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.

Bunny-butt bowls!

Its spring! Which means bunnies! I've made a few bunny butt bowls (and some creamer and sugar jar sets to come later this week) to sell in my etsy shop (vegandish.etsy.com). 100% of the proceeds will go to the Farm Sanctuary.

While the bunny-butts make an occasional appearance in my pottery, I don't make them that often. (About once a year...usually around spring.) The bunny-butt stamp is handmade by me.

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!

Soda-firing.

I have been taking a class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center for the last 2 months. The focus was on throwing and firing the soda kiln. I won't go into the class...just not what I had been expecting when I signed up. But we did unload the last firing last night, and I FINALLY got some good results.
The picture above is the ceramics director at Callanwolde, Glenn Dair, unloading the kiln. A soda kiln is much different then an electric kiln (which is what I use.) It is fired with gas and creates a different atmosphere within the kiln. At the right temperature, a baking soda/water/soda ash mixture is sprayed into the kiln. The soda then vaporizes and travels through the kiln. The resulting alkaline atmosphere creates some great glaze variation. Check out my favorite teabowl:

In Portland? Get to Herbivore!

VeganDish is now available at Herbivore. While you are there be sure to check out the rest of the vegan mini-mall. I'm so jealous. People in Portland don't know how good they got it.

Fusion ceramics.

I got a request for some "vegan" bowls that incorporated my other (wonky) style. At first I was a little hesitant because I thought it would just be too much. But they turned out sweet. So be on the look out for more fusion work...

Urban Cottage.

Dropped off some new work to Urban Cottage. The store looks fabulous and they have done an amazing job with the space. Recently re-located not far from my house. Yippee! Full of lots of beautiful things.

Michigan bound.

Dinnerware set going to Michigan (well, almost, I still have a few pieces in the kiln...fingers-crossed) There is something soothing about making a dinnerware set. Especially this one, the glaze choice is so subtle and tranquil. And I think it is really great that people appreciate and want handmade objects for everyday use.

Oh snap.

New photo equipment works like a charm. Yippee!!!

Put it in a basket.

Some new baskets. I'm loving this form. Fun and functional. I just want to put stars on everything I make now.

So hard to say good-bye.

I have been working on a order that is bound for Spain. It has been really fun to make custom stamps for the logo. (Translation: The April Kitchen...how's that for a great name for a vegan chef!) However, all good projects must come to an end and this one is near completion. Just thought I'd share this teapot and tumblers, because I like them quite a bit.

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.

Wedding gifts.

I love it when I get to make wedding presents. This set of 4 coffee cups and saucers were made for a couple in North Carolina. I will probably never meet them, they may never know who I am. But I was a tiny part of their celebration of love. And that is pretty cool.

Before & After.

1pm

5pm