Split Level Studio

2011-03-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

I participated in a group firing for Tidewater's bowls. My friend Joel Blum, took pictures of a few items.
I'm learning SO much, it was fun to experiment, and find a few methods I want to explore more. :)
This cup is my favorite. I used playground sand and had a fun surprise with what it did at cone 10. I knew it had iron, but I wasn't sure how much would melt, or what would happen. It is fun to hold, not as "sandy" as I expected, and I love disturbed rims. Going to do more with this for sure...

I have a little too much fun with my kid's bouncy balls as molds, and found object stamps...

Playing around with a mix of high-fire mason stains and underglazes, with wax over the flowers and dipped in simple white.

lots of learning...

the more I learn, the more I realize I'm such a beginner...but with passion!

*practice practice!

Adventures in bisque during school break...

2011-01-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

I'm still trying to find "my style", and throwing bowls for Tidewater Gallery's Souper Supper has been a good motivation to get focused practice time in.

This was a good mishap, since it gave me a chance to check my walls. :) This one was a rice-bowl with chopstick notches. Those are always fun to eat out of...

For a while I was worried about consistent wall thickness, now I think I need to concentrate on the base, and letting the rim keep a bit more thickness to avoid chipping.

After 4 weeks of practice, this is what I settled on. (I need a scale so I can keep the balls of clay the same size though) I was not only experimenting on shapes, but on my signature, and I think I came up with a version I like enough to make a stamp out of. :)

*risky drying before loading the kiln...*

This is a fun new addition to my studio. On a lego-night while I was working, Jade brought out her leg0-impression of ME! I love it so much, and it goes well next to my dad's tiny welded-"Tara"-sculpture.

More TrOUT cups for the Steelhead Festival.

AAAAND my big mishap... I fired some work for a classmate, and 3 of his sculptures exploded...badly. Bisque crumbs are tucked all over in the elements. :( I'm waiting for him to come over and clean it himself. *sigh*

Unfortunately, his explosions his some of Jade's animal sculptures which are now missing a few legs and ears. Thankfully she and I have been discussing the issue of "non-attachment" for an artist, so no tears, she will just make them again. :)

It's always a learning process... I'm happy with what came out so far, now to glaze!

2011-01-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

The kids have had fun this week hanging out with me in the studio while I get bowls made for Tidewater Gallery's annual "Souper Supper" Event. And of course more "TrOUT" items for the Steelhead festival.
I'm experimenting with silica sand... not sure if it's going to be a happy experiment or what...

Busy, busy, but I'm enjoying it. The semester starts next week, so this is my big push on wheel work for a little while. I'm getting lots of practice which has been SO helpful, and it's fun to try out new forms, or in these last few pics, variations on surface decoration will come later. :)

Happy January 2011!!!

Lodi Art Center Holiday Sale

2010-12-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

My phone doesn't take good pics, but this is my set up mid-sale. (I forgot to snag a shot at the beginning before selling stuff)

15" platter.

my first Tandori. I want to get some flameware clay to make the base so I can use it for stovetop cooking as well.

Experimental mugs. (I had some glaze issues), but I like the shapes. (there were not in the sale, they are just for my learning)

Salt domes. Half were made with larger holes for sea salt, and they are fun to use.

One of Jade's bowls...

The next two yunomi are my favorites. And fortunately, they were "traded" with two wonderful artists who I know appreciate that they are the workings of a talented 13 yr old. :)

Upcoming experiements...

2010-11-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

it's a play on "PB&J", which is ONE of the greatest combinations ever discovered. My daughter Jade and I are working together on some cute collaborations.
She is the painter, I am the potter... it's going to be wild to see what a 13yr old silly artist comes up with on these "blank canvases"...

random bookmarks

2010-11-15T22:58:00.001-08:00

I made a few "Delta Mustang" bookmarks for the baseball team to put in their auction baskets and one of my girlfriends chose some funky "tara beads" for her "waving or high-five sista" bookmark.

Cup Study

2010-11-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

I made a few yunomi for the Steelhead Festival, but was sad to see half had s-cracks. I wet them down, sliced 'em in half, to see what the issue was. These are the ones that died and were dissected for the sake of advance knowledge...

I didn't realize I had a tendency to leave the base so thick! I'm glad these didn't survive. I'm not posting pics of all the cuts, but these next two show the trend... I'm happy with the wall thickness, but the floor needs attention...

I have picked up a few tips since making these, and I just need more practice to make sure I've got the new standard down. Happy learning mistakes!

Messin' around testing glaze interactions

2010-10-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

I overlapped different class glazes to see what effects I could get. These are the ones I like.

*the tripod was not level. Even though my pots are imperfect, they are not quite as lopsided as the photos make them. I'm learning...
These are Eddie's favorites. He likes to drink his soy milk in "momma's dot cups".

I kind of like how this bowl turned out. I'm learning to mix my own glazes, but when I'm too lazy to do that, I think I'll explore this combo.

recent greenware

2010-09-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have had fun using my kid's bouncy balls as forms for different size bowls.

Experimenting with different shapes and forms for bowls, mugs, tea cups

A BIG coffee mug for my tall uncle. *he is an electrical engineer and wired my kiln for me. :)

My little corner of heaven, before my dad put up a handy-dandy "tool-holder"...

my testers from class

My first surviving mug, the others gave way to being casualties of living in a neighborhood full of kids. (sometimes, the only time I have to work, is when my kids are outside playing, then OTHER kids want to come watch, and like to poke clay) I am more careful now.

A wacky twisted mug for a goofy boyfriend... unfortunately these pictures are all I have.

This time, it was my DAD who couldn't resist "picking up" shown mug, not understanding it was still in it's greenware state.

I'm actually glad it didn't survive. I wasn't crazy about the shape or handle placement, but I love the handle itself.

I'm going to play with the handle concept a little more...

a few more "bouncy ball bowls"

I'm trying to fill my kiln soon so I can get these guys fired!

I'm also working on bookmarks for a sale in Lodi, I need more time in the day!

Bookmarks to sell in Cafe By The Spa on Thorton Rd

2010-04-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Cafe By The Spa in Stockton, Ca is now open! I hope to have some pottery ready to sell by the end of this month. (coffee mugs, tea cups, soup & rice bowls) For now, these bookmarks are it.

I'm happy with this bunch. :) Head over to the cafe if you would like to purchase them! AND enjoy some yummy soup, a sandwich, coffee, or smoothie. (in Thorton Village, right next to Styles Unlimited, near the corner of Davis Rd and Thorton)

I'm ALMOST back!

2010-03-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

I am still in process of setting up my new studio space in my new little house. No more "Split Level" Studio, although I'm keeping the name in honor of my "birth place".

Anyone in the Stockton, Ca area? Coming soon, "Cafe by the Spa" in Thorton Village, will feature work by local artist, me! I have been busy over the last few months, helping to remodel the cafe, which will ACTUALLY feature yummy sandwiches, soups, salads, espresso, tea, & smoothies. *I will have a little space where I'll sell my pottery and maybe bookmarks.
Cafe by the Spa will open in the next few weeks....hopefully!

So, aside from moving back to Cali, adjusting to the life of a single-mom, helping my 3 kids adjust, setting up house, and preparing to start school, life is blissfully easy. :) But really, I am enjoying the journey and have loved the "stretching and growing" as much as I can. Life is good, from any angle, and good means moving forward.

Wish me luck, and I'll post my newest creations as soon as possible!

tiny update

2009-05-31T02:46:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with clay........lots of clay. ;) I'm in heaven, but with few pictures. (ok, with none so far, I have not stopped for a photo shoot) I will try to post pictures of recent orders, and the diaper bag I designed for my sister-in-law, soon. I found someone to help set up my website a little more professionally, yay! I'm still here, just out of the blogging/online loop for a short while. I hope I'll be back in the groove soon! :)

Jamie's pendant

2009-02-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

this is the front, and the Chinese symbol is for "peace".
The back, with scalloped edges around the glass.

My new purse

2009-02-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have never made a handbag with a purse frame before, but I LOVE how it turned out. I referred to U-Handbag for resources in designing a bag around a purse frame. (Meowcraft is the only place I will buy purse frames, they are THE best!)

This is a mock-up for the diaper bag I am making for Lindsay. Mine is smaller, but the same shape I am planning for her bag.
The front has a little puff-pouch to hold my phone, and the back has a quick-access pocket to throw keys or something. I love the blue, teal, and brown vintage print fabric.

I put a stiff divider in the center to make it more organized. I use this as a diaper bag for Eddie, as well as my purse. So now I can keep his stuff on one side (you can see the teal sippy cup holders, and his diapers/wipes fit perfect in between, with a pocket for his snacks), and my stuff on the other, (there is a pocket for my makeup, one for notebook/pens, one for my Palm, etc).

I love the way it turned out, and I learned a lot. I just need to tweak the pattern a bit more for Lindsay's bag, and make it larger. She also wants separate pockets for wipes and diapers, but that's simple enough. :)

Things are moving along.....

2009-02-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

I just finished cleaning up the saw dust and mess from the electrical work that went on yesterday. I am all wired up and ready for the kiln! We still have to set up the vent, and do some painting and prep work, but it's almost set for ceramic work!
My father-in-law was kind enough to build some shelves for all the glazes, which will soon be covered with cabinet doors just like the ones over the sink. It's starting to really come together!

* Here are some recent pictures of the studio.....making progress, slowly. :)

I did it!

2009-02-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

I finally made something for ME. I felt inspired after a girlfriend gave me a spa date, I thought I should continue the wonderfully selfish day I was having, and make some jewelry JUST for me. I have to admit, it was fun to make things I like, knowing I will keep them instead of selling them. But I'm back to business after this. :)

random pendants

2009-02-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

some pendants I made for my dentist to cluster on a necklace and give to his wife.

This is the one he ended up buying. His wife lived in France for a few years, so I added the tower charm. I really like how it turned out. *THANK YOU Alyse for your help!

Valentine bookmarks

2009-01-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

These are all the Valentine bookmarks so far, a few are listed in my etsy shop. :)

sister(s) inspired

2009-01-16T14:55:00.000-08:00

Mica saw some of my recycled glass beads, and said she would love a pair of earrings just that color, but she only wears studs. She and Lindsay both agreed that a ring would be cool too.

So here is my first go at it. I am am going to glue the glass to the sterling silver ring and earring backs, but I will not be able to do it for a few days yet. I was just too excited about this new idea, I had to post a picture of my experiment. :)

*more earring studs and ring tops I made this evening

a friend's necklace

2009-01-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

I exchange services with the gal who watches Eddie a few mornings a week for me. This is the 4th necklace I have made for her, each one has been for a teenage girl. The others were school themed, but this was was a bit more personalized, I like how it turned out.

Recycled glass bracelet

2008-12-31T21:46:00.000-08:00

These are bracelets I made with the recycled glass beads. I love how "artsy" and bold they turned out. If you want an original looking, chunky bracelet, this is it. :)

Recycled glass beads

2008-12-24T06:54:00.001-08:00

I have been experimenting with shards of throw-away stained glass. Kind of a rough look, but I like them so far. :)

Trinkets

2008-12-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

Just a few things for some of my girlfriends. :) Merry Christmas!

Winter boutique 2008

2008-12-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to putting some photos on our computer. They are terrible pictures, but I do not have a photo program to mess around with yet. (new computer, it just has basics on it) I will redo these photos later. For now, this is what I have. :) My blog is undergoing a little makeover, slowly. If any of you have some suggestions for a good photo/image software program, please let me know!

Here are some of the soldered jewelry I have made. Mostly pendants. As you scroll through the photos, if you see anything orange/blue/white, those are for the local high school. Most of the necklaces I made, and a number of the bookmarks, are related to the local high school. (Go Bengals!)
I can made them with any kind of image, paper, lettering, etc. I mix the glass pendants with art glass pieces, wire, and beads. (some are my own lampwork beads)

I started making "mini" bookmarks this year. I sell them for $6 - $7.

The large bookmarks still run between $12 - $16. That depends on the cost of the beads.

The next few pictures are difficult to see. I am still learning how to use my new camera. (also, I really need a good photo editing program)

My little display. It is a bit crowded in this picture. Later, after I left, they found a larger table so my little creations had some room to breath. :)

Since this boutique, I have made more bookmarks, beads, and necklaces. I am doing an order for the highschool cheerleading team, and I will post that as soon as I'm done. That is going to be a fun project, I hope the girls like them. More to come!!!

more fun stuff

2008-08-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am really having fun with these. I can't wait to get some clear glass and start putting paper, letter, or pictures in them. I think I will start doing "ladies night" making these things. I will get all the charms and beads made up, and then a group of friends can come over and assemble their own necklace. With the clear glass, I can even do kids drawings, and personalized images. It is really a fun craft. Here is just a sample of what I have come up with so far........

Herb Markers

2008-06-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

I came up with these like I do with most projects, out of necessity. I found myself with over 20 herbs in my garden, (I didn't mean to do this, it just happened over time), and I needed a way to mark them all. I hate spending money, so I needed something that was cheap.

I found some old wood trim someone was throwing out, and bought some more copper wire at Home Depot. I cut the wood, carved the herb names on them, painted in shades of burnt orange, red, fuchsia, and plum, then "antiqued" them with a pale blue, sealed them with clear spray, and last, dusted them with some copper spray paint.
I took the pictures at night, I was just too excited after I finished, I had to take pictures right away. I am really happy with how they turned out. I can make them in any color, I just thought these colors would look good against the green when the plants get nice and big later this season.

Spring Boutique items

2008-05-02T19:53:00.001-07:00

Sorry the pictures are not that good. If you click on them, you will be able to see more detail. I was in a rush to photograph them before placing them in plastic envelopes for the boutique. I still have a lot left, so I plan on selling them on Etsy.com. Prices range from $8 - $15. They make GREAT Mother's Day gifts! If you see one you like, let me know, I might still have it for sale.

I was so inspired by the background pictures as I made these, that some of the bookmarks match too well, and blend right in to the packaging. Sorry about that. I know it makes it even harder to see the beads, but they ALL turned out lovely, (I am pleased with this round).

practice, practice, practice!

2008-05-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

This week's series......

I did these today, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. I need lots of practice, just like Pam said. :)

Jade's Funky Bag

2008-02-25T16:35:00.001-08:00

I am new at this, it was a big step for me to branch off from my family blog, and it might be a while before I get some new work out. I thought I would post a few things I have made that have not left in gift bags. A little preface; my daughter is a unique soul, this was made at her request. She wears miss-matched socks every day to school. Her criteria is that they must be different in color, pattern, and sometimes length and material. You can see this bag suits her well. She has made two more requests for handbags, I will get to those after this season of bugs have passed over. :)

Ancient Mexican Floral Motif

2008-02-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

I love to carve clay tiles or pottery. When clay is not available, I do my best with wood. This was my way of recycling some redwood scraps from our deck. It was a nice way to get out some tension. :)

November '07 bookmarks

2008-02-15T17:44:00.001-08:00

I spent the day painting with black enamel paint, (as you will see on my hands), and making bookmarks for a local Boutique. These shots were quickly taken as my girlfriend gathered the bookmarks to load in her car and set up our table.

I will get better at taking pictures of my work, I'm sure.......or you will just have to use your imagination and try to think of how pretty they really look. :)

December 2007 bookmarks

2008-02-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

Some special orders right before Christmas.

I am an Artist At Heart.........

2008-02-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

Why I do, what I do.