Friday 29 April 2016

April's Offerings

I suddenly realised it's nearly May.  My disbelief is understandable given that we're now having January's weather again!  Anyway, time to take stock of what's emerged from the pottery this month.  This new format I've imposed on you all is actually quite good for me and acts like a LOG in the true sense of bLOG - a personal log of what I have made and what I plan for next month.  

These are just a few highlights.

As usual, there were little things,like these tiny cup-shaped flowers. 
I impressed the shape into clay, cut round each one individually and shaped them into cups.
To paraphrase William Morris - I don't know that they are useful, but I do believe them to be beautiful!


Then, to some big pieces - this was a commission I got via Etsy, which so far is working well for me.  
This was made to the specifications of the client, and I really love making these extra special, meaningful things.



A few more wraparound vases to replenish those sold last month. 


And my favourite pieces from this month -
four little plates, each bearing a vintage 1930s applique quilt block design.


These are the kind of patterns used in the making of Baltimore Album quilts -
(google it if you don't know and are interested - there are some fabulous examples out there!). Clockwise from top left, they are: 'Meadow Daisy', 'Combination Rose', 'Mexican Rose',  and 'Cherry'.  
Here's one of the patterns from my book.


And last but not least, I made a few Paisley patterned tea-light holders. 
I think these are really sweet, and although it's no longer winter and candle-time, (no, really, it isn't!!), I made these in pastels so that they can be used on all those many long summer evenings when we're all dining alfresco.  



All these are now in my Etsy shop.

Hope you all have a warm, spring-sunshiny, bank-holiday weekend. 
I'll now get round to all your blogs and catch up with your news.

x Cathy

Friday 1 April 2016

Mad March Round-up

Two websites, a Facebook page, 
an Instagram account, an Etsy shop and a Blog
 ......  oh, and a pottery, I nearly forgot!

Have been mulling over how best to serve all these masters and, as far as this blog is concerned, I think I'm going to just do a monthly round-up of some of the ceramics I've been producing.  For anyone really interested in the day to day workings of the pottery, I post on IG daily, and on FB weekly.  

So March was a busy time.
Made a commissioned piece for a birthday. 
You've seen lots of these here before. 
Each one reflects the recipient's life - hobbies, interests, etc.


Had a mad psychedelic phase (well, I did grow up in the Sixties!).
This one's in my Etsy shop now. 


Made a few little wrap-around vases - 
this one sold within minutes, so there are more in the pipeline....


I varied it all as usual with some smaller bits and pieces.
Some sold, some still up on Etsy.


Had fun with a new, deeper bowl shape. 
Pleased with how it turned out.


And decided to make more tiny tiles, 
and put these into the Etsy shop, in packs of four.  


And I finally finished my own driftwood and ceramic sign
for my garden shed/summerhouse. 
Mulling over whether to paint it bright beach-hutty colours,
or leave it drab brown.
Looking at the above, what do you think I'll decide to do?!


Hope you all had a lovely Easter and are looking forward to some gorgeous Spring sunshine this weekend!

x Cathy
 
[  Apologies to those who've already seen some of this on other social media platforms - and a huge thanks to those stalwarts who follow my work in several different places!  I am no longer the billy-no-mates of Instagram!!  Phew! ;-)  ]