First wood fire of the season!
Snow. Yes, snow!
Came down to work in the studio this morning and it wasn’t just chilly … it was Bloody Cold! What good is it having nice hot running water (which is a marvel in itself) if you can just about see your breath when you’re working? Doesn’t work for me! So, much as I hated to do it so early, today’s the first day for the firing of the woodstove. My five pound puppy is happy to have the heat too, especially after having to skip through the snow to do his business this morning!
Testers for Cone 10 glazes.
But, now that it’s comfy and warm (after my poor husband carted in a wheel-barrel full of wood) I’m doing a sort of bus-man’s holiday of sorts. I’m doing some test tiles for the next wood firing, and starting a sort of throw-a-thon. That might actually sound like work, but this is the most marvelous clay. It’s soft (so it doesn’t kill me to throw it) while being well behaved as well, which means, if you can think of it, it will do it. Just my favorite clay! Too bad it’s not available for Cone 6 (which is what I generally fire to in my electric kiln). Might make some small teapots too. Why not? No monster pots this time around though. They’re a hard sell anyway … but I’m going to see if I can actually make some small teabowls. Mine always seem to turn into soup sized!
Student stuff waiting for room in the kiln!
There’s still lots of firing to do from the last classes as well, and it’s taking up lots of space! So many big platters I don’t know when I’ll get through them all. I’m very glad I took a bit of a break. Hard to keep up with this kind of volume. Funny thing out here … classes fill up without me even trying or advertising. I LOVE Frankford! (Liked PH too, but how could you beat our view & a fireplace in the studio?)
Rough photo …
I’ve had such a great response to the mugs posted yesterday that as soon as the wood-fire work is done, I’ll be heading back into the black clay. I have an order for eight already. THANK YOU for spreading the word. You guys are the best.
As I’m typing this, my little dog is sleeping on my foot under the desk. I think I may be in love … You should see him eat. He’s sooooo funny. Guess who loves organic chicken?
Hope you’re having a great day too!
Susan McD
