Pottery. Photography. And All Things Handmade.
After much thought, reading, note-taking and collaboration with fellow potters, I think I have discovered the reason why I have had pin holes. #1: The glazes were too thick. So early spring, I adjusted my glazes. The result was perfect on two of the three clay bodies. #2: It is a particular clay-body. After talking... Continue Reading →
I participated in my first Creativity Challenge in my photo class where I was to apply what I have learned. We were to choose one simple every day object and take five different shots to tell a story. I chose a pencil . . . . * * *
It's spring ya'll! I've been a little short on words lately but that is not to say nothing is going on. Over the winter I: took a hand-building pottery class took an excellent on-line photography class read all of the books I received for Christmas reviewed my glazing notes to try to solve glazing problems... Continue Reading →
I'm a list maker and note taker. I make lists of things "To Do" otherwise things will not get done such as exercise, make doctor's appointment, and laundry. I also make "To Do" lists for pottery such as prepare test tiles, reclaim clay, make handles and buy more clay. I make lists for items I need... Continue Reading →
Okay. So, I have not blogged in about one month and what happens? Word Press greets me with a message: "Welcome to the wonderful world of blocks". What is with the word press blocks?Is it supposed to be easier?Well, I'm not finding these blocks easier.In fact, the word press blocks are blocking my thoughts. When I get... Continue Reading →
It may seem as if I am hibernating after the holidays. Goodness knows, I certainly feel as if I could! January and February are quickly becoming my favorite months of the year; a respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. A time to relax and rejuvenate - change of pace. It may look... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year!
A new week!
A new day!
Hooray!
I made no New Year’s resolutions. In fact, a long time ago I resolved not to make New Year’s resolutions. Instead I decided to make daily resolutions or, as some may call them, daily affirmations. Daily resolutions are much less daunting. The intent is for the day rather than for a WHOLE year. Think about that . . .a WHOLE year. That is 365 days!
I do set long term goals such as eating healthier, exercising more, getting more sleep and not swearing (as much) but these goals need tweaking through the year because, as we all know, LIFE happens – circumstances beyond our control; so daily resolutions can be tweaked to suit fluid life situations.
Tweaking daily resolutions requires learning how to forgive yourself when a resolution has not been met. It is far too easy to fall into…
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Aren’t we all Santa’s helper? Read more: The Santa Paper
Over the past few months the need for a shallow cat dish became apparent. Miss Kitty,17 years young, refused to eat out of her regular cat bowl. I thought it was her food but learned it was her food dish. She developed whisker stress. Whiskers are extremely sensitive, and when a food bowl is too... Continue Reading →
It was a crisp November day. I loaded the kiln for the last time of the 2017 throwing season. Flipped the switch on the kiln expecting the glaze firing to take 10 to 12 hours. When 10 hours passed, I suspected something was wrong. The results of the longest glaze firing ever . . .... Continue Reading →
Not much pottery today but a lot of neglected behind the scene stuff. I spent the better part of today at the computer thinking of words. Words. Words describing my pottery in my Etsy shop. I use words every day yet when I try to write, words are elusive. This is why I am not a... Continue Reading →
Yes, there are time differences between countries, states and cities, but I've noticed time differences affect photography. The outside light changes through the day. You may not notice the vast difference in light as the day proceeds, but through a camera lens that light difference is magnified! Pictured below is one of my newest stoneware... Continue Reading →
New glaze combos. Trusty favorites with a new twist. Unearthed and revived old glazes that I haven't used in years. So, that is what the glaze is going on around here!
I unloaded the kiln and minutes later my nesting bowls shattered right in my hand! Oh, this is so painful but I’m LEARNING! 😀 It seems I am having trouble with slabs. Slab work is not as easy as it looks, apparently! After some investigation on the interwebtubes, I am thinking I made my... Continue Reading →
I made another box but with feet! When I made the first one, I intened it to be a planter but it didn't have drainage hole or feet to ensure airflow and drainage. Happy feet! Happy Friday!
Having a slab roller really simplifies things and conserves my energy verses a rolling pin! I was thinking about making this a succulent planter! However, I may need to rethink its design. A planter needs a pot with a drainage hole or feet to ensure better airflow. This box doesn't have either one. So, what... Continue Reading →
I have been working on nesting bowls this week. Each bowl is made from a slab of clay draped over clay molds I made last winter. It has taken me several tries to work out all the kinks in the process. The third time worked like a charm! After these air dry, they will undergo... Continue Reading →
Miss Kitty and I are enjoying today's heat wave of 65 degrees! While Miss Kitty roams around the back yard, I set to work on my new molds. Last winter I had one mold to produce unique organic shaped shallow dishes or bowls. Because these dishes sold well, I wanted to increase my production.... Continue Reading →
I was happy to accept the Life in Black and White challenge. At first, I thought it would be hard but I found that taking a picture of the simplest things made the biggest impact in black and white.
After a lot of hard work dealing with unusual grog particles in my clay over the summer, I am happy to report not all was a loss! Tickled with the glaze results in these two turquoise & brown mugs! Just listed in my shop, back porch studio, on Etsy!
Just when I was ready to throw in the towel early this month due to groggy clay , I decided to talk to the folks at my local pottery supply store to see if they could recommend a new clay body similar to what I had been using for over ten years. I am SO happy... Continue Reading →
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Back Porch Studio 