Questions as I Wait- Creating a Studio

Well, I'm in the midst of waiting for three weeks until my kiln and wheel arrive from Bennett Pottery. See the previous post for the kinds that I purchased. In the meantime, I'm saving money everywhere I can.

I also have a few questions: Comments, please!

1. Better to have an electrician come to wire my garage after or before the kiln arrives? There's only one outlet in the garage. Does this matter?

2. Better to have a dryer vent put in the garage before or after the kiln arrives? Not sure how long the cord is that goes into the outlet which would matter where I place the kiln.

And I have other purchases to make including...

clay--- for cone 6. Any suggestions on which to buy? Am thinking about some NC clay (I'm not into porcelain; last clays I used were highwater phoenix and zella stone). Thought about trying some starworks clay- the okeeweemee one.

Also need to make several purchases including...

a banding wheel---

glazes!

a space heater

This is also a big switch for me from cone 10 to cone 6. Any wisdom in this?

Thankfully my parents are coming next Sunday, I think... to help around the house and with a few set-up projects for my studio. It will be wonderful to have them here! We'll do fun things together like create a wedging table and also put some shelves in too.

geez, somedays I tell myself it would be great to have an avocation that is less expensive! Still I love it, and miss it more than I can say.

All these decisions! Would love to hear your nuggets of wisdom about creating a studio.

NC Pottery Center event in early February

Hoping to attend the Potter's Palate at the NC Pottery Center on Saturday, February 4. Looked at the preview on their website (www.ncpotterycenter.com/) of the artist's tiles. Really like Michael Kline's and Michael Mahan's---- which remind me of their pottery and Alex Matisse's is perhaps, the most creative!

2012 Plans

Happy New Year! Here are some older pottery pieces, which are now the homes for narcissus bulbs. The two in front were made while I was at Odyssey studios in Asheville, just starting out as a potter. Hardly a foot on those bowls, yet I love the butterscotch color (can't remember it's true name).

Am excited about 2012, namely that I'll be creating a studio in my home after I purchase these two pieces of equipment- first, a Skutt KM- 1027. And, then a Brent wheel too- a C one. (splash pan included). These are two big plans of mine for 2012.

My parents will soon visit and help with the creation of my studio-- making a wedging table and a few other things. Yes, 2012 will hold much good. I'm thankful.

Plus, I await the arrival of a mug that I purchased from Jen Mecca. I've wanted one of her ceramic pieces for a long while now.

Well, and I'm already beginning to think of which clay I'll begin to use...... hmmm

All the best to you in 2012. More soon!

End of 2011

The rest of 2011 has flown by. My hopes for 2012 include getting a skutt electric kiln and a brent wheel. I'll do it. Just a matter of time and saving up some more money. I must admit that it has been quite difficult to be away from the wheel since mid-September. In a sense, I had forgotten how much being a potter had become and still is a part of me. I can hardly wait to get back to it.

Still need to unpack some in my new home. Work has been especially busy. I underestimated how tired I'd be from all of the change. Above is a picture of me on Thanksgiving Day as I was there for the annual Blessing of the Hunt event in Southern Pines. Quite fun! More people than I've ever seen. It was full with tailgaters and over 600 people present. Have never had so many pictures taken of me along with the horses and hounds in one place- this is one of the many. Fun to wear the Anglican vestments... Gorgeous day!

I also hope to keep in better touch in the pottery blogging world in 2012. It's been simply wonderful to keep up with friends' blogs. Thanks for all you've taught and continue to teach me. I look forward to learning much more. All the best to you!