Several weeks ago, I visited the Clay Stamps website and tried to purchase a bevel-o-matic clay tool via their Paypal Buy Now Link. I didn’t receive a confirmation or shipping info after committing to purchase. A week later, an email appeared in my inbox from Paypal informing me that Clay Stamps has not claimed my payment and that I should contact them or cancel my purchase. After emailing and receiving no response, I reluctantly canceled my order. I always like to give someone the benefit of the doubt - they could have been on vacation or something. I was going to follow up with a phone call to the number listed on the website, but after telling my Father in Law the story and showing him a photo of a handmade bevel tool in a recent article in Pottery Making Illustated (go to the link on bottom right, titled “Beyond the Square”), he responded, “I can make you one!”
He made me 2! What a great Mother’s Day present and perfect timing. The Summer Art Market is looming in about 5 weeks, and I want to do some more hand-building since my little porcelain boxes sold out at the Guild Show last weekend.
Meanwhile, I’ve been shopping! I need to stop, but I keep finding great independent artists whose work I adore. Friday, I visited the Castle Clay artist’s show and purchased an Asian inspired salt fired mug by Don Cox. Yesterday, I went to a mead & sushi tasting event that featured work by local artists and purchased some steam-punk pins by “The Pork Shop Show” and a reproduction print mounted on a 1″ gallery wood support by Two Little Fruits.
Both the mead and the sushi were delicious! The mead was home brew - and I’ve decided I need to make some for us after I research recipes - finally I’d be able to use the Grolsch bottles with the little ceramic swing top stoppers that my husband has been collecting over the years and won’t let go of. The lemon variety tasted a bit like Limoncello, and I love lemons. The sushi chef likes to do home parties, and I asked him if he would be adverse to doing a kid’s party. I don’t know if you remember, but, my 10 year old daughter loves herself some sushi. She always wants to go out to the most expensive sushi restaurant in town for her birthday every year. It would be cool to learn how to make it ourselves!
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
~Cynthia
Tags: clay bevel tools, don cox, limoncello, pottery making illustrated, summer art market, the pork chop show, two little fruits
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Happy Mothers day my friend!
Such a nice present. Great that all the boxes sold.
Thanks Heather!
I’m hoping to try them out today, Janet!! I was sort of surprised that so many people liked my little boxes. I still have a couple up at the Evergreen gallery, but, am not sure how many are still available. I’ll find out when I pick my work up at the end of the month.
I’m not at all surprised that all of those boxes sold! I have no idea what these blocks of wood are far, but I know you’ll show us the finished product from their use!
The best tools are always hand made. My favorite loom is still one my hubby whacked together.
i ordered one too but its still not here either.
At least I know I shouldn’t take it personally! heheh
Mead and sushi.. intriguing combo!
Hi Cynthia! I have a couple of tools like this…I purchased mine from a woodworker named Bob Carver. I am a handbuilder, and I have found these tools to be a huge help in the studio! Cheers to you!
Jean - I’m going to try to use these today and I’ll give you the report.
I think you’re right, Mary - and my FIL is the king of handmade. When I give him the gist of what I want, he makes it happen.
Glad to hear I’m not alone, Anne - it is rather disappointing. I was so excited to receive it.
Welcome Noelle - so glad to meet another clay person!
What a great present your FIL made for you. How do the wood pieces make a beveled cut? Can’t quite figure it out? I was going to order the beveled tool too and a signature stamp, but I was so busy with shows I didn’t get around to it - glad I didn’t now. I usually like to call in my order, will see what happens with that. Can’t wait for some of your boxes to get on your Etsy store.
Brilliant present, thanks for sharing the article link, been thinking about getting a bevel tool - might have to try sweet talking my fil.
The mead and sushi sounds fun. My daughter loves sushi too. I found it is actually surprisingly easy and quick to make once I tried it out.
I didn’t see the wire in the photo when I first looked, now I see how it works, duh! And the reference to beyond the square has a really great example, thx.
Cynthia, I did the same (ordered online) and didn’t receive the bevel o matics as well - I’m based in UK, just thought it was something to do with the distance.
I’ve seen a similar hand made version to yours and they really work, so I will head off and speak to my joiner to see if he’s got some off cuts, thanks.
I was really looking forward to using them as well.
Anne