The Show 2013

It has finally arrived... the big day I wait for all year.  It's the one and only big art show I participate in.  It's not because I wouldn't want to be in more.... I just don't have the inventory to be in more.  Since I do work, and this really only a hobby for me, I find being in one show is enough for me to produce sales, and to show case my work.  Would I like to be in more... of course!  But realistically, it would turn something I really enjoy and look forward to, into something stressful.  I really don't want to be doing that.  This is something I see myself doing for a very long time... I hope!  

Here are some photos of my work on display at the show.  This ladder shelf is something my Dad, thanks Dad! whipped up for me, since I was finding just setting up on tables was getting to be a little boring.  Found the pattern online and he managed to make it in two days.  Only thing wrong, is that I need to find a way to secure the boards down that is easy for removal.  Right now, any thing too heavy placed near the edge... well, lets say... teeter totter comes to mind.  

Here are a few more pictures of my tables. 

Overall the show was a big success! Although the sales were great, I find the feedback from visitors much more rewarding. It's their first reaction and the first words they say when they see my work... that's makes me want to create more. This is what I wait for all year, that feeling of accomplishment... knowing that what I've created was worth all the time and effort. Looking forward to getting my fingers back in the mud!!!  

Two Kiln Openings!

Only a short time away for my big art show, www.sylvancircle.ca which is coming up very quickly! I have two kiln openings to share, both of which I was very happy with. I do have some nice suprises. I was testing out some new clay, it's a buff clay. It was a little wierd since I've been using a smooth white for so long. Needless to say, I will definitely be getting more of it! I love the results of the buff clay, with Mayco's wash on the outside, and Mayco's Black Walnut on the inside. I couldn't be happier. I love the look, and have had great feedback on it. Here's a pic:

I also used Mayco's washes on the outside of this vase, with the Black Walnut on the inside, however this is on smooth white clay.

 Here are a few more pieces that I'd like to share. One is a completed pitcher that I had posted a while back when I was making it. Couldn't decide on how to glaze it, so it sat around for quite a while. Any questions on the glazes, I don't mind sharing. I have more pics of my pottery on my flickr page, http://www.flickr.com/photos/chinzy/
My next post, I will give a little tour of my display at the art show. Until then... happy potting! :)

Pendants to Necklaces to Chimes...

So as my summer life comes close to an end. I'd like to share some things I enjoy doing while out at the cottage on those not so nice days. The pictures are of the necklaces I make with the pendants and beads I have made. They are quite popular, even though I don't advertise them, it's more through word of mouth. I did have a few for sale during the art sale last fall on the local Sylvan Circle Tour.  I was quite surprised to have sold pretty much all of them. So, I continue to make them, as it is something to keep my hands busy, while at the same time using my creative juices... which don't like resting! I've included some pictures of my finished work. I like sticking with leather cords, and either copper or stainless steel wire.  Some of the beads are wooden or glass, I try to keep all the materials as natural as possible.

Something else I enjoy making are windchimes.  Yes, it never ends. 

Here is a picture of one that is completed, and I will hopefully sell at the art show. I collect driftwood off the shores of Lake Superior. Drill three evenly spaced holes along the top, and use copper wire to hold everything together. I have maple leaf cookie cutters of various sizes, which are used to make the chimes. They do make a pretty nice sound. So, I now need to get back to getting ready for my big show... will be posting my kiln openings very shortly.... Have some new pieces to share.... Christmas was early! :)