One of the big challenges on YouTube is to get watch time...and subscribers! I have tried to mention new channels every time I post to YouTube, and it seems to be helping others. But watch time is another challenge. I know I'm getting close to the 1,000 mark, and that's exciting, but I'm still waaay below the minimum watch hours to get my vids pushed to the next level. Perhaps we can help each other out by rewatching videos, or watching earlier videos that we haven't watched yet. I suggest that if you have a channel and want help with this, post your link in the comments, and let people know if you are trying to get more subscribers, watch time, or both.

Going on my “Wish List”: Crows!!! This guy saved me a parking spot in downtown New Orleans today. Then he hopped into the tree and proceeded to have a conversation. 🐦‍⬛

I’m testing out a diatomaceous stone drying mat in the pottery studio and I’m really curious if this thing lives up to the hype. It’s designed to absorb moisture fast and self-dry, so my thought is… could this be a gentle helper for clay that’s taking forever to firm up? Here’s how I’m planning to use it: • Placing slabs or small handbuilt pieces on it to help even out moisture • Using it under freshly trimmed pots to pull water from the foot without rushing them • Testing it as a slow, steady drying surface instead of boards or drywall ( my drywall is peeling -- annoying) • Seeing if it helps with those awkward in-between stages when clay just won’t cooperate The mat is porous, meant to absorb moisture quickly, and dry itself with airflow, which sounds very promising for studio use. No heat, no sun, just quiet absorption doing its thing. I’ll be testing it today with different clay stages and will report back with results. If this works, it could be a really nice tool for controlled drying without cracking or stress. Has anyone tried something like this already? I’ll update soon with clay receipts 🏺👀

As per Mary's request...a sample of my work

We're almost to February. I haven't had time for the January challenge, but was inspired by a Reddit post to offer this for February. Hear me out! Many new potters post, "How do I make this?" And that's fine, but to me, one of the joys of pottery is figuring things out. So, here's my challenge to you, with time to plan in advance, 'cause it may be a hard one. Find a tutorial video on YouTube or wherever. Then figure out a different way to make the item. Post the link to the tutorial and "making" images from your altered method. Think outside the box! For instance, Tiffinie Helmer (Hobble Creek Pottery) posted a video of hand-building a canteen. I don't have a lot of space to handbuild (and frankly, I'm not so good at it!), so I thought, "How can I make that on the wheel?" I threw two wide, shallow bowls with straight sides and joined them. Then I added pieces for the strap to go through, and a neck for a stopper. BOOM! A wheel thrown canteen. Images for inspiration. This was thrown with Laguna Frost cone 6 porcelain, relief carved, decorated with Colors For Earth Color Concentrates, and glazed with Kitten's Clear or Hanson's 20x5 (don't remember which!). It's got an adjustable strap and I used a rubber band glued to the stopper so it's actually functional. The only thing I'm not thrilled with is the "chain" attaching the stopper to the canteen. I'm excited to see what y'all come up with. There's a hundred ways to make a form. Let's expand our horizons and have some fun!