There is so much going on

I am making this quick because I am heading to the kitchen.
It seems that cooking, even for two, takes up a good part of my time.
So what's cooking at your house?
If you have something good to share I am looking forward to that.
Hope you are well,
M

Warming up the studio

 The snow, rain, highwinds and all things winter, except the cold air has given us a few days warm enough to get back on the wheel.
I have tiles made and loaded in the kiln for the first firing to combine with some other orders in order to put together a firing of electric glazed pot.
All we need now is enough time and energy to get it done.

 Cream and sugars were high on the list, as I was making the sugar jars I picked out a few to cut a spoon hole in the lids. I have mixed request from customers, some folks love a covered jar, no opening, while others love a hole to place a spoon inside.
I take orders for both.Mark made the creamers this round. We had so many creamers last year that we just about stopped making them. Then a couple comes in and buys most of them as gifts. After that it was one here and one there until the next thing you know, no creamers. Back on the list.
Teacups, with or without handles, shaving mugs are all in the mix as well.

I hope you are all well, safe and warm.
Cheers!
M

Don't

 take my picture.
Okay.

I know, I am such a liar.
Mark is working up some big bowls.

While I am working on Sugar jars and creamers.

What is it about jars?
That was the item I did not want to make as a student. It is the item I make the most now.
I guess that back then I was not ready to make them.

 And, what is a jar without a creamer. I know, I know, it's a jar, wise cracker that you are.

We are working up the next kiln load of pots. Most of it is ready and waiting for these last items to be finished.
 I really wanted to get some cream and sugar sets made. We have a few in the shop, but most have made their way off to new homes.

 That handle looks large! Things appear closer than they are, and bigger.

I have some tiles that I am playing with yet again.

These are left from a past project and I wanted to see if I could add to them and possibly enhance what was going on with the waves. Now all I need is that last glaze to go on.

Fall is in the air.
The last few days have given way to cooler mornings.
I don't want to rush things, but here it comes ready or not.

Cheers!
M

getting off to a new year

Getting in gear for a new year of pots always starts with a long list of the pots that are needed not only for the first firing but for future firings as well. We use many of the filler pots throughout the kiln, they are a good place to start.
I really enjoy making these bottles.
They are just fun for me.

And, they will fit in and around the vases and big pots that Mark is making.

They are also a good size for the many spring flowers that will soon be sprouting up from their winter rest.

Along with the bottles I am throwing jars.
I have started with sugar and honey jars first and plan to head in to some garlic jars next.

Since I am making sugar jars I need to make creamers to go with them.
I enjoy those round little bellies and how the necks flair out to make the spout.
Cute, cute little babies...

A dozen of these will do for now. I always make extra since not everyone wants a creamer to go along with the sugar jars. I sell both cream and sugar sets and just creamers and at times just sugar jars.
There are many times that a set is split apart and sold. I find it is better to be flexible than to try and sell a pot that someone might not use.
I use to think that sets were sets and could only be sold in sets. It was not long before I discovered that many people would prefer to buy only one or two mugs, a jar or a single creamer. So why be a stick in the mud and say no? Heck, it is not like I can't make another creamer or jar.

I have orders for the layered glazes and that has me making more pots without the texture than with the texture. They are easier in many ways since they don't need to be cleaned up too much before they head to the first firing.

The ones with texture get sanded and then a good blowing off before they are placed in the kiln.
On Monday we had a very warm day before the cold front came through.
I took advantage of that warm day to be outside sanding pots for the bisque kiln.
That kiln fired yesterday and today we will be opening up the first bisque kiln of the year.
We are off to a good start for the coming year.
Today it is cold, with no snow on the ground, we are out to finish yesterday's pots.
Cheers,
M

Cream and

 
Sugar

Pitchers and.......something new.


2 Piece large jar

 With lid...

I feel a beer coming on, You?
M