2013-11-25 - Monday - Raku night

Monday night we did an end-of-session raku firing.  Well, I just drank a beer and helped as I had nothing to fire yet.  Kim, Becky, and I will do another firing on Friday.  Raku firing on Black Friday has a nice ring to it.

The one in the front is Greg's and the back one is Chuck's.  They both came through the trial by fire wonderfully.

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2013-11-23 - Saturday - Yard, pots, home tour

Saturday I worked in the yard for a while cleaning up leaves.  I really like our maple trees in all seasons, but when they turn that flame orange/gold in Autumn they light up the yard.  It's a mess, but it's a beautiful mess.

Later I went to Clayworks to pick up my work from the latest firing.  I was pleased that it was good firing (it usually is).  Some of these pots will be for sale next month at my holiday sale.

Later Karen and I went to Home-A-Rama to walk through wonderful homes that we will never be able to afford, but it's still fun to take the tour.

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2013-11-20 - Wednesday - Soon to be raku pots

We (the class) decided to raku on Monday so I made some quick pots for the firing.  I wedged vermiculite into some craggy crunch I had left and threw some pots.  I'm hoping to get these dried and bisqued before Monday.  I may have to crank up my own kiln to do it, but I should make it.

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2013-11-17 - Sunday - Shane Mickey workshop

Sunday was the Carolina Clay Matters Pottery Guild mini workshop at CPCC with Shane Mickey.  Shane showed us many techniques and told us about his experiences building kilns, teaching classes, and making and firing pots.

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2013-11-16 - Saturday - Busy busy busy

Saturday morning I went with Karen and Stephanie to Toast in Dilworth for breakfast.  It was a delicious avocado, tomato, bacon, and Parmesan omelette.  Highly recommended.

After that Ju-Ian and I went to Shelby to the Carolina Pottery Festival at the brand new LeGrand Center.  More than eighty artists were in attendance and we spent several hours there.  On the way back we stopped at Red Bridges Barbecue for a late lunch.

Once we got back to Charlotte I dropped Ju-Ian off and headed over to Matthews to see a show my friend Max was in.  As usual, Max's work was extraordinary.

After that, it was back home again, then off to the Southern Christmas Show with Karen and Stephanie.  We always enjoy the show and this time was no exception.  Lots to see and purchase although we did way more looking than buying.

Busy day of walking.

The Carolina Pottery Festival

The Southern Christmas Show

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2013-11-14 - Thursday - Throwing

Thursday I spent some time throwing some bowls and tumblers for a special request.  I hope these fit the bill when they're done.  I'll keep you posted.

That is NOT my water bottle.

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2013-11-13 - Wednesday - Glaze-a-thon

Wednesday I glazed several pieces because the gas kiln is going to be fired on Monday.  I spent five hours glazing.  It always takes me longer than I expect, especially now since I am using more layers.  I dip, pour, brush, spray, and have a lot of fun.  There's usually some jumping around and dancing involved too.  I really get into the groove sometimes.

I use the fan to quick-dry between layers, but I also love the way it makes the shino scum.  Scumming makes the shino grow crystals on the surface.  You can get scumming if the weather is rainy before the firing or to a lesser degree by using a fan.

Sometimes when one of our shino glazes has not been disturbed for a while we find heavy crystalline growth on the inside of the bucket.  I usually try to get those crystals on my pots.  I'll try to remember to get a photo of the crystals in the bucket next time.

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