New Mug Printed with Linocut and Kicking Myself Offline
Leaves hand built mug printed with linocut
I whipped this mug out last Thursday for something special that’s on the horizon…. Despite carving the design in the linoleum last summer, I hadn’t actually used the linocut to date. The template wasn’t exactly made for this type of mug, but I sort of like that the vining leaves are on an angle.
Linocut mug templates – I used the bottom left linocut for the mug above.
Here’s a couple of my linocuts – I’ve added at least 2 since then and have ideas for many more. I like carving the designs into linoleum because it’s a rigid material, maintains a uniform slab thickness and leaves an evenly distributed texture. And while I do use some commercial textures, I really prefer using my own imagery.
Meanwhile, I’ve been spending too much time online between blogging, social networking sites, Etsy Mud Team, my website, emailing and my volunteer duties with the PTA (which involves the computer). My husband was just a tad irritated with me last Sunday and I agreed that I need to find a better balance. It’s hard being self employed because as many of you well know, my computer and internet use is my life line to the world. So many opportunities have come my way and new connections forged that I might never have made without my computer.
I did ask my husband how many hours he spends on a computer at work – he hemmed and hawed and admitted that it was 8+ hours a day – but he emphasized that he leaves it at work. I asked him how he thought I could fit it all in? As a small business owner and mom who works at home the boundaries between work and home life blur considerably.
Nonetheless, I conceded to limit my tweeting, blogging, commenting, Facebooking, emailing etc. to 10-15 hours a week. I try to accomplish my computer time in the morning while having my coffee, but it doesn’t always work. If I put in 20 hours min. studio time a week, that’s still part time work hours on my part and allows me to connect better to my family. Regarding commenting on other people’s blogs – I’ve decided that rather than trying to digest my whole bloglines subscriptions in one sitting, I’ll answer those who comment on my blog first, and then attempt to read 5 feeds a day. That’s so much easier than 70!
Question: How much time do you spend online a day whether you’re for pleasure or business? What is acceptable – what is too much?
Meanwhile, I made up for the perceived neglect by making some home made artisan baked bread…keep in mind that I’ve never made home made bread before – but I found the easiest recipe in the world. I have to admit that it’s delicious and now my family doesn’t want me to ever buy store bought bread again!
Must run,
~Cynthia
AnneWebb
November 18, 2008 at 12:03 pm //
Thanks for the bread recipe link… I like the idea that you can refrigerate some for later so it doesn’t *have* to be baked (AND eaten!) all at once. What kind of yeast did you use when you made your loaf? I notice the recipe doesn’t really specify.
Re online time.. You always struck me as someone who *did it all*, Cynthia.. I admire it, but often wondered if you slept! lol. wow.. 70 blogs to follow and comment upon.. I had no idea..
I can certainly recognize that a lot of that computer time is part and parcel of running a business.. What I both love and hate about being a studio potter is there is no division of labour.. unless you have a partner (and sometimes even if you *do* have a partner), you have to do it all.. design, manufacture (make, glaze, fire, etc), market, network, sell, etc., etc..
Allyson remarked on the importance of setting regular hours and scheduling things in (physically writing it into a calendar even), including studio time, computer time and family time, and (the key) sticking to it. I struggle with it (and I have to continually remind myself to do it!) but I am the first to admit that when I *do/can* stick to my schedule I seem to be more productive and am a lot more pleasant person to be around.
I think you’re right.. it has to be all about balance between work and family.
If its a toss up between computer time (work related) and pottery time during work hours, for me at least, my priority*has to be* allocating as much time as possible to actually making pots.
Speaking of which.. lunch time is over and my wheel is calling!
Angela Rockett
November 18, 2008 at 1:32 pm //
I’ve checked that bread book out at the library, but I haven’t had a chance to try to make the bread yet. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about it though.
The computer thing has been on my mind a lot lately too. Like you said, it is a link to the outside world, and it’s easy to just keep signing on in hopes that someone out there has noticed you’re alive, not to mention all the cool stuff you can learn about, etc. I’m trying to limit the time I spend on it, trying to make a schedule for it, because it’s just too easy to let it eat up all your time and energy.
My husband’s job actually revolves around social media, so getting him off the computer, at work or at home, or even on the go with that freakin’ phone of his, has been a challenge. We had a long talk about it though, and he’s realizing that a life lived that way is really just being half aware, so he’s working on changing his habits, and some days he even leaves the phone at home so he can focus on being with me.
Mary T.
November 18, 2008 at 3:03 pm //
I’ll bet I can even try it with whole wheat flour since I do everything in whole grains. Looks like delicious bread! I love fresh bread!
I love the mug. It looks just right to me!
What a mess! I find it very hard to not blur the lines between what I want and what I must do any more. That includes looking on line and blogging. Sigh!
judy Shreve
November 18, 2008 at 3:18 pm //
I’m thrilled with the bread recipe! Thanks. And I love the linocut mugs. And once again you’ve brought up a topic so much on my mind. I’m new at this blogging thing & I’ve just updated my facebook page. I think this computer stuff is addicting. I used to love to journal – that’s with a real pen & paper. I used to read books all the time. Now I find when I have free time I’m sitting at the computer – but this ‘free’ time is now taking away studio time. I am also a wife & mom & already feel that I am squeezing in a part time potter’s existence at best.
I don’t know how to break the computer habit. I find it a useful tool. I absolutely enjoy my new blog/facebook friends, but I need to learn to set it aside so that I can focus on other things! I’m not person who watches television – but I am addicted to the computer. Do you think there’s a 12-step program for us? :>)
ang
November 18, 2008 at 3:33 pm //
i was just admiring your cut out and texture all in one pieces, v.cool … blog time yep it is a draw, i think we all have a sense of when we’ve spent too much time online, but then again i’m sure you’ve heard of multi tasking many things can be accomplished all at the same time….
Meredith Heywood
November 18, 2008 at 3:33 pm //
The first step is admitting you have a problem…….
The second step is…….
Yes, I think we all think about this. I really used the computer as a tool to reach out after the studio fire in July.
It was better then drinking or crying.
I have seen as things move along I will be using it less- but I have found some favorites and this is one.
I go on line in the morning before I go to work- a quick 30 minutes at lunch and before I cook dinner.
But- my kids are grown.
There is a limit to how much TV you can watch.
And- I have learned so much looking at what others are doing.
I need to limit myself- but have not figure it to a science!
Meanwhile, love the mug and wish I could come over and watch you work.
And I will have to add this bread to my list.
Undaunted
November 18, 2008 at 5:39 pm //
I love the new mug too! Is it part wheel thrown or completely hand built?
Computer time isn’t really an issue in our house since we both use it too much! I mean … er …. we both find we need to use the computer for various reasons!
Seriously though, I find reading other art blogs very educational and I wouldn’t have progressed as far as I have without it. I know that finding a balance is difficult. Having my laptop right next to a comfy chair doesn’t help!
denise
November 18, 2008 at 6:29 pm //
I like the angling of the vining leaves on the cup. Very nice. Mm, gonna have to give that bread a try, thanks for sharing.
Agghhh, balance can be so elusive, just as you think you’ve found it, the rhythm changes and you have to work it out all over again. I’m in the process of working out my balance again, trying to keep things more slanted to family and well being as I get back in step. Apart from blogging, I have intentionally stayed off the social networking beat, already spending too much time on the computer, between work and personal. I, also, have way too many feeds. At the moment I check in with a few important (to me) ones more regularly (1-3 days), and the rest maybe once a week or less.
Heather
November 19, 2008 at 5:31 am //
The mug rocks! Someday when i get back right with money, I am going to replace all my mugs, plates and bowles with your work. Can you imagine a whole kitchen full of one of a kind hand made magic vessels to eat, drink and be in love with! My family demands home made bread… I can’t keep up with them! LOL
Michael Kline
November 19, 2008 at 7:46 am //
I love the lino idea. As far as computer time budgeting…oh, I’ve gotta go. (-;
Jean Levert Hood
November 19, 2008 at 8:39 am //
I love the new mug! Let us know when you get your Etsy store going again!
Cynthia, I have tried so often and still haven’t found “balance.” I don’t know the answers.
I’ve cut down on my blog commenting time, especially for those who post every day. It’s just impossible. I read many, many blogs, and can do that quickly. But, for now, I’ve cut back commenting to every few posts, not every post of my favorites. That has saved time. I am also trying to watch for when I lose focus entirely, and am off into someplace that has nothing to do with my interests.
Please let us know if you find the magic formula!!
Best to you, Jean
andrea
November 19, 2008 at 1:16 pm //
Being in the same situation I totally hear you! I’ve noticed this year, though, that I’m regaining my balance. Or maybe it’s just that other things are taking precedence. Also, I have sworn off Facebook (though I’m feeling tempted to spend some time there right now…) and refused to start Twittering knowing how compulsive I’ve been in the past. I have to admit I had the opposite conversation with my husband last weekend. I was annoyed with him because he spends 8 hours/day in front of his laptop at work — then continues at home. He’s much better at being compulsive than even me.
Cynthia
November 19, 2008 at 2:52 pm //
Anne – It’s regular old Red Star Yeast – though to get 1.5 tbsp, you have to open 2 packages of it. I looked for bulk yeast at Whole Foods, but didn’t find any.
“You always struck me as someone who *did it all*” – Glad I fooled someone
I was doing really well with my schedule up till the Potter’s Guild sale when I was under deadline. Now that it’s passed, I cut myself some slack and well, you know how that goes.
Angela – I just put a hold on the Splendid Table Cookbook – of course they’re all checked out at DPL. I’ve been on the hunt for a new cookbook and if I like it, I’ll purchase it. I just love her podcast – http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/
Mary – Now that I’ve made the recipe twice – my daughter and hubby have all kinds of ideas for me to add in. I thought about whole wheat myself – maybe some rosemary, Parmesan or Asiago Cheese, and more….
BTW, the bread makes delicious delicious French Toast!
Judy – we can start here… Hi, my name is Cynthia and I am addicted to my computer. Today was no better, either. I’ve been trying to work on the live auction website for my daughter’s school today and have been banging my head against my computer until I finally called tech support and the problem wasn’t mine all along, but with the software. Doh – just like my husband who can’t pull over and ask for directions!
Ang – I’m an excellent multi-tasker, but not always the best time manager.
Meredith – see response to Judy, above.
I don’t watch a lot of TV, but, I’m definitely not reading as much as I used to – unless looking at the pictures counts?
Linda U – that’s the issue exactly! If my hubby was equally addicted, it would be great – but alas, that’s the last thing he wants to do when he gets home from work.
Denise – You’re smart to stay off of social networking! I am on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace and Flickr – but only really tend to FB, Twitter and Flickr. I hear of new ones all the time, but have decided I have enough on my plate these days. Hope you’re feeling better!
Heather – I can see I opened a can of worms by deciding to be Betty Baker! I imagine the flack I’ll get when I buy a loaf of store bought again.
Michael –
Jean – I hope you’re also on the mend! I do have a hard time keeping up with everyone, but I can’t imagine declaring giving it all up a la email bankruptcy either. I’ll continue to make inroads everyday…
Andrea – FB is especially dangerous! It has all those silly apps and games etc. Twittering is like a bunch of people talking at each other. NOt sure anyone’s listening…. There are a few people who I admire who use it a lot, so I haven’t quit.
Cynthia
November 19, 2008 at 2:57 pm //
Like those smilies? I just knew there had to be more out there that WP automatically converts from text.
You know you’re spending too much time online when you start messing with smilies!
Jamie in Vegas
November 19, 2008 at 11:20 pm //
C-
That is one gorgeous mug, I love how the texture really pops out. Also, great handle. Just love the whole construction of it.
patricia griffin
November 19, 2008 at 11:53 pm //
Hey Cynthia – The linocut mugs are great! The issue about blogging/computer time is one shared by many of us. I’m still struggling with it and trying to find that happy “medium”…
Cynthia
November 20, 2008 at 6:45 am //
Jamie – Thanks, I need to work on some more linocuts, but I’m out of linoleum.
Patricia – When I get in a groove, I can manage all my obligations equally well. The problem arises when one facet of my life requires more attention. And when more than one do, all hell breaks loose!
Deborah Woods
November 20, 2008 at 11:47 am //
Well, here’s my two cents. I think it’s important, at least to me, not to confuse spending time on the computer, whether it be blogging, answering emails, whatever, with actual work. It’s NOT the same. I’m reading this while I eat lunch. Then I go back to actual work. When I am done WORKING for the day, well how I spend my free time is of my choosing. I try to work about 7, six hours at minimum a day. That doesn’t mean two or three hours on the computer, and kidding myself that I can somehow justify that as work. It’s playtime, to be done AFTER work. To me, there is not a blurry line, it’s pretty clear. It’s just discipline. Hope that’s not too preachy an self-righteous. Lunch is over, gotta go.
Cynthia
November 20, 2008 at 4:19 pm //
Deborah – I don’t think you’re being “self righteous” at all, but do think we approach computer activity differently in regards to our clay businesses (if we’re selling work, we’re in business for ourselves).
My goal is to work 30 hours a week on my clay business and that includes preparing lesson plans for my kid’s clay class, making kid’s class projects if it’s a new one, making my own work, experimenting, glazing, firing, and then also marketing/business/networking activity like answering emails, designing new business cards, returning phones calls, website maintenance, taking photographs of work, editing photos, blogging, accounting, social networking and who knows what else pops up in there.
Those 30 hours are divided into 1/3s: 20 hours (2/3) of actual studio time and then another 10 hours (1/3 – which is pretty minimal) on the business end of things which often involves the computer as described above.
If I didn’t have a young child at home, I might reconsider my time differently and most likely work longer studio hours because I wouldn’t have to worry about having to be available a good 5 hours a day for her (let alone my husband). So for me, the division between work and home is blurry because I do not have a set time during the day to do XYZ on the computer, but find a moments here and there. The blocks are never solid ones unless I use the time between 9am – 3pm when my daughter is in school (but that’s my studio time) – I won’t bore you with all the other details.
Also, that 30 hours doesn’t include teaching my kid’s clay class, substitute teaching or volunteer activity such as actual in person volunteer hours at school, working on PTA websites, the school’s auction, and whatever else I might do online which I consider to be important contributions to my community. Our finances are limited, but I can give time and experience to the school in the areas that I’m good at – and that others may not have the time for if they work full time outside of the home. Thank goodness I’m not a computer game player or an IMr – so that doesn’t factor in.
What I am trying to do, barring unusual circumstances, is make a schedule for myself – regular activities that I engage in daily/weekly/monthly and what days and to do what.
I just found an excerpt from Art Biz Coach, Alyson Stanfield, taken from her new book, I’d Rather Be In the Studio, regarding how much time to spend on marketing/business end of an art business:
Go to http://www.artbizconnection.com/downloads to read some other advice Alyson gives freely to people.
What I really think has happened to me is that it’s a little out of balance right now because of my own perfect personal computer storm – I manage the school’s auction and home tour websites. The auction is in 2 weeks, so there is a crescendo of activity happening right now that will die down shortly. My daughter’s applications for middle school are due in Dec. – again researching schools, applying online, downloading forms etc., I was just made webmistress for Colorado Potters Guild, I had to take, edit and inventory a lot of photos of my work, write a bio for something else, and then my own everyday internet stuff is all colliding and begging for attention all at the same time.
After awhile something has to give. Now, I hope I’m not coming across as defensive right now – My response in an of itself could be a blog post – and maybe I’ll make it one in the future.
I am lacking discipline in regards to time management – I’ll agree with you on this point – which is why I make lists now…every single day. When things seem overwhelming, I look at this list and start tackling tasks one at a time.
Cynthia
November 20, 2008 at 4:33 pm //
PS – I know that the pace of my life won’t always be like this and I have made choices that feel right to me. Maybe trying to work 30 hours a week at this point in my life is lofty – and should be reduced to a realistic number until my daughter leaves home or needs me less. (I’m pretty sure that’s around the bend with teen years fast approaching)
Deborah Woods
November 21, 2008 at 7:24 am //
Hi Cynthia-things are different for everyone-that’s just what I try and do. If I didn’t “regulate” myself, it’s too easy to become distracted. I have to set “rules” for myself in a sense. I have so many interests I could easily piddle away the day otherwise without getting real work done.