I Know, I'm Sorry
Before you all start moaning at this poor old bead maker let me explain why I've been so quiet this last week. I won't beat around the bush with excuses, it has been a pain this last week and in pain I don't mean things have gone wrong, I mean it has been a painful time with my joints being bad, legs ache, shoulders and back too, I was hoping this would have passed by now but as I was told, this can last for months if not a good year, so I guess I just need to get used to it.
What has this to do with my blog I hear you ask, well, I often update the blog while I have my morning cuppa after the early morning jobs that most bead makers do, first you empty the kiln then get the kiln on ready for the days work and then there is often beads to release from mandrels and indeed mandrels to dip. But this last week or so I find my legs are really stiff in the mornings so my mind tells me to keep going, don't stop for a cuppa until your moving around freely, by around 9am I'm ok and feel fine, it's just those couple of hours at the start of each day, I guess where I've been laying asleep all night.
So I do apologies and I promise I will be making more of an effort this week, I managed to obtain some cod liver oil capsules which I hope will help, I guess the aches take away the fact I feel so hungry most of the time haha tho a lot would say less food is doing me the world of good !
Well it's been a fantastic week weather wise and we managed to get lots of jobs done in the garden and greenhouse, after having to get brake pads and discs replaced on the car all the kitty for the barn has gone, so it will be a week or two before we can afford the paint but I'm sure we will get there in the end. I'd love to understand why just when you feel your having an ok month something is waiting to slap you straight in the face and cock it all up again, I'm sure you all know that feeling.
The sunshine is a welcome start to most days now and I must say it really makes you feel enthusiastic, I've been getting up early and can't wait to get out there to my flame, most evenings I plan the next days work including the afternoons ceramics, it splits the day into sections which means you have more than one thing to look forward to, the idea of spending a good part of my day on my torch is always a good thought but having a few more hours enjoying the clay afterwards is even better, a real bonus.
The ceramic kiln is on as I write with a bisque firing taking place and I hope tomorrow afternoon I'll be able to glaze the first of my GP bowls (general purpose), nice size bowls that have many uses from cereal and rice bowls to nut and berry bowls, I'm sure some will be of use and maybe a few will sell fingers crossed.
Ok, I better get to the kitchen, my turn to cook dinner, cottage pie with fresh carrots, kale and green beans from the garden. I hope you all enjoy your evening.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Monday, 23 July 2012
What A Weekend That Was !
Great Weather And Great Ceramics
Well, I'm guessing you all enjoyed the weekend and what a great summer weekend it was. For me it was divided between the garden, my torch and ceramics, I couldn't wish for a more enjoyable way to spend two days, tho it was a touch warm working at my flame but I guess it won't be that long before we are moaning because of the cold.
I was so pleased with the ceramics that were taken from the kiln and have already listed some in the etsy shop, I'll list some more this evening.
The Sake sets and bottles are a real pleasure to make and I think they are fast becoming my favourite items to make, but this weekend I made some larger bowls that I hope will be fired and listed this coming weekend, bowls that are ideal for use as cereal or large soup bowls, it's nice to see the improvements every week, the thought of throwing larger bowls was one I could only dream of a few weeks ago, as with learning any craft you get to a stage where things just seem to click, it just happens, weeks of trying then one day you realise your doing it without thinking.
I was happy with the few mortar and pestle sets I made, one of which I listed this morning in the etsy shop, it's just starting to dawn on me just how many different items you can make with ceramics, not just kitchen ware but so many other items and this bead maker is going to have fun trying some of them that's for sure !
Ok I better get back to my torch, beads to make and dreams to dream, I hope you all get to enjoy this stunning weather again today and I'm sure I'll enjoy my bike ride this lunch time.
Well, I'm guessing you all enjoyed the weekend and what a great summer weekend it was. For me it was divided between the garden, my torch and ceramics, I couldn't wish for a more enjoyable way to spend two days, tho it was a touch warm working at my flame but I guess it won't be that long before we are moaning because of the cold.
I was so pleased with the ceramics that were taken from the kiln and have already listed some in the etsy shop, I'll list some more this evening.
I was happy with the few mortar and pestle sets I made, one of which I listed this morning in the etsy shop, it's just starting to dawn on me just how many different items you can make with ceramics, not just kitchen ware but so many other items and this bead maker is going to have fun trying some of them that's for sure !
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Wonderful Sunshine
Summer Returns For The Weekend
At last we wake to a warm sunny morning here in the fens, the first for a good month and one well worth waiting for, the local schools broke up for summer yesterday so the weather change will be a welcome one for many parents, fingers crossed we get a couple of months in which we can enjoy the warmer weather that we have so far missed this year.
It was another early start for me this morning and one I am already enjoying, my flame was lit an hour ago with beads being made and rod ends recycled. As with most mornings the first few jobs are always getting the kiln emptied, turned on and mandrels dipped in bead release, then while waiting for the kiln to reach the correct temperature I clean the beads made the day before and string them ready to photograph, rather mundane jobs but tasks that need doing and all of which are important to the bead maker.
Later this morning I have to empty the ceramic kiln after last nights bisque firing, it's full of vessels this week, the ceramic beads are not quite dry so they will be bisque fired Sunday evening and glazed Monday, it means they won't get listed in the etsy shop until Tuesday but I would rather do that than risk them cracking if fired too early. Today I have clay to wedge then items to throw on the wheel so this afternoon will be spent in the clay room, golf on the radio, kettle at the ready and clay in my hands, what more could I want to finish the day.
I'm hoping that I can spend a few hours in the garden tomorrow, I need to take my hoe out for some heavy weeding, this wet weather has made the weeds run wild and I need to tidy the veg beds, the greenhouse in full on giant tomato plants, all hanging with tomatoes that long for the warm sun to ripen and many young cuttings and seedlings taken from my own plants ready to sell next year at the gate, these will be kept through the winter to produce some nice strong plants next spring, plus I love the fact I get all these great healthy plants free of charge. I have a number of wild strawberry runners rooting already with more to do, these will be sold but some will be planted in our garden, I love having them alongside the paths where you can just reach down a pick those tiny little fruits, they have that unique cent and taste.
Ok, I better get back to my torch, I hope you all enjoy this great weather and get lots done this weekend, I know I for one will be busy.
At last we wake to a warm sunny morning here in the fens, the first for a good month and one well worth waiting for, the local schools broke up for summer yesterday so the weather change will be a welcome one for many parents, fingers crossed we get a couple of months in which we can enjoy the warmer weather that we have so far missed this year.
It was another early start for me this morning and one I am already enjoying, my flame was lit an hour ago with beads being made and rod ends recycled. As with most mornings the first few jobs are always getting the kiln emptied, turned on and mandrels dipped in bead release, then while waiting for the kiln to reach the correct temperature I clean the beads made the day before and string them ready to photograph, rather mundane jobs but tasks that need doing and all of which are important to the bead maker.
Later this morning I have to empty the ceramic kiln after last nights bisque firing, it's full of vessels this week, the ceramic beads are not quite dry so they will be bisque fired Sunday evening and glazed Monday, it means they won't get listed in the etsy shop until Tuesday but I would rather do that than risk them cracking if fired too early. Today I have clay to wedge then items to throw on the wheel so this afternoon will be spent in the clay room, golf on the radio, kettle at the ready and clay in my hands, what more could I want to finish the day.
I'm hoping that I can spend a few hours in the garden tomorrow, I need to take my hoe out for some heavy weeding, this wet weather has made the weeds run wild and I need to tidy the veg beds, the greenhouse in full on giant tomato plants, all hanging with tomatoes that long for the warm sun to ripen and many young cuttings and seedlings taken from my own plants ready to sell next year at the gate, these will be kept through the winter to produce some nice strong plants next spring, plus I love the fact I get all these great healthy plants free of charge. I have a number of wild strawberry runners rooting already with more to do, these will be sold but some will be planted in our garden, I love having them alongside the paths where you can just reach down a pick those tiny little fruits, they have that unique cent and taste.
Ok, I better get back to my torch, I hope you all enjoy this great weather and get lots done this weekend, I know I for one will be busy.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Amazing Thunder Storm
The Summer Weather Continues
Last night after another long day making beads and throwing ceramic vessels is was great to sit and watch the most amazing thunder storm over the fens, black skies raced across from the west heading off to the coast, bringing with them some huge claps of thunder and very heavy rain, what a great end to the day it was.
This morning it was another early start for me, this last month sleep and I are not the best of friends and to be honest I can't wait to get up in the mornings, watching the clock all night drives me mad and if I can't sleep I'd rather be up and about using that time. Today is a ceramic day for me, once a week I try to get a whole day working with clay, I've been working on my pot throwing in the evenings as you know but I try to use this clay day to trim bowls, make ceramic beads and yes, put in a few more hours on my wheel, it seems to be working and as I've stated before the hours I'm putting in are really helping to improve my skills.
On the lampwork side of things I've been enjoying making the first few sets ready for the displays here in the barn and of course beads for both the etsy and ebay shops. We were hoping to have a bonfire yesterday evening on which we could burn some of the rubbish collected while emptying the barn ready to paint, the weather of course put that plan on the back burner so I hope maybe tomorrow we will be out there watching the flames. We still have a small section of roof that we need to felt, but touch wood we should be able to get that finished off next month, we just can't afford to do it all at once so we have to be patient, of course it would be nice to be able to take a week off work and get the roof fixed, the barn painted and displays cleaned and looking fresh and tidy, but that isn't possible for us and all we can do is get done those jobs that cost nothing and manage those that need money when we can, I must say it does mean it takes a lot longer but you do appreciate it more when it's all sorted, I guess if any customers do visit then it will just look like a tidy little barn to them, but to us it will mean a few months of hard work and going without to afford it, plus of course it means that we will be warm and dry while working this coming winter, yes I have dreams of a small wood burning stove sitting in the corner keeping us warm and new glass racks holding the many glass rods we work with, but hey dreams are good, they keep your mind working and your heart wishing.
Well I guess it's time for me to get back out there, this morning I'll be trimming pots, bowls and egg cups that were made in the last couple of evenings, I hope once again to be listing pieces this Sunday. I also have wind chimes and ceramic beads to make after lunch so all in all a busy day for this bead maker but one he will enjoy I'm sure.
Last night after another long day making beads and throwing ceramic vessels is was great to sit and watch the most amazing thunder storm over the fens, black skies raced across from the west heading off to the coast, bringing with them some huge claps of thunder and very heavy rain, what a great end to the day it was.
This morning it was another early start for me, this last month sleep and I are not the best of friends and to be honest I can't wait to get up in the mornings, watching the clock all night drives me mad and if I can't sleep I'd rather be up and about using that time. Today is a ceramic day for me, once a week I try to get a whole day working with clay, I've been working on my pot throwing in the evenings as you know but I try to use this clay day to trim bowls, make ceramic beads and yes, put in a few more hours on my wheel, it seems to be working and as I've stated before the hours I'm putting in are really helping to improve my skills.
On the lampwork side of things I've been enjoying making the first few sets ready for the displays here in the barn and of course beads for both the etsy and ebay shops. We were hoping to have a bonfire yesterday evening on which we could burn some of the rubbish collected while emptying the barn ready to paint, the weather of course put that plan on the back burner so I hope maybe tomorrow we will be out there watching the flames. We still have a small section of roof that we need to felt, but touch wood we should be able to get that finished off next month, we just can't afford to do it all at once so we have to be patient, of course it would be nice to be able to take a week off work and get the roof fixed, the barn painted and displays cleaned and looking fresh and tidy, but that isn't possible for us and all we can do is get done those jobs that cost nothing and manage those that need money when we can, I must say it does mean it takes a lot longer but you do appreciate it more when it's all sorted, I guess if any customers do visit then it will just look like a tidy little barn to them, but to us it will mean a few months of hard work and going without to afford it, plus of course it means that we will be warm and dry while working this coming winter, yes I have dreams of a small wood burning stove sitting in the corner keeping us warm and new glass racks holding the many glass rods we work with, but hey dreams are good, they keep your mind working and your heart wishing.
Well I guess it's time for me to get back out there, this morning I'll be trimming pots, bowls and egg cups that were made in the last couple of evenings, I hope once again to be listing pieces this Sunday. I also have wind chimes and ceramic beads to make after lunch so all in all a busy day for this bead maker but one he will enjoy I'm sure.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Day Of Rest ?
An Easy Sunday
After the long week past I decided to take it easy today, I always know when I need a rest, when the batteries need charging up and I think that time as arrived. We can all work hard and put in long hours but in the end your body tells you to stop, the signs for me are falling asleep in the evening and I must admit last night I was so tired.
The fact that this last few weeks the Coeliac is making my joints so stiff and legs, back and shoulders ache so much that I look like an old man of 80 walking around is really not helping, thank god nobody can see me, they would have me put down, it's funny, I don't mind telling you here on my blog but the thought of people seeing me hobble around is one I really don't like. The bike rides seem to help for a while but within an hour of returning I can hardly walk, but hey, I'm told it does pass and after a while and with the help of fish oils etc it will get better, fingers crossed it's soon.
This morning I get to open the ceramic kiln, I hope the results are good and there are some interesting pieces inside. I will be listing more ceramic beads this evening and if they are ok I will list a few more vessels, I'm so lucky, every morning I get that excitement of opening the lampwork kiln plus most Sundays I get to see what delights the ceramic kiln has in store for me.
We were told yesterday we would be blessed with a sunny dry day today so lets hope they are right, I must say the sun was out at 6am this morning so that must be a good sign, It would be nice to enjoy a day working in the garden, after the rains I really need to catch up on so many jobs, I think my hoe will be busy and I have veg to harvest ready for our dinner tonight.
It's mornings like this that remind me of those slow Sunday mornings as a kid, my dad would spend part of the morning picking and preparing veg for the Sunday lunch and the taste of those fresh carrots, peas and potatoes still stays with me now. I can smell that fresh mint sauce that my mum would make and bottle and the hot roast chicken that would come from the oven steaming hot with the smell of home made stuffing filling the kitchen, what I would give for one of those lunches and of course my mum dishing it out, oh how our lives change over the years.
We started to empty the barn yesterday afternoon with the aim of giving it a lick of paint and a good tidy, the displays need cleaning and setting up while we have a new piece of carpet to replace the old one, thanks to a friend who was throwing it out. It means I need to start making stock to fill the displays but that's always a pleasure and I was told by the boss that I can even display my ceramic so that will give me a chance of showing them off. The aim is to let customers visit and we hope this will be possible by the end of August.
Well I'm off back to the garden while I wait for the ceramic kiln to cool then it's time to see what it holds and if any are worth listing on etsy, I know they are just odd small items are the moment but I'm hoping that any sales will help buy clay and just maybe I can start collecting a few pennies to get that electric wheel, fingers crossed.
After the long week past I decided to take it easy today, I always know when I need a rest, when the batteries need charging up and I think that time as arrived. We can all work hard and put in long hours but in the end your body tells you to stop, the signs for me are falling asleep in the evening and I must admit last night I was so tired.
The fact that this last few weeks the Coeliac is making my joints so stiff and legs, back and shoulders ache so much that I look like an old man of 80 walking around is really not helping, thank god nobody can see me, they would have me put down, it's funny, I don't mind telling you here on my blog but the thought of people seeing me hobble around is one I really don't like. The bike rides seem to help for a while but within an hour of returning I can hardly walk, but hey, I'm told it does pass and after a while and with the help of fish oils etc it will get better, fingers crossed it's soon.
This morning I get to open the ceramic kiln, I hope the results are good and there are some interesting pieces inside. I will be listing more ceramic beads this evening and if they are ok I will list a few more vessels, I'm so lucky, every morning I get that excitement of opening the lampwork kiln plus most Sundays I get to see what delights the ceramic kiln has in store for me.
We were told yesterday we would be blessed with a sunny dry day today so lets hope they are right, I must say the sun was out at 6am this morning so that must be a good sign, It would be nice to enjoy a day working in the garden, after the rains I really need to catch up on so many jobs, I think my hoe will be busy and I have veg to harvest ready for our dinner tonight.
It's mornings like this that remind me of those slow Sunday mornings as a kid, my dad would spend part of the morning picking and preparing veg for the Sunday lunch and the taste of those fresh carrots, peas and potatoes still stays with me now. I can smell that fresh mint sauce that my mum would make and bottle and the hot roast chicken that would come from the oven steaming hot with the smell of home made stuffing filling the kitchen, what I would give for one of those lunches and of course my mum dishing it out, oh how our lives change over the years.
We started to empty the barn yesterday afternoon with the aim of giving it a lick of paint and a good tidy, the displays need cleaning and setting up while we have a new piece of carpet to replace the old one, thanks to a friend who was throwing it out. It means I need to start making stock to fill the displays but that's always a pleasure and I was told by the boss that I can even display my ceramic so that will give me a chance of showing them off. The aim is to let customers visit and we hope this will be possible by the end of August.
Well I'm off back to the garden while I wait for the ceramic kiln to cool then it's time to see what it holds and if any are worth listing on etsy, I know they are just odd small items are the moment but I'm hoping that any sales will help buy clay and just maybe I can start collecting a few pennies to get that electric wheel, fingers crossed.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Chunky Discs
A Day Of Discs Ahead
Today I'm making some more chunky disc beads to list in the etsy shop, I enjoy making these thick little lampwork discs, there is something about the shape that works well with both natural colours and with the brighter more colourful designs, either way they work well alongside silver findings.
The first few sets will be listed this evening along with more unique spacer sets and a few more sale sets in the ebay shop, I know things are very quiet at the moment but that gives me a chance to get a better selection of beads in both online shops, it's no good just waiting for customers and sales when the chances are they just won't happen, so I need to get more beads out there at least that way I feel I'm doing my best, if this summer turns out to be my last making beads for a living at least I know in my heart I've given it a go and I guess that's all one can do in these situations, but hey, you never know I may still be here this time next year writing down my rants and telling my dreams, lets see how things go in the next month or two.
Another sunny start to the day here in the flat lands, the second morning running we have woke to sunshine, we really are getting spoilt. To sit with out lunch in the garden yesterday was a real pleasure, the pond was alive with insects what seemed like every blackbird in the fens was enjoying the cherries, they sit there feasting high in the tree looking down on us with not a worry in the world but to be honest I don't mind, I'm the only person in the family who eats them, so to share a few with my little feathered friends really isn't a problem.
Yesterday evening was once again spent throwing ceramic pieces including lidded vessels and some small sake sets, I've been throwing a few bottles which I'm enjoying, it's funny how you gain a preference for certain design so quickly, in just a matter of months I find that making ceramics bottles already helps me with the discipline I need to form taller shapes with the clay and you know me, I just love the fact that they offer so many different styles and shapes. I also made a few larger bowls yesterday so I hope they will be available to list next week, slowly but surely I'm making the bigger sized pieces, has my confidence grows on the wheel I'm trying more designs, just a few weeks ago I could only dream of making lidded pots, now I'm enjoying making them, this is just what happened when I was starting off in lampwork all those years ago.
I know I say this often but teaching myself is by far the most exciting way of learning for me, every day when you look the pieces I've made and I see before me designs that weeks ago I thought were out of my reach, I can see that I'm really heading in the right direction, that journey is not just a pipe dream but it's happening, I'm learning a new craft and tho in this case it is just another option for me to carry on making a living from my beads, it really is nice to know that just maybe one day I'll be in the position where I can make and sell pottery items to help take the pressure off bead sales, I can't think of a better way to make a living than by using two crafts that are so very different but are both so very enjoyable to do.
So it's back off to my torch for me and I hope you all find a way to get outside and enjoy this sunshine, I know I'll do my best to get an hour out in the garden.
Today I'm making some more chunky disc beads to list in the etsy shop, I enjoy making these thick little lampwork discs, there is something about the shape that works well with both natural colours and with the brighter more colourful designs, either way they work well alongside silver findings.
The first few sets will be listed this evening along with more unique spacer sets and a few more sale sets in the ebay shop, I know things are very quiet at the moment but that gives me a chance to get a better selection of beads in both online shops, it's no good just waiting for customers and sales when the chances are they just won't happen, so I need to get more beads out there at least that way I feel I'm doing my best, if this summer turns out to be my last making beads for a living at least I know in my heart I've given it a go and I guess that's all one can do in these situations, but hey, you never know I may still be here this time next year writing down my rants and telling my dreams, lets see how things go in the next month or two.
Another sunny start to the day here in the flat lands, the second morning running we have woke to sunshine, we really are getting spoilt. To sit with out lunch in the garden yesterday was a real pleasure, the pond was alive with insects what seemed like every blackbird in the fens was enjoying the cherries, they sit there feasting high in the tree looking down on us with not a worry in the world but to be honest I don't mind, I'm the only person in the family who eats them, so to share a few with my little feathered friends really isn't a problem.
Yesterday evening was once again spent throwing ceramic pieces including lidded vessels and some small sake sets, I've been throwing a few bottles which I'm enjoying, it's funny how you gain a preference for certain design so quickly, in just a matter of months I find that making ceramics bottles already helps me with the discipline I need to form taller shapes with the clay and you know me, I just love the fact that they offer so many different styles and shapes. I also made a few larger bowls yesterday so I hope they will be available to list next week, slowly but surely I'm making the bigger sized pieces, has my confidence grows on the wheel I'm trying more designs, just a few weeks ago I could only dream of making lidded pots, now I'm enjoying making them, this is just what happened when I was starting off in lampwork all those years ago.
I know I say this often but teaching myself is by far the most exciting way of learning for me, every day when you look the pieces I've made and I see before me designs that weeks ago I thought were out of my reach, I can see that I'm really heading in the right direction, that journey is not just a pipe dream but it's happening, I'm learning a new craft and tho in this case it is just another option for me to carry on making a living from my beads, it really is nice to know that just maybe one day I'll be in the position where I can make and sell pottery items to help take the pressure off bead sales, I can't think of a better way to make a living than by using two crafts that are so very different but are both so very enjoyable to do.
So it's back off to my torch for me and I hope you all find a way to get outside and enjoy this sunshine, I know I'll do my best to get an hour out in the garden.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
A Big Thank You
Great Encouragement
When I listed the ceramics cups etc in the shop Sunday evening, I was hoping that I might get a few bits of feedback from people who see them and to be honest with you I really didn't expect too much as I'm only just starting off in the art and these first pieces are just simple small vessels.
Well I can't believe how many emails and messages I've had from customers who have seen them and all I can do is thank you all for every one of them. It will be another long journey as it was when I was teaching myself lampwork but I'm sure my pieces will improve as they already have over the last few months, yes I know I have a long way to go but I'll get there and I'll enjoy every minutes of it I'm sure.
I know none of my bead customers are interested in ceramics and I know it will be a while before I build up any kind of customer base but I never for one minute thought I would get such support and encouragement from some of you and thank you all so much, it really means a lot to me.
Today here at the barn I have another interesting day ahead with bead making taking up the main part of the day followed by ceramic bead making this afternoon and if I get time I hope to throw a few more pots this evening. This coming weekend I hope to list a wide selection of ceramic beads in the etsy shop plus a few more vessels, the beads will be in some brighter colours as I want to get as many shades into the shop as possible, both disc beads plus round beads will be listed, I just want to get something for everyone in there and over the next few weeks I hope that will be the case.
Pendants are also on my list of items to produce, I have so many sketches of pendant ideas and I really need to find the time to get some of them made, I know they are not to every ones taste but hey, if we only made what people want it would be a very boring world.
Ok, back to my torch and we hope a dry day here in the fens, enjoy your day and once again thank you to all those who found time and took the trouble to comment on my ceramics.
When I listed the ceramics cups etc in the shop Sunday evening, I was hoping that I might get a few bits of feedback from people who see them and to be honest with you I really didn't expect too much as I'm only just starting off in the art and these first pieces are just simple small vessels.
Well I can't believe how many emails and messages I've had from customers who have seen them and all I can do is thank you all for every one of them. It will be another long journey as it was when I was teaching myself lampwork but I'm sure my pieces will improve as they already have over the last few months, yes I know I have a long way to go but I'll get there and I'll enjoy every minutes of it I'm sure.
Today here at the barn I have another interesting day ahead with bead making taking up the main part of the day followed by ceramic bead making this afternoon and if I get time I hope to throw a few more pots this evening. This coming weekend I hope to list a wide selection of ceramic beads in the etsy shop plus a few more vessels, the beads will be in some brighter colours as I want to get as many shades into the shop as possible, both disc beads plus round beads will be listed, I just want to get something for everyone in there and over the next few weeks I hope that will be the case.
Ok, back to my torch and we hope a dry day here in the fens, enjoy your day and once again thank you to all those who found time and took the trouble to comment on my ceramics.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
In At The Deep End
At Last I List Ceramics
Well I did it, last night I listed the first of the smaller ceramic vessels, some Sake cups and small bowls are now in the etsy shop, I have no idea how they will go, but I'm hoping I may get the opinions of some and just maybe a few of those who enjoy using stoneware pottery may just become customers, we'll see.
Yet another grey day here in the fens but at least it's dry this morning tho I have this funny feeling there may be yet more rain later. A long day ahead making beads today followed by a evening throwing pieces on my wheel, the start of a very busy week I hope and one in which I can try out yet more bead ideas and try to improve my throwing skills on the potters wheel.
Sometimes I feel very lucky that I have the opportunity to continue learning ceramics while making a living with my lampwork, I know some would be taking evening classes etc and I'm sure they would be learning a lot quicker than I am, but I'm in the situation where I can fit in a couple of hours each day to play with clay and to put in the practise I need, like my days learning lampwork it means I learn by my mistakes and there is no better way to learn.
At a time when most are looking forward to summer holidays for me I just love the summer months and the changes it brings here in the countryside, Yes a rest for a week or so would be nice but with that being out of the question for us, I just carry on enjoying the nature that surrounds us, the wildlife that lives it's life around the ponds and the local bird life that is so busy at this time of year, hey who needs wonderful warm holidays when you can walk in the rain along narrow lanes lined by ancient woodland.
Well I did it, last night I listed the first of the smaller ceramic vessels, some Sake cups and small bowls are now in the etsy shop, I have no idea how they will go, but I'm hoping I may get the opinions of some and just maybe a few of those who enjoy using stoneware pottery may just become customers, we'll see.
Sometimes I feel very lucky that I have the opportunity to continue learning ceramics while making a living with my lampwork, I know some would be taking evening classes etc and I'm sure they would be learning a lot quicker than I am, but I'm in the situation where I can fit in a couple of hours each day to play with clay and to put in the practise I need, like my days learning lampwork it means I learn by my mistakes and there is no better way to learn.
Fingers Crossed
Just A Few More Hours
Well it's Sunday And the day when I open the ceramic kiln after last nights glaze firing, just a few more hours and I'll see if any of the bowls, pots or cups are good enough to list in my etsy shop, fingers crossed there will be a few pieces that have turned out ok.
This morning I'm making beads so this will help the time pass until I can get the kiln open and to be honest after spending yesterday glazing it's nice to get back to my torch.
The summer weather is once again with us with rain falling as normal, I guess we shouldn't moan after seeing the problems others are having with flood waters, we may live in the fens but touch wood we have never suffered from floods in this area.
So, all in all I'm looking at a very mixed day with bead making at my flame, then unpacking the ceramic kiln, followed by photographing and listing both focal beads, ceramic beads and pots, by the looks of the weather I won't need to find any hours to work in the garden, just think, they used to call Sunday a day of rest haha !
Well it's Sunday And the day when I open the ceramic kiln after last nights glaze firing, just a few more hours and I'll see if any of the bowls, pots or cups are good enough to list in my etsy shop, fingers crossed there will be a few pieces that have turned out ok.
This morning I'm making beads so this will help the time pass until I can get the kiln open and to be honest after spending yesterday glazing it's nice to get back to my torch.
The summer weather is once again with us with rain falling as normal, I guess we shouldn't moan after seeing the problems others are having with flood waters, we may live in the fens but touch wood we have never suffered from floods in this area.
So, all in all I'm looking at a very mixed day with bead making at my flame, then unpacking the ceramic kiln, followed by photographing and listing both focal beads, ceramic beads and pots, by the looks of the weather I won't need to find any hours to work in the garden, just think, they used to call Sunday a day of rest haha !
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Scent Of Roses
The Smell Of Summer
It may be yet another damp morning here in the fens and the forecast expects even more rain in the next two days but the wonderful scent of summer greets us every morning when we walk into the garden, the rambling rose that climbs the back porch gives out the most amazing smell, when you look at the grey skies and the rain dancing on the surface of the pond, this scent that fills the air seems the only sign of summer we have.
Already I'm missing all the insect life that by now should be busy at work around the ponds, yes we get the odd dragonfly when the sun returns for short periods, but we should be watching them every morning while having a cuppa in the garden, we should be taking all those great photographs that we are lucky enough get in the summer months, but sadly not yet, it looks like it may be a week or so yet before we get that nice warm summer weather, but I guess it's better late than never.
Well just one more day and then I get to bisque fire a selection of bowls, pots and ceramic beads ready for the weekend of glazing , photographing and listing, I have my fingers crossed that the vessels come out ok so I can get some listed, there will be smaller items to start with and it will be interesting to see if any are good enough to be obtained by customers. Like most things it will be a matter of time before new customers are found, I don't for one minute expect my bead customers to be interested in these items but it would be great to get some feedback from them, we'll see.
Ok, time to get back out there making beads, focals today alongside a few pebble sets to list in the etsy shop, then again this afternoon I'll be sanding down ceramic beads ready to fill the kiln tomorrow, I might even get a few more bowls thrown on my wheel too.
It may be yet another damp morning here in the fens and the forecast expects even more rain in the next two days but the wonderful scent of summer greets us every morning when we walk into the garden, the rambling rose that climbs the back porch gives out the most amazing smell, when you look at the grey skies and the rain dancing on the surface of the pond, this scent that fills the air seems the only sign of summer we have.
Already I'm missing all the insect life that by now should be busy at work around the ponds, yes we get the odd dragonfly when the sun returns for short periods, but we should be watching them every morning while having a cuppa in the garden, we should be taking all those great photographs that we are lucky enough get in the summer months, but sadly not yet, it looks like it may be a week or so yet before we get that nice warm summer weather, but I guess it's better late than never.
Well just one more day and then I get to bisque fire a selection of bowls, pots and ceramic beads ready for the weekend of glazing , photographing and listing, I have my fingers crossed that the vessels come out ok so I can get some listed, there will be smaller items to start with and it will be interesting to see if any are good enough to be obtained by customers. Like most things it will be a matter of time before new customers are found, I don't for one minute expect my bead customers to be interested in these items but it would be great to get some feedback from them, we'll see.
Ok, time to get back out there making beads, focals today alongside a few pebble sets to list in the etsy shop, then again this afternoon I'll be sanding down ceramic beads ready to fill the kiln tomorrow, I might even get a few more bowls thrown on my wheel too.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Aches And Pains
Stiff As A Board
Well, the Coeliac is making itself known to me more this week, although I feel ok in myself, my joints ache so much that most of the time I'm hobbling around like some old guy of 80, on the Coeliac forums it sounds like this is a major part of the disease, ok I have had problems with stiff legs over the last year but to be honest I have just put it down to getting older and the fact I'm sitting at my torch long hours, but now I realise what the cause is.
After the last couple of months I'm getting used to the gluten free diet and on a good point it means I get to eat more fruit and veg, which can only be good for me. The fact that the gluten free products are so expensive means I'm eating far less bread, I just can't afford it at the moment, yes I do sometimes long for a simple sandwich but for now we have more important things to pay for, plus a simple home grown mixed salad isn't a bad replacement and one I always enjoy.
This week I've been working half and half days, lampwork in the mornings until lunch followed by ceramics in the afternoons, this seems to be helping improve my skills on the potters wheel, even Yvonne mentioned how better the bowls, cups and pots are looking, like everything in life it just shows how the more time you practise the more you improve. I was the same when I started lampwork, I remember spending hours making those first simple beads, in fact most evenings ran into the early hours and to this day I still believe this makes you a far better bead maker.
So often when people first start making beads they tend to want to make those nice flash, in fashion beads that are full of detail, fancy designs and all round bling, but can they make ten beads all the same size, you bet they can't. I know bead makers who have been making beads for a year or two who still shy away from making commission sets for customers or even sets of spacer beads, the reasons, well, they find they have to make so many beads to get ten the same size that it just doesn't pay.
If, when they start lampwork they were to put in the hours making simple tyre beads or spacers this would help them in a huge way, these hours may seem boring but believe me they teach you how to make good regular sized beads, a skill that will never leave you and will serve you well over many years.
So now I'm once again putting in more hours on the wheel and as with lampwork I'm still enjoying it, even if the items I'm making are simple in form, I must say I'm beginning to amass a large collection of these bowls, pots etc but it means that I'm on target to get some listed in my etsy shop, I promised this coming weekend would be the first time I list and fingers crossed it will be, Friday evening will I hope be the bisque firing for both pots and lots of beads too, this will mean the weekend can be spent glazing and listing, by next Monday I hope to have a good selection of items in the shop.
Wow, look at the time, I better get out there and get some work done, I have beads to make, ceramics to make, ceramic beads to sand down ready to fire and of course if the weather is kind a few garden jobs to do, I may ache all over but it ain't going to slow this stubborn old sod down, enjoy your day.
Well, the Coeliac is making itself known to me more this week, although I feel ok in myself, my joints ache so much that most of the time I'm hobbling around like some old guy of 80, on the Coeliac forums it sounds like this is a major part of the disease, ok I have had problems with stiff legs over the last year but to be honest I have just put it down to getting older and the fact I'm sitting at my torch long hours, but now I realise what the cause is.
After the last couple of months I'm getting used to the gluten free diet and on a good point it means I get to eat more fruit and veg, which can only be good for me. The fact that the gluten free products are so expensive means I'm eating far less bread, I just can't afford it at the moment, yes I do sometimes long for a simple sandwich but for now we have more important things to pay for, plus a simple home grown mixed salad isn't a bad replacement and one I always enjoy.
This week I've been working half and half days, lampwork in the mornings until lunch followed by ceramics in the afternoons, this seems to be helping improve my skills on the potters wheel, even Yvonne mentioned how better the bowls, cups and pots are looking, like everything in life it just shows how the more time you practise the more you improve. I was the same when I started lampwork, I remember spending hours making those first simple beads, in fact most evenings ran into the early hours and to this day I still believe this makes you a far better bead maker.
So often when people first start making beads they tend to want to make those nice flash, in fashion beads that are full of detail, fancy designs and all round bling, but can they make ten beads all the same size, you bet they can't. I know bead makers who have been making beads for a year or two who still shy away from making commission sets for customers or even sets of spacer beads, the reasons, well, they find they have to make so many beads to get ten the same size that it just doesn't pay.
If, when they start lampwork they were to put in the hours making simple tyre beads or spacers this would help them in a huge way, these hours may seem boring but believe me they teach you how to make good regular sized beads, a skill that will never leave you and will serve you well over many years.
So now I'm once again putting in more hours on the wheel and as with lampwork I'm still enjoying it, even if the items I'm making are simple in form, I must say I'm beginning to amass a large collection of these bowls, pots etc but it means that I'm on target to get some listed in my etsy shop, I promised this coming weekend would be the first time I list and fingers crossed it will be, Friday evening will I hope be the bisque firing for both pots and lots of beads too, this will mean the weekend can be spent glazing and listing, by next Monday I hope to have a good selection of items in the shop.
Wow, look at the time, I better get out there and get some work done, I have beads to make, ceramics to make, ceramic beads to sand down ready to fire and of course if the weather is kind a few garden jobs to do, I may ache all over but it ain't going to slow this stubborn old sod down, enjoy your day.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Another Bright Start
Early Bird
It was another early start here this morning with ceramic kiln to open and check plus lampwork kiln to start ready for a morning at my torch. Watering done in greenhouse, leather hard pots sitting ready to be trimmed and now a nice hot cuppa sits beside me while I write, another wonderful sunny morning here in the fens and for once the winds have died down, which I hope is a great sign for a warm day.
Already this morning the ponds are alive with insects while early baths are taken by some of the garden birds, the water lilly is in flower giving a stunning look to the waters surface and what seems like every plant is showing off with their blooms, I'm sure the relaxed feeling in the garden is a major part in my health improving, yes gluten free foods are playing a big part in my lifestyle now but the fact I can take time out to sit by the ponds is I'm sure helping too.
This afternoon I'm planning to sit in garden making ceramic beads ready to fire this week, both discs and round beads will be produced, so I hope the ceramic shop will by the end of the coming week have a great selection of beads, wind chimes and I hope by next weekend, bowls and pots too.
This evening I'll be listing lots of spacer sets in the etsy shop, all of which will be one off sets, both sets of 24 and sets of 16, so as you can tell, this bead maker is in for on very enjoyable day, it may be a long one but it will be a relaxed one and the butterfly in me will be very happy flittering from one medium to another I'm sure.
Well I better get back to it while the sun is still filling the garden with summer light, the barn always has a very different feel about it on these summer mornings, yes I love getting out there every morning but in the warm summer months I can't wait to get started, I guess we are all the same this time of year when those dark cold winter months seem so far away.
I'm sure I'll be back later and maybe a picture or two of some of the many cups and bowls I've trimmed will be posted.
It was another early start here this morning with ceramic kiln to open and check plus lampwork kiln to start ready for a morning at my torch. Watering done in greenhouse, leather hard pots sitting ready to be trimmed and now a nice hot cuppa sits beside me while I write, another wonderful sunny morning here in the fens and for once the winds have died down, which I hope is a great sign for a warm day.
Already this morning the ponds are alive with insects while early baths are taken by some of the garden birds, the water lilly is in flower giving a stunning look to the waters surface and what seems like every plant is showing off with their blooms, I'm sure the relaxed feeling in the garden is a major part in my health improving, yes gluten free foods are playing a big part in my lifestyle now but the fact I can take time out to sit by the ponds is I'm sure helping too.
This afternoon I'm planning to sit in garden making ceramic beads ready to fire this week, both discs and round beads will be produced, so I hope the ceramic shop will by the end of the coming week have a great selection of beads, wind chimes and I hope by next weekend, bowls and pots too.
This evening I'll be listing lots of spacer sets in the etsy shop, all of which will be one off sets, both sets of 24 and sets of 16, so as you can tell, this bead maker is in for on very enjoyable day, it may be a long one but it will be a relaxed one and the butterfly in me will be very happy flittering from one medium to another I'm sure.
Well I better get back to it while the sun is still filling the garden with summer light, the barn always has a very different feel about it on these summer mornings, yes I love getting out there every morning but in the warm summer months I can't wait to get started, I guess we are all the same this time of year when those dark cold winter months seem so far away.
I'm sure I'll be back later and maybe a picture or two of some of the many cups and bowls I've trimmed will be posted.
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