And a new glaze combination! Three glazes combine for this effect. A little more time, but so worth it, dontcha think?


Now that the holiday craziness is calming down, I'm looking forward to more studio time and of course my mind is already racing towards spring as I browse seed catalogs and work on bird feeder designs. Funny how I'm ignoring the fact that it's only the 1st of January! Of course, we've had such a warm spell that my daffodils already think it's spring. I'll try to get some photos up in the next few days for a sneak preview of what I have coming up! I'll also be picking back up "Feature Friday" since I've collected so many new favorite sellers over the season. Some even supplied lots of joy under the Christmas tree this year too!

Hope everyone has a simply wonderful 2009!

Waiting for the kiln to cool a bit more, but I wanted to post a sneak-peak. Mugs, ornaments, a teapot and canister are snuggled inside the kiln. Look for new items for sale later this evening!

Last night we built our first fire of the season in the fireplace, today I bought a 20 pound turkey and pulled ornaments out of the kiln. That can only mean one thing - the holiday season is officially here!



Left: Stoneware Star Ornaments, Set of 4 with a moss green glaze. Right: Stoneware Snowflake Ornaments, Set of 4 with a cream glaze. Handmade ornaments make a great gift!

I just unloaded the kiln and I'm so pleased with everything that came out! Sometimes you never know what awaits you underneath that lid. Sometimes it's not so good, but sometimes, like this morning, you remove the pieces one by one, shelf by shelf, and every step makes you smile a bit more. Happy Saturday!

My second love these days is knitting. I know the technicalities, but I'm not really very good. I can't make cables or follow shaping patterns very well. I haven't made anything larger than a hat because I just don't have the patience for it. But when I'm not in the mood to get muddy, or the studio is too cold (or unbearably hot in the middle of August), I take to the couch with needles and yarn. In a lot of ways, I think fiber and clay are very similar tactile experiences. It's using your hands to shape and grow the material. It's giving it texture and form. It's functional.

One of my favorite fiber artists on Etsy is phydeaux. I'm really drawn to her combinations of lovely yarn and simple patterns. There's something about letting the material really shine.

Her Napa Harvest Scarf was the first to catch my eye. Just look at those gorgeous colors!


This Cranberry Merino Cowl / Neckwarmer is a great example of texture:


A simple, classic Butterscotch Mohair Scarflette / Neckwarmer, a classic, versatile accessory!


If you're looking for some warmth this holiday season take a look at her full shop for lots of great finds: