31 Day challenge - Day 15 - Butter Dishes

Today was day 15 on my 31 day challenge and I decided to make a new design.  I had been thinking about this idea of making a three sided and flared pedestal vase with the garden theme on all three sides.   This is one of the pieces I am considering for a art show in a few months.

The weather is slowly getting warmer but every day starts at around 30 so it just doesn't seem any warmer to me.  This just makes me not very excited about being out there in my unheated garage (except a small space heater)  For the next week it's supposed to be in the 50's (by the end of the day) and on Sunday I will probably glaze.  I don't like my hands to be cold when I'm glazing.

I have also made in the last few days:  butter dishes, platters and a wavy dish.  See these on my Facebook page and all the other pieces for the challenge.

A few days ago I made butter dishes and I took some photos throughout the day.

First I cut out the pieces, textured and dried a bit.  Next I bevel the edges, slip and put together.  Then the handles are added.  The dishes are matched up with a matching tray.

31 Day Challenge - day 11 - making mugs

I am now on day 11 of the 31 day challenge.  This has been a bit of a challenge with the weather.  It's been a bit chilly here.  Today I worked on these mugs and thought I would share some photos of the process.  

If you would like to make your own mugs, I will be teaching a few classes in March at Ciel Gallery in Charlotte.  If you would like information check out the class page HERE

I have been working on an order for a gallery but starting this week I will be making some new designs for some upcoming shows.   Be sure to check out the Facebook Page for daily updates on what's happening during the challenge.

I feel like there should be more to say but all I've been doing is making pottery and reading.  I read a book every 1-2 days lately.  I get my books on my Kindle via the library online.  I couldn't afford to read if I had to pay for every book I read.  At least I don't have to drive 10ish miles to the library like I used to.

31 Day Challenge - Day 4

Day 4 on the 31 day Challenge and all is going well.  Today I made a new item, sugar and creamer set.  I wanted to try an idea for a slab built set.  I like the basic idea but I need to widen and shorten the sugar jar   With the knob it's taller than the creamer and my husband pointed out the a spoon won't fit after it shrinks. (oops... unless you pour the sugar?)  See the following photos as I made the set.  See Facebook for daily updates.

The last few days I have been making items for an order including: platters and sponge holders.  The order is finished being made but I will be working on other items to fill the kiln.  I have an idea for a new vase that I am excited to try and I need egg separators for the local gift shops.

I will be teaching 4 classes at Ciel Gallery in March.  The first class will be a starter class making mugs.  The next three classes will make salt and pepper shakers, vases and teapots.  Check out the details HERE

My husband finally got the kiln electronics put back together after the move into it's new location.  Now I just need to call the electrician to get it hooked up.

31 different items in 31 days challenge - day 1

Today starts my 31 different items in 31 days challenge.   Ciel gallery put out a challenge for members to paint a different painting every day.  Since I don't paint and I can make 31 items in 2 days, I decided to make 31 different items in January.  Today I decided to make a wine bucket. This is a new item.   I am posting photos of my process.

First I smooth my slab and cut out my shape using a newspaper template.  Next using stamps I made, I texturize my slabs.

Then I let the fan dry the slab out a bit so that it can stand up without flopping.  I score and slip the overlay, press the pieces together and put the bottom on the bucket.

That was all I planned but then I thought it needed more so I added a dragonfly at the top, curved the top back and added cutouts for handles,

This is a new item and I can't wait to see it completely finished.

 Check back often to how the challenge is going.  I will post the daily item to my Facebook page.

I had taken most of December away from the studio to recharge and so I was glad to not have any new wholesale orders come in during that time, but funny thing is that today I started back to work and I come back inside to check my mail and there is a new order for a gift shop in New Hampshire.  This is great because it gives me I reason to go out in a cold studio every morning.

Also I have a few custom orders from Etsy that came in during December to work on as well.

A recap for the month of December:

My mom came to visit.  We went to Charleston for a few days, went to the festival of lights and a Holiday dinner Cruise.  Then we came back to Charlotte for a few days, then headed to our cabin near Bat Cave, NC for Christmas.  Watched the Hunger Games movie and now I have started reading the whole series just so that I can know the end of the story and not have to wait for the last movie.  My husband, my mom and I all got the flu for about a week.  Luckily my kids did not get sick.  I had a New Years Eve party with 20 of my friends.  We played a card game called Nerts.  Today I back at work and ready for 2015.