Inspiration, or Trepidation?

Pictured above is a 25 lb bag of Lambert Wood Fire Clay. I picked it up last week, and it has taken over my thoughts and dreams. Should I make a teapot, a vase, mugs, cups, plates or ??? Will anything be good enough, or will it be too perfect and strained? Am I going to be so nervous about this that nothing will be good enough, or once I sit down at the wheel, will my trepidations disappear and the work will flow?

I will start at the beginning. Last year I decided to take a ceramics course at my local college. My professor was Justin Lambert who has a pottery studio in Jupiter, FL (Live Oak Pottery)

All during the semester he talked about how he was re-building his wood fired Anagama Kiln. He captured my imagination and I started reading books on wood firing.

I really wanted to participate in one of his firing workshops, but was not able to do so at that time. Now, a year later, both my eyes have been fixed (cataracts) and I have plunked my money down, and picked up my "dirty porcelain" clay. The firing will be in December, so I have plenty of time to dream, perchance to sleep. And when I wake, perchance to make:>)

Pat's Wonderful Adventure

I have started a new adventure in my pottery life.
I decided to take a class in ceramics at our local college. I am in a class with 15 other collage students, most of them the age of my grandchildren:>) But I LOVE it.
We are using cone 10 clay and firing in a gas reduction kiln. This is completely different for me, as I have been using cone six clay and firing in my electric kiln at home.

Our first project was to hand build something. We could choose what we wanted, but had to make it larger, but in proportion. I chose to duplicate my trustworthy, and worn everywhere, Birkenstock. It looks like it is for a giant:>)

The project we are working on now, is two sets of four bowl, carved.
One set to be open, and the other closed. I am so excited about doing this, as I have not done much carving before. I usually concentrate on shapes and glazing. This class is forcing me to stretch and grow.

Will post photos of my completed bowls when they are done

My Wine and Cheese Sets Are Taking a Trip

I think my pottery is more traveled then I am.

My three sets of little plates and cups are going to the Green Goat Gallery in Spencer NC.

The gallery owner, Anne Waters asked if she could purchase my pottery for her wonderful gallery. I hope my little dessert sets find a new home with someone that will love them as much as I do:>)

My Experiments with the Donut

Speaking of teapots, I made two new teapots last month. I decided to try to throw a closed in ring on the potters wheel and was successful on my first try. I couldn't think of what to do with the ring, so decided to make a teapot. It turned out so well, I decided to make another to be it's friend. Now they can dance around in my studio all day:>)

PS: If you click on the teapots you can see them on my etsy site with more views at differant angles.

Espresso Inspiration

Last month I was contacted by someone that saw my pottery on Etsy. She was looking for someone to make six espresso cups for her to give to her fiancé, Chris Deferio, for his birthday. It seems Chris is famous in the barista world on the east coast and has started his own coffee training school,(thecoffeeinstitute.com) so, you could say that he's really serious about his coffee. She sent me the photo (above) of him that was in the paper in New York during one of his competitions.

He wanted handmade cups without handles height 2 1/2 inches, width 2 1/4 inches with straight sides. She also wanted them by his birthday, which was really pushing the limits on pottery. I said I would like to try and if I couldn't get them done on time, would refund her money.

This photo is of the six completed espresso cups which were finished on time.

She sent me the email below after giving him his gift:

"These are awesome, pat. seriously!!! This is the best money I've spent in a long time. just wanted to let you know that Chris just loved your cups. He couldn't believe how they were just what he's been wanting. We can't wait to use them!Thanks again, and I'll keep you in mind the next time I want some pottery. Blessings to you,
Thanks again for getting them here before his birthday!!!"

After receiving that great feedback, I decided to make some more for sale on Etsy.

The photo of the espresso cups and pitcher are on etsy and if you click on this link you will see more views.

Another Busy Day.

I am posting some photos of a teapot and cheese bell in the making.

The first is all the pieces after I threw them on the wheel.

Today I trimmed and then assembled them and covered them in plastic to slow dry.

The teapot will have a cane handle if it makes it through the two firings:>)

I also made an Espresso cup, a large cup for my son Randy and a bowl with the words joy, love, dance, and sing pressed into the clay. Something different.

The first of many, I hope, muddy blogs.

I am starting this blog to be able to have a closer contact with the people, friends and family that use my handmade and wheel thrown pottery. I will share my joys and frustrations, my accomplishments and my new pieces, not only when they are ready for sale, but as I am making them.