Holiday Pop Up Time Again

In yet another example of the unbelievable swiftness of time, this afternoon I have a meeting to attend: our pre-opening get-together for the Holiday Pottery Shop. We'll go over procedures, choice working hours, sign up for jobs like Housekeeping and Deco committee. Opening day is November 18th.

We are lucky to have snagged the same space we had last year, 100 Water Street in Hallowell. We had the most successful year yet in that space and are hoping to exceed this year. 10 potters - I think? - all members of the Central Maine Potters Association, along with maybe a dozen consigning artists, will show work and man the shop for the holiday season.


Shop local, shop handmade: it's all here! Hope to see you this season.

Looking Ahead: Spring Soda Workshop At Watershed

My Fall Workshop Buddies

It's never too soon to start thinking about spring. I am hosting a soda firing workshop at the Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine, May 20-21st of 2017. That might seem far away, but I find
that people need time to plan, and especially hobby potters sometimes need time to make work especially for a particular firing. Here's more info:

Soda Firing Workshop
Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts,
May 20th & 21st

What is soda firing? you may ask. Soda firing is a kind of stoneware firing, during which sodium carbonate is introduced to the atmosphere of the kiln. The heat of the kiln creates a soda vapor, which in turns into soda glass wherever it meets silica in the kiln. The fire becomes an active participant in your glazing process. The results are spontaneous and directional: sometimes brilliant, sometimes earthy, always lively.
It's all happening Saturday & Sunday , May 20th &21st, 2017. On Saturday morning starting at 9 am, we'll glaze. I'll bring flashing slip, wax & glazes; you bring 2 cubic feet of bisque fired ^10 stoneware, and any brushes or tools you like to use for decorating. Saturday afternoon, we'll load the kiln. I'll bring wadding & door mud, you bring work gloves (if you want. Not really necessary.) We'll probably be done by 4 pm.Sunday we'll fire the kiln. I'll be there at 8 am - you can arrive anytime after that.

We'll start putting the soda in the kiln sometime between 3:30 pm and 5 pm -you should plan to be there for that. The kiln could go off as early as 5:30 pm, or as late as 8:30 pm.The cost for the workshop is $100. A $50 (nonrefundable) deposit will reserve your spot.I am only taking six participants in this firing, to make sure everyone gets enough work in the kiln to make it fun and worthwhile. 

Click here to reserve your spot, or give me a shout at info@finemesspottery.com with any questions you may have. Only two spots left!
Wow, that was quick: the workshop is full! Thanks for all your interest. I may try to offer another, also in May if the kiln is available; if not there will be one next fall for sure.