Hi everyone! I haven’t been on Skool the last few weeks. Being on holidays, then jet lag and life have kept me away as time was limited. And I’ve been missing you all and your news! So I thought maybe you could tell me one interesting thing you have been doing/making in the last few weeks, PLUS mention another pottery person who has done something you found interesting! Links welcome! That way I can get a quick overview of what all you lovely people have been doing! 😃

I’m planning on a Pottery Pop-Up in my driveway/yard the weekend of May 2nd, so in just a week and a half. I have not done any advertising, but plan to let folks know through social media and local groups. The fact is that I use pottery to help with stress and as a form of therapy… so I’ve been doing a lot lately 🤪 and I would like to unload some. It’s funny how my brain can go from worrying about nobody stopping to worrying about not having enough pottery for this Pop-Up. The brain is tricky isn’t it? Because it is in my driveway, there is no cost except my time/effort and I thought it would be interesting to give it a go. I normally do two Markets in November with my Guild and a local benefit so I’m set up for payment and to a certain extent, displays. I’m sharing with you because you’re my Pottery People 💗💗 and I’m nervous. And also to learn if you have any advice. I’m all ears 👂 EDITED TO ADD: I live on a busy/fast country road, so I won’t get foot traffic. It would have to be people who see my signs and drive in.

As many of you know this a second career for Shane and I after we retired from teaching. We are a business not a hobby. This year we will sell at 50 markets. During the winter months we do classes. As I sit here this Monday morning I am wondering where do I see myself at 80. Will be still be doing the markets? Crates are heavy filled with pottery. I do know many vendors in their 80s who are still selling and setting up at markets. Will we have a gallery instead of markets? Perhaps this would be easier on the body but not sure if it would be as profitable. Yes I love making pottery. It is a joy for sure. But I also have to remember that it pays the bills for my family. How about you? What are you sitting and thinking about on your Monday or Tuesday?

Just sailing into Antigua! Can’t think of a better way of turning 61! 🍹😎

I’m curious to know - what was the first piece of pottery you made? This is a picture of mine sitting on the railing of my deck. I found it the other day when I was trying to clear a shelf in my studio. I made it probably 34 years ago. A local college offered a 4 part class with yoga and raku. I’d never done either so everything was a challenge. Luckily we made pinch pots but I was hooked and started taking classes at the local community college. After I finished this piece I filled it with wax to use as a candle. What was your first piece? Do you still have it? If you can, please post a picture of it.