Motivation

Most days it is easy to go to the studio and get to work. I rarely get bored and love to think up new ideas to keep my creativity flowing. Occasionally there are days where my motivation is lacking. I’ve learned to accept these blips and know to take a break from my clay routine to rejuvenate. Among my favorite remedies to help me reboot are a walk with the dog, coffee with a friend or trip to my favorite yarn shop.

I've made this sugar/creamer set many times in the past. What excited me this time was using a new texture pattern on the surface. I love the results!

The repetition of creating a hunk of clay into a useful, beautiful object is rhythmic and familiar. I like that part of the process. Figuring out a new shape is inspiring too. Cutting out a fresh design and piecing it together is exciting – especially when the picture in my head of what I’d like to create matches or exceeds the finished product! Goal setting is another motivator for me. I think this is why I enjoy creating special orders for customers. I love the challenge of developing a clay creation inspired by another person’s idea. 

I learned to 'pour' concrete for a garden project I'm working on. This will provide the base for a mosaic I'm creating. I'll post photos of the completed project when it's set in place later this fall!

In addition to replenishing my standard inventory and preparing for several upcoming sales, I’ve got several custom projects in development. I’ve been working on a special garden accent that has me exploring mosaic-type installation. Several trips to the local hardware store (one of my favorite haunts) have given me ideas and the confidence to produce this fun design. Several other custom orders are in process of development, final approval and production as well. 

I’m working on my 2017 angel design. My friend, Patti Cain was the inspiration for making angels when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. After her death, I have continued to make a new series each year and donate a portion of these proceeds to breast cancer and hospice charities. The motivation behind this series happens naturally each year. 

A Season Of Treats

Halloween kicks off a treat-filled holiday season tonight. These days, I think just as many adults garner pleasure from this dress-up candy-laden holiday as do kids! I think its safe to say we all love treats, so it’s not surprising that the upcoming fall and winter holidays are filled with special traditions, recipes and gift-giving. Each holiday has its own unique emphasis of associated treats.

Do you have a special pie you bake for the holidays? I'd love to know your recipe. Click on the image to send me one that would make this baking dish filled with just the right treat!

Special recipes are prepared in association with many of the upcoming holiday celebrations. These once-a-year treats are often shared with family and friends, building traditions to be repeated each season. Food is a great way to share treats with loved ones. How about sharing one of your special recipes with me? Click on the pie dish to send it to me!

The studio is filled with tons of gift items. I'll be in Columbia, Maryland on Saturday November 5 selling at a Holiday Show and then hold a special Open Studio/FUNdraiser in Frederick Maryland on November 12 to benefit our local Blessings In a Backpack organization. Click on each event to see more details. If you can't attend, remember you can always shop on-line or make an appointment to visit the studio at a later date. 

Gift-giving is another way we share a treat in the coming months. When we can indulge someone with a present that brings them pleasure – it’s a great feeling. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate either. Even spending time together is a treat. 

Over the years, I've created a new angel each season to honor my friend Patti Cain who died of breast cancer; I always donate a percentage of my proceeds to Breast Cancer Research, Hospice and Charity Organizations. This year I've developed an 'angel wing' . Each unique design can hang from the bough of your holiday tree or year-round in a place of honor to remember the angels in your life. Click on photo to order yours!

Then there’s the Golden Rule. Treating others the way you’d like to be treated is one of the best rules I know. This type of treat is one of the best to achieve. Kindness and how you treat others reverberates and multiplies tenfold.