It's been 7 months since I've posted here. It'll probably be a few more before I get to being more regular again. Right now I'm trying to get my insurance licensing completed. I'm also knee deep in sewing. I've had health issues which have rocked my world a bit (but fortunately I realize they could be much worse and terminal as well). I'm stuck in a job I hate and have decided I'd probably be able to endure the 9-5/40per week millieu.
I'm on a bit of a hiatus with my pottery, but hope to rejoin the mud trek at the top of the year. I did have an opportunity to play with sodium silicate and am really, really pleased with the results. I'll post some pics here and the resulting pieces will hopefully go up in my shop today or tomorrow. My shop by the way is still there: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBarefootPotteress.
I mentioned above insurance licensing. I've hopped aboard Primerica and really like what I see. Throughout this recession I have kept saying to myself there has got to be a way to make my money go further, to make my money work for me rather than against me. And, it shouldn't take an act of toothpulling to do so. Well, Primerica is the answer. I attended a presentation fully expecting it to be so. It's not fair so many haves exist in the world with none of that trickling down to the have nots. And, I personally want to be sure I'm also in a position to help other people in a meaningful way in the course of my earning a living. To start, let me tell you about my auto insurance I have by way of referral through primerica. I'm paying $9 more for insurance than I was paying before. Before you think I really haven't a clue because paying more isn't a bonus you should know the total of what I am paying now includes higher coverages, roadside assistance, and renters' insurance. What I pay for the two policies through Answer Financial (as referred by Primerica) totals only $9 more. So to see if you can get a better auto insurance quote call: Dawn @ 877 855 8111 X1192 Agent: Jones Solution #: wxtc9. Or, email me for an appointment to receive a call from Dawn: tjones.wxtc9@primerica.com. I'm also happy to discuss other Primerica opportunities (insurance, careers, securities) with you.
I will be back sooner this time.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Little Coffee With That Donut?
A plug for the Etsy Mud Team's (EMT) Donut Challenge. The team's clay artists created some lovely entries. Please stop in and vote. Also, if you do vote, you will be sent a 20% off coupon in email for use in select EMT shoppes. My entry for the challenge.
I've been down with allergies. So, I'm not getting much done. I don't want to put my life on hold, but it's really hard to function intellectually with a snout, head, and chest full of phlegm. I have been working hard to keep things from becoming more than an allergy attack. Yesterday, the right side of my face hurt so bad I was afraid I'd need antibiotics after all for a sinus infection. Fortunately, I stumbled upon the medicinal uses of apple cider vinegar. I put 3 TBS in an 8 oz glass of water and drank it all at once. This morning I woke with greatly reduced pain. I took another dose of this preparation and by mid morning any residual tenderness was gone. I'll keep to this regime until the phlegm clarifies.
That said, I'm afraid I'll miss my window of opportunity to prepare a swap item for the trinket dish swap and a teapot submission though I have ideas for both. I'll make them anyway and put them up in my shoppe.
The last kiln load was awful. Three thermocouples failed and ruined almost all the items in the load. On top of that, someone had put terracottaware on the cone 10 shelf. You can get a good view of the mess in my facebook. Not only did it slump as in the picture, one melted right off the shelf and down the side brick.
I've had an explosion (well for me) of sales in my shoppe of late. So, I'm exstatic. Unfortunately the items in the latest firing were many of them for the shoppe. I hope we get to the reduction firing and the soda firing soon. I have more lovely items coming out of them.
Well, that's all she wrote. Have you "liked" my facebook page, yet?
I've been down with allergies. So, I'm not getting much done. I don't want to put my life on hold, but it's really hard to function intellectually with a snout, head, and chest full of phlegm. I have been working hard to keep things from becoming more than an allergy attack. Yesterday, the right side of my face hurt so bad I was afraid I'd need antibiotics after all for a sinus infection. Fortunately, I stumbled upon the medicinal uses of apple cider vinegar. I put 3 TBS in an 8 oz glass of water and drank it all at once. This morning I woke with greatly reduced pain. I took another dose of this preparation and by mid morning any residual tenderness was gone. I'll keep to this regime until the phlegm clarifies.
That said, I'm afraid I'll miss my window of opportunity to prepare a swap item for the trinket dish swap and a teapot submission though I have ideas for both. I'll make them anyway and put them up in my shoppe.
The last kiln load was awful. Three thermocouples failed and ruined almost all the items in the load. On top of that, someone had put terracottaware on the cone 10 shelf. You can get a good view of the mess in my facebook. Not only did it slump as in the picture, one melted right off the shelf and down the side brick.
I've had an explosion (well for me) of sales in my shoppe of late. So, I'm exstatic. Unfortunately the items in the latest firing were many of them for the shoppe. I hope we get to the reduction firing and the soda firing soon. I have more lovely items coming out of them.
Well, that's all she wrote. Have you "liked" my facebook page, yet?
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
I'm Featured, Yes, I'm Featured . . . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please visit this link to see more treasuries I've created and also been featured in.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Some Potters I Admire Greatly
In my final blog until next time, I'd like to provide links to the work of potters' work I admire in a big way:
Michael Coffee (Shy Rabbit) - Etsy Store - Website - Facebook - Blog
Dan Norton (GetClayByDan) - Facebook - Website
Jim McDowell - (The Black Potter) - Website
James Watkins - Flickr Images - CV - Book: A Meditation of Fire - Book: Alternative Kilns and Firing
Roger Holmes - Lubbock, TX - LHUCA Clay Studio Mgr.
Wendell Warman-Adams - Website
Well, that's all she wrote for now. I'll gather a list of other potters' and artists' work I admire in another post.
Michael Coffee (Shy Rabbit) - Etsy Store - Website - Facebook - Blog
Dan Norton (GetClayByDan) - Facebook - Website
Jim McDowell - (The Black Potter) - Website
James Watkins - Flickr Images - CV - Book: A Meditation of Fire - Book: Alternative Kilns and Firing
Roger Holmes - Lubbock, TX - LHUCA Clay Studio Mgr.
Wendell Warman-Adams - Website
Well, that's all she wrote for now. I'll gather a list of other potters' and artists' work I admire in another post.
New Etsy Mud Team Website And Other EMT Muddiness
The etsy mud team (EMT) has been working on the new website since this time last year. It's been well worth the wait considering the results. There are tweaks and things still going on, but I'm most empassioned by the color scheme. I'm the type to consider color then functionality in a new car so, yes, I noticed the color scheme in the new site first. Please visit our new website: The Etsy Mud Team.
The EMT, in an effort to interact with more crafters and especially more Mudders (including those not EMT members), the powers that be have created a forum for all sorts of muddi (is that a word?) adventures which includes non-team members. So, if you wanna get in on the "highjinks" and rub elbows with the muddiest of muddies and their many other crafter friends, please pop in to the thread and drop a line or two. EMT Open Etsy Thread.
The EMT also has a relief effort going for the Survivors of the Mashiko Community affected by the recent earthquake in Japan. This community is near and dear to many potters as it's the town in which kilns and other memorabilia of Hamada have been housed and shown for many years. The members of the Mashiko Community have lost their livelihoods in many cases and definitely homes and food sources. Please visit The EMT "Store" Site for more information and to see the donated items up for sale. The items on the favorites list are those donated items for sale with proceeds going entirely to the relief effort. Here's the thread specifically for the donation effort to the Mashiko Community. If you're interested in contributing please visit the thread and any convos can be sent to the EMT "Store" Site for addition to the effort.
The upcoming EMT Donut Challenge is on. Please stop by to visit the entries submitted so far. Voting runs 4/11/2011 12:01:00 AM to 4/17/2011 11:59:00 PM.
Well, I believe that's all in the world of the EMT. I think. Well, there's a niggling feeling in teh back of my mind I've forgotten something.
Of course, I've gotta put in a plug for treasuries I've done. Here's the list of all the treasuries I've done.
I've an idea forming with influence from this subject: Takaezu Bells
The EMT, in an effort to interact with more crafters and especially more Mudders (including those not EMT members), the powers that be have created a forum for all sorts of muddi (is that a word?) adventures which includes non-team members. So, if you wanna get in on the "highjinks" and rub elbows with the muddiest of muddies and their many other crafter friends, please pop in to the thread and drop a line or two. EMT Open Etsy Thread.
The EMT also has a relief effort going for the Survivors of the Mashiko Community affected by the recent earthquake in Japan. This community is near and dear to many potters as it's the town in which kilns and other memorabilia of Hamada have been housed and shown for many years. The members of the Mashiko Community have lost their livelihoods in many cases and definitely homes and food sources. Please visit The EMT "Store" Site for more information and to see the donated items up for sale. The items on the favorites list are those donated items for sale with proceeds going entirely to the relief effort. Here's the thread specifically for the donation effort to the Mashiko Community. If you're interested in contributing please visit the thread and any convos can be sent to the EMT "Store" Site for addition to the effort.
The upcoming EMT Donut Challenge is on. Please stop by to visit the entries submitted so far. Voting runs 4/11/2011 12:01:00 AM to 4/17/2011 11:59:00 PM.
Well, I believe that's all in the world of the EMT. I think. Well, there's a niggling feeling in teh back of my mind I've forgotten something.
Of course, I've gotta put in a plug for treasuries I've done. Here's the list of all the treasuries I've done.
I've an idea forming with influence from this subject: Takaezu Bells
Two (Or More) Demos You Should View
I'm a fan of YouTube demo vids. Here are a few I think should be on your list if you're a potter:
Morris Pottery Slip Trailing - Website - Etsy Store
Charan's Slip Trailing Tool - Charan Slip Trailing - Blog - Etsy Store
Bill Van Gilder On Making and Attaching Lugs - Website
My Facebook - You've Got My Blog Since You're Here - My Twitter
Well, that's all for this post.
Morris Pottery Slip Trailing - Website - Etsy Store
Charan's Slip Trailing Tool - Charan Slip Trailing - Blog - Etsy Store
Bill Van Gilder On Making and Attaching Lugs - Website
My Facebook - You've Got My Blog Since You're Here - My Twitter
Well, that's all for this post.
Did You Hear What Nate Said? (and other stories)
I was surprised the other day when watching the Nate Berkus show by a segment featuring an Etsy Seller. The show date was 3/22/11 and here's the link to the details. The etsy seller was Todd Manring Designs. The one bit of information that sticks out in my mind was the criticism of the sellers photos. It was suggested to the seller the background should be less busy. The reason given was that most people viewing the item are not able to place it in the setting in which they hope to use it if it's in a busy or "artsy fartsy" [my phrase] setting. I've been toying with the possibility of using a few props in the background of my photos (mostly in the thinking stage). But, I can also see how they may have a point about keeping the background simple so the viewer has an easier time placing the item in the setting (mentally) in which they intend to use it. Now that I've resolved the issue (to my satisfaction) with my photos, I will probly stick with a grey background for a while. I like the fabric background as it lends texture (if you will) to the image without getting busy. I think my next move is to experiment with various fabric types and such to see which works best. There doesn't seem to be a link to the video of the segment (I'm not finding it) which is too bad as it's better to view the source of my comments here in order to form your own opinion.
I think my plan of attack for upcoming glazing efforts is to stick with the glazes I know work well and glaze multiple items with those glazes as I work towards building my inventory. There's really no reason to continue having disasterous results when a little common sense should rule. I'm in the throws (no pun intended) of making mugs for those promised and for my shop. I'm enjoying seeing the improvement in my technique each time I do a series in a specific form. Also, my next projects are one, to learn to throw items that are similar in size and shape; second, to do some slip trailing; three, to make stacking jars.
Well, that's all for this post. As always I hope to post more often, but, that is not always an option in view of my schedule.
I think my plan of attack for upcoming glazing efforts is to stick with the glazes I know work well and glaze multiple items with those glazes as I work towards building my inventory. There's really no reason to continue having disasterous results when a little common sense should rule. I'm in the throws (no pun intended) of making mugs for those promised and for my shop. I'm enjoying seeing the improvement in my technique each time I do a series in a specific form. Also, my next projects are one, to learn to throw items that are similar in size and shape; second, to do some slip trailing; three, to make stacking jars.
Well, that's all for this post. As always I hope to post more often, but, that is not always an option in view of my schedule.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
It's Always A Pleasant Surprise . . . .
. . . to find oneself in a treasury.
Please pop by and comment.
Please pop by and comment.
I'm in a few treasuries . . . .
This is a lovely treasury:
Please feel free to wander over and comment.
Please feel free to wander over and comment.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Fun Events On The Etsy Mud Team And Other Stuff
Please take a moment to visit the Etsy Mud Team's Platter Challenge and vote on the one you think is best. Many very talented potters have entered. A coupon for 20% off in participating shops will be emailed to each voter. Please also share the link in your social media (e.g., facebook, blogs, etc.) Voting will end 2/27 21:59. Here's the link to the challenge: http://etsymudteam.craft-sense.com/Challenges/viewchallenge.asp?ChallengeID=43
I've been listing new items in my shop and updated pictures so everything in my shop is on the same background. For now that will do. Eventually, I hope to be able to take some photos outside and use a more natural setting. Or, I'll take the light tent to the studio and take pictures there. The lighting is so good there. I usually don't use flash.
I've posted a new items in my shop also. My favorite is the ring catcher. It was intended for a Valentine's item, but I wasn't able to get pictures done in time and the computer was in the shop for a week as well. Please take a moment to visit my shop and see all the new items.
The Ring Catchers:
I've been listing new items in my shop and updated pictures so everything in my shop is on the same background. For now that will do. Eventually, I hope to be able to take some photos outside and use a more natural setting. Or, I'll take the light tent to the studio and take pictures there. The lighting is so good there. I usually don't use flash.
I've posted a new items in my shop also. My favorite is the ring catcher. It was intended for a Valentine's item, but I wasn't able to get pictures done in time and the computer was in the shop for a week as well. Please take a moment to visit my shop and see all the new items.
The Ring Catchers:
Monday, February 21, 2011
There's Much Ado, Or So The Potter Said
I have new pictures to post in my Etsy store, but unfortunately they're in residence on the computer that is in the shop. I also have a few new items as well to list, but alas, those pictures are also on that computer. I hope they find out what the problem is. The computer freezing frequently had become a problem that was interfering with the work I needed to get done. I've embarked on a new project, and will enlighten everyone next time I post.
I have thought over an issue for some time now and have to conclude that it is most pretentious to insist one has ownership of an idea or technique that is only a modification of one that has been around for years. To rant and rave about one's "bread and butter" then insist that noone has the right to make an item similar or like an item one has made is beyond rude and definitely rather arrogant. It's one thing for someone to copy a sequence of ideas that culminate in a unique (seeming) product and then market it as solely their invention it's another though to have an idea that is a modification of one that has been around for a while and is no more than a different take on it. I'd be up in arms if someone did the former with regard to one of my items. In the latter case I'd celebrate that someone was inspired by something i did and able to take it a bit further, but not forbid anyone else to do anything like it.
I have thought over an issue for some time now and have to conclude that it is most pretentious to insist one has ownership of an idea or technique that is only a modification of one that has been around for years. To rant and rave about one's "bread and butter" then insist that noone has the right to make an item similar or like an item one has made is beyond rude and definitely rather arrogant. It's one thing for someone to copy a sequence of ideas that culminate in a unique (seeming) product and then market it as solely their invention it's another though to have an idea that is a modification of one that has been around for a while and is no more than a different take on it. I'd be up in arms if someone did the former with regard to one of my items. In the latter case I'd celebrate that someone was inspired by something i did and able to take it a bit further, but not forbid anyone else to do anything like it.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Mali Weave and Drum Building Workshop in Orlando, Florida
This video provides an alternative version of the basic tuning mali weave. i'm still searching for info on the initial "roping" of the drum "bowl".
Demo of Mali weave by Inspire-works
another excellant drum building (related) video. this was also supplied by LaPellaPottery. I'm trying to find the best way to adhere the head (deer skin) to the drum.
How To Make A Gourd Drum
Great video shared by LaPellaPottery. I have been thinking of doing a drum for a possible future challenge so I have it on hand and a possible submittable one. I've started the research. I put a book on order today. I did find a website a month or so back from which I hope to cull ideas.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Just A Fly Bye
I was reviewing my setting for this blog and realized they may have impeded posts from various visitors. So, now if you visit, you should be able to post.
Just a few links to my facebook so you can see what's new in my shop (don't forget to friend me and also to click like):
The fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lubbock-TX/The-Barefoot-Potteress/132861013405910
The profile page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/The.Barefoot.Potteress
I recently updated these albums:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33971&id=100001253143365&l=fc13d35dda
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33710&id=100001253143365&l=a9c432f317
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42354&id=100001253143365&l=daeff62b88
My newest insterests are:
1. ikebana pots
2. mason stains
3. serving trays/platters
4. sculpture
5. home decor
That's it in a nutshell for me today. i hope to get more things posted in my etsy store soon. It's taking me time to get sorted in the new apt. But, I did get the work station sorted and can now take more pics.
Just a few links to my facebook so you can see what's new in my shop (don't forget to friend me and also to click like):
The fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lubbock-TX/The-Barefoot-Potteress/132861013405910
The profile page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/The.Barefoot.Potteress
I recently updated these albums:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33971&id=100001253143365&l=fc13d35dda
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33710&id=100001253143365&l=a9c432f317
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42354&id=100001253143365&l=daeff62b88
My newest insterests are:
1. ikebana pots
2. mason stains
3. serving trays/platters
4. sculpture
5. home decor
That's it in a nutshell for me today. i hope to get more things posted in my etsy store soon. It's taking me time to get sorted in the new apt. But, I did get the work station sorted and can now take more pics.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
O'Dark Thirty And All Is Well
I've been making quite a few treasuries at etsy. Here are a few more:
The Horse Dovers
Channeling Spring
Have you stopped in to visit the most recent Etsy Mud Team (EMT) challenge? Voting is up now and we sure could use your vote. Pitcher Yourself at EMT Challenge
We now have a thread for former members and guests to comment on our team thread. We have all missed having non team members pop by and say hi. The EMT discussion thread.
Do you twitter? Follow me at: barefoot_potter
My facebook is at: The Barefoot Potteress
My fan page is at: The Barefoot Potteress Fan Page
The last twelve items in this facebook album are new additions.
See you next time. :D
The Horse Dovers
Channeling Spring
Have you stopped in to visit the most recent Etsy Mud Team (EMT) challenge? Voting is up now and we sure could use your vote. Pitcher Yourself at EMT Challenge
We now have a thread for former members and guests to comment on our team thread. We have all missed having non team members pop by and say hi. The EMT discussion thread.
Do you twitter? Follow me at: barefoot_potter
My facebook is at: The Barefoot Potteress
My fan page is at: The Barefoot Potteress Fan Page
The last twelve items in this facebook album are new additions.
See you next time. :D
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Where Oh, Where Have My Lil' Barefeet Been . . . . . ?
Since I moved in November I haven't gotten much done in my Etsy store. I've come to a standstill waiting on maintenance to do some work because I don't want to erect the needed shelving until they've gotten in a few areas.
I've been making treasuries of late:
My New Year's Top Resolutions
Welcome New EMT Members
Pitchin' In To Pour
The Etsy Mud Team (EMT) has another challenge going on, voting starts 01/10/11, but please stop by and take a look at the entries so far: Pitcher Yourself at EMT Challenge.
Please take am moment to check out my recent work. The newest will appear at the bottom of this facebook album.
I started on a serving tray for the next challenge. I think I'll make a few more for good measure and I have an idea for a cracker tray as well. i may do an olive tray and some smaller trays for patés, dips, and the like.
oh, and do pop in and visit the EMT Blog. i hope to use the "drop platter" technique soon. these are some examples of the results: plate 1, plate 2, plate 3.
Well, not much else going on in my corner of the mud puddle.
I've been making treasuries of late:
My New Year's Top Resolutions
Welcome New EMT Members
Pitchin' In To Pour
The Etsy Mud Team (EMT) has another challenge going on, voting starts 01/10/11, but please stop by and take a look at the entries so far: Pitcher Yourself at EMT Challenge.
Please take am moment to check out my recent work. The newest will appear at the bottom of this facebook album.
I started on a serving tray for the next challenge. I think I'll make a few more for good measure and I have an idea for a cracker tray as well. i may do an olive tray and some smaller trays for patés, dips, and the like.
oh, and do pop in and visit the EMT Blog. i hope to use the "drop platter" technique soon. these are some examples of the results: plate 1, plate 2, plate 3.
Well, not much else going on in my corner of the mud puddle.
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