Just adding a few accents of colored flashing slips on this latest batch of stamped mugs. The slip colors will change dramatically when fired in the soda kiln… more colorful with flashing effects from the flames!

You know how I love rusty metal, weathered wood & vintage contraptions. So this morning was a BONUS when I came upon this vintage piano on the beach… weathered & worn. I can only picture days gone by with someone playing gentle piano music as the waves slowly roll in. But now it seems to be too far gone for playing… but you can still appreciate the life this piano has seen.

What a difference a day makes!
With bright, clear blue skies yesterday… this morning was full of clouds. Quite the opposite. Lots of potential for some sunrise colors… but instead we only had a momentary flash of sun… and then right back to CLOUDS!!!

After playing outside most of the day… I showered off & went in for a night of musical theater. I’ve never been to a production by the Highland Park Players… but I love the “Hunchback Of Notre Dame” show. So I thought I would give it a go. And I LOVED it… great lead voices, full orchestra & large choir on stage, lighting & minimal costumes… just basically no real scenery to speak of. I would definitely recommend it… especially for the three main leads!! Quasimodo, Esmeralda & a perfectly creepy & conniving Frollo!!!

I’ve enjoyed seeing these rusty sculptures in a few different locations around the City over the past couple years. In the summer there are usually vining flowers growing up as the “skirt.” Good to see them again… in what might be their new permanent installation space out on Northerly Island.

And it looks like I wasn’t the only one out enjoying the sunshine today. Seems like I was making a new friend while I was out on my bike in Northerly Island… at a safe distance… thank you zoom-lens!!!

Today was crazy-BEAUTIFUL!!! It started with early morning rain… but once that passed through, we got sunny skies, gusty winds & temperatures of nearly 80-degrees!!! Perfect for a wonderful bike ride along the lakefront… except for maybe the gusty winds??? Regardless, the skyline looked great, the sky was bright blue & the lake was STUNNING!!!

Handles attached… another batch of mugs made! I’m planning on soda-firing these in the future, so I think they might still need some colored flashing slips before I call them done & let them start drying.

Just pulled a bunch of handles… all lined up & almost ready to go. I’ve got to let them set-up a bit before I start attaching them to the mug cylinders. I want them to hold their shape, yet still be malleable… but not sticky or squishy!

Loving Kelly’s stamped & soda-fired wall pocket vase… perfect for remnants of a floral arrangement when the “fussy flowers” died off and left this textural assortment. Just another fun Floral Friday!