Curly Maple Finial Box

Well, Its a new year, Last year came and left, But I am still here. I guess that means I need to get back to work in my nonexistent studio. Over the Christmas Holiday, I made lots of Christmas gifts. Being the Artist I am, I took no pictures of gallery quality that I can share here. So snap shots will have to do. I am an Artist. That's just how I roll, Sorry.

So I have a thing for Bird houses. I'm not entirely sure where I got this fetish. I have two brothers and a mother that love birds and always try to identify them. One still participates in a yearly Bird Species count. Maybe that's where it started?

Well years ago, I made several Slip casting molds. One was a triangle form and resembles a bowling pin. I try not to make mass produced work. I make hand made stuff. So one day, I was about to chuck this old mold when I thought about one of those Garden gourd vegetable bird houses. Then I just adapted that to my mold casting.

I like making these. They are fun to share with others. Especially those who like birds and birdhouses. Its seems such a shame to make just one. So I have been making several exploring different casting clays, and glazes. They are a work in progress but they there's something going on here.

 If you where a bird? what color would you want your house?
Any requests? I'm sure I can find a bank that would finance a bird house if there are any birds of a feather that want a custom home.




I have been doing lots of work with new glazes. Sometimes glaze test only get you so fare. So I needed to make some vases anyways. Its fun to try new glaze combinations. Deep down, my traditional wood fired potter is not happy but I cant always do just what that side of me likes. So here goes nothing.

Why make just one or two when you can make 50? I would rather make Family's of pots, not just one off Orphans. Its a great time to try handle ideas and other things.  

 I will be honest, I had some Help from some youth from my church when glazing these. They wanted something for Christmas, and I wanted some help with glazing. They got something for Christmas and I got help glazing. The results speak for them selves. The youth did a great job. And as for me?

SCORE!

These where my favorite Glazing results. Yes, I glazed these two after I saw what every one else came up with. I'm happy to repeat something I like. 

I cant, not share this knitting bowl I made for my mother in law. I think the glaze turned out nicely. I will have to make some more. I may do some more research on the design though. I like it but I'm open to making it better if it can be improved. 

I hope everyone has had a good holiday and their new year is off to a good start. One of my new years resolutions is to be better at show and tell. I don't want to brag about what I can do. I love to share my gifts. Thanks