Recipes are an instructional guideline mostly associated with cooking. You probably have some favorite recipes that you use over and over. A good recipe is cherished and often shared -- it may have been passed down through the generations. But, I think that idea – a reference point filled with simple to follow steps – is applicable to many of life’s situations and activities.

I just finished making this lap blanket. I followed the original instructions, but made my own choices with the color combinations. I also decided to add a ribbed edge to the blanket because I thought it would make this pattern look better. Because … — I just finished making this lap blanket. I followed the original instructions, but made my own choices with the color combinations. I also decided to add a ribbed edge to the blanket because I thought it would make this pattern look better. Because I am an experienced knitter, I knew I could add my own element to the instructions with good results.

Potters who mix their own glazes follow recipes to concoct the right balance of chemicals to create specific colors and effects on their pots. It’s science and art mixed into one. Tweaking one ingredient can lead to success or failure of the end result. I mixed my own glazes for many years, but now use pre-mixed versions to achieve the colors I like on my pots.

I'm creating a knit shawl pattern to give away with some of my yarn-related pottery. These new clay baskets are large enough to hold several skeins of yarn AND your project as you work! Knitting patterns are another example of a recipe people follow… — I'm creating a knit shawl pattern to give away with some of my yarn-related pottery. These new clay baskets are large enough to hold several skeins of yarn AND your project as you work! Knitting patterns are another example of a recipe people follow to produce a beautiful handmade item. Changes in yarn, color and even pattern add a personal touch and reflect the choices of the knitter.

Figuring out the right recipe for living and working is an ongoing activity for me (and probably you too). Each blueprint of ingredients and instructions are a starting point for exploration. These guidelines can propel you to achieve good results -- and as your confidence builds, allow room for additions or subtractions that are meaningful to you.

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I’ve noticed lots of potters using cut-outs in their pieces as part of their overall design recently. It adds (and subtracts) an interesting and appealing look to a pot's surface. I’ve used this cut-away technique from time to time in my own clay art. And seeing some of the beautiful examples on Instagram and Facebook have sparked my own return to this technique.

The holes in this cake platter I made in 2003 are meant for threading colorful ribbon depending on the occasion. July is a big birthday month in our household, so this plate will get lots of use in the coming weeks!

I've collected several tools throughout the years to cut away clay. Various knives and blades can be used for cutting; small cookie cutters remove the clay in assorted shapes and special piercing tools in a variety of diameters make a clean round hole.

Sometimes the holes I make have an added purpose. The heart opening of these vessels provides an opening to slip a small note inside this heart shape. I have a collection of small heart cutters I use to accomplish this shape.

I decided to experiment with a basket form this week. I like the oval shape which is also mimicked in the strap handle. I knew I would cut away some of the wall to add to the basket functionality and design.

It took a couple of tries to get the size, shape and seam of this basket to work. I start with a paper pattern and then start adjusting the design with each clay rendition until I'm happy.

And here's the final result. I decided to use the holes as part of the design. Instead of spreading them all over the piece, I like how the cut-outs reveal themselves on just part of the front and back of the basket. I can see this being used to hol… — And here's the final result. I decided to use the holes as part of the design. Instead of spreading them all over the piece, I like how the cut-outs reveal themselves on just part of the front and back of the basket. I can see this being used to hold fruit or veggies on the counter or even mail collected by the front door. Do you have any other ideas of how this could be used? Click on the photo to let me know!

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