Pushing Limits

Even though it’s malleable, clay has limits. I was reminded of this fact in the studio this week. I’ve been making new pieces over the last several weeks. After they have completely dried, I can give them the first firing in the kiln. That’s standard practice. And, it’s most efficient to completely fill the kiln for each firing. 

I probably said this word quite a bit this past week. I just added a series of 'Potty Mouth Pots' that express a variety of emotions to my Purchase page. Click on photo to see more phrases and shop!

Occasionally, I’ll try to speed up the process. This happens when I haven’t managed my timing well and a deadline looms or I try to add a last minute item to the process. So here’s what happened this past week. I broke a pot I'd bought years ago. It was two bowls attached together. One was slightly larger than the other. It was the perfect size for snacking. 

Here's a triple bowl set I've made in the past. 

I decided to make my own version and replace this often-used dish. I’ve attached bowls together in past renditions of this idea, but I was looking for a fresh approach this time around. I played with a couple of designs in the studio. Here’s where I made my mistake. I wanted instant gratification, so I tried to dry the samples quickly to include them in a pending bisque firing. I used a dehumidifier overnight to try to quicken the drying process. Wrong move! The seams of several of the pieces came apart. 

I really should know better. I’ve made this mistake before. Pushing clay beyond its limits usually results in disaster. Luckily, I’ve learned to move forward without making additional flubs. Before the clay has been fired, it can be recycled. That’s what I do. Instead of spending more time to fix the mistake (which mostly does not work), I start over. 

What's your verdict? Do you like the round or oval shape better? Give me feedback and I'll reward you! One random responder will receive one of these finished pieces when they are complete! Click on photo to let me know your thoughts! 

I guess sometimes repeating a mistake is a reminder that pushing certain limits can lead to failure. Learning and moving forward is the best approach. Patching the mistake usually does not work. Adjusting goals and good planning can help foster success. Onward!

Hot Hot Hot - The Dog Days Of Summer Are Here !

Summertime is in full swing here in the Mid-Atlantic. The temperatures are hot and the air is hazy with humidity. It’s just how I like it! And while the tendency in this weather is to slow down a bit and laze around, the exact opposite seems to be happening in the studio. 

The kiln is fixed, up, and running. I ordered and replaced the three thermocouple temperature gauges myself which solved the problem I was having last week. You know that feeling when you accomplish a task you weren’t quite sure you could do? Repairing my kiln myself was satisfying and thrilling.

There are several new unique potstickers now gracing plants and yards in Maryland and Pennsylvania! Students chose a variety of clay shapes, painted them with blends of acrylic colors and created their own colorful mini-totem to take home. It was lots of fun. I’ll be teaching more classes through the Muse in the fall, so if you live nearby and would like a chance to play and create – keep your eye out for dates and times!

Some of the new shapes I’ve been working on are ready for their debut. What do you think? Your feedback is important. This basket shape will be useful for holding fruit or veggies on the kitchen counter. It could also be used to hold your latest in-process knitting project or mail by the front door. The baskets will be available for sale on my website soon. 

Even though it's hot outside, I'm making plans for the fall in the studio. I've been selected to participate in an exclusive Indie shopping opportunity kicking off the popular Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival in New York. If you're one of my 'knitting/fiber peeps' this event has your name written all over it. Tons and tons of specialty dyed yarns, unique tools and accessories  in one jam-packed weekend -- a knitter's nirvana!

Thank you for sharing your favorite recipes with me last week. It’s great to have some new ideas to create in the kitchen! If you haven't had a chance, click this link to send me a family favorite! Here’s a great recipe to snack on or serve to company, courtesy of my future daughter-in-law,  during these hot summer months. Enjoy!

Cut It Out !

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 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!

ClayByLaura Club members received a special discount offer for the month of July. It's just one of the benefits of joining. Are you a member yet? No?!? What are you waiting for? It's easy to sign up. Click on the image above to join. Check and respond to the email you receive. That's it. You're in!