tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8981631522324933432024-02-06T22:02:10.780-05:00Thistle Bee PotteryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-69443060836422664782014-01-11T19:58:00.000-05:002014-01-11T20:01:50.492-05:00Back to the BlogosphereI'm back to my blog. Sorry for the lapse. I have no excuse. Just wasn't feeling it I guess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlf72AwpjTJCB-zWlEWeNoI8RpFJLSQb_un7efPZjoZl95BLt3XQy5mGuWVe8lognWkJe3uH6YniEiyL_Tg-3lyuvtgTy7Tkxv5s5P3SU_FRhN7MRMj44th8ErsKifvmJQwVM8qmBZT8/s1600/630+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlf72AwpjTJCB-zWlEWeNoI8RpFJLSQb_un7efPZjoZl95BLt3XQy5mGuWVe8lognWkJe3uH6YniEiyL_Tg-3lyuvtgTy7Tkxv5s5P3SU_FRhN7MRMj44th8ErsKifvmJQwVM8qmBZT8/s1600/630+002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>We had a great Fall & Christmas show season despite the temperamental weather, saw many old friends and made some new. It never fails to thrill me when people react to my characters. This Pig yarn bowl got glazed pink and I displayed him holding a ball of green yarn with the end coming out through his nose. People were hootin' and howlin' at him! Needless to say, he sold before I realized that I never took a picture of him finished. Bummer. I guess I'll just have to make more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dn1XzYUIz9ecV74_4v8wH915Kzya86Gl8hUjOOF-HCg0jryX4OKcN7GSIRVt9gFRSZPx2A1cMO3xn2z3vJzDlGcX_hF4X46y7LAoAtmYQ6R8GogIwnCd6cDKpDSnQmJDrkmj2qwFeDw/s1600/122913+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dn1XzYUIz9ecV74_4v8wH915Kzya86Gl8hUjOOF-HCg0jryX4OKcN7GSIRVt9gFRSZPx2A1cMO3xn2z3vJzDlGcX_hF4X46y7LAoAtmYQ6R8GogIwnCd6cDKpDSnQmJDrkmj2qwFeDw/s1600/122913+002.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay stamps drying for the bisque firing.</td></tr>
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In addition to the yarn bowl critters, I'm onto some new projects! </div>
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These little beauties are part of it:</div>
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I'm also trying my hand at mishima which is applying glaze or under glaze to a textured surface and scraping it off before firing leaving the color in the texture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYQamLzW6jpQ0M5rmHE3PitkveOAJzRxo6SpqXiq4He9g2he-pN8rUJIlO1gLuLgdAR_2Urt0JjyxPmzS1JtQAAyJpaNTKjA96v_t7AbTwAK2BGzSjSiKVtkfucuzyyowUvRB1kw59X8/s1600/102413+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYQamLzW6jpQ0M5rmHE3PitkveOAJzRxo6SpqXiq4He9g2he-pN8rUJIlO1gLuLgdAR_2Urt0JjyxPmzS1JtQAAyJpaNTKjA96v_t7AbTwAK2BGzSjSiKVtkfucuzyyowUvRB1kw59X8/s1600/102413+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I LOVE this guy! He's a watering can prototype but I need to redesign him a bit because he's not well balanced. The glaze I used on him blistered a little so I ground it down a bit and re-fired him. Disaster! Totally blistered and I ended up chucking him out. It's so disappointing but that's how pottery goes. I usually don't get attached to my pieces but I had him in my home and smiled every time I went to water my plants with him. Now he's gone. So sad. I'll just have to make him a brother.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-37366067239239714772013-09-23T21:08:00.000-04:002013-09-23T21:12:10.344-04:00It's Only MudWhere did the summer go? What summer? Being business owners can limit many things including summer vacations. Time and money are always diverted to keeping the store open and profitable. So, no Jersey shore, Dorney Park and not too much pottery going on either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yjUDcNTpuyfPuISQA37dcQot6DG42PHHorRw6uD6LtQ8IK9O5PNuzGQfO7o2xO9CatAb8nvpMRzLr5xOoe9dRaYQjfLLr3Ep2CgFk5NZHXZGv07JjyaFhJ4MLGXCYsxHaYbatcJ-jSQ/s1600/719+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yjUDcNTpuyfPuISQA37dcQot6DG42PHHorRw6uD6LtQ8IK9O5PNuzGQfO7o2xO9CatAb8nvpMRzLr5xOoe9dRaYQjfLLr3Ep2CgFk5NZHXZGv07JjyaFhJ4MLGXCYsxHaYbatcJ-jSQ/s200/719+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQnBruBhqpbzs9hqGwV8cOqFbsqOTKK_f4FLnHEw9TuT-2YpRe56ffXXPUQyfvDRASE0iHcv7G9R1DeHbgU0P4fRhf1bL8Sa6UFplu0bqgmB7vH7Lt-PYKlBV5e2QXhQSk0Xfk0L3gGI/s1600/731+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQnBruBhqpbzs9hqGwV8cOqFbsqOTKK_f4FLnHEw9TuT-2YpRe56ffXXPUQyfvDRASE0iHcv7G9R1DeHbgU0P4fRhf1bL8Sa6UFplu0bqgmB7vH7Lt-PYKlBV5e2QXhQSk0Xfk0L3gGI/s200/731+002.jpg" width="200" /></a>I've been continuing with my pottery classes. We've been working on throwing taller. This week one student made her first closed form. We were both so excited! Teaching is reminding me of my fears as a new student and I'm trying to eliminate those fear in my students much sooner in the process. The biggest one being fear of failure on the wheel. In pottery, like in life, you learn more from what goes wrong than what goes right. Thin walls, thick bottoms, uneven lips, air bubbles are all things that can be overcome with practice and experience. Mistakes on the wheel often turn into disasters in the kiln. The most important thing to remember:<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>"It's only mud and as long as it isn't fired you can reclaim it."</b></span></div>
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We had a pigeon mosey into the studio</div>
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then it just moseyed right out again. </div>
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Random.</div>
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I was very late getting my show applications in again so I'll probably get crappy spots but I did get accepted so no wait list for me. =/<br />
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Here's where we'll be: <br />
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October 20 - Wayne Valley High School<br />
Wayne Valley Fall Craft Show<br />
Wayne, NJ<br />
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November 9-10 - Whitehouse Fire Co.<br />
Whitehouse Fire Co. Holiday Craft Show<br />
Whitehouse Station,NJ<br />
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December 7 - Warren County Technical School<br />
Crafts in the Warren Tech Holiday Craft Show<br />
Washington, NJ<br />
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December 15 - Wayne Valley High School<br />
Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show<br />
Wayne, NJ<br />
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Mark your calendars and make a point to buy something handmade this holiday. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-11036083739084817742013-06-11T21:22:00.000-04:002013-06-11T21:22:32.979-04:00Enough of the Cicadas Already!What's all the hoopla? The big cicada invasion's been all over the news and everyone's been bracing themselves for....<br />
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...listen for it... ....wait... <br />
...it's...<br />
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...nothing.</div>
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Except at my house! We've had a full blown infestation in our neighborhood. I'm not sure how far it extends but my friend, who's about a mile away, has them and they're not at our shop which is about 3 miles away or anywhere else in the area that I've heard of. When they said the not-so-little buggers would be localized I didn't expect them to be this selective. Lucky us!<br />
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So for the past several weeks, from dawn to dusk (unless it's raining) we get to hear this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxawTnv2IW4i0X2wvFwz981dG1ur5aSicn423630tBHwnL3wjALQ6is8-0-nlfV0j-LO4Bx2LkWjNWGoKZxsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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It sounds like constant static! </div>
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Unfortunately, our dogs are fond of them and we've had to watch them more closely in the yard so they don't snack too much (bla-a-a-ahgug)! The cicadas aren't toxic but their exoskeletons aren't digestible and can cause intestinal issues. Enough said.</div>
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On a more humorous note (because that's how I roll!) quite a few years ago one of my sons (not mentioning names here, you're welcome!) mispronounced cicadas. So their official pronunciation in our household is <b>sik</b>-uh-duhs (emphasis on the sik). So for the first week it was amusing using "our" word for them but honestly I'm more than sick of the <b>sik</b>-uh-duhs and they can go away now.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-51381298147495811042013-06-07T11:38:00.000-04:002013-06-07T11:49:23.359-04:00Sucked into the mudSSpring is SO distracting! Everything is blooming in abundance and all I want to do is play in my other favorite kind of mud: my garden!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP2j-RJ-AoUNiO8Kw1eAFtxHiMdE8j4Es9hdRuSlk4gOYh6kHpPuEHjQh3xsPP5ucqlTgxeSZkPtUL9iDEviTNCM4jxZs3oxbgQS6kvDPcfOjKqG7UDyb0C3pK-31PgJmDHrYfEqn4Jw/s1600/58+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP2j-RJ-AoUNiO8Kw1eAFtxHiMdE8j4Es9hdRuSlk4gOYh6kHpPuEHjQh3xsPP5ucqlTgxeSZkPtUL9iDEviTNCM4jxZs3oxbgQS6kvDPcfOjKqG7UDyb0C3pK-31PgJmDHrYfEqn4Jw/s640/58+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, my bleeding heart!</td></tr>
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There are so many blooms on the azalea that it's sagging!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily pads ripe for pickin'!</td></tr>
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We also had a couple of big orders that have been time consuming and I'm still giving lessons which is so much fun it's criminal to get paid for it! <br />
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I've been wanting to show you how my <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspiration-from-gary-jackson.html" target="_blank">stamping adventure</a> turned out but I wanted a pic of the Japanese ikebana vase. I keep forgetting to dig out the epoxy to glue the flower frog in but you wouldn't know if it's glued down or not, would you? So here it is...<br />
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And the stamped mugs that didn't sell at the Wayne Valley HS show...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXHWaG8fr7uwF2vNSexfungb-QOqzfQ-OxPP6a2yY-2SsjPb89cClVYBPpeuCTTOWvPyCrPulY6Hkg-_CMAZYJZRhv3JnKv31ccBbCRx5mSg1efPxokfxMyMuPSQca7aw3rH9uoUlUAw/s1600/IMG_7105%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXHWaG8fr7uwF2vNSexfungb-QOqzfQ-OxPP6a2yY-2SsjPb89cClVYBPpeuCTTOWvPyCrPulY6Hkg-_CMAZYJZRhv3JnKv31ccBbCRx5mSg1efPxokfxMyMuPSQca7aw3rH9uoUlUAw/s320/IMG_7105%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This glaze was too thin but shows off the stamps very well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This glaze was a little thick and filled the stamps in too much.</td></tr>
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And, of course, the ones that came out just right were sold!<br />
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I continue to struggle with my photography. My latest set up is on the front porch in the afternoon when the sun's on that side of the house. That might have something to do with why I haven't posted here or added too many new items to my shop lately. Timing is everything and who's home that time of the day?<br />
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I did get some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThistleBeePottery?section_id=6831758" target="_blank">birdhouses</a> posted though. Even after photo editing they still look too dark to me. Any one have any tips they can share? <br />
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I made a bigger sign for my show display. It's a bit heavy but much more visible. What do you think?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-25322513562331393392013-03-11T12:16:00.000-04:002013-03-11T12:16:55.370-04:00Inspiration from Gary Jackson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been following <a href="http://firewhenreadypottery.com/" target="_blank">Gary Jackson's blog</a> for a while now. The textures he gets from stamping clay is amazing. He has hundreds of stamps he's made himself and uses different combinations to get beautiful effects. So after oohing and aaahing over his work for ages I thought I'd have a go at making my own stamps... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjETy9Xb0_J0pA7XXuB_5f5H-83QPSnGvWZQL3fXk8H_7cPR55SDY9HFBu1jiYasD11L5pQywiaTYHIjSdQnsexifGba0F_bSyt_MQWSpu_8OrbmSM_7VhDoXtMBusWO02NHYuAy4oc4/s1600/0311+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjETy9Xb0_J0pA7XXuB_5f5H-83QPSnGvWZQL3fXk8H_7cPR55SDY9HFBu1jiYasD11L5pQywiaTYHIjSdQnsexifGba0F_bSyt_MQWSpu_8OrbmSM_7VhDoXtMBusWO02NHYuAy4oc4/s320/0311+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and having a go. Getting the spacing down was more challenging than I expected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKIh8d5nR3dd2qWQzc4sXX1t8PFkXO7tobUT4D1IrPIn61Aos8X7FxIZKZRzBWG0LxPcYCbBl0dZe5tcnkFYiO00Oq_BM9bTVXqRQofqf8EC96UoB3jZ5j8sSEEyoe0OV1fNiGD50bj0/s1600/0311+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKIh8d5nR3dd2qWQzc4sXX1t8PFkXO7tobUT4D1IrPIn61Aos8X7FxIZKZRzBWG0LxPcYCbBl0dZe5tcnkFYiO00Oq_BM9bTVXqRQofqf8EC96UoB3jZ5j8sSEEyoe0OV1fNiGD50bj0/s320/0311+002.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlj9P8qrZKOxGgTKCFeu701aTd92TRKRhIIjziqHUiuzhdTW7VGcsW5xJTZ2RGUpZ6GGiZtJL_4ZmlLlPlcqPuISRnXoCf80Dp5ceJnSX48rek9Jcm1oo5d1FOuCMiZuasek58qaHZiU/s1600/0311+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlj9P8qrZKOxGgTKCFeu701aTd92TRKRhIIjziqHUiuzhdTW7VGcsW5xJTZ2RGUpZ6GGiZtJL_4ZmlLlPlcqPuISRnXoCf80Dp5ceJnSX48rek9Jcm1oo5d1FOuCMiZuasek58qaHZiU/s320/0311+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Can't wait to see how they come out glazed.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-78740992204858622192013-03-04T13:12:00.000-05:002013-04-13T08:41:47.663-04:00New Items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #351c75;">These are from the latest firing. Some are listed in our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThistleBeePottery" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. I really need to get a better photo set up. I know, I've been saying this forever but I'm kinda at a loss.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/125373297/hostess-serving-pitcher-large-green" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VBC0bkb3QvnEPbBI4Cgu7ey_MlFoKONcV0F56dHUra5LojmBhVkqYLroP0WYQy-fpuBKmE8yoP3SO1JtdTlFm69psOYZGPCbHYW9cZAfqC-CeBVnv_PPzeIi9P6SrYHJh0YyTX6_I1c/s320/0303+053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTAkKrbMozJzIx40xfdNeNgnkz5bDC2WQ_QxJbaMdLEcgMCYZHCvY0zEKKFS0fUPJmkA5q5LFWb6rrnACoKy-Mj1SCq2W18LiY-eTOZMUIoCkX4QEUo8eFrpznUgQ4emI9WeOUWN6pTI/s1600/0303+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTAkKrbMozJzIx40xfdNeNgnkz5bDC2WQ_QxJbaMdLEcgMCYZHCvY0zEKKFS0fUPJmkA5q5LFWb6rrnACoKy-Mj1SCq2W18LiY-eTOZMUIoCkX4QEUo8eFrpznUgQ4emI9WeOUWN6pTI/s320/0303+017.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/125304516/blue-bunny-rabbit-coin-piggy-bank" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJXJAxye3RXRbDugFeyvTNrGCmMcYL_J9v_QHWO3jlXO66EIXpSj5IYrUnw9yWlFQqeFejX4m7BbgaC9Sr2mnIcaemsCrVuMhvHLhX-XaTXxvOLZR9FWMVgpyOdoVTMPzZFXP64HBh-E/s320/0303+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-51209152572068371972013-03-01T12:23:00.000-05:002013-03-01T12:23:37.216-05:00Victims of Crack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZRQCP0fMeW-gsxBbRDv9kMvruPYcOACCkQKRJQohnqJRe3yBFMJgK2VDppb4BTCDTbF6n-ayAMB7Fl2IDmok_D9tWtQsBetL_Hx7vMsfY3UEqE1AIkGleu3DhVoUpNLQrD5T0yJMKJE/s1600/0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZRQCP0fMeW-gsxBbRDv9kMvruPYcOACCkQKRJQohnqJRe3yBFMJgK2VDppb4BTCDTbF6n-ayAMB7Fl2IDmok_D9tWtQsBetL_Hx7vMsfY3UEqE1AIkGleu3DhVoUpNLQrD5T0yJMKJE/s640/0301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, I didn't notice the birdhouses were cracked until after I glazed them. Another result of unloading the kiln to quick because I was freezing and didn't inspect the pieces properly. Then when glazing time began I just switched on auto-pilot. Big bummer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-21814567942947471282013-02-17T16:55:00.000-05:002013-02-17T16:55:30.566-05:00Dry already, will ya!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCaLvrFiX1hasdoFzyclTkaExRdYB6ku9oai8PsWm61NUKsBDSuY8Jp5pqatMm7H4pwTDoOnTi3td08fwd8t4QI_UrCU3s6Piv4LtoIZXSkCSQZyLaL5YZDypiYspi3v0eKGsTIK89zw/s1600/0217+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCaLvrFiX1hasdoFzyclTkaExRdYB6ku9oai8PsWm61NUKsBDSuY8Jp5pqatMm7H4pwTDoOnTi3td08fwd8t4QI_UrCU3s6Piv4LtoIZXSkCSQZyLaL5YZDypiYspi3v0eKGsTIK89zw/s320/0217+009.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a lot of sanding to get the lid to fit again. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hate shrinkage!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCwYnNhBhncVksi679oHzVCRfGuVEv27cbKx4kmcWGeTar_T9qaS83P-JY-qtF3asP9L80ja3BfJ6w6NUHf2AiXlU5pcAqvthB621spF-vVWbMzvTJPNu9HN3PHPZLfTOlCP8EMeJAfo/s320/0217+002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowls, birdhouses, tumblers, flower pots and soap dishes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0niHIYa359crNVlhNbhsxZHCU3FoR68HcDfQ9URa2Sh6ktWVLFNxNpi2CNiRxIdkYvY8f7HehezBeceB5CeHEIlT5VSwNm9MROxvBqgCsw64fMcLok8U7jnF2m85qx32QI9N2gXAvj2M/s1600/0217+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0niHIYa359crNVlhNbhsxZHCU3FoR68HcDfQ9URa2Sh6ktWVLFNxNpi2CNiRxIdkYvY8f7HehezBeceB5CeHEIlT5VSwNm9MROxvBqgCsw64fMcLok8U7jnF2m85qx32QI9N2gXAvj2M/s320/0217+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mugs and birdhouses</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As soon as these banks are dry we'll get a bisque firing going.</td></tr>
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So this is what my production looks like. Not dozens of anything but dozens of different things. I guess we all have to work at our own pace and try not to compare ourselves with the Jones' too much. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-76205953211539404332013-02-14T17:34:00.000-05:002013-02-16T12:25:11.639-05:00Fog & SnowThere is something about fog and snow that I love. I hate snow and am so over winter right now. So maybe it's the fact that I know the air is warmer than the snow covered ground that causes the fog.<br />
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<b>WHAT? WHAT???</b></div>
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<b>WARM AIR?</b></div>
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<b>DID SOMEONE SAY WARM AIR?</b></div>
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<b>WHERE??? </b></div>
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Surely, this must be a sign of spring!<br />
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I know. I'm delusional. A girl can dream. Can't she? (grumble, grumble damn ground hog. And stop calling me Shirley!)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-37361953291644891732013-01-29T08:48:00.001-05:002013-02-14T17:35:10.817-05:00Aaurgh!I rarely make teapots. This is why....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1s1RwVwCyBtjOmsmY33OG3APLkWLxVmsVV41WJIenTiVIi7QJZ2VxUi5YMA5Axa6tOTp8Kqhozr8DWQvYPuziXYUOf9PtrSHhWlHuIEEvgPe48DI8RNr-CQpRK3AWs8UfiGpZWG7ZTI/s1600/0129+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1s1RwVwCyBtjOmsmY33OG3APLkWLxVmsVV41WJIenTiVIi7QJZ2VxUi5YMA5Axa6tOTp8Kqhozr8DWQvYPuziXYUOf9PtrSHhWlHuIEEvgPe48DI8RNr-CQpRK3AWs8UfiGpZWG7ZTI/s400/0129+002.jpg" width="400" /></a> I loved it last night but I'm hating it this morning (another lesson on why I shouldn't work on new ideas after 5 pm). I love the body shape and the handle but the spout is too big. I cut it down twice before I attached it but it's just too fat. And the lid doesn't fit snugly enough. What do you think?<br />
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OK. I guess I got lazy or arrogant. I only made one spout and two lids. Even the best potters makes several of each in order to get a good fit. I'm gonna go with lazy and I'm paying for it. Hopefully, lesson learned. Again!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-26102437389175119142013-01-27T20:33:00.000-05:002013-01-27T20:33:40.425-05:00Sunday, Muddy Sunday!The momentum continues! Yay! My fingers were actually a little pruney after all of this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbLFdAijMwf8PJP-Hp3FK1cdhMMNVcmuepZj8zo6y-iGSNB2VxC35XfsieSCkRMu9S0PvGeWEdcAtLJW8gEK8AE8q0HL39BBSDzjEWdDUKchrGt8mvBsQhS1bczKzQ7AADAsXCEHBp98/s1600/0127+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbLFdAijMwf8PJP-Hp3FK1cdhMMNVcmuepZj8zo6y-iGSNB2VxC35XfsieSCkRMu9S0PvGeWEdcAtLJW8gEK8AE8q0HL39BBSDzjEWdDUKchrGt8mvBsQhS1bczKzQ7AADAsXCEHBp98/s640/0127+001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I know you production potters out there are probably underwhelmed but this is really good for me. I actually was going to make all soap dishes but got bored after four and started making bowls, then a lidded jar and a tea pot (haven't attempted one in ages).<br />
<br />
Maybe this is how my production is going to work: frequent sessions yielding a variety of items. Hey, whatever gets the job done. Right?<br />
<br />
How do you get over the tedium of making the same thing over and over? We need to make what will sell but how do you resist not spending too much time playing and experimenting? It's just too much fun!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-35907096986631563742013-01-23T20:24:00.000-05:002013-01-23T20:24:57.398-05:00Gettin' Busy With ItThings are looking busy for the coming year. We're gonna try a fuller show schedule in addition to doing some consignment along with increasing our online store inventory. Yikes! I had better get busy!<br />
<br />
As excited as I am, I was having a hard time getting myself motivated to change into my "grubbies" and go into the <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">FREEZING</span> garage and sit down to pot. We have a heater and rubber mats down on the floor but that cold cement always finds it's way into my bones. It was too tempting to make excuses to not get into the pottery after dinner when I'm tired and a little cotton-headed. So Craig insisted I rearrange my work schedule to get in more quality potting time. I knew there was a good reason I married him! I'm getting down there for a few hours first thing in the morning 3 days a week. Mandatory. So far it's worked out well this week. So far....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ6THxqPTWiSU0lwgZIOFjpJi6xBt1jE9zZ8p_4APw5G8nlMvTXAG05DPqbSDcfPyqJu7p2N0jE2nALkowGs2qiethir1pCs2C-03Tx-gsnaTL0xfF4M2d1M-AE2vAnCcUgClt5Hm_l8/s1600/0123+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ6THxqPTWiSU0lwgZIOFjpJi6xBt1jE9zZ8p_4APw5G8nlMvTXAG05DPqbSDcfPyqJu7p2N0jE2nALkowGs2qiethir1pCs2C-03Tx-gsnaTL0xfF4M2d1M-AE2vAnCcUgClt5Hm_l8/s320/0123+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future mugs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4lZUeaxYa5XNnOqyH7KgXvzmppMBKGoo6JHLRZmnjEmvThB2xOGZBcwvuvPVyh8ALmdYgsJWe2dResnPAtmytmNWaH3a2tANVqZeNyhN-CB31vw06KLlUf5n4_6A4tdXDkKfGCRm4A8/s1600/0123+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4lZUeaxYa5XNnOqyH7KgXvzmppMBKGoo6JHLRZmnjEmvThB2xOGZBcwvuvPVyh8ALmdYgsJWe2dResnPAtmytmNWaH3a2tANVqZeNyhN-CB31vw06KLlUf5n4_6A4tdXDkKfGCRm4A8/s320/0123+002.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what my original idea was but it took on a life of it's own and I like it!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-26871579370669320462013-01-06T15:33:00.000-05:002013-01-06T15:58:05.661-05:00And the Winner Is....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well.... No one. =/ Unless you count my family, who got to eat some apple pie. </div>
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I was trying to give away one of these slightly naughty pie birds/vents by having a guessing <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/11/no-winner-yet.html" target="_blank">contest</a>. But no one guessed correctly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFQAiAkAAgi_RP6iczlSxFuFXf0z1jJuBev3bDDQHsDSddicm13b5crCJy3rtOP5DL9qzFd6IfZIH9cok3mIbVwsrppyuwkfe2agVfHNIGeoel8q6TzcZxTB_CIZX6r98FcBkUJuwIo0/s1600/pie+birds+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFQAiAkAAgi_RP6iczlSxFuFXf0z1jJuBev3bDDQHsDSddicm13b5crCJy3rtOP5DL9qzFd6IfZIH9cok3mIbVwsrppyuwkfe2agVfHNIGeoel8q6TzcZxTB_CIZX6r98FcBkUJuwIo0/s400/pie+birds+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The adventure started with a request from my brother-in-law (aka "anonymous" in a <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/10/true-to-form.html" target="_blank">previous</a> post) for a pie bird. After a little research (I've never seen one in person.) and taking my BiL into consideration (he did marry into our family, after all!) I thought it would be appropriate to make his pie bird/vent look like a pig's butt. So that's what I did.</div>
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And because one great idea spawns another, other posteriors were produced: a cow and a black bird along with another pig.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYjZpVLOMBpbcz5-m3raxaoGxNaAXmckJirFRCCA0WylocuSRXUUbBoy4Mlbm9oZfLcuNbHIc4aPoYgX9G0p0BEn6Y49Sdp020JRKZqE0aaS4xutHqKbnJDdljXXeHIVu1iV99tRr-T4/s1600/pie+birds+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYjZpVLOMBpbcz5-m3raxaoGxNaAXmckJirFRCCA0WylocuSRXUUbBoy4Mlbm9oZfLcuNbHIc4aPoYgX9G0p0BEn6Y49Sdp020JRKZqE0aaS4xutHqKbnJDdljXXeHIVu1iV99tRr-T4/s320/pie+birds+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be too impressed. It's Pillsbury's pie crust.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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I thought the black bird was too tall but he turned out to be the
perfect height for a deep dish pie. The cow and pig will work in a
regular sized pie. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MvwHlPzKlf-Lw73OUnzW2KprJElB-uNBay-FUizRCS8eQlmRF3FKq1ZTxk8yaOuHkWvQtE0_40f-3ufywyMtz1dlcF7hG7KFgPb6uNXKLhBwJ6Fhghx9INzPmgq9sn3aMKLgmuabVRU/s1600/pie+birds+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MvwHlPzKlf-Lw73OUnzW2KprJElB-uNBay-FUizRCS8eQlmRF3FKq1ZTxk8yaOuHkWvQtE0_40f-3ufywyMtz1dlcF7hG7KFgPb6uNXKLhBwJ6Fhghx9INzPmgq9sn3aMKLgmuabVRU/s400/pie+birds+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUMMY! Guess who forgot the ice cream & RediWhip?</td></tr>
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Now, if only I could get a picture inside the oven of steam actually coming out of the hole.... You smiled. I know you did. =D<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGg4FeoMguptYRbU-G6GIdYhZ_7tq5dvzF-qvPEaTqpOtSVWPkKt6KYEgCN6eulOSOm99n7VeTsZ710YJ-pgamo6SyhDbtNpnQ9mmfYpZLN2cAndptA_OJo0EWrMPStKf9OLw8emXWT8/s320/mug+056.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119692078/pie-bird-vent-cow-rearend" target="_blank">Click here to see the Etsy listing.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B0Z3oXAd6P52CsrP99x8ZXmoJ3tXTdMcry0yy_TFIYmZklLDv4DSapLceNKlGWdJmhQ5s7QS09doWe3EJBHXQiXV7UYSq-KR3wTpV3S7ua5aS9J3e69N7AAHyEYnVLE64Q2QAzt6Sj8/s1600/mug+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B0Z3oXAd6P52CsrP99x8ZXmoJ3tXTdMcry0yy_TFIYmZklLDv4DSapLceNKlGWdJmhQ5s7QS09doWe3EJBHXQiXV7UYSq-KR3wTpV3S7ua5aS9J3e69N7AAHyEYnVLE64Q2QAzt6Sj8/s320/mug+069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119693073/pie-bird-vent-pig-rearend" target="_blank">Click here to see the Etsy listing.</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-85803307033843464672012-12-27T18:43:00.000-05:002012-12-27T18:56:15.929-05:00Note to Self:Maybe if I write it down this time it'll sink in! I'm sure I did this last year, too. Trying to squeeze just one more order into the last Christmas firing. Can you spell "Stress"? 'Cause I don't have enough I need to give myself a big, fat dose of more. Really? When will I learn? What was Nancy Reagan's motto? "Just say NO!". But they really, really want this birdhouse: "It'll be perfect for Dad!". And an owl bank inscribed for a granddaughter... "NO!" Well, I'm sure I won't be that harsh. Middle-child diplomacy won't let me.<br />
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So, I'm getting it out there now:<br />
<br />
<i>Dear Universe,</i><br />
<i>I hereby declare the cutoff date for custom pottery orders for Christmas of 2013 <u>IS</u> December 1, 2013.</i> <i>This is not to be changed, challenged or forgotten (hopefully) or pain of intense pre-holiday headaches, hair-pulling and hand-wringing will ensue with no sympathy of any kind to be given to the offender.</i><br />
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If I had a stone and chisel I'd etch it in.<br />
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I feel better now getting it out there so I can be held accountable when I'm wondering why big clumps of my suddenly grayer hair are missing next Christmas.<br />
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I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday enjoying family and friends. I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWjLLoxa7pkX9qYpsJO7qbwJZTTvnHEY7HCGD92LxgFXkfbDoRbf0rSJd-7OgQaH2kjn0h3OXjQDyr0FYfbUK8FVBYJ24ZMB3yfWUbDiP4_59Yazboc7dcW3alaszcdFpYR9i18OFn3U/s1600/family+pic+010-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWjLLoxa7pkX9qYpsJO7qbwJZTTvnHEY7HCGD92LxgFXkfbDoRbf0rSJd-7OgQaH2kjn0h3OXjQDyr0FYfbUK8FVBYJ24ZMB3yfWUbDiP4_59Yazboc7dcW3alaszcdFpYR9i18OFn3U/s400/family+pic+010-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-19218920276051131372012-12-02T19:24:00.000-05:002012-12-02T19:24:31.568-05:00Coming off the HighWhat makes you "high"?<br />
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Hopefully, not drugs of any kind (insert disapproving Mom-Stink-Eye here)! I mean a natural high. Something that makes you feel stupid-happy.<br />
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I'm still riding an unexpected high from the craft show we did yesterday. <br />
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Not from packing up the car the night before and feeling I'm forgetting something. <br />
Not from waking up late and missing breakfast. <br />
Not from rushing to set up before the show starts with no caffeinated beverage to fuel me. <br />
Not from realizing what I forgot was one of my main display shelves and having Craig run it out to me (he's the BEST!). <br />
Not from realizing some of my banks didn't have stoppers in them (lucky for me Craig hadn't left the house with the shelves yet). <br />
And definitely not from sitting for the first 2 hours of the show seeing plenty of customers with shopping bags that weren't mine.<br />
<br />
There's always trepidation for me at the start of a show. What if we don't sell anything? Worry and self doubt are familiar companions. <br />
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My mood change started with the first sale. Not a big purchase but it got the ball rolling. A couple of returning customers, which is still new for me, a Christmas order for a hippo bank <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/01/three-out-of-four-isnt-bad.html" target="_blank">(been there, done that!)</a>, more sales than I expected and lots of smiles and complements made for an intoxicating combination, apparently. I was exhausted but high as a kite at the end of the day.<br />
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I guess I'm still humbled that anyone buys our pottery. Maybe it's because I haven't done a show in over 6 months that I'd forgotten the rewarding validation I get from seeing people admire and purchase our pots. That one-on-one interaction is very energizing and inspiring for me.<br />
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Unfortunately, we're not doing anymore shows until next year. So before it wears off I better get to making some hippo banks!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-38041090516940403152012-11-15T20:43:00.000-05:002012-11-15T20:43:52.187-05:00No winner yet!<div style="text-align: center;">
No correct guesses yet!</div>
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Here's your chance!</div>
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Be the first to correctly identify what these are<br />
and win one of your choice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHobYoFNny6oliYEyw3tnEoCADQ8Mh49fjENZtH36LPPS58xGruUODjf0X9XUYvEvdwJxJo0uT-X5WnnVSphx_SWeUd_4GziYW-7EQzpflCrOZqrDuNd4htIQMUPDBGeuqM3yC3Do6ic/s1600/1028+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHobYoFNny6oliYEyw3tnEoCADQ8Mh49fjENZtH36LPPS58xGruUODjf0X9XUYvEvdwJxJo0uT-X5WnnVSphx_SWeUd_4GziYW-7EQzpflCrOZqrDuNd4htIQMUPDBGeuqM3yC3Do6ic/s320/1028+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the original picture<br />
and the first clue is in the comments of <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/10/true-to-form.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd_8el_2OMk_cw1c4-CZQ7-UBowNeFMDThIRIUAf3tHsPHYOLovQZiSspR9h5qMQ0bEwKnciHt3HdGgyh10UFmBNxttqP6ZimmJhr2qVAMF5lRWsop05Ue-ZDeN4toz30Bw_Jij-UMm8/s1600/1107+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd_8el_2OMk_cw1c4-CZQ7-UBowNeFMDThIRIUAf3tHsPHYOLovQZiSspR9h5qMQ0bEwKnciHt3HdGgyh10UFmBNxttqP6ZimmJhr2qVAMF5lRWsop05Ue-ZDeN4toz30Bw_Jij-UMm8/s320/1107+005.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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These are dry and ready<br />
for the bisque firing.</div>
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Any ideas?<br />
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Let's hear 'em!</div>
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And just for chuckles</div>
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Crazy Maddie dreaming of the ultimate belly scratch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOJDOy-7N2-7wZ7cHGqajXTe_6CPKyjLjGCIIPnTn6n3oOIcnczVAbFuTeMAHCBu1g7OU8OHFOYRG-EY4J6nyZxEgfMlxdbdVe1cql54Wr5y0xYsa1GXZsoKYEJ8FtV2B2tKl2JphFR0/s1600/1107+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOJDOy-7N2-7wZ7cHGqajXTe_6CPKyjLjGCIIPnTn6n3oOIcnczVAbFuTeMAHCBu1g7OU8OHFOYRG-EY4J6nyZxEgfMlxdbdVe1cql54Wr5y0xYsa1GXZsoKYEJ8FtV2B2tKl2JphFR0/s400/1107+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-24517311438736701402012-10-28T19:58:00.000-04:002012-11-08T20:37:09.782-05:00True to FormAs usual, my intentions to go into <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/10/its-miracle-i-can-see.html" target="_blank">production mode</a> didn't happen immediately. I thought about it all the time. Intended to get into the studio every night. It just didn't happen. Until today. I managed a mini-production until the Mommy Cab was called into service. While I was out "someone" jumped into the studio and was still there when I got back. So I got distracted by other things like food.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyu3EhXqVcwOf6okroiv5ap2Pe-vX_x0vA58cDaSC9Bv-H-tmHfa5axRq7EQmZiJpFcsEOx89WwWuXveS-lkYrmgu5kYtTuxI9WzrLjmdKlblpXndVKo4EKGHZtSgqrzBjaIkQArqndU/s1600/1028+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyu3EhXqVcwOf6okroiv5ap2Pe-vX_x0vA58cDaSC9Bv-H-tmHfa5axRq7EQmZiJpFcsEOx89WwWuXveS-lkYrmgu5kYtTuxI9WzrLjmdKlblpXndVKo4EKGHZtSgqrzBjaIkQArqndU/s320/1028+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoon rests & soap dishes...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsNT5C8CPFzcGuoX1p6leiic9kx6TBwTkevDo9Ah0qRJcPcgXc3U-PViHk7XGq9j5-9tUD1hxeUjvYF8fgXZhgGFL5E-w9RfVgNIx731gccny-LHKO1tRs7A8BeACg8OethokGY9FroY/s1600/1028+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsNT5C8CPFzcGuoX1p6leiic9kx6TBwTkevDo9Ah0qRJcPcgXc3U-PViHk7XGq9j5-9tUD1hxeUjvYF8fgXZhgGFL5E-w9RfVgNIx731gccny-LHKO1tRs7A8BeACg8OethokGY9FroY/s320/1028+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and ???</td></tr>
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What do you think these are going to be? Keep in mind my slightly twisted sense of humor. They will be slightly altered before being fired but the general shape won't change.<br />
<br />
The first person (family members excluded. Sorry!) to correctly identify what these are will win their choice of a finished one when they're done.<br />
<br />
The battle of wits has begun. It ends when you decide and we both drink, and find out who is right... and who is.... Oops! Hehe! Maybe I've seen The Princess Bride too many times! =D<br />
<br />
Start guessing and good luck! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-49883053122063866972012-10-19T10:15:00.000-04:002012-10-20T08:28:51.088-04:00Out of the Firing and into the FireI unloaded the kiln with our latest glaze firing over a week ago then promptly jumped on a plane (ok, several planes and slept in Dulles airport!) to AZ.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAEwb5yhwOQQemvlQkW8vCEU8hqTPuGoSLmXJTv1DGbGD5sA5-xWpPozAsZYc7rXrmsiq4YHv5doQuHn4M12XuJWk9m7lj6NKONr9qOjG7XCXQjas6LjiCRTJ_2uvxqRkmvbEopos6KA/s1600/bud+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAEwb5yhwOQQemvlQkW8vCEU8hqTPuGoSLmXJTv1DGbGD5sA5-xWpPozAsZYc7rXrmsiq4YHv5doQuHn4M12XuJWk9m7lj6NKONr9qOjG7XCXQjas6LjiCRTJ_2uvxqRkmvbEopos6KA/s320/bud+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful but not green enough for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My mother's been diagnosed with early Alzheimer's and finally consented to move out of her townhouse where she's been living alone and 3 hours away from any family. We found a place 20 minutes from my sister in CO and we all pitched in to pack up her house. It was not fun and very emotional. This is her 3rd and most extreme down sizing since I moved out and, boy, what a lot of STUFF! Not a hoarder or pack-rat by any stretch but.... I'm pretty sure the IRS isn't going to audit a little old lady's 20 year old tax return. =/<br />
<br />
So we sifted a house full down to a trailer full and yesterday was move-in day. Whew! What a load off all of our minds! I'm praying she settles in peacefully and makes some new friends. Getting old SUCKS!<br />
<br />
ANYWHO.... Onto a more pleasant topic. New friends and happy homes came out of the kiln last week and there were a couple of disappointments (typical) but the majority came out great. Another "Whew!".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112643855/flying-pig-bird-house" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e931DUgkMKwGDJST3j9T-7mqSJwSe_nthBBdI7arxEaOiIc1T6s2QNBzuyblLm50jPPpHlylOM_VTD6z9I5ZBipc8bpPPydmaVpBOBeEFmCSkfUOsHNNCrduQO2rJt8DjgTbKbcmPzo/s320/1018+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112643855/flying-pig-bird-house" target="_blank">Pigs Can Fly Bird House</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112551784/cactus-lizard-bird-house-nest-garden-art" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmXQzNmmLrvs2-wFMHyT4BI4XV8YakRz8l0-hvRaDik4-8Md9f90j-3Bje39teWsLwRqglyqibWDy638mHC7Ut5vgibloXX5HoAWY-gt5vCZ_z5Vx90WLZ4jHGExb31Bovb8ma17wDAk/s320/1018+069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112551784/cactus-lizard-bird-house-nest-garden-art" target="_blank">Cactus & Lizard Bird House</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88585984/frog-coin-piggy-bank-in-kiwi-green" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfmVPk-v4k8Tuopoz9qgjjslIh1e8pwm9nQFvUUM_ZK9Op608rS28-RvZInVdVKxhp0e2qR49kV0oWUJUni4TOFZ4w2d5KmA1pfeaVRfqsD8cJk79mXyXY186YRjuULaeRIG_54Kb9wE/s320/1018+102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88585984/frog-coin-piggy-bank-in-kiwi-green" target="_blank">Fat Frog Bank</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYkj4Xklj15OBFv_Vsk6PuK5C5VQyii0X_7Ri8BaFAGTLD088uDt8KLWczGxu2-2iAzwTKr6_Ti7GkkgPfmQFD3gL8mVzDO63K99-JGIwaTrJC3HjJit53yVj67591tT4riJ1U_0s2yo/s1600/1018+119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYkj4Xklj15OBFv_Vsk6PuK5C5VQyii0X_7Ri8BaFAGTLD088uDt8KLWczGxu2-2iAzwTKr6_Ti7GkkgPfmQFD3gL8mVzDO63K99-JGIwaTrJC3HjJit53yVj67591tT4riJ1U_0s2yo/s320/1018+119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Tone Turtle Bank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
More to come when the sun starts cooperating and I can get more pictures done (I really need to get a better photo setup.). Stay tuned, boys and girls!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-74802235929428596422012-10-03T21:51:00.000-04:002012-10-03T21:51:39.278-04:00It's a miracle! I can see!How many times over the course of your life do you have moments of divine clarity? You know. Those "Ah ha!"s when you can see your future a little more clearly. When your path is a little more defined. When the little light bulb in your brain shines a little bit brighter because you've identified your purpose. Those moments for me are pretty rare.<br />
<br />
It's common knowledge that in order to make a living as a full-time potter you have to do production pieces. Everyday household items that have mass appeal and can be produced quickly and inexpensively. I've resisted this path partly from pride, boredom and lack of time (especially recently). Who wants to make the same dull thing over and over and over? Craig likes making mugs and bowls but not me! I love making my little friends with occasional housewares mixed in. But not everyone's in the market for cute bird houses or banks. And Craig rarely gets into the studio these days. What's a potter to do?<br />
<br />
After abysmal internet sales over the summer (granted, I've let my inventory dwindle) and only one show scheduled for the fall (too much other stuff going on) I've been feeling that I've got to shake things up. <br />
<br />
When I look back over the last year or so in my pottery business the message as been there: Do production pots. Crystal clear, plain as day. But I'm stubborn. I'm gonna do it my way. If I make it they will come (and buy it). Right. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"How's that working out for ya, smarty pants?" </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
--Wee Little Devil on My Shoulder</div>
<br />
<br />
Sunday Craig and I went to the <a href="http://www.petersvalley.org/html/annual_fall_craft_fair.cfm" target="_blank">Peters Valley Fall Craft fair</a>. There were more potters there than usual so loads of inspiration. I got to talking with this one fella who wasn't having a very good weekend. He had done the show last year and did pretty well but this year he hadn't even covered his booth fee ($$$). His items were primitive sculptures and wall masks. He pointed to another potter down the row from him who he said was doing very well. That guy was selling.... you know it: mugs, bowls, platters, etc. So this guy (I can't believe I never got his name or a card!) said he was gonna try again next year but he'll have one side of his booth with housewares and the other side with his art pieces.<br />
<br />
So my clarifying moment came on the way home when Craig and I were discussing this and the prospect of doing such a big show. I think seeing the sharp contrast between the success of the two potters at the show really drove it home for me. Sometimes I can be a little thick and it takes getting whacked over the head with something like the side of a barn before it sinks in enough to register. If I'm gonna be a profitable potter and grow my business I need to conform and do production. (heavy sigh)<br />
<br />
The truth of the matter is if your market won't come to you, you need to go to your market.
This doesn't mean I'm giving up on what I love to make. It just means I
need to focus more on what people are more likely to buy. I'll just have to work my quirkiness into the dull stuff to make it more fun for me and my customers. I have to remind myself that as much as I love when others love my little characters I get just as much pleasure out of someone loving one of my mugs. There is a very personal connection between the maker and the receiver when something you've lovingly crafted with your own hands gets passed into someone's loving and appreciative hands. <br />
<br />
Now, where did I leave my glasses?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-52518330470726589212012-09-16T18:52:00.000-04:002012-09-16T19:04:21.808-04:00Faith, Family, Friends and FootballBlue Jean Baby.... As much as I love summer and the warm weather there's something comforting about slipping back into my jeans on that first too-cool-for-shorts morning. Although my teen years were spent in the hey day of Jordache and Sergio Valente I was a steadfast Levis girl and still am. Honestly, I think if I could have afforded the designer jeans I would have gotten myself some Calvin's but I now thank my empty purse of yesteryear for sparing me the pain of seeing myself in old pictures sporting a butt billboard.<br />
<br />
We have our second pottery class this week. The first one went really well and they're coming back for more! That's always a good sign. We went through very basic clay physics and properties. I did a demo and then they got muddy. I probably would have been much more nervous but these are ladies that I've known for years and they knew it was my first class so they were gentle with me. <br />
<br />
The weekend-long tribute to my father-in-law was amazing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKntluFP_ncRiu0xBEyolODGjDdy284Pb1wtgjh1OZoiagFXwmix_4ZxHk3IhAo0m2vKy7aG-emtZ-EdPua0Nn3ozTK0H7VYO7-yo7dnPLTT31Kqeba8-ce9R_sLtsceJiJfGMezPU27s/s1600/Alf's+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKntluFP_ncRiu0xBEyolODGjDdy284Pb1wtgjh1OZoiagFXwmix_4ZxHk3IhAo0m2vKy7aG-emtZ-EdPua0Nn3ozTK0H7VYO7-yo7dnPLTT31Kqeba8-ce9R_sLtsceJiJfGMezPU27s/s320/Alf's+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Included is an image taken from the portrait that started the ball rolling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Al Nicholas started the football program at Mount Olive HS back in 1972 and still holds the record for most winning seasons. The impact he had on his players was overwhelmingly apparent when we heard stories of how these now grown men have taken Coach Nick's principals and applied them to their lives. Many of them now coach school sports and are passing those principals on to their players. What a legacy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8EKMuzeNsXR8xDvKztGhwS72R9QnZiXQZ5o-gUlNopxsCOYQc6hyTzQEnh2F9rZceZI0RgADzJV9hCvzYRzazBQCa9m5ooEo2_SZFvDYqPR-M0CKKQdZFEDCTUmXKij2JcoSsUiEaEw/s1600/tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8EKMuzeNsXR8xDvKztGhwS72R9QnZiXQZ5o-gUlNopxsCOYQc6hyTzQEnh2F9rZceZI0RgADzJV9hCvzYRzazBQCa9m5ooEo2_SZFvDYqPR-M0CKKQdZFEDCTUmXKij2JcoSsUiEaEw/s320/tshirt.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-shirts made specially for the occasion.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNdm1ZoLVt4FwlQJoqWhUv_BHU4wt4Eesc212g0dDAxSWsnvBKXENMGPTyQeM1c8baFJFX-9hz9xDgNP2D2-4hDv67DrJCya3GzrtTj6R84xlcH99rjhKnXKS1e162M1yusUwP_Drq00/s1600/boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNdm1ZoLVt4FwlQJoqWhUv_BHU4wt4Eesc212g0dDAxSWsnvBKXENMGPTyQeM1c8baFJFX-9hz9xDgNP2D2-4hDv67DrJCya3GzrtTj6R84xlcH99rjhKnXKS1e162M1yusUwP_Drq00/s320/boys.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boys with their proud Grandpa and a squashed Mom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And, no, I haven't started glazing yet. Sheesh!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-9448142195332579622012-09-05T21:12:00.001-04:002012-09-05T21:16:07.831-04:00Good Things are a'Comin'I just wanted to share a quick post to show you the latest bisque firing....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22zFqBICvlEOegNfHELpOf92sG06GPyW921mFgcsaRylIsLy6yx-NZFwAZ351BLl_9LFuNyULL78SHOdBhlgdTk-ckaFdVTrmyhwyFjK_g3th8al18iHV2znEMvYESVZ3N4gUCoTkUYs/s1600/aug+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22zFqBICvlEOegNfHELpOf92sG06GPyW921mFgcsaRylIsLy6yx-NZFwAZ351BLl_9LFuNyULL78SHOdBhlgdTk-ckaFdVTrmyhwyFjK_g3th8al18iHV2znEMvYESVZ3N4gUCoTkUYs/s400/aug+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdhouses, bowls, leaf dishes, banks and mugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
.... and let you know what's coming up this week.<br />
<br />
We're giving our very first pottery class tomorrow night (very, very exciting!) and ALL of the in-laws are coming in for the weekend. You would think "Not so exciting." but actually it is. There's no room at the "inn" so they're staying at the local B&B so that isn't exciting but it's less stress for me. It's been many years since we've had the honor of all of them visiting at once. It's gonna get loud!<br />
<br />
The reason for the invasion? Craig's dad is being honored for being an inspiring coach and roll model in <a href="http://www.mtoliveboe.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=303" target="_blank">Mount Olive HS</a> football. Some of the alumni and former football players have organized a weekend of activities and surprises starting at the season's opening game this Friday. So you can imagine we'll be a little busy.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, I'll get some pots glazed but I'm not optimistic.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lmQfql4TEPF_uIjU0yfC0Fc6Xx4xOYeloAswKrNau7days5fd4LwHzmRCmTE2hi1ZpOAuVkhVftcQFu1FwaEkyE_AqgHhhDIi0KRir13jgBLjWO72cgyxlx8MDwUV2voNE-hZowLtAg/s1600/aug+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lmQfql4TEPF_uIjU0yfC0Fc6Xx4xOYeloAswKrNau7days5fd4LwHzmRCmTE2hi1ZpOAuVkhVftcQFu1FwaEkyE_AqgHhhDIi0KRir13jgBLjWO72cgyxlx8MDwUV2voNE-hZowLtAg/s320/aug+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sunflowers are fading but the sedum and mums are gorgeous!<br />
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Everyone's enjoying the sedum. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-46417426912346813352012-08-30T12:38:00.000-04:002012-08-30T12:38:52.873-04:00Where are the BRAKES?!?!Well, the "Limbo" is securely behind us and it's now full speed ahead! We had the meeting with the town board. Maybe we shouldn't have been so surprised, but what a nice bunch of people! They were very receptive, made some good suggestions and were generally very supportive of local merchants. There were just a couple of minor items to clarify about the parking spaces and determining any DEP restrictions (which could prove to be not so minor) since we're right across the street from the <a href="http://www.musconetcong.org/" target="_blank">Musconetcong</a> River. But we're pretty confident the next meeting will be the last and everything will be "ok'd".<br />
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Oh, yeah! And the sign is up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjCJy2lBgCKjkrpvErMQA11AlgVAKYI-yNOlWyxgzhvRzIl5Q_-wfLLnO6utfT7iP5IFu7EMlO0NuKKGMizPRh7ISKHdH0Pc24VB2vHTsO-twdRWQ5Dt464-JBlHeGNp5XU7webKn7HU/s1600/web+lot+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjCJy2lBgCKjkrpvErMQA11AlgVAKYI-yNOlWyxgzhvRzIl5Q_-wfLLnO6utfT7iP5IFu7EMlO0NuKKGMizPRh7ISKHdH0Pc24VB2vHTsO-twdRWQ5Dt464-JBlHeGNp5XU7webKn7HU/s400/web+lot+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking pretty professional!</td></tr>
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On the pottery side, not so "full speed" anything! I've decided to skip the craft show circuit this fall. Between the new business and family activity I'm just not comfortable booking my time on anything else. It's been years since I've done the Working-Mom-of-Three routine and now my sedate little life has been tossed into high gear and I'm a bit slow adjusting. So rather than get in over my head I'll leave me some breathing room, thank you very much.<br />
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I'm still getting into the studio on occasion to get the inventory up for the holiday shopping season on our website. The kiln is slowly filling up. So, not to worry, I'm still getting my therapy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com2Port Murray, NJ 07865, USA40.7894082 -74.915031340.7413202 -74.9939953 40.8374962 -74.8360673tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-53876071837894116872012-08-03T09:43:00.000-04:002012-08-05T09:49:35.297-04:00Limbo, limbo!Too much going on and nothing happening. Everything seems to be in the process or patiently waiting. Even the birdhouses are still waiting to be loaded into the kiln. They're taking forever to dry in our lovely, humid NJ weather. And here, I was afraid they'd dry too fast! Silly me.<br />
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We finally got our Used Car Dealer license. Can I get a "whoop, whoop"? However, we still don't have the sign up (small town bureaucracy!) and are going to have to get the town board to amend our property use so we can have more than 10 cars for sale. It's ridiculous the hoops they make you jump through but we have to play nice to get what we need! You would think the town would be tripping over themselves to encourage small businesses to move into vacant buildings. You would think. =/<br />
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Taking a break from the madness to enjoy some of God's handiwork.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqbwPYrRaj7h56ybD07F0RMB2_NO0lVIybk4EsjQQ4wQopATf4Gzi0i5weuU8cT7B9AIt91gjQDBtTUQDZGXG5_gbEwybSL5BFHJLXfsmcAn7BAG3pUBIaGbxAc4LRdax0tOEbxHxL5Y/s1600/bh+forms+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqbwPYrRaj7h56ybD07F0RMB2_NO0lVIybk4EsjQQ4wQopATf4Gzi0i5weuU8cT7B9AIt91gjQDBtTUQDZGXG5_gbEwybSL5BFHJLXfsmcAn7BAG3pUBIaGbxAc4LRdax0tOEbxHxL5Y/s320/bh+forms+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These re-seeded from the half dozen I planted last year. For scale - the fence is 6 ft.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCz55kMRJuznO-m6Rlw0z3GWUvFgQloFtvF6zZ7EVP2Jqhqc4r0EWm-ih1SWYPT624LwVLrVr_EdRuIg7D5YNrlXmSsVI6cHtBGm9uRoG-VeWFpA69sT9KneLlfRk8-FFDVXlZT8uhyphenhyphenA/s1600/bh+forms+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCz55kMRJuznO-m6Rlw0z3GWUvFgQloFtvF6zZ7EVP2Jqhqc4r0EWm-ih1SWYPT624LwVLrVr_EdRuIg7D5YNrlXmSsVI6cHtBGm9uRoG-VeWFpA69sT9KneLlfRk8-FFDVXlZT8uhyphenhyphenA/s320/bh+forms+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the different color combos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never realized how hard it is to take pics of butterflies! Kudos to those who have the patience for it.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-37961615931273241032012-07-20T19:47:00.000-04:002012-07-20T19:47:53.487-04:00Bogged Down in the MireWow! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. There's so much that's been going on:<br />
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<li>Getting the new dealership licensed (any day now!), office set up, computers installed, etc., etc., etc....</li>
<li>Awesome trip to VA with <a href="http://asphome.org/Display.asp?Page=DiscoverHome" target="_blank">ASP</a> (detailed post to follow)</li>
<li>Ailing parents =(</li>
<li>Summer gatherings =)</li>
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Somehow, I did manage to squeeze in finishing up some of the birdhouses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOprdt8K5dx96W3HcMJXJhu7mGID2QXtzGw0nJZILu7Yuj4g3ELRGFM5IVPlKw50oPbE1lTAoRQ3iiYcsdFft-3cBaup1TeqkfZFKqjuGqATY3sihUaI7jJolsUMd4P92q3Uk26zwc_c/s1600/bh+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOprdt8K5dx96W3HcMJXJhu7mGID2QXtzGw0nJZILu7Yuj4g3ELRGFM5IVPlKw50oPbE1lTAoRQ3iiYcsdFft-3cBaup1TeqkfZFKqjuGqATY3sihUaI7jJolsUMd4P92q3Uk26zwc_c/s320/bh+001.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Cattails and dragonfly on the textured vessel. I'm liking this look more and more.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZt6EhoNiQT6vTCNOphZ0VaJwxUqm09Pgry_CSzr9DfO7pf0B6CFJLDjDC63sVoTkz1YabKZHzslySL80hJzyW9kB2elJ0A4cgVldTkkSh5wFwMlVyTkHxZhqgtHgZ-Cae7bVXPKdsBk/s1600/bh+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZt6EhoNiQT6vTCNOphZ0VaJwxUqm09Pgry_CSzr9DfO7pf0B6CFJLDjDC63sVoTkz1YabKZHzslySL80hJzyW9kB2elJ0A4cgVldTkkSh5wFwMlVyTkHxZhqgtHgZ-Cae7bVXPKdsBk/s320/bh+004.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfrBXG_ZPBEWIoQonWe3ZMkA89hd2UfCam3uN3fjaW2bmxXwJQG88uGfZ9nb-7Et5oc78OTXm-Tk4983AD6ak_nW_wcTtiaY_lmXvx1Xes65NYRfjtKs0593qiVrYOpoWvtiFNw51fdE/s1600/bh+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfrBXG_ZPBEWIoQonWe3ZMkA89hd2UfCam3uN3fjaW2bmxXwJQG88uGfZ9nb-7Et5oc78OTXm-Tk4983AD6ak_nW_wcTtiaY_lmXvx1Xes65NYRfjtKs0593qiVrYOpoWvtiFNw51fdE/s320/bh+003.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Cacti and gecko (new design) <br />
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This is the hippo. I'm not loving him. I should have made the nostrils bigger. If I don't trash him, hopefully, he'll look more like a hippo and less like a long faced bear when he's glazed gray.<br />
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Unfortunately, several are still sitting wrapped in plastic, untouched except for the occasional re-wetting spritz. At this point, I'm pretty sure they're too dry and a lost cause. So they'll end up being <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/05/recycle-recycle-reclaim.html" target="_blank">reclaimed</a>. Oh well, the only waste was my time. Shame on me.<br />
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I hope you're all having a safe, relaxing summer. And as they say in Appalachia - 'Ppreciate Y'all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com0Port Murray, Mansfield Township, NJ 07865, USA40.7869184 -74.916180640.7748959 -74.9359216 40.7989409 -74.896439600000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898163152232493343.post-51712327541389805352012-06-24T21:23:00.000-04:002012-07-18T07:24:31.631-04:00Birdhouse Factory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've finally taken some "me" time to make something with all of the <a href="http://thistlebeepottery.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-was-i.html" target="_blank">reclaimed clay</a> that's been sitting in bags getting perfect. Considering how infrequently I've thrown lately I was pretty surprised that I went 6 for 6 with the birdhouses. The one on the far left almost went south when the sides got too thin hence the odd shape. I'm thinking a hippo....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq95Q4jTXed1L3LGrRJS0E6_dHXUeml8g5xv0KV1hT3z8hoEzsaQIkxh8nVZ5SZ2XwxaVA3BWG3FyKzmi39NXyu6brQrvXMRbLyza7vhVxqmhRpoLFae1VV73pqcvsBuk8K2E74wQIu6w/s1600/bh+forms+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq95Q4jTXed1L3LGrRJS0E6_dHXUeml8g5xv0KV1hT3z8hoEzsaQIkxh8nVZ5SZ2XwxaVA3BWG3FyKzmi39NXyu6brQrvXMRbLyza7vhVxqmhRpoLFae1VV73pqcvsBuk8K2E74wQIu6w/s320/bh+forms+010.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I had seen this slip technique in a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=954_Sdr1rWk" target="_blank">couple of videos</a> lately and gave it a try on the first birdhouse. I'll be doing one of the Garden Series with this one. I wasn't sure I liked it until I had put all six of the forms together and this one just sang to me. The slip gives it a great sense of motion that really appeals to me. But, being the conservative adventurer that I am, I won't be switching over to this look until I see how it looks when it's finished.</div>
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Tomorrow, schedule and drying status permitting, I'll be making these boring forms into some animal and garden birdhouses.</div>
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Stay tuned!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554057011039452943noreply@blogger.com2