New Glazed Work

Relief printed hand built mugs

Relief printed hand built stoneware mugs

I meant to write a blog post yesterday or this morning, but my flash image uploader in my wordpress dashboard wasn’t working and I was forced to upload one photo at a time.  Quelle horreur!  Stomping my feet impatiently and yelling at my laptop didn’t seem to solve anything.  So, today, I did a little computer clean up and also investigated the image problem.  After perusing the WP support forum, I discovered that the new version of Adobe Flash 10 is not compatible (apparently this will be fixed with the next release of WP) – so I had to roll Adobe Flash back to version 9.  What a pain – but, I’m happy to say that my uploader is now working fast and properly so here I am writing this post at 8:40pm on a Monday night.

Frog covered box

Relief printed frog stoneware covered box

Sales were good at last weekend’s Colorado Potters Guild Sale.  I really wasn’t sure if they would be given the economy right now.  Maybe folks are feeling a little more hopeful with the election results?  I sold quite a bit of my new work and even some older work that doesn’t quite match what I making now.  Out of 35 mugs, I took home 5 (deservedly so – I will be reglazing them this week).   I love getting this kind of feedback!

Lots of folks remembered my covered boxes from the spring sale and were asking where I hid them.  I only had about 5 and came home with 0.  I meant to make a bunch of boxes for the sale and just plain ran out of time.  I accepted a couple of special orders for boxes at the CPG sale that I’m going to start working on this week at a leisurely pace.  These aren’t something that I can rush – they take time and careful consideration depending on the theme.

Hybrid mugs

Hybrid mugs – hand built and wheel thrown

People really liked my new mugs – good thing since I like making them!  The relief printed ones in the top image of this post were the first to go, I guess that means that I should really make more of these in the future and also expand my lino-cuts.  I haven’t committed to any more sales events before the holidays – something about which I’m happy.  I plan to continue exploring shapes and different ideas and will also stock up my Etsy shop, which is currently empty.

Hybrid vases

Hybrid vases

I like the vases – but need to refine them just a bit more.  They would also make a good sized pitcher if I added a spout and handle.

Meanwhile, I spent yesterday reading and commenting on my favorite blogs since I hadn’t had the time to do so the week leading up to my sale.  It feels good to get back to a normal routine.  I know my family has enjoyed having me back.  :)

The good news is that I have a full kiln load of glazed work that I didn’t get fired in time for the sale which will help fill my Etsy shop.  As soon as I reglaze the mugs, I’ll push the start button.  This week I’m also going to start adding images to my gallery page – I’d say it’s about time, wouldn’t you?

Have a great week,

~Cynthia

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19 comments

  • Cynthia

    November 11, 2008 at 7:11 am // Reply

    Meredith – ;) He’s my feng shui frog! I’m looking forward to getting back into the studio with no pressure of making work for a sale – just leisurely exploration of forms and techniques.

    Judy – I think a pitcher would be a good addition to my work – who doesn’t need one? I use them all the time.

    Judi – Thanks so much Judi, a true compliment from someone whose work I so admire – talk about evolving…

  • Jerry

    November 11, 2008 at 7:19 am // Reply

    All of the pots in this post are really nice. I esp. like the ginko mug (2nd pic, right) and the vase on the left. Those mug handles just beg to be fondled! I agree too, I think the hybrid vases would make very nice pitchers.

  • Mary T.

    November 11, 2008 at 7:37 am // Reply

    Gee, did you know I collect–in the loosest and least cataloged way imaginable as I have two–pitchers. I think that might be fun. I’m so glad the sale went well. How encouraging for you.

  • Cynthia

    November 11, 2008 at 7:42 am // Reply

    Jerry – Thanks, I happen to have a ginkgo fetish! I even went so far as to plant one in my front yard 2 years ago which is where I got the leaves to imprint the mug. I made a bisque texture plate out of the ginkgo leaves so I can use it over and over. Fondling handles – only a clay person would say that ;)

    Mary – I only have glass pitchers that I inherited from my grandmother, but use them for sangria, margaritas (rocks), ice tea, and of course water. It was encouraging to see people buying handmade items and fun to see that the guild has such a dedicated following.

  • Mary C

    November 11, 2008 at 7:51 am // Reply

    Glad to hear your sale was successful, and thanks for posting about it. It’s nice to hear some positive news on the sales side of things, as i have my coffee and work up to getting out in the studio for another long day! Your patterned mugs are fun and cheery and I’m not surprised they went first.
    How nice to see the results of all your creativity and ambition.

  • Undaunted

    November 11, 2008 at 8:55 am // Reply

    Those mugs in the top photo are so gorgeous! I really wish I could come and be your apprentice and learn all your secrets! Did you use something under the glaze to make it look darker around the texture?

  • Ben Stark

    November 11, 2008 at 8:56 am // Reply

    So glad the show went well! Your new work really is evolving and I must say that I like where it is going! Enjoy the break from the hectic time before a big show!

  • ang

    November 11, 2008 at 2:37 pm // Reply

    love the box it’s so elegant, congrats on a good sale and no more before holidays wish it were so here but it’s silly season and i have a feeling we’ll just end up adding more!! cheers ang

  • Stacey Peterson

    November 11, 2008 at 3:49 pm // Reply

    Congratulations on a good sale! I wanted to check it out, but didn’t get down to Denver to see it in time…

    Your new work is beautiful – I’m completely in love with the mugs in the top picture, and the hybrid vases are really cool. Are you going to restock the Etsy shop in time for Christmas? =)

  • Cynthia

    November 11, 2008 at 8:50 pm // Reply

    Mary C. – It was a good feeling since so much of recent news made it seem like that the sky was falling. I don’t know if was a fluke or not, but since I haven’t made much work in the last month, it was good motivation that there is a market for handmade pottery. Good luck with your upcoming shows!

    Linda U. – I used a black underglaze which I wiped away and allowed to dry before glazing and thanks for the comments :)

    Ben – That period of time before a show is crazy! I always tell myself that I’m not going to fall in the trap again, but I do…

    Ang – Thanks, I really have to push these more!

    Stacey – Thanks so much! I hope to restock soon. I have given myself a few days off, but am going back to the studio this week.

    Pauline – :)

    Diana – how is your’s doing? I haven’t visited as much as I’d like in the past couple of weeks.

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