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?

Hello all! I’m hoping some might have experience that they can share about ceramic flower stems. I will need to epoxy stems onto the back of my flowers. Have any potters done this and what did you use for a stem? I’ve seen wood, wire etc.. I have a small shallow hole in back so I’ve purchased an epoxy that I can build up, if needed. I’ve already glazed and/or bisqued the flowers so methods like building a receptacle on back with clay are not options. Any help is appreciated!

April is here (almost), and with it comes that little shift that gets us outside again, into the light, into the fresh air, and a bit closer to everything around us. Nature is waking up, and so is our creativity! 🌸✨ This month, we are taking our inspiration straight from nature. And yes, that includes pretty much everything you can think of. Flowers, plants, and organic shapes 🌼 Animals and all kinds of creatures 🐾 Landscapes, textures, and the little details you suddenly start noticing 🌊 Your task is to create something that reflects what you see or feel when you step outside. Or even what you think you see when you stare at a cloud for a little too long 👀 It can be anything you like. A sculpture. A functional piece. Something painted, carved, printed, or fully experimental. 🎨 There are no limits here, only your interpretation. 🌱 One important rule Your piece should be created in April. Not something you pull out of your shelf thinking, “well, this kind of fits.” Nice try! 😄 Just like spring creates something new, this is your moment to do the same. You can also challenge yourself a little. Try something you have not done before. Go for that idea that once felt a bit too tricky. See what happens if you just give it a go. And of course, you are very welcome to share your ideas, your process, your progress, or even those moments where things are not quite working yet. That is all part of it, and honestly where the good stuff happens. Let’s inspire each other, learn from each other, and maybe surprise ourselves along the way! 💛 By the end of the month, we will hopefully have a whole collection of pieces that show just how much creativity this season can spark. Now go out, look around, and then get your hands dirty! 🌿✨

I am planning on going to the Ceramic Showcase in Portland. I would love to meet up with anyone who might be there. https://www.ceramicshowcase.com/

Drew with clayscapes.com is fighting an expensive medical battle. If you're inclined to help, here's the link. https://gofund.me/d08cffecd