Birthday Month

Gifts are on my mind. The month of July is filled with birthdays in our family and in that spirit, let me extend a special present to you! Save 25% on any in-stock ClaybyLaura garden item you purchase this week. Use the code BIRTHDAY to receive the discount when you place your order.

Click on this photo to choose a bird feeder for your yard.

Sometimes I have a hard time picking a meaningful item to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday. Young children are pretty easy to shop for, but I often struggle to choose gifts for the adults in my life. Will they like what I’ve picked? Will they use what I’ve chosen? Is there something else I could have bought?

Watering cans can double as a vase to hold your garden's beautiful bounty! Click on photo to shop.

I’m the kind of present-shopper that tends to purchase a gift for someone in the moment. If I find a perfect present for a friend or family member, I will buy it on the spot. The purchase is not always dependent on a looming holiday or personal celebration. For me, gift giving is a way to show a person in your life you’ve found something that makes you think of them. 

Give the toads in your garden a a special shady spot! Click on this photo to choose.

Sometimes the best presents to receive are the ones we gift ourselves. What have you had your eye on lately? It could be lunch with a friend, a special pair of shoes or spending one-on-one time with a family member. Go for it!

Who doesn't like to see a lady bug bringing good luck to their garden? Click this photo to see them all!

If there’s a ClaybyLaura garden item that could bring some joy to you or fulfill a gift need, now’s a perfect time to purchase. I’ve restocked and updated my garden inventory online. Remember to use the code BIRTHDAY to save 25%! 

Learning to Adapt

There are several reasons I write a weekly blog. It helps me keep an accounting of my studio practices and progress. It provides a historic record of my creative actions. It helps me think about why I look to clay as my artistic outlet. And it helps me communicate those ideas to my followers with an interest in me, my art and the clay process.

I've noticed the idea of change is a recurring theme throughout these writings. I’m most comfortable thinking I know what lies ahead and keeping a daily routine. For me, unforeseen disruptions are really a constant in life, but often cause the most anguish. Learning to adapt in life and art continues to prove rewarding even though it can be scary.

I attended an art fair this weekend with a friend. Years and years ago, it would be packed wall to wall with artists and attendees selling and buying. This time around, it felt sparse. I wonder if this is a fluke, or an example of the impact on-line retail has affected art transactions. Finding the right sales outlet is an ongoing process for me and I’m learning to make adjustments to this process constantly. 

The good thing about attending an art fair is purchasing an item you like right then and there, AND the opportunity to meet the artist! Annie Simcoe makes the paper she uses in her unique stitched art form. 

I'm happy with the progression of the new bird feeders! I'll add the finishing touches this week and post the results.

I made several of these sugar/creamers in the studio this week. I've added a spoon to the set.

I'm working on a new design for dessert plates.

Cass Molander of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the WINNER of the watering can giveaway!

Yoga and Clay

I think yoga and clay have a lot on common. I practice both with ‘practice’ being the operative word here.

I began attending yoga classes a couple of years ago. I wish I’d started earlier. But in the true spirit of yoga, I’m working on living in the moment, letting go of the past and not worrying about the future. This applies to my life and my vocation – clay.

So here are a few lessons taught in yoga that can also apply to clay.

Breathe. Deep inhales and exhales are a constant in any yoga I’ve practiced. I’ve found this same full body nourishment helps with centering (literally and figuratively) in the studio.

Each Day is Different. Every time I hear this spoken in a class, it is a helpful reminder. Human expectation of regular perfection can lead to such negative feelings and self-doubt. Some days are just better than others. I’m learning to embrace the good and learn from the bad.

No Comparison. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on yourself.

Live in and Enjoy the Moment. Don't look back. Don't worry about what's ahead. This is hard for me, really hard. It’s good to remember the process can be just as enjoyable as the outcome.

Every teacher has something to offer. There is always room to learn.  New skills, thoughts and nuance can happen with every encounter between students and teachers.

Learn to listen. For me, this skill takes practice and concentration. Listen and follow instruction. Listen to the quiet. Listen when others speak. Listen to your inner voice.

Balance. Poses requiring stability are important and can be challenging. Finding balance in life and art require the same attention and constant adjustments to achieve.

Hands-on is the best part. The sense of touch is powerful. I love the end of class when some yoga instructors offer a soothing body adjustment or relaxing temple massage during savasana. Likewise, I enjoy the feel of clay throughout each creation stage as I translate an idea from thought to completion. It gives me the same happy satisfaction. 

Here are some new texture stamps I've created. 

I'm confident Spring will arrive eventually. In preparation, I'm developing a new watering can shape that can be used to nourish a growing garden or plant and hold a bunch of freshly picked flowers for display!