Support NHPTV Holiday Auction Nov. 17th - Dec. 5th!

The NHPTV Holiday Auction is happening now, and this set of three Clayworks Holly Ornaments is now open for bidding!  Each set of three valued at $52.00  

Get ready for Christmas with 3 handcrafted, handpainted, kiln fired white clay ornaments. Included are red and green holly stocking ornaments and a green holly mitten ornament.

Proceeds from the Auction support funding for NHPTV's programs and educational services.

Thank you for supporting NHPTV!

I'm Getting Ready for my Upcoming Craft Show!

For about five years now I've enjoyed participating in the annual Crafting for the Holidays juried craft fair in Effingham, NH.  It's a Thanksgiving weekend craft show featuring craftspeople from New Hampshire and Maine. 

SOME OF OUR FEATURED ARTISTS INCLUDE:

Susann Foster Brown – Etched wall & textile pieces

Magi Leland – Artwork

Ann Skehan – Quilts

Lee Spiller - Stone Sculpture

Charlotte Waitner – Soy Candles

Peggy Brewster – Photographer

Ruth Mathews – Handmade Rugs

Donald Murdock – toys

Rich Ray Bliss - Paper Sculpture & Jewelry

P’nina Kaplan of P’Ninas Designs

Garden Dreams, Goat Soaps & Herbal Creams

Karyl Bisson of Simple Gifts – woodland terrariums

Shirley Mensch, Art & Illustration

Jodi Johanssen – Wreaths and More

Susan Gaboriault – Pins

Candace Maher – Cards, Calendars & More

Ann Morgan - Lampshades

Lisa Boucher, Clay Jewelry

Denise Walker – Sculptured Textiles

Frank & Linda Wise – Woodturned Pens & Scarves

Jan Graham of Tactile Comforts - Felted items and more;

Hope to see you there!

My First Attempt at Toggles - Part One

Sometimes it's just hard to find the right toggle. Don't you think?

I'm working on a special project, and thought it would look nice to have a toggle to match the necklace design I'm working on. I've always admired the beautiful toggle clasps by Mary Harding and other clay artists, but haven't actually tried my hand at them until now.

So I just went for it, and took out my clay and started browsing my tools and molds and got started.  I chose some of my favorite templates that I've used for years for my earrings and pins etc.  I made them by drawing their shapes on stencil paper, then using an X-acto knife to cut out the shapes.  I've found that file folders work as well as stencil paper.  I rolled out the clay, then cut the shapes with a clay cutting tool.

Then I picked out a few molds that I've used for my jewelry with themes that I use on a regular basis like swirls, starfish and leaves. I pressed the cut clay shapes into the molds.

After pressing the shapes into the molds, it makes the edges of the piece unruly, so I put the template over the piece again, and re-cut it to make the edges even. 

Once I had my toggle pieces, I inserted some high fire wire loops into the edges of the toggles, and the reverse of the toggle bars.

After the toggles were dry, I sponged them smooth with an elephant ear sponge, and smoothed the toggle openings with a large bristle brush.  These photos were taken during the pre-smooth stage.

I chose the same patterns to make the toggle bars. It's quite a process, but I found it very enjoyable. I think the most difficult part is figuring out where to put the design on the toggle so you can see it afterwards, since you cut out a pretty good chunk in the middle.It made me appreciate the amount of work that goes into making a finished toggle, and I'm only half way there.

So first thing this morning I headed out to the kiln and I'm firing them up! I'll be back for part two once I glaze them.  See you then!

The Mug I received from the Etsy Mud Team Mug Swap!

A few weeks ago I entered the Etsy Mud Team Mug Swap, and the other day this awesome mug arrived from the Barefoot Potteress!

Look at the beautiful glazing, and the mug has such a great feel to it.  I love large mugs, for my coffee in the morning so it's the perfect size for me.

As an added treat, there was a really cool earth clay button and sweet little soap and soapdish with a swirl design! I love them all! 

If you want to see more Barefoot Potteress creations, visit her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebarefootpotteress

Happy Halloween!

A Dragonfly Mug

This was my entry today in the Etsy Mud Team Mug Swap. 

I challenge you to say that 10 times fast.

I made this from speckled clay in one of my classes with my pottery instructor Sally Cornwell.  I painted the dragonfly design with wax resist, then dipped the handle side in white glaze, and the dragonfly side in blue glaze.

An Autumn Walk in New Hampshire

I took advantage of this perfect autumn weather and ventured out to the beaver dam at lunch today.

The colors are at their peak right now. This season is glorious but fleeting.

These were all taken in the Ossipee Mountains of Tuftonboro.

Except this which was taken at my daughter's wedding in Plymouth, NH last weekend.

And the Winners from the September Giveaway Are...

Erica Bickford (aka Crazy Momma) and Yoli Miramontes! 

Thanks very much to Everyone for your wonderful comments. I so appreciate the feedback.  Keep an eye out for more fabulous giveaways on October 24th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Ceramic Clay Blogger's Studio Tour Event!