Hmmmm, yummy shino red glaze

I love this new red glaze. Definitely a keeper!

Remember you can click on any photo for a larger view.

Crochet Food

Latest Items - New Glazes

Sunflower Bag

This Sunflower Bag will be on display and for sale at my "Fall Harvest" solo show at the Squamish Public Library Foyer Gallery from October 6 - November 2, 2009.

Photos for Sale

Click here to view more photos available for purchase in any size either on high quality photo paper, stretched canvas or plaque mounted, please email me for more info on pricing and shipping.

Pottery, Crochet and also Photography!

I haven't had a chance to update in awhile. Damn work getting in the way of my creativity! I am starting to prepare for my "Fall Harvest" solo show in October (hence the crocheted Sunflowers).

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I've decided that I am adding photography to the mix! What the hell I live in such a beautiful place it is almost impossible NOT to take good photos. I hope to take some photography courses in the near future as I am a total amateur.

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I am super excited about the two day pottery course by Vincent Massey course this weekend through the Whistler Pottery Club which I am now a member. Vincent Massey is a pottery god! For more info visit his website to see both his pottery and his wife's super cool bull kelp baskets.

Published Patterns!!

To purchase this pattern and others, please go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5081673

Friends of the Foyer Art Gallery Gala

Click on the poster above for larger image.

The 2009 Gallery Artist Fundraiser Exhibition show dates April 7 - May 4: Artists are donating original work that represents their style in the value of $100+. Last year gallery artists were extremely generous, donating works in the value of $100 - $500. The 2009 Gala is on May 4, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, at the gallery, where artists and sponsors can meet at this terrific evening of nibblies, drinks & live music! New this year, there will be an art auction as well as the sponsors draw for art.

Sponsors will pay $50 to become a "Foyer Gallery Friend" and draw for the original art by Gallery Artists -- most have shown/will be showing at the gallery in 2009. Last year's event was a huge successful! We are hoping this year's event will be even more fun.

Please stop by the library gallery between April 7 - May 4 and join me at the Gala on May 4th! Hope to see you there!

Beginner Crochet Classes - Squamish, BC

Crochet as well as many other yarn crafts is becoming more and more popular. It is a craft that you can do literally anywhere and doesn't cost a lot or require lots of tools to get started. Just a couple of crochet hooks and some yarn.

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I am offering beginner crochet classes for $15/hour for one person or $10/hour per person for 2 or more people. Yarn and hooks are $12 or you can provide your own (we can determine before-hand what you will need).

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At of each class you will be given written instruction to take with you to continue to practice your skills as well as a different projects to work on based on your growing skills.

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Feel free to book one class at a time as your skills develop.

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For more information, please contact me at sunnydazedesign@gmail.com

Friends of the Foyer Art Gallery

The Foyer Gallery
�� Foyer Gallery Friends ��

Sponsorship
THE FOYER GALLERY is a contemporary space dedicated
to exhibiting excellent artwork in all media by talented artists
in the Sea to Sky corridor and beyond.
Your sponsorship goes to continuing the operations,
maintenance and promotions of the Foyer Gallery
a non-profit space.

In return for your sponsorship of just $50,
you will also receive:
• A tax receipt for the value of the sponsorship,
• Recognition of your sponsorship in the Gallery,
• Advance notice of upcoming Gallery shows and artist
statements,
• An invitation to the annual Foyer Gallery Soiree for
Gallery Artists and sponsors (in the Foyer Gallery
Monday May 4, 2009 7:00-8:30pm),
• A guaranteed draw for an original artwork by an Artist
of the gallery - many pieces valued at $100 or more!
• The opportunity to participate in an exciting art auction,
• And a chance to win a door-prize.

The Foyer Gallery thanks you for your sponsorship!
Please send this form and your $50.00 payment to:
The Squamish Public Library,
”Foyer Gallery Friends” Sponsorship,
PO Box 1039, 37907 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC V8B 0A7
or drop off at the Library front desk.

Sponsor’s Name:………………………………………..………………......…..
Address:………………………………………………………………............…...
………………………………………………………………........................……….
Tel:…………………………….……………………………………………..............
Email:………………..………………………….…………..........……….………...
Make tax receipt out to……………………………....………………………..
Cash or cheque?……………………………………….........……………………
Questions? Contact the Curator:
Toby Jaxon 604-898-1895 tobyjaxon@shaw.ca
�� ��

You have a 95% chance of going home with a piece of artwork valued at $100 or more. Not bad for a $50 sponsorship! A couple of the items you could win are in the photo's above. Hope to see you there!

For more information on the Foyer Gallery including upcoming shows, please visit: http://squamish.bclibrary.ca/services-programs/foyer-gallery

It's all about me!

The snow is melting, the temperature is slowly rising, robins have been spotted and the sun is finally starting to shine over the mountain tops on the house twice a day! We’re finally getting close to 4 hours of sun a day.

The pottery studio is still too cold and my glazes are still frozen. I hope to be out there in a month as I am bursting with ideas and dying to make some new glazes!

In the meantime I am continuing to try new crochet techniques and making all kinds of new things. All for ME! I just finished a couple of ponchos or as my partner in crime call’s them, neck doilies. I am half way done a sweater and have 4 other patterns and yarn waiting for me to create more. I am making something for my niece’s upcoming wedding also so I guess it is not ALL about me. LOL!

Scroll down to the bottom of this website to see all of the pottery and crochet items currently for sale online.

Did You Know?

Did you know that unlike knitting, crochet cannot be replicated by a machine? There are machines that call themselves (or rather their manufacturers call them) “crochet machines”. They weave a fabric that from a distance resembles crocheted lace. However, when looked at up close, it truly is a simple warp and weft weave! The machine just has complex templates for weaving. On the other hand, machine knitting is indistinguishable from hand knitting, assuming even tension by the hand knitter, because the machine actually creates a knit stitch for each stitch. The so-called “crochet machines” can only make woven lace fabric that looks like crochet from a distance, and there are no machines that even attempt to create a facsimile of crocheted fabric, such as a sweater or afghan. I’ve seen the fake “crocheted” curtain panels and tablecloths produced on those machines… they aren’t particularly attractive and I’ve only seen them in cheap “diner” style restaurants and WalMart’s curtain department. So, if you see a bargain priced crocheted doily (Michael’s loves to sell these as decorating accessories) sweater or afghan, you can bet your last dollar that it was produced in a sweat shop somewhere by some woman or child working for pennies… or less.

What to Expect for 2009

2009 will be an exciting year of new glazes and more intricate and unique designs for both my pottery and crochet creations.

The main pottery colors will still be blues and greens but I am going to have more glossy versus matt glazes as they react more together so you never know what you are going to get. I will also be integrating additional colors to the mix such as a red/purple.

Crochet will also encompass more colors as well as more unique designs. Items you would never find in a store.

I am really excited about getting back into the studio and creating new pieces, thawing out my glazes and creating new glazes once the studio warms up again. The plan for 2009 is also to build a new studio which I will be able to heat and work in year round..

<---- To buy online please visit my Etsy shop by clicking on the buy online link to the left or scrolling to the very bottom of this website.

See you soon!

Seasons Greetings!

The craft fairs are done for the season but I still have some stock is anyone is looking for some last minute gifts!

The 3 craft fairs were a success! The last one at the Brackendale Art Gallery the most interesting since we lost power during the wind storm and had to resort to candles but it made it quaint and Christmasy!

Enjoy the video below. The video consists of myself, Greg, little Lucy, Big Jake and an unknown elf! Seasons Greetings!

Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub Craft Fair

A photo from yesterday's craft fair at the Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub (click on to the photo to enlarge)

Thank you everyone for stopping by and visiting!

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I have two more craft fairs coming up:

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Saturday December 6 ~ 10am - 3pm
Brennan Park Recreation Centre** I will be selling off all my SALE items for both pottery and crochet. Most items are $10 and under **

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Saturday December 13 ~ 10am - 6pm
Brackendale Art Gallery

Integrating Techniques!

I crocheted a fern from the book Crochet Bouquet - Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson and pressed it into a clay plate. This particular plate has been sent to the author of this book!

To learn more about Suzann Thompson, please visit her website.

Upcoming Craft Fairs

This holiday season will be busy with the following craft fairs:

Sunday November 30 ~ 10am - 4pm

Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub

Saturday December 6 ~ 10am - 3pm

Brennan Park Recreation Centre
** I will be selling off all my SALE items for both pottery and crochet. Most items are $10 and under **

Saturday December 13 ~ 10am - 6pm

Brackendale Art Gallery

I will have an assortment of gifts that will appeal to all people of all ages.

Pottery - Lanterns, bird houses, pitchers, and tea pots

Crochet - Organic wash cloths, dolls, retro coasters and bags

Hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Halloween!

I absolutely LOVE Halloween!

I have been busy in the studio making many new pieces for the upcoming Xmas craft fair season as well as crocheting in the evenings. Check for more updates soon on the items I will be selling at this years craft fairs.

Random New Items

New Stuff

A couple things I just finished this week. I love this brown tea pot and one that will come to lots of use. I guess I better start drinking tea!

My newest Amigurumi Monkey. I plan on making more amigurumi creatures to sell at the craft fairs with my pottery this Christmas season. I will list the dates of the shows I will be in once them.

I have been experimenting with bird feeders and plan on making more bird houses soon too.

And of course I had to sneak in a recent picture of the dogs so you can see how big Jake is getting. He is 7 months old in this picture. Lucy is 4 years old. Aren't they the best looking dogs?

Butter Dish Story

When I started making pots 2 years ago, a butter dish was one of the first things I wanted to make as the one we have is just down right ugly. They were either too small or too big and for some reason I just couldn't get it right. Until now! We finally have a proper butter dish.

And then there were 6

I made 3 more lanterns because I loved how they turned out. They take a long time with the lids and the holes. The blue one has a hole in the bottom for a light fixture.

Putting it all in Perspective

Life is a wonderful thing as even when it throws us some curve balls, it also gives us the opportunity to learn and change. These last 4 months have trying but has helped me put things into perspective and has refocused my life into realizing what is important to me. Starting a business, having to do reno’s on the house, bringing another living creature into our home and almost losing a family member, twice, can really make you think which is always a good thing.

Unfortunately I have to work and that has to come first. No work = no food, no house, no anything. Fortunately I love what I do and I am good at it. I guess it helps that I am my own boss with my own company but there is also a lot financial stresses that goes along with it.

So what does all of this have to do with my pottery and crochet? Absolutely everything! I cannot be creative unless I am enjoying what I am doing. I could set a whole day aside to do pottery, but if I am not passionate about it at that moment, I will no longer force myself to do it because what I will create will not make me happy. I am no longer going to get caught up in what the public may like or trying to meet deadlines.

I do pottery and crochet because it allows me to create, it relaxes me, it makes me happy and I am proud for my accomplishments. Period. It is a hobby, not a job. I have a job. The items I have made recently have been above and beyond anything I have made in the past. Although it is not a huge amount because there are only so many hours in the day, I am very proud of my creations and vast improvements every time I pick up a piece of clay or yarn.

So remember “We're here for a good time. Not a long time. So have a good time, The sun can't shine everyday” Trooper 1977.

Visuals - Squamish Valley Artists Rack Card

Click on the image for a larger view

Back at 'er!

I finally got back on the wheel after a 7 month hiatus! Sometimes life and work just get in the way! I hope to make more lanterns and bird houses over the next 3 months leading up to ArtWalk in September.

You can purchase my crocheted Sunflower Pattern: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12341120

Foyer Gallery Group Show - June 3 - July 7, 2008

June 3 to July 7: Foyer Gallery Group Show, "Summer Synergy". Squamish Public Library. VISUALS Squamish Valley Artist Society will be presenting a group show at the Foyer. Mon, June 2 to Sun, July 6. Foyer Gallery Group Show "Summer Synergy" – Our warm weather exhibit. Combined effort being greater than parts! Mon – Thur 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Fri – Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Winter 2008

A picture from the Brennan Park craft fair above - December 2007

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Lucy (4 years old) & Jake (12 weeks old)

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With the arrival of our second bundle of joy (Jake) a couple of weeks ago, I have decided not to attend the Wild at Art this year. Even if I had adequate time, I would be scrambling to make new pieces and cleaning up my glazes which froze over the winter. My pottery and crochet are supposed to be my passion/hobby and when they start to cause stress and worry, it is time to remember what is important. I do both of these things for the joy of it. There are more shows and more time!

Still cold - still crocheting

It is still way too cold to get out in the studio and I need a good two weeks at +5 degrees in order to thaw out my glazes and work on some new pieces. It doesn't look promising that I will have any new pottery for the Wild at Art in March. Hopefully the weather will warm up soon. In the meantime I continue to crochet!

Crochet, Crochet and more Crochet!

It is still too cold outside so I continue to crochet! I am itching to get out in my pottery studio but I think it will only be a matter of weeks now!

A Year (and a bit) in review

Considering I have only been doing pottery for 15 months, I would consider 2007 a great success. I have my own wheel, kiln and a great little space to create. I have accomplished making my own glazes and continue to tweak my skills and take courses. In 2007 my pottery was in 5 shows and one craft fair and I have also sold quite a bit of pottery online.

So what does 2008 hold? This winter has been extra cold which hasn't allowed me to spend time in the studio. It has been hovering around the freezing point which means my clay freezes and my glazes are a semi-frozen disaster. So I am waiting for the weather to warm. In the meantime, I taught myself how to crochet and have been branching out into selling accessories such as hats and bags. I will also be selling these items online via http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5081673

My next show will be Wild at Art March 14 - 23, 2008 and I will be displaying dozens of birdhouses of all shapes in sizes utilizing the wheel, hand-building and extruded clay. For more information on the Wild at Art Festival, please visit http://www.wildatart.ca/

Please take the time to fill out the poll in the left hand column to provide feedback on what items you would like to see me make in 2008.

Christmas Sale!!!

All items on my website have been

reduced from 15% to 50%!

I need to make space for 2008!

Free shipping within Squamish.

Please visit my store for details: http://www.sunnydazedesign.etsy.com/

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Happy Holidays and all the best in 2008!!

Upcoming Shows

Brennan Park Christmas Craft Fair

Saturday December 2, 2007

10am - 2pm

Brennan Park Community Centre

1009 Centennial Way, Squamish

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Garibaldi Highlands Elementary School

Christmas Craft Fair

Friday December 7, 2007

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

2590 Portree Way, Garibaldi Highlands

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Wild at Art Festival

http://www.wildatart.ca/

March 14 - 23, 2008

West Coast Railway Heritage Park

39645 Government Road, Squamish

ArtWalk Weekend!!!

This weekend was a success with lots of sales and great exposure! Thank you all for stopping by.

I have posted all of my items online for sale. Feel free to visit www.sunnydazedesign.etsy.com to view or purchase any new items from the Sea to Sky Collection.

I will be at the Christmas Craft Fair at Brennan Park on December 1, 2007 from 10am - 2pm.

NEW Glaze and New Items

Here it is, the new Sea to Sky Collection!!!

Click on to each picture for a close up.

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The square plates are also a new addition suggested

by a friend of mine (Glenda Morin) who loved the new glaze

and suggested square plates!!

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To see all of the items of my Sea to Sky Collection

either click onto my online gallery on the left or visit:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign/NEWSeaToSkyGlazeCollection

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Remember my upcoming studio tours/demos/sales coming up on September 22 & 23, 2007

Art at the Market

Today was a great show. I received lots of value feedback and had a few sales too! The weather definitely hindered our traffic flow but it was worth it!

Next show is the ArtWalk Studio Tour on September 22 & 23, 2007 11am - 5pm in my home studio.

New Studio!

My studio has been revamped! More space, more light and the creative juices are flowing! Thanks Greg for your help!!!

New Work

The glaze combo on the plates is called Sea to Sky.

Fresh out of the kiln this morning.

Contest Finalist!

I didn't win the glaze contest that I entered (tea pot) but I was one of the finalists! Not bad for a rookie! http://coyoteclay.com/contestfinalists.html

Visit me at the SAC building on Cleveland on Saturday August 18th as I will have my pottery on display and for sale!

Pictures of my new studio to come shortly!

The perfect colour match?

As any artist, I want my work to be unique. I guess that is what all artists strive for. I want someone see a table of my wares and instantly think to themselves "there is Lisa's stuff, I should see what she is selling this year to add to my growing set". I have been trying to create a colour theme of sorts and have been messing around with making my own glazes (commercial glazes are more consistent but WAY more expensive). I want 2 - 3 complimentary colours which I can say are mine. Above are the green and blue shades I want to work with. The green needs a little more tweaking but definitely on the right track! It's coming together. My next show is at the SAC building in Squamish, BC on August 18, 2007.

Serving Sets

Some serving sets hot out of the kiln ready

for my summer shows/sales:

Upcoming Art Shows

My pottery will be on display August 18 at the SAC building as well as I will have my studio open for tours/demos on September 22 & 23, 2007! For details visit www.squamishart.com

Crochet

Click on picture for a closer view

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Okay, so it is not made out of clay but I made it! I have recently taught myself how to crochet.

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Don't get me wrong, I love pottery but I need a good 2 - 6 hours set aside to do pottery because of all the prep work and clean up time involved. Crochet is great if I have 10 minutes here and there without clean up and can be done almost anywhere!

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So crochet is my latest addiction on top of pottery. Poor Greg, he is worried that the house will be filled with doilies soon!

Updates

Click onto any picture for a close up.

Above are some new pieces I just pulled out of the kiln. This month is was all about flower pots and vases. I have been inspired by Spring! The one small bud vase was made especially for rhododendrons just in time as my 4 bushes are opening this week!

I haven't been spending as much time on the wheel as I used to. Before I was happy just to make "stuff" but now when I hand-build or sit at the wheel, I have something specific in mind. I still try something new every single time, but I plan in advance.

I have also been enjoying spring, gardening, working a lot and teaching myself how to crochet (my mother is so proud). I have a bit of a lull in work coming up so I will be busy on the wheel as I have 3 shows coming up in August and September and I do not want to wait until the last minute!

New Stuff

Click on each image for a close up.

The wash basin & pitcher and the tea pot are hot out of the kiln.

And Another Tea Pot

My latest Tea Pot !!!

More tea pots and sea shell pottery to come!

Visuals - Squamish Valley Artists

The Squamish Valley Artists Society is a non-profit organization that supports the development, education and promotion of local visual artists.

The Squamish Valley Artists Society creates mentoring and networking opportunities for all artisans to share their knowledge and skills and will assist in the development of professional business, marketing and sales, skills.

Squamish Valley Artists Society promotes raising community awareness and appreciation for the economic, social and cultural value of local artisans.

For more information on Visuals, please visit:

http://www.squamishart.com/

Upcoming Events:

Art at the Market: June 30, July 14 & August 18, 2007

Artwalk – Studio & Gallery Tours: September 22 & 23, 2007 (I will be doing tours of my studio both days)

New! Shino Glazes

Hot out of the kiln this morning! Click on each picture to enlarge.

More on VISUALS - The Squamish Valley Artists Group and upcoming shows shortly!

The Process

For many non-potters, you probably are not aware of the process that is involved with making pottery. Every potter differs in some way but I thought I would share with you the steps I go through before I have a finished piece.

Day 1 – Hand build or make a piece of pottery on the wheel.

Day 2-3 – Trim bottoms, add handles and/or spouts

Day 14 – 21 – The piece is dry enough to bisque fire in the kiln. I allow my pieces to dry slower than most to alleviate cracking. I have yet to lose a handle in this process.

Day 14 – Bisque Fire – The pieces are first fired in the kiln to cone 06 (1798 F) over an 8 to 9 hour period. Bisque is a fired piece of unglazed ceramic. Sometimes I will candle the kiln at a very low temperature the night prior to the firing keeping it under the boiling point (212 F) to ensure everything is nice and dry before the firing, then I fire the kiln for 8.5 hours. I have to wait 15 hours until the kiln is cool enough to open the lid after the bisque firing is completed, usually when the kiln is under 350 F. I have a very small kiln which is 18 square inches, so it heats up quite quickly.

Day 15 – Glaze the bisque fired pots and pack the kiln again.

Day 16 – Fire the kiln for the second time to cone 6 (versus 06) which is 2165 F over an 9 hour period with a 15 minute soak to ensure my glazes have time to move around on my piece. I slow down the cooling the first 1000 F especially with matt glazes.

Day 17 – 15 hours after the kiln has cooled off, it is ready to be opened and unpacked within the next couple of hours.

Therefore from the time something is made until it is ready for use is a minimum of 17 days.

*~* Coming soon – Tea Pots and more Shino glazes! *~*

Wild at Art Success

The Wild at Art show was a success and I sold some of my work! The show received lots of media attention from the local newspaper; local programming show on Shaw TV; Mountain FM and CTV in Vancouver!

My pottery is on TV! Okay so it was only a millisecond but if you watch Shaw Cable TV’s local programming in Squamish this week Feb 24 – March 2 at every odd hour, they show my pottery at 15 minutes past the hour right after Cathryn Atkinson’s riveting speech regarding this year’s budget. Don’t blink!!!!

You can buy my pottery online by visiting www.sunnydazedesign.etsy.com

Visit my gallery and blog often as I update both every week with news and new pieces as they come out of the kiln! I have some new super cool Shino glazes which I will post later this week!

Wild at Art Festival 2007

The Wild at Art Festival is taking place at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC from February 16 - 25, 2007. (click on the picture for a close up).

"Wild at Art is the festival that will showcase Squamish to the world during the 2010 Olympics. This year the Wild at Art festival is growing from 2.5 days of festival, and ten days of viewing the Art Gallery, to a 10-day festival. We are building to a full 17-day festival in 2010. "

To see more pictures of my work submitted to this show, please visit http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign/WildAtArtDisplaySquamishBC

Wild at Art: www.WildatArt.ca
Railway Park: www.wcra.org

Be sure to stop by the gallery. The layout, atmosphere, lighting and beautiful artwork nestled between trains dating back to 1890 is definitely worth it!

Another Show!

I received a call on Wednesday (Feb 7) with an invitation to be a part of the Wild at Art show next week. At first I thought, "I am not ready nor do I have enough stuff for the show". Then I thought I have just enough time to run the kiln and no I am not ready for something like this, but what the hell?!?!? I will probably look back in years to come and think how crazy I was to display my amateur pieces BUT right now I am pleased and proud of the results that I have had in just 5 short months.

I was wondering how I could swing it as I had a pottery course this weekend (hand-built tea pots with Kay Austen) and I needed to run a bisque and glaze fire plus clean up all my glazes that froze in our recent cold snap. This is our busiest time of year at work too (yes I have a real job) but I had just enough of a break to manage some time to make this happen. If the invite came any later I would not have been able to pull it off.

Wednesday night I loaded up the kiln and candled (low temp) the kiln all night long as some of my pieces where not dry enough. Thursday I ran the bisque fire and mixed and re-sieved all my glazes. Friday morning I unloaded the kiln, glazed everything and reloaded the kiln for the glaze firing. I was able to see the results Saturday before running off to my tea pot making course!

I still need to catalogue and price everything, plus clean the bottoms, do up my bio (bought some nice hand-made paper), update my online gallery, etc, etc, but I will be ready in time for Tuesday. I will update my blog when my pieces are displayed at the Wild at Art show.

For more information on the Wild at Art show, please visit www.WildatArt.ca. "Wild at Art is the festival that will showcase Squamish to the world during the 2010 Olympics. This year the Wild at Art festival is growing from 2.5 days of festival, and ten days of viewing the Art Gallery, to a 10-day festival. We are building to a full 17-day festival in 2010."

More Glaze Tests

I continue to experiment with different glazes as I am addicted!

To view my latest work and glaze tests, click on to MC6G Test #3 on the left hand column.

One thing I learned (the hard way) is glazes do not like to be frozen and I should have sieved them first but my impatience got the better of me!
Enjoy! Lisa

Gallery Display - Jan 9 - Feb 6, 2007

I currently have some of my work displayed and for sale at the Foyer Gallery at the Squamish Public Library.


January 9, 2007 - February 6, 2007
37907 2nd Avenue
Squamish, BC


This is my first event showing my work publically so I am very excited!

Online Gallery & Sales

Happy New Year!

Visit my gallery for my latest pieces for sale: http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign

I have revamped the gallery by item type as my product line is increasing!

If you have any requests on particular items with particular glazes, please email me with your requests! Enjoy!

Glaze Tests

I have been extremely busy with testing glazes the last 3 weeks. My first batch was from Michael Bailey's book. I chose the AM1 base as I fell in love with the colors. They came out perfectly but proved to be too matt and opaque for functional ware.

My second round of glazes tests are from Mastering Cone 6 Glazes by John Hesselberth & Ron Roy: http://www.masteringglazes.com/index.html

They came out perfectly! I am so pleased and excited by the results. I will run another kiln load next week and post those pictures. Now I am dying to get on the wheel to make more! To check out my latest work with the MC6G tests, go to:

http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign/MC6GGlazeTests1?authkey=i-BZTFQjkmg and http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign/MC6GGlazeTests2?authkey=87aG5aHhyC8

Christmas Presents

There is nothing more special and rewarding than making something yourself and giving it to a family member or a friend. The candle holders to the right were gifts for my sister at Christmas and the Beer Stein and coffee mug was for my brother.

I wanted to give something extra special to my mother but I had yet to complete (fire & glaze) a piece which I felt was good enough or special enough. Luckily her birthday is coming up in a couple of months!

I'm Bustin'!

I love the shape of this bowl and the colors!!! Look at the cool effects where the green and black meet! This was going to be a gift but I like it too much to give away. Click on it to get a closer look!!!

A couple of days ago I was sitting at the wheel and I made something that made me say "Wow" for the first time! I am starting to be pleased with my results! So the lessons are paying off. I now have control over the clay and now it is just a matter of practice, practice, practice!

My test glazes are almost done so that is the next step! It is exciting and scary at the same time because I need to experiment with the glazes but I want results now that I really am starting to like what I am making. Yikes! Patience was never one of my assets!

Glaze Fire Success !!

My first kiln load of glazed pieces was also a success! I had a bit if a panic because I couldn't see my cones properly but in the end everything worked perfectly. The picture on the left is my favorite piece.

The kiln worked great and the glazes came out perfectly but I am not really all that impressed with the results. Not that there were any mistakes just the painting with a brush (versus dipping or pouring) has a very, how could I describe it, juvenile result. But I wasn't in love with any of these pieces as they were the first ones I threw on the wheel and the first ones to experiment with the glazes.

I did have some cool results where the glazes over-lapped and I will duplicate that again on future pieces. Now I really have the incentive to make my own glazes versus premixed glazes. I am just waiting for one more piece of the puzzle and I can embark on marking my own glazes very soon.

Bisque Fire Success!

I put Estrin (new kiln) through the paces of her first bisque firing yesterday. I was in the garage at 6am when it was -18C with the wind chill. She worked great and the bisque was a complete success. Not a single crack or loss! It took 10.5 hours to get her to just short of 1800 F. A little slower than it could have been but I was paranoid and I wasn't sure how fast the kiln would heat up so I was playing it safe. At 7:30am today the temp was still 300 F with the peep holes open and -10.5C outside.

The picture above is the bisque ware fresh out of the kiln ready to be glazed. Tomorrow I will load up the kiln again for a glaze firing. Cross your fingers!

Dyna (the old kiln) has found a new home at a shelter in East Vancouver. The man who picked it up repairs kilns and will be able to get her going without much cost. So everyone is happy!

Good-Bye Dyna, Hello Estrin

Dyna was supposed to be my new best friend but after much investigation it was going to cost me $200 - $300 to have her wired up and that was IF we had enough room on our electrical panel to do so and I wasn't even sure if she worked.

So welcome Estrin who is a much newer model (if you call 1978 newer). She is in perfect shape, the same size AND she will plug right into the dryer outlet so no need for creative wiring!

Online Galley & Items for Sale

It's official! Click here to check out my latest pieces plus items for sale.

http://picasaweb.google.com/SunnyDazeDesign

It is a little sparse at the moment but I will add items as they are completed so visit often!

Pottery Class

So here they are, some of the lopsided items I made in the pottery class I just took. They all dried to the bat so upon trying to remove them their bottoms got ruined and they turned out a little lopsided. But I learned a lot from the course and am now taking my second course.

I have been making lots of stuff on the wheel and hand-building by using my extruder and slab building. So as soon as the kiln is up and running I will post some more finished pieces.

Kiln

I'd like you to meet Dyna. She's old (40+ yrs), she's ugly and she's needs some work. Apparently she works and she is going to be my new best friend. Her interior is in great shape! She is an old Dyna-Kiln H-8800 from L&L Manufacturing. L&L has been around for 60 years and this is one of their oldest kilns. She needs some new wiring, shelves and a little love but I hope to have her running this coming weekend. I have a bit to learn as she is completely manual. She does have a pyrometer but I will need to get some cones to ensure she fires to the appropriate temperature for bisque and glaze firing. Needless to say, I am very excited to have my own kiln as I can be completely self-sufficient.

Tomorrow we are pulling out all of our glazed pieces at the studio where I am taking a course so I will post some of my drunk-ware (aka my lopsided pieces) shortly. If we have enough people the wheel-throwing course will commence this Thursday!

Gettin' Muddy & Takin' Classes

There are things you just can't learn from a book or video! I have many books on pottery and a couple of DVD's. These are great for ideas and tips and tricks but to really get started you need to take lessons or be shown by someone first hand. Pottery is such a hand's on skill and a lot of things can be learned by handling clay to see what it will or will not do, by pushing the clay and yourself to the limits. But the basics of centering and throwing clay are rarely self-taught.

I have been fortunate enough to be taking a beginners class in pottery fundamentals - hand-building, throwing on the wheel and glazing right here in Squamish. I already had some basics but I have much to learn and have learned so much in this course. I'm very excited about the up-coming wheel throwing class with Kay Austen!

Needless to say, I have many pieces right now. Luckily I have lots of family members!!!

Oh and I pick up a kiln on Saturday!!! My very own kiln! It needs a little work but it should be running in a week or so!!!!

More to come on that!!

Quote's

Pottery is very individual and very personal. There are two quotes which sum this up:

Jenny Smack is a local potter here in Squamish, BC. "I have an inner urgency and passion for clay, as it allows me to indulge my senses into creation....the raw tactile connection I experience with the clay. " http://members.shaw.ca/jennysmack/

Bill van Gilder from the DIY Network in the US "The more we sit behind our computers, the more we need that handmade mug, serving bowl, or plate that grounds us. They not only connect us to earth materials, they connect us by touch to all the thought, emotion and creativity that went into making them."

Greenware

Here is my first batch of "stuff" that I made on the wheel. Although not perfect, I am pleased with the results. I have learned a lot of "what not to do" in this process.

Drying is a slow process (1 - 2 weeks) and should not be rushed. The pieces are flipped over so that they have a chance to dry uniformly to prevent stress on the piece which could lead to cracking. I dry my pieces for 3 - 7 days in the garage where it is cool and damp and then move them into the house after trimming.

Once the greenware is completely dried it is ready for the first firing in the kiln. Once it is fired, the bisque ware is ready to for glazing. Then it will be fired at a higher temperature a second time to set the glaze. More on glazing later!

The majority of these pieces will also be used to test my glazes and different types of glazing techniques.

For more information about pottery visit http://www.answers.com/topic/pottery

Trimming

Today I trimmed a bunch of my work which I have thrown on the wheel. Trimming is the last stage before bisque firing. Work that is thrown on the wheel often needs to be trimmed or turned to make its thickness uniform and/or to form a foot on the piece. This process is done when the piece has stiffened enough to survive manipulation. This condition is called leather hard. As you can see by the picture, the finished work is placed upside down on the wheel and held into place by bits of soft clay so the piece does not fly off of the wheel.

The piece is allowed to air dry until it is hard and dry to the touch. At this stage it is known as greenware. Items of greenware are very brittle but they can be handled with care. Greenware items are occasionally sanded with fine grade sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish in the completed item.

The greenware is often given a preliminary firing in a kiln. Once it has been fired the articles are known as biscuit ware or bisque.

Welcome to my Blog!

As a child growing up in Scarborough, Ontario I always knew two things. One was I did not want to live in a big city and two was that I always wanted to be creative. I wanted to be able to create something with my hands. Something I could be proud of because I made it.

I moved to British Columbia in 1994 and fell in love with the mountains and the ocean but Vancouver was still a big city. In 2002 I moved to Squamish and for the first time in my life I felt like I was home to stay. Squamish is everything I every dreamed of as a child and I feel so fortunate to have found the perfect place to live and grow.

I have tried many different mediums of art over the years but nothing really captured me until I tried pottery. In 1999 I took my first course in pottery focusing on hand-building techniques and I fell in love with clay. I dabbled a bit but did not have the adequate environment as an incentive to be creative. I always wanted to try out the pottery wheel but I felt a little intimated because I knew I wanted to do it, but what if I couldn’t do it? Patience was never one of my stronger attributes but the desire and need to create with clay was lurking inside and looking for an avenue of escape.

In October 2006 I had the opportunity to take a wheel-throwing course at Clayworks Community Pottery Studio in Squamish and I was immediately hooked. Since then I have taken more courses, set up my own studio with a wheel, a kiln, an assortment of tools and I make and experiment with my own glazes.

I am completely addicted to clay. I lay awake at night thinking about different forms, methods, ideas and glazing techniques. I have a constant urge to get out into my studio and immerse myself in a project. I like to push myself and push the clay to its limits to learn what the clay will do. Clay used to control me, then I controlled the clay but now we cooperate.

I enjoy all forms of pottery from slab-building; coil-building; using extruded shapes; sculpting to throwing on the wheel. I use a multitude of mediums in my work and I am always thinking of the next 100 techniques I want to try or things I want to make. There are just not enough hours in the day.

I have found my home here in Squamish and discovered my passion for pottery. I feel very fortunate for the opportunities I have had and I am looking forward to growing and developing my skills. I am proud of my accomplishments thus far and I am excited about advancing my skills to the next level. This is a dream come true for me as I have a persistent inner desire and passion to get muddy and “play clay”.