Things have been busy lately at work, so needing a new part for the kiln and waiting, installing and test firing came at a good time. Now I'm back up and working on some new functional "everyday" pieces and don't have too much backlog on the greenware shelf. Although being a full time potter would be great, but I love my day job and find that clay has a way of balancing the more left-brained work that I do.

I also took the opportunity to work on something I've always wanted to attempt - a fountain! I decided my my back deck (lovingly referred to as the "outdoor office" during nice weather) needed the sounds of trickling water, and also a spot where the squirrels and birds could stop for a drink during dry spells. A bit larger than a table-top fountain, but certainly not as large as one you'd find in a courtyard, the basin is 13" wide and it's about as tall. I'm undecided about whether or not to make some sort of stand for it. Since it's two pieces, I can imagine a squirrel trying to take a bath in it and knocking the interior piece over. But I don't know, do squirrels take baths?

Stay tuned. As this piece progresses, I'll be adding updates.

I'm soo ready for spring! I've been working on bird feeders, houses, and planters. Yesterday was a lovely day, the studio door wide open and even a few feathered friends wandered in (and then quickly back out).

I've spent 2 weeks trying to work out handles for some new serving bowls I threw. I finally came up with an idea that I'm quite pleased with! Let me know what you think.