for my digital photography class, I had to photograph a sequence of actions and make them into a 6 step "how-to". I thought it is a great thing to have, to show what I do, not just what I make. actually throwing is a bit more involved than this, but I had to limit it to 6 images.

First you throw the wedged ball of clay on the wheel

Next you center the clay

Once the clay is centered, widen and compress the bottom

the first pull. with the one hand on the outside and one on the inside of the pot, press your fingers from opposite hands together and steadily pull up. after each pass, compress the rim with a sponge and remove excess water

the second pull. followed by a couple more

remove any excess water, use a cut off wire to remove the pot from the wheel. move to a shelf out of the way and let dry a bit before trimming

super! now get out there and make pots!!

I used a tripod and timer to take these images. they were tweaked slightly to improve color and photoshop my tshirt (which I found distracting)

about time, right?

okay, slacker. post a new blog entry. how hard is that? yeah, its been a while.

Camp was great. I love being with all the wonderful people, the great outdoors and teaching the girls.Next up is school. I started earlier this month and love it. It is kicking my butt, but has been fantastic so far. I am taking digital graphic design, typography and digital photography/photoshop. Its all on the computer and not as intimidating as I initially thought. still is intense, but I am finding that I can handle it.

my first project in graphic design. we had to design a poster for the Pellissippi State's common book, Storming Heaven, and the events planned around it.


I was at the Fall Fun Fest in Cookeville, TN, September 11-12. Its always good to see everyone from back home and hangout with my dad who helped me set up, man the booth and break down. Oh, did I mention that he brought me rations of yummy BBQ and lemonade? he da man. Besides some rain Friday night, it was a super turnout. Thanks everyone who stopped by and kept me company!

I have been featured in the Niche Magazine (click here) Online Artist Profile. This is such a nice article- makes me very proud! Claire did such a lovely job writing a concise article with all the ramblings I gave her. Let me know what you all think.

So now what? School, studio, and a couple more shows this fall. The first is the Foothills Craft Guild Holiday Show, November 13-15. Next is my Annual Holiday Sale, November 21. If you are interested in coming to either show, sign up at my website, email or (click here) snail mail.

Well, back to work. I think I have some chapters to read.

have a super day!

camp time, june 12- july 12

the lake at camp

well, its that time of year again, people. camp time. that's when I head to the hills of middle Tennessee for one month to teach ceramics and hang out in the woods. I have to admit, I am always torn right about now. torn between leaving home, husband, dogs, cats and spending time with my sis, her kids and tons of neat girl people. when I was a kid, I couldn't wait to get there and never wanted to go home. its a little different these days.

stacks of teabowls

I think I'm pretty much packed. just have to find a few holes in the car to fit some mugs. the ladies are always needing some retail therapy. when you are there a month (or even two weeks) and you haven't bought groceries, been to the mall, shopped at all, you are looking for an outlet. I provide that outlet for the ladies. its like a public service :)

wall pocket by one of the girls at camp

my sister and her two fantastic kids will be there. we share a cabin. since they live in Pennsylvania, its a wonderful way to spend time with them. my sister is in charge of the barn while I take care of the pot shop, of course. the kids have a "handler" and take some classes. they are 5 and 3.5, so its a bunch of playing, swimming, potting, etc... the life, eh?

I'll be out of the studio for more than a month which should be good to rejuvenate the creative juices. if you need anything, email me. camp is out of cell phone range, which is a nice thing.