Listen.

This past week has been a whirlwind, a good whirlwind. I shared time out of the studio with friends and future family which directly impacted the rest of my time with clay. I’ve got lots of ideas and projects in various stages of production for an upcoming group show and a wonderful shop in the South. Special orders were finalized and shipped, new ones were begun.

I received two surprise and considerate gifts this week. My former neighbors were in town visiting and stopped by. They now live in Arizona and brought me a mug from my favorite coffee shop! They know me well! The hat/scarf set was sent to me by a friend from Hilton Head. We have spent yarn time together stitching and talking. Her out-of-the-blue gift and note were so thoughtful! 

When I work, I generally listen to programs on National Public Radio. It’s a habit that started in my first home studio when Diane Rehm (now retired) was on the air daily. I learned something each time I listened to her broadcast. This exposure introduced me to other interesting programs offered by Public Radio stations across the country. 

I revisited this stacking bowl set based on a request for an upcoming group show. I really like it and am glad to have the opportunity to make it again.

Sometimes I listen to music when I work. It’s easy to play what I like on my ITunes playlist. Emotions, memories, sing-alongs and occasional dancing break out when music is my studio background. 

Do you have a listening suggestion for me? What song inspires you? Have you read a good book lately? What other listening opportunities am I missing? Any podcasts you'd recommend? Click on the photo to tell me your suggestion!

Occasionally, I’ll listen to a book. My friend Whitney has offered to help me with a sewing project. We spent an afternoon at an incredible fabric shop in Virginia picking out material and a pattern for me to make.  While we were together, she suggested  I read, The Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (who also wrote Eat, Pray, Love). I downloaded it from the library and listened throughout the week. It’s about the concept of creativity and creative thinking. It resonated. I’m going to listen to it again. I know I can learn more from a second ‘reading’. 

Look who else was attracted to this coneflower in my garden. The beauty and colors of nature often stop me in my tracks. 

I think I’m a good listener, but I know I can improve my skills. When I listen, my mind sometimes jumps around and I lose concentration on what is being shared with me (especially if I'm multi-tasking). I could blame some of that on my creative mind getting sparked as information is fed to it, and fear I’ll forget those inspirations if I let go, but strong focus while listening is important too. 

Reading Some Meaning Into Words

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!

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 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.

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!

Busy Work

It’s showtime! This week’s schedule is filled to the brim. It feels kind of like finals time in college. Weeks of preparation on a variety of projects in the studio are all due this week. The frenzy to make sure each assignment is complete and ready for ‘prime time’ is invigorating. It’s time to share the excitement of what’s been percolating in the studio. I’m prepared and look forward to each event. Follow my Instagram (@claybylaura) account to see the latest photos of each of these projects. 

Installation of numerous potted flower bunches is first on the docket. These colorful blooms will be placed in containers for display underneath a wrought iron and glass table in the back yard of this customer. They will complement the variety of totems and yard art I've created over the years for this beautiful outdoor space. 

Mid-week I'll be leading a craft party sponsored by The Muse in Frederick, Md. The class is almost at capacity, so If you'd like to join us, contact The Muse right away! Each participant will colorfully decorate a garden bell and feather. We'll finish the assembly with assorted beads and buttons strung on fishing wire. 

Friday is where the frenzy picks up! The Knot House (my favorite local yarn shop) is hosting an Indie (Yarn Dyers) Pop-Up Shop over the weekend.  Tons of fiber fans are in town for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and this popular complimentary bash has become a must-attend for yarn enthusiasts. I sell a variety of yarn-related clay items during the event (think yarn bowls or special mugs) and created this unique stick-pin to accent a hand made shawl or sweater just for this year's crowd. (I even enjoyed making the packaging for the pins and convinced my husband to let me cut apart one of his rarely-used sweaters for the job!) I'll be part of the fun on Friday night and Sunday!

Saturday, I'll plant myself at The Muse all day. First Saturday and Mayfest celebration draw lots of visitors to town. These fun shapes (nick-named Blobs courtesy of Whitney at The Muse) will be available for a discounted price -- AND you'll have the opportunity to get an air plant or beautiful flower to fill it right there in the shop! I'll demo how I make these throughout the day. Stop by and say hello. 

So what's keeping you busy these days? I hope it's something fun!

Everyone Needs A Cheerleader!

“Two, Four, Six, Eight. Who do we appreciate?”

In today’s world, I’m sure this qualifies as an old school cheer. I was a cheerleader in both junior and senior high school when this group shout was a standard. It was the days of sing-songy chants, split jumps in the air and semi-dance routines to live marching band music. During athletic events, our goal was to encourage the sports teams and guide the fans in supportive chants. 

These garden bells are on their way to their new homes. A fellow artist and childhood friend entrusted me with the design and completion of this project. She provided some guidance with desired colors, but left the other creative choices up to me. Support like this encourages my artistic abilities. 

Looking beyond sports, I’ve realized the importance of a good support team in professional and lifetime pursuits. Words of encouragement go a long way to bolster confidence and improve our attitude. I bet everyone likes to have enthusiastic and vocal supporters at work and at home. 

Participating in a creative outlet is a good way to bring cheer in to your own life. There are so many ways to satisfy a creative urge you may have. Do-It-yourself Pinterest projects, studio painting parties or local 'crafternoon' gatherings are a few. Even new computer programs are a tool any of us can use to exercise our artistic muscle. Look what my husband created from a favorite photo of two of our dogs!

I’m lucky to have some great clay cheerleaders in my world. Other potters, my family and many of my customers are a vital part of this support system. Their encouragement, advice and positive feedback cheer me on and guide me toward success. In turn, I like to be a positive voice for people in my life circle. Verbalizing appreciation makes everyone feel good. 

This group of bowls is accompanying a dinner set on its way to California. I experimented and accented each foot of the bowl with a pop of color. I like the results!

In addition to words, actions speak volumes. Even strangers benefit from good cheer. Eye contact and a smile might be just the uplift a fellow human needs. Purchases made at locally owned businesses are a boost to every community. Think about the people in your immediate circle and spread some encouragement there. I bet it reverberates right back to you tenfold. 

If you live around the Washington, DC area -- this holiday show is worth the trip! I'll be on hand Saturday, December 10 and Friday December 16. Stop by and say hello! Click on photo for more details.