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Clay By Laura

FUNctional Pottery for Home and Garden
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From The Studio

holiday bowls.jpg

Reading Some Meaning Into Words

October 30, 2017

These three words summarize how I feel this time of year when my emotions run the gamut. It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a pottery giveaway. Read to the end of the blog to see which ClayByLaura Club member will receive a package of these small bowls this week!

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It’s been a busy week back in the studio. Pottery from the Huntsville show is unpacked, new ClayByLaura inventory has been delivered to The Muse in Frederick and my hands have been back in clay to begin creating the variety of special orders I received on my trip. I had to reorder another half a ton (yes, 1000 lbs) of clay from my supplier because I’ve used up that amount since June. The pressure to create pottery and also embrace the bounty of positive holiday spirit can be overwhelming at times leading to some bah-humbug moments.

falalalala.jpg

Falalalala sums up the cheerful attitude I also embrace this time of year. Preparations for upcoming holiday shows continue including a wrap bracelet-making craft party on November 5 in Frederick hosted byThe Muse; a private demonstration for a tour group visiting Frederick November 9; a month-long Holiday open studio hosted by Stacy Krantz of InBloom jewelry; and a fun craft show at Calvary Methodist Church December 9 in my childhood Arlington, Virginia neighborhood. I may squeeze in another show and my own open studio too. (Of course, if there is something you'd like me to make for you, let me know. I ship my pieces throughout the US!) I do like this flurry of activity.

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What I believe about the upcoming holidays is they encourage togetherness, shared traditions, great food, and time spent with family. What could be better than that?  For me, the holiday season has begun. I’ve been sampling the Kit Kat bars in anticipation of our neighborhood trick or treaters. I’m working on the details of the Thanksgiving menu I’ll host for our family.  Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years are not far behind. Maybe you experience all these conflicting emotions too. I think it's probably normal.

Congratulations Lee! I'll be sending you a package to help you kick off your own holiday spirit too! Are you a member of the ClayByLaura club? If you'd like a chance to win some pottery and receive other club benefits, click on the photo to join in!

Congratulations Lee! I'll be sending you a package to help you kick off your own holiday spirit too! Are you a member of the ClayByLaura club? If you'd like a chance to win some pottery and receive other club benefits, click on the photo to join in!

Tags Bah Humbug, Falalalala, Believe, Holidays, Shows, Show Schedule, Craft Party, Wrap Bracelet
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Carson knows exactly where the treats are kept! This new Dog Treat container was created as a thank you gift for a certain dog-lover. The phrase "Home Is Where The Dog Is" sums up the attitude perfectly! Want one for your pet? Let me know and I'll m…

Carson knows exactly where the treats are kept! This new Dog Treat container was created as a thank you gift for a certain dog-lover. The phrase "Home Is Where The Dog Is" sums up the attitude perfectly! Want one for your pet? Let me know and I'll make one just for you!

A Season Of Treats

October 31, 2016


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!

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 Back…

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 'ange…

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.  

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Tags Treats, Holidays, Angel, Angel Wing, Dog Treat, Recipe, Show Schedule, Open Studio, Blessings In A Backpack
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horn of plenty.jpg

Horn Of Plenty

September 19, 2016

I just completed this cornucopia-shaped container for a customer who wants to give it as a surprise gift to his wife. It was designed to fit a specific corner space of his newly remodeled kitchen. Our phone conversations and in-person meeting led to the form, color choice and size.

snowflakes.jpg

I love the symbolism of the triangular shape 'horn' and it’s association with fall and the harvest season. This time of year for me, ideas are flowing and productivity is in high gear. Pots in every stage of the making process are filling the studio.  Abundance is evident throughout my creative space.

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As always, my life reflects the profusion of art in the studio. As we approach the shortening of daylight, the bounty of fall and winter holidays, and the time gathered with family and friends I revel in the fortune of all that is positive in my life. 

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Like the horn of plenty I’ve just created in clay, my world is overflowing with so much that is good and sustaining. My goal is to keep that enthusiasm going when the inevitable stress levels get high!

 Here are a few of the shows that are scheduled so you can mark on your calendar too!

I'll be in Upstate New York October 14 for this fiber-happy show with some of my yarn-related and other household items. Click on the photo for more show details!

I'll be in Upstate New York October 14 for this fiber-happy show with some of my yarn-related and other household items. Click on the photo for more show details!

I'll be in Columbia, Maryland for the annual Linden Hall Holiday Craft Show November 5. I'm honored to be joining this talented group of artists to display and sell my clay art! Click on photo for more show details!

I'll be in Columbia, Maryland for the annual Linden Hall Holiday Craft Show November 5. I'm honored to be joining this talented group of artists to display and sell my clay art! Click on photo for more show details!

If you'd like to tap in to your own holiday creativity -- here's a perfect opportunity! Students will be making a variety of clay ornaments/gift tags in this fun class sponsored by The Muse.  We'll be using the same painting technique I've…

If you'd like to tap in to your own holiday creativity -- here's a perfect opportunity! Students will be making a variety of clay ornaments/gift tags in this fun class sponsored by The Muse.  We'll be using the same painting technique I've demonstrated in past pot-sticker and wind chime making classes! Click on photo to get class details and sign up!

Tags Horn Of Plenty, Cornucopia, Fall, Winter, Show Schedule, Studio, Snowflake, Custom Order
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