Monday, March 21, 2011

Homework

Doing my homework
I spent last weekend trying to figure out the taxes and laws that would apply if I started selling my pottery. After hours of reading and confusion, I finally figured out that selling pottery, for me, would likely be considered a 'hobby' by the IRS because I wouldn't expect to make any money--just enough to cover the cost of my classes. What a headache! In any case, I'm glad I finally understand all this 'cause I think it'll come in handy. I borrowed the books above from the local public library. Libraries are pretty amazing.

Custom-made bowl set
I invited some of the girls over a few weeks ago for a housewarming with Moroccan food. I managed to finish enough bowls and plates that everyone could eat off of handmade pottery. One friend liked her soup bowl so much that she commissioned me to make a set of 6 for her. I delivered them today and she was really pleased! The shape and the rough quality of the turquoise glaze reminded her of the Japanese tea bowls she studied in college.

Handmade ceramic plate
I've also had a lot of luck lately with a new (to me) glaze--Arabia green. I'm playing with layering glazes and seeing how different loose applications of design look.

11 comments:

emmy said...

I love your pottery and I bet it would "fly off the shelf". I will be watching for when you start selling.

Wendolene said...

As a long-time public library worker, I always smile when I see a positive review of a library :) Your pottery is getting very sophisticated--I am a huge fan of that green glaze, too!

Joanna said...

I'm not surprised she wanted the bowls. They are gorgeous! My mom used to make her own pottery, but she hasn't in a long time.

knitterykate said...

Wow! Love your pottery!

Marissa said...

I love the shape of those bowls as well- and will be watching intently (trying hard not to say 'stalking', but...) for you to start selling!!!

Karen Sue said...

Did you feel more pressure or less because you had an order without having the bowls? I've wondered if it is easier to sell something they walk away with, knowing it is what they want, or perhaps I have a fear of rejection that when I complete something, someone will say...oh, not like THAT! THAT's not what I wanted at all!!!

Did you find the books helpful in non-IRS topics??
I too, love my libraries. I had to cut down for awhile, because I was going to 3 and getting my books and due dates all mixed up!

Anonymous said...

those blue bowls are absolutely lovely... love love the colour

Linda said...

Gorgeous bowls, I wish I lived nearer so that I could ask you to make me some. I think they may get broken in the post!

Caroline said...

If I were on the same continent as you, I'd certainly place an order!
Wondering the same questions about IRS and stuff about selling the jewelry I make ;)!

olivia said...

Those bowls are beautiful! I love handmade items such as these. Beautiful.

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