I am still working on that cup project - 2 bisque loads and MULTIPLE glaze loads. I wasn’t sure if I would like this new white glaze but the more I use it the more it surprises me. I made this little set requested by a friend, white with some bare clay showing through… I kind of didn’t want to deliver them! I want to try it on a darker brown/black clay body now. I love how it drips!
I wrote this yesterday to post today… All are trimmed and slightly altered. I really am loving the square shapes and my new stamps that I made a while back. I am trying to not fall in love with too many… but I wanted to share a few of my favorites!
Cup 100!
Day three I decided to throw mostly tall tumblers and small yunomi (tea) cups. It cuts out on the handle steps. I have enjoyed the rhythm of the clay and stillness over the last three days. Today we go to pick the girls up from their grandparents – I mean I could have sat on the couch the whole time but this was WAY more fulfilling! Just look at that happy bat that ushered me to my goal!
Day two – why did I give myself this challenge again?
I trimmed the first 40 cups and added handles to the mugs. Below are the 30 mugs I threw on the wheel on day two. This is what the bottoms look like before they are trimmed. I found myself repeating shapes so I tried to make little sets that went together. As fun as this little project is to make, I am already dreaming about what glazes to use and matching them in pairs. Two days down, one more day to go…
Since Monday I have been busy working down in the studio. I am trying to squeeze one more kiln load in before the Cadillac Artwalk next weekend. I am really enjoying repetitive shapes lately, and monday was all about large soup mugs with textured handles. I used my carved feather to press into the handles and have a little series of feather print journals coming soon…. I also carved some new stamps to press into clay after they are bisqued, can’t wait to try these little guys out. The last photo is a pinterest inspired work, clay bangles that make a lovely clanking sound when worn together!
I am brainstorming how to work this summer when two little girls are off school. Nevertheless I am planning on doing a few (indoor) shows this fall, I always get more accomplished when I have a goal. Anyone know of any good ones in Michigan that I should try?
New buttons will be making their way into the shop. I am kind of in love with the new “purl” & “knit” sets and the large hole buttons. Lots of new colors and combinations.
We have Frog and Toad, book on tape that we listen to in the car. The girls are fascinated with toads lost button. ”That is NOT MY BUTTON,” is their favorite line. So we tried to make a big, white, round button with four holes just for toad. The rest are up for grabs! If you are a fan of frog & toad you should check out this little film, these two guys made in film school – cute!
I took a moment this week to check out the drawing clay exhibit at Central Michigan University. Showcasing pieces on loan from artists all over the country such from Jenny Mendes, Beth Lambert & Woozel, Israel Davis and JustinRothshank, see more here. I took my nut along and she made a little art of her own, of all the slides on the wall she chose a frame of the Guggenheim museum and drew her own rendition.
It was so refreshing to see art in 3-D, I have been looking at lots of images lately but appreciated experiencing the pieces from all sides and getting to see the spectrum of colors of the unglazed portions of clay, earthenware, terra-cotta, stone-wares and porcelains. I am encouraged by the realm of possibilities in the different firings (wood, gas, electric) and the different types of surface design on clay. Many prints, decals and layers of slip & glaze. Inspiring for sure, it runs until Saturday.
It’s the last week of summer vacation – we are too busy to grieve it. This week has been about 1-on-1 breakfast dates with the girls, parties, friends, camping, bike rides, and movies just because in the morning. I am trying to squeeze every last moment of snuggles and tea party time. I have barely been down to the studio, but I did manage to squeeze a few yarn bowls and buttons in. Next week school begins and I will resume my kiln loading schedule.
I have also been a bit of a book-worm this week, mostly with Madeline l’Engle’s book Two Part Invention: The story of a marriage. There is something beautiful about one sharing their story, the rawness of emotion and ability to see beyond the figures, to get lost in their pain and caught up in their joy. Maybe that is our nature to be curious about others journey not from the outside but in its raw state. I am savoring and pondering her words, I may have more to weigh in on later. For now, here is a raw view of my clay, still wet and vulnerable to change. Fingerprints still visible on the surface as they are slowly dried and waiting for transformation; first in the heat, then their surfaces will be painted. Afterward they will be admired from the outside, the seen form. Will the beauty of the rawness be forgotten? Will anyone see them for the love and personal touch that is underneath? That is the real story, the process, the making, the transformation.
a – “babe, can you just make a normal ice cream flavor this week?”
me – “you mean one like coffee or chocolate or with nuts?”
So this one is for my love who has “endured” all my crazy flavors and is a combination of all his favorite things… coffee, chocolate and nuts! I added a few extra steps to my recipe, just for fun!
” I love my husband & sunny summer saturday mornings” Mocha Java Chip Ice Cream with walnuts
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Starbucks via packets (I used colombian)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3 cups finely chopped walnuts
1. whisk eggs in a medium bowl until light and fluffy, add the sugar and mix until blended.
2. Add milk, whipping cream, cocoa powder and instant coffee (Starbucks VIA packets are really worth it!)
3. Churn in your ice cream maker following manufactures instructions.
4. The last two minutes add the chocolate chips and walnuts.
5. Remove from maker and transfer to a freezer container. Continue to freeze until hardened.
6. Throw a mug on the potters wheel. Hand pull the handle and join. Fire in the kiln.
7. Glaze mug, fire in the kiln again.
8. Paint silk scarf for back drop. Iron to set colors.
9. Scoop homemade ice cream into homemade mug, place on hand-painted backdrop. Take Picture.
10. Sit at the kitchen counter on a sunny saturday morning, eating ice cream, listening to good music on the ipod, and post on your silly blog!
11. repeat.
