What have I been doing?

I have been dabbling in my Rabbits as of late.  The first design is a three photo look at how my plate “Catch me if you can” has turned out.  It is bisque fired and will still need the clear glaze over the top.  I have done this design once in the past, it was successful and a customer was asking for one.  Altho not exactly like my last one, close.  I rarely can do the same design twice, and that is why I like to paint them individually, no two are exactly alike.  That makes them individual one of a kind designs. The next picture  is a new design that just “showed up” on this undulated plate piece, I wasn’t sure how to decorate it.  Having just done a rabbit design, I carried the theme thru to the next one.  I have named this one “Jack & Vine”.  It carries the dark vines thru to the back side, I forgot to take a picture of that.

I can not believe I have not posted since July.  I am so sorry, shame on me.

Here in the Pacific Northwest we have experience a menu of weather conditions,Snow, Ice, Wind, Rain, Hail, you name,  it we got it. Not on the same day of course, or did we?

But now: Spring Forward??  What the heck!

I have been busy, but not busy enough.  The winter keeps me out of the studio, too cold even tho I do have a space heater, when the temps drop in the 30’s & below, the heater can not keep up and I lose interest in working in the studio.  A time of reflection! What to do next? Explore with design.  New designs.  Even the popular ones need a refresher!

I started a new Honey Bee design, I will post pictures here.  I was feeling really bad about our bee situation and the disappearing of bees.  It isn’t just talk, it is true, our bees are disappearing and it is a good idea to purchase bees from the garden center this spring and set them loose.  Ah, well I am no expert so lets talk to the Nurseries about this.

Altho I do paint bees in some of my floral pieces, I created a Bee design to hopefully bring attention to Bee’s.  They are our friends.  They do not all sting and we shouldn’t scream and run away.  The Honey Bees’s are the answer. I am having fun with that.  Have a few pieces finished and more on my work table coming to life.

HONEY POTS W/dipper.sold order me $32-35

Honey Pot w/dipper sold

Bee Cups $32

Hello, thanks for stopping in.  July started with me in the studio early Saturday mornings, not to pack on my way to market, skipping that due to the 4th holiday and family from out of state here on vacation.  Family is the most important part of life, as we all know. The market will be there.  That is Port Orchard Farmers Market I speak of.

Port Orchard Farmers Market, Saturday Mornings, 9am-3pm, April – October.

After the holiday, I had unfinished business in the studio to finish.  Having that done another interuption.  My husband and studio supporter has gone off to Oahu with the job.  I talk to you today from the beaches of Hawaii, with my granddaughter Morgan as a travel companion.  I had to work this trip in between my art shows and her return to Virginia, so 10 days away thru July 26, leaving me three days to get ready for Grapeview Art & Water Festival. It is all worth it!

Upcomming shows:

JULY 30:   GRAPEVIEW WATER & ARTS FESTIVAL:  Grapeview Loop Rd, Fair Haven Marina, just past Allen , WA.  All you locals come out for a great time.                 Saturday, 10am-4pm

AUG 12-13    SUMMER GARDEN ART SHOW:  Presented by Anna Hoey & Delores Weir, Friday 12th  2pm-8pm, Saturday 13th. 10am-4pm,   5172 Minard Rd W., Bremerton Wa

BIRCH TREE FALL $38.

QUAIL S&P SET. sold. + other style birds

Emerald Scroll. $28.

Hello again,  I am glad you found my post.  It has been a few months since I took the time to talk to you. I returned from my travels to a bunch of unfinished pieces, which has taken my attention.  Finally finished, packed and some displayed at the Farmers Market.  The weather has not measured up to May.  Just as we got used to flip flops, shorts and t-shirts, with beautiful almost summertime, we are stuck with Juneuary.   June comes in to remind us we are living in the Pacific Northwest.  She will have it her way.

In the meantime, I have been working on porcelain pieces, Birch Tree Spring designs, Beach Poppy designs, and Asparagus plates.

KILN LOAD READY TO FIRE

BIRCH TREE SPRING

BEACH POPPY SERIES $28. EA..

BIRCH TREE CRITTERS

ASPERAGUS BOWL $42.

ASPERAGUS PLATE

I have a few favorite potters that I follow and today I would like to share Lisa Naples of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She is a Earthenware potter & sculptor. She does whimsical illustrated pieces that tell a story.  A technique I am always drawn to.  I admire her work and hope to take her workshop one day.

I took up Earthenware this year, quite different than the Porcelain I use in the majority of my work.  I sent Lisa a email with a few questions.  I was bowled over when she returned with an actual phone call!  Saying it was faster to call than type. Such a sweet person and eager to help other potters.  Since that time I have purchased a few items from her, not being able to restrain myself any further.  I often buy cups from other potters that inspire me.  Lisa inspires me to the extent a cup was not enough.  I went for the goat mug,  a goat in the kitchen, how unusual!   I also added her cute bird creamer to my collection.  I find myself using Mr Goat most often for my morning coffee and the creamer is the best size for filling the coffee machine with water and has a permanent place in my kitchen window with a view of the bird feeders!  See them below.  You can check out her other work at www. lisanaples.com.

Lisa Naples Goat Mug

Lisa Naples Bird Creamer

Beach Poppy Series

Emerald Leaf Series

Cups are a staple in the functional  kitchen ware. I have several patterns that I keep in the line.

Beach Poppy: My imagination designed a simple splattered tan/brown background glaze, with a orange/red poppy blooming on a deserted beach.

Emerald Leaf: is a leaf design slip trailed thru the piece. A green matt glaze with a over spray of gloss glaze, resulting in a satin  and shiny glaze with crystals of blue & sometimes lavender shining thru. This color is easy on the eyes and will compliment any kitchen.