October

My studio has become a constant mess. I need more shelves... Or less stuff... Or more organization... Or probably all of the above!

Porcelain Pendants

I was drifting off to sleep one night when a vision of a geometric pendant came to me. It was so compelling that I got out of bed and sketched it. Awhile later I found my sketch and made the pendant! And it turned out just how I imagined it. Every time I wear it I receive a bazillion compliments. I can change the way it hangs on the chain depending on the look I want or the neckline.

After receiving so many compliments I made a few and sold them at LON Little Shop. 

And then I made a few more...

Each one is individually made by hand. I roll out a slab of porcelain and lay my paper pattern on top and then cut it out with an exacto knife. After glaze firing I add the extra touch- luster. I love luster! It gives the pendants more of a jewel quality. 

I have two of these pendants right now- one has gold luster and one has platinum. One is a cream color and a little larger, one is white and smaller. I haven't decided what I should do with them, so I figured I would ask. Should I sell them in my Etsy shop? Sell them in a store? Sell them at a festival (I've applied for a few holiday markets!). Or do any of YOU want first dibs? 

ARTiCulture

Over the summer I participated in such a wonderful event called ARTiCulture. It took place in the beautiful botanical gardens in Fort Collins. When I arrived there were three people waiting to help me set up my booth- they loaded the contents of my car into a large wagon, wheeled it over, and by the time I got there my tent had already been set up! I sat in a shady spot surrounded by trees. Bees hummed behind me, butterflies fluttered around, and everyone was so nice.

Today was a great day!

I know, I know, I haven't posted in months. And so much has happened! Some good and some very very difficult.  Because I am totally overwhelmed by the thought of recapping everything that went on this summer, I'll just start with today. Today was a great day! I was very productive: I unloaded a bisque kiln with some work that I desperately need to catch up on, I threw a few custom mugs, I worked with a new clay body, and I cleaned my studio. After a few months of feeling paralyzed it is so good to get back to work. 

Firefly Market

Deep breath... Whew...! It has been a crazy few weeks and I keep reminding myself to breathe.

About two weeks ago I received an email asking if I wanted to participate in a market that I had been on the wait list for. The organizers decided to open up an extra area. This is a market that I have applied for many times (and have been politely rejected), so of course I seized the opportunity to participate! I was in bed on the following Thursday night settling my thoughts and I realized HOLY CRAP! THE MARKET IS ONE WEEK AWAY! For some reason I was thinking I had more time. So I had a week to get as much work finished as possible, make tags, price everything, get a tax license, figure out my display.... By the time the day before the show arrived I was probably clinically insane.

Saturday morning my dad arrived early early to help me bring everything to the market. Everyone there was buzzing and the excitement was in the air. I was pleased with my display! In the future I would love to have more work (and more time to create it!) and so another shelf or two, but for what I had it was perfect.

Wabi Sabi Cups For LON Little Shop

Last week I had the pleasure of having Jeff from LON Little Shop over for a studio visit. We chatted a little and he took photos while I worked away on our collaboration- small Wabi Sabi cups. The first batch is now in the shop! It is located on 13th Street just off the Pearl Street Mall if you want to swing by and see them in person. Here are some photos of the studio visit (photos taken by Jeff Walters). There is also a video about my favorite thing in pottery. I can't upload it here but you can check it out on my Facebook page.

Overdue Updates

Oh man, I have so much to catch up on! Obviously I haven't been blogging much. Working two jobs (or four if you count Vintage Rhino and Mud Whimsy), raising a teenager, and trying to make time in my studio has packed my days. But things are happening. So many exciting things! I have taken a few leaps and my ceramic business is finally gathering some momentum.
On my birthday (way back in November) I visited one of my favorite stores, Ironwood. Every time I go there I leave feeling very inspired- and I always have a few new plant babies too! On my birthday I like to dress up in something that makes me feel spectacular, and that day I wore my porcelain geometric necklace. When I went to Ironwood the owner of the shop complimented me on my necklace. When I told her that I had made it she offered to sell them at the store! This was a much-needed boost. Not only did it get me making things again, but it gave me the confidence to approach some other shops too.

A few weeks later I moseyed in to a new store in Boulder called Lon Little Shop. It was tiny, but so obviously thoughtful and well curated. There were some beautiful jewelry pieces and I thought my pendants would fit right in. I chatted myself up a little, and the owner Lon said sure, he'd try it out! Lon is always thinking and trying new things. You can practically see his gears turning when he looks at something and gets an idea. I also brought in my little air plant wall pieces, and this gave him the idea of a collaboration between me, his designer Jeff, and him. We came up with a very simple white saki cup (or air plant holder or whatever) with a small indention in the side. The first batch is in the making, and should be finished in the next few weeks! 

Spending so much time in my studio has been so good for me. I am getting new ideas all the time! I'm currently working on all sorts of plant accessories. Like markers, and hanging planters and fairy garden whimsies. I will post more updates as these things make their way to my Etsy shop, but here's a little preview: