So last week during my SURFACE DECORATION class, my students got their glaze test pieces back from the kiln! The week before we focused on some “different” glazing techniques… and I encouraged them to try something new that they’ve never done before. They’re always hesitant to try new things on their own pieces… so I actually gave them some bisqued cylinders that I made for them ahead of time to play on! Overall, I think they all liked the results… learning some new tricks along the way. I kind of wish we had used a bit more glaze on a few of them that were looking for some good glaze drips running down the sides… not enough glaze, not much of a drip!

After the class discussion & demo about sgraffito, my SURFACE DECORATION class set-off to decorate their own pieces. The goal was to get crisp clean lines & patterns carved through the dark layer of slip or underglaze to reveal the lighter clay body. They really enjoyed using my collection of DiamondCore Carving Tools to get some crisp & clean carving lines. The perfect way to let their creative expressions reveal themselves!

Looks like Rosene & Gerry are enjoying a fine morning breakfast… on some fine dinnerware! Homemade food always tastes better on handmade pottery!

A huge THANK YOU to every one who came out this weekend to the Schaumburg Prairie Arts Festival. It was a great kick-off for my summer art fair season. We had incredible weather… and it was so much fun to see everyone coming out to enjoy some art & time in the sun! If you missed out… be sure to stop by one of my upcoming art fairs! Like the Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival next weekend!

Simple floral arrangements… ikebana vases turn a few stems into a statement.
Handmade ceramic discs perfectly frame your flowers!

All ready for Day Two of the SCHAUMBURG PRAIRIE ARTS FESTIVAL. Shelves have been restocked, the weather is still perfect, the sky is still blue… and the fountain is still running! C’mon by Booth 17 until 5:00pm!

Always fun to see where your pottery goes… I suggested ice cream…
but Johnna apparently had other ideas!

From Johnna… “Instead of eating salad out of my new favorite bowl tonight, I made the best looking guacamole! I’ve looked at your work for a few years at the Schaumburg art fair and so glad I finally pulled the trigger today. Thank you!”

Plus, you’ve gotta love when your friend & pottery “follower” stops by to say “Hi”… and brings along a sweet treat or two!!! You’re the BEST Melissa!!! Thanks again… burp!

What a WONDERFUL day in the park today! We celebrated Day One of the Schaumburg Prairie Arts Festival with PERFECT weather!!! Blue skies, warm sun & cool breezes… perfection. And sure, a scenic pond with a fountain & swans doesn’t hurt either! Looking forward to another great day tomorrow… similar forecast… fingers still crossed though! I’ll be there in my usual Booth #17 from 10:00am-5:00pm… be sure to stop on by!!!