The Good Stuff

I have been working on the most special custom order for the past few weeks (and will be for several more, likely!). Custom name tags for a wedding reception. 140 of them. Yup. I am insane. But I couldn't resist being a part of a special celebration like this. The sweetest parts of life--those big occasions that don't happy very often--make you want to go the extra mile. Even if it does make you go a little crazy and talk to them like they're in the room with you!

Shop giveaway!

Two posts in two days! What is going on around here? Crazy. I just wanted to pop in and let you know that with every purchase over $20 in my shop, you will also receive a pretty porcelain pendant necklace on an adjustable cord. The white of the porcelain is such a pretty contrast against the skin. Sweetly packaged for giving in case you, umm, forgot Mother's Day is coming up.

So stop by and take a looksie! Have a great weekend.

Frank, I don't know you. But I love you.

Before working with clay, I had no idea that celadon is both a family of glazes as well as that particular green we all know and love. I ordered a sampler of Coyote cone 5-6 celadons, named "Franks Celadons". I found the name funny...but the glazes are seriously delicious. And with names like rainy day and stormy sea, they are that much more appealing. So, thanks Frank. Whoever you are.

The Big One

For the past three weeks, I've been working on my biggest custom order yet.  Fifteen soap dishes may not seem like a lot, but when you're kiln is only 8 x 8 x 9", it becomes a constant stretch of bisque, glaze, fire, repeat. (And crossing fingers that they all turn out okay..wishing you'd made more extras in case it doesn't..doing a happy dance when they are done) I feel like I can't take a deep breath until they arrive safely at their new home, but until then--bon voyage wash-ups!

Welcome to the Jungle

Last month I ordered these low fire glazes called "Jungle Gems" from Mayco.  Pretty hokey name, pretty cool results. They have small glass crystals suspended in a glaze base that melt during the low-firing process (cone 06 for me). A little tricky to apply--being the type A person, wanting even distribution and all. Some turned out deliciously glossy, others a little matte for my taste. But pretty cool, nonetheless. Like pop rocks for your clay!

New Clay

Although I am in love (obsessed perhaps?) with white stoneware and porcelain clays, I decided to branch out a bit and try a speckled buff stoneware. It's still cone 5, so it's nice and vitreous once fired. I made these little plates and fired them on Monday. I love the brown lettering with the clay..very tonal. I am anxious to try some colored glazes on top to give it a little kapow! though. I want stacks and stacks of little plates to mix and match. A slab roller would be handy, too...my arms are sore! Ha, I'll keep dreaming.

Sunday Front Page!

This delicious collection made it to the front page of Etsy today. You can see why. Thank you so much for including my plates, Yana!