niswanderceramics

New Work

2012-01-21T08:26:00.001-08:00

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Theme: What I did during Winter Break

2011-12-31T09:59:00.001-08:00

Images from our holiday trips:
Washington D.C.
Jefferson Memorial

Looking at the city from the Tidal Basin Trail

Beautiful evening crescent moon with airplane ascending from Reagan National

Baltimore Aquarium

A more local destination, lovely walk to Froggy Hollow Schoolhouse.

Today is New Years Eve, we are heading to Sugarloaf Mountain for a walk and hoping to stop at Sugarloaf Vineyard afterward to buy some host gifts for a party tonight.
I'm looking forward to new shows this coming year, and I'll be back in the studio on Monday.
Have a great New Year!

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Countryside Artisans Tour Clagett-Brandenburg Farm and Tobacco House

2011-12-05T06:20:00.001-08:00

Located on the crossroad of Long Corner Road and Mullinix Mill Road heading towards Niswander Ceramics Gallery on The Countryside Artisans Tour. Look to your left as you cross Mullinix Mill to see the Clegget-Brandenburg Farm right on the farm's driveway entrance is the only surviving tobacco house in the Upper Patuxent Region, a designated historical site:

Here's what lead historic preservation planner Sandra Youla says about the tobacco house: "One of the rarest buildings in the county it represents our heritage, Montgomery County was settled by tobacco farmers, they built the same kind of buildings all through the 1700s, 1800's and 1900's, we call them tobacco houses and not tobacco barns. The structure is chink and daubed to keep smoke inside. It has a steeply pitched roof and when we look inside we see cross poles in the steeply pitched roof for hanging tobacco to dry."

Here's a link to Montgomery Planning for more information about our region:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/historic/upperpatuxent
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Damascus has a Giant Snowman

2011-12-01T14:12:00.001-08:00

Too Fun!

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Damascus Maryland Upper Patuxent Historic Preservation

2011-12-01T02:24:00.000-08:00

Damascus is located in upper Montgomery County Md. My family has lived here since 1978, my husband's since 1969. We've watched many things change over the years, the Jimmie Cone and Tom and Ray's restaurant are still thriving establishments, Bellison's is long gone. This time of the year there used to be an enormous holiday wreath placed in the middle of town, where now there is a shopping center. This past summer Rt 124 was connected to Rt 27 with sidewalks added, making the town more pedestrian friendly, and now an enormous wooden snowman has been added on this new road for our holiday cheer.

The Upper Montgomery Planning Board has been looking at local landmarks for preservation. Here is a lovely image of the Etchison store in the Etchison Historic District taken in 1935:

Damascus High School discontinued it's agriculture classes in 1989, but still takes great pride in it's football, and has a terrific music program. The pottery and ceramics classes are vastly better than when I went to school there, I love seeing the kid's pieces displayed throughout the building.

There are also many hidden (in plain sight) historical treasures. This region used to be a thriving producer of tobacco, just up the road from our home is the last surviving tobacco house in Montgomery County, it is located on the intersection of Long Corner Road and Mullinix Mill Road. Hopefully the historic planners will be able to save this farm, I love knowing it's significance as I drive past it so nice to slow down and enjoy what we have. Here's a video produced to highlight local history:

http://vimeo.com/23924542

..and here is the Montgomery Planning page for the Upper Patuxent:

http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/historic/upperpatuxent/

Countdown to Countryside Artisans

2011-11-30T02:58:00.001-08:00

I'm finishing some mugs and bowls in the studio this morning, after my kid's dental appointments I'll add and organize new items in the gallery.
The forecast for this weekend looks beautiful.
Here's the morning sky over our gallery:

These are Tudor Green Renaissance inspired pieces, a drinking jug and a porringer.

Wheel Thrown, hand sculpted fierce kitty with close up of her claws.

A gallery shelf with hand-built and wheel thrown tea pots and cups.

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Countryside Artisans Tour... Good Morning Spock Overlords

2011-11-28T05:59:00.001-08:00

We spent all of yesterday finishing the new walls and reorganizing shelves, I'll be at the wheel today spinning some sheep faced yarn bowls.
Here are Mr. Spock (not Dr. Spock as we kept hearing folks at Sugarloaf refer to him, my metal working neighbor Kest suggested I make some Dr. Spock's as well...) and his more threatening goateed alternate universe doppelgänger.

Sheep, Scrooge and the Holy Grail ready for business.

Luminary housing.

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Countryside Artisans December Tour

2011-11-26T07:53:00.001-08:00

We're under construction! Joel is adding new walls to the gallery and we're rearranging the shelves with fresh work. I've been working on Bacchus wine decanters and goblets I also have a herd of Spocks forming.

I sold one of my toad jars yesterday, this knobby fellow is still available

The tour is 2 weekends Fri, Sat and Sun December 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11
http://www.countrysideartisans.com

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Michael Natale Pottery

2011-11-25T08:46:00.001-08:00

Another Sugarloaf neighbor of ours was master potter Michael Natale from Deposit, New York.
He creates elegant functional stoneware with an architectural style, very beautiful to see and hold.

This is the mug I picked, it has amazing balance and this handle is gorgeous and comfortable.

I adore the details on the feet he makes. Sensual serpentine handle sliding down to touch the foot, gorgeous!

This is the mug Joel picked, he likes the royal nature of the handle, it's been the only vessel he's used to consume beer from since the show.

...again the detail to die for!

I think it's interesting how Joel's has a masculine vibe and mine is curvy and feminine.
Here's Michael's site:
http://www.natalepottery.com/

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My Sugarloaf Festival Treasures

2011-11-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

Here's a few items I have from the show:

Little felt mice by Nancy of Gunther Hall Ltd.

Gorgeous silver Cherry Blossom pendant with 3 red garnets hand made by Chaya of ChayaStudio.com. This photo isn't doing it justice, go check out her site, her work is amazing! I feel very fortunate to have a piece of such high quality.

These luscious red beauties were created by Kest of Vagabond Jewelry, wearable art, I love them! She is also and amazing sculptress creating unique metal masks that are very light and easy to wear. If you are a Ren Fest enthusiast, or need an item for a fancy dress event, I highly recommend purchasing her fierce, one of a kind facial sculptures.
Here she talks about her work:
http://metalsmithsunite.blogspot.com/2011/10/aritst-interview-kest-schwartzman-of.html?m=1
Her site:
http://www.vagabondjewelry.net/

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Home from Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

2011-11-21T13:24:00.001-08:00

We had a blast and learned a lot at The Sugarloaf show, terrific experience for a first big festival. There were several well seasoned show artisans near our space, they were super friendly and knowledgable, and watching them with their customers was wonderful. They gave hugs and had long conversations, great relationships have been formed over the years at these shows, it was inspiring to observe. There is an amazing sense of community and support among the artist's.
We made some new friends as well, and I want to thank everyone who stopped by to giggle at the Spock's and Scrooges:)

I've got business cards and links to the artists around me... I also came home with some treasure's I'd like to share, and I will, as soon as I pull it all out of our boxes.
We'll take a relaxing Thanksgiving break then we're opening our gallery doors for The Countryside Artisans Tour, a great way meet and buy from local artists:
www.countrysideartisans.com

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival First Day

2011-11-19T07:19:00.001-08:00

Some images of my booth and surroundings:

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Heading to Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

2011-11-18T01:58:00.001-08:00

A pick up full of gear

Building 41

A warm kiln of toads
We were onsite in Gaithersburg until the end of set up time and met some very talented travel weary artists from all along the east coast who were rolling in after sunset. We're looking forward to a beautiful sunny Autumn first festival day:)

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Sugarloaf Crafts Festival and a Toad Jar

2011-11-14T07:02:00.001-08:00

I'm making some knobby toad jars to bring to The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Gaithersburg.

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The Fates

2011-11-12T12:46:00.001-08:00

We just picked up my artwork from Artomatic in Frederick. It was a great show, lots of amazing talent from our region and a great sense of community. Here's The Fates just taken from the truck and perched on our garden wall in the setting Autumn sunshine.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Santa Baby

2011-11-12T03:38:00.001-08:00

Santa baby just put a Spock mug under the tree...for me, been an awful good girl...Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

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Preparing for Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

2011-11-10T03:21:00.001-08:00

Up early and photographing a new Fairy Luminary, she's coming with me to The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Gaithersburg Nov. 18, 19, 20...

Here's my booth space, I read in the reviews of the show online that the event is
reminiscent of The Borg Collective, a giant hive of arts and crafts, seems humans can't escape the cubicle. The artisans around me are all very unique, looks like some varied and beautiful artwork. I'm looking forward to meeting them and seeing how they put their spaces together.

Learning to Blog with an iPhone

2011-10-26T08:46:00.001-07:00

I have a love hate relationship with technology. My iMac decided to take a nap last week and it's screen went black. I've not managed to get it fixed yet and am forced to use my iPhone, which is fine, I've been meaning to use it more anyway... I've
added a few apps to it to try and make things easier here's some photo's:

I could/should have been making more Spock's and Scrooge's... their expressions reflect my general feeling about tapping this tiny screen. It all seems to be working nicely though, so the time was well spent.

Snowflakes and Sheep Jar

2011-10-26T07:27:00.001-07:00

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Countryside Artisans Fall Studio Tour October 7, 8, 9

2011-10-05T05:13:00.000-07:00

I’m busy arranging my home gallery for the Countryside Artisans Tour, the air is crisp and there’s been lots of leaves to clear off the path. It’s a beautiful drive in the country for you D.C. and Baltimore folks.

http://www.countrysideartisans.com/

Artomatic@Frederick

2011-09-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some images of my Frederick Artomatic window space, the show looks amazing the creativity and variety of artwork is outstanding.

The show opens September 28 and continues until November 6th.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday October 1st starting at 5:00 p.m., all the artists will be available in their spaces to meet.

Here’s the link for the site:

http://www.artomaticfrederick.org/

Countryside Artisans Fall Studio Tour 2011

2011-09-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, happy Autumn!

The Countryside Artisans Tour is Friday Saturday and Sunday October 7, 8, 9 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Here’s where to download the printable brochure:

http://www.countrysideartisans.com/brochure.html

and here’s our website:

http://www.countrysideartisans.com/

I am also participating in the Frederick Artomatic:

http://www.artomaticfrederick.org/

This is a huge 6 week event and there is something for everyone:)

New stoneware Jack O’ Lanterns perfect for spooking indoors or outside:

Beer, Food and Bacchus..."You had me at Beer"

2011-08-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

This is a scrumptious blog:

http://onawhimandabroomstick.blogspot.com/

She included this Pumpkin mug to her August 29th post and has amazing and inspiring recipes for the upcoming fall season.

She’s featured a pumpkin beer ice cream recipe, and has recommended this yummy pumpkin Microbrew to use, it's brewed here: Buffalo Bills Brewery: http://www.buffalobillsbrewery.com/, (I’d have to buy extra beer to drink as I made the ice cream;)

This is an interesting film about the beer industry in America:

http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/

I re-watched it on Hulu yesterday, it is filmed in a Michael Moore style with lots of retro commercials for dark humor laughs. It features several stories about beer entrepreneurs and the power of the big three breweries. My husband is a fan of Dogfish Head beer. Dogfish Head was founded by Sam Calagione and I love his story in the film. And bless Rhonda Kallman, she helped found Sam Adams and throughout the film is trying to promote her new beer called Moonshot, I read on the Beer Wars site that she has decided not to pursue producing Moonshot anymore because the FDA banned caffeine in beer.(Does this mean I can't order Irish Coffee anymore? Heaven forbid)

I wish her and her family all the best.

The information about business product positioning on store shelves is fascinating. I can’t go in a store without noticing it now, all the big name products take up multiple rows of billboard size space.

I love having options and I am a very sensory person, a well balanced handmade mug gives me personal joy. I know the art of creating the mug from top to bottom, the lip is the most personal part of the mug how much care was given to it’s surface, is it smooth? The handle needs to be comfortable no matter it’s design, is the foot stable?

Mass marketer’s can try to emulate handmade pottery,

but especially with the personal nature of a mug nothing beats
the intimacy of one made completely by human hands.

Here’s what I’m working on it is a large Winking Bacchus Wine Carafe, wheel thrown, hand built and sculpted. The 12” ruler is dwarfed by him.

So if you decide to purchase some yummy micro-brewed beer, look around, what’s being handcrafted in your neighborhood or region? Find your local artisans and craftspeople and enjoy drinking local brew made from a locally handmade mug:)

The Gothic Bird Sculpture Goblet Process

2011-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

The goblet was thrown in 2 pieces, the cup, thrown and trimmed, and the stem. I then attached them together this is the result:

The face beginnings

The camera is focused on the Frankenstein jar on the top shelf above...his chin popped off in a bisque fire... it’s been re-attached which is befitting given the jar’s inspiration. He watches me daily in the studio. booeek.

I need him to be more mischievous:

much better, this guy can't be trusted

Talons curled over the stem base

Prior to feathers

Feathers added and features detailed and defined

The Gothic Bird Sculpture Goblet will be finished with colored engobes and oxides, and it will be glazed. The process requires 2 firings.

Fussing with Bacchus

2011-08-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Here’s some images of my last kiln loading and some new pieces. I’m creating hand built olive oil cruets with nice pouring spouts, great fun:)

Green Franken’Stein

A luscious licorice black glazed skull cup

A table full of items clamoring to get into the kiln.

Talons

Kiln Shelves freshly cleaned up, I take them outside and wearing safety goggles I scrape all the old kiln wash and any bits of dripped glaze off the surface, then I brush on fresh kiln wash, a very dusty, time consuming, and absolutely necessary dirty job.

I hand crafted this face of a winking Bacchus on a wine carafe, hand sculpted, and brushed with different engobes and glaze. This is the final fussing over the hearty fellow prior to loading him into the glaze fire.

Bottom Layer

Fresh and clean kiln shelf for second layer

Orton cones used to make sure the heat work in the kiln properly vitrifies the glaze.

Gothic Bird Cruet, Bacchus Wine Carafe, Orton cone pack.

Second/middle shelf

Nothing can touch or the melted glaze will fuse them together.

Top half shelf

And..... Voila!!!! After a 15 hour firing that reached 2262 degrees and 24 hour of cooling the kiln is opened

Orton Cone Pack

Bacchus

Summer!

2011-07-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

Some summertime images:)

Kenny and Joel warming up for performance at Something Earthy.

New Victorian Gothic Bird Bottle, (it’s firing right now)... new work will be added to my etsy shop over the next couple of weeks.

Momma bird feeding her babies in a little brown wren nest tucked in a broken sconce under our deck. This is the second nest we’ve had this summer, so sweet to observe.

Etsy Mudteam in Handmadeology!

2011-06-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Check out wonderful talent from The Etsy Mudteam at Handmadeology, these are the two items I’ve entered:

...if our team wins we get $450 in advertising!:)

Vote Here for the Mud Team:

http://handmadetop10.com/#/Lists/66ofc95k6
...see all the teams here, scroll down to find the Etsy Mud Team:
http://handmadetop10.com/

Preparing The Bride

2011-06-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for some spooky autumn production. Here’s some photo’s of my sculptural process of The Bride of Frankenstein:

Patuxent River Art Guild Studio Tour June 11-12

2011-05-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Patuxent River Art Guild is having it’s third artist studio tour June 11-12 come on by and see us!!!

here’s the printable tour map:

http://www.patuxentriverartguild.org/index_images/prag_2011brochure_map.pdf

Our Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patuxent-River-Art-Guild/88764944028

And our website:

http://www.patuxentriverartguild.org/

Some new work in my etsy shop and home gallery:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74787742/plum-purple-pottery-mug-set

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74786413/earthy-green-mug-set?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74808008/day-of-the-dead-tripod-vessel?ref=v1_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74806553/day-of-the-dead-cup

Niswander Ceramics will be at Annapolis First Sunday May 1st

2011-04-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Niswander Ceramics will be at the First Sunday Celebration in Maryland’s beautiful capital Annapolis!! May 1st, (Tomorrow) from 12-5, come see the historic town and great local artists!:)

Countryside Artisans Spring Tour April 15, 16 & 17 and New Garden Fairy Sculpture

2011-04-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Countryside Artisans Spring Tour starts this Friday April 15 and continues through Sunday April 17. Looks like the weather is going to be beautiful! Come visit us in our studio’s and enjoy the ride along the agricultural reserve of Montgomery County.

http://www.countrysideartisans.com/

Here are some items for sale in my home gallery:

Mermaid Sculpture

Drinking Vessels

Borderware Style porringers and drinking jugs inspired by the Tudor period, nice for Renaissance Faire fans.

My new Garden Fairy Sculpture enjoying the Spring sunshine

More ceramics can be seen in my etsy shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/niswanderceramics

Killer Rabbit, Melvin Ashtray, Spockolope....

2011-03-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

New work...

Killer Rabbit

Sweet Sheep

Randy Rabbit

Spockolope

Mini-deer head can be used for keys, jewelry or other trinkets

Wall hanging Garden Goddess Planter

Great Horny Toad!!!

A Garden Fairy created for the Etsy Mud Team Donut Challenge here:

http://etsymudteam.craft-sense.com/Challenges/viewchallenge.asp?ChallengeID=44

A Melvin Ashtray created for the Mom’s Basement Melvin Mascot challenge here:

http://momsbasement.org/craft-contest/

Countryside Artisans Spring Tour April 15, 16 & 17 and Fresh Garden Items!

2011-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve been working on new outdoor items, some hanging sculptures and sculptural planters. The garden around our gallery is beginning to sprout and we are looking forward to the April Countryside Artisans Tour.

Sheep Wall Sculpture, it has a hole for use as a fountainhead.

A Jackalope wall hanging, his horns can hold jewelry, keys or other trinkets.

Martin Brothers’ style Bird hanging planter, he has a drainage hole.

Winking Yellow Moon;)

Fresh from the Kiln and a Dove

2011-03-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Some of the new pieces from my kiln today, and a dove in the tree:

Opposite side of fairies, their pets:

Bunny with grapes

Sheep

Existential Funk

Mighty Toad Jar

Ready for Spring!! First Sunday Arts Festival & Countryside Artisans

2011-02-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Niswander Ceramics will be joining the First Sunday celebration in beautiful Annapolis Maryland on May 1st and July 3rd,

great fun!! We’ll be in the Whitmore Park exhibit area:)

www.firstsundayarts.com

Also come visit my home gallery during the Countryside Artisans Tour April 15, 16, 17
10-5
http://www.countrysideartisans.com

Dear Mr. Warhol...

2011-02-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
NEW YORK 19

THE MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

11 WEST 53rd STREET
TELEPHONE: CIRCLE 5-8900
CABLES: MODERNART, NEW YORK

October 18, 1956

Dear Mr. Warhol:

Last week our Committee on the Museum Collections held its first meeting of the fall season and had a chance to study your drawing entitled Shoe which you so generously offered as a gift to the Museum.

I regret that I must report to you that the Committee decided, after careful consideration, that they ought not to accept it for our Collection.

Let me explain that because of our severely limited gallery and storage space we must turn down many gifts offered, since we feel it is not fair to accept as a gift a work which may be shown only infrequently.

Nevertheless, the Committee has asked me to pass on to you their thanks for your generous expression of interest in our Collection.

Sincerely,

(Signed)

Alfred H. Barr, Jr.
Director of Museum Collections

Mr. Andy Warhol
242 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York

AHB:bj

P.S. The drawing may be picked up from the museum at your convenience.

Martin Brothers' Inspired Pottery, February Kiln Opening

2011-02-13T04:07:00.000-08:00

Here’s a series of photos from my latest kiln opening:

Top Shelf

Fierce Kitty Lidded Vessel with frog on opposite side

Purple Martin Brothers’ style Bird Goblet, the surface and function turned out as I planned:

Borderware Bowl

Black Martin Brothers’ style Lidded Bird Vessel with red newt on opposite side:

Second Shelf

Welsh Dragon Stein with horny little tail on opposite side:

Yellow Squash Face cream and sugar set:

Orange Pumpkin Planter with blue interior, drainage hole, saucer and hand sculpted mouse:

Borderware porringer

Bottom Shelf

Greenman shot glass

Eye of Newt vessel, nice drinking size:

Tudor Rose

Spock Herd

Raven Jar

I’ll be photographing and adding them to my etsy shop this week.

The Approach of Spring

2011-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

I’ve been working at my computer this morning and these two crows were making such a ruckus I had to see what was going on, it is still quite Wintery, but I can feel a shift in the air towards Spring, the sun is warm and all these critters were being too much fun not to spend some time photographing them. They were making pips and cheeps as they approached, so cute.

The Nuthatch is fast, very hard to get a photo of him.

This squirrel is a riot, a really curious fellow.

The Chickadee is not very shy, but the Tufted Titmouse is very concerned about the camera.

We get several varieties of Woodpecker at our feeder, this is a Red Bellied one, I’ve also seen a Large Pileated Woodpecker along the tree line below our house.

We also have a herd of deer that come up into the yard sometimes.

We lived in a townhouse community for a while and are so thankful to have this beautiful location to live, I love the all the wildlife, just amazing.

Superbowl Sunday! Ahhh...Footy, Footy Football...

2011-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Jack, Bernie and Greg..."You think you can take me flower man?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b7HF5nQ1Ps

Unicorn, Skesis and Black Lab

2011-02-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

I’ve been sculpting onto vessels all day here’s the results thus far,

unicorn and black lab...

Very intense cat with extended claws, I enjoy Arthur Rackham’s illustrations, this is a bit like his fiddling cat in The Cow Jumped Over The Moon...

Also my first attempt at a Welsh style Griffin....

I watched The Dark Crystal with my kids last week, he resembles The Skesis a bit...

Maybe more Wild Thing than Griffin?

Here he is...

Studio Fairy, Holy Grails and Celebrate the Odd!

2011-02-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

A new Mug/Stein featuring a hand sculpted fairy, I’m adding engobes (colored clay slips)...

We’ve already got one!

Niswander Ceramics is featured in the Celebrate the Odd Blog, great fun!!

http://celebratetheodd.blogspot.com/2011/02/niswander-ceramics-got-soul.html

Here’s what I’m listening to in the studio,

http://www.blackmoresnight.com/

Richie created this famous guitar lick. All teenager’s learning electric guitar can play it...(Joel can;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mCK05dgwgU

I love the dichotomy of her voice and his intense guitar very beautiful combination,

They are touring Germany this summer... lucky Germany.

Fresh from the kiln!

2011-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Welsh Dragon Tile, it can hang on the wall

I’ve been studying borderware here are a few my first pieces and a link about these pots

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ceramics/pages/subcategory.asp?subcat_id=706&subcat_name=Surrey%2FHampshire+border+ware

Tudor Roses

I took this out of the kiln and my husband remarked Spock looks albino, I forgot to add his eyebrows *sigh*

Martin Brother inspired birds, my first ones, unfortunately developed cracks so they leak.

I love how this face tripod pipkin turned out, the black glaze is luscious against the shimmery engobe on the face, too cool!

I’m going to start adding it all to my etsy shop as soon as I get them measured and written up...

Wee Folk mug with little faerie print feet

Peace Monger with hand print

Green Man Shots

Yellow Squash Pitcher

New Work for the New Year

2011-01-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

Here’s some studio shots, just finishing sculpting a large fairy for the garden and new Border Ware inspired pieces. Also a Martin Ware-ish bird and tripod pipkin.

I used this photo of The Decider as inspiration for the Martin Brothers’ style face.(Last Image in the set)

A Winter Solstice Druid.

Welsh Dragon Tile

I’ll have them glazed and fired next week...

Welsh Dragon, Soft Porn and Henry the 8th's Codpiece

2011-01-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Hello, I’m working on a Welsh Dragon relief, here’s some photo’s of the progress:

I’m going to try and fierce up his claws a bit.

Also a tiny Tudor Rose, it will make a nice button or could be a jewelry bead:

If you want a good laugh, really like soap opera's or perhaps soft porn take a look at the Showtime network’s version of Henry the 8th’s life:

I’m personally fond of The Worst Jobs in History for a proper account of life during that period, starts here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69B7DWEKANY

Go on and guess this guy’s job...

...and being a woman had consequences

Mob justice, beautiful castle though...

Here’s Henry’s regal costume... (worth a look at the codpiece)

http://www.youtube.com/user/DarkAgeTheorist#p/u/41/gbEF5xxRDn8

Season’s Greetings from Tarzan, Tonto & Frankenstein

2010-12-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf2O_GBLCpQ

And some charismatic dance....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G8XH4WDxP4

Ugly Jugs

2010-12-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

I love the History Detectives program on PBS. Here is an episode that features the origins of the African American Face Jug, the story starts at the 19:00 mark. The first portion of the episode is also very cool, about a demonstration poster from the period surrounding the 1968 Democratic Convention.

Season 8, Episode 8:

http://video.pbs.org/video/1560110865/

One of Jim McDowell’s ugly jugs, and his website:

http://www.blackpotter.com/

N’Kisi Doll

VW Bus Camper and Alcove Number One

2010-12-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

My Dad and Step-mom just left after staying with us for a few day’s, dad continues to finalize the exhibits for The Blue Ridge Music Center. They are picking up an old refurbished VW Bus Camper they purchased in Charlottesville before heading back down to Southwest Virginia. It might look a bit like this....

We had a non-camper version when I was a kid, I have fond memories of climbing around in it while traveling prior to seatbelt laws.

The Crooked Road and sign with a link...

http://www.thecrookedroad.org/

Here’s dad narrating for Alcove one in The Blue Ridge Music Center:
http://www.two-rivers.com/alcove1/

....and the Center’s stage.

Dandy Darkly Mysteries

2010-12-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a great blog featuring a fantastic occult detective Dandy Darkly!

It’s written by my stepmom’s very talented nephew Neil, just brilliant!

http://www.dandydarkly.com/About-Dandy-Darkly.html

He performed a reading of the story at the Stonewall Inn this past October:)

Have a Handmade Holiday:)

2010-12-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

Please click images to see full size...

too busy to figure it all out now:)

I’ve been Christmas shopping! Here are some of my finds, beautiful and unique handmade items!!! Take a look, and remember to buy handmade:)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kanokwalee

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dylanS

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GlassRiverJewelry

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FirstLightGlass

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtHistory101

http://www.etsy.com/shop/planetcarolyn

http://www.etsy.com/shop/chelseysheadtotoe

I also bought a lovely item at Mountain Girl Clothing, my image is refusing to load though, go take a look at her work here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MountainGirlClothing

(Dear Family, the items shown are not what I bought you...No Peeking!)

Thank-You for Visiting!

2010-12-13T04:05:00.000-08:00

We had a great show with the Countryside Artisans Holiday Tour, thanks so much for coming by our gallery, it was lovely meeting everyone:)

Have a relaxing and enjoyable Holiday,

Laurie

Etsy's World of Crafts

2010-12-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

Great clip from Nightline about etsy

Go etsy Go!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/video/business-15749628/23453472

Countryside Artisans Holiday Tour Dec. 10, 11, 12 at Niswander Ceramics and Darth Vader

2010-12-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

Snow for the Countryside Artisans Show!!!

http://www.countrysideartisans.com/

BAH HUMBUG!!!!! (scrooge mug)

...also I’ve been working on a commission that involves Darth Vader

here’s few images I came across while researching, First some etsy shops featuring the big guy...

Click photos to see full images.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/crimsonking

http://www.etsy.com/people/TheHouseOfMouse

Click Photo to see full image

http://www.etsy.com/people/HutchMe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubenacker

This actually is a Storm Trooper but I like it so it stays.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbybmarie

Some fun internet images

....and my very favorite

Countryside Artisans Holiday Tour Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12 at Niswander Ceramics Gallery

2010-12-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

It is lovely in the Niswander Ceramics Gallery for the Countryside Artisans Holiday Tour show, I’ve decorated for the season, here are some photos:

And for your listening pleasure Mr. Joel Niswander!....

Click on the photos to enlarge them...

BAH HUMBUG!!!!!!

I considered putting a scarf around the mermaid’s neck and putting her on her stand outside, she seems thankful that I didn’t.

Bacchus Fountain all lit up, it sounds so sweet with the music

Little Snowflake Baby Ornaments

Newt Jars

We have 2 kerosene heaters keeping it very cozy warm, and also have cinnamon apple fragrant potpourri simmering in a little pot. We are noshing some hot cocoa and ginger snaps and listening to Frank Sinatra Christmas music, (when Joel takes a break), as the winter wind whistles outside.

Come on by for unique Holiday gifts and visit all the other Artisans on our tour:

http://www.countrysideartisans.com/

Downloadable brochure with map on the Artisans site.

Also my current favorite youtube video, a very cute but kinda scary stalking cat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzzjgBAaWZw

Countryside Artisans Holiday Tour Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12

2010-11-30T05:29:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Just arrived home from a long Thanksgiving weekend at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City Md.

We had a lovely time, ice skating, swimming, hot tubbing and enjoying the sauna. We also took nice bike rides in the local state park, just gorgeous!

I'm getting my gallery ready now for the first of two Countryside Artisans Tours this coming weekend Dec. 3,4 and 5, http://www.countrysideartisans.com/

Joel and Franken’ Stein

I can’t go anywhere without bringing some clay along, I sat outside, enjoying the ocean view and creating snowflake baby ornaments.

BAH HUMBUG!!!!!

I visited Dan from Iron Antler Forge at the Renaissance Festival in Crownsville Md last month...

http://www.rennfest.com/

....and purchased this beautiful horn inspired hook. His studio is right up the road from mine.

www.ironantlerforge.com

I had a nice chat with the folks over at 2 Griffins last week, their studio sits below a beautiful woodland glade, they create amazing wooden furniture and sculpture, here is one of their lovely hand carved lamps.

www.2griffins.com

Here are 2 newt jars I’m glazing today, they’ll be hot out of the kiln for the show.

Also my newest female sculpture, she is going to be a woodland nymph for the garden.

The second December Countryside Artisans Tour will be the following weekend Dec. 10, 11, 12. Please come come on by and check us out if you’re in the area.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

2010-11-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

I love this beautiful video, enjoy:)

Annie Lennox:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlsJD8RlhbI

Best Landmarks Ever...

2010-11-11T01:30:00.000-08:00

Happy November!...

My mom and I flew down to Huntsville for my grandmother’s memorial service this past weekend. It was beautiful, and I was very glad to see my extended family. Here are a couple of photos of some of the best landmark’s ever, a giant chicken chef holding cutlery (over cousin Jimmy and Tim) and the Boobie Bungalow... my aunt says in my youth I was very concerned that the community didn’t try to get this establishment closed, which I don’t recall, but also don’t doubt. She also wondered where would folks from Huntsville go for bachelor parties if it wasn’t available. I said it was looking run down, she said the performers probably were as well.

Here are some new pieces, a Fruit of the Spirit jar:

Blue vase/utensil holder:

An angel with the Fruit of the Spirit on her garment:

Pretty little round vase:

And I’ve made a few Scrooge’s for the upcoming holiday:

Countryside Artisans Fall Tour at Niswander Ceramics Studio

2010-10-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

The show must go on!!!

Here’s some photo’s of our display’s in the yard and inside the gallery, as well as the garagio where I’m demonstrating. Gorgeous weather, couldn’t ask for better:)

A look at the bisque fire of some show work:

A bit of info about the history of the southern face jug also,

PBS History Detectives has a great piece about them here:

http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigations/808_facejug.html

Angel lanterns:)

Countryside Artisans Fall Tour October 2010 Preparations

2010-10-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

We are preparing for The Countryside Artisans Tour, dusting away the summer heat and enjoying the crisp autumn air. The weather business has promised beautiful skies and temperatures, hopefully God feels the same, here’s my road sign and the path to the gallery with lots of our volunteer pumpkins and some lovely mums added.

Sincerity as far as the eye can see...

we are waiting on our final great pumpkin, a luscious giant, very beautiful, there is also another baby but the chill and lack of light doesn’t bode well for him getting to be orange.

Some pieces out of the bisque fire, they will be brushed and glazed today.

Beautiful Noralee

2010-10-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

We lost our beautiful grandmother this past week. She had been living with my mom just up the road for the past three years, and was a very important part of our lives. Here she and I sit in our bathing suits in the late 1960’s, and also photograph of her as a little girl, second from the left, with her two older sisters Maureen and Louis, and her baby brother J.T.

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard 2010 Grape Stomp and The Countryside Artisans Fall Studio Tour

2010-09-28T03:38:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed an afternoon of sipping and stomping at The Sugarloaf Winery

http://www.smvwinery.com/index.htm on Saturday,

the musical guest was Shane Gamble http://www.shanegamble.com/

they had a fun petting zoo for the kids hosted by Squeals on Wheels

http://www.squealsonwheels.us/

The fun continues this weekend take a nice hike on the mountain and stop by the Stomp:)

...and on October 8, 9, and 10 the winery joins The Countryside Artisans Fall Studio Tour
www.countrysideartisans.com , I’ve created some new fall items, and plan to have my studio open for demonstration and conversation.

We are looking forward to being observed our natural habitat.

Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate Magazine and the Mummy Stein:)

2010-09-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

One of my Mummy Steins is in the 2010 Halloween issue of Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate Magazine!

There are lots of great spooky ideas and lovely photography in the magazine, some other fellow etsy artists as well, very cool! BOO EEK!!!

Grand Champion Pumpkin! ... and his mumpkin sidekick

2010-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

One of the pumpkin babies won Grand Champion Pumpkin in our local community fair, and our “Mumpkin” got first place in the pumpkin decorating category! Go Pumpkin’s Go!!!

Here’s a couple of finished Kitchen Witch vase/utensil holder's, and also a grumpy Wild Thing Jar.

Night on Bald Mountain, I’ve been listening to this while wrapping a mummy and a Franken’ Stein for a spooky USPS trip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCEDfZgDPS8

If you need a better visual here’s the Disney Fantasia version,(I was busy and didn’t mind just glancing occasionally at the image of Modest Mussorgsky. He gave me a delightful bit of startle reflex each time I looked up, eek!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Ca_edg6RE

Season of the Witch

2010-09-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Freshly from the kiln, a witch jar:

....and a pumpkin pitcher and stein:

Spooky Jack’s:

Our pumpkin vine continues to give birth, it died...

...took root again...

...and here’s some new babies!

A lovely version of Donovan’s Season of the Witch with the silent movie, Haxan Witchcraft Through The Ages, enjoy!!!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5aPhGQ0L9Q