The good with the bad.

I'm not going to bore you with the details, but I've been having trouble with my kiln (and my life...) Making kiln-firing a real nail-biting situation. Will I lose a lot of work to cracks and mis-fitting glazes? Will I want to throw-up when I open the kiln? What color is not going to work this time?
But along with the bad, there was some good. Like these new juice cups.

Handbuilt.

For a self-proclaimed die-hard wheelthrower, I sure am doing a lot of handbuilding these days. It is exciting to look at clay in a whole new light. I've been working on the mugs. Still not happy with the handle, but I really love being able to bring my cut-glass textures into functional pieces.
I think this new appreciation/interest came from working on my baskets, which have handbuilt elements...

Finished scallops.

First batch of finished scallops. I had a bit of loss, because I rushed them and should have taken more time in the drying. But still, they make for a nice photo. I've already started the next batch. I promise to take my time this go-round!

Scallop-happy.

I went a little overboard. I couldn't seem to stop. Can't wait to see how these turn out. I'm really not a frilly-frilly girly-girl. Really. But you'd never know it from the look of these small dishes.

Salt & Pepper Challenge.

The Etsy Mud Team Salt and Pepper Shaker Challenge takes place February 3 - February 9.
You should go right away to the Etsy Mud Team website and check out all the entries. Vote for your favorite and you will be entered into the raffle to win some pottery!

Since I've never made salt & pepper shakers, this was a challenge indeed. But I really had fun handbuilding something new.

I love it when a plan comes together.

tumblers, 10 oz.

small bowls, 6 oz.

I've been messing around with some handbuilding, when I'm not busying throwing on the wheel. I'm really digging these new forms. I'm hoping I'll have some time in November to expand upon these and have bunches ready for our upcoming studio sale.

These pieces are inspired by my mom's great cut-glass collection. As a kid, I would look at them in awe. The beautiful ring, the clarity, the weight. So, naturally, I decided to make a clay version. This are made from slabs of clay that have been impressed by molds. The molds were created by me from fake versions of cut-glass. You know- the cheap, plastic serving ware you find at potlucks and party stores. Maybe one day I will get up the nerve to ask mom if I can make a mold from one of the real pieces. Just kidding, wouldn't dream of it.