Snow Days = Clay Days

Snow days are great days - you can get so much done that you didn't plan on doing because you can't do the usual expected activities, like updating your blog that you haven't touched in 5 months! I actually planned on doing this earlier since Susan mentioned my blog (with the address) in the Christmas letter that, believe it or not, went out on time this year. But 4 or 5 inches of snow in eastern North Carolina provides the time nicely.

Finch Open House - November 2013

Elephant Face Jug

Since my last post, we have had our Open House at Finch's. It was a great day - perfect weather and good crowds that filled the 4 greenhouses and surrounding areas. I was able to set up a space at the Halifax Days in December where I unveiled the first of some new animal facejugs. The elephant created a great deal of interest!

Christmas 2013

We had a full house of family at Christmas with the kids coming down from Chicago and NYC. Our son from Florida was here in November for a conference in Raleigh, so he did not come at Christmas. But, through the wonders of SKYPE, we were all together on Christmas day for presents.

Turtle Mugs

Carved Platter

Casserole

Susan took on a part time position as an adjunct professor at the community college, teaching classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. This means that I have not been able to go to the studio at Finch's because I do not want to leave Mom by herself in the evening.

I have been spending more time working in my shop and have done a few firings - bisque and glaze. It has actually been pretty good except for when the temperature drops like it has today. Last night, while throwing a dozen pie-birds, it was getting colder and the water especially got frigid quickly. Even with my little oil-filled radiator cranked up, the temperature dropped to the 40s in the shop overnight.

Potter's Choice - Salt Buff and Rutile Blue

I have been trying some of the Amaco Potter's Choice glazes which are supposed to produce reduction-like results in an electric kiln. They aren't bad - I just need to work with them some to get the look I want. I am going to order some other glazes once the threat of freezing is not a problem.