be finished and fired. Ready to pick up at Icha Tea in 3-6 weeks.
Fee: $98 - more info to come and RSVP available soon.

Hope you are cozying up for the upcoming cooler seasons. Tea is like a nourishing warm bath from inside out. Be sure to check out ICHA TEA's selection of tea sets and tea trays made with their amazing selection of premium loose leaf.

Happy autumn vibes!

#secretteatime
#ichatea
#amandarataj
#teacloths
#teamats #gaiwan #chawan #matcha #chineseteawares
#torontomakers #clayworkshops #teaworkshops #torontocreatives #fortheloveoftea

Documentation day before we set up for the 秋豐，冬眠 - AUTUMN ABUNDANCE WINTER REST mini exhibition at @ichateaca . The exhibition runs from Oct 5th to Nov 5th.

I can't wait to see these with @amandarataj 's handwoven textiles.

The opening for the exhibition is this Saturday October 5th from 6-10pm. There will be some light nibbles, refreshments, and Helen will be at the tea bar serving matcha in a causal and conversational way. Come energize yourself before your night exploring Nuit Blanche Toronto.

RSVP for your spot for matcha to secure a spot. Link in bio.
Usucha + dried fruit: $14
Koicha + mung bean sweet: $20
Start times: 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 9:30.

Accompanying this exhibition are Matcha Tuesdays and two workshops: "In One Teabowl" with Carina Fung @whiterabbittea and "Make a Teacup" with yours truly, Helen @moon.y.h.k . More details to come.

Hope you have a chance to see the exhibition and support our ongoing seasonal exhibition projects.

Thank you @puchi.mori for documenting my work.

#secretteatime #ichatea #secretteatimecollabs #amandarataj #torontomakers #gaiwan #faircup #teacupa #chineseteawares #torontopotterystudio #fortheloveoftea #torontoteaculture

The OPENING to our mini exhibition is this SATURDAY OCTOBER 5TH from 6:00-10:00pm. Come join us to see the new collection of teawares and tea textiles on the eve of Nuit Blanche TO. There will be nibbles and Helen will be serving MATCHA at the TEA BAR. It is casual and conversational.

Serving::
Usucha (thin tea) $14 - Isuzu from Koyamaen
Koicha (thick tea) $20. - Kinrin from Koyamaen
Both come with a sweets pairing.

Come energize yourself before your night of exploring Nuit Blanche Toronto.

**RSVP and drop ins are welcome. The start times for each sessions are 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30. RSVP online and pay on site to guarantee a spot. (Please come 5 mins before). Link in bio.

EXHIBITION INFO:
Secret Teatime presents 秋豐。冬眠 - AUTUMN ABUNDANCE WINTER REST, a collaborative exhibition featuring handmade ceramic teawares by @moon.y.h.k and handwoven tea textiles by @amandarataj showcasing at @ichateaca (235 Spadina). This is an extension to our 春色，夏彩 - SPRING COLOURS SUMMER HUES earlier this year. In this mini exhibition, both artists explore how we transition from rich autumn colours and harvest, to gratitude, to preparing for the cold dark seasons and finally to rest.

Along with this mini exhibition will be a series of Matcha Tuesdays at the Tea Bar and workshops. Please stay tuned for more details.

#secretteatime #secretteatimecollabs #amandarataj #ichatea #handmadeteawares #handwoventextiles #torontomakers #teacloths #chawan #gaiwan #fortheloveoftea

Sooo.... I've been working real slowly on the piece for the upcoming exhibition opening next week. The theme is 秋豐，冬眠 - Autumn Abundance, Winter Rest and will be exhibiting at @ichateaca (Spadina location).

What was challenging for me was to question myself what does abundance look/feel like when my body grows progressively more tired and less productive due to SAD (seasonal affective disorder) in the autumn and the inability to rest due to the solo-peneur workload in the holiday season? What small abundances I can enjoy and appreciate? What do I dream of when I am resting?

The work is still in slow progress. The workshop program is still in programming, but the exhibition will launch on Oct 5th evening (more details to come).

In the reel: Dreams (gaiwan and tea caddy WIP)

Like the last seasonal exhibition, 春色, 夏彩 - Spring Colours, Summer Hues, I will be exhibiting with @amandarataj handwoven textiles.

Thank you @ichateaca for providing this opportunity. I hope you can make it to support this mini exhibition and the workshop series that will accompany it. please stay tuned for the information.

#secretteatime #gaiwan #teacaddy #handmadeteawares
#torontomakers
#fortheloveoftea #ichatea #secretteatimecollabs

This is my first time participating at the @queenwestartcrawl . Please come by to support me and other local artists! I would like to thank @workmanartsto for this opportunity.

See you!

#secretteatime #torontomakers #torontohandmade #handmadeteawares #fortheloveoftea

Thank you to those who came out on the opening weekend @gallery222spadina. Show is until Aug 8. Check the original official post for the schedule. Come by to shop, relax, sip tea, and chat!

📸 @missizjay - thank you for joining out tea session and for the panorama shot.

@toyahkimono

#secretteatime #teasalon #tealounge #contemporarywafuku #chawan #torontomakers

A MIDSUMMER TEA SALON happening at @gallery222spadina (Chinatown Centre - 222 Spadina - unit C13) from JULY 20-AUG 8. Featuring along with @toyahkimono

Helen Kong is a multifaceted artist and tea practitioner based in Scarborough, where she owns and operates Secret Teatime, a clay maker space. Her expertise lies in crafting tea wares for both Japanese and Chinese tea ceremonies. She is deeply immersed in Chado, the Japanese Way of Tea, and explores her Chinese heritage through tea traditions as well. Tea serves as a profound source of inspiration and grounding for Helen, particularly during periods of life and creative challenges.

Beyond her studio work, Helen is actively involved in education and community projects. She teaches ceramic workshops at her Scarborough studio and collaborates with various community and market spaces. Her recent projects include The IchiGo-Ichi-E Tea Project, featured at Nuit Blanche Toronto 2022 and chronicled in C Magazine, as well as a themed visual art residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity titled "Meeting for Teas". She also curated a mini exhibition and workshop series called "Spring Colours Summer Hues" at Icha Tea in Toronto.

Looking ahead, Helen's upcoming projects include seasonal food gatherings titled "In One Chawan" in collaboration with Anson Ng at Deporated Seafoods. She plans to host the Autumn + Winter mini exhibition and workshop series at Icha Tea from September to October. Additionally, she will be a guest speaker, workshop facilitator, and vendor at Nihoncha Matsuri 2024 on November 3.

Helen Kong's work and projects reflect her deep passion for tea, ceramics, community engagement, and the intersection of art and daily life rituals. Come by to have tea, rest and dream with Helen at the tea salon.

IN THIS EXHIBITION

Ceramic pieces for Sale:

Chawan from the “In One Chawan” project and Local Flora Series

Casual cafe wares (yunomi, latte bowls, and shiboridashi)

Vases “Untitled”

Installation Space:

“A Midsummer Tea Salon” and a curated collection of books for the in gallery library.

#secretteatime #chawan #shiboridashi #yunomi #lattebowls #torontomaker #torontopotterystudio #fortheloveof

Featuring in A MIDSUMMER TEA SALON @gallery222spadina (Chinatown Centre, unit C13) from JULY 20-AUG 8 are contemporary wafuku made by TOYAH.

Born in Jamaica and now living in Canada since 1996, Toyah's journey through fashion and sewing has been a testament to her passion. Despite pausing her dreams of fashion school to focus on her family, Toyah found her way back to sewing while creating magical costumes for her daughters. Her fascination with wafuku (traditional Japanese clothing) grew from her admiration of Japanese culture and anime. Beginning with her daughters' cosplay kimonos, Toyah's commitment to making wafuku accessible and comfortable has only strengthened since she started learning from a Japanese kimono tailor in 2013. Today, she continues to innovate and inspire with locally sourced fabrics and Western-friendly designs.

Toyah is also a student of Chado (the Japanese Way of Tea). This is her second passion.

IN THIS EXHIBITION

This collection includes men/unisex series of Japanese clothing made with locally available fabrics which includes denim, cotton, polyester, and some blended. There are kimono (着物 - lit. 'thing to wear), jinbei (甚平 - summer lounge wear), obi (襷 - belt for kimono), and silk sukiyabukuro (数寄屋袋 - tea purse). All are handmade by Toyah and available for sale.

Toyah will be available on site on certain weekends to answer your questions, help you try on the clothes, and take custom orders.

#secretteatime
#toyahkimono
#teaspaces #gallery222 #kimono #jinbei #wafuku #localcollaboration
#smallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #torontomakers

This time last year I had to decide what to bring with me for my themed (Meeting for Teas) residency at @banffcentre . It was a challenging list. I had the limitation of 2 checked luggage. I was attending as a tea practitioner and a ceramic artist.

I felt incredibly silly for bringing the tatami mat and basic Japanese and Chinese teawares with me. It was more important than my making tools. Especially when dramatically lugging heavy baggage for the long walk to my hotel room.

When I finally unpacked and unrolled the tatami mats on to the ground that sense of embarrassment melted away. I made the right choice. I needed something to define the tea space. It meant that this space is for very specific activities and engagement.

It was the biggest take away from the residency. The gatherings, the flow of water and tea, the discussions, the quiet reflections, the moments to look within to inform the body and creativity, and the shared moments of connection. I had the opportunity to gather with new people and friends from Toronto that are in the area (even a serendipitous encounter with someone I haven't seen for a decade by chance).

Immediately after my return, along with some tea classmates, we did a tea gathering at a park coinciding with Nuit Blaclnche Toronto. It was not as elaborate as the previous year's @ichigoichietea project, but the simplicity and intimacy of it made it restful and engaging at the same time.

I realized that I can go lengths to carve out spaces to share tea and rest with people given the opportunity. Now I have an opportunity to create a quick pop-up at @gallery222spadina open on selected days from July 20 - Aug 8. It will be A MIDSUMMER TEA SALON where there will be an exhibition of a selection of chawan and other handmade teawares and J-wear made by @toyahkimono . Along with the exhibition is a tea space open for tea session appointments and tea lounge days where people are welcomed to come to relax, do light work, do no work, read, drink tea, and connect.

Stay tuned for the official announcement and details.

Thank you @deporatedseafood + @hello.anson for this opportunity!

#secretteatime #popupteasalon #tearoom

New wheel course and single session dates! Go to the link in the bio to register!

#secretteatime #potteryclasses #smallpotteryclasses #torontopotterystudio #torontomakers #playwithclay

One of my favourite pieces coming out of this kiln. I can't wait until the chicory comes in season. They grow on the side of the building and in the front lawn.

I look forward to seeing them again this year and would love to sit and spend time with them.

#secretteatime #handmadeteawares #gaiwan #torontopotterystudio #torontomaker #chicory #fortheloveoftea

Fresh out of the kiln and straight it goes into the box for @animenorthcompass (Fri May 24-Sun May 26).

I had a good time playing with colour and abstracted local plant imagery. It's like a prayer to see them flourish once again this summer.

See you at AN 2024!

#secretteatime #handmadeteawares #torontomaker #bespokedteawares #dandelions #asters #milkweed #chicory #chawan #gaiwan

Another bowl out of the kiln that is part of the summer collection. This one is covered in wild asters.

Will be available at @animenorthcompass (May 24-26) . Four more sleeps until Anime North. This year we have many more clay workshops (get tickets in the online shop link in bio). I will be spending less time at the Guest Table (Hall D), but my studio mates will be there to greet you.

#secretteatime #animenorth2024 #chawan #handmadeteawares

New summer chawan out of the kiln. I can't wait to have matcha /ice-brewed gyokuro in a bowl like this in warmer weather and watch the milkweed grow in.

Making more summer collection wares. Available for sale at @animenorthcompass May 24-26 next weekend.

Our table has moved to the Guest section in Hall D (near Artist Alley). Come by to see our table along with friends of Secret Teatime: @momoteatoronto @kintsugica and @toyahkimono . Come by for your culture goods!

We still have workshop spots. Grab tickets on the online shop (link in bio)

Looking forward to a good weekend with a wonderful crowd of people!

#secretteatime #handmadeteawares #matchachawan #hirajawan #animenorth2024 #clayworkshops #teaworkshops #chawan #torontopotterystudio #torontomakers

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@secretteatime

Learn, Play, and Connect at Secret Teatime

Secret Teatime, a maker space hidden in Scarborough, Ontario, where people play with clay and sip tea. Helen, the owner is a tea practitioner (Japanese and Chinese) who specializes in making teawares for everyday use and for your tea rituals. She also facilitates workshops and multi-sensory tea/food gatherings that focus on the connective relations between people, objects, nature, materials, and food.

More about the Helen, please check out her personal and other project accounts. @moon.y.h.k @moon.maru @ichigoichietea

Please email Secret Teatime if you're interested in collaborations.

THE WEBSITE IS SLOWLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
- Thank you for your patience -

Secret Teatime is going through a transition. Helen is healing while figuring out the future of her creative practices. The studio will be open for Open Studio (limited time and space for members), pottery courses and workshops, and will be open for appointments.

A kind reminder that this a solo-preneur business. The person that answers the emails is also the person making the ceramics, planning events, teaching workshops, packing orders along with all the other nitty-gritty business related work. As we want to exercise more care, wellness, make space to rest/heal, and reduce hustle culture, I acknowledge that my physical, mental and emotion well being is an integral part of running this small business. Your patience would be greatly appreciated.

Follow us on Instagram for upcoming events and news. The Online Shop is open, please check the shop for ceramic wares and clay courses and workshops.

Please check our Instagram page for updates

Instagram (@secretteatime)

Secret Teatime Online Shop

CONTACT

All studio visitations are by appointment only. Please email us to inquire.

50 Rolark Drive (front office)
Toronto, Ontario
M1R 4G2

secretteatime@gmail.com

CONNECT TO THE MOMENT WITH SECRET TEATIME

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Learn, Play, and Connect at Secret Teatime

THE WEBSITE IS SLOWLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.- Thank you for your patience -

CONTACT

THE WEBSITE IS SLOWLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
- Thank you for your patience -