Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Jars

If you have been here before you will have noticed the two items I like to make the most.
Bottles and Jars.
Oh, you are good and you did notice.
I am working on some small salt jars with those lids I love to play with.
I have more time than I realistically should in these lids to the jars, but I like that they can all be so different.


These are being made with a white clay body.
I am a die hard stoneware potter, but I do enjoy some white stoneware now and again.
It is a nice change.
















I Thought I would also take you on a walk through one of my closed jars.
This is my homage to Martha Stewart.
Years ago, before the jail time, I watched her take an acorn squash and cut it up, scoop it out and use it for dip.
A thought formed in my brain to make a small pot which would not rot but serve the same purpose.
So I took about 1 1/4 pound of clay and threw, turnned, made a small pot on the wheel.
I wanted it to have a pumpkin look so I closed it up, leaving a bit of clay on the top and pulled a stem.
Mark walks in and was taken back.
Are you making miniature pumpkins?
Go away, I sweetly, growled at him.
I push the sides in a bit and then let them set up.


 The next day I draw a place where I will cut the lid.



I then stamp my design on the pot.
note: if you cut the lid first you will stick the lid back on to the bottom part as you stamp the top- 

After it is all stamped I cut the lid off.


Next - clean up all the edges and fit the lid back on the pot, cover and let dry slow.





And there you go.
A wee little jar for anything your heart desires.

16 comments:

Laurie said...

Those salt jars are just beautiful! And the closed jars look kinda fun. Are you enjoying the lovely weather?

cookingwithgas said...

thanks Laurie and Yes I am!

Shortstuff said...

I love your pumpkin jars. They're so sweet.

cindy shake said...

What BEAUTIFUL pieces! I especially love the artful lids on the salt jars -the twirly tops and the shell/petal designs! Just LOVELY.

Linda Starr said...

wow, your jars are beautiful, love the first ones with the carving, sprigs and stamping. The mini pumpkin jars with the unusual lids are really super.

JLK Jewelry said...

I loved my little pumpkin jar. Someone knocked it over, but I still use my salt jar every day.

FetishGhost said...

Love the salt jars!

cookingwithgas said...

Thanks all They are a joy to make!

Sue Pariseau Pottery said...

Love the salt jars and the pumpin jar is a great idea.

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Awesome! Your new nickname is Meredith Martha!

Judy Shreve said...

love the fancy tops on the salt jars! How big is that pumpkin jar? It's tres cool too! (practicing my french - ha!)

cookingwithgas said...

tres cool- thanks Judy and Me and Martha got it going on!
Meredith Martha- I have to get my "staff" right on that!

Mr.Young said...

Great work on the lids for the salt jars!
I like how you have worked to make each one a unique individual!

Anonymous said...

cool pumpkin-y jars and i like the little designs on the lid of the other jars too. looks like you were having fun. maybe martha will have you on her google reader and she tune in and have to have one?

Trish said...

Sooo cool! love the decorations on the little salt jars and the pumpkin ones with the stem handles are terrific too!..:)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful jars - all of them. Thanks for the walk through. I really like the tops on your jars and the pumpkin jar? It's a good thing.
Barbara