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.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Still here!

Life has really been getting in the way of blogging for the past few months. I moved to a new apartment (in the same city) after discovering a major mold problem (and terrible lying property manager) at the last place. I worked on a surprise project at work that was big and exciting, and came with lots of media coverage. I had a few visits with my loved ones. And luckily, I've still had time for creative projects. My pottery continues to improve in leaps and bounds, and I have so many ideas that I can't keep up with them. Thanks so much to everyone for their wonderful feedback on my previous pottery posts. I do hope to sell things online at some point, and will certainly post here to let you know when that happens. Until then, here are a few of my latest favorites.

Ceramic bowls
Bowls with designs in slip. I loved making these, and plan to make more.

Handmade ceramic plate
My first dinner plate!! I really adore this one. If only everything came out so well!