Clay...Oh, the possibilities!

Love a fresh new block of clay....the imagination just runs rampant with ideas...just need to work of actually creating those visualizations...lol

Happy throwing,

Laura

Another bowl thrown

Here's a photo of another piece...it's the largest bowl I've thrown on the wheel, so far post-wobble fix!

Love my wheel :)

Happy throwing!

Laura

Still Fond of Pottery

Well, I haven't kept up with this blog very well - frankly I have been quite absent from posting anything for months. However, "Jerry" sent a message from one of my early postings which made me think I should give some updates...

The pottery wheel is up and running and the wobble is not noticeable any longer. Everything on the platform has been tightened up - taken apart and all and put back together. We also added some skis to the legs, if you will, to add even more stability. I have added a photo through another posting.

Since getting the pottery wheel back up and running there have been 4 of us in the family using it and making some beautiful pieces...we have stacks of creations now...still no kiln, glazes or any other equipment yet...we have all become very good at cleaning our pieces and they are all ready for something - just need to make some connections to get them actually finished. It's been a very long time since I have been in an actual studio and have had guidance and the equipment to see pieces from start to finish...make it 19 years+ to be exact...

We are all still having a blast, but I would like to get some supplies and other equipment or network with some people to take the pieces further from their raw state.

If anyone in the Toledo area is willing to share supplies, offer some good breaks on getting our projects to the next level(s) - please let me know! I am sure I will get around to getting some pieces completed eventually...lol

Happy throwing!

Laura

Wheel with new skis...added stability

Photo of platform stabilization for the Pottery Maker

Bowl

This is my latest creation ... and will be for a while as the wheel is completely torn down again! Trying to correct the wobble. Happy throwing :)

A Throwing We Will Go

Testing Out the New/Old Wheel

 

 

After a three week break from the daily grind of my "day" job, I actually was able to spend some time in the studio we have created in our basement. Really, it's a nice sized space that has been underutilized greatly since moving here in 2005 for anything other than a "catch-all." The room is approximately 27' X 17' and offers lots of functionality with space, built-ins and other amenities; like a huge 3 compartment metal wash sink and the raised working surfaces and storage/shelving space available. A lot of people would be thrilled with such an awesome workspace and I am appreciative of the space that I have. In any case, other work is going on to make the space even better right now like some electrical work, work on one of the outside walls and other cosmetic touch-ups. However, this work isn't stopping me from breaking in this late 1950s pottery wheel. As if I could break anything in from that decade.

 

This wheel isn't without it's quirks. However, I am learning to compensate for it's wobble...lol It has been taken apart and everything re-tightened up (the wood/framing portion), but there are some mechanical issues. It is in need of a new switch and spring that is connected to the foot control. Also, it may need to have a new bearing or the existing one may need repairing...not sure, but now that I am back to work at my full-time job the mechanical parts can be torn down and gone through. It is certainly built to last.

Above to the right is an image of the pieces thrown so far...I am thinking of having my mom paint on some for me before I glaze and fire. I will probably have to have someone fire them for me, since I am still looking for my perfect kiln.

I am looking forward to making many more pieces. I hope to chronicle my progress here and share, regularly on this blog...until next time - make beautiful things with your hands!                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

A Kiln Quest

Now I Need a Kiln!

 

The next order of business is to locate a kiln - still undecided which route to go, but will most likely start off with an electric kiln. Looking into it more - learning lots and spinning my head trying to make sense of what is best, what will suit my needs, what will give you the most bang for the buck and so forth. Of course, I will be looking for a used kiln, so that will help dictate what I end up with. Since, I am so green - greener than green ware - I need to acquire items in the most economic fashion. I fear Craigslist, but at least I have someone who knows how to wheel and deal in my corner and protect me from any potential violent Craigslist predators! I know - so dramatic. I cannot help that flaw and many more times than once I have been told those exact words. Maybe I missed my calling in acting...lol

Things I am considering when searching for a kiln are:

Now, that's a kiln!

1. Price/Condition
2. Location - in terms of distance from me, so I can zip over and pick it up...
3. Size
4. Make
5. Maximum Temperature
6. Accessories/extras


You know, things like that. Oh - decisions, decisions, decisions...I am looking at one right now that has a ton of extras, including molds for ceramics and stuff, too...I am thinking that would be cool. Basically, I need everything...welcome to my journey...ching ching!

BTW, anyone out there in the Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan area just need to get rid of one gratis or cheap, cheap, cheap? I would be happy to come pick it up...actually, I would be willing to travel upwards of 100 miles in any direction - by land of course :)