Tuesday, November 10, 2009

preparing

Before the clay becomes anything, it first must be prepped. This involves cutting it up and weighing it out, then balling it up for throwing or rolling out for the hand built pieces. Yesterday was a huge prepping day, above is a glance at where this happens. My wedging table, it took me a few hours to prep a few days worth of clay. I also wrote up my production schedule for the rest of the year and found that this will be my last big throwing week before the holidays, that is unless I somehow get a surge of energy. I'm down to working about 8 hours a day in the studio and maybe 2 hours of biz stuff. I am also caught up, after getting behind, then being super sick, it is so nice to have a moment to breath and not have late orders hanging over my head. So what will I be making? So far it will be the most popular items; cups, vases and platters. And although a little late, there will be ornaments this year. I've mentioned a new medium, oh yes, I do have something new in the works which I'm hoping to reveal in the upcoming weeks. It's taking me a little longer than I thought to finalize things as time has not been on my side. And time has put the clay items first since they need time to dry out. But it's going to be so good!
I'm off to work, work, work. Just me with a cute beagle-ish girl following me around and a baby kicking up a storm in my belly!

6 comments:

Judi Tavill said...

Linda...
Having worked pretty dang hard through my first pregnancy(13 years ago)of course I was working on my own clothing line running all over philly and into Manhattan-I had 2 car accidents while pregnant-neither was my fault...and pretty dang hard nesting during my 2nd(9yrs ago)...I know this sounds crazy BUT...make sure you take it easy a bit... Get that help in place...especially WEDGING...
Take good care of yourself...I know this is your livelihood... but this blogger-friend cares about your well being....and the eensy weeny one!

Linda Johnson Studio said...

Hi Judi,
Thank you!!! It really means alot to me that you are concerned. I have cut way back, last year I did about 10 shows, and this year I only have one scheduled. I also stopped doing made to order work, hoping that I can just sell what is made and if I need to stop I can without owing anyone work. That is a huge weight off my shoulders! I can't believe I'm writing this but I also stopped reclaiming clay - it's too much work and wears me out. I'm trying to find someone to take it. I think being a potter is hard, but feel lucky to be doing my own thing, I can nap when I want or just walk out of the studio if it's too much. Some days I can work all day and then others I have no energy and the work I'm putting out is taking 3 times as long as usual. Its crazy what growing a person does to me! My plan is to work like I am now until that show , then stop making new work. I still need to get the house ready for the baby and I'd like to make her a few things before she arrives : ) So we'll see how I do! I'm also ready to just stop at any moment, but know I'll miss my studio time. I'll keep you posted on how I manage. I do plan to hire help for next year, but right now I don't want to start someone when I'm gearing up for a nice long maternity leave! And oh yes, I plan to take a few months off!!!! I'm excited for that!
xo, Linda

lisa {milkshake} said...

That's a lotta clay, lady!

Linda Johnson Studio said...

I know, and that's not even half of it! But it is most of the throwing. I have stacks of weighed out chunks for rolling out - it's platter time!

Judi Tavill said...

Linda... it's all good... No matter what you think it's going to be like to be a new mom...you won't really know until its here... enjoy the moments....they are wonderful,crazy,scary,joyous,sad...and did I say scary???? but no matter what...you'll be fine..

Linda Johnson Studio said...

Judi, I know! I think being a bit older, we're ready. Or at least at peace with the unknown ahead! I'm ready to let her guide me. Truly, I have no idea what I'm getting into. xo, Linda