Last kiln I ran a test on two large jugs. Very pleased. It's amazing how a few brush strokes of a new glaze can change things. The second jug is the one in the video, and in the last post just after it was thrown.

 

I feel I have neglected the studio and my work a bit. It's always a balancing act. I have a house that is under construction and requires more of my attention and time. Trips to the hardware store seem to always yield pottery stuff.  Today I picked up some cheap grout sponges for the studio. 

House pictures. As it was, second floor built up, then the new color!

Finished Piece

This was the jug I was throwing in the video. About 15" tall. Handles were added shortly after throwing. I used a heat gun to firm up the areas where the handles got attached. Base was thrown and trimmed with a notched rib so this piece does not need to be further trimmed.

Documenting

A few months ago I got a mini Flip HD digital video camera. I wanted to start creating some videos, ultimately of the demos we do in the studio and to share some interesting techniques.  It's A LOT of work documenting anything. We all take lots of pictures and most of us have them sitting in a file someplace on a computer. 

I have a background in film and video from decades ago - it's still a real passion.  I was an editor among other titles, but love the fluidity of the medium. So this little video is a stab at getting an idea of what I need to do.  lesson 1- move the camera to the side I am working on. You cannot see what I am doing with the ribs I am using in this video. I thought I would share the accelerated version. Lesson 2 - charge the battery:(

Your Vote Please

See the double header above - I need your help. Please comment below - Which header do you like better? Top or bottom? Thanks

End User Testing

End user testing, product usability, test kitchens. I do it all.  Since the bulk of my ware is functional kitchen to table ware, it's mandatory that I try out almost every shape or glaze with my own spoon or meal. That's not to say I try out "yours" but as I come out with a new piece that gets replicated, I do give it an up close and personal.

As a result I have changed glazes in the bottom of a bowl that I just didn't like the feel of, or altered a rim for better pouring. I tend to get draw back to what works in my kitchen, which bowls my kids eat out of the most because they are just the right size.

Testing II

STAY TUNED. I Have to shift my blog a bit.  Blogger will no longer being offering ftp - It means a load of work on my end and as a result I need to change a few things..... stay tuned.....

Happy Birthday to ME

I find as we get older - birthdays  are not such a much. I love the calls and emails and LOL at all of the facebook Happy Birthdays. Best of all was my 8 year old making dessert tonight. She made little cakes in her easy bake oven. It took a while but it was great. It's those small things that we realize are most important. I feel young, that's what counts.

Our construction on the house continues, with the added surprise of very old termite damage under the siding.  It was pretty amazing- those little bugs ate through lots. As out builder said "they have to eat too". Just with it wasn't my house.  Fortunately they are long gone, leaving us with the cleanup.