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!

One BIG step closer

WAHOOOOO! I GOT A KILN!

She's old- older than me. But she was very gently (and barely) used, kept in a garage her whole life, and for the low price I paid it was worth the risk. After I bought my kiln I was driving home with it in my car and laughing because I was so giddy! Now I have almost everything I need to get going on my dream. After I get a few odds and ends (cones, peeps, a splash pan...), I will be posting about my new work instead of setting up the studio! As a celebration of getting one step closer, I am offering 15% off all purchases in my etsy shop. Just enter 'kiln1' in the coupon code!

New Etsy Listings

Green Leaf Stoneware Mug

Maryam Stoneware Mug

Stoneware Poppy Mug

I just finished posting some new listings in my shop! Click on the photo captions for more information.

New Etsy Listings

I just finished posting a few new things in my Etsy shop!

This mug was inspired by ancient Egyptian motifs. I carved and slip trailed a thrown form to get the raised designs. It can be purchased HERE.

This little polka dotted bowl can be purchased HERE. 

And finally this carved bowl can be purchased HERE.

You can find more information by clicking on the links!

Mud Cloth Mug

This sweet little mug is now in my shop! (click on the photo for more information)

And tonight I'm going to list this mug in my shop. It's one of the 'ding mugs'- I put an intentional dent in the side and then carved around it.