I’m curious to know - what was the first piece of pottery you made? This is a picture of mine sitting on the railing of my deck. I found it the other day when I was trying to clear a shelf in my studio. I made it probably 34 years ago. A local college offered a 4 part class with yoga and raku. I’d never done either so everything was a challenge. Luckily we made pinch pots but I was hooked and started taking classes at the local community college. After I finished this piece I filled it with wax to use as a candle. What was your first piece? Do you still have it? If you can, please post a picture of it.

I have been asked to do a video on how I make my large vases. It’s a very simple short video with a template and measurements I use to make the vases 💕 https://youtu.be/Y3ch1Qi_E5Q?si=BYi9BWOYTkZRMCLQ

As many of you know this a second career for Shane and I after we retired from teaching. We are a business not a hobby. This year we will sell at 50 markets. During the winter months we do classes. As I sit here this Monday morning I am wondering where do I see myself at 80. Will be still be doing the markets? Crates are heavy filled with pottery. I do know many vendors in their 80s who are still selling and setting up at markets. Will we have a gallery instead of markets? Perhaps this would be easier on the body but not sure if it would be as profitable. Yes I love making pottery. It is a joy for sure. But I also have to remember that it pays the bills for my family. How about you? What are you sitting and thinking about on your Monday or Tuesday?

I’m planning on a Pottery Pop-Up in my driveway/yard the weekend of May 2nd, so in just a week and a half. I have not done any advertising, but plan to let folks know through social media and local groups. The fact is that I use pottery to help with stress and as a form of therapy… so I’ve been doing a lot lately 🤪 and I would like to unload some. It’s funny how my brain can go from worrying about nobody stopping to worrying about not having enough pottery for this Pop-Up. The brain is tricky isn’t it? Because it is in my driveway, there is no cost except my time/effort and I thought it would be interesting to give it a go. I normally do two Markets in November with my Guild and a local benefit so I’m set up for payment and to a certain extent, displays. I’m sharing with you because you’re my Pottery People 💗💗 and I’m nervous. And also to learn if you have any advice. I’m all ears 👂 EDITED TO ADD: I live on a busy/fast country road, so I won’t get foot traffic. It would have to be people who see my signs and drive in.

I made a ceramic house sculpture, inspired by a cardboard house made by the creative at NerdForge. This house took 63 lbs of clay, and final glazing yielded a height of 32 inches. It is installed in our front yard, with solar lights that show through windows and doors. It took me weeks to make, each roof tile was made individually.