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Clay By Laura

FUNctional Pottery for Home and Garden
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From The Studio

I created this drawing in a high school art class. My mother liked it so much, she made copies and sent it out as her holiday card in the 1970s. The original hangs in my studio.

I created this drawing in a high school art class. My mother liked it so much, she made copies and sent it out as her holiday card in the 1970s. The original hangs in my studio.

Action

March 5, 2018


Following our passion can lead to action. I am always inspired by the energetic endeavors so many of my friends undertake to make the world and their communities a better place. They volunteer and work within their faith, take on a formidable cause and even run for political office. Knowing them is humbling and a reminder that all involvement large and small makes a big impact on the lives of people. Maybe the stories of these women I call friends will inspire you too.

Click on this photo to read Kari's impassioned blog.

Click on this photo to read Kari's impassioned blog.


When my friend Kari Gang hears about a natural disaster, she puts her busy life on hold and goes to that locale to help. Puerto Rico was her most recent trip. She writes beautifully about her motivation, her preparation, the long tiring days of physical labor and suggests small steps we can all take in our daily lives to help curb these catastrophic events. Kari inspires me to think about the larger world and how some of my own actions can impact the lives of other people facing trouble.

Click on this photo to learn more about Naomi.

Click on this photo to learn more about Naomi.

Naomi Bechtold decided to run for State Senate in Indiana. “I realized I’d rather be the one making the laws to help us…” It is easy to see a problem, complain about it and let that be the end of it. It is harder to take the next step toward action.  Naomi inspires me to move beyond talk (and complaining about a situation) and take an active role in the community. 

Click on this photo to learn more about Moms Demand Action.

Click on this photo to learn more about Moms Demand Action.

Susan Reuter Smith is active in a local chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense In America. Her passion turned activism is part of a national movement to promote sensible gun legislation. Susan has inspired me to create a special clay art project to help raise money for the local group in Frederick in the coming months. 

What is your passion? Have you taken any action to support it? Any step big or small has impact. To borrow an ad campaign from Nike, "Just Do It".

Tags Passion, Volunteer, Action
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Life and Passion

April 25, 2016

This past week’s unexpected death of Prince at age 57 is a sad reminder that life is short. Age has been on my mind anyway as I approach another milestone birthday this year – 60! There was a time where that number sounded so old. And while my body may be showing some ‘laugh lines’ and grey hairs, I still feel vibrant and young at heart. Clay and the pursuit of creativity help with that.

It’s been a productive week in the studio and around the house.  I'm preparing for several upcoming events and have been working on a couple of custom orders. It's great to have goals to attain and ultimately accomplish. 

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I'll be teaching a fun class through one of my favorite Frederick shops, The Muse, on the evening of May 15. I'll provide all the materials to create a colorful wind chime. The class is filling up, so if you're interested, click here to register!

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I’ve created limited edition items for an “Indie Pop Up Shop” at The Knot House in Frederick, Md. May 6 - 8. It’s a weekend-long fiber-lovers dream come true featuring hand-dyed yarns in a rainbow of colors and every stitching accessory you can imagine. I’ve created special drinking tumblers, small catch-all bowls and some fun yarn-lingo paper clips for the occasion. Once they are sold out, they will be gone!

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The Potomac United Methodist Strawberry Festival is a well-attended annual event in Maryland. On May 21 between 10 and 4, I’ll be there.  Of course I’ve created a bunch of Berry Bowl sets for the occasion! I’ll bring along some of my other useful serving dishes and lots of my garden décor too. 

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 I’m creating a custom totem for a special garden in the New Mexico. It’s filled with symbolic shapes and personalized with the family’s names. It’s truly invigorating to develop and collaborate on an idea and make it come to life in clay. Let me know if you have an idea for a totem! I'd love to work with you.

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I also fiddled with some home improvements that have ‘been on my list’ this week including setting up this birdhouse my friend Will made for me. As in the studio, success with these projects relies on having the right tools and knowing when to ask for help. When these projects are complete, I get that same adrenaline satisfaction that happens in the studio. 

Prince's often cited quote about life and his on-going legacy is strong. He set an example for living a life that stayed true to his musical passion. His songs remain with us as a lasting reminder of his talent, message and influence. Life is short, so be sure to make decisions that contribute to your daily passions. 

Tags Passion, Prince, Purple, Indie Pop Up Shop, The Muse, Strawberry Festival, Events
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