Invasion of the Fishies

There are a few things that excite me about the creative process. One is when I make multiples and how these multiples look together. I've been on a mission to make a lot of my little fishies. The "little" fishies have evolved from larger fish that I've been making for several years. The large fish were specifically made to be mounted on garden stakes, that I call Fish Sticks. Because of the problems associated with shipping the large Fish Sticks, I've limited my outlet for sales to a local co-op gallery called A Little Room For Art. The gallery has a wonderful garden area in the back and it makes a great setting for my Fish Sticks. My goal in making the Little Fishies is to offer a size variety and new lower price point and also perhaps a fish stick that will ship easily. Ideas evolved and from the Fish Stick came the Phishy Photo Holder. I've been trying to make a few fishies any time I sit down to work on a clay project. I really love to see how they look in a group. I'm not yet sure exactly how many "a lot" is in numbers, but I plan to keep making them until I answer that question.

The Joy of the Returning Customer

One thing that all of us who sell our creations yearn for and treasure is the returning customer. The person who loves that first purchase so much that they come back for more. The customer who becomes a collector. The fan that passes the word. The buyer that takes the time to let us know that they "love" their new aquisition. We don't create to have boxes and boxes of finished pieces packed away for no one to see. We create for the joy of creating and sharing this joy with folks who have an appreciation for handmade. Now more than ever I'm reminded that in this uncertain economy, every purchase is a well thought out purchase. And. because it's well thought out, the sale means so much more to me. I'm grateful for my returning customers as well as those new folks that I hope will turn into returnng customers. Thanks for your purchases either through galleries, shops or online.

Bling

I had been wanting to revisit this fish for a while now. The mood struck me that this particular teapot was right so Bling was reborn. The fish that she's based on is the Rusty Parrot fish and ironically the markings are for the male not the female. I guess that makes her androgynous. Yes, she has rhinestones on her fins and at the corners of her eyes! Bling is currently on display as part of a group show for the month of February at the the Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida. The Meet the Artists reception is Friday, February 13th. If you're in the area, stop on by. We're planning a smashing reception that's sure to be a great start to your Valentine's Day weekend.

The Trade

I am so excited. I was able to make a trade with a fellow artist named Jill Oldenski. She makes wonderfully artistic dolls. I had wanted to score one of Jill's dolls for a while and suddenly when she admired some of my new plates and bowls the idea came to me - "how 'bout a trade?" Thankfully, Jill was up for it so I was able to score this beautiful custom doll for our neice, Samantha. She's complete with butterflies, in pinks and purples, Sammie's favorite colors. And, I just love the pink tennies. Jill even made an ID necklace! I just love this doll. It's going to be hard to give her up when I see Sammie next week. Jill's dolls can be found at Florida Craftsmen Gallery in St. Petersburg, FL, as well as A Little Room For Art, on Pass-A-Grille Beach.

Invitational Teapot Show

A couple of the girls are holidaying out in Steamboat Springs Colorado for the Invitational Teapot Show. I'm envious that they are able to get out to Steamboat this time of the year without me, but they're in great company. The show opens this evening and runs for two months. There are some absolutely wonderful teapots that have been accepted into this show, that was curated by Deb Babcock. I'm honored that I was asked to send some of my "girls" to be part of this fabulous show.

Here's a link to the show information.

http://steamboatspringsarts.com/HTMLPAGES/teapots.html

My Birthday and Christmas All Rolled Into One

I was able to open yesterday's glaze firing first thing this morning and it was a wonderful gift! The kiln gods smiled at me because everthing came out great. All of the pieces in the kiln are earmarked either for custom orders or a gallery. The one piece that doesn't already have a home is this 3-legged dish. I am so happy with the color cominations, the miracle of my steady hand when painting the dark blue, that I didn't smudge anything when I was dipping it in the clear glaze and extremely grateful for my Air Pen for helping me paint the scales. Tomorrow's my birthday but I got my present today!

Disclaimer: No fish were harmed in the making of this dish.

How I Do What I Do

Today's post is a pictorial of some of the steps in making one of my Fishy Ring Teapots. These photos pick up after the two main components have been slowly drying under plastic for a couple of weeks. After trimming the ring and cleaning up the base I go to work. This teapot will be a Blingity teapot with rhinestone studded sunglasses, earrings and beaded tendrils off her dorsal fin. I'm not sure yet which fish her glazing will be based on just yet. Now she's under plastic for a slow drying. From lumps of clay to finished teapot, these usually take about 5-6 weeks to complete.