Greenware!

Cobalt and Beads

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

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!

Etsy Selling and Buying - It's People!!

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.