So this is what happens when you accidentally break off a lantana blossom while watering on the back porch… and then you just happen to have the perfect mini vase for it too!!!

Looks like my Cousin Kim has some serious issues
with her backyard squirrel population… especially now!!!

Squirrels – 1 / Pottery – 0

Celebrating a little MUGSHOT MONDAY with this cute little “curated” shelf of mugs, cups & the perfect mini vase for one single zinnia bloom. Thanks for sharing Kristy!

Another “sneaky-peek” as start to unbrick the soda kiln. It was tough to wait… but I had Summer Campers all day who had to learn how to throw on the wheel (in three hours?) More fun with them tomorrow… but now they’re gone so I’m hoping to unload before I teach again tonight!!! Fingers crossed… so far so good!!!

Top row of bricks removed… let the cooling begin!!!

Just a few clouds floating along the horizon with beautiful reflections shining on the harbor.

Pedaling by I saw these lilies blooming a couple blocks away from my condo… and thought they might be my favorite lily ever!!! Not just the amazing color combination & ombre’ blend, but the way the sunshine is highlighting every petal & creating some stunning shadows.

This little graffiti guy made me smile this afternoon!

A couple hours into the firing this morning, you could start to see some of the “color” inside the kiln. It takes a long time for it to start really heating up… think about all of the pots, shelves & bricks that need to absorb the heat too!!! At certain intervals, you need to adjust the kiln in terms of air & gas ratios. This glowing moment is when I put the kiln into “body reduction” by throwing the balance out of whack with not enough air for a good stable flame. The flames need to seek out air anywhere they can… through the bricks, or more importantly from the porousness of the pots inside… thus sealing them up solid & vitrified!

It was a LATE night… but I finally got the soda kiln loaded & the front door all bricked up last night. Put to bed for the night… and then I got to do the same for myself for a couple hours before returning early this morning to get the firing started. No rest for the weary!!!