I'm Baaaack!

I'll be keeping up with this blog more regularly again.  I'm sorta back on track for clay these days.  it's hard to work around rl and one's more interesting and important endeavors, but I'm still hanging in there.  I'll be posting a few new items soon.

And then the timeline blew . . . .

it's been hit and miss with clay since this summer.  i've been working on my insurance licensing (again on the back burner), some other major changes in the here and now for me, and the good of all this is i finally have gotten serious with my writing.  i have put up a book of my short stories at smashwords.com.  they're actually a bit rough but this tome is more of an educational tool to become familiar with how the smashwords formatting process works and their site in general.  i'll get back to them again later in the year and clean them up.  but, i'm working on a few other things at this time in the writing arena.  the thing is to just write.  write, write, and write some more.  i had finished a book under one of my noms de plume but it's now in the reviso stage and the resulting updated book will be epubbed sometime soon.  my schedule has become so tight, i've had to schedule my social networking and other inet time.  the light at the end of the tunnel, though still grey, suggests i may be able to get things back on schedule, so to speak.  well ttfn and i look forward to hopefully getting into more regular posts.  stop by my shop though at etsy.com as i'll be listing again in the next couple weeks.  my final load of mugs should be out of the fire soon.  this year will hopefully be earmarked by the bowl form as last year was the mug form.  i plan to donate a lot of my bowls to "empty bowls" type functions.  ttfn.

A Voice From The Outer World

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.

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'm Featured, Yes, I'm Featured . . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please visit this link to see more treasuries I've created and also been featured in.

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.

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

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.

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.

Treasuries galore . . . .

I'm in these recent treasuries: 

                   

There are more treasuries by thebarefootpotteress.

It's Always A Pleasant Surprise . . . .

. . . to find oneself in a treasury.



Please pop by and comment.

I'm in a few treasuries . . . .

This is a lovely treasury:



Please feel free to wander over and comment.

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:

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.

ceramic drum

this guy actually throws the clay drum body. not sure what clay body he uses though.

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.

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.

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

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.

 

 

 

It's All Decally

Please visit my newest treasury.  I had fun compiling this as it never ceases to amaze me the diversity in a treasury when the search criteria is a common technique.

We've Moved And Other Stuffs . . . .

The Etsy Mud Team has moved it's members over to the new Etsy team bulletin board, as i call it, and it's really spiffy and new and nice and all that stuff.  Currently we're keeping the weekly thread private until all gets ironed out and everyone is moved, but the link is:  New EMT (etsy mud team) bulletin board/threads.  You should be able to view the weekly thread starting Sunday or the following week.

The Gobble Gobble Goblet Challenge is still ongoing.  Have you stopped in to see the entries?  Don't forget to vote while you're there as you'll receive in return 20% coupon to be used in select shoppes.

I've posted several new albums and many many items since the last time I'd mentioned my blog.  Please stop by facebook and friend me and also view my albums.

Treasuries, Treasuries, Treasuries . . . .

i've been working on treasuries today since i had the time:

Destiny's Playground
Bells, Bells . . . . .
And, More Bells . . . .

This was fun.  But, it's also highly addictive.  Hmmmm.  The only thing I know that's more addictive is clay.  ;)

TTFN

I finally got all my items photographed and will hopefully list more items in my Etsy store over the weekend.  I am so disappointed many of my items need to go in for refire because the snow goose glaze bubbled really bad.  I've updated facebook work in progress photo albums (see links below).  I'll have current pics of the face I'm working on now in my faces album hopefully tomorrow.  I'm thinking I'm done with the 2d face but still haven't determined the gender.  Odd.

Facebook Photo Album
The Other Facebook Photo Album
The Many Faces of Bareness

 I hope to get more goblets done tomorrow.  I'll post pics of them as I'm able.

The Robin Hopper workshop is this weekend.  I had wanted to go, but the apt I want to move to has come available, so I have to save my pennies to move mid-November.

False Facades and All

I've taken a shine to faces.  Sculpting faces that is.  Not sure why, but I've completed one and am working on another one.  Here's a link to my facebook album aptly entitled, "The Many Faces of Bareness."

This is the first face in this series I've finished.  I call him, "Slew-Eyed Joaquin."

I've watched videos on you tube by joanna mozdzen and , Philippe Faraut. I'll be looking for more vids to watch soon.

I'm also on a goblet phase.  I'll be missing the EMT goblet challenge because mine won't be done in time, but i have a few pics of it.  The one on the right in the picture is the one i'd submit if I could get it ready in time.  it's upside down for the picture.  Click on forward or backward and you'll see other views of this one and others in work.

I've been looking at videos of potters making goblets and the one by Simon Leach works best for me.
1.  Simon Leach
2.  Charles Hughes
3.  Tim See

Well, that's all she wrote.  Oh, and please meet Slew-Eyed Joaquin:

What's That Red Greazy Stuff You're Playing With?

I've been going through a terracotta phase.  Terracotta is a wonderful clay to work with but it takes forever to dry.  It's greasy in quality but yet, strong and resilient.  I've come closest to throwing dry as I think I'll ever get with any clay using the terracotta.  I've started a terracotta album in facebook, please have a look-see.  I've been getting to know the clay while doing pieces for various challenges.  I've been experimenting with underglazes as well.  I love the vibrant quality the terracotta lends to the underglazes.  Well, after a trip to the dentist today, I'm heading back to the studio for more muddy fun.

There's A Change On The Horizon

Just a couple things:

Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebarefootpotteress

Facebook Business Page:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lubbock-TX/The-Barefoot-Potteress/132861013405910

Facebook profile:  http://www.facebook.com/The.Barefoot.Potteress
Ruby Plaza:  http://www.rubyplaza.com/shop/the.barefoot.potteress 

I Can't Believe It!

I just can't believe it!  I haven't posted since mid January.  Wow!  Okay, rather than play catch up and try to post all my work since then, here are some links:

My photo bucket
My Face Book (work in progress)
My Etsy Store

I will take more pics today and get them posted tonight.

and the Blogging goes on . . .

okay folks.  i'm a dune fan.  i'll give myself that, but i wasn't thinking dune when i embarked on making my first cornucopia last fall.





BION, this took me from 1 pm to 7:30 pm w/abt 45 mins break.  i still have two tumblers i had to redo.  the first two pics are on the reduction shelves.  the last pic is on the oxidation shelf.  once the fine tuning is done on the salt kiln, i'll be putting stuff on the shelf for it.

   

i got a really nice plate yesterday and the lid to my ginger jar.  guess i need a photo of it.  the studio manager showed me a really easy way to do that.  check out my pottery blog for more pics of the studio.  for some reason the clay was really compliant yesterday.  got an interesting bowl shape too.

New In My Shop . . .

Along with those new items I've listed or have yet to list in my shop, I have added a few other items.  Gift certificates, and an Empty Bowls promotion.  My shop is on etsy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the rest of the story . . . .

Hee, hee.  These are the rest of the items out of the kiln from december's oxidax/redux firings.






















 


   

well, that's it in a nutshell.  some of these items are interesting in shape as well as overall design.  i'll be making one more post which has info about other new features in my shop such as the Empty Bowls project and the new gift certificate options.

On to the good stuff . . .

 A majority of what follows I like really well. Here's a link to the post showing items that were damaged in the kiln.




























well, so much for the bugs.  i'll post the other items in another post.