Calling All Kiln Nerds

 I had an unexpected (but not unappreciated!) result in my most recent firing. Though I fired it (I thought!) as closely as I could to previous firings, there was a noticeable difference: the upper half of the kiln was well-reduced, creating a beautiful golden tan color on the ware. The lower half of the kiln was more oxidized, with pale bone & peachy surfaces. Though not as pronounced near the front of the kiln, you can somewhat observe the effect in this video:

https://www.patreon.com/FineMessPottery/posts/mud-potters-and-170790351

I discuss why & how this strange oxidation pattern happened over on my Patreon page - free post. In the meantime, here are some of my faves from the firing:

2026 Cat Dish Fundraiser

The 2026 Cat Dish Fundraiser is underway! As in previous years, for every 10 dishes I sell, I will sponsor a cat's adoption fee at Kennebec Valley Humane Society. We're already humming along; in the first day, enough dishes sold to sponsor one cat, and we are halfway to sponsoring a second - I even listed additional bowls this morning. Shop at the link & help a cat find a home.

 

Pots By The Pound

Maine Craft Weekend is coming up! I've missed the last couple of years, but I'm back with Pots By The Pound, a studio-clearing sale. Every second & demo, every pot I am tired of looking at, all will be given a per-pound price - some as low as $2 a pound. Choose your ware, weigh the pile, take home your bargains! 
I'll be here on Cony Street, trusty scale & calculator at the ready. For obvious reasons, this has to be an im-person only event, but if you can make it, I'd love to see you there. :)