New work and around the studio

Some new pictures of stuff happening around the studio.  It's been a busy summer with commissions taking up most of my time.  I know, not a bad problem to have!  But it has taken away from my regular making.  I've been a busy bee the last 2 weeks getting new stock items made in anticipation of Christmas both on line sales and studio Christmas open house.

I just sold this sun and moon last night so it's on its way to a new home!

These magnolias, there were actually 4, have gone to Genuine Ga for sale in her gallery,

And I've decided George is now the shop mascot.  Isn't he handsome?

This was in the garden a few days ago.  I love this combination of Miss Huff's Hardy Lantana and the lavender of False Dragon's head

Just a glimpse of my world.

Some new work

This was the drying table today.  Lots of stuff happening.  New jars that will be dog treat jars, honey jars, 2 magnolias(to replace the 2 that didn't make it from the last glaze load), a sunflower, and today's work of a sun and moon sculpture garden plaque(foreground) and a layered hanging flower vase with star stamps(also in the foreground).  I can work in the slab room till it gets too hot.  The little AC unit in the kitchen area doesn't really make it back there.

These are some ring holders I did a few weeks ago. Thrown and then LOVE stamped onto a little strip of clay and added along with butterflies or stars.  These are unfired.

This one is glazed in purple and red.  I think they are very cute.  I sold one a few weeks ago to someone giving it as an engagement present.  Well, that meant maybe I ought to have more in the shop. So more will be finished soon.




I am working in the shop daily these days.  I'm really behind now after the loss of the 2 magnolias.  Well, it's too hot to do anything outside!

Kiln opening

This week's glaze load was a mixed bag of good and not-so-much.  2 good yarn bowls and some lidded jars.  A large magnolia and commissions were good.

Yarn bowls and reglaze of a egg dish

Lidded jars and cruet with lid

Magnolia

This is a commission.

But I had 3 large lidded jars, garlic keeper and honey pot that the lids stuck and I broke the pots trying to free them.  That was a lot of work to lose. Oh well, the broken pieces will become mosaic pieces for a lamp project sometime.  I've got another load firing tomorrow.  Leaf plates and platters.  Keep your fingers crossed!!

Magnolias-large and small

These hand built magnolias came out of the kiln this week!  I have been a little rushed trying to get them done. Each one takes about an hour to pinch out each individual petal and center cone and assemble.  They have to dry for several weeks before I'm ready to fire them. Glazed in an opaque white with light green highlights.  The speckled clay gives it an added dimension.  Each one is unique.  I do both large ones that are about 12" dia. and medium size that are about 8" dia.  They really make a statement as a centerpiece for the dining room table.  I have one on mine.

Busy 2 days in Georgia

Hand built magnolia blossom

It's been a busy 2 days for me in Georgia.  I've been to NE Ga to Helen to take new work to the GHAA Gallery.  I took night lights which seem to sell really well there, some hand built trays, pots and one of my magnolias.

While I was there, I demonstrated how I make the magnolias.  Pinching each large petal by hand and then assembling around a cone shape for the center stamens.  Each one has 8 petals and is about 12" diameter.

stoneware clay oak leaf night light

The night lights are made by rolling out stoneware clay and cutting with a cookie cutter.  Fired and then glazed in different colors, depending on the season.  I usually do greens in the summer and then reds in the Fall.

Today was spent going to Greensboro, Ga to Genuine Georgia to take her magnolias which sell really well down there.  I guess being closer to Atlanta makes more people think magnolia as a southern thing.

On the way back we stopped at Goodness Grows, a wonderful nursery in Lexington, Ga.  They have all kinds of unusual plants and great specimens of garden standards like camelias, tea olive, azalea and others.  I found some more pitcher plants for the bog garden project as well as some things I couldn't live without.
Hardy Amaryllis with big red buds on them.  Can't wait to get those in the ground!

So after I came home and cut grass, I sat in the backyard with the first margarita of the season!!  Yes, life is good.