Whynot Pottery Blog

And things are moving

2012-01-31T07:29:00.000-05:00

We are moving along on the "wares", a local term I thought I would snatch.
We fired a bisque kiln yesterday and have another one going right now.
After so many years of crawling out of a warm bed to fire kilns who would have thought that a computer kiln that turns itself on would be so good. Really, why did we wait so long?
Oh, yeah, money- and we are pretty cheap in that we need to get all our moneys worth out of what we buy.
We had to dig through the past tax records to find out when we bought the electric kilns.
Seems the ones we replaced were bought in 1987 and 1991.
I think they showed a true test of time.

The plan, where are we on the plan?
We are moving along.
What is the plan?
Glad you asked.
I know I have alluded to something being up over here and I think we are far enough along to let you in on it.
Last November we were approached by a designer who wanted to come out to Seagrove and talk to some of the potters about making a line of handmade pots for her. We said come on by.
She came out, took pictures, talked shapes and glazes. After she left we went back to doing what we do and waited to see if she would call.
Well she did and we met in early December.
She came with fabric swatches and drawings of 4 lines of pots she wants produced.
We said yes.
We have now made round one of the samples, she has been out and picked them up for a catalog that she is producing to take orders from. The pots will be shown starting next month, end of February.
Now, how do we feel about this?
We hope this works.
We have struggled with part time jobs the past few years, family issues and many thoughts about how to survive as potters. We see this as an opportunity to keep us both here working and maybe even employ some of our friends now and again to help us with all the work it will take to get these things through. We are testing glazes, working shapes out, poundage and all that.
This will also allow us to continue to make our own work to sell. What the designer wants is not carved or stamped, the shapes are good classic shapes with glazes on them.
Our name go on every pot along with the designers mark.
Soon I will give you more detail as the 4 lines are announced.
We brainstormed and came up with 4 names forthe collections and we feel that they represent us, Whynot Pottery, and the area we live and work in.
Glazes have also been named.
How do I feel?
Clear headed for the first time in a long time.
I am doing what I know, making pots, firing kilns, following a path.
So this is part of the plan, a big part, cross all the fingers, making a living making pots can be tricky...
Handmade-let's do it!
Our slogan should be putting potters back to work one pot at a time...
M

What say let's give it another go

2012-01-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

Part of the plan for the year is to just get in the studio as much as possible and work.We are setting real goals that we hope will get us real results.
One goal is that work has to be made in a timely manner in order to get the work through the kilns and out the door.
This is the progress on the February firing.
This round we are starting big and working down to the small stuff.

The plan- 3 weeks and we will be firing the next kiln load.
Oh there are other things to be done as well, but good start going on here.
I am off to check some bowls for trimming.
Have a great weekend!
M

The ride

2012-01-25T17:57:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for crossing your fingers, toes and eyes for us while we unloaded the kiln today.
See previous post for reasons if you just logged in.
As we knew the kiln fired hot and here are some thoughts from the peanut gallery, us.
Since the kiln hung up and since it toolk longer to reach temperature the glazes in theory got a good soak at cone 8 and 9. Some of the glazes loved the soak and others were pushed to their limit and ran to the shelf. It is always funny to me, ha ha, that you can have 6 mugs on a shelf and one sticks to the shelf- then it becomes a set of 4 with a spare, right?
And then it is funny to me that a place in the kiln that you thought of as a good place to place a pot because it is usually cooler there gets hot as heck!
So with this all said- there were some very good pots, some okay pots and some real seconds, yep, the real deal.
So here we go:
Front:

The top or crown shelf has 6 lamp bases on it, 2 of those had the ash hit the iron black and run just to the shelf hardly enough to worry about, they are fine. In this stack there were a few pots that almost hit the shelf but were good.
Middle stack:

This stack is always hotter and we try to take that in consideration. Bottom up, 3rd shelf mugs with brown and ash- 1 is stuck like a tick on a hound, as was this goblet shape on the bottom shelf back.

There were a few other ones here and there some that will take grinding and others will take a hammer...
The back shelf:

Bottom up- Mug- black and wood ash, 3rd shelf- stuck like a pig in the mud. Above that just off center a wee ginger jar, cute as can be, stuck....grrrr. I hated to loose that one- but oh, well, so it is.
The goblet shape bottom front, yea, you got it. S.T.U.C.K.
But- for the most part it was a good firing despite the problems that arose while firing.
In fact the spodumene galze loved being hotter and so did the iron red, when it did not hit the shelf.
Our iron black with the rutile wood ash top glaze...not so much. It was hotter than we like but it is fine.
There you go.
Thank you all for your support!
We will sort this all and send some out for sale.

And then back on the wheel for us we are working on deadlines.
Cheers,
M

The ups and downs and somewhere in between

2012-01-25T06:52:00.000-05:00

Firing day started off a bit windy and then, this never happens, the wind settled down and the day was perfect for a gas firing. Mark was chugging along and I was out the door at 5 for a meeting with our local Seagrove Potters' Association.
I had left Mark some food since I would be gone for a bit, you know meetings can run long, and this one did.
I fully expected him to be wrapping things up when I got home.
Instead the kitchen looked like a quick run through with food that was close to burnt, not a good sign.
The kiln, almost at the very time I left, hung up.
It would not gain the final temperature, the pressure had dropped to the burners and it was as if the tank was freezing up.
Puzzled Mark did all he could plus calling the gas guys on a Sunday night.
The kiln was hanging at cone 9 and the cone for 10 was still standing, now we are worried, its been too long.
Do you shut the whole thing off a cone early or wait.
We waited and the 10 started to bend.
We waited some more and once the 10 was bent enough we shut it down figuring that the glazes had sat long enough to get hot.
We never look in the kiln the day after a fire because the glazes usually need a good 24 hours or more to really develop their color. Looking sometimes means seeing mud instead of the the true color of the glaze. We could both tell one thing, the fire was hot.
Tucking our tails between our legs we are working on what we think happened with the kiln.
The kiln is 26 years old this fall, the regulator that regulates gas to the kiln seems to have a problem.
After 26 years and many firings it may be just worn out or there could be some trash that has clogged something up.
This is where I fall short and Mark could explain better.
But explain or not we are out to unload this morning.
There were more looks yesterday and we saw hot glaze, but good color with a bit more run on the ash. I can see one pot that has a run to the shelf and I am hoping that is the only one ( I hear you laughing..)
Mark has just headed out to take down the door and I need to follow.
More with pictures later, but whatever is out there we will deal and carry on.
We always do-
M

and it Rained

2012-01-22T07:16:00.001-05:00

The weather called for rain most of yesterday and I was dreading the 5 hours it would take us outside to load the kiln in the rain. Insert unhappy older, lazy, potter here...
Once I went outside I realized that the weather was not freezing cold and it would be better than most late winter loads in that I would not have to dress in 6 layers to load the kiln. It was for the most part very comfortable. I did get chilly which is a site better than frozen.
The rain actual came in and out and only as we bricked the door did it really start to pour down.
Then I was rescued by a car with customers that stayed just long enough for Mark to finish bricking up the door to the kiln alone.
Later we had a discussion about if we had ever fired a kiln in January before. I said no, he said yes.
I still say no since we use to take at least the first part of January off and spend time working on other projects and actually paying real attention to our two children, after the crazy Christmas rush. I still like a slower pace in January, but not this year with a deadline looming for April samples, test and pots to be made.
I am trying to stick to my slow Sundays for this month and today I plan to work on another one, guiltily while Mark fires the kiln, but not too guiltily since I have paper work to do.

Back stack with green glaze that looks like baby poop in the bucket.........

middle stack-----in and then its lunch time!


ah, nothing left but the door.....and after, red wine and beer...	.

Now that this firing is in it is time for some down and dirty paperwork--end of the year taxes, there I said it, its out there.
But first a cup of tea, join me will ya'?
Sugar or honey?
M

The working part

2012-01-20T06:44:00.002-05:00

Thanks for the comments on the last post and the lively discussions on production or studio.
I know for the most part we all work hard at what we do. Making pottery is a taxing job to say the least. I have always thought that the best part was the turning/ throwing, the creating of the piece. Then the work comes.
After it leaves the wheel that is for me when the real work comes in.
Throwing, I will use the more current term, is a skill that takes time to develop, once developed it is up to you to see how far you would like to take it. Pushing, pulling whatever it takes.
We had some students stop in this week who were out in the area on a field trip. I was talking with them and I learned that they were Biology majors who take a course outside their field for a month. They had chosen pottery and had hand building last week and then moved into wheel work with a field trip to Seagrove.
They wanted to take pictures and talk about their plans of what they wanted to make on the wheel when they got back to school.
A lamp, a pitcher, great goals here, but what about just learning to center and making a cylinder?
Over and over and over again.
I was happy to let them explore my shop and take pictures, but I did wonder what you can make in a month. I know how long it took me to make a 6inch cylinder.
And then to make it again and again.
Pottery for a month....

We are still covered up with glaze.
Finish today, load tomorrow and fire Sunday...
On another note, lost and found Camera has come home, yeah!
Took Wednesday evening to spend time with our kids in Cary.
Now best get cracking.
M

Production or Studio

2012-01-17T08:06:00.004-05:00

Years ago when I was only a pup in this business I was over at Dorothy Auman's shop at Seagrove Pottery talking with her.
I wanted to consider myself a production potter since that was what you found in this area and it was a term I had heard since I was a child. I was learning to make the same shape over and over again and I was making production in my mind would that not mean I was a production potter?
Dorothy, who was always so patient with me set me straight on the difference between a Production Potter and a Studio Potter.
She told me a production Potter, such as herself, only turned pots (she never threw pots, she turned).
A studio potter, such as myself did it all, they turned, glazed, fired and everything in between and after.
Dorothy, like all production potters in the area only made the pots. Once they were done she rarely ever touched them again. She used to say once I have made them they are Walters to do with as he sees fit.
At JB Cole's pottery I can remember watching the turners there.
They stood at their wheels making one piece after another while someone fixed their clay for them.
That person, the ball man or ball girl, worked from a list to provide clay that was wedged, weighed and stacked next to the wheel. Someone else took the pots away to be fixed, handled and placed in the drying room. After the pots were dried there was another person who took them down to be fired for bisque. After bisque they were unloaded into bushel baskets and a wheel barrow was used to move them over and up to the glaze area. Glazed by the glaze person they were then moved by boards down to the kiln that was the size of a bathroom. Think big, no bigger!
On Saturdays the kiln was unloaded, packed into the baskets and carried down to the shop to be pounced on by the line of waiting customers. Production at its finest, they put out a large kiln load a week.
Mark and I knew many of these production potters and they were content with their jobs as potters. They rarely thought about glazes or felt ownership for their work. Now in this role they often did not get credit for their work either. The owner or shop was given the credit. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes people.
I have accepted my role as a Studio potter in an area that was once known as the King of production.
There are what I would call traveling potters in Seagrove who work shop to shop making pottery by throwing for those shops. They too are usually content to just make pots for others and make money during a time when sales are slow. For the shop owner they can stock pile many production shapes, bowls, mugs, tumblers, pitchers, casseroles and such to either add to what they make or have blanks to do their own designs on.

There are many of the traveling potters who have moved on and opened their own shops making their own work but still find throwing work at shops here. In this case the area has changed.

I think there were a lot of the production potters who felt that in this job the skills they learned were creative and it kept them out of the fields and out of the mills. The ones I remember were happy to be just a turner and walk out at the end of the day.
I was at Cole's once talking with Nell as Waymon, her brother, ended his day.
He washed up, picked up his hat, coat and cane and walked past us whistling.
He said good night and was out the door.
Nell who took over the job of running the place and did more glazing than turning at that point turns to me and says,” He whistles, I worry".
I think of this and those many, many potters of my youth often.
And I get that worry part.
Are you a whistler or the worrier?

Slow Sundays

2012-01-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

Mark and I are trying to take some slow Sundays in January.
Now I know for some slow might mean no movement at all, but to me it just means no pressure at all.
If I want to go out and work a few hours I will. If I don't want to I will find something else to do.
It could mean a trip off to see a movie, lunch out, a good book, sewing for a bit, calling a friend...slow Sundays, just like regular folk!
Yesterday I made the effort to make jelly again and this time did not leave the kitchen and stuck with my tried and true method.
I cooked, packed in hot, clean, like you would not wash your jars, jars and then inverted them on their tops. I have done this for years and it has worked. Give them a few hours and then turn them back over and the lids are sealed. If there are any that are not just refrigerate and use first. It has been a long while since I have made Blackberry Jelly and it just called for biscuits. In the south we love us some biscuits and the white ones all soft and fluffy... with jam, are you drooling yet, are the best.
I try not to make those any more so I dug out some recipes for scones and compared the two.
Oatmeal scones- I looked at one recipe that called for 1 pound of butter, heart attack scones...noway I was making those.
What I finally settled on was the basic recipe for biscuits substituting 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for part of the white flour, I added 1 TBS. sugar and 3 TBS. of Old fashion Oats, this was a cross between the regular biscuit and scones. Handle as little as possible and bake a tad longer.
I am here to say they were they good, just what the Blackberry jelly called for.

Out to the studio yesterday, after the Jelly was all done, I worked on some tiles and then took stock of the pots for the upcoming firing. I think we are ready to get moving on waxing and glazing.
Mark has finished up all his pieces with the exception of one of those large flat bowls.
I have two tiles left to go and then those will just stay cover for a slow dry.

Mark had that big pot on a low shelf with a large bowl above- I did my best to get a picture and not move anything.
Lamps will be in this glaze loads for those of you who have been waiting.
Have a great Slow Sunday- fill it with something you want to do.
Best,
M

Shake it off its only a date

2012-01-13T16:56:00.001-05:00

Friday the 13th- the first one of the year.
I usually don't go in for the bad luck thing with the hope that bad luck does not seek me out.
I go in more for the stupid luck thing, which follows me all the time anyway, like a heat seeking missile.
I like to sort of bumbling my way through things as if my mind has not left me.
See being over 50 something has been a real eye, mind, opener for me.
I use to have a good memory and could multitask like an octopus!
Yes, I was that good.
But lately I do things like... walk out of the house with no thought about what I have left behind me, like jelly in the oven that should have been taken out 2 1/2 hours ago... burnt jelly--- buggers.
I have mourned the jelly loss and will just make another round, maybe tomorrow because tomorrow is not Friday or the 13th. And, it is mostly time and sugar right.
I can buy more sugar and what do I have if I don't have time....
Good thing one jar went right into household use.
We will savor that jar.

Now on to pots.
Mark has been working on this low bowl that would be a great center piece pot for a low coffee table, dinning room or that side table- entry way maybe.
I don't know if I will get him to make more, he is wondering about this as a repeatable shape...

I like them myself, but then again I am looking at how to glaze them.
I am working on a round of tiles.
Next week is waxing and glazing.
We just might get that January load through.
Now to go find some of that good luck you hear about.
Best of luck, good luck, lucky duck, walk like a duck, talk like a duck, if it walks like a duck it is a...
Someone needs to get out of the house!
Later!
M

It helps if you plan ahead

2012-01-11T16:41:00.000-05:00

Welp!
Mark is off getting clay for us since we manage to throw every bit we had.
Having both of us on our wheels means we can go through some clay pretty quickly.
We usually buy some clay at the end of our season and it will do us as we laze our way through January and stretched we can make it go through February as well.
But someone lit a fire under both of us and we are rocking out some pots.

Last year, and if you know me and this blog you know that the last few years have had a few bumps in them, it was all I could do to make pots. I was there and, yet, I was not there, I was not really there.
Oh, I know how to work and I can work even when I would rather pull the covers up and close off reality. But my head and heart were not really there. I was making the motions but the joy was gone.
I know you are thinking burn out.
It was not burn out but heartbreak that took away my joy.

I don't know if it was something that stuck in my head from someone else but I pulled out my sewing machine in November, dusted it off, bought some material and a few patterns and began to sew.
Pot by day- material by night.
The fabrics got me, I would sew and think about Jay and Lee and make something.
Then I made something else.
We have a roku- great item if you don't have one look them up.
I streamed all of Mad Men and I sewed, its a wonder I did not take up smoking.
I would hold the fabric and place one color against another and the ideas would run through my head.
I learned the terms again, I pinned and darted and cut lining and padding and I sewed.

I learned to sew from my grandmother and mother, but I never wanted to sew, I just knew how.
Working in clay taught me the patience to sew.
I cut out bags in multiplies, lining, padding for 4-6 bags at a time. I worked on the bags as I would production, sew, set aside, sew, set aside, rip out, set aside finish, finish, finish.
As I finished those bags something sparked in my brain.
And it was joy.
I felt good about life, good about work, I laughed and it was real.
I looked at Mark on December 1st and said," I am ready to make pots".
I felt freed.

I had walked around for the past 18 months feeling that there were no rules, that things did not matter, that life was not fair.
Well, life is not fair.

And, I don't know what is next, but I do know that I can make pots and do it with some joy again.
The sewing?
I am planning to continue.
I always thought since I worked in an art that I did not have time for anything else.
I was wrong.
So where I am going on this.
I plan to get back to the work we have been doing for 30years and see what this year brings.
One of the things I have been doing is making shapes that need repeating.
Mugs, bowls, even spoon rest. This will not take me in to history as the end all of end all as a potter, but they slip through my fingers and I really feel them.
The rhythm of the production is there, not being forced out but flowing out, without thought as it should be. I was throwing the other day as the rain was coming down, as I was self absorbed I felt a ray of sunshine hitting my back. I thought it was the sun, that the rain had stopped and the sun was breaking through. I kept working, feeling this ray of sun. I looked up and out my window, no sun, all gray and rain. Made me think that the sibs were walking through, stopping in to see how I was doing. It would be just like them to mess with me.

On that big fat vase Mark is working on here it is thrown in 2 pieces.
He did get the height he wanted, not as fat as it needs to be but well balanced.
About 14 inches by 16 inches, he was shooting for 18 inches.

Now to get some of those pots dry enough to bisque.
Cheers,
M

Let's give it a go, shall we?

2012-01-10T13:11:00.000-05:00

We do own another camera, but it is one that I consider Mark's camera.
Why- because I have been too lazy to really learn how to use it.
It is bigger than my point and shoot, it has different lenses, you have to think about it......
I finally had Mark get it out and give me enough advice to try and shoot a few pictures with it.
First off I found you have to stand way back away from the pots.
Waaaaaayyyy back.
Then I tried to just point and shoot- some were usable.
Then I took it off auto focus and shot a few more.
I see a learning curve going on here.
The other issue is I really don't want to expose this camera to the neglect I put the other one through.
I think nothing of taking the other one to the studio.
This one gets the white glove treatment.
Take out of the camera bag ( are your hands clean????) and place on a clean towel....clean towel...hummm oh, we have a clean towel in the studio- where the heck has Mark been hiding those.
Note to self- look for hiding place of these well hidden clean towels...
Then place the strap around your neck...see I, the lazy one, have to think about this.
Well soon I will have my lazy potter's camera back.

So here is what we are working on.
We are in the process of working out more samples for a customer, to be announced at a later date, and this means we have to get the weight and measurements right.
Or at least close.

This one is to be a very low, fat vase, two different sizes.
Mark is trying this in two pieces today to see if that will be a better way to make them.
Otherwise, there is some real trim time that will be going into these to refine the shape and get some weight out..
Today I am working on a bottle in two different sizes.

These are right under 7 inches while the larger one needs to be just over 10 inches and a bit.

So there you go- we are working!
The weather is a balmy 47 out there, a bit wet from yesterday's rain, but you can not beat a walk across the yard in a zip-up sweatshirt.
We heard about the snow, 18 feet up in Alaska, and you would just have to lock me up and throw away the key if I had to live there!
Oh, I know we have hot summers, but you can get cool in the summer. I don't think I would ever get warm with 18 feet of snow on the ground.
My lunch hour is getting a bit long- better get back out to those bottles.
Cheers!
M

Chicken talk

2012-01-08T06:31:00.000-05:00

Its been a busy week here at Lake Whynot.
After a few lunches it was time to do some serious throwing of pots.
I have been on the production train making bottles, small vases, sugar jars, mini crocks and mugs.
No pictures so you are welcome to use your imagination on how you would like these all to look and we will compare later.

It has been strange not to have a camera for the past few weeks and not to be documenting January like I did last year. The weather is so different than it has been for several winters.I have been looking back at snow and ice thinking what those last two winters were like.This one calls one to go outside and marvel at the warmth and sunshine.I would love to tell you I have been spending endless hours in the yard but I have not.Potting by day, sewing by night.I am still making bags and I am working on a new bag for Mamas.My daughter wanted a bag for baby wipes- been working that out with a few rejects that I needed to make first... Here is where clay and fabric part ways.Clay- rejects can be thrown back in the recycle, fabric, once cut and stitched......well I guess I could take it apart... wait- light bulb moment going on here- wait- I could , if not to lazy, take those two apart... hum mm never mind. There goes anything profound I was going to say about working with clay as opposed to working with fabric.Maybe I need that camera back soon... it might shed some light on things for me.

Meanwhile enjoy these chickens that live outside Raleigh.I make animals when the mood or extra clay hits me.These have all ended up with a customer who stops in now again to see if there are more.She bought the last one...I will just have to add something else to the list.
And kindly sent me this picture of the flock.

All I can think of is- Ain't nobody here but these chickens... Louis Jordan
One night farmer Brown,
Was takin' the air,
Locked up the barnyard
With the greatest of care
Down in the henhouse
Somethin' stirred
When he shouted "Who's there?"

This is what he heard:

There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
So calm yourself,
And stop your fuss
There ain't nobody here but us
We chickens tryin' to sleep,
And you butt in
And hobble, hobble hobble hobble
With your chin

There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
You're stompin' around
And shakin' the ground,
You're kickin' up an awful dust
We chicken's tryin' to sleep
And you butt in
And hobble, hobble hobble hobble
It's a sin

Tomorrow
Is a busy day
We got things to do
We got eggs to lay
We got ground to dig
And worms to scratch
It takes a lot of settin'
Gettin' chicks to hatch

There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
So quiet yourself,
And stop your fuss
There ain't nobody here but us
Kindly point that gun,
The other way
And hobble, hobble hobble off and
Hit the hay

Tomorrow
Is a busy day
We got things to do
We got eggs to lay
We got ground to dig
And worms to scratch
It takes a lot of settin'
Gettin' chicks to hatch
There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all

So quiet yourself,
And stop your fuss
There ain't nobody here but us
Kindly point that gun,
The other way
And hobble, hobble hobble of and
Hit the hay

"Hey boss man
What do ya say?"

It's easy pickens,
Ain't nobody here but us chickens

Stop in, we do lunch around here.

2012-01-04T16:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Tracey was out and about over in Star picking up some much needed clay to get herself back to work. She has many projects coming up this year, it is exciting to see how things have taken off for her.
While she was just 10 minutes away she asked if she could stop in.
I said yes and come for lunch.
Mark and I are like old farmers in that we go to work rather early and like to stop for lunch at noon.
I know that many folks don't have lunch at high noon but this has been going on here since we opened. We have found that if we start lunch it a. brings a customer or two and b. if we wait and it still brings a customer or two than it could be 1 or 2 before you have lunch.
We like to take our hour...sometimes hour and 1/2.... and then get back in the studio for the afternoon.
Neither one of us is that late night owl potter. We prefer to get out and get it done and then have some non-pottery time for other things.
Oh,lunch..
I had made a feta and spinach quiche,bread, fruit ,add in pimento cheese, rice chips,pumpkin bread from Tracey and we had a great lunch.
Mark ate with us and then went back to work while Tracey and I opted to make hot tea and just chat away.
And if your ears were burning it was because we talked about you!
Well nothing bad.... we both are fascinated by some of the wonderful,bright, talented and sharing bloggers out there.
We still feel that this diary of sharing is vital to ourselves and others.

I think we could have talked all day, but we both had lives to get back to.
As Tracey left I thought how important it has been to me to take many of the on-line relationships past the reading stage to another place.
I know it has opened up my world and made it bigger and better.

Then today a good friend stopped in to share some good news with us.
"Tea", I asked and she said yes if you have time.
Well I have learned that you have to make time and not give up some time with friends just because there is work waiting.
The work will always be there.
So to the house and the next thing you know we are pulling out all the leftovers from yesterday, heating quiche, slicing bread, pimento cheese, rice crackers, and having lunch and chat all over again.
I love January.... just for these reasons.
So we will feed you lunch and talk just tell me when.

Feta and Spinach Quiche:
slice up some onion and red pepper and as many mushrooms as you like- saute in oil and butter,add salt and pepper-set aside.
Cook spinach fresh or frozen, I used frozen, squeeze dry -set aside.
Beat 6 eggs with 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup flour, if you don't use flour use whatever works for you.
To the eggs add sauteed veggies, spinach, about 6-8 ounces feta cheese, about 1/2 cup cottage cheese and about 1/4 th cup Parmesan cheese.
Pour into a baking pan that has been buttered and bake at 325 for about 30-40 minutes or until brownish and cook through.
let set and serve room temp.
Or goggle up Spinach quiche....
This will serve 6 as proven by 2 lunches times 3 people per lunch.
And pots- are being made but with no camera you will just have to take my word for it.

and this picture- 2 winters ago- can you see why I am digging this winter?
This is a winter that I need, a winter that still brings sunshine and warm days.
19 tonight- so what----60 degrees is right behind this....ahhhhh.
Cheers!
M

Numbers

2012-01-03T07:36:00.000-05:00

I love numbers and yesterday when I noticed it was 1.2.2012 I thought this must be one of those lucky days for someone. I should have gone to play the lottery on those numbers 122012.
Instead I just let the day and the numbers go, and kept my money.
In fact I kept all my money on the cameras and plan to take my time when getting a new one.
The camera.....
I had ordered one that I thought would be great, new, in the box and out of stock.
Then I had 3 bids in on e down by the bay and they all ended at different times with the last one ending last night.
I was determined to buy one and put a large bid on one that seemed good. Seemed, since you really can't hold it in your hands and look at it and feel it. I still have a hard time shopping without the tools of feel, and look with your own eyes. I know you can look on the computer screen but to me it is not the same.

So now let me back up. On Friday I drove to Pittsboro to meet our son for my late Birthday lunch. We went to the Farrington granary. Mark and I use to use the place as a stop on our way to Va. and I had not been in years. They have revamped what was a old store atmosphere with a deli counter into a full bar and sit down restaurant. It was a great place to meet and have lunch. I had the shrimp and grits and hands down it was the best I have had in a restaurant any where. They will bring you all the bread you want and the bread was really good. Joel had the Poorboy and declared it very good, cooked just right and on a homemade pretzel roll. We had a great lunch with good conversation and made plans to do it again.
He went home to Cary and me home to Whynot.
As I was getting ready for some company that night and was covered in oil, olive olive, garlic, herbs to rub down a small leg of lamb, the phone rang.
Joel had called to say they had found the camera while cleaning up. It was behind the CD case.
Oh Joy!
But- then I am thinking, where is my mind these days?
I use to never lose or forget anything.
So since I share the losing with you I share the find.
And I watched each camera slide pasted me on on e let's go to the bay...
The last one being last night with a bid for more than I wanted to pay out. It went past me and I placed one more bid and let it go....
I do need to replace this camera at some point, but January is never a good time to spend money unless necessary and I can take my time to look, touch and hold a few cameras instead of just jumping to buy.
There are still camera shops aren't there??
So there is the story about the camera.
Not overly exciting but a lesson for me to slow down and pay attention.
On to the wheel and a visit from TB today- she is going to have lunch with us!
Yea!
Cheers,
M

No picture from lunch yet....

Don't you love a hoilday?

2012-01-02T07:27:00.000-05:00

Well boys and girls it is time to get back to work and get serious about this year.
I mean really one full day gone and what did you do?
I don't know about you but I ate good food and had good conversation which in my book is a good way to start a New Year.
Then reality weighs in nice and heavy and it is time today for our first of many meetings here at Whynot.
We have what we call corporate meeting on a regular bases.
I know it sounds silly to some of you since we are only a two person business but even a two person business needs a meeting of minds.
So today is the meeting of minds to map out a plan for the coming year.
We both feel as if we have been holding on to a kite string for the past 3 years and just going where the wind has taken us. This year the plan to to be more of the driver than the holder of the string.
A plan is being put in place.
Of course we both know that plans are flexible and things happen..... but plan we must.
Then it is out to the studio to pick up the pace and get things ready for the first firing for the year.
We are planning a firing within the next 10 days. Yea!
So no resolution here just resolve.
Cheers and all that!

M

An oldie but goody until I get my camera back...... the lost camera? Found! A story best told later I am late for my meeting!

Ring it in!

2011-12-31T23:42:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2012.....happy to see you and let's get this party started.
Cheers!
M&M

A note about camera and know that pots are coming back soon!

2011-12-30T07:19:00.000-05:00

Oh, thank you for the information on cameras, here and email.
I ordered one.
I was going the bidding route on a certain site we all know well abcd--- take me to the ocean and let us sit by the b#Y... but I really am not that person who can sit and watch and things get out bid and snatched right out from under you. Like the camera I really wanted that I had the hid bid on with 5 days to go and it was just removed. No explanation at all, just removed.
Grrrr
So I put in another search and came up with a site that had a new in the box camera that was a step up from what I had at a good price.
Buy!
I am still in the bid for two cameras but don't really expect those to stay at my current bid of 21.25 and 31.00. If they do I will have 3 cameras to keep up with.
Meanwhile we opted for some down time at home rather than taking off to Va. I am going to leaving some baby chasing up to my Sister Leslie today and since she is up checking on the Mother I am cleaning closets and preparing to head into 2012 with a lighter heart than the last year.
Throwing things away, filing and maybe some paint action going on.
And lunch with the my favorite son today.
My first born asked what I wanted for my birthday and I wanted to have lunch with just him.
We are due.
So cheers and all that!
M

2012- may life take you forward and be as simple as picking up a stick and as light as the heart of a child.

What's a girl to do?

2011-12-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the new year of 2012.
Good heavens it just seems like yesterday we embarked on this clay adventure and now it has hit me that we have been doing this dance for 30 years.
30 years!
Some days, as I sit here and picture myself as brown headed and younger, I think we are still those young whipper-snappers who just blindly walked into this as a business, pulling two young kids behind them.
Then again mirrors and drivers license do not lie.
There are days now that I really feel those over 50 muscles and think what are we doing still here.
And, yet, there are many potters who make pots well into their...70's, 80's dare I say 90's.
Is it possible, who really knows, but we are not ready to stop now. There are still pots in us so we carry on.
Now about Christmas, we had a great time being with our two, their spouses, the new puppy and the grand daughter. I was going to torture you all with lots and lots of picture of family, but I have a confession to make.
I had a moment and a moment that was so stupid that it goes in my book of stupid moves that shall not be made again, ever, really!
On Christmas day we took the young one to the park, me, her mother and dad.
I took lots of pictures as this fearless 20 month old as she went down every slide from small to large shouting, fun, wheeeeeeeee, fun, wheeeee.
And then as we left I placed my camera on the hood of the car, yea, I know, slap me now I know better!
3 hours later I look for the camera and of course it is gone, long gone.
And since I am the taker of the pictures the pictures are long gone as well.
If I could just get the pictures back they can have the camera.
Well truth be told I want the camera back too she and I were tied at the hip.
I am at a loss without her.
I went out the next day and bought a small camera not to let the holidays go with out some record so I could show you this:

This child is never more happy then when she is outside with rock, leaves and sticks.
and this.

The new grand puppy, 7 months and a great puppy! She rings bells on the door when she needs to go out.
I did take some more like this:

Happiness!
I am working some eBay bids trying desperately to replace my camera- I looked for two days at others and found some finally found some used ones that are like the one I had.
I decided that I did not like the one I bought. It is just too hard to hold and if I lost one that was bigger you know I will lose this one.
I will take suggestions on good cameras if you have any, but I am sure I am going to go after one like I had. It worked for me.
And somewhere I will try to put a note in my feeble brain to never put it on the hood of a car.
Cheers and all that,
M

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T16:42:00.000-05:00

Still working and another family birthday

2011-12-22T06:42:00.000-05:00

We reluctantly went into the studio yesterday and finished making more samples for a project we are working on.
One that I am not ready to reveal yet, but I will write about later.
The pots we are making are to the specs for someone else.
Many of them are familiar and, yet, are shapes that we would take one step further or add lines, stamps and some carving.
It has been interesting and an act of discipline to stay within the guidelines.
As I am throwing I will notice an area that I would usually add a line, or two or three. My eye will hit it and then I want to reach for a tool to add said line... no, I have to tell myself.
It is like I have gone from driving a straight gear over to an automatic.
Don't shift!
Then again it is a challenge to figure all this out.
Below there are two ginger jars with two bottles that will fill out the pots that Mark made last week.

Yes- there are two carved jars below- rejects are great for carving!

Mark is working on a second line with lots of egg shapes from 4 inches up to about 12 inches.

Some of these will be kept and some....well, like I said we are working out the details.

And if you made it all the way to the bottom of the page- here is a treat.
I was on Jim's Etsy shop the other day and I just had had to have one of Jim's pieces.
I hit the buy button.
I know you can see why.
Right now Jim is keeping company with a couple of other guys you should all know.

I see some wine in our future.
And today is my Birthday, the day after my sweet girl.
No moaning, no begrudging another year.
Instead I am thankful.
So my birthday wish is that you all go out and tell someone you care about them, or take a tea/coffee with a friend, call someone, email, send a card, reach out and care.
Breath!
Life is good,
M

Hold on it's a family moment!

2011-12-21T17:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my girl!
You were the best Christmas/Birthday present ever!

The past year and 1/2 have been a joy to watch you as you mother your own daughter.

The fun has just begun,
Ma and Pa

Light and the end of a day

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

Ever since we were pottery students we were taught to clean your area because there was someone coming behind you.
So these are Mark's tools at the end of the day.
All ready for use.
Now where are mine?
I am not as good as he is in the department and I am sometimes taken by surprise at the mess I leave behind me. I tend to walk in and think who was on my wheel last night while I was sleeping?
Darn elves.....

There was the best light after the rain last week.
I love that fresh light look that it gives everything.
It looks like promises yet to come.

The path down the drive from the house...follow me it begs, let's see where we can go and what we can see.
Ever since I was a kid I have loved the promise of a good path...

Christmas is coming and I am still packing.
Best get to it.
M

The shape of things to come

2011-12-17T20:31:00.000-05:00

Mark has been working on some shapes for one of those new sticks in the fire...
Even after making pots for 30 years it takes some practice to duplicate a shape for someone else. These shapes are pretty simple, but simple is never as simple as one thinks.
It still takes some skill to hit the shape right on for the customer.

Ah- rebellion- I see a carved vase there..

It will be hard not to stamp or carve...that vase is just begging me to knock it about a bit.

Double dog dare me?
M

Wandering the backroads home

2011-12-15T08:19:00.000-05:00

Wandering the back roads home from Tracey's last Sunday Mark took me off to travel over one of the few state maintained fords.
This is the only one in our county.

One trip was enough for me it was bumpy and a bit deeper than I thought it would be.
Apparently the guys use to go there on the "beer" run... wonder how many times they went back and forth??!!
It was interesting, but I think I would like a bridge better.
Off to ford the studio and paer work.
Cheers,
M

2011-12-14T06:35:00.001-05:00

I would love to tell you that I am throwing pots but I am chained to the desk to sort out some paper work. ( help!)
It is the end of the year and I do need to shuffle through some of the piles while I can.
We have put some sticks in a few new fires for next year and if it all works out we will be able to just stay here and work.
No more running off to other jobs.
Now that would be a great, would it not??!!
Now to make it happen.
And to make it happen paper work has to be done... buggers!

Mark has been working on Lamps- vases with a thrown cap.

and who does not need a smile?
This picture makes me wonder why people spend so much money on toys when there are leaves and sticks and dirt just out in your yard.

This child has her mother's smile!
Leaves = happiness.....
Go out and play in your yard!
Cheers,
M

Slow Sundays and Blue skies makes one want to

2011-12-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

travel even if it is just up the road.
When I woke up this morning I asked Mark what he wanted to do today, a much needed day off, and he said what do you want to do?
I say I want to go here.

and I want to see Tracey...

and I want to see her work and buy a few gifts.

It was as much fun as a new puppy!
Only better!
Love you and we loved our trip to your neck of the woods.
M

Good grief

2011-12-10T07:42:00.000-05:00

And Mark said to me, "you are not taking more pictures of me are you"?

No, I said......

I am such a liar....

On another note I wanted to know what others folks do with their "spare" time, not that I am checking on on you or anything. I always thought since I played in clay all day that was enough to keep the mind busy and hands and back, but lately I have been sewing. I have a room upstairs that I finally set up to sew in. Call ahead if you need the bed I have it covered right now.
I am enjoying the different fabrics and for now I am working out this one bag. I figure if I can get that down I might move on to a bigger one. They are fun with a quilt like piece on the front and fully lined. They are suppose to be a make-up bag, but I have found that folks are using them for different purposes.
Right now I am playing with adding rings and I have plans for a new strap..

The other night I figured out that I should call these my good grief bags.
Grief has a funny way of working out of the body and this has worked for me.
It is better than bags of cookies, which is where I was heading.
I just mailed one to a friend who is going through Cancer treatments in hope that she can fill it with a few things to take along with her on treatment days. I used a fabric with a lot of images of that could take your mind away...like I said, "good grief...."

Happy Saturday,
M

Winter comes to Whynot

2011-12-08T06:56:00.000-05:00

What is it they say about weather.
If you don't like it well wait 24 hours.
Well I liked it, but we all knew it had to end and yesterday end it did.
There was a rain and heavy wind front that came in and took us down a notch or two. It is a tad chilly this morning. I was so sure it was cooler earlier this week that I kept overdressing for the studio.
This is that time of year that finding the right combo of warmth for working in water becomes difficult. I find several layer help and that old ratty vest are a must.
A good old ratty vest will help keep your core warm while freeing up your arms.
Too many layers on the arms makes for awkward throwing.

I also took advantage of the cloudy days to shoot some pictures outside.
I have found that I can do better outside and I like the natural backgrounds that we have. I use this rock and once I have the piece set on the rock I walk around the rock rather than moving the piece. This really seems to save time. I do crop some and some I don't.
I was reading King Creek's blog and she has been doing some experimented with natural and "the cube".
Do we all have one of these cubes? I know we bought one as well and it will soon be set up again in the basement closer to the computer so I can try, yet again, to get some pictures inside that thing.... I too have had mixed results and oh, look! Dust! Oh, Look at that little hair or.... some days me and the cube just don't get along.
But I do like the rock.

I do have to be careful because as you can see the rock is not flat on top so the piece can look as if it is crooked. But, hey, aren't we all a bit off...

We really are back working and I took some pictures of the ever reclusive Mark at his sit down/stand up wheel. He bites when I do this so I have to be very quiet and sneak up on him....
He starts his larger pots on this wheel while sitting and then stands to finish them as he pulls taller.
Seems to work well.

Production in the making, think small then move to large.

Here she is winter-ta da!

Time to find some layers, clay is calling,
M

It is December, don't you know?

2011-12-06T07:44:00.001-05:00

The weather here the past week has been a great reminder of why we live in the south.
We have been having 70 degree days.
How can you beat that!?
I know a change is coming and winter will be on us soon , but it is hard to beat these days of still warm days or as I love to call the , "the flue days".
We have been catching up on other things besides pottery, but are getting back in the swing of things pottery wise as well.
The bisque kiln was loaded yesterday, after a trip to buy a new microwave and put the car in the shop, and today we are back on the wheel.
It always seems that December is a month where we catch up on all things ignored.
The car goes in the shop.
A closet gets cleaned out.
I pay attention to the dust and the corners in the house.
I look at the pile, I mean really look, of the year's worth of paper work.
You all know what I mean.
We all tend to shove this stuff aside while we are busy and then the next think you know it crawls out like a forgotten long lost cousin that you always knew was there but no one wants to talk about.
Now I still need to finish fixing the blog, catch up on the piles and corners and figure out what is happening for next year.
And don't even say Christmas shopping...
There it is out there as well.
We find that we are so busy making sure that our customers have their gift shopping done that we get a bit behind...and the family after 30 years does not want more, or sure they do---pottery?!

I did go do something fun Sunday and went off with a group to make a wreath.

I had never done anything like this before and it was fun to just lose myself in the process.
I did not think I just did.
It was relaxing and there was hot chocolate and nibbles... Mark stayed home to fish and watch football.
I bet he would pay real money to send me off again.
Hummm
Well pots are calling.
M

a few pots got listed on the etsy shop- our favorite mugs.
It was great to see one being used by Tracey at her end of the day, blow out weekend.
Note to self- change her blog feed to The Fifth Floor.....

It was late

2011-12-02T11:14:00.000-05:00

It was late and I was messing with my baby computer looking at new templates and designs when I hit the apply to button.

Really was my thought- did you just do that?
I had it way back in the deep part of my brain to revise the blog site but at a quarter to late last night was not the time.
With a blurry brain and mind I went to bed to face it today.
So just keep in mind that I will be dancing all over rearranging the furniture , trying on dresses and shoes, cleaning out the closet as I figure out how I want the new "do" to look.
It might be awhile so just talk among yourselves while I get this figured out.
Meanwhile- pots are being made- one cart full 3 more to go and we are, as usual, open for business.

Oh- and a new name change is coming.
Last year Lee and I had planned a line of tiles- I am going ahead with that and will be adding the name we picked to the Whynot Pottery name.
try this out for size.
Whynot Pottery and Acacia Art Tile.
Cheers!

The end of the season and moving into December

2011-11-29T07:22:00.003-05:00

Living here in the greater Seagrove area has always been a bit of a different season for us. Where retail stores add more employees for the extra shopping we are at the point of planning for the spring. We have a full store for our December shoppers and there is really not enough weeks to fire a big kiln load. We do plan on getting out a firing on the small one, who will get a name as soon as she settles her self down. For now we shall refer to her as Wild Child.
This brings me back to thinking about December.
It is a good time for us to wind down and reevaluate the past year.
What worked.
What did not work.
What are our plans as we go into 2012?
This will be our 30 year anniversary in October and you would think after 30 years we would have this down.
But, customers change, tatse change, situations change, clay bodies change, chemicals change.
We are going into December with some new relationships for the next year and what we hope is a plan that will keep us both in the pottery this year.
Last year, truth be told, Mark worked 4 days a week elsewhere through June.
It is hard to take a two person operation and then send one person off to work some where else and then ask that said person to produce at the level he usually does.
I know many of you are gearing for the Holidays but in my mind I always hear one of the older potters who use to say, "if don't have it made by August then it's too late..."
August mind you.
But in many ways he is right in that a person should take the slow months to grind away and stock pile some work.
This year that is the plan.
That is the plan if the universe allows us a year without as many interruptions as we have had the past 3 years.
We are going to go for it.
We are pretending that all is going to work its way out and we are going to be able to keep ourselves working and paying the bills.
I am still thinking no shows as I want the studio here to be full of pots for customers.
And if the new things work out that just might cover the cost of the time it takes to go away for shows.
The other day I thought one should never have their eggs in one basket, how true.
So I am separating the eggs into 4-5 baskets.
Let's see how that works.

While we were in Va. I was walking around my mother's house.
My parents were great supports of the arts.
I snapped a few pictures.

The vase on the left and pitcher- early Whynot

above the microwave-back left Jugtown, front left Tom Gray- the rest Mark and the small one mine.


The down stairs bathroom with a mural down my Lee


The only painting that I know of that my father did- I studied this while I was there. As a kid I found this very scary and now I wish I could ask he about it....

So off for some breakfast and a list of pots to be made.
Cheers,
M

Just say no to dried leftovers...and a story

2011-11-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

Its Sunday after a holiday and you just need to stop beating yourself up over what to do with that leftover Turkey.
So here is a favorite dish we like here at the Heywood house.
( you know I am cheating- since we did not have turkey... but I am just trying to save you!)

Picadillo
Recipes for picadillo vary with each country and or region in Latin America.
This one is from my mother Anna Henderson and was her favorite.
I have made some changes and so can you add more hot or less- add more spices if you like.
You can use this in tacos, burritos, or chilaquiles.
We like to make it and serve it with rice, black beans and corn or flour tortillas.

2 pounds of good ground beef- we use our locally raised grass fed beef- or you can use ground turkey or 1/2 pork
2 onions chopped
1-2 cloves garlic
1- apple peeled, cored and chopped
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 yellow bell pepper sliced
1 pound (about 3 medium) tomatoes- or canned- or homegrown frozen.
1-3 jalapenos
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup pimiento olives, cut in half
1/8 tsp. cinnamon and cloves
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper

Saute onions, peppers and garlic in 2 tbs. oil.
cook and drain meat and add to saute
add all the rest and simmer 20-30 minutes.
enjoy!

On another note- we are thankful to be here today after almost being hit by a fool who ran a red light from the right as we entered into the intersection on our way out to dinner last night. Thank you anti-lock breaks and Marks quick reaction as the fool went right in front of us. We hit just enough to scrape his car, we have now added black to our front bumper, as he continued on his way. I saw him stop just for a second and them take off.
Needless to say we ordered a drink as soon as we sat down and tried to figure out what just happened. The light turned green as two cars were running the light- you fools. There was no one in the intersection as we pulled out. I was doing my wifely thing by talking to Mark, blah,blah,blah and then he said I said "Car" and he saw it coming and hit the brakes hard.
I don't know who you were, where you were going and why you would run a full on red light doing at least 65 or if you have a death wish, but we are happy to be here and you fool just get on down the road and remember to watch out because karma is a bitch and she is looking for you.
To all my readers, family and friends,
Be safe, share the road and think when you drive.
M

and they were off!

2011-11-25T07:46:00.001-05:00

Good day to you all.
I can only hope you had the best Thanksgiving ever with Turkey and all the fixings of your choice.
Not being the Turkey fan ( keep that on the low down please) I did not miss that in our meal yesterday but we did feast on Black eyed Peas, cornbread, sweet potatoes and collards that were picked right from the garden. Ah- life is good.
Backing up about a week ago I will fill you in on last weekend.
The show was busy and good for us.
I went over Saturday morning just before 9, after telling Leslie to take her time....., and was slammed as soon as I turned on my booth lights. By the time Leslie got there I had not stepped past the wrapping stage and she just jumped right in to help me out.
Life is good.
Saturday was the best day for us and Sunday slow but with some surprising results.
I will take it.
After the ups and downs this past year, years, I am ever hopeful.
We unpacked and had to leave Monday morning for Va.
As I have told you all before it is never just about the pots.
We spent some time with Mark's mother who is in a nursing home and still recovering from the 2 broken hips, there will be another operation soon.
Time was spent with my mother who still lives at home and is doing well, thanks for asking.
And we had an afternoon with our daughter and the Grand baby, who is not a baby at all but a toddler with words. She is, as I have said before, so much fun.
Then on the road to travel home yesterday so that we can open the store here today.
Such is the life of a potter with a gallery/store at home.
When you have to work you have to work.
No black Friday here, just good honest pots.
If you are up to supporting handmade, small business then come on out and see us all here in Seagrove.
If you can't get here then go out in your area and look for those hardworking small Craft/Art Business I know they are there.
I was unable to get pictures at the show so I suggest you read Tom for the more information.
Time to get some tea and get ready for what I hope is a good day in Whynot.
Cheers,
M

The exciting bit...

2011-11-15T17:25:00.001-05:00

Thanks GZ your comment was a good post title.
Here are a few exciting bits from the kiln:

A great cookie jar- Mark

and yet- another great cookie jar- Mark


A whole bunch of fresh eggs on the runny side just like I like them!	--Mark

serving bowl- Meredith

Christmas order-spoon rest- shh- don't tell these are getting shipped off...


More jars! Meredith And now my feet need a break and maybe my feet need a beer- are you in? Meredith

Come on over we are taking down the door..

2011-11-15T07:40:00.001-05:00

There will be more to come....

Out to the kiln with you! Come on, we could use your help!M

Who's gonna keep your feet warm?

2011-11-12T07:37:00.001-05:00

The bed was empty and cold this morning as I rolled over and with one eyed looked at the clock it read 3:30.
I figured Mark must have gotten out of bed quite early to light the kiln.
The past week had been full of glorious fall days as you can read from my post below.
There was not even a stir of wind in the air on many of those days until a cold front moved in.
Yesterday as we loaded the kiln we bulked up for a cold day with layers.
With afternoon wind force between 1 and 2 there were times it felt like winter, but it was nowhere near some other November firings that I can remember when we were loading in 20 degrees or rain or sleet or dark...
It made me think of a job poster for potters:
Wanted people who will give up the following.
4 day work weeks, or even 5
Warmth and comfort
Week ends
Families
and a social life.
If you are willing to give it all up for long hours and plenty of days of frustration please apply.
Now we all know that really we have had a good life making pots and that we all give up something for our jobs, but there are times when I could be lured away with the promise of a 5 days a week from 9-5. Throw in a few benefits and weeks ends with paid vacation and I could be yours.

The kiln is firing, we have draped the biggest tarp we have around the open side and that will keep the wind off the burners. All that we need to do is reach a good temperature with a good chimney draw before any winds show up this afternoon.
We once had wind so strong it was pulling down the chimney- I handed Mark bricks as he piled them high enough to get past the wind- that was fun.

One of the posters for the show.

Cool down Sunday and Monday and then the unloading begins Tuesday.
I have lots to take care of since this was our year of no shows, not no shows, but no shows in that we did no shows this year not that we did not show up.
Anyway- we need the list of all those things that must go with you to a show.
Time to put the rusty thinking cap on.
On another note if you have not been for awhile or have never been plan on tripping down to or up to Seagrove next weekend and spending the day.
Leslie and I will be at the cannery while Mark holds down the home front here.
Here is a link to the potters who will be there.
Cheers!
M

It is never just about the pots.

2011-11-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, you are getting tired of all these trees, but just think in about a week all this color will be gone and those leaves will just be something we have to get rid of. At least the ones that are right around the house.The treasures of today just become someones trash to deal with later. Hum- better not start down that road today.
This first tree is right out the kitchen window and as I was staring out the window taking in its intense beauty Mark walks in and says, "I just don't ever remember a fall with colors like this one, just look at this tree." Good Lord after living together for 40 years he can pick up my thoughts through walls, scary right?!
But he was so right- beautiful...

Then he comes in with the camera and tells me he has caught a few fall moments.
This one is just a shot through the woods.
Tasty.....

And then we both know that this tree will be bare as bare can be in just a day or two. There is a cold front coming through with wind and that will just take all this goodness with it.

And now about those pots- the kiln load is glazed, the cone plaques are made, wadding ready, kiln post washed, shelves cleaned and washed, anything else?
It is all in wait for us tomorrow.
We just ran out of steam.
We started glazing Monday and were done by lunch today. We planned to start loading but I feel a need to take a stretch out on the floor and let my back muscles relax.
And the damp mood of the day seems to fit my mood.
I have had at least 3 dreams with my brother Jay in them the past week.
As I get ready for the festival next week end I have to face that Lee will not be there with me.
Although Leslie is coming to help me and that does brighten my mood, she is my rock.
So it is never just about the pots.
So wish us low winds for a good firing.
I will try to post some pottery related pictures soon,
M

The Dog ate my homework or Sunday distractions

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love fall.I love it when the trees turn all shades of any color but the reds, oranges and yellows together are my very favorite.I found it very distracting to work on Saturday and Sunday, 'cause that is what potters do this time of year we work 7 days a week, the reds kept finding that corner of my eye and shooting hey go look at me messages to my brain. Finally I had to just give in to some tree looking.
Yesterday morning at the edge of the pond.

The small red Maple in the front yard, who you would think I had enough pictures of, like a favorite child it always stands out. Soon it will drop all it leaves. This tree loves to completely undress all at once. It will have leaves one day and then the next day you will find them all on the ground.
Just a done moment, like a discarded coat from last year.

These two trees I have pictures of from many years as well.
For some reason their colors play well together.
They make me think of old friends, different, yet, always there for one another.
I get to see these on a plot across from the mail box.
Lovely with the green all holding it all together.

Then we stopped over to distract the Luther household and while we were there Chris called out the chickens.
What is it about just watching chickens?
The girls and two guys were a great mix of different colors.
One of the roosters was just brilliant with color.
It made me want to design fabric.

And of course the time change has me off- I wonder what time it really is?I did go out to check a kiln and got stuck in the yard as the sky was full of stars.Clear, cool and crisp out there.Made me think I should get out the books on constellations.
Distraction time is over- back to work today with a big load of pots staring back at us- 21 shelves to glaze, load and fire by Sunday- ugh.It is count down to the Celebration show here in Seagrove.
We will be there booth B-29 back wall, come and find us.
Cheers,
M

Blanks, babies and collards

2011-11-04T08:54:00.000-04:00

This week we are finishing up our throwing cycle which we will follow next week with glazing.
Mark has been working on "crown" pots.
Here you see the blanks all freshly thrown.
They were covered and let set up enough to stamp, carve and add handles.

Then I did some what can you do with 10 ounces of clay pots.
Wee bottles nice and fat.
This wee bottle is really nice for those wee flowers that kids pick for you.
You know the ones with no stem.
Grubby faced, smiling and excited kids who shove a flower at you and say "here" then quickly run off....ah, another dandelion from the yard.
You have to have a place to display them and these are perfect size for those stemless beauties.

Then what is fall in the south without collards.
Lord have mercy these were so tasty!
They were so beautiful when I brought them home that I wanted to put them in a vase, but I could not find one big enough to hold them.
I thought of placing them in a bowl to admire, but, why admire when you can eat.
And eat them we did.
Got to have your greens, with some sharp vinegar...
and cornbread- did I even tell you about the cornbread?
It was good as well.

When I was shooting this picture I must have reset my camera wrong and this is what it was doing.
Just like me to only know how to shoot a picture set on auto...
Here is another one it took before I reset it back to auto.

Have a great weekend!
M

Fill 'er up please and while you are there check the oil

2011-10-30T08:51:00.000-04:00

We have been throwing this past week trying to get our behind selves in line for a firing before a show on the 19th.
yea, I know, we should have been ready for this so we could just breeze into November.
But who prepares for chaos?
No one ever thinks they will get behind the slow bus of life or that a tractor will just pull out in front of you.
You can be humming down the highway when you get hit by a life moment!
And then there you are with your hood up waiting for a tow truck.

So do you just wait or forge ahead in hopes that you can get enough work finished to load up the big kiln to fire.
As I see it we have 2 weeks- anything is possible in two weeks.
A lot can happen in 2 weeks.
Empires can fall and Roman can be built in two weeks, right?

I always think to myself that I will not be here next year doing the scramble, but no one plans for the life moments.
If you knew they were coming you could just put them off.
"No", you could say, "this is an inconvenient time, could you please wait to bleed until December?"
January would be better and if you could just put a brace on things I could really deal you in in February. I think I am open that month........

But, as we all know, life does not work that way and so we just figure it out while we go about our daily schedules.

Pots will get made, we will make our show, life moments will happen.
Meanwhile if you are out I have a list for you- I could use a runner for a month.
You're not busy are you?
M

As good as it gets today

2011-10-28T08:39:00.001-04:00

Make frame and fit in backerboard.
The frames are made from Walnut wood that we have on hand from Mark's wood working days.
Mark makes the frames for me and cuts to fit the backer board. I then sand twice and put on coats of wipe on poly and then a coat of paste wax goes on the whole thing.

Mark cuts for me pieces of Masonite that I glue into place.
Then I start testing out tiles to see what I Like.

I mix my handmade tiles in the corners with some good commercial tiles.

You can still see where I pried off the stuff that did not worked- but the Masonite stayed right in place.

I use mastic to put down the tiles- let that cure a day and then grout.
Before I grout I use blue tape to cover the mirror and the handmade tiles.

On this one we used a grout that has Portland cement in it. It was not as sandy and seemed to work very well.
I plan on using this again with a bit of red to it for the next mirror.
After it cures you can sand it if you want to,I did ,and then apply a sealer.

The bottom one we used a sanded grout that I added some color to. We have done this a few times using a ready made grout- note on this one is that some things, such as iron, made the grout shrink more causing some cracking. When that happens just fill the cracks with more grout, cure and seal.

Finished product and disclaimer: I have only made these twice and really don't know what I am doing.
It is still a work in progress for me.
There are times, as we all know, that I think, "Why the heck am I taking on something new right now?"

This is it in the edited version- there were no words added that would embarrass anyone involved.
Although you can add them if you like.
Back to the wheel and planning a gas firing.
Cheers!
M

Yes,I am all thumbs....and left feet

2011-10-23T22:53:00.000-04:00

If my sister Lee was here she would tell me that Mercury is in retrograde or something else that would explain the reasons I seem to have developed two left feet and 10 thumbs.
Yes, 10.
For the life of me I can not seem to find time to work and when I do I am not doing it all that well
I had fully expected to post up an informative post about making the mirrors but I made such a dumb mistake with the last one that I was ready to hang up my apron and go get a job at Wally World.
I could do that- I could say," welcome to Wally World" and smile- all would be right with the universe....
Here you go- I used old grout. I thought it would work and even when I thought I might just have to fill some gaps I still thought I was okay.
Well, it is not okay to use old grout and when I tried to remove it I broke a tile....then when I unhappily removed all the tiles I broke the mirror.
Let's just say it was not a good time for me. Time aside I made a big fat mistake.
So now I have the whole thing down to the frame and maybe this is where I will take a few pictures.
It will be like starting over.
I have more tiles, I have the frame, I have fresh grout what I don't have is time.
I want to get back on my wheel tomorrow and get some pots made.
But- if I find the time I will shoot a step by step of what I hope is me doing all the right things.
Now a slight of hand as I show you where Mark and I ate breakfast last Wednesday morning.
Right nice don't you think?
We made a quick trip to Nawfalk to take care of some family business and found ourselves eating breakfast in our car in a parking lot with a great view.

mirror reflection.....better.... no grout needed......

Not a bad breakfast spot-have cereal will travel.

Back to pots next week and let us all hope for a few keepers..

2011-10-18T06:56:00.000-04:00

The true signs of fall are when the poison Ivy shows its color. We know that the trees will be close behind.Can't you see why this would fool someone into thinking what a beautiful vine, I need me some of that.It does call you for better inspection and you might just want to touch, don't!

On another note I have a banjo that belonged to my sister lee which I have to sell.

Spread the word if you know any one who might be interested.

Leave me a comment and I will get back with you.This is a great banjo and needs a good home.

I am working on some things that will tie me up for a few days but I hope to be back to what I do after that.So, cheers and keep on blogging. I will check in on them as I can.I will also do a post about the tile mirrors when I get some real time to pull that together.
later-M

Stuff is happening

2011-10-15T07:24:00.002-04:00

This week Mark is back in the wet stage of pot making for another small gas load to be fired soon, with better results.We think we know what the problem was with the firing.We think it was the mix of gas to air.We have ordered new gas gauges that we hope will help with the reading of the gas to air.

For the crown some pitchers and jars.

This week was crunch week for many local potters after we were asked to produce a painting of some kind for a fundraiser at the NC Pottery Center.
The Potter's Palette.
We were given a 12x12 canvas to paint, draw, color or do anything you want on it.
Some of them are quite nice.
I dropped mine off yesterday and took a little look at them.
It was interested to see what the potters did and hopefully they will post them on line for folks to look at.
I thought about Judy when I was sitting there night after night drawing and scraping one idea after another and thinking of the wonderful things that Judy has been creating.
But with time getting away from me I went to what I know- and of course it looks like it should be a tile.
Maybe it will....
I did like the bold colors but there was a point I had to think Christmas colors- good grief!
I hope the yellow toned some of that down.

Then I was on to working on some frames for some mirrors that I wanted to do since last fall.
I did some as gifts for my girls last Christmas and they are so nice I wanted to do some to sell.
Here is the start.
Mark cut some Walnut and put some frames together for me that I sanded and put two coats of wipe on poly on, then a coat of paste wax to bring it all out. I love wood but am not sure I have what it takes to put the time in it. The making of the frames is as much work as the making of tiles.
Yesterday I placed the tiles with quick set and today I need to get my mirrors in place and then it is grout.
I will take a few more pictures for you.

But this is all I have for you today.
The weather here is divine so come on out and stop in to see us.
always working,
M

What makes me smile

2011-10-13T07:25:00.000-04:00

I have a post in my head but am in a poor time management predicament.So stay with me while I share one of me other passions.
The Grand daughter- seems time for a visit.
This is where I go when I have a bad day- I go look at her pictures of "life is good moments" and I will share a few with you.
More post and pottery coming.M

At the zoo with Mama and Friend...water...

playing with cups

Mara with one of the family friends--so cute it's a crime.

Thank you

2011-10-10T19:54:00.003-04:00

Thank you .
Thank you for your support, your kind words and letting me know that you read my rambling thoughts.

Yesterday we unloaded the small gas kiln that I was thinking about giving a real name until she acted up and threw about a half a load of seconds our way.
I am back to thinking of her like a wild horse that still needs taming, no apples for you my pretty or carrots for that matter.
Who the heck knows what happened with the firing- since the last two firings had been really good.
The wood ash glaze just came out all cratered and just, just wrong.
Now before you ask if this was a new batch of ash the answer is no.
All glazes had been used for the last serveral glaze loads.
The top part of the kiln was okish, new word.
The shelf just under the crown was darn good and then things just went to hell in a hand basket really fast.
I could barely deal with unloading it.
And Mark and I were both puzzled.
Now this is where things get tricky.
How to talk to your partner, who is also the person you have been in business with for 29 years and married to for... well never mind.... but you understand the delicate situation we are in when we try to discuss what went wrong.

Here is what I try to tell myself.
Leave work at work.
Leave it behind and walk away.
That is what we did- we unloaded the kiln- tossing a few pots at trees and then we drove away for the day.
Today- we get up and start again.
That is what most potters do.
Do we really ever figure out what it is we do?
Some days we hit it on the nail and some days we miss.
Is there any potter out that fool enough to think there are no mishaps in this business?
I love hearing how people make pots to relax.
I have long past the relaxed stage as this is our business and not a past time for us.
But deep breaths and when I feel the need to relax there are others ways to do that.
( like a trip to Cape Cod.)

Today I loaded the electric kiln, Mark made pots and we resume what we know.
Those seconds are catching my eye now again but right now they can keep their distance until I have the time to replay the events.
Again- looking forward is the best way to deal with the mistakes of the past.
M

Show and Tell

2011-10-07T07:42:00.003-04:00

What I would show you if I had used my camera this past week would be me and Mark glazing.
Me and Mark loading the small kin.
Me drowning under paper work deadlines for my Sister's Estate and my MIL's bank statements for the past 3 years.
Throw me a lifeline please!

What I might also show you is the clutter inside my brain as I reprocess this past year.
Last October we opened the show Clay and Blogs: Telling a Story down in Southern Pines.
It was so much fun and the pots and potters were great.
Yet, it seems years ago to me now.
A lot has happened in folks lives since that opening.
Many of the potters still blog as you can see in my side bar.
And, many of them have become silent.
Many have moved over to different forms of internet communications .
While some of us continue to believe in the daily or in my case, weekly journal of our lives as potters.
I have much to mull over about the past year. The good, the great, the terrible and the acceptance.
There are days that my mind tricks me in to thinking I am still 40 something... that I can call my brother and my sister on the phone.
There are days I know they are gone and days I just think it is all made up.
Two sibs in one year, 5 months apart.
On the 9th will be a year since Jay died.
Yesterday was 7 months to the day since Lee went to join him.
My MIL is in the hospital with 2 broken hips.
There are days that getting anything done in the pot shop is near to impossible and I find myself thinking about the days past of the many pots that flew off the wheels here.
Now my wheel just sits idle for many days- weeks at a time.
I feel like a soap opera:
Will she ever return to the wheel?
Will Whynot Pottery hold up to the recession?
Where will I be a year from now?
I wonder what the next year will bring for us.
I had a friend once tell me that when you are down get down and wallow in it like a pig.
Then get up and get on. I still think this is good advice and there are days I wallow and cover myself with my thoughts.
And then- I get up and get on.
So, today, we fire the small kiln and I continue to use up many trees worth of paper.
Cheers for your fall weekends.
we are still here- come see us.

pretty maids all in a row

Monday in October

2011-10-03T09:12:00.001-04:00

Well it happened we turned on the heat yesterday and I dug out a blanket for sleeping last night.
October came in with its own agenda with snow in the mountains and a cold breeze blowing here.
The tiles are finished, packed and being delivered today.
It is funny when I am working on a group of tiles that they are more like components to me until the backs are glued and they are hung on a wall.
They seem like all parts and I can't pull the real image into my eye until I see them hung.
When I fix the backs on and the glue is set up and I am putting in the wire for hanging I have two nails on the wall and I hang each one just to see if the design carried through.
And it did.
The tile flat on a table looks flat to me.
The tile on the a wall looks sweeping and more alive.
And I feel better about sending them out.
Now- did I get a picture of said tile on the wall- no- I was too busy with the steps to do that.
Lazy potter that I can be...

Here is one before the backs were on flat on a table.
These tiles will be given to the donors for a conference in Raleigh.
2011 NAAEE Annual Conference
Theme: Rooted in Time; Branching to the Future
Raleigh, NC
October 12-15, 2011
I did think they fit the theme and I hope they are enjoyed.

Now on to the next thing- glazing for the small gas kiln.

If I lived in Boston this might be the start of my day... I think I will leave the traffic to the city folks.
I just have to watch out for the occasional disgruntled squirrel.
Best get cracking!
M

Raven Pottery and Art Nutz in Southern Pines NC

2011-09-30T17:15:00.000-04:00

Raven Pottery and Art Nutz opened last month in downtown Southern Pines on the corner of Broad and Pennsylvania.The building is on a corner and has lovely big windows, tin and brick inside and a large variety of pottery and arts.Raven Pottery is our friend Anne Raven Jorgensen who moved from Seagrove to Southern Pines a few years ago.She had been working from a coveted garage attached to her house when the opportunity to partner with John from Art Nutz came up.She jumped in and the new space is working out wonderfully for her.She has set up a wheel at the back of the shop to work.Then she has a set of stairs just around the corner that lead down to the basement where she has plenty of room for a working studio.

It is one of those great buildings with tin and brick to show off the work inside.
And- there is a women who is setting up a Crepe business next door.
Don't you know that all those people full of Crepes and chocolate are going to just float over to spend some money on pottery.

Anne's work area just up the first aisle

I am already making my plans for a trip when the Crepe business opens.
If you are in Southern Pines or Pinehurst drop in and see the new gallery.
Look for Anne of John they will be happy to help you.
Cheers,M

Walking the Walk

2011-09-28T22:11:00.000-04:00

While walking the cliff walk in Newport we came across this group of trees.I was fascinated by the possibilities of how this group formed.It appears that one of the trees was damaged, who knows how, but had somehow rooted to grow in another spot.It makes me think about all those times when things happen in our lives and we have to find a new path to follow.

I am still working on hangers for tiles- clay work delay.Mark has been busy filling his cart with new work.I will have to slide over to get some pictures from his side of the room.The weather this week end holds promise of real fall.I found it hard to believe this is almost October with our too warm days.It will be an a/c to heat week.Cheers,M

What's up Buttercup?

2011-09-26T08:16:00.002-04:00

Hello!
It really does take a week to recover from a week's vacation.
We jumped right back into work when we really wanted to continue to travel.
In fact Mark is already looking at the next destination.
That one is going to take more planning and more money so we had better keep right on working.
So what are we up to.
Making pots for the baby gas kiln, firing the tiles for the awards. ( fingers crossed on this one, I know I have a curler or two in there.)
And just muddling through the hours.

we want one of these for the pond. What do you think- would people pay to come and let us paddle them around?

Now for the down and dirty list of things to make for the next firing.
Do you ever just go blank when you are throwing for the next kiln load or do you keep a list of things that you start with?
I use to keep a list that I pulled out of my head.
Now that the brain has too many list I have to write it down.
But number one on the list is always Mugs.

The tried and true of any potter, I mean, really, is there a potter who does not make mugs.
The mug is as close to the most simple art form I can think of.
An art form you get to hold and drink out of everyday.
I don't think the folks that are getting their coffee at the "bucks" think about what they are drinking out of.
It is just the delivery system to get the coffee in, pop open the computer and plug in or plug out.
The hand reaches for their cup with no thought and they drink with all thought on the computer.
What happen to the moments of picking the right cup for the day?
First the making of the coffee---smell it don't you.
And then the act of curling your hand around the handle, breathing deep as you go for the first sip.
Now that 's coffee drinking.
Better go make my self some.
Cheers!
M

The Pucker Gallery; or how to do good business.

2011-09-23T08:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday when we were working the UPS truck drove up.
I figured since we did not order anything that it must be Mark's coffee order.
Mark has the best MIL that I know of.
Every year for Christmas she has bought him a coffee subscription.
If you know where we live you know how valuable this is.
3# of good coffee delivered at your door- life is good.
When Mark came through the door to the studio it was not coffee it was a package from the Pucker Gallery.
Inside we found a catalog from the show, a beautiful calendar book ( oh my gosh it is wonderful)
And a very nice note from the owners.
The note recognized our visit and the mention of their Gallery on our blog.
( you never know who is reading...)
How thoughtful and we are so touch at the time they took to send us a note and these publications,
that we already treasure.

From the inside a quote:
It is one thing to be intelligent,
it is quite another thing to be wise.
and this one:
We certainly do live life forward.
and understand it backwards.
and each page has one after the other of beautiful tea bowls.
Yummy.....
This made me think of the little things we do for our customers.
We always enclose a Thank you note when we ship.
It is a note that just simply says," thank you for shopping with us at Whynot Pottery, we hope you enjoy your pottery for years to come."
I hope when they receive the package that they feel as I did yesterday just touched a little by a thank you and kindness.
And again if you are in Boston put the Pucker on your list of things you must do while you are there.
A few more pictures:

It's pouring rain here and after our dry, dry summer a very welcome change.
But remember it's dry inside the store so come on out and get a jump on your Christmas list!
M

Just a few more from the 3rd floor.

2011-09-21T17:58:00.000-04:00


who would not want to hold these- although it was here I became very nervous about prices...

Yum...

blogger decided this was best displayed on it's side- go figure

Some of our favorites from The Pucker Gallery

2011-09-20T06:47:00.000-04:00

We were so glad we remembered that Hollis told us to be sure and ask to be taken upstairs.I like Copper red okay but it is not one of my favorite glazes in all the world.I am much more drawn to warm colors.A beautiful Temuku can make me swoon.We were happy to find a wider variety of galzes on the second floor.I fell quickly in love with the yellow piece, second picture.It would have been my choice to highlight the show.

Mark was digging the bottle and look at that orange!

My pick of the litter!

a bit of blue

this piece was pretty cool, but a bit much as your ink well.

We are back in the grind of working, lawn mowing and doing our own cooking....
Such is life.
Come on out and see us.
The weather has been down right nice for the south.
Fall is coming and those cool night call for an open window or two.
M

The Pucker Gallery Boston Mass.

2011-09-18T07:54:00.001-04:00

The first day in Boston Mark and I found ourselves quite lost right out of the tunnel from the airport.We were trying to find our way to Charlestown to meet up with Hollis, but we shot out and around Boston traveling under the bridge we needed to cross but never figuring out how to get up there.
We stopped and after studying the map found a route and we were right there. All we just needed to do was turn left , when oh *&##**! we were in a lane to take us back through the tunnel and back to the airport.We ended up turning off before we went to the airport and ended up???? we did not know where.We pulled over and tried to figure out where the heck we were.I finally thought East Boston and we started trying to figure out the best route back to Boston.Finally I thought look for water and following the evacuation routes.This worked - we spied a sign for Boston, followed it to a bridge and there was a true to the right for Charlestown and we were on our way to find Hollis.After two harry rides and toll money twice to get into Boston we were happy to find parking and Hollis.And Charlestown was a beautiful and "calm" city afterBoston- we were already thinking to never drive there again and this was day one!
Hollis wanted to send us over to the Pucker gallery and see the exhibition of works by Brother Thomas.
We glanced through the catalog and my thoughts were, "like hell" we are going back.....
Anyway we did go back on our last day in the area.
BUT- we parked and rode the train/subway.
Love that public transportation!
And here are some things we saw:

This was not in the gallery but upstairs-do ASK to go upstairs!

My favorite of the copper reds- rich glaze this one was.

hummm this was okay....

More copper

And a few more

I will let you digest these today and tomorrow before I post some of the pots we saw upstairs.
The show focused on some of the more flashy pieces, but the true treasures were upstairs and they tell you, "please pick them up".
And boy did we.
Cheers- good to be back in NC but the Cape has stolen our hearts.
Cheers!
M

Thoughts of our fellow bloggers

2011-09-17T19:56:00.000-04:00

We took a vacation.
Really, we did!
And it was wonderful.
We have wanted to go to Newport RI for many years.
One Mark was born there and has really good memories of the area.
Two- I had never been.
This semmed like it was a good year to go.
Boston, Newport, Cape Cod and then back to Boston.
Let's just say the places were spectacular, the food wonderful and the company grand.
It was so hard to leave.

For Dan.....

digging of the clams- they make you work for you dinner! ( so I sent Mark)

tasty!

the only tourest trap I wanted to go in and had no problems getting Mark to go along.

We did get to the Pucker Gallery in Boston which I will share later after I get the pictures together.
Thanks to Hollis and Dee for sharing their lives, house, food, friends and love of the Cape with us.
Cheers!
M

What happens when you turn left out of the driveway?

2011-09-14T07:50:00.000-04:00

You get to be with some wonderful people......

Moving right along

2011-09-09T21:59:00.000-04:00

While waiting for the kiln to cool last week we started an order of 15 tiles that will be donor awards for a conference being held in Raleigh the first of October.

We know we are cutting things close with our time on the order.
We finished carving the last one yesterday and now it is all about the drying.
Slow,slow,slow.
We did make two extras for those just in case moments.

Now, about those green beans.

We waited, watered and gave up on them. I was heading out to just pull them out when I saw beans.

Lots of beans. We have been enjoying and sharing the beans for sometime now. When they finally decided to give forth and give up some fruits they went all the way.

I think Mark is ready to say enough! Yet, everynight we say these are the best so far.

They climbed up so far I had to use a ladder to pick them.

I wonder what Jack would say about my beans.....and just think Mark wanted to trade those beans for a cow.

Silly man!

Happy Week-end.

and then the tidal wave hit!

2011-09-08T08:53:00.000-04:00

Bam! And I hit the wall!
I have been waylaid by one of my rounds of vertigo that hit me right out of left field Tuesday night and laid me up for a couple of days.
Dr. visit, drugs and time.
I am much improved as I can now walk somewhat of a straight line and get from point A to point B with out feeling like I am on a ship during a massive storm.
Here is another quick look in the kiln of pots on their way over to the gallery/store.

And what are these?
Frogs of course!

Funny looking frogs but frogs they be.
If you arrange flowers you will understand these frogs.
Back to moving around.
Cheers,
M

The small kiln- firing # 4

2011-09-06T13:29:00.000-04:00

I have to make this really, really quick.
The firing went great 8 and 1/2 hours.
For the most part we are happy with the results.
And here they are .
More later.

All things P-Pottery and Peppers

2011-09-04T06:50:00.000-04:00

Loading her up

The small kiln is loaded, door bricked up and ready to go.
Today, very soon, we will start her up.
It took around 9 hours to fire last time and we hope we can do that again.
This is firing number 4- more of the learning curve as we work this baby out.

filled up and ready to go-well need to brick the door.

Mark and I went to see our good friends who grow the best veggies to pick up some peppers.
We bought two varieties one for roasting and freezing.
Then the other will be dried and ground into Paprika.
We did this last year and the Paprika was so good, it had so much flavor compared to what you get off a shelf in a store.
I might even go steal some apples today to also dry with the peppers.....I know where there are plenty that are just waiting for me, wanna' come?

roasters

paprika-for drying

If all goes well- tomorrow pictures of fresh pots.
Off to see about those apples.
M

sorting through the mental stuff.

2011-09-02T07:39:00.000-04:00

This past week has caught me quite off guard, but I can not really tell you why.
I mean my life has not been my own for the better part of a year or more or two or three so why now?
Maybe this week it is just all the piles piled high on top of me that promise to make me bend to a breaking point. I am working hard to keep one step ahead and not get smothered as I go.
The only consistent thing here is we are still making pots. We are glazing for the small gas kiln and we should have that finished up today and ready to fire- tomorrow? Or Sunday.

Since it has been awhile firing this kiln I am adding a reminder of what we put in the kiln and how those glazes worked for us- it might help!

We built this kiln to fire quicker loads and do some other glazes. But- here is the big but- we have not found time this year to really, really utilize this kiln the way we would like to.
So maybe a few back to back firings would help.
Meanwhile these pictures are worth gold when we go back to see what was in the kiln and where it sat and how the glazes worked.
So very much to consider.
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday we will be here and open for business.
Our shelves are well stocked so come on out and see us!
Maybe you can watch the kiln fire or take a peek in a cooling one!
M

and Greenware

2011-08-30T17:20:00.000-04:00

All we need is one bisque of filler and crown pots and we will be set for a firing in the small gas kiln.
Since it is a wee-little one we hope to get it glazed and loaded before the end of the week.
Sooner would be great , but I took an order for 15 tiles and they need to be finished before the end of next month.
We started those by rolling 1/2 of them on Saturday and then the carving started yesterday- I have 8- well that's one extra than 1/2 but who's counting-----they are now wrapped for slow drying.
The plan is to roll more tomorrow while the bisque is firing.
Then we are going to carve and glaze.
Just because we are gluttons.
Last night we worked late.
Then today I was out working at 7 am.
So now I am doing nothing..

Fun pots for the next firing

cookie or dog biscuits would work well in these.

yummy pots for the firing...tasty!

Might just treat myself to a bit of blog reading before I fix dinner. I will think of you all while I eat a bowl of green beans fresh from the garden.

Green

2011-08-28T06:54:00.000-04:00

This spring I planted the parsley over by the studio instead if near the house. I was worried that it would not be discovered by my green friends who eat it up and then spin themselves into a cocoon and come out as butterflies.
I like parsley well enough but I like butterflies better.
Next year I may even plant more.

There were at least 9 on the plant and they pretty much ate it all in 3 days.
Well, 3 days that I know of. It was interested to see them get bigger and bigger and bigger. Today I am going to see if they are still there and if there is any spinning going on.

and finally- after waiting, watching and cussing, giving up and deciding to just tear all the plants out -green beans and they are so tasty!
A treat for late summer

Now off to see how the family is in Virginia.
Mark looked at pictures this morning of a man near downtown walking in waist deep water. Which is the area my mother lives in.
Fingers crossed.
M

POTTERY

2011-08-27T07:19:00.003-04:00

Poetic Objects taken through earth revealed(through) you

Poetic Objects transformed through earth revealed(by) you.

I am playing with some word play and just running this through my head.

Any thoughts of your own out there.

How about Clay or earthenware?

This is just a form of distraction as I try not to worry about my family and friends in Va. and up the East Coast.

I grew up in Norfolk Va. so hurricanes have come and gone in my life. I remember one year my parents must have been getting ready for one and there was so much chatter and excitement that I thought it was going to be great. I tried so hard to stay awake so I could watch this hurricane roll in. But being about 6 I feel asleep. I jumped to the window to look out at daybreak expecting who knows what only to watch as a lone trash can lid and some leaves rolled through the front yard.

Is that it I thought.

flood and all ?
Where is the whipping rain and torrential rain,

Now that I am not 6 this is what I hope as Irene passes through- just a lone trash can lid and no mess.

Good night Irene, Good night.

It's just me- no alarms going off

2011-08-24T19:17:00.000-04:00

You would have to be living in a cave not to know we have some shaking going on over here on the east coast yesterday.
I had just stepped into our wee gallery when I heard a deep rumble like a big truck riding up the drive. I stepped out the door and knew there was no truck, stepped back in the door just in time to feel the shaking and have all the pots just rattled a bit and then it was gone. It was so quick you could think it was all my imagination,
But nope- my first wee earthquake.
And it had nothing to do with the off kilter of these photo's- that would just be me...
The big bottle on the right is packed to ship;a good choice going to a good home.

Mark made a nice jug for this kiln load- nice and fat!

And then there is this bowl- that I believe has also been claimed already.

And, a tray that was an order, but just not quite right for the customer so off to the shop for it.

I just had to check it is Wednesday and someone stole Tuesday again!
Shoot!
There goes another week- floating by.
We are back on the wheel making pots for the small gas kiln that we hope to fire next week.
Cheers!
M

For the most part

2011-08-22T17:17:00.000-04:00

For the most part it was a very good firing with some really nice looking pots in the kiln.
Which is what we all like.

Top, Front Crown

Front shelves ready to unload

Then we have to sneak in some seconds just to keep things interesting:

sneaky seconds hiding behind the big boys.....

And of course that means a hammer is a girl's best friend.
Took those babies right out- 1-2-3- and 4!

All of these ran down and hit the shelf in a way that made them impossible to save.
The hammer made them all better.
More later.
M

There is a plan

2011-08-22T06:39:00.000-04:00

AS I continue on I wonder how I got here, but as I look behind me it is perfectly clear that gremlins are tracking my very moves and stealing away chunks of time.
It is just a matter of tracking back to find them.....
Kiln uploading today after another blip.......pictures coming.
Hang in I'll be back.

1-2-3 or lock and load baby-lock and load!

2011-08-17T06:48:00.000-04:00

It was a long day over here in Whynot getting the last of the pots glazed and then loading the kiln.
No matter how we do it loading takes about 5 hours and after the week we had last week that was a long 5 hours.
We had the back in right after lunch and then took a break about 2:30-3.
Then had the next two stacks in by 6 pm.
We took another break and then went back about 7.
Done.... Mark is firing now.
It seems a good day to fire ever though the heat is going back up the winds are to be calm.
We can deal with the heat since we do have A/C in the building.

Backstack

middle stack

and thank goodness...front stack...

Next up- clean up and get ready to do it all again.
Cheers,
M

I use to be a potter

2011-08-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

You know the feeling.
You don't really know you are there until you are there.
Mark and I have had a very nice life here on the farm making pottery since 1982 and just coasting along on the dream.
Then the past few years we have been holding life by the tail as it pulls us in many directions.
Last week we left out of here with the load for the big kiln about 2/3rds done.
We had been waiting for word about a new heat and air unit for his mother's house.
The word came and we were on the road to oversee the installation and make repairs on the house.
It was to be a 3 day job.
That went to 4 and then to 5 and by then it's too late to pack up and leave with 1.00 beers calling from the pier close by... I mean really drive 5 hours leaving at 7 at night or go drink cold beer and watch the sunset over the bay?
No brainer there!
Now let's talk about balance.
When we first opened the pottery the balance was kids and pottery.
But they lived with us.
Now it's mothers and pottery and they don't live with us.
So how to balance this new part of our lives.
Challenging and rewarding as it is we both still have our mother in our lives and that is the reward.
And, when we go to see the mothers I also get some time with the grand daughter and her rents.

Plus we reward our selves with going out to sit in A/C and have beer or wine and dinner. Here it is a bit of a drive to indulge our whims in that.
The pier became a favorite.

and I also get to see some good friends for lunch.

So how do we balance the new role we are in?
We work like mad men when we are here and then go when we have to.
Most of the time I can hire a shop sitter to be here, but there are days that I can't get someone here.
I apologize to anyone who came out while we were closed and hope you will check back in with us.
Call or email works best.
We have also moved a selection of pottery out to Dirtworks Pottery who are located on HWY 705 just up the road from us.
We will do the best we can to be here as much and as often as possible.
But there will be times when duty calls and we have to be gone.
So bare with us as we blindly walk this new role through life.

On to and back to the glazing and getting this load through.
Cheers!
M

Blip....Blip....Blip....

2011-08-09T08:44:00.000-04:00

Just a little blip on the road of life....I hope to blip back soon.
Meanwhile don't hestitate to talk about me.
But make those words sweet.
I don't want you to have to eat them later.
Blip.......

Glazing fools or glazing, fools....

2011-08-05T14:29:00.000-04:00

Well, it did the trick.
Two bisques kilns fired and I am happy to tell you that all the large pots made it through just fine.
Whew, that part is over and now we are glazing away. (glazing fools)
We usually get around 21-22 shelves in the big gas kiln and that takes awahile to get it all glazed up.
I think we are 2/3rds of the way done with at least 1/3rd to go.

And of course there is all that detail work of layering and waxing that has to be done.
It amazes me what we go through to get what we want from our work.
Potters are a tenacious lot.

There is nothing like the final results to bring us back to do it all over again.
Better get back out to glazing those fools.
Cheers!
M

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

2011-08-03T06:37:00.000-04:00

As most of you know we bought a new kiln at the end of last year.
We ditched, sold off, our old kilns.
There is a learning curve with anything new.
When we added a kitchen to our house a few years back I went from an electric stove top to gas.
It was and still is a learning curve.
I still can not just put a pot of something on low and walk away.
My gas cook top knows no low.
So I have learned to cook with gas and place anything I don't want burned in the oven to cook away on a lower temperature.
The new kiln:
Is not quite as wide as the old one.
Has thermocouples that stick out and have to be loaded around.
It works better with staggered shelves.
I could reach the bottom of the old ones.
This one works best with tall - 9 inches - at the bottom.
We blew up two pots last week.
I could place the old ones on a very low setting for 3-6 hours and let them dry out the pots before we fired the next day.

So when these bad boys were going in we decided to make a preheat for the kiln.
User 6, one ramp 50 degrees an hour to 175 degrees and hold 4 hours.
It ramped to about 189-190 and we turned it off and just let the heat vent through the kiln to dry out the pots.
Hours later we did it again.
Then we turned it on last night to fire and programed with a preheat and hold time.

Not real trusting, but when you make 18-19 inch pots and you need to fire it gets time expensive to have to make, dry and fire them again.

a tool we can not do without- do you have those? This board holds the same amount as our shelves and is our "planning" board.

Fingers crossed that this does the trick for us.
This kiln seems to fire hotter- as you can see since it did not hold at 175 but keep going up past that.
We did the same with our smaller, shorter kiln and it held at 178 through the whole cycle.
learning curve.
Some days I think I am going to just open a cookie business...

And about the computer and monitor.
They are once again talking to one another. We unplugged the monitor and hooked it to the netbook. Then when it was plugged back in to the computer it worked.
I guess these two needed a break.
Like all things too much together time.
We are glazing fools today.
Cheers!
M

Excuse me while I kiss this guy

2011-08-01T08:05:00.001-04:00

Well boys and girls we have a problem.
My computer is not talking with the monitor.
So I am giving this a go on my wee little netbook while I figure out how to once again keep my granny computer going.
This would not be a good time to buy a new desktop.
I have been investing in teeth and computers are not on my list of things I must buy right now.

Instead I will distract myself and you by showing you pictures of the weekend.

Peaches-yummy!

Squash,eggplant,onions,garlic,tomatoes,about 1/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar,salt,pepper,fresh herbs.

Roast at 400 for 20 minutes covered.

Uncover and roast for 20-30 minutes until very creamy- serve with rice or pasta- or as a side...

I love this summer dish our favorite.

Peach Jam! What could be better?

Customers taking a tour in the workshop.

I am off to see what trouble I can get into in the pot shop.

later,

Oh- why the title? I spent YEARS thinking this was what was being sung------kiss this guy. One day I asked Mark, who loves when I do this, and he says, sky...kiss the sky.

Oh,right...but sometimes I like mine better.

That was so yesterday

2011-07-28T20:46:00.000-04:00

I spent today helping my dentist buy a new car,TV or at least have some good money to take a trip somewhere. I thought that was very kind of me.
When I got back from my worthy trip I noticed that Mark had been working hard to help pay for that new item that my dentist will be enjoying.
I did not get to watch him carve these two pretties but I hope they will find good homes after they are through the gas kiln.

I admit I was sitting in the dentist chair playing the cost game

This tooth will cost blank vases, or blank teapots, or blank......
The joys of the self employed.
I remember the first time the light went off in my head when I realized that selling pots meant paying bills.
This was no hobby for us but a reality.
Blank=shoes for two kids.
Blank=food on the table.
Blank= electricity,insurance,phone......

So here are the blanks for tomorrow.

I am digging this jug!

Best get my own work done tomorrow and help pay the bills.
Cheers!
M

Feeling the groove while in the Grove.

2011-07-27T07:16:00.000-04:00

The last two weeks we have been moving right along in that good kind of groove.
Pots are moving along, bisque kilns are being fired and bisque ware set aside for glazing.
That hurry up and wait kind of working.
I love the hum of work.
This is how I like it in the studio.
Mark on his side of the room and me on mine.
We have this invisible chalk line that runs right down the center of the room.
You can't see it, but we know it is there.

I love when Mark starts making these tall bottles.
I do have some favorite shapes and bottles are top on that list.
In fact we both make a lot of bottles and I am sure if we could we would make them all day long, everyday.

But, potters can not live on bottles alone so we are also making bowls, jars, pitchers, baking dishes and more.

There is this place where the pots are bone dry before they go in the bisque firing that they look almost ghostly to me. Maybe that is where the bone dry comes in.
They look full of promise.
Like teenagers waiting to bloom and figure out who they will be

On the weather front we had rain.
It has been ages since it has rained and I think we all perked up a bit after.
We did have tons of rumbling and grumbling around us and we all know what a July thunderstorm can do so we were on a bit of high alert.
We had to walk out and shut every thing down for a bit Monday as things were too close for comfort. I no longer think it wise to continue to stand at a window, with my hands in water, throwing at an electric wheel, when the world is booming with thunder and lightening.

But once it settled in all we had was steady rain.
Life is good!
M

Saturday night pizza with the master Pizza maker of Whynot/Seagrove

2011-07-24T11:07:00.003-04:00

My father use to tell people," Never miss an opportunity to eat at the table of Anna Henderson."
Of course Anna was my mother and a very experimental and excellent cook.
This rings in my head when someone like Tom Gray invites us over to share a meal at his house.
He was by last week and talking about his new wood-fired oven he has built.
"I tell you what, he says, Come over Saturday night and we will fire it up and make pizza".
You did not have to twist our arms.
Like I said never miss an opportunity.......
I made salad,a blueberry buckle and we packed a 6 pack of good beer.
But I did not pack a camera.

How could that be- but Tom handed his over and I took some shots that I am stealing from FB.
These are wee shoots,but you get the picture.
The oven was quite hot, good temperature, when the pizzas went in and they took all of 3-4 minutes to cook.

Tom declared them the best he had ever eaten or made, and folks they were fine pies.
As I said never miss...
The beer was cold, the pizza divine, salad good and fresh and the blueberry buckle rounded it all up nicely.
We eat better than Kings around here.
In fact my father use to tell me it is better to eat like a peasant.
He said that royalty ate refined foods and that peasants were stuck with what they grew or made themselves.
Peasant food is good fare.

I was also so bold as to show up with two loaves of rising bread to shove in after the kiln, whoops, oven cooled down a bit.
We put those in a bit above 500 degrees and checked them just over 15 minutes and they seemed done enough, good reduction on the crust. We plan to cut one today and see the results.
Tom then put in a pan of tomatoes and bricked the door to let them roast over night.
We have been interested in a brick oven for awhile and now we will have to see if we go the distance and make one..
But I know a place just down the road I might have to slip back over to with more bread in tow.
Meanwhile- never miss an opportunity to eat good food with good people.
Cheers,

Keeping Company

2011-07-22T08:04:00.000-04:00

My mother use to say, "Remember who you are, where you came from and where you are going."
In others words she was trying to tell me to keep good company.
Lately I have had shoppers who come in looking for Mark's work to go with some of the pottery they are buying from other Seagrove Potters.
I have found that most of them are pairing him up with Ben Owen, not bad company to be in.

And all in all it look s pretty good together.
In the top row are Ben's red pots with a lovely Teadust Bottle of Mark's.
Then on the mantle you can see a nice Jar and vase that Mark made.

I have been asking folks to send me pictures of our pots in their homes.
I have another I am searching for that has Mark, Ben and Mark Hewitt.
Again they are all very nice together.
How about your house?
Do your pots play well with one another?

And, since I can not find the other picture I will post this one of the wee grand child who is not so wee anymore.
We should all be full of this moment of joy.
Cheers!
M

No Photo's please

2011-07-20T13:03:00.000-04:00

Bear with me as I ramble this thought out of my head.
I read an article yesterday in the Va. Pilot, from my hometown of Norfolk, VA., about a couple who only do show.
They have no website, no face book, no online anything and allow no one to shoot pictures of their work.
Their thought is if you take pictures you will not buy their work.
They make tiles.
They think if you take pictures you are doing so to either copy their work or to show your friends their work without buying it.
This has given me great pause as someone who has a website, blog and face book.
I am always looking at how best to get the word out about our work, who we are and what we do.
In fact yesterday I enjoyed the company of a couple who had done the following.
Researched the area on line.
Looked at and narrowed down what they liked and wanted to buy.
They walked in talked a bit and picked out 3 pieces.
Set them aside from the mass and decided on one.
They were pleased and I was pleased.
They had done their homework.
He asked me do others folks do this as well.
And I said yes.
I have had others come in who have done the same.
With that said I think I will keep my website, Face book and blog.
You can't get rid of me that easy.
And, although I enjoy what I do, I also enjoying sharing.
So I guess I will go back to the pictures.
You don't mind do you?
Snap!
M

Details

2011-07-19T06:42:00.000-04:00

I am in the middle of some major catching up in my office after not taking care of the monthly books since March.
I am locking (chaining) myself to my desk for a few days.
Meanwhile some pictures of pot deatils to entertain you while I kick myself into the summer months from the spring.
Maybe I can get it all done today!
Nice thought!
Now where are those dang statements and little scraps of paper....??

A bean and a cow....

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I really did not trade a cow for these beans but they are heading skyward.
I just want to know who is going to pick those beans.

These guys stopped over for a bite to eat.
Being the lousy guest they are we threw them out.

It's July and after 100 degree days we are having a lovely California morning...
enjoy!
M

Summer flowers

2011-07-12T16:17:00.000-04:00

I just put some sunflowers out in the studio and it makes me really think of summer.
It is 101 here today and even the bugs and birds are hiding out.
Usually you can hear the bugs and birds all day long, but today it's like they just rolled over and went back to bed.
Too hot to be moving around much.

These are two of the first Sunflowers I have through the kiln and I like the yellow but have my mind on going with some red or orange for the next ones.
I use to grow sunflowers every summer but the last two years we have opted for veggies instead.
I planted two beds of green beans in hope of lots of green beans.
I have one bed with 4 beans and little to no flowers for more....????
The other bed is covered with blooms and there are tiny, tiny green beans coming on.
Yea!
Now what to do with those 4 green beans?
Any suggestions on how to best utilize them?

and a garden tile -I like these radishes.

In fact I prefer my radishes on a tile. I have never been a big fan.
I try but you can have mine.

Time to go get a cold drink.
Is it too early for a beer?
M

Simmering Sunday

2011-07-10T17:49:00.000-04:00

Today is one of those low boil Sundays in July.
The humidity is around 98% and makes it feel much like a thick soup out there.
Sitting in the basement with a fan blowing is much cooler then the realities of being outside.
Today we started the day by doing the yard work that we have had to put off for weeks.
It is a good thing we are the neighborhood association around here.
Otherwise the vote would be to bring us up on charges or someone might have thought we moved because of all the ground cover around the house.

Yard mowed I moved back to finishing up the pots that came out of the electric kiln.
I enjoyed this new flower and using some blue along with the red flowers I have been doing.
I take notes after each firing and then I find myself not reading them until I unload the kiln.
It seems to me notes should be read before you glaze not after.
Maybe I will make myself a note on that .....

I feel a bit like Jeckle and Hyde with my work as I bounce back and forth from the wheel to the slab roller. After I glaze I think I am right back to the wheel and then when I unload the electric kiln I think I might want to glaze some more tiles first.
But the wheel calls and I will get back to these.

The close forms are easy to get ready to hand as I made either feet or key holes on their backsides and they will just hang on a nail or screw.

t

But I have been playing with these wall pockets that I made on how and what I want to use to hang them with.
I am bouncing around on materials and have tries several things before it was time to give it a break.

So how is your simmering summer going or are you in full winter yet?
Hot here cold there?
Cheers!
M

July 8th 2010

2011-07-08T04:53:00.000-04:00

There has been plenty of rumbling around us this past week.
Thunderstorms a plenty seem to surround us and bring to mind the storm of 2008.
Maybe that is why I am awake in the wee hours of the night.
Can't sleep what is going on?
What's on your trouble mind.
Then as I sit here I see it is July 8th.
It has been 3 years since the night lightening struck our pottery studio and burned us out.
3 years and I really don't think about it as much as I use to.
It has become more distance in my mind.
But this year it has made me think again.
In 2009 we had to be home on the 8th. Just had to be.
Last year we went to Maine and did not stay home for the 8th.
Can you see how the mind heals.
This year we are home for the 8th and I am treating it like any other day.
Life moves on doesn't it?
Things change like the tide that rolls in and out.
Life takes shifts and turns and you just have to ride it like a wave in that tide.
2008 and we were homeless.
2010 and we are still making pots.
2011- it will be interesting to see where we are.
Remind yourself that life has ups and downs but it is all in how you weather those downs.
Happy 8th I say- Happy 8th of July 2010.
From there: The fire
to here: Home is where you want to be.
Is it any wonder I fell for this song?

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

Now go make pots!

I am thinking jars.......

M

Hush now and just do it

2011-07-06T07:01:00.001-04:00

When I am glazing for the electric kiln I have to remind myself that there is nothing quick about what we do.
If we want to get the results we are after we have to put some time in.
I keep thinking about a different way to do these layers of glaze but then i keep coming back to the buts..
But- if I do that then I don't get the background color I want
But I don't want to do just slips and a clear glaze.
But I don't want to do multiple firings.
But if you would be quiet we could just get this done.
BUT, BUT, But......

I first started playing with glazes and wax when we were just starting.
I was using thrown vases back then rather than tiles and pillow vases and hand built vases.
And I was trying to wax with hot wax... oh, now talk about making yourself crazy.....
The designs were much tighter and some worked and some did not.
I would put tons of work in them to have people ask- will you take 20 bucks for it....
No, no,no.....
I finally set that part of my brain away and just made pots.

After the studio fire of 2008, 3 years this week, but that's another story.
My mind wandered back to things I wanted to do but never took the time to do.
So I keep telling myself this is something you want to do.
So get with it and when it is done you will be happy for the time being until that part of your brain says, Yea, but what if we do....

I am picking berries like a crazed women.
So I am out early to get some more.

Then I am freezing to make jams and jellieswhen I have time.
Time- just rolls off the tongue...time....what's that!?
Cheers!
M

Things that go boom!

2011-07-04T15:11:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July.
The 4th has many mixed emotions for us all.
First it is a time of celebration.
For me it is a time to remember and reflect.
Maybe it should be like Christmas and we should have 4th of July resolutions.
LIKE:
I resolve not to drive in city traffic anymore.
Not to go to WalM*art and look in judgment at the people who dress like it is Halloween all year long.
Not to wonder out loud why someone wants to drive in my lane coming right at me when they have their own lane.
Not wonder why we act the fool when we have a holiday.
To maybe be the fool and not stand back just watching.
To dance more and step lively.
and find some time to laugh too loud.
There those are my 4th of July resolutions how about you?
What would you like.

On another note my father died on the 4th of July proudly telling my mother just before he departed,
" I guess I made it to the party."
This after being handed the sentence of cancer back in 1994.
He would ask will I be here for Christmas, no the Dr said.
Will I be here for Thanksgiving?
No the Doctor said.
Will I be here for....
Finally he asked will I be here for the 4th of July.
The Dr, said maybe.
And my father set his goal.
July 4th 1994- you are in good company.
Happy 4th.
M
Tomorrow- back to clay.

painting by family friend Peggy Earle

2011-07-01T17:28:00.000-04:00

It's summer time hot here in central NC which sends me out the door early to get those hot weather things taken care of.
The blueberries are coming on and there is nothing better than gabbing a bowl and heading out to pick a few, maybe a big few, for my morning cereal.
I love that hot,sweet, tangy with the cold milk and cereal...oh how good is that!?
Then there is the yogurt and blueberries...
or ice cream and blueberries....
I can find many way to eat them before I start thinking muffins,upside down cake,buckle...hummmm
I need more!

Yesterday I received an email from Samantha over at Bulldog Pottery.
She and her family were set up across from us at the Celebration Of Seagrove Potters last fall.
She had taken this picture of me and my sister Lee.
I was so happy to have this and yet it broke my heart just a little.
It makes me smile and weep all at the same time.
It is still hard for me to believe she will not be helping me this fall.
She use to come and stand with me all day wrapping pots and letting me talk with customers.
And she came loaded with lunch goodies.
I will miss her.
My sister Leslie is planning to come and help me and we were talking about wearing tee-shirts with a picture of her giving it to cancer.
On the back we could write-my sister died and all I got was this tee-shirt.
I know,I know how morbid this sounds and some of you might think poorly of this but we all grieve in strange ways and we do it through laughter and tears.
Always laughter first.

and then there is the food.
I have this peach and blueberry upside down cake on my brain.
I think I will make one soon to share with some friends.
I could eat it all but then it would be grief through food and my hips could use a break!

Many days this blog is about pottery and many days this blog is about my life and family.
I just want to thank the readers and those of you who hold me up and give us all encouragement.
To make any kind of a living from what you do is to step out on the edge of darkness with your eyes closed and no safety net below and jump.

I hope I never hit bottom but keep floating down and looking as I go.
I know that one day I might not be able to continue to do this as I have been because of age, health and because life just happens.
There are no crystal balls to tell me anything.......

Okay-okay let's get back to those blueberries, we're not done yet.
Happy 4th-happy and safe and family 4th..

M

Shout out for sister Lee and Tony Colon

2011-06-29T07:10:00.000-04:00

City of Raleigh Arts Commission Accepts Donation of Red Wolf Ramble Sculpture

The City of Raleigh Arts Commission is pleased to accept for its permanent collection the sculpture "Howl The Gilded Moon." The artwork was created by Antonio Colon and Lee Lewis in 2001 as one of 100 fiberglass wolf sculptures exhibited throughout the city as part of the Arts Commission's "Raleigh Red Wolf Ramble" public art project.

The Raleigh Red Wolf Ramble was inspired by other public art projects around the country featuring such creatures as pigs, cows or fishes. Selecting the red wolf as the theme resulted in partnerships with local organizations, including the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. The project created a fun environment while offering educational information on the red wolf's plight as an endangered species.

During 2001 and 2002, the completed wolves were showcased throughout the city in parks, campuses, museums, shopping malls and other venues. Howl the Gilded Moon was exhibited at Crabtree Valley Mall. Following the exhibition, the wolves were auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Arts Commission's public art program.

Howl the Gilded Moon was donated by former Raleigh residents Steve and Julie Joyce, who relocated recently to Utah. The sculpture can now been seen in the lobby of Marsh Creek Community Center at 3050 N. New Hope Rd.

"We appreciate the Joyces' generous donation, and are excited to add Howl the Gilded Moon to Raleigh's art collection," said Kim Curry-Evans, the City of Raleigh Art Commission's public art coordinator. "The Red Wolf Ramble was a very popular public art project for the City."

Many of the wolves can still be seen "roaming" the city in venues such as the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex and Sertoma Arts Center.

For more information, contact Kim Curry-Evans, public art coordinator for the City of Raleigh Arts Commission at 919-996-4688.

Established in 1977 as the official advisory body and advocate for the arts to the Raleigh City Council, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission holds the distinction of being the first municipal arts commission created in North Carolina. Serving as the leading force to champion the arts with Raleigh citizens and their representatives, the Arts Commission's myriad activities foster, support, and promote the arts in the Capital City.

http://sjoyce.blogspot.com/2011/06/howl-gilded-moon.html

The fat and skinny of it

2011-06-27T06:17:00.000-04:00

I gave up the studio for a few days to work on things like the house, gardens and paperwork.
It happens.
Sometime I think I can do it all and I am buzzing right along and then I have my very own little meltdown. I do this in private because it is cute when you are two, but not as cute when you are well over the age of two.....
Then I need some time to regroup and step away from the clay and breath some new thoughts and get other things done.
I find I have to set time lines for myself. Otherwise being self employed can eat you up.
It eats away every second and stepping out and away gives you back some focus on other things in life.
Not that I get it all done on those days because I can distract myself very easily as well.
Hey- what's over...squirrel...
What was I saying???
With me out of Mark's way for a few days he worked all alone and could listen to his music and be loud or not loud and make some vases.

I love the fat one.
This is a shape he does not make as often as he use to and there is something about a fat pot that just draws me in and makes me want to hold it.
Maybe it has the same effect that chubby babies have on me...must squeeze....

There there are the tall ones- Noble and proud.

And a new handle going on there.... It will be interesting to see this one play out.

I was up way too early this morning and could not find my camera.
I finally remember where I had left it.
As I was walking back from the studio the moon and 1 single star were just hanging in the muggy air
( it's going to be a hot one today) and I had to see if I could get a picture.
My camera doesn't do great pictures in the near dark but I did get one that shows the moon.

I am back out to the studio today so if you need me.....I'll be working.
Cheers!
M

A day for sweetness

2011-06-23T08:19:00.000-04:00

I am working on Sugar Jars.
What is it about the wee jars that we love to make, well, me anyway.
Sometimes I hit one just right and it all looks great and other times I am a hair or two off- that elusive shape of just round enough and just the right opening.

Then there is the lid....
I like to make this lid that we learned from Virginia Shelton that is common for this area.
It is a right side up lid that is opened all the way to the bat, thrown and closed up at the top to make the knob.

I really like this lid but there are days that I go too Tall and it is toooooooo much for the jar.
I like them better when I keep it lower to the base and have a nice balance in the lid to body.
Can you see the one in the middle here? Not my favorite lid to body.
I prefer the one on the left .
To me it has a better balance.

Yesterday we had a nice rain or big storm depending on where you were.
We don't know we slept through it all and woke up to puddles.
The wet seem to bring out some of these animals that have been hiding form the dry heat.
This toad was happy to hang out all day.
He would give me a bit of an eye but he was not willing to give up his place.
I suspect that there was some good eating going on here.
I hope so since I was bitten by black flies when I went to get water for throwing- little buggers.
It itched for hours!

The wet ground made it soft enough for this turtle who had come up from the pond to lay her eggs. She will spend several hours digging with her back feet to make a hole deep enough to lay her eggs. She then covers it all back up nice and tight.
I went later to look and see where she dug and you could not even tell she had been there.
There you go turtles have very small carbon foot prints...!

Time to beat some heat and go place some bamboo poles for the beans to climb.
Cheers!
M

are you eating your colors?

2011-06-21T12:30:00.000-04:00

We must be in the purple month because everything we are eating seems to be purple.
We are eating eggplant from the garden:

and we are eating purple potatoes and purple carrots.
Note- use a paper towel when you are peeling the carrots and handling them at all otherwise you get a purple hand.
The Blueberries are coming in- kinda purple.
and we are picking blackberries- well so there is some black in there- maybe we are eating until we are black and blue.

This I will tell you- purple carrots and purple potatoes cooked and mashed like mashed regular potatoes look like some one spilled grape juice in your food.
Close your eyes on this one because they taste really good but the visual is ...not so appealing.

I found this great cluster of mushrooms the other day, but being a bit cautious about eating anything wild unless I watch you eat it first, I only took a picture.
They looked good, but then again they were not purple so maybe off my June list.

Off to see what's for lunch- something purple maybe..
M

And always use a safety net

2011-06-19T07:12:00.000-04:00

There are some things best left to the professional and we are humbled again at our attempts to shoot pictures of our work.
How hard can it be we think- we bought the cube, we bought the background, we own a camera.
Ha! We are humbled!
After a day of messing around we are back to square one.
Of the photo's we shot there was not one we felt we could use.
Not one.
We know this is a learning curve and we know we can easily set ourselves up for failure and we have .
But is there a point where you throw in the towel and declare defeat?
I think we are there.
We use to set aside a few pots a year and take them to a professional.
The pictures were good and useful.
When an opportunity came along we just pulled one from our bag of tricks and sent it along.
This only goes so far as you realize you are sending the same pictures too often with nothing fresh in the larder.

So back to the drawing board- a class maybe.
Practice - maybe.
Just dumb luck- maybe.

I will continue to just put my point and shoot stuff here and meanwhile we will work out a way to get someone else to do the real stuff.
We know a guy.....now where is that checkbook?

HAPPY FATHER"S DAY!
M

The bigger the hole the more money you can pour into it.

2011-06-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

If you are going to call a sewage guy he might as well have a sense of humor.
After all with what he deals with all day if you can't find something funny to say then life would really be down the toilet.
We have been having "water" issues for a while.
Longer then we would like to admit and weeks where we just hoped it would flow away.
But finally we faced up to the real thing after replacing the toilet and finding out that was just a band aid to the real problem.
On Thursday these guys showed up and found the real problem.
There were broken tiles to a job done over 50 years ago.
Seems we drive right over the septic flow out area and sometimes, many times, I park there.
Also placing or I should say building a carport right in front of this area was maybe not the wisest thing to do.
But it was done and now repaired and believe me when I tell you I was so happy not to be a "helper" on this job.
And now- the toilet she flushes and you can take a shower.
These are all good things in my book and I plan to use them daily just to get my moneys worth!

This week I went straight to hand building instead of the wheel.
I am working on tiles, trays and pillow vases.
I have enjoyed a new design or two.
A Cone Flower

And these sunflowers.
I have done several of both of them.
I am trying to think in a straight line and not jump so much.
I am terrible to jump from one design to another and then wish I had just stuck close to one things and worked it out.

On another front we are trying to work out some pictures of things like lamps.
Mark makes a wide variety of accent, table, bedside and living room lamps.
It would be nice to show those on the blog or website.
I love handmade lamps and use them throughout the house.
There is nothing better for those spots that need a little light or for those spots that need a lot of light.
I just cringe when I see poorly made or mass produced lamps in a house that deserves better.
We were once asked to help spruce up an office area in Asheboro and I decided to go up and see what they needed.
I walked in and saw a 24.00 lamp from "the dime store" ( I know I am dated) I went home and picked a lamp and took it up to the office.
It made all the difference to the space.
So stay tune and maybe we can get some lamp pictures up.

Best get back to the end of the day and then maybe a beer would hit the spot.
Join me?
M

Pumpkins in the garden

2011-06-15T07:48:00.000-04:00

I can't tell you where the last week has gone.
Then again I could and it might bore you to tears.
I had some dental "stuff" done last Thursday and it was enough to put my teeth on edge.
Why is it when you have work done no matter how small or large it just takes over all other things.
So between the pain pills and life I did shoot more pictures.

I decided to take my Pumpkin jar and put a small hole near the stem allowing a place for string to come out. This I think could be useful in the kitchen or any place you might need some string.

I know you must be thinking now who uses string any more?!
But I do!

So now along with the many useful things you can do with this wee jar add string to the mix.
It can still be used for dips, coins, cotton balls,jewelry,sugar or salt.
And now that the head is clearing the the jaw returning to normal work must be done.
Cheers!
M

Production wares

2011-06-10T13:26:00.000-04:00

I know you all think all we do is have fun here at Whynot Pottery, but we do work and work means making production pottery as well as those fun jugs from the last post.
We try hard to balance the two but sometime I feel that one takes over the other.
When that happens we have to scramble to make up for the needs of filling the kiln to make sure we have all the nooks and crannies covered.


Small batter bowls that are good for sauces and gravy too!

We were asked if we could make a shaving mug for our friend Laurie Abela to go along with a line of shaving soap she had developed for the guys.
We came up with this simple, stout mug that works very well.
Laurie has been selling them on her Etsy shop and the shaving soap is wonderful!
Mark was lucky enough to test some for her and gave it the big thumbs up.
and the name for the soap- Whisk 'er away pretty cute!
We have some listed on our shop as well but you need to go to her for the soap.
If your interested these would be great for Father's day...hint,hint!

New item being done with Abela body care.

And I have been asked so many times for berry bowls I thought- whynot!

Small berry bowls- just in time for berry season!

One of the shaving mugs

I use one of these batter bowls all the time.
With just Mark and I around it is perfect for whipping up some eggs, yes, local eggs with beautiful yellow yolks. But- the other thing I like about this small batter bowl is I use one for dips, salad dressing and GRAVY- you can put a spoon or dipper in the spout area and it works well to hold the spoon.
You know how some things will just sink the spoon and then you have to "dig" it out- not pleasant at all.
Plus, if the gravy starts getting cold- pop this in the microwave and warm things up.

a warm brown batter bowl

Better get back to work!
Cheers!
M

Gone, gone, gone and a jug by any other name is

2011-06-08T20:56:00.000-04:00

This will be quick because for me it has been a long, hot and sticky day and I think I need a dip in the tub!
The top piece has just been packed off to Texas to a very good home.
And here are 3 jugs by Mark.
Now off to cool down and put my feet up.
Cheers!
M

It was hot and humid with low breeze

2011-06-07T08:22:00.000-04:00

which made the conditions very good for firing the kiln.
We had one of those kiln loads that you wish for anytime you are firing.
The Pots glazed, loaded and the weather.
The weather was just right for a gas firing.
Hot, yet not too hot.
Humid, but not too humid.
Breeze, slight very slight.
The cones top to bottom, close within a hair of one another.
Unloading to continue.

Back with more later,
M

Selling Lee's tiles

2011-06-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

Here is a link over to see Lee's tiles that I need to sell in order to settle her estate.
If you are interested let me know.
Cheers,
M
http://whynotpottery-wares.blogspot.com/2011/06/lees-tiles.html

Hallelujah and I'm a goof-ball

2011-06-03T15:17:00.000-04:00

Say it with me!
Or-sing it!

Well I've heard there was a secret chord That David played, and it pleased the Lord But you don't really care for music, do you?
Well, it goes like this, the fourth, the fifth The minor fall, then the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Your faith was strong, but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to her kitchen chair She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Maybe there's a God above But all I've ever learned from love Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
And it's not a cry that you hear at night It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah

Sorry once it embedded in my brain it just had to come out.
I was thinking Hallelujah the kiln is loaded and the door brick up, we have cooler temperatures then it has been all week and there is just a slight breeze Hallelujah .....
AND-AND- the plumber is here with the new toilet for the downstairs bathroom.... Hallelujah...I hear angels signing--- or maybe that is a still Leonard Cohen...... Hallelujah .
And since I love to share I have for you a Friday ear worm, on me, no, really don't thank me.
It is the least I can do for you today.
Hallelujah........
Oh, the goof-ball.
Have you ever forgotten to take the air out of your new tube of gorilla glue..... let's just say it makes it hard to use when there is a crust of caramel like substance over the glue.
Note to self: Take out the air
Peace,
M

one more rabbit for the road..............

A few tiles and guess who is still hanging out

2011-06-02T13:09:00.001-04:00

Just a few of the tiles from the last firing in the electric kiln.

I like this wee rabbit and have just done some more. I am trying to work out color on him/her and see what I like.

I am still amazed that the Orchid is still with me.
I know that the blooms will soon drop as they have started to drop one now and again.
But I have been surprised at how long she has hung in with me considering I don't usually have good luck with these in my house.

Well its hot and we have to go load the big a** gas kiln.
We both forgot how long it takes to sand, prep and just get ready to load.
The thought is to just get the back stack in and then finish tomorrow.
So much for well laid plans.
Off we go!
M