Saturday, May 19, 2007

New Plates

Alex and I have been working to replace a lot of our dishes. Everything we use was made by us, but it has been a while since we kept some new things. These delicious plates were thown by Alex using a dark brown stoneware. I then glazed then using the same bamboo glaze used on the Civil War Cups and a green glaze in the center to highlight the spiral.

Friday, May 18, 2007

How It Goes

As the school year comes to a close, so does our business of creating teacher's gifts with school kids. I believe we have completed our last teacher's gift of the season and I thought I would share a little about how the pieces come to be.

Step One: Sketch out a design comprised mostly of small ovals.
Step Two: Dip each child's finger into underglaze then press into an oval.

Step Three: Use black underglaze to outline, add details, and letter.

Step Four: Dip into glaze.
Step Five: Fire to Cone 06.

Voila!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Reproduction

For a while I've been working on a printing method in order to make affordable reproductions of my nursery art. I have researched giclee, tried professional printers, and even my own inkjet without finding what I want. Finally, I upgraded my own printer to one that uses archival, lightfast inks and started printing on 80 lb watercolor paper that I trim to glide through the printer. Success! I am able to now offer 8x10 reproductions of my nursery art for $13.00 at my etsy store, Into The Fire.

Still, I've been thinking for a while that what I'd really like to do is screen print simplified versions of my nursery art. I am working on the screens now and gathering what I need. I'm hoping that I'll be able to bring to light what I envision. I think that, having never screen printed before, my undertaking might be a little ambitious. Thankfully, my etsy friend The Milkman, who created the shirt to the right, has offered to share his expertise and encouragement with me. I know he does good work because I have bought two shirts from him already! Also encouraging me in this endeavor is Muttsywonder, who you will be hearing more about very soon.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Bina Geyer

I make jewelry, but I don't think I have a particular flare for it. I just experiment until something looks right. I wear my own stuff all the time, but this week I have gotten one compliment after another on my earrings. The problem is, I didn't make them!

I ordered these earrings from Jewelry Designs by Bina; I had been eyeing them for a long time. They have so much personality and I can wear them with jeans or all dressed up. Then I spotted a second pair I had to have as well - a lovely pair of drop earrings made with vintage bell flower beads! Bina's prices are very reasonable and she has worldwide FREE SHIPPING! She is so nice and easy to work with. My earrings arrived quickly and perfect and she even included a little gift! I will order from Jewelry Designs by Bina again. Please take a peak in her shop - you will love what you see!

Pretty Pot

This flower pot was painted by a class of school kids for their teacher. I draw out a design for the kids to follow, which is basically a series of ovals. The children put their thumbprints in each oval. When they are done, I outline, add details, and letter the piece before glazing and firing. I do tons of these each year, but this one seems especially cute!

Friday, May 11, 2007

Staying Busy

Having a ceramics shop at this time of year means staying busy. Mother's Day shoppers are enough to keep the kiln going everyday, but when you add in the end of the school year and all of the teaher's gifts it becomes a real whirlwind!

Here is a bowl I painted on commission for a teacher's gift. All of the kids' names are painted on the inside of the bowl with the teacher's name in the middle. On the outside, I painted polka dots and circles. Since I was originally asked to paint polka dots, I really made it harder than it needed to be. I like how it turned out and apparently someone else did, too. I had another order placed for one just like it today.

Someone Read My Blog


I've been a little discouraged about blogging. I didn't install any counters here, because I thought it might be depressing! However, without counters, I thought no one was even looking, much less reading my blog. I mean, really, I'm not a great writer nor am I a very dedicated blogger.

But yesterday, I was actually posting to my blog, when I noticed that someone had left a comment! Oh! The excitement! Some one not only clicked on my blog, but they actually read a post! I feel the love!

So I am back today ready to share a picture of my new favorite coffee mug. Alex made this mug and several others and they have become the mugs we reach for first. It is BIG! And the handle is comfortable. The glaze isn't perfect, but that's okay. It's for me and I want something that functions perfectly. Beauty is second. Still, I believe this mug is beautiful.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Etsy Mom


I am so excited to introduce my mom's Etsy store, Heart Stitches Embroidery! She makes custom burp cloths, totebags, and director's chairs for children. She also does a lot of promotional items for businesses and clubs, but I don't think she'll do much of that through Etsy.

If you are looking for really fun baby shower gifts or just want to spoil yourself, please go check out Heart Stitches Embroidery.