New platters out of the kiln this week!

The first photo is using a skunk cabbage leaf and the second using a fern.  To see them up close click on the photo.

Always Learning and Growing

... not that I ever expect to stop learning or feel like I have mastered a craft because there will always more to learn. It also seems like the best way to learn is by making mistakes. Mistakes are so frustrating and it always feels like a step backward but even the dumbest mistakes are the best learning experiences.

I now know what happens when you rely on your pyrometer and over fire a cone 5 glaze firing to cone 8/9! I have never seen my clay blister before! I over fired by 120 degrees C! Yikes! But not all was lost. Besides I can always say "I meant for it to turn out that way!"

It has been 6 months now since my studio was completed. I messed around with new clays, glazes and equipment. I absolutely LOVE my new slab roller and extruder. Two pieces of equipment I have wanted for years and awesome for my hand-building.

I finally feel like I am getting into the groove. I am finally just letting it happen and using what inspires me that day to influence what I am making. Things are finally happening and I am creating new and unique pieces. Now that spring is here I am inspired by all the new growth and incorporating leaves into my pieces by pressing actual leaves into my clay before forming them into something. Skunk cabbage and fern leaves have been what I have been using but NOW I can't look at a leaf the same anymore and when I go for a walk I am forever staying at the different types of leaves and I live in a rain forest so there is a lot to stare at!

Above is a photo of my first attempt making a platter using ferns. This was one of the salvaged pieces from my over-firing last week. I am running another load of platters in the kiln tomorrow and I am excited to see the results!

My next experiments will be testing out slips using mason stains which will be applied on the clay during the leather hard stage. Should be fun!!!

Cleaning Your Home Naturally with Essential Oils

I am tired of all the gross, chemical laden cleaners out there.  Vinegar and water is always a tried, trusted and true solution but I wanted something with a little more strength and found the following information.  I mixed up a blend with Eucalyptus, Pine, Frankincense, Lavender and Tangerine essential oils and so far so good!  I think I will also make up a degreaser blend next with Lavender and Citrus Oils for the kitchen and bathroom.

All essential oils are antibacterial by nature, although some are more so than others. They are also highly concentrated, so only a small amount is necessary. Be sure to use therapeutic grade essential oils for the most powerful, antibacterial effect. 

• Tea tree oil is particularly effective for destroying bacteria and preventing the growth of fungus.
• Eucalyptus oil is a great antiseptic and disinfectant; it also repels insects.
• Pine oil is anti-viral and antiseptic.
• Cedar wood oil is great for dealing with mold and mildew, and acts as an antiseptic.
• Frankincense oil is an antiseptic with a purifying nature.
• Lavender oil is antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.
• Lemon oil, as well as all citrus oils, act to emulsify and disperse grease, while also inhibiting bacterial and fungus growth. 

A simple solution of warm water and pure essential oil is all that is needed to make a natural all-purpose cleaner. Vinegar and baking soda can also be used to add a wider range of antibacterial properties and cleaning grit. 

• 32 ounces warm water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 10 drops of essential oil of choice (use one or a combination) 

Mix all ingredients in a 32 ounce plastic spray bottle and shake well. Take a cleaning rag and clean all surfaces just as you would use a commercial all-purpose cleaner. Enjoy the aroma of the essential oils and the security of a safe, environmentally-friendly cleaner.

Catching Up!

I have been spending as much of my spare time as possible in my studio (when I am not working, cooking, cleaning, dog walking....) and have managed to get into a bit of a rhythm.

I finally got my large photo tent and spent the day photographing a bunch of work and posting them on Etsy today.

Updates from the Studio

I keep updating my Facebook Page but I keep forgetting about my beloved blog!  To keep up-to-date on what is going on in the studio Facebook is the best place to find me!

I am currently working on a new crochet design.  I am making it up as I go along and should really start taking notes in case I want to duplicate it.  It is called my Artsy Fartsy Hippie Tunic, LOL.  I am using a spectacular yarn I have been dying to try for eons and bit the bullet and paid for the crazy shipping costs from the US.  Lions Brand 'Amazing' is the type of yarn I have chosen for this project.

As I write this I am currently doing a glaze firing.  I am still trying to master these new sets of glazes in hopes that today's firing schedule will do the trick.  My kiln is 100% manual which means I really cannot go anywhere during the 9 - 10 hours of the firing but at least I work from home (my real job) so I can run out and turn up the temperature even if I am on the phone with a client.

I have been working on serving platters, butter dishes and bird feeders.  I also picked some skunk cabbage leaves yesterday and will make some platters using them this weekend.  They are sitting in water in my studio right now and my entire studio smells like skunk!  I actually like that smell as I have many very good childhood memories with the smell of skunk in the background.

Photos to come soon!!!!