About the stamp

The stamp we are using for the mugs is homegrown right here in North Carolina at JetStamps

We had the group that ordered the mugs order the stamp and send it right to us. This way we did not have to try and figure out how best to have what they wanted to say placed on the stamp.

The stamp is working very well and we have tested different stains in the stamped area to see how best they will work.
Number 5 is the winner which is a black stain with some frit and clay as binders.

We have had a few losses and that is to be expected when you are trying to put a medallion on a curved area. If we don't get it right it just blows itself off.
That is better then the ones that have cracked and then popped off leaving a big wad behind. At least when it blows off with a little sanding the mug can be used with a glaze on it, no harm done.
But if it leaves a wad those are hard to remove and is it worth it when you can discard, move on and make another?
Yes, nice mug but what is with the tear drop on the side?

We expect some loss when you are doing custom work it is just going to happen. So far it is only 4 out of 50. Fingers crossed that the ones done yesterday and the ones holding in the bisque kiln are good.

A Potter can not live by mugs alone so sugar jars are being made along with bowls, canisters, pumpkin jars and creamers.

 It has been awhile since we made canisters and it is like riding a bike they came right back.

I am just about human again so I think I can read and comment on blogs.
I have some catching up to do.

For you leaf folks out there- the trees are starting to show off, I can see some good reds right out the window when I am. It is time for an ride through  Carolina  for some tree looking.

Time for tea.
M

Beep, Beep, Beep

We are in that mode where you just get up and check the list pick some pots that need to be made and get spinning.
It is one of my favorite things about being a studio potter.
I can stand at my wheel throwing and in the background I hear Mark doing the same thing.
I hear his wheel turning, the movement of water, then the air is full of those studio sounds that only potters understand.
The thwack as the ball of clay hits the wheel head.
The whirl of the motor as you center.
The contented sound  as the motor slows while a pot is being made, the wheel stops... the pots comes off and is shelved and then thwack, another pots being made.
I know that many potters post video of them working and I love watching them work, but there is something so deep in my soul on the sounds that are being made in the studio.
Maybe it is the same when you hear bees buzzing, a sound of contentment.
Nothing to see just going about our day.... 

The last few days there is some work going on in the neighborhood and we get the beep,beep,beep of a trucks backing up. It is so foreign to my brain that my brain wants to response- beep, beep, beep.
It becomes a back ground noise that the brain wants to swat away like a fly.
 The sounds carries through the stillness of the day on the wind.
Beep, beep, beep , thwack, whirl, beep,beep,beep, thwack, whirl.....like a dance tune.

 
 What are we making?
Beer mugs/steins for Four Saints Brewery
Here is a sample:

 Cruets for me.
I had swore them off after loosing two rounds to the glaze running too much, but- but I am back, kick me now...I had good luck with the teapots so maybe..maybe.

 And for Julia- pumpkin jars, not crocks, jars.
These are not real big, but are great for many things.
I have a customer that loves to give them to family and friend's daughters who are graduating from high school.
A bit back I did a step by step on this closed form.
They came to me one day while watching Martha, you know which Martha, cut a squash to use for dip.
I thought why not make a pot you could use and it would not rot. And, the great thing about pottery, you could use it for so many other things. Multipurpose I love you!
So they are thrown, then stamped or carved on the top, then cut.

Wee pumpkin jars.
I know I Started making these about 20 years ago- yikes! Where did that time go??

 What's on the wheel for today?
Spouts and handles, and going to carve me some pumpkin jars.
How about you?
Oh, and maybe go beer tasting....
Cheers!
M