December 29, 2010

2010 is just about over. A few more days and a new year begins. I am do looking forward to another hot summer. Especially since I received this wonderful floating cooler as a gift this holiday season. Imagine, my float docked at the floating station, cooler in tow bobbing along with me. Frosty beverages and lunch inside. Oh, the dreaming will soon be here......if time goes by as quickly as it has been. Hey, should go quicker as they say, whoever they are, that the older one gets the faster time goes. Bring it on summer!!!

This has been quite a year. In a month's time, Jan 29, 2011 I will have been 1 year out from my brain surgery. I was scratching my head, in the area where I was opened up and it still a bit numb. My hair has grown long enough in that area to put in a pony tail again. The only evidence of my medical adventure is the hearing loss and numbness. Otherwise one could not even tell. My facial expressions are even and one would not know from looking at me.

I hope to get a big chunk of the medial bills paid this coming year. Have to keep the potter's wheel spinning and the orders coming in. I also hope to take a long deserved vacation this year. A drive to Florida may be in order. We'll see.

So, look for a blow out sale sometime in Jan or Feb. Maybe March, depending when I can get it together. I am looking at doing it over a friends. A more central location.

Well, off to the ole spinning and throwing and making of pottery.

Relax....

The dishes are done. The tree is still up but will most likely take the ornaments off tomorrow while the "big storm" is raging here in Litchfield.
Suppose to get up to 14" or so. Will be nice to hang out, drink tea, and not get dressed.
Had a wonderful time with family and one more holiday party with parents, brothers, sister's nieces and nephew's this weekend.

Enjoy!!!

Once again we are in downtown Hallowell, Maine with our Holiday Pottery Shop
136 Water St. Hallowell
For More information call 207 582-7985

There are about 10 potters showing, a couple of photographers, a weaver and 2 jewelers!!!

We are open every day from 10-6 and Dec 24 from 10-2.
We are discussing on opening up after Christmas, and will hopefully know soon!!!!

American Craft Week

October has begun. I have had one show, a Designing Women show in Kennebunkport. Wonderful artists there and the show was successful. I sold some dinnerware, something I normally don't bring or sell at an art fair. This was a nice surprise. I believe I will bring more to the next show.

It is American Craft Week this week. My studio is open to the public. I would love to have some visitors out here. One may happen upon me throwing on the potter's wheel, glazing, or loading the kiln. I have work in all the stages of pottery making and finished pieces looking for a new home.

Monkitree Gallery in Gardiner, who carries my work has a fabulous showing of Maine Woodworkers. There are some amazing pieces of work being shown there. This gallery is a gem for Central Maine.

Center for Maine Crafts in West Gardiner, located within the travel plaza will be celebrating throughout the week. I also have work here amongst the most talented craftsman and women in Maine. There will be a reception Friday Oct 9th. Several artisans will be there for a meet and greet too. Come on in, especially if you haven't been in at all, and see the works of your neighbors. Maine has some extremely talented people.

Support your local artisans. Another way to "Keep Maine Strong"

Summer Shows

This summer the shows were abundant and some were horrible, but most were great. At the Winthrop Art Show I received a second place in mixed media for this piece. My fabulous husband Jeff and I collaborated here and woo hoo!!!! We even received a check.

After this show we participated in the Designing Woman show in Manchester at Longfellow's Greenhouses. What a beautiful day this was...so onward and into the late summer.

Tomorrow is the last day of summer and hopefully the weather forcasts are correct and it will be in the 80s. One more day of floating. This would be awesome!!!! A Great way to end the summer season I would say.

This weekend is the 13th annual BUMUPPFSF at Unity Pond Potter. 5 minutes from the common ground fair, so stop by on way to or from the fair. Its free family fun.
For more information go to www.unitypondpottery.com

Hope to see you there

Glazed and Ready for the Shows

Last week I posted a picture of the work as it waited for me to decorate. Here is the first of two firings with the finished wares on the shelves ready for the upcoming shows.
Can you find the penguins again?

First show
Winthrop Art Show
Saturday August 21
Winthrop Maine.
This is a beautiful show with around 50 artists and artisans. The weather predicted is suppose to be really nice. Not humid at all, in the 70s. A perfect day to browse seeing some of Maine's most talented artists

The next show is in Manchester, Maine.
This is a Designing Women Show. Designing Women is a fabulous organization of Maine and New Hampshire artisans.
The show will be set in the gardens of Longfellows Greenhouses on Puddledock Road in Manchester Maine. August 28.
Donation of $2 at the entrance to benefit Sexual Assault and Crisis Center located in Winthrop, Maine.

Hope to see you at one or both of the shows!!!!

Working for the Next Day...

Unloaded the kiln on Monday evening. This is a bisque firing where I fire the work I made to 1800 degrees. I now am in the process of painting and glazing each piece. I paint with glazes on the outside of each piece making the beautiful floral patterns or the new rainbow trout I have been doing. I will be working at this all week and hopefully ready to do the glaze firing on Friday or Saturday. Here the work is fired to 2200 degrees. This firing takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on the weather. If windy, usually takes a bit longer.
I am getting ready for the upcoming art shows I will be participating in this month.
The first show is The Winthop Art Show Saturday August 21. I believe it is the 21st year for this show. A nice show with some wonderful artists.

The second show this month is at Longfellow's Greenhouses in Manchester. This is a Designing Women Show. I will be there Saturday August 28th. Here the works of some of Maine and New Hampshire's finest women artisans will be showing and selling their work. We will be setting in the beautiful gardens at Longfellows, which makes a great background for the artwork.
Designing Women also partners with a non-profit group that helps the community. Once again this year the group will be Sexual Assault and Crisis Center who's office is in Winthrop. There is a suggested $2 donation at the entrance. Luncheon can also be purchased making this a fun destination for a lovely late summer outing. This added extra plus is that if it rains that day we will be setting up in the greenhouse.

So, hi ho hi ho.....