Buckhorn Spring Craft Show May 19 & 20

I'm looking forward to joining over 60 diverse crafters at the Buckhorn Community Centre on the long week-end in May.  This 2 day show is held in the Centre and throughout the buildings on the surrounding property.

Originals Spring Craft Show

Originals Spring craft show starts on Thursday.  It doesn't feel like spring around here yet, but I'm looking forward to displaying some spring flowers in my vases in anticipation of its arrival.  I'm working on some new glazes this year and will have a few new pieces at this show.  Here is a taste of some of the new pots I'll have with me. The first two photos are new glazes & designs.

set of 3 plates

bowls with frogs for flowers

low serving bowl

footed serving bowl

Great Bowls of Fire March 24th

Each year twelve potters each donate 25 soup bowls towards this fun evening which raises money for the Ottawa Food Bank.  The Ottawa Guild of Potters hosts the event and this year they created these funky postcards for each of us.  See them all at ottawa guild of potters

Keeping an old kiln alive

After 500+ firings of my kiln, I've been saying a little prayer with each firing that it will continue to be the dependable workhorse I've come to rely on.  The truth is, however, that it won't last forever.  In recent months I've had 4 (or was it 5?) failed firings.  First it was the elements--this was the second time they've been replaced on this kiln, and it was definitely due for new ones!  Then it was a relay, then brass connectors, then the other relay, and finally the thermocouples both needed to be replaced.  There aren't too many more parts that can be replaced on this kiln, so hopefully it will perform well in the coming months.  However, I'm starting to think about getting a replacement kiln before this one lets me down.  I used to have two kilns, but the second smaller one had manual controls and was only used for bisque firing as I didn't get the results I was looking for in glaze firing.  Besides, I needed additional storage space more than I needed a second kiln.  It was a good decision at the time.  Soon there may be another big decision to make....but in the meantime, this old kiln is giving me good results once again.  

frayed wires (at bottom) before replacing brass connectors

 

brand new elements! (and still the old thermocouple)

testing the new elements

Food for all in 2018

The new year in the studio began by making bowls for the Great Bowls of Fire event, held annually by the Ottawa Guild of Potters at the Glebe Community Centre.  About 12 potters volunteer to make 25 bowls each, and many others donate bowls to make up the 400+ that are needed each year.  I'm once again happily making 25 for this year's event.

Great Bowls of Fire is a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank. While details haven't been finalized for this year's event, the idea is that for the price of a ticket, guests can select a handmade bowl (to take home) which is filled with delicious soup made by some of the best restaurants in town, accompanied by fresh breads offered by several excellent bakeries (all donated, of course).  While eating & socializing there is usually musical entertainment as well as a silent auction of ceramic pieces.  It's a very popular event which usually sells out quickly and supports the much needed work of the Ottawa Food Bank. This year it will take place on Saturday, March 24th.

A big thank-you to everyone that came out to the Originals Show this year.  I was happy to have a corner booth which allowed for a bit of extra shelving.  This configuration also allowed for more storage behind the shelving units.  It's always a challenge to figure out how best to use your allotted space at craft shows.  I'm sure there will be some more tweaking to do before next year's show.

Originals Craft Show Dec. 7-17

Last show of the year for me starts on Thursday!  You can find me in Booth 310. Originals always has a great handmade craft selection.  A great way to see what the craft community is up to and to support their creativity.