Reclaim It

A clay studio can be quite messy (mine included). Part of the reason is that occassionally (I'm not telling how often) a piece gets messed up while we are making it on the wheel or when the finishing touches are put on before letting it dry. The dilemma, especially for a small shop like mine, is what to do with it?

When I win the MegaMillions I can invest in a pugmill or a mixer, but until then, I have to make due with what I have. I use found/borrowed/claimed 5 gallon buckets and put all of the dry bits of clay in it, fill it with water and let the water do the work. The water breaks down the big chunks back into little particles. After it's broken down then I work on getting the water back out. Plaster is fabulous for this. It wicks up the moisture and leaves you with some fabulous clay. Of course, there are a few other steps you have to take to make sure it's a good working consistency, but you get the point. It's a great way too save on clay costs and to keep from just throwing it away.

The juice is flowing

I bought a couple of oranges at the store so i could try out the citrus juicer. I do believe it is a success! Expect to see it on my website soon.

Final Product

I realized that I didn't post any pics of the finished platter that I created for the Banded Together Event. I'm impressed that I actually remembered this time! lol Hand-painted logo with underglazes and then a clear glaze over top.

Let's make Juice!

The juicer has been fired and glazed:) I've got to buy an orange yet to test how well it works - more info to come. Here are pics of the finished product. What do you think?

Busy Bee

I'm one of the sponsor's at the Banded Together charity event this Saturday. I've been busy making new things and working on the platter that will be auctioned at the event (fingers crossed this one makes it through the firing - it's platter #2). Also notice the new form I'm working on - the juicer:)

It's a Blog Hop!

Cutstom Mugs

Here are the results of the recent firing. I'm now taking orders for Christmas. Other teams/logos are available depending on request.

Custom Mugs

Wedding gifts to our attendants and family, got me started on team mugs. I mostly did "O's" and one "M" and have branched out and am working on a "FS" mug. I create a stencil for the letter(s) on the front and made custom stamps to imprint into the bottom part of the handle (the funny looking tree is actually a spear - it should look better after it is glazed). Each stencil is hand painted - I'm no pinstriper, but I'm getting better.