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!

First 5

Cup Five

Cup Four

This weekend was a productive one. I finished carving the first 5 cups I threw last week and I began glazing my low-fire pieces. There is nothing quite like opening the kiln after a glaze firing and seeing what colors come out. Sometimes it's incredibly disappointing but it's all worthwhile when a few fabulous pieces emerge!

This week my goals are:
-Finish glazing the low-fire pieces
-Throw 5-10 more cup forms
-Dabble in some ceramic jewelry creating
-Clean the studio

Sorry to bore you with my to-do list but I'm afraid that if I don't put it out there then I will simply not do it- especially the cleaning.