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!

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.