One of the things I enjoy about pottery is that I always learn something new. When people hear that, they think I mean I learn about art and clay and all the usual suspects, but that's not always the case.

Today I learned that if you're determined enough to make an old kiln run just one more year, you'll bend over upside-down inside of it for hours on end. You'll try and try and try to secure it's innards and cuss over it's crumbly interior and shopvac all of it's flaking parts. You'll forget to stand up slowly and succumb to frequent dizzy spells when you stand up to look for the pliers. You'll do all of that and more.

Because you'll know that a kiln is not just a tool, it's an integral part of your process. It has it's own personality and quirks. And sometimes, you just want to squeeze whatever is left out of it.

And a new glaze combination! Three glazes combine for this effect. A little more time, but so worth it, dontcha think?


Now that the holiday craziness is calming down, I'm looking forward to more studio time and of course my mind is already racing towards spring as I browse seed catalogs and work on bird feeder designs. Funny how I'm ignoring the fact that it's only the 1st of January! Of course, we've had such a warm spell that my daffodils already think it's spring. I'll try to get some photos up in the next few days for a sneak preview of what I have coming up! I'll also be picking back up "Feature Friday" since I've collected so many new favorite sellers over the season. Some even supplied lots of joy under the Christmas tree this year too!

Hope everyone has a simply wonderful 2009!

Waiting for the kiln to cool a bit more, but I wanted to post a sneak-peak. Mugs, ornaments, a teapot and canister are snuggled inside the kiln. Look for new items for sale later this evening!

Last night we built our first fire of the season in the fireplace, today I bought a 20 pound turkey and pulled ornaments out of the kiln. That can only mean one thing - the holiday season is officially here!



Left: Stoneware Star Ornaments, Set of 4 with a moss green glaze. Right: Stoneware Snowflake Ornaments, Set of 4 with a cream glaze. Handmade ornaments make a great gift!

I just unloaded the kiln and I'm so pleased with everything that came out! Sometimes you never know what awaits you underneath that lid. Sometimes it's not so good, but sometimes, like this morning, you remove the pieces one by one, shelf by shelf, and every step makes you smile a bit more. Happy Saturday!