So last week in my SURFACE DECORATION class, we focused on Mishima. Basically coating the pot with wax, and then carving through with sharp tools… like our favorite DiamondCore Tools! Then you fill the carvings with some underglazes… inlaying the carved patterns. The wax allows you to wipe away the “background” area more cleanly & easily. Then during bisque, the wax disappears & then it’s ready for glazing!!!

So last week I did another “quick” throwing session making a bunch of basic cylinders. I had a plan… and I knew that some of my students would have fun “playing” with them!

This week in my classes we taste-tested the newest OREO flavor… Chocolate Covered Pretzel !!! And we were all pleasantly surprised… the cookie actually tastes a bit like a pretzel… complete with a hint of salt!!! And the chocolate filling?… yummy as always!!!

Last night in my SURFACE DECORATION class, I challenged my students to several fun glazing tasks. No one “really” likes glazing… so my goal was to make it more fun by trying new things on cylinders that I made ahead of time for them! So they wouldn’t be “sacrificing “ their own pieces… giving them no emotional attachment to the piece… allowing them to have some fun while glazing! Can’t wait to see their results!!!! More to come …

Tonight in class with my Advanced Beginners, I challenged them to make a single placesetting in one class. Dinner plate. Salad plate. Cereal bowl. Serving bowl. Tumbler. And not just throw them, but also think about how they can “throw with intention” to make their set “go together” visually. Several of them embraced the challenge… while we still have surface decoration, trimming, finishing & glazing to go. But I think my demo is off to a good start!

Last night in class, one of my students returned from a trip Ireland… with yummy souvenirs in tow!!! Even better when I referred to them with my terrible leprechaun impression!

Thanks Tessa… and welcome home!!!

Not only did I provide bone dry bowls for my SURFACE DECORATION class while I was gone… but I also left them a package of Birthday OREOs for two of my students. Happy Birthdays Maryanna & Sara!!!

While I was out roadtrippin’ in Minnesota… I left my SURFACE DECORATION class in very capable hands. My friend Catherine Tweedie subbed for me with her “ever-popular” water etching demo. Before leaving town, I provided her with enough bone dry bowls for her demo & for everyone to practice on. From the photos & texts I received… her demo was very well-received. Always my favorite sub teacher… I knew she would knock it out of the park!!! Thanks again Catherine!!!

So while I’m out of town… my SURFACE DECORATION class tonight is still going on! I secured them a great sub teacher with a great demo! And I might have done a little “pre-prep” work so they have pieces to work on tonight. Thank you Catherine Tweedie for covering my class… and for sharing all of you Water Etching secrets with them. I can’t wait to see their results when I get back!!!