tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505058388494124962024-03-18T05:16:32.407-07:00Fine Mess PotteryA Potter's LifeLori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.comBlogger1384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-40575549039505642072024-03-18T05:15:00.000-07:002024-03-18T05:15:39.061-07:00Maine Pottery Tour, May 4th & 5th<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNbHVzXXaQfbcJTRiZ_IHcwf6zcwR2_Q7SGsCJz_9bRyDt8LzsfNRt-RQ-x2oGite1PaLSHQwWp1FImS7npwbhq_toKmP5ORv7-JVKs7vnZd0VSiQcSIgRuAkGu9CmeGdR1gI3RI8Qwud_cSsDFof6NzSF_wb38P1KwXpPVkUsRI5nJq2FXNO2QVuXzfV/s800/Postcard%202024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNbHVzXXaQfbcJTRiZ_IHcwf6zcwR2_Q7SGsCJz_9bRyDt8LzsfNRt-RQ-x2oGite1PaLSHQwWp1FImS7npwbhq_toKmP5ORv7-JVKs7vnZd0VSiQcSIgRuAkGu9CmeGdR1gI3RI8Qwud_cSsDFof6NzSF_wb38P1KwXpPVkUsRI5nJq2FXNO2QVuXzfV/w400-h268/Postcard%202024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Regular readers know that I annually organize the <a href="https://mainepotterytour.org/" target="_blank">Maine Pottery Tour</a>. I'm in the thick of it right now, ordering postcards, making ad buys, gathering up longitude & latitude for each studio on the tour. My favorite part is always creating the postcard. I'm especially pleased with this year's version. These postcards have become collectible! Shoot us an email at <a href="mailto:info@mainepotterytour.org">info@mainepotterytour.org</a> if you'd like to receive one in the mail. </p><p>We expect to have more than 70 studios on this year's tour - the largest ever. We have somewhat less funding than in previous years, so we're having to skip the spendy magazine advertising, & will need to double up on free and low-cost social media & small newspaper ads. </p><p>As I have for the past few years, I will be doing a kiln opening Saturday morning of the tour. There will also be wheel demos, plates for visitors to paint, a drawing to win a piece, and - new this year! - bonuses for folks who rack up visits to 5 or 10 studio on our new applet, launching next week. I'll announce that here when it's ready to go. </p><p>I'm hoping to see you at the 2024 Maine Pottery Tour! </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-39322813923461400922024-03-14T12:32:00.000-07:002024-03-14T12:32:22.506-07:00Reeves Green Glaze recipe<p><a href="http://www.potters.org/subject12672.htm" target="_blank"> <span style="background-color: white;">REEVES GREEN </span></a></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">cone 10 reduction</span></p><span style="background-color: white;">CUSTER 75.0</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">WHITING 15.0</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">FLINT 5.0</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">KAOLIN 5.0</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">CHROME OXIDE 4.0</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-5810585575072920722024-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:002024-03-03T08:43:29.546-08:00So Long, Solenoid! <p>This winter, man. I don't even dare to ask what more could happen. <br /><br />We've had car trouble, dental trouble, veterinary trouble - one of my elderly cats passed away in February. A dog I loved like family died last month also. Losing the pets was devastating, of course - the rest is uncomfortable, inconvenient, and sometimes expensive. </p><p>Add one more to the list: I was supposed to fire a couple of weeks ago - my annual load of student work - but a solenoid on one of the burners died. I don't actually know why it did - it looked like it melted from the inside out. Burners are not my area of expertise (to say the least! LOL) but I had watched Tyler Gulden - who <i>does</i> know a lot about burners - replace this very solenoid two years ago. That time I knew what had gone wrong - it was, let's say, operator error. I left the power burner out in the rain! <br /><br />Anyway, I had a pretty clear memory of that process, and I emailed Tyler to refresh that memory, just in case. Replacing the solenoid is a 3-step, 3-step process: remove the plug - held on by one screw; remove the metal clip holding it in place; slide the solenoid off the spindle. That last was the hardest part, as it did not want to come off, maybe because there were melted bits on the inside holding it in place. Then do it all in reverse.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8_0BEeTamLXBn3VyWcRl40DKxNyzBprVkzi_NhItrJEeEPQuGt0tCoMY5ElSSmZCoVqTEZTF7hQI2s3U6r-Ms698W5rAz3aosqKek07ETEXHNHdMfgF7AB6uVirNj1p9txnb_fXIQAsW2v8qtolqEKqgmNgg22r6dKFV_BSmMVeqFIZTLOStvouz_DTu/s4032/Solenoid%20(3).HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8_0BEeTamLXBn3VyWcRl40DKxNyzBprVkzi_NhItrJEeEPQuGt0tCoMY5ElSSmZCoVqTEZTF7hQI2s3U6r-Ms698W5rAz3aosqKek07ETEXHNHdMfgF7AB6uVirNj1p9txnb_fXIQAsW2v8qtolqEKqgmNgg22r6dKFV_BSmMVeqFIZTLOStvouz_DTu/s320/Solenoid%20(3).HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">See that weird melty blob? </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgpxRr7PhluDp5UvzC2UZz2oczOy6VTPWE_o0I1iuhmdrnCoHliRq_pW3xVFjHtSRIvTkRq11JEnUH6Nn4Y626yRunqE1tw2iIT67qP3tukjIHrBl7r8E6w7VovXmX7xo2NGldd8RiX6A0Qa7DetocXt9xxgxryf5xxUaRMeUnrMfMVCiBsLIhHpBmNOG/s4032/IMG_6213.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgpxRr7PhluDp5UvzC2UZz2oczOy6VTPWE_o0I1iuhmdrnCoHliRq_pW3xVFjHtSRIvTkRq11JEnUH6Nn4Y626yRunqE1tw2iIT67qP3tukjIHrBl7r8E6w7VovXmX7xo2NGldd8RiX6A0Qa7DetocXt9xxgxryf5xxUaRMeUnrMfMVCiBsLIhHpBmNOG/s320/IMG_6213.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Took the plug & the little metal clip off...</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5_9NWHsdeZ-Lg64Hva_aX3l7BKMbNVA5Eu5Es5F6nCalAjoAhbPqheOyEp2-pLXTHUjJUWrdJbtcFI-kVFi1GPN_cpe5Mxdn2qCBqlyJwjY89_fr9IXHUmZVvSnxaUKWlnOxcNxQi_AB3u9gQT5aE-GxABfxaGuCirvG6tfzODrDqh8KEuKJrQ58J0a1/s4032/IMG_6215.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5_9NWHsdeZ-Lg64Hva_aX3l7BKMbNVA5Eu5Es5F6nCalAjoAhbPqheOyEp2-pLXTHUjJUWrdJbtcFI-kVFi1GPN_cpe5Mxdn2qCBqlyJwjY89_fr9IXHUmZVvSnxaUKWlnOxcNxQi_AB3u9gQT5aE-GxABfxaGuCirvG6tfzODrDqh8KEuKJrQ58J0a1/s320/IMG_6215.HEIC" width="240" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>...and pulled the solenoid off the spindle</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Easy peasy! <div>So, with that out of the way the firing could finally proceed. It was blessedly uneventful! Cooling now. I won't be able to unload Monday, because I've got classes all day, so Tuesday it is. Again, this is mostly student work, so there won't be a web store update. I plan to fire again the last week in March. <br /><br />If you had any plans to <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/?_gl=1*nu2atv*_ga*NzYxMjY5OTgwLjE2OTQ2MzQ4ODg.*_ga_PKGJ770MJQ*MTcwOTQ4MzkzMi4xMTkuMS4xNzA5NDgzOTUzLjAuMC4w*_ga_G3GKJFR6Z9*MTcwOTQ4MzkzMi4xMTkuMS4xNzA5NDgzOTU2LjM2LjAuMA..&_ga=2.152427834.2070611369.1708745832-761269980.1694634888" target="_blank">buy a t-shirt</a>, though, or <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/major-arcana-the-hikers?product=1912">a tank</a> or <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/the-potter-major-arcana?product=2126">an apron</a>, now would be a great time to do that - help get some of these car repairs & dental bills paid. ("Buy my product, I need the money!" Some pitch, huh? I suck at marketing.) <a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/arcana-designs/?utm_source=threads&utm_medium=store_page_published_share&utm_campaign=arcana-designs&utm_content=default">More colors & styles here</a>. <br /><br />Here's hoping spring is a luckier season. <br /><p><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-7441158261127598562024-02-15T03:54:00.000-08:002024-02-16T12:10:48.135-08:00Major Arcana: The Potter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnwwlSuIZiYVy7tD7HQqqabCfEl93uDZYmfGnzMK62-OoSYdq5o2-st46T_jhmME2bQClXRSR9ehajeJ7jg1N_NuB__St0Ms5OuCl_ebYtVfMQy7k8WKc9ZF3b6JNENDVdvQCTcLAEtV_2-uaE_sAYJHv78fPihTRO5zX7ufUqBJmNMe5bjapVHb0I_XQ/s800/Tshirt%20The%20Potter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnwwlSuIZiYVy7tD7HQqqabCfEl93uDZYmfGnzMK62-OoSYdq5o2-st46T_jhmME2bQClXRSR9ehajeJ7jg1N_NuB__St0Ms5OuCl_ebYtVfMQy7k8WKc9ZF3b6JNENDVdvQCTcLAEtV_2-uaE_sAYJHv78fPihTRO5zX7ufUqBJmNMe5bjapVHb0I_XQ/w400-h400/Tshirt%20The%20Potter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was supposed to fire yesterday, but it was too windy. I could have worked at the wheel but for some reason it's hard for me to start a new making cycle before the end of the last one. <br /><br />I mean, who am I kidding? There are lots of things I could have been doing, from cleaning the studio to working on the pottery tour. I didn't do any of those things! Instead I finished a tee shirt design that's been in my mind for quite a while. I want to do a series of them, all tarot-inspired, but creating major arcana that feel more relevant to me. The first was "Caffeine" - <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/caffeine-tarot">you can see it here</a> - and now, <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/major-arcana-the-potter-t-shi">The Potter</a>! Because it seemed appropriate, I made that one available as <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/the-potter-major-arcana">an apron</a>, too; not to mention <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/major-arcana-the-potter-t-shi?product=624">a poster,</a> a <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/major-arcana-the-potter-t-shi?product=2132">shower curtain,</a> and <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/listing/major-arcana-the-potter-t-shi?product=794">a sticker.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't wait to wear my new shirt to NCECA! Maybe I'll see you there in a matching one. </div><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-69167004899304527382024-02-10T15:02:00.000-08:002024-02-10T15:02:05.894-08:00Kiln Wash Continents<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdwRIhEKV_RUKsYPs6xBL_16T5WCN9Qsht-1BeRvQEqwCc_qH0BjoZedGY4hULgG4JpblPP4z6mbuI3PrIrAiD-3ndlyGjSddEI-FhKioRrG11fJjNZcJj7lg_u_kdgEMxISW1wrcgaw4y7gqAkrriFR3aSGfGsq68-FzpWwIyiG_MZ5lrob71U-ypOTg/s4032/IMG_6128.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdwRIhEKV_RUKsYPs6xBL_16T5WCN9Qsht-1BeRvQEqwCc_qH0BjoZedGY4hULgG4JpblPP4z6mbuI3PrIrAiD-3ndlyGjSddEI-FhKioRrG11fJjNZcJj7lg_u_kdgEMxISW1wrcgaw4y7gqAkrriFR3aSGfGsq68-FzpWwIyiG_MZ5lrob71U-ypOTg/s320/IMG_6128.HEIC" width="240" /></a>If I ever write a fantasy series that requires world-building, I'm gonna get my inspiration for the continents from the patches of kiln wash that are left after grinding.<br />If George RR Martin had been a potter, Westeros might not have looked so much like the British Isles upside down. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOdiIxGnBkivcTe7GQ2GjfNeVBdsimKMOBm2cjEs7c69nALf2TS7vZr5oolvcoTtEdTXHO8satWkSbYwpA-GCQtT42mOud3tuJStS9cCR-mCy5AXdGDPL7l2yBcasOPd4pBfAaO6NyC2ptAe4JNM-WLZvfm_a8Dy0tcjC8-qxg9c8Rjr47KOD7SI5Zhdl/s4032/IMG_6129.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOdiIxGnBkivcTe7GQ2GjfNeVBdsimKMOBm2cjEs7c69nALf2TS7vZr5oolvcoTtEdTXHO8satWkSbYwpA-GCQtT42mOud3tuJStS9cCR-mCy5AXdGDPL7l2yBcasOPd4pBfAaO6NyC2ptAe4JNM-WLZvfm_a8Dy0tcjC8-qxg9c8Rjr47KOD7SI5Zhdl/s320/IMG_6129.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaehlU3J2mM5qDpxI-MvIrfb08bi0sMgfEko4N8bkJoBcrah7NJRILj_UzQ0e8D1iUu8N9LLkXhxY7hSc7sGFmj7wOfFz8UwL0RZpLJlLodRaMeTP2FzYfJLF6Er6pe-ZGc__9HXp94c2Pw5g0rb3zflT6UthLzyelQdoW8Q_NxjTzNfWal2fBAdEVog2F/s4032/IMG_6130.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaehlU3J2mM5qDpxI-MvIrfb08bi0sMgfEko4N8bkJoBcrah7NJRILj_UzQ0e8D1iUu8N9LLkXhxY7hSc7sGFmj7wOfFz8UwL0RZpLJlLodRaMeTP2FzYfJLF6Er6pe-ZGc__9HXp94c2Pw5g0rb3zflT6UthLzyelQdoW8Q_NxjTzNfWal2fBAdEVog2F/s320/IMG_6130.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-58218729754043574592024-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:002024-02-04T08:57:00.499-08:00Rough Week<p> Some weeks are harder than others, ya know? I can go long stretches with nothing more serious going wrong than a bad thermocouple, and then I hit a week when ALL the crap happens. That was last week. <br /><br />My husband Doug has a lot of difficulty with his teeth at the best of times, but he broke a tooth and lost a filling on Tuesday. One of my elderly cats (I have 3 who are 17) got an abscessed tooth & stopped eating - and he can ill afford a day of no food - necessitating an urgent vet visit Thursday. Friday night, halfway home from class, one of the tires blew out on my car. I couldn't get the lugs loose on the tire so Doug had to drive down at 10 pm to change the tire. Saturday morning was spent driving around to every tire dealer in Augusta looking for someone who carries this apparently unusual size. (Answer: Sam's Club. I had to buy a membership, & they wouldn't let me make an appointment for later, so my only option was to rattle around the warehouse for an hour and a half - I feel certain this is a deliberate strategy to get folks to spend money there - but still, after the tedious wait, I did have a new tire.)</p><p>On weeks like this I like to remind myself that some people have real problems! Chronic pain or serious illness, lack of housing, living in war zones. A little flat tire is nothing. It's awful when a pet is ill, of course, but Happy Jack is recovering. Doug has access to good dental care. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. When I am feeling hard beset by these minor misfortunes, it's time for a little gratitude practice.</p><p>I'm grateful for my health, & the health of my loved ones - including the pets! </p><p>I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to love my elderly cats for as long as I have. </p><p>I'm grateful for my husband, who came out in the middle of a cold winter night to get me home safely. </p><p>I'm grateful that although these things are all unexpected expenses, we were able to handle them with only a little discomfort. </p><p>And I'm grateful for you, readers! No reason you should care about some random lady from Augusta, Maine, but you do, and I thank you for that. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-55738899857616649002024-02-02T06:09:00.000-08:002024-02-02T06:09:39.742-08:00Shop Update: Pottery! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x3NnerfD49t9eED6QjYdAGtI5mM-ERdzoGVe19X1RoPxpP6EEiGg8ZKvNsEl0NgnneROOOStAnqXRs0tdK5B3cp4Ux0tFB5unQJv9P672futIvet-fX3qWoNJZd-4Ct6GHsKMayDqf_TTyv21lKniKbS8F7Ogh7i6v2kAydVkn_D9mPp5LFKnWqviT_U/s800/011924Firing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x3NnerfD49t9eED6QjYdAGtI5mM-ERdzoGVe19X1RoPxpP6EEiGg8ZKvNsEl0NgnneROOOStAnqXRs0tdK5B3cp4Ux0tFB5unQJv9P672futIvet-fX3qWoNJZd-4Ct6GHsKMayDqf_TTyv21lKniKbS8F7Ogh7i6v2kAydVkn_D9mPp5LFKnWqviT_U/s320/011924Firing2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At long last<a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/"> the pots from the January firing are online</a>! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-88887579402763823852024-01-28T04:20:00.000-08:002024-01-28T04:21:31.618-08:00Shop Update: Chubby Cats!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVjT1Ut3RBR2ne_TtfiyoRtLrO5X9nq9Za9Q_q9OzPjhvBjMGdxI5dNClL6D6F9CaZsYTJ5szy3zNaJ1xWUBgiW6-Puin1TuGzptiDo_p92QVyBays-EGS9pxaevxyn3JtMXQToKxZA9HtlmcxP43PSlwnUBNVuxrwb_43Mcb0b2IKra2cwB42i6-VYD4/s800/011924Firing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVjT1Ut3RBR2ne_TtfiyoRtLrO5X9nq9Za9Q_q9OzPjhvBjMGdxI5dNClL6D6F9CaZsYTJ5szy3zNaJ1xWUBgiW6-Puin1TuGzptiDo_p92QVyBays-EGS9pxaevxyn3JtMXQToKxZA9HtlmcxP43PSlwnUBNVuxrwb_43Mcb0b2IKra2cwB42i6-VYD4/s320/011924Firing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Remember that story I told you, about losing the wand in the burner channel during the firing? I was lucky the copper & zinc in the brass didn't do more harm. One thing it did do, though, was interact with the items in the kiln that were wearing Bauer Orange Flashing Slip. The white clay pieces turned blue (luckily just a few seashells intended to be refrigerator magnets) which they brown clay pieces achieved almost a wood-fired look. Several of the pinch-cats fell in this category. (LOL CATegory, get it?)<p></p><div>I've been putting a few of these critters in every firing lately. They amuse me to make, and it is not secret that I am a cat lover. I like thinking up their names & personalities, which are loosely based on the many cats I have known. As usual, most of these sold the day I listed them! I do have two left: <a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/gaia/290?cs=true&cst=custom">Gaia</a> and <a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/woody/289?cs=true&cst=custom">Woody</a>. <br /><br />Today is packing & shipping, putting away the photography equipment (can't wait til I have a dedicated space for this. Such a pain in hte ass to put up & tear down the whole thing), posting the functional ware in the shop, and working on the Maine Pottery Tour! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-32437957354928441442024-01-21T16:05:00.000-08:002024-01-21T16:05:56.322-08:00So, Funny Story...<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCGh1JsgbTptCGg7xF6z7ppPMlv9HYbOVwD4D18uFfpLBPgqf4FwcwtFAr-5QJx3P53Uf7iFxvlmblk9tfF_WZTmBYg6ShyCubfL9v4zFzM1rUdz3SDqUtuMXlqbbksobAqR2kAE6qP_SWb1wOTFI-UK-5V-YuHtMKGnSRRZIMH7IyKfrmySQpN5hkEy2/s4032/IMG_6028.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCGh1JsgbTptCGg7xF6z7ppPMlv9HYbOVwD4D18uFfpLBPgqf4FwcwtFAr-5QJx3P53Uf7iFxvlmblk9tfF_WZTmBYg6ShyCubfL9v4zFzM1rUdz3SDqUtuMXlqbbksobAqR2kAE6qP_SWb1wOTFI-UK-5V-YuHtMKGnSRRZIMH7IyKfrmySQpN5hkEy2/s320/IMG_6028.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You can recognize the copper blue in <br />the burner channel</i></td></tr></tbody></table>It's time for our favorite game, that we play after every firing, called How Did Lori Fuck Up This Time? <br /><br />I'm kidding, sort of! But I am serious about sharing my goofs, large & small, because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels like a screwup most of the time - & I want you all to know: you can screw up, even big-time, and still do okay. I do! All the time. <p></p><p>So, what happened this time? Well, it was kind of funny...or rather, it is <i>now</i>, now that I know it didn't cause any serious mayhem. Before the firing I took apart the sprayer & cleaned out any clumps of crystals of soda ash that might cause it not to work properly when I needed it. I was actually pretty proud of myself for doing this! Like, look at me, all preventative & stuff! I am one competent human! </p><p>~*~LOL~*~<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj0K2J_LdInO4gyy0My9ihIIlDiNifBjmUlZhhQQVPPS3KIpurOwYcQw8tyuT33PDM57qIvCITv_ynZX1zx6WzGiDQKxG8TSGY62H0QUbUF_E76-yhA1LaMyi3bPMPC7CnO2S6z5DVmMwmHbYdE5B3K_SaMDX1skDVqJuNWjOsZ3mNgCToaqaoJfL3KE-/s4032/IMG_6056.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj0K2J_LdInO4gyy0My9ihIIlDiNifBjmUlZhhQQVPPS3KIpurOwYcQw8tyuT33PDM57qIvCITv_ynZX1zx6WzGiDQKxG8TSGY62H0QUbUF_E76-yhA1LaMyi3bPMPC7CnO2S6z5DVmMwmHbYdE5B3K_SaMDX1skDVqJuNWjOsZ3mNgCToaqaoJfL3KE-/s320/IMG_6056.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That crusty black material is what remains <br />of the spray wand.</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Apparently when I put it back together, I failed to screw on a little collar that keeps the brass wand attached to the sprayer hose. How did I discover this, you may ask? Well, my first clue was when, while spraying soda through the port, the pressure from the tank blew the rod right off the hose...and right into the port. <br />There was nothing to be done about this in the moment, of course, except replace the wand (YAY EXTRA PARTS), continue spraying, and hope for the best. Brass is about 2/3s copper and 1/3 zinc - both will volatize well before ^10. I feared the fugitive copper might cause some flashing, and I really had (have, lol) no idea what fugitive zinc might do. </p><p>I saw little evidence, actually, that the copper did much. It seemed only to affect pieces that had a specific flashing slip - Bauer Orange. The BMix pieces wearing Bauer turned blue - not the teal blue I would expect of copper, but what looked like a watery cobalt blue. Those are quite nice. There were only a couple items in brown stoneware wearing flashing slip, and good thing, too, because those were less nice; a dull mud-brown color with little shine. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDt5AYMb5Yt0A5Hui7r8Hbk34-YkTtIETk7NXRNAL95o9q1BfDa3D6ORatC2_Nt13kghkr3Wt_XdKy_4-Kp0OC_mV0JZGWB5WtVkZBsxlk1e4FSw28bBddYNhcMYvSIAn8ITUkrUU6y3CWZ9FYY9anzFXW2gw8Q4Rn9DJCzmCZ816ekJDtd7OzlLrfjXZP/s4032/IMG_6055.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDt5AYMb5Yt0A5Hui7r8Hbk34-YkTtIETk7NXRNAL95o9q1BfDa3D6ORatC2_Nt13kghkr3Wt_XdKy_4-Kp0OC_mV0JZGWB5WtVkZBsxlk1e4FSw28bBddYNhcMYvSIAn8ITUkrUU6y3CWZ9FYY9anzFXW2gw8Q4Rn9DJCzmCZ816ekJDtd7OzlLrfjXZP/s320/IMG_6055.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These shells had only Bauer Orange <br />Flashing Slip applied.</i></td></tr></tbody></table>So, weird but could have been worse! Overall a very successful firing; I will photograph some pieces on Wednesday & update the online shop on Thursday. Thanks for reading! </p><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-16838321901411606682024-01-02T04:46:00.000-08:002024-01-02T04:46:04.017-08:00Glaze Goals 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeE9rkWh9EIXiJKfNnV46gPpiTWbUeaXDtNu9nWQugGZptY84JXfCTVjwM5aBu9EjL-Ad9PTjYqGg2-LMJjZacAcsLG7KwVIN4_oAO8b56ljqYC_gpsfA3-hv1Q-grnOgw-YPQ9mFZ7V6m8LbGXcbkCCN6sKFKJBWoDrnJa1s1B6_gAbBO0Vh63YCjJyc/s2048/GlazeGoalsOysterShell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeE9rkWh9EIXiJKfNnV46gPpiTWbUeaXDtNu9nWQugGZptY84JXfCTVjwM5aBu9EjL-Ad9PTjYqGg2-LMJjZacAcsLG7KwVIN4_oAO8b56ljqYC_gpsfA3-hv1Q-grnOgw-YPQ9mFZ7V6m8LbGXcbkCCN6sKFKJBWoDrnJa1s1B6_gAbBO0Vh63YCjJyc/w400-h300/GlazeGoalsOysterShell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>On New Years Eve, a friend & I took a hike on the Cliff Walk in Scarborough. (Maine, of course.) It was a grey and overcast day, cold but not too - a day that I once would have stayed home & wished for spring. <br />I hike in winter now, with the persuasion of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hiking_with_yowie/">a good friend</a>, and I highly recommend it! I don't hate winter anymore, & I've found that if I dress right (layers!) I don't get cold, thanks to the exertion. <p></p><p>Anyway! The Cliff Walk has a lot of low cliffs (duh) and also a few stone beaches, where we found oyster shells. They have the most amazing color, and a surface like a frosty-matte glaze. I didn't keep this one (leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories) but I did snap this photo...I want to see if I can do something like this with glaze. </p><p>More for the fun of solving the puzzle than for my studio work, although who knows? My clay journey has surprised me more than once. I'm thinking RIO & copper carb, brushed on a textured white stoneware under <a href="https://glazy.org/recipes/2965">Rhodes 32</a>. </p><p>I hope 2024 brings you joy & the world peace. Happy New Year to all!<br /> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-13419449592149298522023-12-18T04:52:00.000-08:002023-12-18T04:52:17.129-08:00Bowls for the New Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/711RrGv04rQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="711RrGv04rQ"></iframe></div><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Making bowls for the New Year's Eve firing! (At the rate I am going to New Year's Eve firing might be a bisque!)</span><p></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Because I can never *quite* take my teacher hat off, I want to point out a technique in the video. This is only 4 pounds of clay, but it's really useful for larger pieces: centering in sections. I weigh out my clay, then cut the ball in half (or more! There's no limit on how many pieces you can center on), put the first piece on the wheel & center that; then <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>scrape it all dry with my rib and slap the next half on. See how easily the 2nd piece comes on round! </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I've also opened the way I would a larger ball - using my right pinkie knuckle & the strength of both hands. Again, very useful for when you are throwing a larger ball.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-87232469122107256812023-12-11T10:53:00.000-08:002023-12-11T10:53:30.330-08:00This Year's Cookies! <p> My compulsion to make stuff - & make it fancy - does not end with pots! I also make soap, & in December, I make Christmas cookies. The fun for me is the decorating, & I'm happiest when I am learning new things. This year I tried out an airbrushed design. Check it out here:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i_SRcmPTrZk" width="320" youtube-src-id="i_SRcmPTrZk"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-54298648267222171002023-12-10T15:10:00.000-08:002023-12-10T15:10:06.990-08:00Review: 23 for 2034<p>In late 2018, <a href="https://finemessblog.blogspot.com/search?q=19+for+2019">I made a "19 for 2019"</a> list of things I would like to do or habits I would like to acquire in the new year. That went well the first year, less so the 2nd (for REASONS!), and I didn't even try in 2021. I just revisited <a href="https://finemessblog.blogspot.com/2023/01/im-ready-23-for-2023.html">my list for 2023</a>, and...lol. Some stuff I acheved, some I made progress on, & some I forgot I had even planned to do it! We did get a dishwasher installed - it's awesome & saves me even more time than I thought it would. I do my stationary bike ride nearly every day, I am selling much more online, and I got a time tracker - I average about 11 making hours in the studio a week. Those are some successes, and then there are the items like "learn to use instagram to sell!" & "kayak the Nonesuch" and "get back to writing postcards to voters." Yeah, those didn't happen. Like, <i>at all.</i> Nor did I start cleaning out my car regularly or making clay videos for Patreon. I made a little progress on the attic - called a carpenter, started talking about how much it might cost.<br /><br />All in all I think the lists help me focus on how I would like my life to be, & help me identify steps to bring the reality closer. So even though I failed dismally at some, the exercise brought about enough positive changes that it's worth doing again. <br /><br />Who's with me? (LOL! Like last year, I literally do not know if anyone at all is reading these. I took out the stat counter a couple of years ago, so I may just be shouting into the void.)</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-66149587807960839002023-11-26T08:06:00.000-08:002023-11-26T08:06:39.219-08:003 Days in the Studio<p> Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.<br /><br /><b>Yesterday:</b> Packing & shipping! I think I mentioned that in the last few months, online sales have <i>finally</i> become a significant income stream for me. Keep in mind that "significant" probably has a different meaning for me than for most folks; this month my online sales will be about $500. For many people that would cover their lunches out, or their wine consumption, or something else fun but trivial. For me, if it sustains, it is life-changing. Well, at least a little life-changing! Obvious best part, more money. Less obvious: connecting with these folks online who love handmade ware. </p><p>Of course, it's not money for nothing; I have to photograph & list all these items, then promote them online before sale. After sale there's packing, & shipping. Not complaining! I've never shied away from work. I might have to teach one less class in the spring, though, because there's just not enough hours in the day to do everything. This makes me sad even though it was the plan all along. </p><p><b>Today:</b> more packing & shipping (yay!) and then re-arranging the studio into wetwork mode. Then I can sit down at the wheel & make stuff. I always have more on my list than I can actually do, but I am sorta hoping I can carve out time to make another batch of soap. </p><p><b>Tomorrow:</b> Mondays are teaching days, from 10 am to 9 pm. Not really time to get anything else done. This will be the last week for 2 of my classes, as Portland Pottery is winding down into the holiday break. </p><p>I hope all is well with you, clay friends, & your holiday season is delightful. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-85348125229049748122023-11-20T05:30:00.000-08:002023-11-20T05:30:46.217-08:00Chonky Cats & Rustic Pots<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iaKwm4dEsb9fR5-KFDENpw09Ah3KIRQMtnaffALM2kiHMd13X4fB30PDDBs-8t3lpj0Y3Tupb4B2WY5WG_nPnpNiw3hLWGjv5J2HyqYZBJwkEnb-2VRhYddgO1xSA8Z_U6ptxa6nsx11WDAqhq8A5CwKjvdL7AWP5sVv5yYMIjnZdF-0QZ8xyf67KcJt/s1440/Dark%20Brown%20Chubby%20cat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iaKwm4dEsb9fR5-KFDENpw09Ah3KIRQMtnaffALM2kiHMd13X4fB30PDDBs-8t3lpj0Y3Tupb4B2WY5WG_nPnpNiw3hLWGjv5J2HyqYZBJwkEnb-2VRhYddgO1xSA8Z_U6ptxa6nsx11WDAqhq8A5CwKjvdL7AWP5sVv5yYMIjnZdF-0QZ8xyf67KcJt/w400-h300/Dark%20Brown%20Chubby%20cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Another firing is in the books! This time the excitement came when I ran out of propane at the very end of the firing. I don't know if other people fuck up as much as I do, but I always try to be honest about it, because if we're all pretending to be flawlessly professional, then we all secretly feel like losers. I make mistakes, but somehow I'm still afloat as a potter, & doing better all the time. So, if you are also a screw-up, welcome to the club! Pretty sure it contains everybody. The fun people, anyway. <div><br /></div><div>After many years of having to explain why I needed propane in the middle of the summer, or shortly after a delivery, my LNG company had gotten on a good automatic delivery schedule - their algorithm or whatever was correctly assessing when I would need a delivery. But then I started firing more often, because I am selling more pots! & that threw everything off. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway. Cone 10 was already down, & I was letting the kiln fire a bit longer. I came out to check it after the last soda application, and -<i> huh</i> - it was firing in oxidation. I suspected bad news then, but I just pushed the damper further in, until I got the backpressure I wanted, & went back inside. Checked again 10 minutes later, and again, no reduction. I knew then what the problem must be & that it would not sustain a reduction, so I just shut it off, closed up all the ports & damper, & hoped for the best. </div><div><br /></div><div>"The Best" is, of course, subjective. When I first opened this kiln I was not entirely thrilled. The surfaces were more rustic than I've previously gotten - drier & more mottled, gray, bone, & tan rather than peachy-gold. I took advice I have often given to students: live with it for a while before deciding. Well, those rustic pots have grown on me! I've been using some of them & I find the subtle surfaces intriguing. </div><div>Anyway! Long story short (too late LOL), I've listed the <a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/">new pots in the online shop</a>! They'll be available online until December 14th. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, one more weird thing: Facebook has started to send me money. I don't exactly know why, but I did fill out some kind of online form to be able to take payments thru fb; I thought it was to sell directly from the site. I still think it's something to do with that but what happened instead is, facebook sends me money I guess based on engagement? Not a lot but still, yay money! Especially money that doesn't cost friends & followers anything. So, if you enjoy this blog and want to see work in progress, unloading photos, a few demo videos, follow <a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/curvy-pitcher/282?cs=true&cst=custom">Fine Mess Pottery on facebook</a>. Like & share stuff if you like it & think your friends will like it! <br /><p></p><div>I hope I didn't break some kind of rule doing that. 😄</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-90197835307692559732023-10-28T05:52:00.002-07:002023-10-28T05:52:42.741-07:00Safe, but Sad<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuZtMy0l2swZXsIcrRRMtey9ORSepBdXqTgp9j8fYomh6f2QdP7yvYHJCY069EYo-KL7UjgFf_QC_420eV7gLKUTv7avkuBDOd8PhVHDT7aUtToN9Dd_kvQNYoh8bjQzTq5BrFrVk0TfjT2HOlscoZjeUI8Bs-qGWJdt20rS9jqpp1dE6BwIgl8J0YHQ/s1284/Lewiston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuZtMy0l2swZXsIcrRRMtey9ORSepBdXqTgp9j8fYomh6f2QdP7yvYHJCY069EYo-KL7UjgFf_QC_420eV7gLKUTv7avkuBDOd8PhVHDT7aUtToN9Dd_kvQNYoh8bjQzTq5BrFrVk0TfjT2HOlscoZjeUI8Bs-qGWJdt20rS9jqpp1dE6BwIgl8J0YHQ/s320/Lewiston.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You may have read about my home state lately; we were the latest site of that very American phenomenon, the mass shooting. In Maine's case, the situation was dragged out by a 2-day search for the gunman. The attack left 18 dead & 13 wounded. I didn't know any of the victims, but Maine is a small town; nobody is more than 2 degrees removed from anybody else. I'm certain I know someone who is directly affected. We're all grieving the loss of a sense of safety in our communities. <p></p><p>Lewiston is about 30 miles from Augusta, where I live; a straight drive up Route 202. During the long, frightening stretch between the murders & finding the gunman's body, we all feared he might be out there, planning to strike again. Schools & businesses closed and people stayed in their homes with the doors locked. Like many people, I thought he was probably already dead - the dude wasn't John Rambo or some kind of movie villain, and it seemed unlikely to me that he could evade law enforcement for so long. We couldn't assume, though, so we stayed home & stayed safe. </p><p>Much has been made of his mental health struggles. He was held in a psychiatric facility for a couple of weeks in July, as a result of having threatened the military training center where he served in Saco with violence. His family state he was hearing voices. <br />In part of my mind I wonder if they were playing up that part, because it's so painful to believe someone you love could choose to do such a thing. I think that because we've since learned that he'd recently broken up with a longterm girlfriend & recently been fired from his job. The places he shot up were places he might expect to find his ex - she was registered to play in a cornhole tournament at the bar where he killed people, and the bowling alley was a place they had gone together. He killed himself just outside his former place of employment. All this sounds to me like just another angry guy with an assault rifle. <br />Anyway - thank all of you for reaching out. I'm safe, my family is safe, but in a way none of us are safe until the scourge of gun violence is addressed. It's time to comfort the grieving, hold your loved ones close, and work together to find a solution. </p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-68284300688498091092023-10-09T05:13:00.003-07:002023-10-09T05:25:39.203-07:00Everything Matters<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw9VNCQ3UvP8NoFo4bdnyefLUhG1hNXSo5b_BLpjCcJ1vBNexh8M45sxg7pucXWo_CuOaZpu_7CjITDhsFSIz50m4I0TY4JLO7cRpeILj8L-afEYTtoPw6rCHZ2B7MH07G-h8BYrSawaHOzbo-8KbpQhoTcMbm50prqgvRpgleoGwRDS415RULt3HLLHx/s800/100823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw9VNCQ3UvP8NoFo4bdnyefLUhG1hNXSo5b_BLpjCcJ1vBNexh8M45sxg7pucXWo_CuOaZpu_7CjITDhsFSIz50m4I0TY4JLO7cRpeILj8L-afEYTtoPw6rCHZ2B7MH07G-h8BYrSawaHOzbo-8KbpQhoTcMbm50prqgvRpgleoGwRDS415RULt3HLLHx/s320/100823.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My October firing is in the books! <p></p><p>After the last firing, during which my sprayer failed, necessitating a frantic drive around town to find a barely-adequate replacement, I ordered two <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083HKGRQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1" target="_blank">good sprayers </a>with metal wands online.(I actually wanted <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKSGN2G/?coliid=IL8U9V1X9LFCZ&colid=3UVB6MJ7SPBP9&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it"><i>this</i> one</a>, because it looks so sci-fi; but it's more than twice as much as the ones I got.) Always good to have back up! The new device performed admirably - better, I'd say, than the original. It sprays in a finer mist than the first, which allows more of the soda to volatize before falling to the burner-channel floor. As a result, the coating of soda glaze was thicker, for the same amount of soda. </p><p>This is no bad thing, but it does mean I'll have to make some adjustments to get the coat of soda just how I like it. There was more grey than I am usually aiming for in this load. It's a pretty grey - light & pearly, flashed with honey-brown - I just want to adjust the ratio a bit, so the next pots will be honey with some grey, rather than grey with some honey. Still, overall very happy with the results. </p><p>I am lately aiming to fire once a month, because my accounts have been doing really well, & I want to keep them stocked up, and have enough to add some new stores this winter. Also, twenty years after Doug built my first website, online orders have become a significant stream of income for me! If I knew how, I would tell you - I'm all about lifting other potters up - but honestly <span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">¯\_(ツ)_/¯. </span></span>Here's what I do know: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Facebook has always been a good way to generate a sale or two, when I post updates to the online shop. I know everyone hates Meta, & not without reason, but for artists, nobody has yet created a tool to so effectively reach customers.</li><li>I've been posting to Insta, & cross-posting to the Fine Mess business page, a lot more since my friend gave me her old iphone. I don't post literally every day but maybe 10 times a week? Much of it is pottery process, interspersed with some cats, hiking, & gardening. </li><li>I had a post go semi-viral last summer, seen by about a million people. There was nothing unusual or amazing about the post, so I don't know why, but I did gain hundreds of new followers as a result; and as a result of that I get more interaction per post, which in turn make the FB algorithm show posts to more people. </li><li>Interactions seem key, so sometimes I will ask for feedback about a new technique or a piece I am working one. </li></ul><div>The takeaway, if I had to guess, is just more posting. I post pots in progress, & I think the audience gets interested & invested in the work. I dunno; what do I know? I'm just guessing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway the shop update is live! <a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/?ost_redirect_attribution=true">Check it out here</a>. </div><div>Actually there's <a href="Soda fired stoneware bowl measures 6" inches in diameter & stands about 4" high. The exterior is a very pale grey with flashes of honey-tan & features a raised ("sliptrailed") decoration of blossoms & stylized vines. I tried a new glaze on the inside & it surprised me by turning a delicate, sugary pink! Features a little surprise flourish inside the foot ring - a little hello for the person who washes this bowl & puts it away.">only one pot</a> left for sale - & I just updated last night! I better go make stuff. </div><div>Aiming for October 29th for the next firing. </div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-80714810372899475562023-09-18T04:00:00.001-07:002023-09-18T04:00:04.721-07:00Trimming a plate<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E82XmdrYODA?si=2KQdUiOCr3xa95tC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-68534973066057742472023-09-13T16:32:00.000-07:002023-09-13T16:32:37.511-07:00Inconvenient Ideas<p> Does this happen to you? You've got important stuff to do - in my case a firing deadline to meet - when an idea pops into your brain and just will <i>not!</i> <i>leave! you! alone!</i> until you make it real. That happens less than it used to- or maybe I'm just better at stomping them down until a better time - but every so once in a while such a notion will hijack my brain. </p><p>On my commute to class on Monday, I started thinking about a series of images reminiscent of Tarot cards, only more personal: the Three of Cats, the Two of Kayaks, the Page of Snacks; and some Major Arcana: The Potter, The Kiln, Caffeine. I really don't have time to do all of these, but I did do one:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWauuufl2JP1YiMz0-tis4pWwjacV0ICkqPNNlDqk8WKnV7WzxND09ikTZZMkbfaKWvsTFlkLncgusigQ1KFfrHbQ0EVX5AbUtPmMKHd_bvU7P-J39K1hgpyvmYAwc6tw2s1Y0L219NXtJTTnga4IzuNTu598_o5zcBtgEyuJw7D1w4URdAQWW-ITGfhUV/s5509/CMA%20larger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5509" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWauuufl2JP1YiMz0-tis4pWwjacV0ICkqPNNlDqk8WKnV7WzxND09ikTZZMkbfaKWvsTFlkLncgusigQ1KFfrHbQ0EVX5AbUtPmMKHd_bvU7P-J39K1hgpyvmYAwc6tw2s1Y0L219NXtJTTnga4IzuNTu598_o5zcBtgEyuJw7D1w4URdAQWW-ITGfhUV/s320/CMA%20larger.png" width="174" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It took me all day, because I really don't know how to use graphics programs; I made a lot of false starts & did a lot of clicking around; in particular I had struggled to make the background transparent, which it needs to be if I am going to use this image for anything. I did, already, upload it to <a href="https://fine-mess.creator-spring.com/" target="_blank">my teespring site</a> where, much to my aggravation, the featured image keeps reverting to the BLANK back side. That seems to be a system glitch, so I am going to have to let that go. </div>It has seemed to satisfy whatever noisy, insistent muse put these ideas in my head in the first place, however; at least for now. Tomorrow I will be back in the studio, trimming & slip trailing & mixing glaze - like I should have been doing today. But whaddaya gonna do? <br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-23451238780749832232023-08-17T13:24:00.002-07:002023-08-17T13:24:23.802-07:00New Pots! <p>The aftermath of a firing: grinding & polishing bottoms, sorting, pricing, packing, & delivering ware, and photographing pots for the online shop. That last bit was today! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/serving-bowl-phlox-design/258?cs=true&cst=custom"><img border="0" data-original-height="2242" data-original-width="2238" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunXyiGtn5DToQX7y2YURobVxwFt4FLjDYXzvPijGehHldRbvWHozpcdoFiJSxtBhleK0mUWmRPAx9IRhP975K9VHAEuJT3MLs1C9lIRjISz1gsVJIcKD4HEG0TuxFDK0f-EFULgAj3vdV9-15MdiuEfjDJDiYHV3Tf26avTOYwc8nXtkRosfY4CJ4-IOP/s320/081023A2.JPG" width="319" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/serving-bowl-phlox-design/258?cs=true&cst=custom">Loving this Oribe interior! </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/serving-bowl-phlox-design/258?cs=true&cst=custom"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldaqVT429TdUqskkO0xIaZjqnoTMdzCvU7RpErl3fgoI4-5RJaAZ54yFBcXs3KC2KmJl0dAY3Kg0HOytCec4hevMuknL_3bY_gn_-WoIYyUYe_RY3ofR-xgkXMklf2Y2R_Z9Uzv-iiqvsJQrNQXDEjwOVbRcszxh9gQb53jnhCRdsn78N_vcGzgULK8jb/s320/081023A7.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/serving-bowl-phlox-design/258?cs=true&cst=custom">I like to add a little flourish inside the footring - <br />my way of acknowledging the person who<br />washes the bowl & puts it away.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/butter-dish-flowers-vines/264?cs=true&cst=custom"><img border="0" data-original-height="2524" data-original-width="2521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUcwuW29KyPKBMk92m9PRHn9FQl2T-3k8OCTaSkvsQ9-pi-ZW9DBgadmd39T0MqCUfIMoUiZQ-9_7ExZzGDlp6saeGScSI35s9W52eLHyTaaQAW3WFsngBhBTIYBFywpeCHfyDl4AvHBjhOd1SZr1ww98oILRPu5O-houZMsNuuQhzB3qa0kD_yKd30yx/s320/081023G1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/butter-dish-flowers-vines/264?cs=true&cst=custom">The little loop handle is new for me, the way it tapers in the middle. </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/garlic-roaster-flowers-vines/266?cs=true&cst=custom" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="2866" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuyn4E_CSJvUXFb0tYrCeqaBZuQpl9UmI-ISYOqbfeDD6xad8cxL5fyhD0DeTZXN58n2ClFn0tjFgbAaxVL-Sp69fwrz_gIDqTC9VlFdKbUsnIZeO8yvZM9x9GIFhEJCjUk_8cllIBVgouY2TgluEGQVr-4eybrcS98vSY7S3iksBVk4cHBfcNIW2jBQz/s320/081023J6.JPG" width="319" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fine-mess-pottery.square.site/product/garlic-roaster-flowers-vines/266?cs=true&cst=custom" target="_blank">You know how much I love roasted garlic! </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-73844955324709940092023-08-07T03:21:00.004-07:002023-08-07T03:21:49.488-07:00A Sigh of Relief<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWgDmTpya0AjmNCkM8ij0WanP7TBtDXVNt4YVJhG0sbfExWuAQsvkB9y_rFpp1DeLlXXiHWZWhZqjjS7N2WDIGa3EkPtTYLRvOk9SjJsfbuOVelzRbCR8sEAlHSgpG40yLj_Q-QsR-39KW0e210o-pasbJ_1TA-oq_HGd8pDdH2Dl81FEsjR8M5GDfi1e/s4032/IMG_4846.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWgDmTpya0AjmNCkM8ij0WanP7TBtDXVNt4YVJhG0sbfExWuAQsvkB9y_rFpp1DeLlXXiHWZWhZqjjS7N2WDIGa3EkPtTYLRvOk9SjJsfbuOVelzRbCR8sEAlHSgpG40yLj_Q-QsR-39KW0e210o-pasbJ_1TA-oq_HGd8pDdH2Dl81FEsjR8M5GDfi1e/s320/IMG_4846.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooo looks pretty good!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz9z0xYuDerWyS-dUFxH4aJx8gRNMFT2NXEockDtZEvWSJADc-J56YV9Eqb-iG66YGLIP6HHIo9U9hRxVA0SgT4AiU7alnrstZButuEtxxfM-R9MiSkX2doj_kveatM1zn2zjthGYdf2EypUIIlrM6nRiMQvgcyHj1O_51fN6bmil_iOoK_Jw-YhL6Jj7/s4032/IMG_4848.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz9z0xYuDerWyS-dUFxH4aJx8gRNMFT2NXEockDtZEvWSJADc-J56YV9Eqb-iG66YGLIP6HHIo9U9hRxVA0SgT4AiU7alnrstZButuEtxxfM-R9MiSkX2doj_kveatM1zn2zjthGYdf2EypUIIlrM6nRiMQvgcyHj1O_51fN6bmil_iOoK_Jw-YhL6Jj7/s320/IMG_4848.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty good indeed!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCGrSGsNGx-3bQ0US6HKKmmcyXua0UlCKV087yHn6bnh5gbHfh-pdLfZ-b5GOvECr2_2cTtGs2Yw_yvgOf0rrVvObzBxXEW5wPLB0mEcZ4uGMqf9aS8cbDOWtUL5-kC5E4hcDrh8LiInQncKywTzA1aO7358VI3xFj8tTTFUuHV9NdcNdc4ORvVQUxvxT/s4032/IMG_4849.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCGrSGsNGx-3bQ0US6HKKmmcyXua0UlCKV087yHn6bnh5gbHfh-pdLfZ-b5GOvECr2_2cTtGs2Yw_yvgOf0rrVvObzBxXEW5wPLB0mEcZ4uGMqf9aS8cbDOWtUL5-kC5E4hcDrh8LiInQncKywTzA1aO7358VI3xFj8tTTFUuHV9NdcNdc4ORvVQUxvxT/s320/IMG_4849.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in the back!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOyYaeIArDo_s6of5qlK4c5wcG7P0PeXhnfE3AocPem4QAKrUUbAwqibeQHve45jR4Uet4nRTdsN4VyAA7q8qqRXWLDo_1kaeRUYy4Hj60k7YpfXDXBR29e67lZbENTW3_Wu_fTJGvUDjlTssvW_TpiN-NKVEw4YuixYSJvNycA4DDBAi8awxvoqQzQaD/s4032/IMG_4880.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOyYaeIArDo_s6of5qlK4c5wcG7P0PeXhnfE3AocPem4QAKrUUbAwqibeQHve45jR4Uet4nRTdsN4VyAA7q8qqRXWLDo_1kaeRUYy4Hj60k7YpfXDXBR29e67lZbENTW3_Wu_fTJGvUDjlTssvW_TpiN-NKVEw4YuixYSJvNycA4DDBAi8awxvoqQzQaD/s320/IMG_4880.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few pieces from the firing<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>What a relief! After what I started referring to as the Murphy's-Law firing, I was very anxious what the results might be. Well, I can put that to rest - it's all peachy-tan & pearl grey, no disasters of any kind. I did have one plate warp too badly even to be a second, & one lidded jar crack, but every firing yields a few failures. <br />Takeaway: those burner/blower/damper setting once again produced results. I'm starting to get this kiln dialed in. <br />I'll photograph these properly on Wednesday (assuming my dental appointment isn't too horrible) and list some in the online shop. Of the rest, some will go to Portland Pottery, & some to the Maine Potters Market; but the majority will be held back for the Common Ground Fair. See you there, September 22, 23, & 24. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-66642136274900802012023-08-04T17:37:00.003-07:002023-08-04T17:46:30.605-07:00The Murphy's-Law Firing<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvuD7SVlIwtU3GCDEs1j_Yp8n6cg6gU2bogQnGEILk96j8siqbxI4RCI3ubqlSZHpCX_tzOe1OHaKwcjcNjmEWgXUBipdb0PFX_NzFfrT5XzmcxeqPD6NgRsFeLGvH2P9231FHITYJBQwX1owo_uBBBASGvaqM2EXWinl_ipV0ZMwm2Bt-0ZN04JfGC0N/s4032/Murphy's%20LawQMarks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvuD7SVlIwtU3GCDEs1j_Yp8n6cg6gU2bogQnGEILk96j8siqbxI4RCI3ubqlSZHpCX_tzOe1OHaKwcjcNjmEWgXUBipdb0PFX_NzFfrT5XzmcxeqPD6NgRsFeLGvH2P9231FHITYJBQwX1owo_uBBBASGvaqM2EXWinl_ipV0ZMwm2Bt-0ZN04JfGC0N/s320/Murphy's%20LawQMarks.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What's inside?? I hate not knowing</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Man, I was not even <i>lying</i> when I called this the Murphy's Law firing! Let's have a brief recap of all the things that went wrong, chronologically:<br /><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I originally planned to fire Wednesday BUT, though I candled overnight, first one then the other of the pilots fluffed out. I caught the right one pretty early, but woke up to the left blown out around 4 am.</li><li>I made the fateful decision to relight & candle for only another hour before turning the burners proper on</li><li>This is a big one: THE CONE PACK BLEW UP. </li><li>I let the kiln cool & unloaded the entire thing to eliminate the cone pack debris, reloaded, & rescheduled the firing until Friday (today)<br /></li><li>I thought I had left the hex (or whatever it was!) behind, because this shaped up to be a picture-perfect firing, just like the July firing was. Humming right along. </li><li>Yeah no</li><li>Halfway through the application of the soda, the sprayer stopped working. Not clogged - that I could fix. Just wouldn't take on any pressure, so couldn't spray. At this point I had a gallon of soda mix left and cone 9 was over. </li><li>What to do, what to do?? It might be fine as is, but <i>it might not</i>! I left Doug to keep an eye on the kiln & started driving around town looking for a suitable sprayer, with a metal wand. I had NO luck with this. </li><li>But I did find a little hand-held pump spray bottle, which I hoped might serve to get the soda into the chamber. But the time I got home 11 was over up top & ten was down on the bottom. </li><li>I sprayed the rest of the soda anyway. I dunno how well it worked. By the time I finished & gave the soda time to vaporize & burn clear, eleven was flat all around. Like, <i>flat</i>-flat. </li></ol><div>I can not stand the wait!! This could still be an amazing firing or it could be all manner of fucked up.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are lessons to take, of course, some of which I already knew; always make cone packs WAY in advance, always do a full candle, always have a back-up sprayer (I ordered 2 online today.) The truth is, we never runout of mistakes to make, but - a further truth - things turn out ok a ridiculous amount of the time. Let's hope this is one of those times. </div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-64878465792244450672023-07-31T08:50:00.093-07:002023-08-02T17:17:42.314-07:00Mind the Gap<p style="text-align: center;">​<img height="300" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jfca_RJezhRi-SJy3hGKiXhbTVTl4d0i" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%;" width="300" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Details matter! The image is of the gap between the kiln shelf & the bottom of the pot, which is raised up by three wads of high-refractory clay material (called wadding*) which prevents the pot from sticking to the kiln shelf when the soda coats everything in the chamber with soda glass. After the firing, the wadding just pops off, leaving pale marks where it previously stuck. <br /><br />I find the higher this gap is, the more glaze gets deposited on the bottom, creating some color & sometimes a bit of shine. The wad marks - pale dots where the pot rested on the wadding where no soda vapor could get deposited - are often quite handsome. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsQuRLUBVDr5drV6vbfFt7_5HhK0JhNFgjy9WSXp0zgp9LKfxH6L9lwB8hDwrpAGJtxkhpG_rDp-IhKs39ZtU04GwDrlrKoxqdfmzXSFk54WYVlaCr7GgomPTI0rIwlOzM73xpV75IdRQfhbE4hNc5WnodmYZ9hYjgXJ1xXeckI7AIPn54mSe3VGUBvLD/s2739/DSCN1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2739" data-original-width="2735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsQuRLUBVDr5drV6vbfFt7_5HhK0JhNFgjy9WSXp0zgp9LKfxH6L9lwB8hDwrpAGJtxkhpG_rDp-IhKs39ZtU04GwDrlrKoxqdfmzXSFk54WYVlaCr7GgomPTI0rIwlOzM73xpV75IdRQfhbE4hNc5WnodmYZ9hYjgXJ1xXeckI7AIPn54mSe3VGUBvLD/w200-h200/DSCN1309.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wad marks on a mug</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Because the wadding is basically wet clay, the weight of the pot tends to squish it almost flat. It will still do its job of preventing the pot from sticking to the shelf, but the bottom won't get any soda, so will just be white. Not the end of the world, & not the end of the pot, but I do like the ones with more distinct wad marks better. </p><p style="text-align: left;">To achieve this, I find I have to make the wads ahead of time, so they are a bit drier & stiffer when I place them on the pot. I can't make the wads too early, because if they dry to much, they won't stick to the bottom long enough to get the pot into the kiln. Like a lot of things in clay, the pots are fine if I don't do it, but they are just a little bit nicer when I do. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Speaking of things that I should really remember to do ahead of time: I was supposed to fire today, & I would have, except my cone packs exploded! Regular readers must get tired of hearing all the ways I manage to screw up, but maybe you can draw inspiration from it: <i>If a ginormous fuck-up like Lori can do this, so can I! </i>Actually I don't know if I screw up more than most people, but since I am a ceramic educator as well as a potter, I believe in being open about my mistakes. I make em! A lot. But then I fix em & move on. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChj7B-4VA6IuXLI1tVl_pgGlrxIjgZfwmSP5lIUmK7FT9o4hI7iPllYCMhjbZ9wYupONcHkHBAb0Sv41Lsuhbz-YMDrnJk8A8OFk_oSKl5MieYk8BBeNMRl2M92OCrDwySWtG0vYzJXUKha_6jTWgxaKFUfQAJP-kP84FKy3FRAkXSpYQD5VzCp2ynJfn/s2048/Conepakcs.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChj7B-4VA6IuXLI1tVl_pgGlrxIjgZfwmSP5lIUmK7FT9o4hI7iPllYCMhjbZ9wYupONcHkHBAb0Sv41Lsuhbz-YMDrnJk8A8OFk_oSKl5MieYk8BBeNMRl2M92OCrDwySWtG0vYzJXUKha_6jTWgxaKFUfQAJP-kP84FKy3FRAkXSpYQD5VzCp2ynJfn/s320/Conepakcs.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The culprits. You can just tell they are plotting something.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />I fixed the exploded cone pack by unloading the entire kiln to dump out the little bits of debris inside the pots, then reloading the whole thing. I was mad at myself at first - the exploding cone pack was definitely caused by my dumbness - but it's summer in Maine, I was outside, the birds were singing, & loading kilns is fun! If that's the worst mistake I make this week, I can live with it. Anyway, the last firing was absolutely picture-perfect, the cones falling in synchronicity, so I was overdue to have a Murphy's-Law firing. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, once I got over calling myself a moron & started enjoying the work, I decided that, far from a moron, I am in fact a genius! (LOL ALL DAY) Or at least reasonably clever in this instance, as I realized that when I scheduled the firing I built in some time in case something goes wrong! So I'm still on schedule. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Barring some other mishap, I'll be firing this load on Friday, probably unloading Monday. I hope to have new work in the online shop on Wednesday! </p><p><u><br /></u></p><p><u><br /></u></p><p><u>*</u><u>Wadding Recipe</u></p><p>1/3 Kaolin</p><p>1/3 Alumina Hydrate</p><p>1/3 Coffee Grounds</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-21272687113981881432023-07-25T09:30:00.003-07:002023-07-25T09:30:47.970-07:00Coming Soon, I Promise!<p>Weirdly, I had a Facebook post go mini-viral this week: more than 3/4s of a million views, 23k likes, hundreds of comments. It was just an ordinary, throw-away post: a pic of the footring of a bowl in which I sliptrailed a little filigree. I have no idea why that one took off when my posts usually get 20-30 likes, at most. I tried for days to keep up with the comments, but just couldn't get to all of them. out of like 850 comments there were maybe...8? negative ones. Of course those lodge in my brain. It reminds me that there is a person behind <i>every</i> social media post. Being publicly negative about a handmade item just seems like a jerk thing to do. Like, why go out of your way to ruin someone's mood? </p><p>One can't predict virality, of course, even of the mini variety, so I was completely unprepared to take advantage of it! Many people have messaged or emailed me, wanting to buy pots...and I don't have any, because I'm in the middle of the making cycle. I make stuff, then I sell it. I don't just leave it laying around! I respond that I expect to have ware for sale in mid-August, and give them a list of stores where they can find my work; but I can't help but feel like this was a missed opportunity. </p><p>This was the post: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmfBR_AfxRW28O9frksElp5uWfi3sfFhWvRSehSYz_p7rDThlZ8SGVPsHlLXrjdCibZ0-PnK-y_XSLx2BWtmvgGa6DBerZYzvopxoo6gm0Is3fX3EntzHVqtSbdt1JHPcxGsNm7vwcaIwzyVU3LBBPjnz2rsP9GAu8TqrgxHZC2feHdOnT-Sdo04Xtojq/s555/ViralPost.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmfBR_AfxRW28O9frksElp5uWfi3sfFhWvRSehSYz_p7rDThlZ8SGVPsHlLXrjdCibZ0-PnK-y_XSLx2BWtmvgGa6DBerZYzvopxoo6gm0Is3fX3EntzHVqtSbdt1JHPcxGsNm7vwcaIwzyVU3LBBPjnz2rsP9GAu8TqrgxHZC2feHdOnT-Sdo04Xtojq/s320/ViralPost.png" width="293" /></a></div><br /><p>See what I mean? Perfectly ordinary post, nothing amazing. Has this ever happened to you?<br /><br />Anyway, firing a bisque this week, glaze next week, post for sale the week after that! Hope your summer is going amazing. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650505838849412496.post-32742649752998054992023-07-11T05:15:00.000-07:002023-07-11T05:15:00.451-07:00PINCHED at Maine Craft Portland<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZgTDusAp0Q7KxF7ZN5Vi_sDH4qQbMFI64gJA4Iht3lumaaYywiNGsWxd6F_l35ojhxi9DbNHawVsGyo9iNsxbWTnoL9w7s--zdTK8IYug1I8SXWsDvqe8L1zK4VzanAMYFCI4aQQcPCS7x3OaZva2r7BC-_xlUzf3_Q6YwS8Qvi3zM2SEd8ljZ4-nDPo/s1063/IngridSHowSMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZgTDusAp0Q7KxF7ZN5Vi_sDH4qQbMFI64gJA4Iht3lumaaYywiNGsWxd6F_l35ojhxi9DbNHawVsGyo9iNsxbWTnoL9w7s--zdTK8IYug1I8SXWsDvqe8L1zK4VzanAMYFCI4aQQcPCS7x3OaZva2r7BC-_xlUzf3_Q6YwS8Qvi3zM2SEd8ljZ4-nDPo/w400-h400/IngridSHowSMC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> I missed this opening, but the show is still up for the rest of the month. Ingrid is a friend - I met her when I worked at Watershed - and a rare professional pinch potter. CHeck it out! <p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='https://ko-fi.com/widgets/widget_2.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#4646b8', 'N4N25TWL');kofiwidget2.draw();</script> </div>Lori Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.com0