Making Sets

When we unloaded the kiln last week, Jeff commented that my order for dinnerware with flower stamps was a big one. In actuality, it was two orders not one big one. It was sheer coincidence that two people who have been collecting this pattern, ordered new pieces within days of each other. 

I wish orders like this happened more often. It is much easier to get in the groove of making one style of work for a day or two, never mind the fact that glazing goes really quickly.

I usually make extras whenever I do orders. No extras of bowls this time, but I did make an extra of the sugar and creamer set, as well as mugs. You can find those in my Etsy shop.

Today, I am back to making piggy banks.

Preview of things to come...

We let the kiln cool slowly today and have 1/2 the door un-bricked at 11:45 pm. So far we like what we can see and what we have taken out...

the vessel sink in the front looks good, phew!

The lids on my little jars weren't stuck... always a good sign...
More pics tomorrow.

glazing tools and beautiful sunsets

I didn't get into the studio until late afternoon today... I could say that it was because we fired the kiln until 4 am and slept in, but since I slept on the sofa while the kiln fired I would be stretching the truth. The reality is that I lazily packed an Etsy order, did some laundry and surfed the internet for 1/2 the day. Once I made my way to the studio I did get some glazing done.
When I came home from Connecticut I found this new tool in the studio...

It looked strangely familiar... like a measuring cup from the kitchen... sure enough, Jeff said he needed a cup this size and hoped I didn't mind! I had a couple of 2 cup measures in the kitchen so sacrificing one to the studio was fine with me. I used it today and it poured quite nicely.

Another favorite of mine is this big bowl for glazing platters and plates...

Tomorrow I will finish glazing. I am waiting for some tests to come out of the gas kiln tomorrow to help with some decisions on these sugar jars and a couple of mugs...

I will leave you with a pic of the beautiful sunset in Seagrove this evening. I wish I was a good enough photographer to capture the true beauty, but use your imagination.

settling in

When we unloaded the kiln on Saturday morning I had to leave to work at the Co-Op of Seagrove Potters as soon as we were done. I didn't really get a good look at the pots until the next day. 

When I first saw these shino and ash glazed mugs coming out of the kiln I wasn't crazy about them. After handling them, and taking pictures, I have decided that I REALLY  like them! Sometimes you need to spend some time with your pots to appreciate their beauty.

The sugar jar pigs are fun and can also double as "salt pigs"... the woman who placed the custom order was very happy.

I like this shot from behind!

These are listed on Etsy, it may be too late for Christmas shipping but isn't it always nice to shop for yourself?!

a new twist on pigs

Sugar jar piggies! I had a request on Etsy for my pig banks turned into sugar jars. Jeff used to make sitting pig banks so I had him throw & alter the bodies, then I added the piggy parts. Next time (if there is a next time!) I will do the bodies as well. They look sort of silly with their big snouts but I think in the end they will be cute. I will probably list them all on Etsy when they are done.
I also had a custom Etsy order for a black and white pig so I finished some banks yesterday as well...

by the end of the day I was tired of looking at pigs.