Mud Whimsy Holiday Lineup!

Join Mud Whimsy this holiday season! 

I've been working SO hard to bring new one-of-a-kind mugs, collectible porcelain creatures, ornaments, planters, jewelry dishes, and more to the holiday shows I am participating in this year! If you can't stand to wait you can find works in progress and daily ornaments on my Instagram feed @mudwhimsy.

Mark your calendars and come and say hello at the following events:

Horseshoe Holiday Market  (click to be directed to the Facebook event)
November 26th and 27th ....... 10am - 4pm both days
Highlands Masonic Temple
3550 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO

Crafted Life Market  (click to be directed to the Facebook event)
December 3rd & 10th ....... 1 pm - 6pm (*Mud Whimsy will only be participating on 12/3)
East Simpson Coffee Company
414 East Simpson Street, Lafayette CO

Firefly Handmade Market  (click to be directed to the Facebook event)
December 10th & 11th ....... 10am - 4pm
Twenty Ninth Street (Next to Trader Joe's)
Boulder, CO

Ways to Please a Lady (click to be directed to the Facebook event)
December 16th ....... 5pm - 9pm
2716 Morning Glory Road
Fort Collins, CO

If you are unable to make it in person don't worry- you can find me online at  www.mudwhimsy.etsy.com

I am always happy to create a custom project and ship wherever it needs to go! Please place all custom orders before November 26th to guarantee Christmas delivery. 

I hope to see you this season but if not I hope that it is filled with joy! 

Fall Events

Hello! I apologize that it has been so long since I updated the blog.  Preparing for shows, working a part-time job, teaching private lessons, filling orders, and maintaining the business end of Mud Whimsy has been a tricky balance. I've been busy but I am so happy to be doing what I love!

I have some very exciting events coming up! Next weekend I will be out on the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder for Firefly Handmade Market. 100+ other vendors are teaming up with the Fall Fest to bring something for everyone!

My booth will be near the iconic animals between 14th and 15th Street. I grew up playing on these animals and have many happy memories of them. I am making little porcelain figurines that are the likeness of the snail, rabbit, beaver, and frog, along with my many other porcelain creatures. I have also been busily making new mugs, porcelain jewelry, and hanging planters.

Just two short weeks after Firefly Handmade Market I will be participating in Open Studios Tour! I will have my studio open for visitors the first two weekends in October along with many other Boulder artists . A map can be printed out on their website at www.openstudios.org. I will post more about this as it is closer, but here is a peek at what I made for the opening reception happening September 30, 2016 from 6-8pm in the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery.

I hope to see you soon! 

Mugs

Octopus Mug

 I've been thinking a lot about mugs lately. I have a lot of gratitude towards them. I made my first mug when I was in a college ceramic class because I wanted something special to drink coffee out of. My first mug was clunky and heavy, made out of stoneware clay with some swirls applied to the surface. The handle was on crooked, the glaze didn't turn out to be the color that I wanted. I used it anyway, for years.

When I reintroduced myself to clay about 5 years ago, I made a decision to just focus on mugs. I didn't have a lot of space in my small house so I needed to make small things. And mugs are always useful for a coffee addict like myself!  I made about twenty over the course of the class.  I experimented with sizes and handles, carving, slip trailing, stamping. I really honed in my style of carving into the surface. I loved bringing out small details, creating texture, and making something unique.

I started bringing my mugs to coffee shops, and would receive compliments on them almost everywhere I went. I used to say "Thank you!" and then retreat with my cappuccino to a quiet corner. After I got more comfortable I started saying, "Thank you, I made it!"

After awhile, baristas around town got to know me from my mugs. And then they started ordering their own. Sometimes they'd want something similar to what I'd already made, sometimes they had their own ideas. That is what started the path leading me to where I am today! Even though I make and sell so many other things now, mugs will always have a special spot for me. I still love making them, I'm still experimenting with new ideas, and I still bring my mugs all over town, only now I carry business cards to hand out after someone says, "I like your mug! Where did you get it?".

Feather and Arrows Mug

Line Doodle Mug with Luster

Owl Mug in progress (for a custom order)

Custom mugs in progress. They were partially glazed in this photo. 

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring! I'm cranking out new work, filling orders, and selling stuff like crazy. It has been an exiting few months!

I have a few events coming up. The first one is next Friday, May 15th, at TESORO Gallery in Denver starting at 6pm. My friend CJ Troxell will be showing his amazing paintings that he collaborated on with the fabulous Heidi Bickelhaupt. The gallery is located at 918 W. 8th Avenue off of Santa Fe Drive in the the arts district. I will be selling my air plant wall pieces there starting that night (including a few that haven't been listed in my Etsy shop)!

The other event is the Taste of Louisville on Saturday, June 6th. I am still getting the details (I believe it is from 10-4) but it will be in downtown Louisville. I will be focusing on functional work made specifically for dining but will have other whimsical pieces as well.

Other news:
I restocked Alpine Modern with little planters last week, but they sell fast, so get there quickly!
Trident Booksellers and Cafe will receive a few new tea cups tomorrow, and more soon. Each one is individually made and glazed differently (I love that about them!). If there is a custom color that you would like special orders can be placed through Trident Cafe.
Willow Artisan Market  in Lakewood, Colorado is now carrying my wall planters and little creatures.

A good way to keep up with my latest news is to is to like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram (@mudwhimsy), and check out my shop at www.mudwhimsy.etsy.com.

But enough jibber jabber. Here are some pictures.... :)

Taking a Giant Leap

 It's been a busy few months. I found myself going to work at my other jobs, coming home and then going straight out to my studio and working until I went to bed. I spent all of my free time trying to catch up and I just wasn't getting enough done. Something had to give, so I resigned from my beloved job as a nanny. It was very difficult and very sad, but also absolutely necessary.

I have now been a full-time artist for a few weeks! It's sometimes frightening but so far the universe has given me a few high fives. About a week after I resigned from my nanny job I learned that my wall planters were published in Better Homes and Gardens DIY magazine! It's out right now if you want to pick up a copy for yourself! It's the Spring 2015 edition, page 55. Whoop whoop!

 (And just FYI, the headline makes it seem like they are encouraging creative thievery, but the caption underneath it reads "Want to learn how to copy Emily and Aaron May's smart, uncomplicated style in a small space (or any space)? Here's How:" /// The caption with my wall planters reads, "3. Wall art- A petite matte clay wall pocket planter with a glazed interior is great for growing herbs or housing easy-to-grow air plants. $22 each (including air plant) mudwhimsy.etsy.com")

 

It has been so great to have the time to catch up on orders (almost there!), receive new orders, and develop all of the ideas that have been percolating around my brain. Since this is now my full-time job you can expect more shop updates, a quicker turnaround time on custom orders, lots of new work, and a happier me! Also though, since this is now my main source of income, I need your support more than ever! When you are looking for a gift, an item to update your home, or anything you think I might be interested in making please don't hesitate to contact me. I love making custom creations.

 

 Check out my Etsy shop tonight- I am in the process of creating new listings and will have them live in about an hour. 

 

 If you would like more regular updates on what I'm up to be sure to check my social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mud-Whimsy-Ceramics/291216230907514?ref=hl

Instagram:  AnneBrownyn or #mudwhimsy

Twitter: MudWhimsy

 

And lastly,  I will be a vendor in the 2015 Spring Firefly Market! It's happening may 2nd and 3rd at Twenty Ninth street in Boulder. It's perfect timing for Mother's Day;  I'm working on lots of things that will make special gifts!

New in the shop!

I posted these three listings in the shop last night...

Porcelain dotted planter 

Graphic Black & White Geometric Cup

Wabi-Sabi Vase

Wabi-Sabi Vase

Mugs for sale!

My mugs (and a bowl) are now for sale at The Community Holistic Health Center in Lafayette, Colorado!  

409 South Public Rd
Lafayette, CO 80026
303-666-6192

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
Evenings, Sundays and Mondays by appointment.

Spring!

Sorry for the long lag in postings... Honestly I just haven't had that much to write about as far as Mud Whimsy goes. I haven't had any news, any new creations, or much inspiration as Winter played out. But now it's Spring and I'm finding myself drawn into my studio once again! I've been busy making some new mugs, filling a few orders, and getting ready for a show that will include my mugs and encaustic pieces. 

HAPPY SPRING!

PS- Because I am so happy Spring is here I want to share that joy with you! Enjoy 15% off in any of my shops from now until April 7 by using the coupon code 'happyspring' 

(click on the shop names below to be connected with my Etsy shops)

Mud Whimsy

ReLove Projects

Hana's Creation

My daughter made this in her high school ceramics class! I am so proud!

Kiln Disappointments

My last firing was a low-fire glaze. I've talked about the joys of unloading a glaze kiln full of bright shiny surprises (yay!), and now I'm going to talk about the disappointment of opening a glaze fire and finding bubbles, cracks, and discoloration (boo!).
 I wanted to fire a full kiln load of glaze pieces, so I've been waiting until I had enough work to do so. That was problem number 1: Anticipation and expectations.
Problem number 2: I bought low-fire commercial glazes that I'd used a long time ago (with good results) so I didn't feel like testing was necessary.
Out of my last firing only TWO pieces were sellable. I have other monkey mugs, a wall piece, and a few other little creations that will have to go in my junk pile. So disappointing! I really should have tested the glazes...

The good news is that I am quite pleased with these two (both are for sale in my etsy shop):

Monkey Mug

Dotted Terra Cotta Mug

Thank you, Brad, for the awesome photos!

My Latest Endeavor

I've been collecting vintage things for YEARS. I discovered thrift stores in high school and haven't spent very much money on new clothes since! I prefer the uniqueness and the history that vintage items have.  I have also been hoarding things for ReLove Projects. I'll find a cool vintage dress and think that I may someday want to use it for the fabric, but then the dress is so awesome that I can't bear to cut it! My collection has become quite large...

About a week ago Brad went to a job interview. The job was to take photos of vintage goods to sell online. It was a part-time job, the pay was measly, but it was an opportunity that he wanted to look into nonetheless. The night before his interview I was looking around my house at all of the unnecessary things I have. My first thought was, "I should sell this stuff." That thought developed into an idea and the idea became Vintage Rhino! Brad and I have officially gone into business together selling quality vintage goods.  Brad is the photographer, tech savvy, and business development. I am the artistic director, collector, and customer service. Right now we're both working constantly on getting our website launched, but until then you can check out our goods on Etsy: www.thevintagerhino.etsy.com.

We are SO EXCITED! It's been really fun- we make a great team. Vintage Rhino gives me a way to sell my vast collection of unused vintage things, it gives Brad a way to use his photography skills and have a job that will pay more than it would for someone else. Over the weekend we photographed a bunch of things I'm ready to let go of. These are some of my favorites: (click on the picture to be directed to our shop)

Oh yeah, and if you're wondering about how Brad's job interview turned out... Before I even pitched my idea he decided that the part-time measly paying job wasn't worth the drive (1 hour + in traffic).

PS- Clay updates coming soon!

Snow Day

Last week we had a snow day! Overnight we got over a foot of snow. I was so happy to finally have some time in my studio...  I finished glazing my low fire pieces, and then fired them on Christmas Eve. 

Hurrah!

On my list

This book would be great gift for the ceramicists in your life, hint hint!

Kickstarter

Have you heard of Kickstarter? It is a GREAT site for creative people.  You propose a finite project, determine how much funding you'll need to complete the project,  post a video, then people can pledge money through Amazon. It protects those donating because if the project doesn't receive what they need in a certain time period it gets nothing (and donators are not charged for their pledge). Looking at different success stories it's helped so many artists, writers, film makers, and designers achieve amazing things. Not only is Kickstarter great for those receiving funding, but it gives everyone an opportunity to be a part of their success.
Through Kickstarter I discovered a business called Liamolly, which designs knitwear. The company was in danger of going out of business due to the large minimum quantities required to produce the clothes in Asian factories. The business owner, Seema Sudan, posted a plea for help on Kickstarter. Her idea was to buy knitting machines so that her knitwear could be produced in the United States (in New Orleans). She is also dedicated to helping other small business owners produce their designs. It was a brilliant solution, and one that will make our world a better place in many different ways. I pledged a small amount and left the following comment:

"I knew nothing about you or your business before seeing this video. You make such beautiful work! I also love the local aspect. It's great all around. I am a very happy backer and just wish I could pledge more!"


 I'm learning that every positive thing we do does make an impact...  Liamolly was successfully funded and this article was written in the local New Orleans paper- MY comment is in it!

Throwing

Last week I bought 50 pounds of porcelain. I've been itching to throw again, and last night I did exactly that! I put on some mangy sweatpants, my messy running shoes, and spent some time getting back into throwing.

I'm starting on the project of 100 mugs. I realized that I just need to jump in and go for it- if I wait around trying to figure out the details I won't get anywhere. I now have 5 different mug forms (and one crumpled Happy Accident), each will be carved and stamped and slip-trailed. I'm so excited to be creating these!

Inspiration: Planters

Lately when I look at photos the planters have been jumping out at me.  Here's what I've been inspired by:

Set of 3 porcelain and leather hanging containers by farrahsit found HERE

Cast Rock Planter by Brian Bosworth found HERE

Via Design Sponge Sneek Peek of JUCO  (Julia Galdo and Cody Cloud)

Via Sweet Home Style

Home again home again

I arrived home from Taos Sunday night. The trip went by quickly, as good vacations do. It probably didn't help that we were only there two days! 

Something that was particularly neat was a business called Taos Clay. It is a gallery, community studio, and teaching facility. Logan Wannamaker is the owner of Taos Clay and exhibits his work in the gallery. I'm always encouraged by people who have been successful in ceramics! 

I visited some galleries and saw some very cool ceramic work- mugs with big goat heads, a glow in the dark galaxy painting, and of course some southwestern art (not really my cup of tea, but fun to see nonetheless). The thing I did the most was walk. I brought my dog Rosie, so I had good company. Taos has a history that Boulder lacks. In Taos there are many things that are exactly how they were 100 years ago- wild untouched ancient sagebrush, old adobe homes, historic places that date back to the early 1600's... It really has a certain spirit.  I already miss it!

Taos

This weekend I am going on a much-needed vacation to Taos, New Mexico. I am leaving tomorrow morning and coming home on Sunday, so it'll be a quick little trip. Taos is very special to me...
-I went there when I was a pregnant teenager with my dad, stepmom and little sister. We stayed in a rental house with a broken down truck in the back yard. It was good enough and close to the downtown plaza. I remember buying a beautiful flowery dress on super sale, looking at lots of southwestern art, seeing petroglyphs, and eating eggs at some metaphysical cafe. It was a cool town, but I was there as a tourist.
-My friend Jamie moved to Taos a few years ago. I'd been wanting to visit her and found a good reason for a vacation when I got divorced. It was going to be a girl's weekend of support and nurturing. The morning I was supposed to leave Taos was hit with a major snow storm. I had to cancel my trip. Many months later I was able to carve some time and save enough money to try again. It was August, the weather was amazing, the drive was perfect, and Taos was wonderful. Jamie and I went to some bars, danced for hours, painted her living room (she wanted my help with the color), visited Ojo Caliente, went to a wild party at a gorgeous Earthship out in the middle of the desert (and mud wrestled!). It was a short trip, but it was long enough for me to fall in love with Taos. I grew up in Boulder and have never lived anywhere else. Part of that was simply because I couldn't imagine living anywhere else! But Taos was different, something clicked there and it felt like a second home.
This trip made me start dreaming about living in Taos, in an Earthship...
-My mom, daughter, and I went to Taos last year just before Christmas.  Again, it was a great trip. I went to yoga, we visited the Earthship Headquarters, crossed the Rio Gorge, ate the best chile rellenos I've ever tasted, visited galleries, soaked up the town. After this trip I knew, I know, that someday I want to live in Taos. It also changed my thinking about my pottery. It was shortly after this particular trip that I started my blog and opened my Etsy shop. I met artists and potters that were making it, and I realized that I could too. The photo of me for my profile was outside a gallery in Taos...
So needless to say, I am very excited to return. I'm going to see Jamie, take lots of walks (and photos), sketch ideas for new art, maybe even pitch some to the galleries (if I feel brave and bold), and feed the dream of building an Earthship and having a successful art business in Taos!

New photos!

Today Brad helped me take new photos of my ceramic work. My pictures were ok, but his are professional. I think it looks pretty schnazzy! 

If you'd like any photography help, Brad's website is at www.torchlightphotography.com.