waiting

I have a few minutes or maybe even an hour before my mr. gets home to help me load the kiln. Today is the closest to in-sync we've been since I designated him to be the kiln shelf loader and unloader. I have managed to get the pots in with the help of my trusty step stool but I admit it's killing me to have stopping points. Usually I just work and work and work, and then keep working. The kiln is turned on as soon as it is full and if that happens to be 3am so be it! But now, I'm waiting and have to work in more of a predictable schedule for the loveliness above to be loaded by someone else. I know it's temporary but the holiday's are coming and being the responsible business owner that I am know some changes will need to be made. Also, did you know being pregnant makes you tired? Crazy right!? Yay, he's home, I'm off to load and turn on the kiln!!!! just 4 more firings to go!

studio forecast

Grey with a 100% chance of color, increasing colorfulness throughout the day.

10 firings

First, thank you so much for all the comments on my last post. I thought everyone would think I am nuts to consider doing shows this holiday season. There are quite a few factors in this decision and I will definitely keep you posted. Aside from my ever growing belly is my ever growing stack of orders! All of which I am VERY grateful for. Above is just a glimpse of what is happening in the studio. I've been making all that I can for the past few weeks, it adds up to at least 10 firings! 5 bisque & 5 high firing (maybe 6) I have so many pots to glaze, fire, glaze, glaze and fire this week, I have no idea how this will ever get done. But I promise you I will not stop until it is done. I'm putting everything aside, no baby obsessing, no house cleaning, no fooling around - it's time to get this work finished and out the door. I am truly looking forward to completing all of this as my plan is to create a manageable schedule and make a few changes to the way orders are placed. Also, I have some new work to debut. So if you are following along and waiting for your order, rest assured, all orders are made and at some stage of completion.

Have a happy week!

to show or not to show

My name is Linda and I'm a show addict. Ok, there it is in type for all to see! The deadlines for all of the holiday craft show applications is just around the corner. Right now I think I can do them but will need help. I can't carry my bins and I'm not sure if I should even be lifting them with help (frustrating) but then there's those quick set-up's and break down's, I'm already the last one out and now with an ever growing belly I'm just not sure if I can do it quick enough. Has anyone out there done a craft show 7 + months pregnant? The Mister voted a firm "NO" on shows and he's my helper but will flex a bit if I insist. Oh, torn, what's an addict to do?!

production

Production is in full swing, each day I make a list and don't go to bed until it is complete. It's been quite a month so far, I'm doing my best to get everything pending done by the end of the month. I'm not sure if I can do it just yet but, I'm doing my best! The snag will come when I need to load and unload the kilns - the baby bump is growing and bending over deep into the kiln holding a heavy kiln shelf might be over for me. I think I pulled my back loading while tired last week. Ah, the loveliness of many body changes and lots of work to do! So, I may get held up waiting for my Mr. to assist me. I put him thru training awhile back just in case and I'm so glad now that I did. The picture above is my main work table, everything moves across this table a few times while being made. Shown is what it looks like when I am etching - see the borders are already incised in the rims? Next I did the designs. Right now the table is clear but will soon be filled with tea cups, one scoop bowls and large round platters. The clay is prepped, now I just need to get to work! Happy Monday!

happy labor day

Happy labor day : )
September never really feels like it starts until labor day, I haven't been in school in a very long time but somehow, September always marks a starting point for me. This season it will be stocking stores, launching a new design and if things move along nicely - shhh, a new medium! Keep your fingers crossed because it's good! I'm laboring a bit on this day, trimming pots until we head out to a picnic. Ah the life of a potter! Have a happy day, xo, Linda

to-doing

Finally fall is in the air! I fired the kiln last night and feel grateful for the cooler temperatures today so I can cool down the studio and spend the afternoon making away. I made a giant to-do list last week, which includes stocking 5 stores, 1 very nice gallery show, the usual orders from my site and custom orders. I drew up a production schedule so that somehow I will have all of this completed by the end of September/ early October. Thank you all for the business! I guess that is why I've been a little silent on here. Growing a person and a business is alot of work, but I'm up for the challenge. I've been working less hours than I used to, and giving myself time to sleep. This might sound strange but I usually have one speed and that's go, so slowing down makes me feel lazy - but I'm enjoying it! Taking time to read everything I can about baby things, researching items for the wee one, who knew such a small person needed so many things! or do they? We decided to keep up the greening of our life by choosing eco-friendly items for the wee one. And we're whittling down what they will really need with the help from some mom's and dad's we know. My personal goal is to avoid giant plastic items, at least while we're choosing, I know I'll give in if the little person falls in love with a big plastic toy that looks like fun - but for now, we can do with out that. I guess I'm a little baby item obsessed right now so it's little flower/baby all day and all night! Oh, and family and friends too! Hope everyone is looking forward to fall as much as I am! xo, Linda

my cup

Sometimes it's hard to hold onto my own work but every once in awhile I pull something out of the kiln and set it aside to think about keeping. Since clay is my livlihood I usually let go of the idea that something will become mine. But this sweet little cup is now mine! It is one of the first in a series of similar cups that will make their way to my site this fall. It is one-of-a-kind for a theme of bigger birds with flowers all done freehand without more than a concept. I usually create characters that I then repeat and they become part of my line. But here is a turn towards re-inventing what my line is! There is quite a bit of change going on here, with me, my home, my work and this cup is my personal reminder of this new phase.

15 weeks 1 day

Hi, I've been a little silent on here but I have a very good excuse! My Mister and I have collaborated on a very special project, our first child! We are beyond excited as this is our first collaboration! I think all of our friends and family now know but if we somehow missed you, surprize! As you can imagine things will need to change a bit in my little flower world. Somethings already have. As I figure out how to run my dear little biz without running myself into the ground. And then to run it with a wee one, while being the best mommy I can be. I invite you to follow along! So here I am, 15 weeks 1 day!
Have a happy weekend!
xo, Linda

done with shows!

I just completed my last show, possibly of the year! The picture above is of my tiny spot at the Buyer's Market of American Craft. This was my first wholesale show, all and all it was a good experience. I went into it feeling a bit ill prepared so the fact that I made it there is pretty amazing and that I had printed materials to hand out is even more shocking! This is not my usual way of going about things but sometimes life throws too much at you at once and you just have to do your best to get through it. And that is what I did. I know everyone wants to know how I did! I picked up a few orders, which seemed to be what the other group booth crafters did as well. I might have done better in my own booth but I might have bombed and paid a zillion dollars - so given what it cost to try this show I'm pretty indifferent.

Now it's on to the making! My shelves are pretty empty and I have a stack of orders to fill. After a little cleaning I'll feel back on track - also, I can finally put my show bins away and settle in for winter?!