Show and Tell

Last weekend marked my 14th year at Lloydminster's Christmas Craft Fair. 

( yeah, I know - not a very creative name for the show )

I have slowly been building a loyal clientele at this 3 day event. It is very gratifying that I have alot of repeat customers. They tell me that they love using my pots and the pots are standing up well to everyday use. That's what I am aiming for, function and enjoyment !

These photos were taken pretty quickly as I was packing to go.

1st version of this new design I was experimenting with. The edges of the inset design didn't really go with the shape of the cup so I made some changes...

I think this flowing edge works better.

not enough contrast here so I didn't make many of these

juice jug

handles are improving... on going project !

large gravy jug

handle on the same jug - I like the curve it has to it, but may not work for a lefty

squared 6" bowl
the contrast is too high in this picture - was better in person

baking dishes - always a good seller

really large casserole. 

I made several of these large bowls and they all sold. I had meant to keep one for myself !

large utensils container. I've been doing this glaze/deco for awhile now, even though it is quite finicky.
The brush work was done with one of Brandon Phillips brushes. If you need some new brushes I can recommend his !

levitating mug !

more baking dishes

large bowl
this one was better in person too.

hand built baking dishes

aprox. 4" square

aprox. 10" square by 4" deep hand built bowl.

It's always a big panic to get ready for this show. It comes so quickly after harvest that I am always promising myself to start earlier....

I have good intentions but I have things to get caught up with and,,, before you know it, it's christmas and then ... well, you know how it goes.

I go down to the "big city" tomorrow for some kind of neurology test on my wrists. It'll be good to know if it's carpal tunnel or not. I've been having trouble with my left shoulder and wrists for several years now and the MRI hasn't shown any rips or tears.

Wish me luck !

Happy Thanksgiving to all south of the 49th !

Bragging Rights

Our oldest daughter, Jenna, is away at University taking a degree in Business.

As part of the universities' Co-Operative Education program which ties business students with community partners she accepted a position with non-profit, Volunteer Alberta, this past January.

Jenna thoroughly enjoyed her work there. Karen, the dynamic executive director of Volunteer Alberta, pictured here standing to Jennas' left, recognized her abilities and work ethic and gave her lots of responsibility and challenges.

At a luncheon last week, Jennas' outstanding hard work and insightful contributions were recognized and she won Co-Op student of the year ! 

Studio Mates

My studio mates, Ziggy and Wilson were hard at work with me out in the studio. Here you see Ziggy keeping the handle plugs ready and moist for pulling handles.

Wilson fits snug around my right wrist as I am handling the mugs and keeps the excess water from running down my arm.

Don't you hate wet arm pits... I do, worst part about making mugs. Rather have a wet wrist band.

Mugs I've been working on... I think I'm going to have to re-name my studio to something more appropriate to the speed I've been working at "Sloth Potter Studio" comes to mind at the moment. 3 days to construct 32 mugs !

As you can probably see, I don't throw to a gage. I'll go through these mugs and sort them into like sizes and then group together a few 4 mug sets. The rest I will sell individually. I find most people like a collection of mugs as opposed to a matching set.