tinalewis pottery

Violet Crown Festival 2011

2011-04-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

On May 7 I will be participating in the Violet Crown Festival. This fun family event has moved from Brentwood Park to the Burnet Road Market. I'll have my pottery, including two new kiln loads that haven't been posted at tinalewis.etsy.com.

I will also have a nice selection of my sister Linda's beautiful cast concrete leaves. She grows the leaves in her gorgeous yard and then selects the best to cast in her special concrete mix. After the concrete cures, she peels back the leaf and begins the process of hand painting. Linda adds layers and layers of colors to create vivid realism to these permanent leaves. She then seals them so they can be displayed outdoors or indoors. These are beautiful simply on the wall or a shelf or displayed as part of custom bird baths, butterfly baths and fountains.

March!

2011-03-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

March is already almost gone! SXSWi with EtsyAustin was amazing. Had a great time helping set up and remove the Wall of Wow at Venue 222. Quoted on a CNN blog. There was so much free stuff, bands everywhere, street crafts and food everywhere. Overwhelming and amazing especially compared to the first one - with only 100 bands and 700 registrants.

I have also started working on my FB page and contemplating the simplest way to simplify. Adding to my Etsy shop and thinking about Artfire.

I will be back in the studio tomorrow making things for the Violet Crown Festival at Burnet Road Farmer's Market on May 7, 2011 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2010 was a good year-images of things that make me happy.

2011-01-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

Deer in the back yard.
My Senior Cat.
The pond in Spring.
Galveston in January.
Austin City Limits Festival - October.

Etsy for Christmas -10% off coupon!

2010-11-28T11:36:00.001-08:00

Craft Riot was great fun and a successful event! It's the only show for me this Christmas season so I'm loading up my Etsy shop as much as possible. I'm also trying out the new coupon code - 10% off if you type in the coupon code "AustinFB" between now and December 10. I'll keep adding items but if you saw something at Craft Riot and it's not listed, just convo me.

Thanks to all who came out for Craft Riot and the hard working EtsyAustin team for such a fun event.

Another map saved from the recycle bin.

2010-03-09T19:40:00.001-08:00

Cobalt and Beads

2010-03-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

Guitar Beads for 78704 Market on March 20. One of the things that keeps pottery fun even with long breaks for work is experimenting with glazes, making beads and smaller pieces on the wheel. The kitty sculptures are pure fun too!

Glaze load results: lots of dark cobalt and plenty of beads.

First Kiln Load of 2010

2010-02-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

I finally got a kiln load together after a long break. I really missed being in the studio and forgot how soothing a couple of hours in the mud can be. Two weekends of throwing and hand building was enough for an almost full kiln. I can't wait to glaze these, it is like having so many wonderful blank canvasses. Bowls, luminaria, beads, apple bakers, car cup holder liners, cat sculptures, mugs and tiles. I'm also finally signed up for an arts and craft fair on March 20 with Team Etsy Austin. Booth will be full of new work!

I'm in a Blog!

2009-12-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

It was nice to get an Etsy Convo today about a very cool blog. The article is on Spheres and my Meditation Orb art piece was included along with a lot of other beautiful things. Click on the title I'm in a blog. I didn't participate in any craft shows this year but I did make a huge batch of ornaments and magnets. Lots of fun giving those away in the Etsy Texas promo swap, the Etsy Austin Craft Riot Goody bags and now to all my friends and family! Merry Christmas!

Another Kiln Load

2009-09-08T13:26:00.001-07:00

I have been firing so many bowls for the Austin Empty Bowl project but I managed to sneak in a kiln load of my own work. Two new tulipieres, bowls to donate, cardholders, beads and more. They should all get posted on Etsy at the end of September.

Starting a road trip with my mom on Friday so the next blog or two will hopefull have some nice photos from the trip.

Etsy Selling and Buying - It's People!!

2009-08-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

It's People! (To use a favorite line from an old movie.)* Buying and Selling on Etsy is a labor of love and it's about the People. I like that Etsy means buying from real people that love what they are doing. As a buyer I am always amazed at the personal notes, extra handmade touches and care that goes into shipments. It's like getting a gift even if you are buying supplies! Yesterday I received some card sleeves from www.cardmaven.etsy.com. She included a really nice note and a nice pile of cut out scrapping paper. Very nice! I'll pass some on to my customers, etc. with my stamp on the back. Thanks Card Maven!

I try to keep the love going whenever I make a sale. A photo of free gift wrapping on my latest Etsy sale is pictured. I was excited to sell one of my favorite pieces to a customer in Arizona who purchased it as a gift for someone in Wisconsin. I sometimes charge for gift wrapping but if there is time and ready supplies I'll gift wrap for the fun of it. It is such an honor that someone likes my work and will give it as a gift. I found an old travel atlas in great condition and am using it for wrapping. This then went into a bigger box with peanuts. All recycled!

*First person to convo me at tinalewis.etsy.com with the name of that movie gets a free magnet! Don't comment in case someone hasn't seen the movie. It's a spoiler.

Netfinal_11

2009-08-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

Netfinal_11
Originally uploaded by ~Phipson~

Footbag Net!

Click on slideshow to see more.

Netfinal_17

2009-08-02T09:59:00.001-07:00

Netfinal_17
Originally uploaded by ~Phipson~

O.K. it's not pottery but Footbag is another great passion of mine!
This is an amazing shot of Footbag Net at this Year's World Footbag Championships in Berlin. Spiking is Florian and receiving is P.T. Lovern. Check the big screen in the background. Wonderful photos!

Etsy Austin at Blues on the Green

2009-07-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Etsy Austin has had a booth at 107.1 KGSR's Blues on the Green series and last night I was able to participate. What a great time in Waterloo Park! The music (Carolyn Wonderland who was joined by Shelly King) and the crowd were wonderful. We received VIP treatment from KGSR and all the volunteers. Lots of great vendors and plenty of parking...very nice. We even had some cloud cover and shade! There is one more show left, on August 12, it should be a good one. If you go, be sure and take some cash to spend in the Etsy booth.

This was also an opportunity to try out a smaller table display. It can be a challenge displaying pottery in a 2 foot table space. Fortunately I found some items to repurpose and came up with a simple display for beads, cardholders, votives, magnets and other smaller items. You can see a picture of the "back" part of my display.

It was also fun to share the booth with some of the wonderful Etsy Austin crafters and artists. Here they are setting up. Lots of fun, Lots of heat..... Austin outdoors in July...

Ceramics in Finland

2009-06-19T13:44:00.001-07:00

I recently traveled to Helsinki, Finland for business and had a day to sight see. I love Helsinki and this was my 5th or 6th trip there. The Arabia Ceramics Factory and Museum was a museum I wanted to visit again. It is a small museum but had a lovely collection of historical ceramics produced there and a nice collection of pottery and ceramic art from many sources. To see all my photos you can go to my Picasa web page. Here are a few from the Museum. I also love the market that was very near where I stayed. There were only two potters in there but lovely work and lots of nice crafts.

The Austin Farmers Market - Saturdays ... in Austin

2009-05-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

I found myself driving South on Congress Avenue on Saturday a.m. and remembered that the Austin Downtown Farmers' Market was open until 1:00 p.m. There was FREE parking for the market in the covered garage across the street. It was great to see at least another row of vendors since I was there last. Tons of great fresh food and local things to buy. The Greater Austin Clay Artists (GACA) has a regular booth there. I have had a great time selling there and was happy to see GACA member, Michelle Turner's wonderful display and the new GACA banner. Michelle is a graduate of Texas State University and a very talented clay artist. That big blue bowl to Michelle's left (far right in the far right picture) is now mine!

Art of the Pot

2009-05-12T18:39:00.001-07:00

Art of the Pot was a wonderful experience. So much art and information about the Clay Arts that I was in heaven. Demonstrations and wonderful displays of incredible talent. I included some demo pictures on my Facebook Pottery (Fan Page). You don't need to be on Facebook to get to that page, but I would love to have you as fan too. For more pictures and information on the artists you can go to the Art of the Pot web page. The Artstream trailer was parked and housed beautiful work by artists from all over the US. Next stop is Brookhaven Community College near Dallas.

Well that capped off a great Mother's Day weekend. It has been a rough year in the mom department but things are really looking up and I'm a happy mom right now. :-). Cheers to all!

Etsy Austin Jewelry - Jill Phipps

2009-05-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

I was looking forward to Etsy Austin at the Handmade Market this weekend. The market didn't happen so I missed getting to see some of the work of fellow Etsians. I was especially looking forward to seeing the work of Jill Phipps. You can see her sweet jewelry at: www.underthesunart.etsy.com . I really like her Owl necklaces. Jill also has a really fun blog called QueenofTheArts. www.queenofthearts.blogspot.com

BrightBoldBeautiful blogged about Linda's Birdhouse

2009-04-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Linda Lewis White is my sister and a very talented artist. I have one of her very beautiful birdhouses in my Etsy shop and it gets lots of attention. http://tinalewis.etsy.com.

I was really happy to see it featured on a blog called: Bright, Bold, and Beautiful at http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/

It is indeed very bright, bold and beautiful. Lots of lovely photos.

You should also check out the bright, bold and beautiful watercolors of the blogger, Laura L. Trevey at her Etsy shop: lauratrevey.etsy.com. The colors are so wonderful, I could have marked every page a favorite but tried to keep it to just a few. I love the Caribbean and beach scenes.

Etsy recognizes World Malaria Day

2009-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

How are pottery and World Malaria Day connected? Through the magic of Craftivism and the Storque at Etsy. One of the pottery items I use the most are the patio lanterns/torches. We use them with citronella to keep the mosquitos away. I tagged and Etsy listing "mosquito" and Etsy included me in the related items post about this great cause. Lots of nice items featured. Click on the title and it should take you there.

Strange Weekend...

2009-04-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend turned out to be really strange. First the Austin Handmade Market was cancelled on Thursday. Disappointing but since we had business travel plans for Sunday it was o.k. Well, then a possible flu pandemic outbreak in our destination - Mexico City happened. Sigh.. So many fun things going on in Austin but I think I better stay close to home. Post on Etsy, take photos... Here is a photo of one of the pieces I am entering in the GACA member show. (see postcard and link in posts below). This is the first in a series and was created over about a year and through multiple firings. I'll look up and post the actual time line from throwing to final firing.

My Friend's Etsy Shop

2009-04-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well, My Friend's Etsy Shop could be the title of a lot of blogs, not original but still useful. My Friend at tadaboutique.etsy.com has a cool Etsy shop and is regularly expanding and adding new creative things. Click on the title above to see one of her "Steampunk" influenced designs. This one has some very cool lace flowers. Not too many, just enough to be very, very nice! I won't reveal how long we have been friends but it has been a long time... :-)

Sharing A Passion for Clay - GACA membership Show

2009-04-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Only two more weeks until the opening of the Greater Austin Clay Artists Annual Member Show: Sharing a Passion for Clay. I will be at the opening Thursday night and gallery sitting on Saturday from noon to 3:00p.m. Come by and say hi and see all the wonderful art.

Cancelled - Austin Handmade Market

2009-04-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Cancelled. It will be rescheduled for May 2 but I'll be at the GACA member show - Sharing a Passion for Clay. I'll post a link in a second.

Magnets!

2009-04-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

I just emptied a nice kiln load with the last of my cobalt glaze. This firing included a ton of magnets. I sent a bunch to Milly with the Etsy Texas Crafters for promotions. These should be in Ft. Worth for next weekend's Funky Finds Spring Fling. Click on the title Magnets and you will go to their great vendor list. The list includes some of our Etsy Austin team members. It's free and indoors! If you go, make sure to stop by the Etsy Texas Crafter's booth.

Sharing a Passion for Clay - GACA membership Show

2009-04-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Greater Austin Clay Artists are preparing for the upcoming member show. You can find more details by clicking on the title. I am planning to put 3 pieces in the show this year. Last year there were over 36 artists represented. Some wonderful work - you can see it displayed a the GACA site (www.austinclay.org). I'm looking forward to see what people did this year.

This week in Etsy

2009-04-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

This week was an Etsy type week for me. Work eased up a little and I was able to make stuff and attend my first Team Etsy Austin meeting. The Austin Etsians are a very energetic group and have only been around since October! They have already accomplished a lot and have big plans. You can keep track on the blog at: http://etsyaustin.blogspot.com/ The title above should take you there. My next goal is to figure out how to tweak my blog layout.

I'm in a treasury!

2009-04-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'm in a treasury. If you see this today go click on the title and leave a comment. Otherwise, here's a screenshot!

New pictures with flowers

2009-04-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Grapevine Market Homegrown Austin Event. Sold a few things and gave out a lot of GACA Member Show cards. One of my favorite things is getting to talk with and spend a little time with all the wonderful Etsy Austin Artists. My very supportive husband Mark also bought some pretty tulips for my display. I managed to get them home in decent shape and get some good photos of these delicate flowers. The tulipiere is already posted in my Etsy shop but the blue set will be posted next week. Happy Spring! (and happy Springsteen for me - tonight we are going to see the Boss at the Erwin Center). Great Spring weekend in Austin. :-).

Home Grown Austin Event Saturday!

2009-04-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Austin Home Grown - Free Event at Grapevine Market.

Happy April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

The Etsy Mud Team pulled a cool prank. Click on the above title to see one of my favorites. They also did a Treasury West and a bunch in the Showcase. Happy April Fool's Day!

Pictures!

2009-03-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

I finally took some photos to post a few card holders on Etsy this week. I'll post them over the week and spread out the days. The bisque versions are in a few posts back. Enjoying the sunshine! Link to the title "pictures" to see the listing at: www.tinalewis.etsy.com

Etsy Pottery - DarriellesClayArt

2009-03-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

There are so many incredible Potters and Clay Artists on Etsy it can be overwhelming. I try to check every day for new works and am always amazed. A wonderful clay artist favorited me and I checked out her Etsy shop at: www.darriellesClayArt.etsy.com. (Click on the title above and it should take you there). She has been on Etsy since January 2009 and has already sold a nice amount of work. I think it is because her work is beautiful, the photos are great and she has a LOT of work posted. I am inspired to get some more photos up! Check out her Etsy shop and give her a heart!

Glow Worm Kiln

2009-03-23T20:40:00.001-07:00

IMG_0552
Originally uploaded by tina lewis ceramics

Here's a picture of the glow worm kiln from my flickr page. Click on the title to see the whole set!

Austin Home Grown at Grapevine Market Sat. April 4.

2009-03-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

I will be joining other Austin and Etsy artisans at the Austin Home Grown Event at Grape Vine Market Austin from noon to 6:00 p.m. I'll have lots of pottery and there will be some other wonderful arts and crafts available. Etsy Texas will have a booth and there will be tastings in the market and a band.

More details under events at grapevinemarket.com.

tinalewis.etsy.com

Kiln opened!

2009-03-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest kiln load. Just like Christmas.

A very good load with the last parts to my patio lamp post lantern and a some nice things for Etsy and the upcoming Austin Homegrown event (April 4) including birdhouses. The big blue pieces are some of the ones I hand built in January at the Clay Continuum workshop. I used up most of my remaining Cobalt glaze. Time for a new batch and maybe try to make a good green glaze next.

March is Craft Month

2009-03-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Etsy Austin team included a picture of my patio lantern/ikebana set on their blog!

http://www.etsyaustin.blogspot.com

Etsy Austin at SXSW

2009-03-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Etsy Austin is hosting a very fun booth for SXSW. It's on the sidewalk next to Hill Country Weavers (a very cool store too!) on South Congress on March 20th and 21st from noon to 7p.m. both days. Here are some photos of the booth swarmed with shoppers last Saturday :-). There was a wonderful felting demonstration and the inviting Etsy Austin table. Nice job. I hope to get by there next Friday or Saturday! Parking is crazy down there so carpooling, biking, etc. are great ideas. They are giving away some great discount coupons and I understand street teams are out giving out Etsy Austin information. Impressive promotions!

search for Etsy Austin members on www.etsy.com using the tag: teametsyaustin

and visit online: etsyaustin.blogspot.com.

Studio Photos - Card/Sponge/ACEO display holders

2009-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of works in progress. Studio time has been limited lately but I did get to extrude and carve some card/sponge/aceo holders. Here they are drying ready for the bisque firing. Since I was cutting rectangles from the extruded squares, I used the blanks to make some stamps to use on clay. I am really inspired to add more texture to my work and these are a little start. I also posted on Etsy today - tinalewis.etsy.com

Clay Tips

2009-02-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

I learn so much from other potters that I thought I would go ahead and start posting them as I learn them for posterity. From the GACA meeting.

1. If your porcelain (or other clay) is hard when you get it, drop it on the floor a few times (until it comes out of the bag), it will soften up.

2. Vinegar is good for attaching pieces. I used to make vinegar slip but straight vinegar seems to work just as well.

GACA meeting February 2009

2009-02-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

I finally made it to another Greater Austin Clay Artists Meeting. (http://www.austinclay.org) (I will post all links below in my links list). This is a great group. Austin area potters are a very friendly and open group. The meeting was at the St. Edwards University Clay Lab (the usual location). This meeting featured a wonderful presentation by Ryan McKerley (www.ryanmckerley.com). He demonstrated some of his techniques and presented slides of his new kiln. Lots of cool information. He will be giving a workshop at the Eye of the Dog Art Center. (http://www.zzzdog.com/eyedog.htm.

Plans for the annual GACA members show and Art of the Pot. These events and other cool pottery events are being scheduled for Mother's Day weekend and the weekend before that! Mark your calendars.

Pigsey Art -

2009-02-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hi, This is a favorite from the Austin Etsy Team - Lots of fun stuff: htttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5102395 or just search for Pigsey Art if that doesn't work!

More internet presence - Stumble Upon

2009-02-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get myself on more internet sites and am having fun with this one:

http://tinalewis58.stumbleupon.com

Check it out and add me as a friend if you are so inclined. At some point I would like to set up a report for each of these various efforts and feature crafters and friends that I find along the way.

Blogging begins

2009-02-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here's my first post. Updating Etsy and Twitter and deciding what else I should do to have my name reserved. Is that a good idea??

Etsy Mini!

2009-02-05T15:18:00.001-08:00

Finally got my Etsy Mini posted!

2009-02-05T15:17:00.001-08:00