I didn't intend to take a break at the end of the year, but then things got so busy at work and then I got a sinus infection. I'm on the mend now, but I'm still really behind. I did manage to run 3 bisque loads over the holiday and now I have a massive glazing backup. I was actually more productive in first 2-3 weeks in December than I think I was all of October and November. This new planning method really seems to be working.
I have 2 new crochet patterns that I just need to write up and will hopefully be out in the next week. One is for a poncho with arm holes that I made with some reclaimed yarn from one of my first sweaters. The other is a sweater I designed entirely around these hazelnut buttons I wanted to use.
I've had these giant bowls from Learn Fired Arts for a few months, but with seasonal and holiday stuff I haven't had an opportunity to try them. I have a bunch of things in mind for these forms, but as I was making stuff I spotted them and decided to make some bowls. They aren't perfectly smooth on the inside. I started trying to make them perfect and ended up liking the more organic look better.
The bark texture is oak from the template that I made up in Chaumont over the weekend. I don't think that I'm going to try to glaze it like bark, but I really like the texture it provides.
I've been keeping track of what I've been selling at each show this year. My number one seller last year was mugs followed closely by my appetizer plates. At each show I have a printed grid of what I've brought to the show and then just make a tick mark when someone buys something. It can be difficult when things are busy, but I really wanted the data.
I tallied up what I sold at each of the shows and then made a list of what I want to start making for 2023 shows. Something that was really obvious after the fact - it's more effective to make things in batches than in ones or twos. I know I need to make a lot of mugs and appetizer plates and if I make them in batches of 10-15 it actually takes me less time overall than if I were to make more of a variety of things.
This is the first batch of mugs based on this model. My birch and crab mugs were my most popular mugs in the speckled clay.
If you sell at shows I highly recommend using data to help you know what to make.
Last year I was using one of my sponge holders as holder for my business cards. It worked really well, but then someone wanted to buy it. So I decided I wanted to design a business card holder and here is my first attempt. I think I like the design, but we'll see how they perform once they make it through the process.
Two new Opulence glazes in this kiln. I am loving the Sea Spray and Pebble Beach combo. It works on brown and white clay!
Also really excited about the elephant ear. It's too cold to try this as a bird bath outside now, but I might try it inside just to see if it works.