tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31169103065205289152024-03-13T21:37:28.482-04:00meesh's potteryConversations about pottery...and anywhere else it takes us.Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.comBlogger1352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-84969061609219245742021-05-03T09:49:00.000-04:002021-05-03T09:49:05.552-04:00The latest in pottery<p> We have been firing every two to three weeks. Our goal is to try to get orders back to a 4-6 week delivery time. Now that our shop is open 4 days a week, we will need to make pots to restock the shelves as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OM6GRYAQr0aRIGjsD6ns9hQY52v8-HlWEGt52Vnw1kKNHzb_ZABR5xKUqtL7dXfWfjNXmQfJbHWUhO8qQ-qjUVn1itQNp7oxv_dmcMD4R-7PDhMC6GtyXdK3-uT4xzg7soLnfi5n6q8/s2971/IMG_20210502_161041713_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2519" data-original-width="2971" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OM6GRYAQr0aRIGjsD6ns9hQY52v8-HlWEGt52Vnw1kKNHzb_ZABR5xKUqtL7dXfWfjNXmQfJbHWUhO8qQ-qjUVn1itQNp7oxv_dmcMD4R-7PDhMC6GtyXdK3-uT4xzg7soLnfi5n6q8/w400-h339/IMG_20210502_161041713_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had an order for a Bull piggy bank. They buyer didn't want white with black spots so we settled on this combination. I am really pleased with the results. They raise cattle so this is going to be sitting in their kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This glaze is so hard to photograph. I thought it would be easier outside but I still got the reflection of the trees and sky. We have a dulling spray for photographing shiny glazes. I think I will give that a try to get some better photos before he is off to his new home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPy8ZJEmn9t06aEAq03Y5ot31OsrnJrj2iSeXsCPmJzrM8eHrUCgKsw9XJFmr4roZKnBeec-n0Ch3gOezYldDriyd5P7BP2XoyffnsE7R8x4nKnCp5pPdU9lByJvlQisSJkcBS1Q0WgUs/s2048/IMG_20210501_133418814_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1715" data-original-width="2048" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPy8ZJEmn9t06aEAq03Y5ot31OsrnJrj2iSeXsCPmJzrM8eHrUCgKsw9XJFmr4roZKnBeec-n0Ch3gOezYldDriyd5P7BP2XoyffnsE7R8x4nKnCp5pPdU9lByJvlQisSJkcBS1Q0WgUs/w400-h335/IMG_20210501_133418814_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hadn't made coasters in a long time. A friend of a collector contacted us and ordered a set to give her as a gift. Once I am in the rhythm of making these, I like to make a bunch. The bottoms are covered with cork to protect furniture. I hope to get more in the next firing. They are great for filling up space. They can be stacked on top of each other since the glaze is only on the interior.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIPlF0twTaLC4i4eJQVRWlvxe7fyTxmFRMUffuGR6Cw9a9cgGiU8Xt9Juk3Eg9XtEs6MHFFxfAzns9wxjR01QftyaJdg62demKLoSp2QSBiBZ4zegvuyBGcS50e1lB17Kvb0LXPND2y4/s2048/IMG_20210501_133312127_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIPlF0twTaLC4i4eJQVRWlvxe7fyTxmFRMUffuGR6Cw9a9cgGiU8Xt9Juk3Eg9XtEs6MHFFxfAzns9wxjR01QftyaJdg62demKLoSp2QSBiBZ4zegvuyBGcS50e1lB17Kvb0LXPND2y4/w400-h295/IMG_20210501_133312127_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather has been so nice here in Seagrove, that it's been difficult to stay inside and work. The gardens are constantly calling us!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-11069572982875283142021-04-27T14:05:00.000-04:002021-04-27T14:05:10.579-04:00Garden Inspired<p> Last week I completed another tiny accordion fold book made from playing cards.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs4IKgMPnz6Z46Er_YJ1cfafytlZV94bkpxO5T12iujy_303nGn01XyfMuhR3ESKOGjgmrQSJCcYm6yK5CYyYPi3AU2SLHgsFNeBH2GnYyhGgHcQZlDDb1fDgdbW63iv1gxMqfPeXX4Q/s3220/IMG_20210425_091823566_HDR-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3220" data-original-width="2734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs4IKgMPnz6Z46Er_YJ1cfafytlZV94bkpxO5T12iujy_303nGn01XyfMuhR3ESKOGjgmrQSJCcYm6yK5CYyYPi3AU2SLHgsFNeBH2GnYyhGgHcQZlDDb1fDgdbW63iv1gxMqfPeXX4Q/w340-h400/IMG_20210425_091823566_HDR-01.jpeg" width="340" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbYIzgnSYnLHF32WfZYJREl1ogSspFwBV87K2oTU1jDZ1RfE_i1nhzvwOJBwBAawv4GtqKQAFLhcuA1vYG5geiwQMhvrBmwpboWh_oeqOI7dnNR5HpZK1nGZgSI_31Wz9mgRKpdxOO5s/s3710/IMG_20210425_091919197_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2390" data-original-width="3710" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbYIzgnSYnLHF32WfZYJREl1ogSspFwBV87K2oTU1jDZ1RfE_i1nhzvwOJBwBAawv4GtqKQAFLhcuA1vYG5geiwQMhvrBmwpboWh_oeqOI7dnNR5HpZK1nGZgSI_31Wz9mgRKpdxOO5s/w400-h258/IMG_20210425_091919197_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaybstHAfivNXl44OmS2l9DIUpPV3KJAIIr1N-bbfnGfjj9tuuDTGwAGt5HXXqc86r20mY2LxKaaNCFS3HPUjNJwcMeCLFNC74EF3nPf6Vvcr_cPxoaH5rUgqZ_rXaFNRNERWt1lyIsRY/s3300/IMG_20210425_091957406_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2897" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaybstHAfivNXl44OmS2l9DIUpPV3KJAIIr1N-bbfnGfjj9tuuDTGwAGt5HXXqc86r20mY2LxKaaNCFS3HPUjNJwcMeCLFNC74EF3nPf6Vvcr_cPxoaH5rUgqZ_rXaFNRNERWt1lyIsRY/w351-h400/IMG_20210425_091957406_HDR.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The garden papers that I am using came from a miniature book of papers that I found online. It was so adorable that I had to buy it. It's about 2" x 1 3/4".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnewGGyPfdZZNMIbRKBMEGZwt_H-8BlMiS2QsSO49WbOS0K9hunJdfZblkN0umcUufVc_Nn4s0xwL5YtiM7EPgXU0e-stVwR6J7vdavC7o3B1aHOsXWvjhLSCpFz3U4Pyh06xQ1YNgBjk/s2516/IMG_20210427_133944388_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2375" data-original-width="2516" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnewGGyPfdZZNMIbRKBMEGZwt_H-8BlMiS2QsSO49WbOS0K9hunJdfZblkN0umcUufVc_Nn4s0xwL5YtiM7EPgXU0e-stVwR6J7vdavC7o3B1aHOsXWvjhLSCpFz3U4Pyh06xQ1YNgBjk/w400-h378/IMG_20210427_133944388_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NkbB7x8FZrS9VvRB7AzyicwsUbvr5ceFqTd3z3olJLeujDMYAvBeFWIA9Bsu8txZu3eLw1TWt35Cx8WFT43kRdeLOPXm4sDy60SfZDzlYIZBIsLKT3OgiTpX7II5VyFTZn3xNIWYfuo/s2968/IMG_20210427_134159035_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2968" data-original-width="2706" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NkbB7x8FZrS9VvRB7AzyicwsUbvr5ceFqTd3z3olJLeujDMYAvBeFWIA9Bsu8txZu3eLw1TWt35Cx8WFT43kRdeLOPXm4sDy60SfZDzlYIZBIsLKT3OgiTpX7II5VyFTZn3xNIWYfuo/w365-h400/IMG_20210427_134159035_HDR.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowroTVkjr0OXaZgZDP-noXOjx6YJPdAes1pOo2AAKE9OBigCdEvXPfXZ7oAoYKUY0Kdf_yJO6UVDap8EinVYUTgCTA1lNwlTVTwQ7bj_rAX_4ZXk-pVJZwOpy-xlqU8lr3EBu8IHWORM/s3448/IMG_20210427_134143730_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="2854" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowroTVkjr0OXaZgZDP-noXOjx6YJPdAes1pOo2AAKE9OBigCdEvXPfXZ7oAoYKUY0Kdf_yJO6UVDap8EinVYUTgCTA1lNwlTVTwQ7bj_rAX_4ZXk-pVJZwOpy-xlqU8lr3EBu8IHWORM/w331-h400/IMG_20210427_134143730_HDR.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzmr8kGWXCLjA81rhEzrAg-Syu_PX8sH1Ooc4qI7tK3GNTSdKHzMORWr13ujAoalMBzmjN8arDFmsZDxEXgo7uKvhU4oAddu-PfIwDUw7VwPERNBfjgUVFji-pcARsy7Or6Y30SZ_mOw/s3480/IMG_20210427_134029913_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3480" data-original-width="2676" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzmr8kGWXCLjA81rhEzrAg-Syu_PX8sH1Ooc4qI7tK3GNTSdKHzMORWr13ujAoalMBzmjN8arDFmsZDxEXgo7uKvhU4oAddu-PfIwDUw7VwPERNBfjgUVFji-pcARsy7Or6Y30SZ_mOw/w308-h400/IMG_20210427_134029913_HDR.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The papers are quite eclectic and there are quite a few fun ones. Some of the papers are translucent. There are so many that it will probably take me years to use them all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-79623899363104204472021-04-14T09:11:00.002-04:002021-04-14T10:05:23.576-04:00Dreams of Travel<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXZL8dUfzehTdDuME8DPijTaqvm0nc95OOUUQW9HECD50tICUMU6LE2rocl_2FKj01Bv-CKkIU6NoEYzmRvrIJZe82nXHF2UX-kSRB_oJOR4nsqgHZDGxsoPnzGL_EUghiNwVVkAw728/s2846/IMG_20210414_083331399_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2617" data-original-width="2846" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXZL8dUfzehTdDuME8DPijTaqvm0nc95OOUUQW9HECD50tICUMU6LE2rocl_2FKj01Bv-CKkIU6NoEYzmRvrIJZe82nXHF2UX-kSRB_oJOR4nsqgHZDGxsoPnzGL_EUghiNwVVkAw728/w400-h368/IMG_20210414_083331399_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I enjoyed every minute that I spent creating this little accordion folded piece! I am not sure what to call it. Is it a card or perhaps just a tiny bit of art? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6SldZ6lXeouEEiSlxNXk-Y3zqTPwuI0R04U4n_7uw699RKUUKdFRA1S6APsHahGT0ecoohUkQH0OULcOPTEY2ftzzLBzB5qNhLh1MbfXIxB-mQXN-lrVFt6kW02Teutr6i39LjN1-eE/s3525/IMG_20210414_083202740_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="3525" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6SldZ6lXeouEEiSlxNXk-Y3zqTPwuI0R04U4n_7uw699RKUUKdFRA1S6APsHahGT0ecoohUkQH0OULcOPTEY2ftzzLBzB5qNhLh1MbfXIxB-mQXN-lrVFt6kW02Teutr6i39LjN1-eE/w400-h290/IMG_20210414_083202740_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> When I started to create, I envisioned an imaginary passport that would take me on a trip to France.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The core of the project was created with playing cards that I covered in gesso and then connected using bits of cloth and washi tape. The collage was created using a combination of wine bottle labels, flowers from a tiny book of papers, and stamps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4fO241J4RUHGtFXTSqenebubLy_18WBplOJemuamiEKmemXvJeT5G4qCIhWzTt0w7UdMDuLNb4yHbaFBMv2QDCCZxnfSecb68twz4FDp8-g-A0pWA9EU2X-jnXMwtzwOZA1AYaYhyphenhyphenf0/s3600/IMG_20210414_083226628_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="3600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4fO241J4RUHGtFXTSqenebubLy_18WBplOJemuamiEKmemXvJeT5G4qCIhWzTt0w7UdMDuLNb4yHbaFBMv2QDCCZxnfSecb68twz4FDp8-g-A0pWA9EU2X-jnXMwtzwOZA1AYaYhyphenhyphenf0/w400-h309/IMG_20210414_083226628_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wanted a vintage feel so on the opposite side I applied crackle paste and lightly applied a gold wax paste. I used distress ink on other areas, including the ribbon, to give it that aged appearance.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDENukvTJD03SKHJkV-yIANMRa9e51fjVTScXzB-ljzuqYBrBQHbXPMpiY_4QAnfM5e0MO64LULDpdkUWytTPezVdc89rScXt0pozL-dyaF8ex3Nt7YLiKd8PoTs3JnXTT-ePI3NYOL5c/s2832/IMG_20210414_083343984_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2737" data-original-width="2832" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDENukvTJD03SKHJkV-yIANMRa9e51fjVTScXzB-ljzuqYBrBQHbXPMpiY_4QAnfM5e0MO64LULDpdkUWytTPezVdc89rScXt0pozL-dyaF8ex3Nt7YLiKd8PoTs3JnXTT-ePI3NYOL5c/w400-h386/IMG_20210414_083343984_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeff cleaned out a drawer the other day and found a few more old boxes of playing cards. He has donated them to my cause. Now I am waiting for a delivery of assorted, cancelled world postage stamps. I ordered them for $2.00 from an Etsy seller. I can't wait to start creating with them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-14083054818197147422021-04-04T10:54:00.000-04:002021-04-04T10:54:18.287-04:00Travelers Notebook<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21q-4OtH32YXsaoJMMv9YY760mRHfY0_cMz3io9PBcDBQLBj02ghhn6vEW1IRQevTtm6jbi1nd0B3mvKd85JMuUkvgKhC_az9GyFq9NxT4sfr-PKphfKX0oseoTedXfqkKzcNeCBBy60/s3769/IMG_20210404_095531385_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2897" data-original-width="3769" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21q-4OtH32YXsaoJMMv9YY760mRHfY0_cMz3io9PBcDBQLBj02ghhn6vEW1IRQevTtm6jbi1nd0B3mvKd85JMuUkvgKhC_az9GyFq9NxT4sfr-PKphfKX0oseoTedXfqkKzcNeCBBy60/w400-h308/IMG_20210404_095531385_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My latest book binding project was a midori aka travelers notebook. If you aren't familiar with this type of notebook, it's a cover utilizing elastic cord to hold the signatures and also to wrap around for a closure. Traditionally the covers are made of leather. The elastic cord allows you to add and remove signatures as needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80dX7wVYpBWp0y0EozqUrMMgEPkrTsGB2A1jaC_0q-KsskAn63nT7G0m5Ho2Nc2I62vsl_x8AAqJeSK6qQRUg827nazCVKC_6SuIs3g5Q1cMmBeJC3w5kX0MDl_CzPPgDb5mPZV75Hes/s3153/IMG_20210404_095750544_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2255" data-original-width="3153" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80dX7wVYpBWp0y0EozqUrMMgEPkrTsGB2A1jaC_0q-KsskAn63nT7G0m5Ho2Nc2I62vsl_x8AAqJeSK6qQRUg827nazCVKC_6SuIs3g5Q1cMmBeJC3w5kX0MDl_CzPPgDb5mPZV75Hes/w400-h286/IMG_20210404_095750544_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made my cover out of a cracker box that I covered with gel print papers. The signatures were assembled and saddle stitched using copy paper scraps that I save when printing shipping labels. I try to print two labels per page to prevent waste but occasionally one item needs to be shipped so I have a stack of half sheets next to the paper cutter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6AekejgC_wSpS1gZd0FtEB6VmTXu3PgM_VPaxphAvkTbmOvYITdJX8N88OMK5kdBoDZuRbLTd1eQqTLD6ftAlBuvmWZafocVmxy8Zn6c9-GnoZOe8qEYw0GjQ1GBVOK41JMbCAH9rd8/s3066/IMG_20210404_095818861_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2573" data-original-width="3066" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6AekejgC_wSpS1gZd0FtEB6VmTXu3PgM_VPaxphAvkTbmOvYITdJX8N88OMK5kdBoDZuRbLTd1eQqTLD6ftAlBuvmWZafocVmxy8Zn6c9-GnoZOe8qEYw0GjQ1GBVOK41JMbCAH9rd8/w400-h336/IMG_20210404_095818861_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It took me forever to finish this little notebook. I wasn't happy with how I assembled the cover. After gluing it down I realized the spine should have been a separate piece from the front and back. It would close a little more neatly if I had done that. It sat on the table for weeks before I could bring myself to finish it. I made it for myself so no one else has to deal with error! The next one will be better.</p><p>I'll use this little book to keep track of how much water I drink each day, as well as a log for exercise and blood pressure. Yes, their is a phone app for most of those things but I prefer to put pen to paper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-65578691844594348842021-04-01T10:00:00.002-04:002021-04-01T10:00:59.935-04:00Spring Adventures.<p> I thought I should begin the month of April with a blog post. Each month I say I will do better but I always drop the ball. Lately the weeks fly by while Jeff and I try to squeeze in everything we want and need to do. We have enjoyed time spent outside getting our garden beds ready for vegetables and flowers. Jeff does the veggies and I manage the flowers. I have the front flower bed ready for sowing seeds. I will do the usual zinnias and this year I am adding nigella, which I have never grown before. It's supposed to give me some nice flowers for cutting, as well as some interesting pods to add to arrangements. The variety I chose is called "LOVE-IN-A-MIST". Who couldn't resist that? I had to replace my sage plant. The last one died in the Fall. It seems I can only manage to keep them for about two years. I also bought a lavender plant. I have never had good luck with them. This year I am going to plant it in my small flower bed next the the vegetable garden. I am hoping it will be happier there.</p><p>Amid all the gardening, pots are being made and fired. We have ramped up our firing schedule and are feeling like we are getting closer to being caught up with orders. We unloaded the kiln on Monday and I was finally able to fire mugs and a bowl that I made more than a month ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdwBBu1oRA8tRE-rXWqrDuM-1EJD-JO3KKjTGOsZVQPsSTcST9Eyeag9sPwvLW4wZX1Bldn8s64JcKgftoq4FcxvzVqr19WWZ15D4vaWAQNCBd9GiuZjhPWcMxrkqHjEVv47FTOs1r9g/s4032/IMG_20210329_155443157_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdwBBu1oRA8tRE-rXWqrDuM-1EJD-JO3KKjTGOsZVQPsSTcST9Eyeag9sPwvLW4wZX1Bldn8s64JcKgftoq4FcxvzVqr19WWZ15D4vaWAQNCBd9GiuZjhPWcMxrkqHjEVv47FTOs1r9g/w400-h300/IMG_20210329_155443157_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPvbGUolSX2gI8ZmEvXwGv34bbk8CXMsLWy0zu8JGQAKtBvmAN1lS0G-HbTyo7eOo5O2Vg1_PiqUWHAyW6GBcyX0XmWpwC8NPgwrVFEfX2QThEQ_0L_kF4s-TFc7uZlK8lqiTmrA3WWE/s3218/IMG_20210329_123629296_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3218" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPvbGUolSX2gI8ZmEvXwGv34bbk8CXMsLWy0zu8JGQAKtBvmAN1lS0G-HbTyo7eOo5O2Vg1_PiqUWHAyW6GBcyX0XmWpwC8NPgwrVFEfX2QThEQ_0L_kF4s-TFc7uZlK8lqiTmrA3WWE/w376-h400/IMG_20210329_123629296_HDR.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week I decided to challenge myself to eat vegan/vegetarian for one week. I dug out the cookbooks and marked some new recipes to try. It's been an eating adventure this week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuHNxqeDlN095Rg5T3OQgvofVKiSJcq_MBTjlHR3Hcsh6rhspmIlay64c2jzgtGio25E_by6Fsx8AW8__d2hButGJsuAXNdeORTdA7apc4kZGfT7__MMEGw48TOjKx6YVSkSZPp_RWkY/s4032/IMG_20210328_183451171_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuHNxqeDlN095Rg5T3OQgvofVKiSJcq_MBTjlHR3Hcsh6rhspmIlay64c2jzgtGio25E_by6Fsx8AW8__d2hButGJsuAXNdeORTdA7apc4kZGfT7__MMEGw48TOjKx6YVSkSZPp_RWkY/w400-h300/IMG_20210328_183451171_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night we had a light version of macaroni and cheese from the the Moosewood Restaurant - Low Fat- Favorites. It was delicious and was easier on my digestive system than my usual rich mac & cheese. I tweaked the recipe some by adding sautéed spinach and garlic. I roasted some Brussels sprouts to go with it. We have enjoyed a casserole with bulgur wheat and ground soybean, as well as a spaghetti pie that got it's cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast. Tonight I am making a black bean and lentil chili. A recipe that we eat quite often. Lunches have been tofu salad and pita bread, homemade hummus, and tobouleh. I love sandwich wraps made with the hummus, toubeleh, and bean sprouts. Jeff has been keeping us in beans sprouts these days. He has his sprouting method perfected now. We will take a break from the vegetarian eating on Easter Sunday... I am roasting boneless leg of lamb!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My goal is to incorporate more meatless meals in our diet. This challenge helped me discover some new ingredients and recipes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next on my to make list is Laurie's Tomato Rice Loaf. She shared her recipe on her blog: <a href="http://abelabodycare.blogspot.com/2021/03/vegetable-broth-tomato-rice-loaf-recipe.html" target="_blank">The Clean Green Homestead.</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-238131209185170402021-03-18T09:38:00.002-04:002021-03-18T09:38:53.899-04:00You can teach old dogs new tricks.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0CcwMQbwmC2cT-HBlROCiKErMw7DCT_rPOH6reTKUVpD4v33lKtAerEh7B-HeQKUFk2VKqtz9UhVeqodDakGqPQgnzOwu4dcu8R6ErUd6t6axx7Wh3hAeK54Bb_944sL8Cq8AP0QviI/s4032/IMG_20210315_122312416_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0CcwMQbwmC2cT-HBlROCiKErMw7DCT_rPOH6reTKUVpD4v33lKtAerEh7B-HeQKUFk2VKqtz9UhVeqodDakGqPQgnzOwu4dcu8R6ErUd6t6axx7Wh3hAeK54Bb_944sL8Cq8AP0QviI/w300-h400/IMG_20210315_122312416_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have made so many salt pig over the last 12 months. There are usually around 30 in each firing. I am still getting orders for piggy banks, but the salt pigs definitely out number them. When the piggy banks started selling faster than I could make them, Jeff took over the throwing part. I became the person that turned them into pigs and glazed them. He is waaaaaay faster then I am on the wheel. Then when the salt pigs came into being, he threw those too. A few weeks ago it was determined that there were so many orders for vessel sinks, that I needed to pitch in with the salt pig throwing. It took me a few tries to get the shape right and I felt like mine were just not going to look as nice as his. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He kept telling me they were fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was right. Once glazed, I could hardly determine which ones were mine or his.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am still extremely slow, but I think they are starting to go a little more quickly. This is a good time for me to work on this, because like last March, our sales have let up a little this month. We are finally catching up on orders and hope to get our turn around time back to 4-6 weeks. I must say 99.9% of customers have had no problem waiting 8-10 weeks for their pigs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEhobXiq2W1xbAZRKwf8uwqhDjqwt_sJ5EATFCj5n6IMVViQzMtjDrYxPZ9C4fAqkzmXrww2kouLGwmMC9UpqDP7JrYKya50qm4OgLE-QaEGi1QYQ8VId3LFrquTT4bnFipMUIDMSUYM/s2048/IMG_20210316_160823286_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1678" data-original-width="2048" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEhobXiq2W1xbAZRKwf8uwqhDjqwt_sJ5EATFCj5n6IMVViQzMtjDrYxPZ9C4fAqkzmXrww2kouLGwmMC9UpqDP7JrYKya50qm4OgLE-QaEGi1QYQ8VId3LFrquTT4bnFipMUIDMSUYM/w400-h328/IMG_20210316_160823286_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>We also have a new glaze in the studio! It's called denim blue. Jeff mixed it up for a sink customer that wanted a lighter blue. I think it will look great on a piggy bank. I am hoping to get one in the next firing so that I can photograph it and start offering this new color. Next on the list is a pink glaze. I get so many requests for pink piggy banks!<p></p><p>I will close with the exciting news that Jeff and I got our first Moderna vaccine last week. We can hardly wait for April 8th to get number two. I am preparing myself for some side effects and I will gladly taking them over getting the virus. Once we are fully vaccinated we will probably re-open the gallery at the end of April!</p><p>Stay healthy! Get vaccinated!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-8873502635820943362021-02-27T08:56:00.000-05:002021-02-27T08:56:01.485-05:00Upcycled Storage Box<p> I love a "good" box or bag and have a hard time letting go of them. Two years ago I got a new smartphone and it came in a nice, sturdy box. I stashed it away thinking that one day I could put it to use.<br /></p><p>Yesterday was that day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsI0aIEpt1RFwzVuaCJx-FBueI5372K8gONhKcekytg8aR9Onx6Nsn0E2Lw7MbEbOEog1IGjPIuKbQB5Xt29AYywO46BJNzSqT16mOSlcjWI_JIKKc2wElCaJ61bOVHXa8oT2kUhjgyE/s2048/IMG_20210226_194839786_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsI0aIEpt1RFwzVuaCJx-FBueI5372K8gONhKcekytg8aR9Onx6Nsn0E2Lw7MbEbOEog1IGjPIuKbQB5Xt29AYywO46BJNzSqT16mOSlcjWI_JIKKc2wElCaJ61bOVHXa8oT2kUhjgyE/w400-h308/IMG_20210226_194839786_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got out my gel plate and paints and printed a bunch papers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-vc1_CDNNrjpdQVByg-PhS3CFGiCioK0v_ZAZbr2jL9shkO-s4_yG7E6-76MifuPSEbBnTFAZvPDiZyXq9UdxXhqS9OKGudQX-0ZBLJnqztNmVNArAjcGgmx3fbyukGjWfbc3jtvKJA/s2048/IMG_20210226_194923869_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1877" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-vc1_CDNNrjpdQVByg-PhS3CFGiCioK0v_ZAZbr2jL9shkO-s4_yG7E6-76MifuPSEbBnTFAZvPDiZyXq9UdxXhqS9OKGudQX-0ZBLJnqztNmVNArAjcGgmx3fbyukGjWfbc3jtvKJA/w400-h366/IMG_20210226_194923869_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used those prints to cover my smartphone box!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7xF7t6Q8QxuLpDMBFVPQv_TNiB9g69UBQtU5-bzWFYvfnzlkr2zpF3MlJ0mHv2ifF0DfVdMr0ngakx9r39qhcwXhOvJv0hmNkeDZej3N-GoHLdQHbuBJy4-KOZ9ucJ_EHLF0NOHCgNw/s2048/IMG_20210226_195034128_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7xF7t6Q8QxuLpDMBFVPQv_TNiB9g69UBQtU5-bzWFYvfnzlkr2zpF3MlJ0mHv2ifF0DfVdMr0ngakx9r39qhcwXhOvJv0hmNkeDZej3N-GoHLdQHbuBJy4-KOZ9ucJ_EHLF0NOHCgNw/w400-h316/IMG_20210226_195034128_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's the perfect size for storing my Posca paint pens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC1ikVLEox5pqszCfyaQmsv34michTOALt87MlxpNRTawEKMzNj3s4AdcSeka2vKDXzH5P7ToVSvDz75UJ1v0FSGASGSCxnxl5zLd2mTLjt1SS65gNzOuAWt03NfVocyg20oBIuoIvkU/s2048/IMG_20210226_195137188_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1639" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC1ikVLEox5pqszCfyaQmsv34michTOALt87MlxpNRTawEKMzNj3s4AdcSeka2vKDXzH5P7ToVSvDz75UJ1v0FSGASGSCxnxl5zLd2mTLjt1SS65gNzOuAWt03NfVocyg20oBIuoIvkU/w400-h320/IMG_20210226_195137188_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I couldn't entirely wrap the bottom of the box because the cover is a really snug fit. I like the bright blue so that worked out fine. The surface on the inside of the bottom was scarred so I cut print down to cover that up. I did the same to the underneath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuHDlf1ekGrW25xkxB1O3LISgZcdUsB4ASvipzCfTM8RklnkYCU-vT46x9kZahl57iNWo4dDBzQ7_WmsdEF1QdU6l0fyCPDTQSsm_rk0bdxLjswHWme6umwhavQ9cMAFwSVj5Sj5Kzrk/s2048/IMG_20210226_202450384_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1693" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuHDlf1ekGrW25xkxB1O3LISgZcdUsB4ASvipzCfTM8RklnkYCU-vT46x9kZahl57iNWo4dDBzQ7_WmsdEF1QdU6l0fyCPDTQSsm_rk0bdxLjswHWme6umwhavQ9cMAFwSVj5Sj5Kzrk/w400-h331/IMG_20210226_202450384_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I am wishing we still had the box that Jeff's phone came in! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-90695562607626767752021-02-15T14:21:00.002-05:002021-02-15T14:21:42.051-05:00The Winter Garden<p> This is the first year that Jeff has planted a winter garden. We are really enjoying it. It's so nice to pick greens for a salad in the middle of February!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE-7jKhWKpoUR85VC0uY5ROKM7jWNTCc1U76NXP-niiXeXpoQVz02ha8UlQT8LC_HA1eqmwTQnHRKwFFqvs_1xKGzGwi8-lkUN9BD734E8dMK1qFPtoanunQ2IKe4wYyPw5ED5EagQS4/s4032/IMG_20210215_124206717_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE-7jKhWKpoUR85VC0uY5ROKM7jWNTCc1U76NXP-niiXeXpoQVz02ha8UlQT8LC_HA1eqmwTQnHRKwFFqvs_1xKGzGwi8-lkUN9BD734E8dMK1qFPtoanunQ2IKe4wYyPw5ED5EagQS4/w400-h300/IMG_20210215_124206717_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We purchased some row covers that make it super handy to access the veggies. A few weeks ago there was enough Napa cabbage and Korean radish for Jeff to make kimchi. We have been enjoying it with a variety of Asian inspired meals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NCuB7r-nMYh9ht4eCNwTsj5sVmFH7w5xYvHYL6IqEGlMXOy-s3JxtGrF95u1EuZRhFoh9r4u6EDIEMf2ZqJkqbuRnlTx2ww-B7RdVw0yIfKAjgAf3BFc97kNqwbKW4MYgKhyphenhyphenettkuYw/s4032/IMG_20210215_124256280_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NCuB7r-nMYh9ht4eCNwTsj5sVmFH7w5xYvHYL6IqEGlMXOy-s3JxtGrF95u1EuZRhFoh9r4u6EDIEMf2ZqJkqbuRnlTx2ww-B7RdVw0yIfKAjgAf3BFc97kNqwbKW4MYgKhyphenhyphenettkuYw/w400-h300/IMG_20210215_124256280_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have mixed Asian greens and bib lettuce. It's been giving us enough to make salads a couple of times a week. Occasionally I add some store bought baby spinach. We've also enjoyed swiss chard, kale, and lots of baby bok choy. Last summer Jeff purchased jars and special plastic lids for growing bean sprouts so we always have plenty to toss in salads and stir fry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The seed catalogs have been arriving since January and some seeds have been bought. Jeff is a really good seed saver so he has a lot of his own stash. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After four chilly days of clouds and rain, I am looking forward to Spring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-57633462095098611722021-02-04T09:43:00.000-05:002021-02-04T09:43:25.275-05:00Still Making Pots<p> Anyone looking through my recent posts might think that I wasn't making pots anymore. Since the pandemic hit I have been making salt pigs and piggy banks. We have so many orders that there hasn't been time for much else. Despite me thinking that each pig is adorable and unique, my readers might get tired of seeing them!</p><p>Yesterday we loaded the gas kiln. It should have been done the day before but it was cold and very windy. Jeff needed to spray glaze on two sets of canisters and we do that outside. Perhaps someday we will have space inside for a spray booth. The weather yesterday was great. The wind had died down and while it was chilly, the sun was shining brightly.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrNtnngCfI8czPxtwYt1lbP2KQy2ivOEzqOicyqlLIiT1HE9hptsdD9W0PLJyLmtbrwOW5X6DJZaINNoIxuDD8xMRxxflNW8bGSDdWzh7ZmR6hlGUB_c5558cQLZXgsOeLTOmz_wR5wE/s3655/IMG_20210203_135442222_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3655" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrNtnngCfI8czPxtwYt1lbP2KQy2ivOEzqOicyqlLIiT1HE9hptsdD9W0PLJyLmtbrwOW5X6DJZaINNoIxuDD8xMRxxflNW8bGSDdWzh7ZmR6hlGUB_c5558cQLZXgsOeLTOmz_wR5wE/w331-h400/IMG_20210203_135442222_HDR.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The back stack was easy, and loaded quickly. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzXL-sA-jYCY_eEetJdcQLB8kraZSMllnbGHXV9MiH71YCw6pBo9e_C72B4yQy6mx9VYOJrG5GZmajuWoL8jIK7poCbYJAlJFpQ6_hzrOJdLdT0ZHJ8ysfHZVRYkifnn18e1SheTPnMY/s4032/IMG_20210203_145827120_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzXL-sA-jYCY_eEetJdcQLB8kraZSMllnbGHXV9MiH71YCw6pBo9e_C72B4yQy6mx9VYOJrG5GZmajuWoL8jIK7poCbYJAlJFpQ6_hzrOJdLdT0ZHJ8ysfHZVRYkifnn18e1SheTPnMY/w400-h300/IMG_20210203_145827120_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeff played tetris with the bottom shelf of the front stack. He is really good at solving the puzzle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_KpwAPOtLdu0kgM-AHpXBDlfkUXXtuR9spz5VtfS9EMl1_Dv56hToqsMgWQfV89RI9KMGZnH-_ZlFZhvkl8-CZbM2-42NzuBxXT0x9tYkVjhyphenhyphen44R_m1LerFWYIUGO3WsNlqNF4MC-x0/s3787/IMG_20210203_161626505_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3787" data-original-width="2840" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_KpwAPOtLdu0kgM-AHpXBDlfkUXXtuR9spz5VtfS9EMl1_Dv56hToqsMgWQfV89RI9KMGZnH-_ZlFZhvkl8-CZbM2-42NzuBxXT0x9tYkVjhyphenhyphen44R_m1LerFWYIUGO3WsNlqNF4MC-x0/w300-h400/IMG_20210203_161626505_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The front stack was finished by late afternoon. I headed to the kitchen to get red beans started for dinner, so that we wouldn't be eating at 10:00 pm. I have a tendency to start them too late! Jeff took a break, then went out to brick up the door. We did a preheat until bed time, then started firing this morning. During the holiday season Jeff fired overnight. Without the Christmas deadline looming, we felt it was better to start fresh in the morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for dinner... I managed to get it done by 9:30!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-64890549393772981392021-01-29T15:20:00.000-05:002021-01-29T15:20:30.029-05:00A New Year, A New Start<p> Since my "junk journal", that was bound with washi tape, was completed at the beginning of the month, it was time to create a new one. I decided this one would have a coptic stitch binding. I took me forever to put this one together. I worked on it in dribs and drabs for two weeks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko4fYSuKbtvZoDPB6uGa3fejwTZwDwuXpxVCQxJggjayKMJ1AlNK4cpIx8rc5i0sdPwYl8ygxrHFqq9Q-aFdX8S3qBQytSQh8OANgodlsrJdH2ZxpJJENQWAc57Odg7K3-vNXmospXmI/s3526/IMG_20210129_145110294_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2504" data-original-width="3526" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko4fYSuKbtvZoDPB6uGa3fejwTZwDwuXpxVCQxJggjayKMJ1AlNK4cpIx8rc5i0sdPwYl8ygxrHFqq9Q-aFdX8S3qBQytSQh8OANgodlsrJdH2ZxpJJENQWAc57Odg7K3-vNXmospXmI/w400-h283/IMG_20210129_145110294_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The paper for the cover is gel printed using multiple layers of acrylic paint and a stencil. The signatures are mixed media paper. The mixed media paper is less expensive than watercolor paper and it should hold up to multiple layers of paints, ink, and pastels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnr1K_7iXunOikmeENriY1MCz6Mw22UARF1NvKGrccXid4NEcY5J8M2t4NAF5lIHJkER7uossFzFkM2Q2XEmIY63SGx9Yy9xj42ge9C-2IJWlkFwVGWjoeFPFUWQ0ucCoxa8yuC_HX5c/s3614/IMG_20210129_144849407_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3614" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnr1K_7iXunOikmeENriY1MCz6Mw22UARF1NvKGrccXid4NEcY5J8M2t4NAF5lIHJkER7uossFzFkM2Q2XEmIY63SGx9Yy9xj42ge9C-2IJWlkFwVGWjoeFPFUWQ0ucCoxa8yuC_HX5c/w335-h400/IMG_20210129_144849407_HDR.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the fourth coptic stitch bound book that I have made and this one has the fewest mistakes! I had one row of stitching wrong but caught it before moving forward so I was able to pull it out and make the correction. I wanted to give it an embellishment so I dug through my bead box and found this little do-dad of beads and copper wire to tie on. I think I made it when I was practicing make swirls with wire. After looking through my box I am inspired to incorporate some raku fired beads or buttons into a future journal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8EFdly2cWywOBse05n8J77AhcA5D8MT9EwDLQnNYsRNtyK9TTDtUebLh4sK9tUfL89CiwhkGBKbGCE50hxN7QkYlPmCYD3Yd7UmBJ2IqicTo3AZXxsDa5eLWWI9UNeByRcGYxPS9giI/s3678/IMG_20210129_145820664_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2852" data-original-width="3678" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8EFdly2cWywOBse05n8J77AhcA5D8MT9EwDLQnNYsRNtyK9TTDtUebLh4sK9tUfL89CiwhkGBKbGCE50hxN7QkYlPmCYD3Yd7UmBJ2IqicTo3AZXxsDa5eLWWI9UNeByRcGYxPS9giI/w400-h310/IMG_20210129_145820664_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here I am with lots of blank pages staring at me. Putting down the first marks are the hardest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-52742500655209130072021-01-17T12:13:00.007-05:002021-01-17T12:13:57.197-05:00Windows, Paints, and Inks<p> I did a thing! I lettered the full length glass door to our pottery studio/gallery. I had been wanting to try this for almost a year. A few weeks ago I ordered the Posca paint pens that I needed to do the job. They are water based paints and easily clean off with Windex. We had a paper "masks required" sign that I printed from the health department that was taped to the door. This looks much better. We are currently open by appointment only. I added that to the window as well, but the glare in the photo makes it hard to see.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDD62tC8Sy8nrIJ5jGayycdqydCcWRjTS1U7lS6t_elQGKoDpcTlKSB2YmQG0cEuzGlXB9TMVx6ysxPI-bO7WAQ8zhXHNrrxVVhbR8BjwIo5MhoqamlV5ZbhUlCmBB4Kg3zbHkUFnWR8/s4032/IMG_20210113_155924952_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDD62tC8Sy8nrIJ5jGayycdqydCcWRjTS1U7lS6t_elQGKoDpcTlKSB2YmQG0cEuzGlXB9TMVx6ysxPI-bO7WAQ8zhXHNrrxVVhbR8BjwIo5MhoqamlV5ZbhUlCmBB4Kg3zbHkUFnWR8/w300-h400/IMG_20210113_155924952_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought the Posca pens in black, red, and white, not knowing which would work best on the door. The black didn't stand out very well, so I went with the white. Originally I thought white snowflakes and black letters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then went on to experiment with the black pen in my art journal. I really like how they flow on paper. This is over a sparkly ink background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXzjb2o45Lj-NCBKly7LomvNiNTdXMhkQipqIUmBYqxsEjHxJp3zjN_EV8NmbXcOWW8nxzzKJz-ZZ8XH57Rj7wRltRO9Rsy48Y-X-Qjzzfga3gY8vXH76rqKNy2rToDu9H8RSUxZZfH8/s4032/IMG_20210115_122230758_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXzjb2o45Lj-NCBKly7LomvNiNTdXMhkQipqIUmBYqxsEjHxJp3zjN_EV8NmbXcOWW8nxzzKJz-ZZ8XH57Rj7wRltRO9Rsy48Y-X-Qjzzfga3gY8vXH76rqKNy2rToDu9H8RSUxZZfH8/w400-h300/IMG_20210115_122230758_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been experimenting with new iridescent spray inks over a stencil. They were fun to use and I think I can make some neat backgrounds for greeting cards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlmQJsUKFkI0YKHnXkxKBFt3cbPzXSoqiQP2kmox2xINutlecTet1jWkEwGFchz68_981CEn2uyXw_Ewvy1RwLnSiK343aoyUi6cQZ0MluLrb_tZSCVHD_C6-MtTM0fy-Q6SVbb_JW8w/s3115/IMG_20210116_175405088_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2931" data-original-width="3115" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlmQJsUKFkI0YKHnXkxKBFt3cbPzXSoqiQP2kmox2xINutlecTet1jWkEwGFchz68_981CEn2uyXw_Ewvy1RwLnSiK343aoyUi6cQZ0MluLrb_tZSCVHD_C6-MtTM0fy-Q6SVbb_JW8w/w400-h376/IMG_20210116_175405088_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will leave you with a big piggy bank from our firing this week. I have had a lot of orders for the copper red and shino combination. I cross my fingers every time they get fired. There are so many things that can go wrong with the red. It may turn out pink, it may "crawl" all over, and many times the glaze drips down the legs and adheres to the kiln shelf. When it runs, Jeff can usually save it with his amazing Dremel tool skills. Thankfully each one came out of the kiln looking great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXzwBkZ_Ru15b7Cw1n2K2kQVHcpBaZ-TMzai5dGK9niD2OuewKWL14fUzlMoHSQTW-Gah9hftpOzd6a71tE5hqFMx60xd98WhAGaQdQk8AFCNvaAdmXu0FUvwuRNb1gU5E60D0r_F7LE/s2430/IMG_20210115_144557743_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="2430" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXzwBkZ_Ru15b7Cw1n2K2kQVHcpBaZ-TMzai5dGK9niD2OuewKWL14fUzlMoHSQTW-Gah9hftpOzd6a71tE5hqFMx60xd98WhAGaQdQk8AFCNvaAdmXu0FUvwuRNb1gU5E60D0r_F7LE/w400-h371/IMG_20210115_144557743_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-7332673073345744762021-01-06T09:57:00.002-05:002021-01-06T09:57:34.363-05:00Optimistic<p> Welcome 2021! I am feeling optimistic as we start the new year. We have a vaccine for covid-19, which means there is hope for an end to the pandemic at some point this year. We will have a new president on January 20th. A president who believes in science, can keep his ego in check, and will behave as a leader should. </p><p>I had planned to finish all the pages in my small art journal by December 31st. I didn't quite meet that goal, but I am okay with it. There were too many pots that needed to be made! I usually take a break once the last pots are shipped by the holiday deadline. This year orders continued to come in and Christmas day was my only full day off. I will admit to taking a more relaxed attitude for the last two weeks. The flow of the day has been an enjoyable one.</p><p>Here are two journal pages that I completed during this time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzI1PaSbjFKNhbIxpkNUb_ix8KTQTyZxrn0QkHlmIo2dw56AUNmQsxLNfrjjkk3f3sGxBWirCAsJtgYQsWF-Z3ogl1pKuIfL_lQ-DADyfRlsffVnkVLDYTJBW-fk7JFWsC8yMIaT1Adw/s3965/IMG_20210106_091745769_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3965" data-original-width="2536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzI1PaSbjFKNhbIxpkNUb_ix8KTQTyZxrn0QkHlmIo2dw56AUNmQsxLNfrjjkk3f3sGxBWirCAsJtgYQsWF-Z3ogl1pKuIfL_lQ-DADyfRlsffVnkVLDYTJBW-fk7JFWsC8yMIaT1Adw/w256-h400/IMG_20210106_091745769_HDR.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>The entire journal was made using gel printed, mixed media paper. I sometimes have to work hard at how to incorporate the backgrounds into a new artwork. This was one I struggled with and just decided to practice a figure painting on it. Once I got started I liked how the background became the print in her gown as well as her tangle of black hair.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFraD0OH7HFgmMFRUzuY5n1wXTlhToplqHhQdA-YLvnhT86sVy2rlsC1mBVwwtc8ep2fJfkP6hKb1flyyfzJNc8RLLGPGH-SsM3wt1AwhKEoSS5WJEAH0oitMMViBAd5b_myWjs2i3avw/s3901/IMG_20210106_091632763_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2826" data-original-width="3901" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFraD0OH7HFgmMFRUzuY5n1wXTlhToplqHhQdA-YLvnhT86sVy2rlsC1mBVwwtc8ep2fJfkP6hKb1flyyfzJNc8RLLGPGH-SsM3wt1AwhKEoSS5WJEAH0oitMMViBAd5b_myWjs2i3avw/w400-h290/IMG_20210106_091632763_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to explore circles a little more and incorporated them into two different spreads. I painted a thin layer of gesso over the gel printed pages before I began. This added a little depth to backgrounds. The small circle pattern in the spread above is a raised texture. I created it using a stencil and molding paste. The spread below was created with the old photo in mind. The photo is of my sister and me, taken in front of my brother's mustang. I am quite sure we were headed to his high school graduation. My mother made our dresses. Mine was a knit material that had a rick-rack trim. I remember that it was itchy and that I never really liked to wear it. Anita's dress was madras plaid in orange, yellow, and blue. It was way cooler then mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8phHGqlt4SpdRbZE1-ctvDBXvheOHs-zdp5LqLub_nKiQFz4z3-Gg0GYWU2qRC7Ij6m4FST8pUO8DjRK-wp8roy0OxYzI4rf4DB32hyphenhyphenNtPH4EB50knVRnVKnFNfbAw8QHRfOXsYHTNW4/s4032/IMG_20210106_094253045_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8phHGqlt4SpdRbZE1-ctvDBXvheOHs-zdp5LqLub_nKiQFz4z3-Gg0GYWU2qRC7Ij6m4FST8pUO8DjRK-wp8roy0OxYzI4rf4DB32hyphenhyphenNtPH4EB50knVRnVKnFNfbAw8QHRfOXsYHTNW4/w400-h300/IMG_20210106_094253045_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have just one full page spread left to create, and this little book will be done. Time to start binding another. This time with plain white pages.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-17447572459962793282020-12-17T09:08:00.000-05:002020-12-17T09:08:26.290-05:00Letting Go<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRSWveUSsynKAngZ4uGthhB5BxSLLU_t_rIo37-4KcbesfGtJ1FnTWfubDFmTkGvdyUENlXsqna3ILxQTsk5HMZzYXjrZQBrlygTCaAOyLh9bUm8CD9zNSucspOHiuZYCg11P1v_gQyw/s3180/IMG_20201217_085022005_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="3180" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRSWveUSsynKAngZ4uGthhB5BxSLLU_t_rIo37-4KcbesfGtJ1FnTWfubDFmTkGvdyUENlXsqna3ILxQTsk5HMZzYXjrZQBrlygTCaAOyLh9bUm8CD9zNSucspOHiuZYCg11P1v_gQyw/w640-h510/IMG_20201217_085022005_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last night I finished another spread in my art journal. I needed to relax after a few intense days of glazing and loading the kiln for the final firing of holiday orders. I downloaded the new YoYo Ma and Kathryn Stott album, Songs of Comfort & Hope, and it was perfect music to listen to while painting. I didn't have a plan when I started, I just let go and this is what happened. It may be my favorite spread in the journal.</p><p>I worked on another spread over the last two weeks. I went in with a plan and it just didn't seem to work. I left it for a few days, mulled it over, then when in and reworked it a bit. I am still not happy with it. Not sure if I will share it here. Art journals are like diaries... there are somethings that you are not comfortable sharing with the world.</p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-25442669910798807562020-12-12T09:22:00.000-05:002020-12-12T09:22:28.080-05:00The Countdown to Christmas Deadlines<p> We are in the final push to get orders out in time for holiday gift giving. The post office has been doing a dismal job with deliveries. Once a package leaves our studio, who knows how long or what route it will take to get to it's destination. I keep my finger crossed and keep an eye on tracking. I can't even begin to count how many missing package inquiries I have made in the last few weeks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GCQTfQL9u5rq8zhSQMrad5E2hydPoA8uASrGCQvSvuI3UiJA0GcI3Jh2kwZ0Gk62PzJxqKSWQE-2NvcJJF1BYirz392WTZO-me_PlN7hjFVC8KcudDaf0ubA6ei00KVwpVL9VpRk2M8/s2048/IMG_20201121_083601176_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1678" data-original-width="2048" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GCQTfQL9u5rq8zhSQMrad5E2hydPoA8uASrGCQvSvuI3UiJA0GcI3Jh2kwZ0Gk62PzJxqKSWQE-2NvcJJF1BYirz392WTZO-me_PlN7hjFVC8KcudDaf0ubA6ei00KVwpVL9VpRk2M8/w400-h328/IMG_20201121_083601176_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I haven't had any piggy banks or salt pigs in stock for months, there are still lots of nice pots in our gallery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK_dgCahcpy2qNbH0tuouUxxIITeSUSU4kWK8lhwAHbr7BpdZ0iPgA75pCbpeuXL-0kLvzyR5IZCTXMQhNyt17I3j4WsO8aYnNn-vyLzwNvE2qP1HmBGA6Jl9D0WQMbfAcZ737lS32K0/s2048/IMG_20201121_083003024_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK_dgCahcpy2qNbH0tuouUxxIITeSUSU4kWK8lhwAHbr7BpdZ0iPgA75pCbpeuXL-0kLvzyR5IZCTXMQhNyt17I3j4WsO8aYnNn-vyLzwNvE2qP1HmBGA6Jl9D0WQMbfAcZ737lS32K0/w400-h305/IMG_20201121_083003024_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been open by appointment only since the end of November. It has been working out well. Shoppers have the gallery to themselves, everyone is wearing a mask, and we have contactless payment through Square.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2k4R6WeeZRZG1MfRFNnqFbXKooRqC1wq2BU9Lpz3iwYRLHtd52RmUr484MXl27IECSGJbYCy9-OmJYVMoiPnqyqdhyphenhyphenvL9MlA4jT1jKkIEXtLdes0ouM5lzP6hkqAycupiRDyPDY1_jI/s2048/IMG_20201121_082746016_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2k4R6WeeZRZG1MfRFNnqFbXKooRqC1wq2BU9Lpz3iwYRLHtd52RmUr484MXl27IECSGJbYCy9-OmJYVMoiPnqyqdhyphenhyphenvL9MlA4jT1jKkIEXtLdes0ouM5lzP6hkqAycupiRDyPDY1_jI/w400-h333/IMG_20201121_082746016_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to run a report on the Square app and compared sales from the first weekend in December of 2019 to the first weekend in December, 2020. We sold more in 2020 than 2019! The people who called and made appointments were either past customers or people who saw our work online and were very interested in making a purchase. It felt so much safer than dealing with people in and out all day, sanitizing the door handle, if the door couldn't be left open, and reminding people that our emergency occupancy was only three.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeff and I have been very thankful that our online sales have sustained us over the last nine months. We are hopeful it will continue and that we can all get through this winter safe and healthy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-34675953738213032242020-12-03T09:21:00.000-05:002020-12-03T09:21:14.752-05:00Art Journal Escape<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdPWX0MshxAmjsV463SD3BR5zx4b8o-u6stpJYnIf8LwuCQ2SgZuehx_wwcb00DrryIuR2h-6QUAoDUnj0iIOfNNxPIaaGd5qZMOGWBSwUtFKKgSRwTUNxJ9Y26Cs_Z8nZ1XZwtRSH50/s4032/IMG_20201203_083155610_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdPWX0MshxAmjsV463SD3BR5zx4b8o-u6stpJYnIf8LwuCQ2SgZuehx_wwcb00DrryIuR2h-6QUAoDUnj0iIOfNNxPIaaGd5qZMOGWBSwUtFKKgSRwTUNxJ9Y26Cs_Z8nZ1XZwtRSH50/w640-h480/IMG_20201203_083155610_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Your probably wondering if I am still a potter? I guess you could say I am a pig making potter, since that is pretty much all that I have made since the pandemic hit. In between there have been a few mugs, cheese stones, and spoon jars. The spoon jars have been glazed and on a shelf since summer. One of these days there will be room for them in the kiln!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week I managed to finish a spread in my little art journal. I worked on it in dribs and drabs over a period of three days. I loved building up the background with layers of gesso, old book pages, acrylic paint, and my new neo-color II pastels. This is also the first time that I experimented with modeling paste and a stencil. That is how the textured circles were created. I am definitely going to do more with that on the next spread. I already have a plan in my head.</div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-67642147017725405292020-11-28T09:13:00.000-05:002020-11-28T09:13:31.617-05:00The Holiday Season Begins<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We usually host Jeff's family for Thanksgiving. We've had as few as eight and as many as seventeen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year, it was just the two of us. We felt it wasn't safe for a family gathering. Especially when you consider the ages of the majority.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvgJ6t4yw75tTQMnUncmoQGQccLOXLS0iX6OWzwAhvNBCdVx5cnOl-ZPiCojk4qaxQ13pqMdkV0F4bg-HeIq-QFtpNTOeMpkTYb-1ly_gfqTNjrrLez7FsD7iijn2ZILLhChLoOPiZMw/s4032/IMG_20201125_192137361_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvgJ6t4yw75tTQMnUncmoQGQccLOXLS0iX6OWzwAhvNBCdVx5cnOl-ZPiCojk4qaxQ13pqMdkV0F4bg-HeIq-QFtpNTOeMpkTYb-1ly_gfqTNjrrLez7FsD7iijn2ZILLhChLoOPiZMw/w400-h300/IMG_20201125_192137361_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still made two pies. A pecan, with nuts from our own trees, and a pumpkin pie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblCL0mZKuAZkOaW1yLySPA5BF398UGl0Df8A1Im_-LJhlWrd8AMtsa3d8gskuUSQSbSZ1oif6BCgIx7_sV11sVCRfnUhR8_WP6SyInnFJf6A0Ky5q3w1bRcsPN6LqRTO6nL8XSv1JnFk/s4032/IMG_20201126_144722329_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblCL0mZKuAZkOaW1yLySPA5BF398UGl0Df8A1Im_-LJhlWrd8AMtsa3d8gskuUSQSbSZ1oif6BCgIx7_sV11sVCRfnUhR8_WP6SyInnFJf6A0Ky5q3w1bRcsPN6LqRTO6nL8XSv1JnFk/w400-h300/IMG_20201126_144722329_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since it was just the two of us we opted for an evening meal, which meant we could have an appetizer lunch! Brie en croute and grilled figs from our trees. Jeff popped a bottle of champagne and we made mimosas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK2q1S9ek9VnQC_L60VL2jTc6cVl2rLac9S7vN64p-GJgjaB__LB4Z_fIYzHcYiX2FvWRQfQ39Fv29xE3oOB67o4LqIrOzWqsGFK9gWrJtYKDnwtBQVwNQoV1hhwo1ydGOmM_Lq4tG9w/s4032/IMG_20201126_194550306_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK2q1S9ek9VnQC_L60VL2jTc6cVl2rLac9S7vN64p-GJgjaB__LB4Z_fIYzHcYiX2FvWRQfQ39Fv29xE3oOB67o4LqIrOzWqsGFK9gWrJtYKDnwtBQVwNQoV1hhwo1ydGOmM_Lq4tG9w/w400-h300/IMG_20201126_194550306_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a friend that lives alone so we packed up his turkey dinner and he picked it up curbside. While we enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving for two, I know that isolating is harder for people who live alone. It hurt my heart that my father spent the day quarantined in his room at the nursing home. He has always gone to my sister's house and enjoyed the day with them. They have a covid outbreak at his facility which means he can't leave his room for anything. I hope he doesn't have to spend the whole winter that way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Orders have been steadily coming in. I had to cut off Christmas orders on November 16th. New orders will ship mid-January. I am hoping to make something other than pigs after that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1dZtDt0YKN-nl_2ErltizbFqfyHoaRwBF3H9u0bVxFXvh5rJpSsgvopYJvP_AZBjdyGumeathYzum7r0Bc77btl4qkqeM7gY7HYHMagNfMO3n2jA08SgYZzXEItrkeg6_WHEOM-HuuQ/s4032/IMG_20201128_085623155_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1dZtDt0YKN-nl_2ErltizbFqfyHoaRwBF3H9u0bVxFXvh5rJpSsgvopYJvP_AZBjdyGumeathYzum7r0Bc77btl4qkqeM7gY7HYHMagNfMO3n2jA08SgYZzXEItrkeg6_WHEOM-HuuQ/w400-h299/IMG_20201128_085623155_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope everyone who celebrates, enjoyed their Thanksgiving day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-39753687295759957202020-11-04T15:59:00.006-05:002020-11-04T15:59:50.268-05:00Proudly Wear Your Crown<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF0cdEBy_QCNS1tUwdohzKrRfFNDvYNe1P5DGO_cwQFgy-MiSxVPvSWLLuLtcufLjYnBnZ5WJYvUPfCqL_VUsOzS3ilOtxWtjmExTgu-eYU0A9Ebntfg5cRp9_p332MNiC-HN_IWOx7o/s2048/IMG_20201103_192523341_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1702" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF0cdEBy_QCNS1tUwdohzKrRfFNDvYNe1P5DGO_cwQFgy-MiSxVPvSWLLuLtcufLjYnBnZ5WJYvUPfCqL_VUsOzS3ilOtxWtjmExTgu-eYU0A9Ebntfg5cRp9_p332MNiC-HN_IWOx7o/w400-h333/IMG_20201103_192523341_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought I would share a page from my current art journal. This was done with a mix of acrylic paint, Neocolor II watersoluble pastels, colored pencil, and ink. The girl on the left got a crown because I messed up her hair and couldn't fix it. The perfect solution for a bad hair day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-16750020305596293882020-11-02T16:29:00.000-05:002020-11-02T16:29:03.079-05:00Under The Sea with NeoColor II Pastels<p> Thanks to Suzie, AKA Smartcat, I bought a small set of Caran d'Ache NeoColor II watersoluble pastels! She mentioned in the comments on my oil pastel post that they were fun to use. I have had my eye on them for over a year. Her comment was all I needed to go for it.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIv0RWhRu5C5c-vUbNwGrHI0o_O7S_dNOrz7QxOpfW1VAyzQX-OG2fohZcfdXGuMzHriCpAhN62PWYAC6LyudIOIfCTMfYDJ31gy0bMcipzJzkMIQc6Ll2XcUtLSKutU6T-k7kLeGxYs/s4032/IMG_20201102_102633931_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIv0RWhRu5C5c-vUbNwGrHI0o_O7S_dNOrz7QxOpfW1VAyzQX-OG2fohZcfdXGuMzHriCpAhN62PWYAC6LyudIOIfCTMfYDJ31gy0bMcipzJzkMIQc6Ll2XcUtLSKutU6T-k7kLeGxYs/w300-h400/IMG_20201102_102633931_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They really are fun to create with. Think of them as soft wax crayons that behave like watercolors when activated with water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheni0cLwBt-lNMS8jnCUa6voeXmJb0pwgEsYjli1iUp7ccbbc6hLbWhs2bwUPQGlFi9c0lKk4RqCDMhDYGXzUAQpATbQ7vkWjTn7WcgYUMdiTtvYJxSMXLpRFP4rPze8AxX2Y2M22miF0/s4032/IMG_20201102_102659850_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheni0cLwBt-lNMS8jnCUa6voeXmJb0pwgEsYjli1iUp7ccbbc6hLbWhs2bwUPQGlFi9c0lKk4RqCDMhDYGXzUAQpATbQ7vkWjTn7WcgYUMdiTtvYJxSMXLpRFP4rPze8AxX2Y2M22miF0/w300-h400/IMG_20201102_102659850_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The colors make for some whimsical mermaids. The mermaid in the first photo was supposed to be singing. She also looks like she might be screaming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXNzL7rgc5Hd7pFnI2PLyaNAocCn09O9WWBCpyYxVAzqBXP_qo50Nzks-za9lCiJDKfCQvyFsuecv9T2wriCsZb1qvIHFYJ0t78WXocgU-Vx2BhGeYyCW8ZNdZYJduVBNhZg78759i9s/s4032/IMG_20201102_102648229_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXNzL7rgc5Hd7pFnI2PLyaNAocCn09O9WWBCpyYxVAzqBXP_qo50Nzks-za9lCiJDKfCQvyFsuecv9T2wriCsZb1qvIHFYJ0t78WXocgU-Vx2BhGeYyCW8ZNdZYJduVBNhZg78759i9s/w300-h400/IMG_20201102_102648229_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In most of these sketches I also combined watercolor pencil and regular colored pencil. They are also done on mixed media paper. Next up is to try them on watercolor paper.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-38668846810524511862020-10-28T16:41:00.000-04:002020-10-28T16:41:36.024-04:00Hey Jude...<p> "Jude" came out of the kiln yesterday and is boxed and heading to his new home.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUY3H6eaAiv73UZnXKsUyGk3PJQMzjsdZ9tMnlvXs6mgPFEeybhjR38OlpTXKvQORxWEzalWsaCaB0lrTHyfeHQ8Xkd3TsvwJWhb2lHa5fC9OlqeMa1vbZai2b6wg8OgGt6zIWss8MC4/s2178/IMG_20201028_154636637_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1821" data-original-width="2178" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUY3H6eaAiv73UZnXKsUyGk3PJQMzjsdZ9tMnlvXs6mgPFEeybhjR38OlpTXKvQORxWEzalWsaCaB0lrTHyfeHQ8Xkd3TsvwJWhb2lHa5fC9OlqeMa1vbZai2b6wg8OgGt6zIWss8MC4/w400-h335/IMG_20201028_154636637_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whenever I order corks I always wonder what color they will be. Typically they are light, but occasionally I am sent a bag of a darker color. They are a natural product so I am at the mercy of the supplier. My recent shipment was the darker cork and I actually think that "Jude" looks good with his darker snout. It goes well with his rustic look!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdI4o_Uv46HbLG6lySQ0m2cUabkJKAuX6Plw33_crPP47ly3Dlt5RV2ykVdIIzGCAXijky8vDXIrxhv9fCMTLTBeAigAYJORLb-jIG9aGJeBXsgHVEg-2azmhDgGSRq1mXMppmUh9URI/s2294/IMG_20201028_154624954_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="2294" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdI4o_Uv46HbLG6lySQ0m2cUabkJKAuX6Plw33_crPP47ly3Dlt5RV2ykVdIIzGCAXijky8vDXIrxhv9fCMTLTBeAigAYJORLb-jIG9aGJeBXsgHVEg-2azmhDgGSRq1mXMppmUh9URI/w400-h346/IMG_20201028_154624954_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I panicked last week when I placed an order for corks. I order 100 at a time and the website said they didn't have 100 in stock. Thankfully, I got the last 75. That, along with what I had on hand, should hold me over for a couple of months. Last year cork prices rose significantly due to a bad year of cork harvesting. I am hoping that they don't become hard to acquire. Pigs are big business here at 505 E. Main!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-36050441754885568522020-10-20T14:07:00.000-04:002020-10-20T14:07:37.756-04:00Happy Little Nothings<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTADt3_YPBhHlefsBaFIHvi2hW1cMlp8AXPwqpK3JulIDACJCy_v6m3TeBsrNWGet6aBHsvACZLYQOkwxdlCbtv6UonaKOPa_MfLaHAt9eS9EnfhdEHdxHDT8IzteWRmmN6ZqjUgdtfw/s4032/IMG_20201019_144329911_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTADt3_YPBhHlefsBaFIHvi2hW1cMlp8AXPwqpK3JulIDACJCy_v6m3TeBsrNWGet6aBHsvACZLYQOkwxdlCbtv6UonaKOPa_MfLaHAt9eS9EnfhdEHdxHDT8IzteWRmmN6ZqjUgdtfw/w400-h300/IMG_20201019_144329911_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year I bought a set of Arteza Real Brush Pens. I thought I was going to use them for lettering but quickly realized it was going to be really difficult to use them for that purpose. They are really hard to control. I swatched the colors, played with them a bit, then they sat unused.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhhyfNdsrjpE96CY8Hqpg68Pcjyur7iynr91MoIZkMjohe9P6Ps6gvNjxb7O9MCf68KdFAuf2YQOSaOebE8nqYG9fL6nlZH3i3qddaKuuFHFWJx0LWAKQZPvk9asXFLkAbRYIQTzDUAM/s4032/IMG_20201019_144412577_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhhyfNdsrjpE96CY8Hqpg68Pcjyur7iynr91MoIZkMjohe9P6Ps6gvNjxb7O9MCf68KdFAuf2YQOSaOebE8nqYG9fL6nlZH3i3qddaKuuFHFWJx0LWAKQZPvk9asXFLkAbRYIQTzDUAM/w400-h300/IMG_20201019_144412577_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hate it when I buy art supplies that I don't use. Last week I searched on YouTube for some demos using these pens. It inspired me to give them another try. I sketched out some doodles on watercolor paper and outlined them with a fine line Sharpie. The ink in these pens is water-based and they are blend-able. A water brush pen was included in the set. I went to work inking my doodles. It's difficult to get good shading, but perhaps with a little practice I will get better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMBB1QTBhIQhH5DgE6665CMbAAWAaGSAaQPs7uJFwfGLZW0NFfiad7utIU6k1GVglBkUYfKdbwIu_VIPCl7czBWq3CqWYX9fL0U3Cs2CkJMJpUhSr3nwls6bWyZkD7F8NG7vIgywg2BU/s4032/IMG_20201020_084121239_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMBB1QTBhIQhH5DgE6665CMbAAWAaGSAaQPs7uJFwfGLZW0NFfiad7utIU6k1GVglBkUYfKdbwIu_VIPCl7czBWq3CqWYX9fL0U3Cs2CkJMJpUhSr3nwls6bWyZkD7F8NG7vIgywg2BU/w400-h300/IMG_20201020_084121239_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I cut out my doodles and created a two page spread in the small art journal that I have been working in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's bright, colorful, and cheery... especially in comparison to some of the other "dark" pages I have completed in recent months! My lettering sucks due to the texture on the background. The background is a combination of acrylic paint, bits of sheet music, gesso, and distress inks. It was a pleasant way to take some time for myself on Sunday afternoon. Sometimes mindlessness is a good thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing all a creative and happy week.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-26943666551484458192020-10-05T12:49:00.004-04:002020-10-05T12:49:51.938-04:00Serve it up with a pig<p> A few months ago I had an order for a large piggy jar, big enough to hold K-cups for coffee. Jeff and I had a little fun experimenting with getting the size right. Why make just one?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxTU2Hb2oWxtpSvE4HLuSE3lMLHQQPl032BWhzL5KiOv56gamacF7Pr9CZb6u3HkrWXB1RxsRmJrh8lCdd0JlYR_nfq1R6FtgzL448fSpAnbMIDQfESM9sbRr2t-PN4KADu-0nsevR7s/s2048/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1735" data-original-width="2048" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxTU2Hb2oWxtpSvE4HLuSE3lMLHQQPl032BWhzL5KiOv56gamacF7Pr9CZb6u3HkrWXB1RxsRmJrh8lCdd0JlYR_nfq1R6FtgzL448fSpAnbMIDQfESM9sbRr2t-PN4KADu-0nsevR7s/w400-h339/IMG_0432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realized that this one was the perfect size to use as a serving vessel! Perfect for serving snacks or coleslaw at your next pig pickin'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAnPFx951FMnV-_KJE4dEGLiS5MP3Zx-z-On_rWPlwI0fzKf1HKBerL4jc6VFAkwisodATmRfq54Fs5Sx_q89NLBR6UoXKRjl5ciqII751I48CSe1-Sho9piC1uSp-3x4aBhhjvBsb9M/s2048/IMG_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1924" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAnPFx951FMnV-_KJE4dEGLiS5MP3Zx-z-On_rWPlwI0fzKf1HKBerL4jc6VFAkwisodATmRfq54Fs5Sx_q89NLBR6UoXKRjl5ciqII751I48CSe1-Sho9piC1uSp-3x4aBhhjvBsb9M/w400-h376/IMG_0435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love doing photo shoots where I can eat the props when I am done. I hadn't eaten any snack food this unhealthy in months. I enjoyed every bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkitqL7FZwsE-nXDL868X9wqRr__7Ep9UVhprkR1YiXVRGHUqsUcN9KjomBaHU4AGyedf9DXfwn8fQ4dpodq5Qp9OhVWkldeBPcbju3B-wXtKuHJ_2xVjfXH5NGAbRSbCgiCDGHBTgCk/s2048/IMG_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkitqL7FZwsE-nXDL868X9wqRr__7Ep9UVhprkR1YiXVRGHUqsUcN9KjomBaHU4AGyedf9DXfwn8fQ4dpodq5Qp9OhVWkldeBPcbju3B-wXtKuHJ_2xVjfXH5NGAbRSbCgiCDGHBTgCk/w400-h336/IMG_0431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'll find this pig, along with others, in my Etsy shop. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/meeshspottery">https://www.etsy.com/shop/meeshspottery</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-36479270045784652532020-09-28T10:55:00.000-04:002020-09-28T10:55:22.481-04:00Create without Fear!<p> While the kiln was firing I spent some time with my small journal of gel printed pages.</p><p>I have been trying to let the backgrounds tell me what to do with them. There was an oval of lighter pink paint on the left side of this one that looked like it should be an elongated face.</p><p>I just took it from there. The journal is a great place form me to get in some lettering practice.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XGzgXPgHcraOmHDBptnZDXfU_YSd6CKnX4wXWH7TaU5EfKQPNU3HNKXQOeyaLJRjwNZevHVDxZwNZ4nUcpnaF_79kEYeSHiuEx0nqE-hRCGiwycS6sFN4PQdjzIZe__mmmGteYztdj8/s3097/IMG_20200927_165817668_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2059" data-original-width="3097" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XGzgXPgHcraOmHDBptnZDXfU_YSd6CKnX4wXWH7TaU5EfKQPNU3HNKXQOeyaLJRjwNZevHVDxZwNZ4nUcpnaF_79kEYeSHiuEx0nqE-hRCGiwycS6sFN4PQdjzIZe__mmmGteYztdj8/w400-h266/IMG_20200927_165817668_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I struggled with this green and yellow print. I added some old book pages, stamped a background, then doodled the flowers using a simple sharpie marker. When I look at it now, I know what I would do differently. I would probably apply some gesso with a brayer to give it more of an "aged" look. I try not to be disappointed with end results. Journals are the place to explore and make mistakes. Create art for yourself and without fear!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlkE0SaZD94nN1oKLaeFQdn5Q-7668H9AgVSwcdtdqJebEyP4qi8DCkauhsk8CJNgfocQRWGPpotFsGcwWnpCmGp9B0Rg05M8scFPMvL827rb_DkM_AHbWhvrY0hLgdm_5y7JyViajMk/s3664/IMG_20200927_165832029_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3664" data-original-width="2373" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlkE0SaZD94nN1oKLaeFQdn5Q-7668H9AgVSwcdtdqJebEyP4qi8DCkauhsk8CJNgfocQRWGPpotFsGcwWnpCmGp9B0Rg05M8scFPMvL827rb_DkM_AHbWhvrY0hLgdm_5y7JyViajMk/w259-h400/IMG_20200927_165832029_HDR.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will leave you with a random butterfly. It's been great year for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMWsqtjNCuBleXbCM-s7F96SFmZE1KmyXG2h9DXqj7iTZ23N-tbE2l37sRyljKNIN_wQVLBJ-j5aSGl6HMu4bgZZF1y_COt4FlGzQu7FIAdMX3FWBYi3mlmIVmoUiclLBOfIeTBvjJ4Q/s1992/IMG_20200926_145245654_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1992" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMWsqtjNCuBleXbCM-s7F96SFmZE1KmyXG2h9DXqj7iTZ23N-tbE2l37sRyljKNIN_wQVLBJ-j5aSGl6HMu4bgZZF1y_COt4FlGzQu7FIAdMX3FWBYi3mlmIVmoUiclLBOfIeTBvjJ4Q/w400-h369/IMG_20200926_145245654_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-44116058590900295002020-09-23T14:44:00.000-04:002020-09-23T14:44:14.022-04:00Experimentation<p> A couple of weeks ago I was going through an old box of art supplies and came across a set of oil pastels. I bought these nearly twenty years ago when I was taking a drawing class at the NH Institute of Art. They looked like they were barely used. I knew nothing about working with oil pastels so I went to my old friend YouTube to get some tips.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIMaFEd6w52YJlb6TG3Ug4Qb7D39MdSxxcRKmQd_weU7dePSPBFhkQCB9ftYO91ymD1hyphenhyphenvuP57zzw3HxjI8J42qIZ5Zp8KEQLck6qEqZW3INZDvFXomAZNPeND8zwxxOeZ9sNfyM-IJ4/s3131/IMG_20200917_141055808_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3131" data-original-width="2957" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIMaFEd6w52YJlb6TG3Ug4Qb7D39MdSxxcRKmQd_weU7dePSPBFhkQCB9ftYO91ymD1hyphenhyphenvuP57zzw3HxjI8J42qIZ5Zp8KEQLck6qEqZW3INZDvFXomAZNPeND8zwxxOeZ9sNfyM-IJ4/w379-h400/IMG_20200917_141055808_HDR.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I discovered is that they aren't easy to work with. It's really hard create something that doesn't look like a kids coloring book! I heard that blending multiple shades of one color is one way to avoid the "coloring book" look. Easier said than done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv2WV-zdC-zXDNeJulvy-lChDaqyivDh8N2IWh5j1Sk6MKU2mlCsV-1uAsEGlR5hLqMFEmT2Km_GNEQDdSHv8ndW5eM5lTOOUEbiXe0zMa_sH8ADJwS9KaQMBle94CoiH_EdRiJRoEPo/s2998/IMG_20200917_141039907_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2998" data-original-width="2809" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv2WV-zdC-zXDNeJulvy-lChDaqyivDh8N2IWh5j1Sk6MKU2mlCsV-1uAsEGlR5hLqMFEmT2Km_GNEQDdSHv8ndW5eM5lTOOUEbiXe0zMa_sH8ADJwS9KaQMBle94CoiH_EdRiJRoEPo/w375-h400/IMG_20200917_141039907_HDR.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had some fun with it, not sure I will spend much time using these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did learn a little history about oil pastels while researching techniques. Sakura Cray-pas came out in 1925. They were the first company to combine a non-toxic crayon with pastels. In 1949 Henri Sennelier created fine art pastels for Pablo Picasso and Henri Goetz. Sennelier's company still makes the finest oil pastels on the market. It seems most artists use less expensive oil pastels for their base work and then finish with Sennelier oil pastels. Cray-pas are still very affordable at around $9 for a box of 16. Sennelier, on the other hand are between three and five dollars a stick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it's back to clay. I have some sponge holders in the studio that need finishing and two bisque kilns to unload. Jeff fired both the gas kiln and the electric kiln between Monday and Tuesday morning. I see lots of glazing in my future.</div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-57524544079583453262020-09-15T11:39:00.005-04:002020-09-15T20:33:49.400-04:00Busy Hands<p> Here is a little sampling of things I have been working on.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyPdTgDxW-uA5CPVNDiYZsJCAXX8fUng9inGkPSt2CQG0p02YleLkca3K9qh5oxu2dH9foFA7yFC8w8Z3En1z7yPFzXZDGViQThcn7S-_edmcfpHECYep85Hv8LSBfoGP64uN2X44ElA/s3534/IMG_20200824_100420655_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2712" data-original-width="3534" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyPdTgDxW-uA5CPVNDiYZsJCAXX8fUng9inGkPSt2CQG0p02YleLkca3K9qh5oxu2dH9foFA7yFC8w8Z3En1z7yPFzXZDGViQThcn7S-_edmcfpHECYep85Hv8LSBfoGP64uN2X44ElA/w400-h308/IMG_20200824_100420655_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I watched a few YouTube videos this summer about making glassine envelopes using deli paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzvtYynE63CekW07MgHxunahh5aFejjyJfhL2hDVXJBwoDF1Krstg4dW_YldNqC-5AJ2kyOZTmhmVxO63AcroCcHU9K-UTKiREAe-zheJg1ekw4d37v1IwjmlNawWpGV_00QFkzlOcSs/s3145/IMG_20200824_100533859_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="3145" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzvtYynE63CekW07MgHxunahh5aFejjyJfhL2hDVXJBwoDF1Krstg4dW_YldNqC-5AJ2kyOZTmhmVxO63AcroCcHU9K-UTKiREAe-zheJg1ekw4d37v1IwjmlNawWpGV_00QFkzlOcSs/w400-h353/IMG_20200824_100533859_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent an afternoon printing the deli paper using my larger gel plate. The printing process is always fun. Not every print is a success the first time around, but you can almost always print layers over it and turn it into something cool. I keep everything I print and often use scraps in other projects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHVVYIE-GJ64zxUGdktaowt4Yfxnar0IwG2n3SHcGlLx2WcjUEPrRgWketVJnMMUTTX3e-VtH29XcL-0c8pfJuO3XjVaA8b_6TuKj9pvIcbPxJDyn_Ye4K_nHCMt3Ybx_FuQX_Ghg7Z4/s4032/IMG_20200824_100448923_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHVVYIE-GJ64zxUGdktaowt4Yfxnar0IwG2n3SHcGlLx2WcjUEPrRgWketVJnMMUTTX3e-VtH29XcL-0c8pfJuO3XjVaA8b_6TuKj9pvIcbPxJDyn_Ye4K_nHCMt3Ybx_FuQX_Ghg7Z4/w400-h300/IMG_20200824_100448923_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The envelopes were fun to assemble and add details to them. These were made in random sizes and I will probably use them as little gift bags. I plan to make more that are a standard card size. Not good for mailing, but nice for in person gift giving or to tuck in a box to be shipped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1695" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqbfA3j2Z6xGsTWbxQ_x0uZ_LcJHFJPFEupJcR28mNHoHT5Wa9kB7W3IITka2tIINAkSdO6NAlZ88MSKY87EWlSmyo1agjNh_Qwl9XZ7t03yJQJOzy6P4EhQalBkY2MH5QkJvpP04fzc/w400-h335/IMG_20200903_125030349_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a finished a fourth coptic stitch bound book. I made this one for my daughter who loves all things French. I bought a set of Paris stamps some time ago and thought they would be perfect for this project. I used a combination of parchment and glassine papers for the signatures and they were much easier to bind than watercolor paper. I gel printed the cover papers with this book in mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe92nzJmlJyOaP8cT_54YtJfqq-_A0SXeebSmD0lbjL_ZrN7V8r9_nJIB7t5VUsrtCgrCn2C5IUw4mhdbZs4YhISxMDxff6VnHwZAJ95rMOfMFljhFLD3EES9JfSS8VhZa-tfrRwzUzo/s3110/IMG_20200909_163822750_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2632" data-original-width="3110" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe92nzJmlJyOaP8cT_54YtJfqq-_A0SXeebSmD0lbjL_ZrN7V8r9_nJIB7t5VUsrtCgrCn2C5IUw4mhdbZs4YhISxMDxff6VnHwZAJ95rMOfMFljhFLD3EES9JfSS8VhZa-tfrRwzUzo/w400-h339/IMG_20200909_163822750_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And YES, I still make pots! I am currently overwhelmed with piggy bank and salt pig orders. In between making those I am trying to make a few cheese stones for each firing. They are starting to sell online, which is a good thing since our gallery is still closed for in person shopping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great week, and if you are in the path of hurricane Sally, or the terrible wild fires on the west coast, I hope that you stay safe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Always remember the three W's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wear</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wait</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116910306520528915.post-70400904184023282922020-09-10T10:37:00.001-04:002020-09-10T10:37:44.185-04:00In My Own Little Bubble...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8kzkHOAV4rzJVgRTiVJVrbmL9d8rxrVwOcqAyJuoBhPwXZLqmNiQVNvvqlpGxnx0_eXPsEeSgPrObpgPEx_DVEJvmLab6GWcNng-3lcdooFYEtx1bd-DuOCBR7ShyphenhyphenyO0Qn8DiFumfyE/s4032/IMG_20200910_095121352_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8kzkHOAV4rzJVgRTiVJVrbmL9d8rxrVwOcqAyJuoBhPwXZLqmNiQVNvvqlpGxnx0_eXPsEeSgPrObpgPEx_DVEJvmLab6GWcNng-3lcdooFYEtx1bd-DuOCBR7ShyphenhyphenyO0Qn8DiFumfyE/w375-h500/IMG_20200910_095121352_HDR.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some months back I bound this journal using a simple method using handmade washi-tape along with electrical tape. The pages and cover were all made with gel prints on an inexpensive water color paper. In the handmade journal world, this probably falls into the "junk journal" category. My challenge has been creating artwork over the printed backgrounds. I have to admit that some pages have me stumped!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1sj9rcPZOERR7JUcwSq1EuEwnc9sLWyGZso1yxjqcbf4BZ7yHQ0p3CEFflZRrTJIO2g3bSThREwDZ3YLLZ7q-EIVyG2PCOCn_oybb-1WZ4vMaS51_5XyWNb5WLzq9bMcLR4Y0IbyUPw/s4032/IMG_20200910_095026701_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1sj9rcPZOERR7JUcwSq1EuEwnc9sLWyGZso1yxjqcbf4BZ7yHQ0p3CEFflZRrTJIO2g3bSThREwDZ3YLLZ7q-EIVyG2PCOCn_oybb-1WZ4vMaS51_5XyWNb5WLzq9bMcLR4Y0IbyUPw/w500-h375/IMG_20200910_095026701_HDR.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are two page spreads with the same prints. Those are easier to be inspired by. I started the mermaid as a practice for a soap pump order. The buyer requested a mermaid scene. I hadn't drawn mermaids in a few years. I started this drawing/painting a couple of months ago and finally finished it this week. It took me that long to figure out where it was headed. The soap dispenser has long been carved, fired, and shipped to it's new owner. Lucky for her it didn't take me two months to figure that out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used acrylic paint, colored pencils, pen and ink, then finished it off with sparkly "stickles", a product from Ranger... basically a good quality glitter glue. Who doesn't like a little sparkle in their life?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am happier with it now, but I know what direction the next one will go in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w5nYXoL_cm0UeiBjmY9GCiQ-UtPy-azj4XEMRLuf0ImnBQW4DCGl6xRrvQFo6gEzDklnW9_w7mqvrS-5OKBtakACkaZCwjKbG5FSGar88WYWufsM1NDos1UjpLXZkiSgTxKIQQ0JJM0/w500-h375/IMG_20200910_095102263_HDR.jpg" width="500" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I find the pages with competing prints to be difficult. If I cover over one side it's a little easier to find a starting point. This week I added more washi-tape to a page and created a doodle inspired by my own end of summer flowers. It was quick sketch and relaxing to complete. I really enjoyed the Summer of 2020. There were some difficult times, and sleepless nights. Decisions to be made about business, concerns over the state of our country, and humanity... all of which weighed heavy at times. Despite all of this, Jeff and I fell into a rhythm of work, gardening, and cooking. Uninterrupted. Enjoying the moment. Our little bubble is a good place to "just be".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michèle Hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346907762804197879noreply@blogger.com2