Pottery Contest – And the Winner is……

First and foremost I would like to thank everyone for their involvement and great comments! I look forward to posting the next free give away December 15th for a draw December 31st 2010.

Today at 1 p.m. my co-worker and friend Brad Gibbons of Brad Gibbons Photography, made the official draw out of the names from everyone who voted, commented and clicked the“like” button.

Congratulations to GARY KOZIOL the first winner of our monthly give away.

Your name was chosen out of a hat today by Brad Gibbons Photography among 35 other entries. Thank you for your vote and comments on 30kellys – PotteryCove.

The Winning Mug - Gary:  The blue and white on each other give this mug a cleaner, classier more contemporary look in my opinion. It probably helps that blue is my favorite color!

Pottery Christmas Craft Fair

 My first independent craft fair. I was nervous and excited. Not sure what the day would bring. I think the nervous part came from the possibility of a zero sale day. Although I have never had a zero sale day when the intention was to make a sale, I have to say I was very thankful for my parents, in-laws, and friends who came out to support me and see my wares. They even got into the spirit of things and started to help sell the wares to passers by. It was very motivating and so much fun. I was exhausted by the end of the day but so worth the experience. I can't wait for the next show.





Like your mug!

Win a Free Pottery Mug

The 30kellys Facebook fan page is rebranding to PotteryCove. In celebration I have selected three mugs for a contest.

Contest Rules

Pick ONE out of the three mugs that you like the most. Hit the like button AND leave a comment of why you chose that specific mug to like. On November 30th 2010, I will put all the names of those who left a comment AND hit the like button in a hat. I will have a co-worker draw the name of the winner of that particular mug. Free Shipping!

How to throw a Pottery Bowl

*** For my Students


Start!



No matter what Clay body you are using or even if you are using porcelain following these steps are a sure fire way to achieve success in any size bowl.

Weights of Clay are 400grms



Step One - Cone Your Clay Up





Step 2 - Cone down, Center and clean up your base



Step 3 - Open your bowl into a V shape

 

Step 4 - Bring your clay toward the heal of your hand and then up



Step 5 - There May be excess Clay near the bottom, Push in and clean up the base

Step 6 - Pull up and out in a V shape the remainder of clay caused from pushing in the base.

Naked Raku, it’s not Porcelain but still…

The finale to my summer project, crackle glazed hollow donuts for my yard. All I need to do now is find the right tree that goes with this structure to plant along side my driveway.

What did I learn about this project? It was hard, tough, hot, fast, dangerous and exciting all rolled into one moment of reduction.

At the last minute I decided to use a white crackle glaze instead of the naked raku technique. The reason for the sudden change in this project is it is meant for outdoors. Being outdoors, I would need a glaze that can withstand the elements. If the naked raku technique is outdoors it has a greater opportunity of experiencing oxidation and losing its appeal decoratively, compared to being indoors.

The naked raku is still a desire to learn and understand so I have a project slated for the spring. Someone asked me if I would do this project again. I said I would, but the work will of course be smaller and less heavy as it does not need to withstand the winter and I am sure the naked raku will live up to its raw name and beauty.

I put together a small photo slideshow of the process for you, and thanks to everyone at Studio Link for your teachings and friendship!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.