2010-check! 2011 double check!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

After a long trip with family and friends new and old in NC and Va. I need a day before I can put thought to fingers.
Cheers to you all!
Meredith and Mark

with the passing of this week so goes the passing of a year

There are times that life is like a postcard, a stop in time.
I wonder if snow is a way to make us all take a step back and enjoy the beauty of winter.
It will soon be time to reflect on the past year and look forward to 2011.
Gives one pause.

snow and high hells

Really I meant high heels but when I wrote this out I liked how it sounded.
It has the start to a good post.
There were many of us not quite prepared for the winter weather and even though we heard and watched all the news we still held out hope.
As I looked at my shoes I packed for our trip over to meet up with the kids for Christmas I thought you really did not believe the forcasters about this little snow thingy.
Here I was with silp on clogs and new tennis shoes.
Slip and slide baby- slip and slide.
I might as well have packed a pair of high hells- or high heels depends on what you think of the devil shoes we women like to wear.
The clogs I find are not good snow wear.
And new tennis shoes are slippery.
And mind you I had a pair of boots I left at home.
What was I thinking?
The snow over in Raleigh was a treat and kept us there another night in our high tower, 4th floor hotel room.
It was a great place to watch the traffic crawl by.
A good room, red wine and chocolate are the only way to end a holiday.
But all good things come to an end and the roads were clear enough to travel.
I hope you all had a great Christmas.
We enjoyed spending ours with family and soon that clay will be calling.
We have plans to fire that little kiln again soon.

And you know we are crazy about our kids all 4 of them.
But brother we are a bit crazy over the grand baby.
She is too small to understand this Chritmas thing, but I am sure she will figure it out soon.

Cheers,
M

Happy Day After and snow

No pictures here we are snowed in and just enjoying the snow and some coffee and Chai.
Thanks to Tracey I am totally hooked on the Chai tea- so good!
I hope to get some pictures up later and wonder if this is going to mean a change in travel plans later in the week.
Where is my NC sunshine?
This truely is a Christmas to remember.
Stay safe and warm!
Happy day after!

A Visit from St Nicholas

A Visit from St Nicholas.
by Clement C. Moore.

---

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

‘Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!’

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound,

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

and laying his finger aside of his nose,

and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.

 

Report

Okay- right up front I need to give full disclosure.
I did not fire the kiln but here is the short version from the big guy.
The bottom was underfired and what was not under fired was very, very reduced.
The iron black glaze that we top with a wood ash glaze that has rutile in it and is our staple glaze did not like this firing one bit.
Most of the top glaze just burned away.
With that said the iron red and spodumene glaze liked the heavy reduction.
The results were different then in the other kiln but not bad.
So what was learned:
We need to make a change in the bag wall.
The burners are possibly too powerful for the kiln- we are going to step down to a smaller burner.
We are going to use only certain glazes and none of the black and blue until we work out the firing.
all in all- we are happy and knew we would be making seconds.
It takes time to learn a new kiln and this one shows great promise.
Here are some results:

Now we really are ready for some down time.
I would like to thank you all for reading, commenting and your never ending support this past year.
I have meet so many new and interesting people and potters through this blog.
My wish for you all is some family time and some good old peace and love for the holidays.

Merry Christmas to all!
and soon- A Happy New year!
Cheers,
M

It is time and time marches

Today is the day Mark pulled the names from the hat (pottery bowl) for the generosity chain from me to you and you to whoever 2011.
The first name is Julia from Henhouse pottery-go Julia
The second name is Trish  a potter living in Alberta, Canada.
The third  is Michele Hastings a recent transplant to Seagrove who lives around the corner- this will be great on shipping!
The fourth is  Robert Young of Tropiclay Studio in Hagatna Springs, Guam, United States
and last but never least is
Leslie Williams  of In Short- I swear Mark pulled these---- of C'ville Va. who just happens to be related to me.
My favorite youngest sister!
So in the next year between today, my birthday, and next year 2011 something will come for you!
Hummm, something nice not creepy like out of the old B movies.

Now, the new kiln is cooling.
I am firing my tiny test kiln with some last minutes stuff in it.
And it is my Birthday I wonder if Mark has some plans for later...
Cheers!
M

Last night:

there is something about that flame...

the only plants that will flower in my house...

cheaters and liars

I stumbled out of bed in the wee hours to look at the eclipse to find the clouds had moved in early and covered every star and the moon.
Boo - I did feel a tad cheated.
It was like watching the ending of lost or x-files all over again.
All fluff with no real ending.

I slipped back into bed and Mark decided to get up even though I told him the clouds had come to steal away the moon.
He got up because yesterday as the temperatures rose to the 40's we got a bug and loaded that little gas kiln!

I know I had just posted we were not going to fire and now here he is out there right now with the kiln on.

 We are trying to see this  as one big test load because we don't know how it will fire.
We don't know how the glazes will come out- hot spots- cold spots.
It is all unknown.

But what would Christmas be without a few surprises?
M

For Ajay:
You say it's your birthday
It's my birthday too, yeah
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party

I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance (Birthday)
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Dance

I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance (Birthday)
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Dance

You say it's your birthday
Well it's my birthday too, yeah
You say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Time

Time to go howl at the moon......
Quick nap then up to see the eclipse-any one game?

2 days and counting

Linda
sent me a smile award yesterday and it does make you think about the pleasure you can get from reading people's blogs. Making one person smile in a day can go a long way.
There are many different reasons I read someone's blog.
I read some for the thoughtful way they share their information and thier lives.
I read others purely for that smile or laugh out loud moments.
We all need more of the smile and laughter so here goes some of mine.

Drum roll please....
The first person who made me laugh out loud and just enjoy his out look at life was Gary Rith
The other that always has a good story and makes me laugh would be Jim Gottuso
 You have to read both of these blogs and I am sure you will find something to smile about.


Then there is Julia over at Henhouse Pottery.
and who could not start their day with out a bit from  Tracey!
(tell us what you really think Tracey!)
So for all of you - you make my day in some way or another- otherwise I would not be here spending my time reading your bogs and picking up lots of information and many, many smiles.

Now about the Etsy shop.
It has been a learning curve and I think I am getting the hang of how best to handle the time to list and get things up and out. I will continue to put energy into it in the coming year.

Two days is all you have left before we draw out 5 names for the generosity chain.
Get your name in!
I am pleased with the interest and curious to see it plays out for me and forward to the next crew.

We have just about decided to fire the kiln after the holidays.
There are just so many little details left to put in place this week.
We have order a new electric kiln.
And wait its arrival.
There are more presents to wrap.
I am heading off tomorrow to check out doing 4 tile murals for a friend's business.
And always- always- finishing up that bookwork!
It would be nice to have it done before the new year.
Cheers and don't forget the lunar eclipse!
M

a week before Christmas

and all through the house
every creature was stirring especially the mice
the stockings were hung by the chimney with care
with hopes that the maid and cook would soon be here

the children are grown
and have thoughts of their own
while our heads have gone gray
and we wander the nights alone....

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter
we stumbled from the bed to see what was the matter!
Stubbed toes and loud cries as we looked out into the night

The moon was abreast on the slush that was snow
lighting up the night like a sale sign at Lowe's
When all of the sudden what did appear
Why 8 big fat turkeys trying to nest somewhere dear.

Commercial break:
It has been busy here the past week just trying to stay warm and get a few things done.
The bagwall has been built.
The pots are all glazed and there might be a small window of opportunity to load and fire that wee gas kiln.
So here I am with hope that we can keep the weather long enough to fire.
If not- maybe just after Christmas.
We have been busy with the Etsy shop shipping at least once a day and yesterday I made two trips to the post office.
It looks like another trip today.
I did go back and read more of the comments on Ron's Blog.
There are so many there now I might go back and read them all more thoroughly when I get some time.
But now what were we talking about?
Christmas!

Christmas is coming up fast!
So don't forget to add your name to the post two down from this one for the generosity chain.
Names will be picked in 5 days!

Meanwhile keep up the shopping and good cheer!
( and stay out of the M.A.L.L.............
Peace,
M

Look- we live in the south and I highly resent the weather you are sharing with us

I did go out to the studio this morning to ship out an order.
I was very, very careful as I did the half walked- half slide across the yard.
It was icy out there.
I came back and looked out the windows in the kitchen while my bread was toasting.
Hummm, looking like wintry mix again.
Bone chilling cold and ice.
Great combination for pulling up the covers.
So another day slides by as we don't load up the new kiln.
No, thank ,you,.... just can't do it.
Maybe tomorrow.
 I hear 40 degrees for tomorrow now that sounds great and warm.
 We just might get those pots in the kiln this week-end!

I will continue to take comments on the post below for the Generosity chain.
So get down there and add your name to the list.

 I plan to take advantage of the weather and do another month of books into the computer.

I also need to get some information over to Tom Starland at Carolina Arts Unleashed.
Tom has started an on line directory of NC and SC potters with events, galleries and all.
Go out and "like" his Face Book page and then go check out the site.
He is offering an active link and at a great price and that is part of my job today to get my link info to him.
Hang on Tom I am getting there!
Cheers!
M

Whole lot of shaking going on

Are you freezing?

If not you must be like ANG  and live down under where you are nice and toasty.
We are in a vicious cold snap that promises to hang around like a bad relative.
Gobbing up all our energy and keeping us running for cover.
So in Lew of trying to stay warm and throw pots I have been doing anything but!
I did make some tiles last week and some components for jewelry but it was not in my head to hang around in cooling water to make anything else.
Mark planned and has been glazing pots for the new gas kiln.
I will slide out to the studio for some top glazing later today.
I had to laugh yesterday because once it is glazed getting glazed pots to the kiln and loaded without freezing will be the trick.
We will be looking at next weeks weather!

Me, I am ever hopeful that winter will be over next week and we go back to those 50 degree days we are known for in December and January.
So what to do to wile away the hours waiting for Christmas and warmer weather?
Bookwork- poo- bad word.
The major downside to being self-employed is there is no one under you that you can hand the bookwork over to.
No, you are first on the ladder and last.
I use to be right on top of the books every month- yep- every month.
But, now, I am behind by months.
Why you ask?
Well... because I am here.
and then there is the now up ,again, Etsy shop.
and the dreaded FB page.
Yep- we are so connected we never have to physically see anyone ever again!

While I am at the keyboard today let me remind you that there are still some pots left at the Campbell House show in Southern Pines- The Clay and Blogs show.
Click on link for online show.
Or try going there in person to purchase something.

There is a nice write up about Seagrove in The Ballantyne Magazine that is distributed in the Charlotte NC area.
There are pictures of local pots and Mark has a nice vase featured in there.
You will find  pottery by our fellow potters; Bulldog, Westmoore, Jugtown, and Michael Mahan.
With a very nice interview by Westmoore Pottery.

I am behind in telling you that I am a recipient of the generosity chain started  last year in NC.
I have followed Tracey's blog as she has shipped out her treasures all over the place.
I left a comment on Future Primitive's site on Saturday, 25 of September 2010 when she was working on who would be in her chain.
And I was picked!
Tiggy Fiander  is a Soapmaker in the UK and I will be getting something wonderful from her Soap shop.
If you have not checked her out you should her soaps are very exciting.
There are a few videos of her working that I have really enjoyed.
Plus her partner is potter Matt Grimmitt a great slipware potter.
I look forward to whatever treat will be in store for me!
And now I need to play this forward.
I now need to pass this on to 5 people.
Here is the trick- if you have read all the way to the bottom here you know you need to leave me a comment and I will have Mark pick 5 names for me.
YOU will receive something from me and then you too must pass this on.
Now is not the time to be shy- post away!
I want to give this some time so I will pick the names on my Birthday which comes up in 8 days- so keep posting and we will draw a name on the 22nd.
And no you don't need to know my age just that I have been legal for many, many years and no one asks for my ID anymore! 
Cheers!
M

Whoa Nelly!

Things over here in Whynot have just taken off and it seems my time is being suck right out of me like a deflated balloon.
I have lots of things I need to post on, but today I plan to bake some cookies and pack more pottery for shipping.
So talk about me while I am gone and know I will be back soon to catch up on what all you are all up to.
Whoa Nelly!
M

these guys showed up one week and hung around- they are up on the roof of our carport

Not my job......

Gosh its cold!
Yes, you heard right I am complaining about the weather!
Today I started the day thinking I would finally get an all day in the studio.
I packed Mark off to go work on our friend's house, made a cup of tea, put a load of clothes in to wash and went off to get dressed.
Then I walked back into the laundry room to find the utility sink filling up with water and the floor just about covered.
Well, shoot ( this is the clean version...)
I starting throwing towels at the water and turned off the washer.
Water,water every where and dirt and you know all that stuff the dryer throws out behind and under the dryer and washer.
Yep, the dust bunnies the size of Texas.
All floating around.
Bleck!

I started working on getting the mess up and figuring out how best to remove all the water.
I found out the dryer was really pretty easy to move, unhook and unplug.
Then I could stand where the dryer goes and figure out what I was going to do with a washer full of wet clothes.
I called Mark who did tell me the pipe that the water needs to go out of must be frozen.
Okay- good I don't need a plumber.
Broom, mop, vacuum cleaner was a good start.
Then I thought why not get a 5 gal bucket and put the hose in it and let the washer spin out the water.
Yep- I filled the bucket and looked at all that good water and thought of the best use for it.
I moped the laundry room, kitchen, bedrooms, living room, foyer.
I filled the 5 gal. bucket 2 and 1/2 times.
Hated to see the water just tossed.
And you know the house needed a good mop down.
So the spinning into the bucket worked.
I then put the clothes in the dryer.
The pipe thawed out and I heard all the water go down the sink around noon.
 I did get out to the studio in the afternoon and roll out tiles.
So- hey- don't call me a plumber but I can solve a problem.
Now what will be in store for tomorrow?

View from the new kiln

the other view from the new kiln

Turnning up the heat

Last week was a good week for Mark to take the time to finish the small kiln.
He needed to run the pipe lines over to the gas, make connectors,add pressure gauge, make a damper and find some door brick.
So that is what he did.
If you want more detail you will have to ask him.
Last Saturday he bricked the door for a test run and to season up the kiln.
He took it up around 400 degrees and it just coasted right up there.
The next plan is to load it with pots and fire but it is too doggone cold this week.
Maybe next week we can get a unseasonably warm day, well, one can hope.

The kiln will run off two burners; this is the back burner.
Might be a tad too powerful and we have another size to set down to.

Damper

Mark decided he is too old to bend down all the time and did a great job of putting the gauge where you can just walk over and read it.
Rather then stand on your head.

There she is ready, willing and able.
Time to fill her up!

Meanwhile after some good advice from Alex I now know which kiln I plan to order.
Now to just get it done.
Cheers!
M

Put this on your list of things to do!

I went to the opening at the NCPC  Yesterday and now I know you have to go.
Put this high on your list of a must go see show.
Here were some of my favorites!

Grave Marker

AR Cole

JA Craven

Royal Crown Pottery

Buying a Kiln and opening at the NCPC

In February of this past year I posted questions about buying a new electric kiln.
I had a lot of good advice from good peole.
There is nothing like hearing straight form the source about buying a kiln.
We are back at that point now.
Having gone through the year nursing along our aging kiln- one more fire baby , just one more.
Its like an aging horse or animal come on one more breath or hill and we can let you rest.
Well, now I am back reading  the suggestions and narrowing down the choice.
I am looking at buying an L&L, we like the small one we bought for tiles 2 years back.
Now it is size and model.
I really don't want a kiln that is too big, nor do I want one that is too small.
I want one that is just right.
Hey- there is a fairy tale in here somewhere!
So here are my choices:
JD2927
or
e28t3 10.2 cubic feet- so far this one is top on the list.
Anybody have any good solid reasons to go with something else?
Now I am comparing prices- sales and free shipping are my plan.
I have also looked at used kilns but seems I have some of those and I am making plans on how best to use those.
Maybe a little wood kiln or soda kiln with the leftovers.
There are plenty of ways to use them I just need some motivation and a good back.

There are several kiln openings in the area today if you are out and about in Seagrove.
We are open our usual hours 9-5.
This afternoon is an opening for a really GREAT show at the NCPC.
This show is done from the prospective of a collector.
I was able to see pots yesterday that I only dream of.
Good grief there was a Webster there that was just wonderful.
And close to that a salt glaze Jug that I am going back for another look and pictures.
Since I was with a group I did not get to read the tags.
There were pots calling my name from all directions.
I find that I am still drawn to those old shapes from those old kilns- salt drips and kisses.
Oh, they need to have a touch day up there and let potters come in and hold these pots.
Now that would be the ticket.
Yum!
From the NCPC website:

This exhibit will explore North Carolina pottery through pieces selected by seven North Carolina collectors.  The collectors in this series are Monty Busick, Steve Compton, Bragg Cox, Leon Danielson, Joe Foster, George Hoffman and Joe Wilkinson. This exhibit presents an interesting perspective on North Carolina pottery. This is the first of the Collector’s Eye series that will begin the visual journey around the state through the collector’s eyes.

Monty Busick, an educator for 37 years and currently a consultant for Wake County Schools, is the current president of the NC Pottery Collectors’ Guild. His collection is from the Seagrove and Pittsboro areas, focusing on Mark Hewitt’s apprentice’s work.

Leon Danielson, an Economics Educator at NC State in Raleigh, and wife Sue moved to NC in 1972. They collect NC art and utilitarian pottery generally with emphasis on Hilton Pottery from the Catawba Valley. Their collection of Tobacco Road Pottery is remarkable; they established this business with a partner in 1979 utilizing the turning skills of C.B. Craven and the artistic talents of Ernestine Hilton Sigmon.

Joe Wilkinson, an Antique and Fine Arts dealer from Spring Hope, worked summers in the early 1970’s with Dot and Walter Auman at Seagrove Pottery, developing a concentrated interest in pottery. Joe collects Transition Period Pottery 1916-1930 and utilitarian pottery being transformed by Arts and Crafts influences.

Steve Compton was first introduced to North Carolina’s pottery traditions in the mid 1970’s while on assignment as a photographer for the Mebane Enterprise-Journal. Steve collects 18th to 19th century earthenware, utilitarian salt-glazed and alkaline-glazed stoneware, and early to mid-20th century art pottery. Steve is currently District Superintendent for the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Bragg Cox, a North Carolina native, has collected NC Pottery for twelve years; he collects early utilitarian, transitional, art and figurals from North Carolina and focuses on pieces with exceptional glazes, decoration and form. Bragg also collects Southern decorative arts including folk art.

Joe Foster is a self taught potter, having begun as a pottery collector. He began working for Archie Teague around his shop in the 1990’s where he learned a great deal. When Archie died suddenly in 1998 Joe found himself with the increased responsibility for the day to day operations of the shop.

George Hoffman, originally from Delaware, Ohio has been collecting pottery for twenty five years. He began collecting North Carolina Pots when he was traveling down Hwy 220 from Ohio and stopped in Seagrove at Seagrove Pottery on his way to Seven Lakes. He collects early Jugtown, early Ben Owen III, Billy Ray Hussey, and candlesticks.

The opening reception is Saturday, December 4, from 3:30-5:30 and is being sponsored by The North Carolina Pottery Collectors’ Guild, Raleigh, NC. The Reception is free and open to the public.  The exhibit will be open November 23, 2010 through February 12, 2011.

Exhibitions are made possible through the generosity of our membership, the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation and the Goodnight Educational Foundation. This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pack a bag, your warm clothes and walking shoes and come on out!
M

PS- There is the opening for the Green Hill show tonight- so much to do!
I think I need a nap!

Conversation on Etsy

 I have been following the conversations on setting up an Etsy shop on all my fellow blogger sites and some of the conversations were quite interesting and thoughtful.
Mark and I signed up for Etsy two years ago.
I made purchases but did not set up a shop.
Then last year I did and through no ones inexperience but mine felt even with two sales that I was not keyed into the way to promote or list the shop.
I pulled it down with the thoughts that I would give it some real time this month.
I set it back up and started listing pottery the day before all the conversations began.
I read with interest all the information and continued on with the shop.
I have it on my list today or tomorrow to add to it.

This morning I opened my mail to find a sale.
I will get this in the mail today and feel some success with the shop.
I can not be sure how the customer found us.
It could have been Etsy or the fact I have been posting the listings to our face book page.
Either way I feel a bit more confidence in the way I am handling the shop.
It does take time.
It does take thought.
And the plan is to put a bit more of both in while I have the time.

On the home front the wee Gas kiln Mark has been building is close to its first fire!
Now that is exciting and we hope to fire a bisque in it this week-end or early next week.
YEA!

Cheers and Peace,
M

There she is- up and all ready for the party!

Letting go of the things I can not control- and trying to see the whole picture.
I would have smudged the tail over a bit...
done!