Cue song– “The End”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSUIQgEVDM4
I’ve either been a student or a teacher for the past thirty-eight years, so for me, late June signifies “the end.” In the past few weeks, I finished up my pottery class, a writing class and said farewell to my class. The cherry on top was cleaning out the classroom I’ve been in for two years.
So, in my mind, today is the beginning of a new year! You should see the plans I’m formulating 😉 (Don’t worry, Mom, they’re all positive adventures.)
Happy Thoughts Pottery
Here are some pieces I created this pottery class–notice I am stepping out of my “simply glazing” comfort zone? My mom will be happy to hear I’ve finally met a teacher who can get me to pay attention and follow rules! Notice how much “rounder” everything is–well, apart from the square plate! I am getting at pulling up with better consistency (wall thickness). Now to do a better job at trimming or pulling up more so my bowls/mugs/plates don’t double as paperweights! (Or is that a good thing on a windy day?)
Happy Thoughts Pottery Collection
Holy Casseroles
I was thrilled to learn how to measure a bowl to make a lid for it! My mother will be happy to know I am better at measuring to make clay lids than I am with measuring to build walls! Doesn’t the white and orange casserole above sort of look like a chubby chicken? That was my first ever casserole!
Below you will see the stages of the next two I made. I used a tissue transfer process (made my own “ink” for the transfer) and then painted with stain once it was bisqued. The yellow in the daisies is watered down underglaze–I think I prefer that to painting with stain. So far.
Teapot and altered Pots
Recall the square teapot I made last year? Well, now I know how to make round ones too! Not sure how I feel about painting–these flowers didn’t turn out as well as I’d hoped, but they are sort of reminiscent of 1950’s curtains. The altered pot was thrown on a wheel without a bottom, then stretched into the shape you see. After it stiffened up, I hand-built the bottom. I also made a square one (below). This is definitely something I love. It’s the perfect mix of throwing and hand-building!
teapot and altered pot
“Happy thoughts” I’ve been using every day for breakfast 🙂
I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is about this little bowl–it’s perfect (for me)! And this is the best mug I’ve made. It’s a great size and shape–and the handle is exactly right for my hand. Who would have thought there would be benefits to personalized pottery?!
There’s just something about you!
Here’s a review of my 1 1/2-year journey with pottery 🙂
For a look at the possibilities, check out the Ceramic Arts Network Blog. That’s the dream…