Biscotti Pottery

2011-10-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

New Stuff fresh from the Kiln

2011-10-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Coupon Code on Etsy: O11P10 for 10 % off Enjoy!

Biscottipottery at etsy

or click on the button on the top left

October and November Newsletter

2011-10-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Open House to any one who wants to see what we do:
Nov. 4th and 5th from 11 to 5 pm.
If any Home School Groups want to put together a field trip for then, just give me a call or send me an e-mail. biscottipottery at gmail.com

(The studio is small, so we take up to about 5-8 students at a time for a field trip tour of the place. You can see the whole process in about 15 minutes, or stay and ask more detailed questions, look at examples of class projects, etc. You can see those at the blog too.)
http://biscottipottery.blogspot.com/2011/08/fair-photos.html
Several students entered projects to the AV Fair and did very well!. Good Job Students! I give them a blob of clay and they make great stuff!

New class: A four session beginner class would cover pinch/coil/ and slab building techniques. All materials and firings included. $40. At least three projects completed, all experimental! Ages from 12 and up for the four week class. Class minimum of 3 and up to 6 students. So, find some friends who would like to come play in the clay. See my blog for class examples. Snack party at the conclusion to use our functional pieces. Class time 1 hour. Call for dates.

* Family Memory Plaque:
Each one in the family gets to create a square of a larger puzzle. You can make one large design, or each have an independent piece, creating a memorable event and something unique to hang on the wall. First three families to do this will get the Discount Experimental Rate of $6. per person. These pieces have a tendency to crack and therefore you have the incredible teaching opportunity to discuss how we are all cracked vessels, and how to deal with adversity, and how to 'feature the booboo'.
Call me for ideas and directions! See the photo at http://biscottipottery.blogspot.com/2011/08/fair-photos.html

* Pinch pots, slab and coil construction classes available, also. We practice with a bit of clay, discuss the construction methods, and begin a simple project. $15. per student for the two session class. All materials and firing included. This class must be scheduled in a two week time frame.

* Family Bargain Class:
For one hour, work on a 'mini' pinch cup for each person. Have a common inside color and different outside color for a family theme, if you like.
Or each one could embellish the mini cup with something personal, a flower, a letter, a shape. $7. per person, but it will be limited in amount of clay and time spent in the shop. Two sessions. About 1/3 pound of clay each and an hour slot for creating and another for glazing.

I've had pottery badge classes for Girl Scouts and could do Boy Scout badges too.

biscottipottery@gmail.com
biscottipottery.blogspot.com

biscottipottery.etsy.com
a few things for sale there.
We will probably be having one of our Art Show Open Houses with several other artist types, in Nov. or Dec. Watch for details.

Fibremom on Etsy

2011-09-11T15:25:00.000-07:00


fibremom on etsy

Etsy Likes

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http://www.etsy.com/listing/79648210/large-organic-cotton-face-cloth-and

http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.270075906.jpg

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80046197/red-mittens-watercolor-christmas-card

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76647004/taste-the-rainbow-handmade-chevron

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODExNjEwNXw3MDQwMzE3ODE/my-favorites-from-the-cast-team-weekend

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81507342/handmade-photo-patchwork-womens-billfold

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78010328/wall-basket-dried-flowers-and-seashells

Etsy Fun!

2011-09-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Fair Photos

2011-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Several of our students entered their delightful, delicious, or amazing pieces in the fair.

THEY were All Terrific!

I only hope somehow I can get them to this blog.

This was at the Fair!

These little people go with the little adobe house.

Some of these were entered. :)

2011-08-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is a hand built wedding cake!

The forever cake!

You can keep stuff in it, it has a 'puzzle' lid, and it is kind of fun!

This next one is a mini set of cup and tray, for crumpets and lemon curd, or crackers and peanut butter, or whatever!

biscottipottery.etsy.com

This is a circle of 8 stars in puple-ish colors.

This heart has imprinted lace patterns on it.
I put lots of stuff on etsy today, though now I can't remember how to advertise that stuff. :)

Etsy Rant

2011-07-13T15:22:00.001-07:00

biscottipottery.etsy.com

Our etsy shop has been a lot of work.
First, you have to make stuff. Well, that is fine, since we do.
Then, you have to decide which things to sell in your etsy shop.
Next, you need to take a photography class and figure out all about pixels and what-not and glare and what-not and sizing and what-not.
If you haven't worn out yet, you must know how to put the photos on your computer and then on the desktop and then oh, wait! You should edit your photos and make them Excellent, because there is Competition on etsy. Lots of it. And no one can pick up your stuff and know that it feels great.

Where was I?

Go have a cup of coffee or some ice tea and come back to .......um ........Oh, yes, pop those photos on the etsy dealy-bobbers so that your stuff is see-able to the billions looking for pottery.

Then describe your stuff, creatively of course. Not just Hey it's a Bowl made from clay, no it needs to be a description: A lovely greenish bluish brownish bowl for salad, or something, and you want this bowl cus it's the best one for your blueish greenish brownish decor and your salad will taste mighty fine out of it. Especially a salad with cranberries and gorgonzolla cheese and with a bit of arugula and of course some organic olive oil and balsamic vinegar on it. Yes, you need this bowl; it is a necessity in this age of messy financial things going on.

Let's say you have managed thus far and are quite proud of yourself. Well, you are not done. You need a paypal account and you need to remember yet another password. And if you haven't done it quite right, you need to remember a whole lot of other junk. Like what is your mother's maiden name? And what was your favorite pet's name in fifth grade?

You may eventually get some sales. This is exciting! This makes it all worth it. This means something good has happened.

But if you don't get any sales there are about a billion ways that the dear etsy folks have figured out to keep you busy and not remember that you haven't had any sales. Like, how about the Teams and the Treasuries and the Circles and What-Not. At least while you are running about all over etsy, you are seeing what is for sale. And for how much. And how confused you can become running from one circle to another, later deciding to do a treasury or two and finding out how inane the whole thing seems. But, nevermind about that. You are on etsy. A world-wide place for home made stuff. So, we are competing with people that don't mind making 10 cents for every hour they spend.

I think I could go for a raise like that. :)

Rejoice Formula

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Side view of Rejoice Formula

Linden Store Buffalo River Artisans Co-op

2011-07-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

These are at the Art Shop in Linden Tenn.

Side View of the Rejoice Formula

Etchings and Stain

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New stuff June 2011

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This is my first attempt at a cake container with flower embellishment.
It has a few issues, but I like it!

Little things. Flower stake, heart and cone shaped wall hangers for dried flowers or secret notes folded up realll small. :)

Art Show in late May

2011-06-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Family Birthday Class

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Family Class for special birthday. Note the variety from this inter-generational class.

Family Tile Class

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Family Tile Class.

We had a great time! They did a great job!

Now it is probably happily hanging on their wall.

Spring Time Class Ideas

2011-04-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ideas for this season of Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduations, and other Memory making times.

Give Mom or Dad or grandparents a gift of time and creativity together. Family classes are great fun!

Family Memory Plaque:
Each one in the family gets to create a square of a larger puzzle. You can make one large design, or each have an independent piece, creating a memorable event and something unique to hang on the wall.
Mike's design was in porcelain, cracked in the bisque firing, and we said, Glaze Anyway! He's going to adhere it to a board to hang on the wall. First three families to do this will get the Discount Experimental Rate of $35.00.
Call me for ideas and directions!

Mother's Day:
Mom and daughter, or son, come to the studio to make a mini cream and sugar 'pinch pot' set.
Think about design, color, embellishments to make a matching set. $15.00 per set. Call for further details.
For another $5.00 add a little animal to the set!

Father's Day:
Make animal sculpted pencil holders, or wall plaque. Work together on one if you like. Wall pockets can be embellished with any theme you like. Price dependent on size of project.

Pinch pots, slab and coil construction classes available, also.
We practice with a bit of clay, discuss the construction methods, and begin a simple project. $15. per student for the two session class. All materials and firing included.

Family Bargain Class:
For one hour, work on a 'mini' pinch cup for each person. Have a common inside color and different outside color for a family theme, if you like. Or each one could embellish the mini cup with something personal, a flower, a letter, a shape. $7. per person, but it will be limited in amount of clay and time spent in the shop. Two sessions. About 1/3 pound of clay each and an hour slot for creating and another for glazing.

Other ideas:

Birthday parties, women's groups, boy scouts, etc. can be discussed and arranged. I can have the hot water ready for tea and you can bring the crumpets. Jewelry classes in the near future, I hope!

Glaze class only:
Booklets, make a few for gifts. $6. per set. Other items may be available.

This is the cutest when it has flowers in it. I'll have to take another photo to show you all!

I plan the classes two weeks apart so as to have time for the drying and firing of the projects.

April 29 and May 13 at 10:30 available.

Mondays, May 2 and 16 are available.

Mondays, June 13 and 27 are fine also.

But if you need another option, just send me a note at biscottipottery@gmail.com

Thank You!

Recent Projects

2011-04-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Mini cream and sugar set. Come make them for Mother's Day!
Great Mom and son or daughter activity! Add an animal creature to the scene for even more fun!

Little candy dish and goblet for chocolate, of course!

These are some of the projects from our classes,
with ages from 4 to 84!!

It's April 2011. Slow Down World!!

2011-04-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

This is the tile that Mike built.
Note the lightning bolts!
Come for family class to design your own Family Forever Memory Piece!

Spring Stuff!

2011-03-14T15:59:00.001-07:00

Notice the taco shell/ napkin holder, the little book covers, the playhouse in bisqued state, and the wall hangers. Fun stuff!

2011 Class Ideas

2011-01-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, new hope amidst the hard things of life. Let us press on, not staying in any pit of cyclical nonsense, press on, not giving way to the hardships of life, press on to Play with Clay for the pure value of creation, joy, expression.

These two dates in Jan. and Feb. comprise the creating day and the glazing day, and the project could be completed before Valentine's Day unless we get a freak snow storm, which will tangle us all up with problems. :)

January 24 and Feb 7 (Mondays)

10:00 class full

1:00 class full

3:30

Feb. 11 and 25 Fridays
10:00
1:00
3:30 class full

We could decorate bowl or cup size pinch pots with hearts, stars, eagles (that would be a challenge as I don't have an eagle cookie cutter) or whatever you dream up. Small Valentine's party idea? Just need 3 or 4 students, and if you want to bring snacks, this could work!

Same times as above, or e-mail me with special requests.

Feb. 14 and 28. Up for discussion.
Send me a note and we will plan a Valentine's event for a small group, if you like.

Class purpose is to enjoy the process of building with clay. The slab work above makes a delightful wall hanging. The turtle was made by my dad, in his 80s, with some dementia, which may or may not have helped in the creation. :)

Each class should choose their realm before coming to class: slab, pinch, or coil construction. This way, we can teach and create with more focus. Otherwise, we get baffle-brained and it just won't be as successful.

We might plan a four week class in March. We shall see!

Open House

2010-11-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 27 · 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

E-mail me for directions at biscottipottery@gmail.com.

We'll have snacks, biscotti cookies, and hot stuff to drink.

Come by to see Grandpa Greybeard's winter garden too.

See if you can identify the greens he planted!

Classes for Nov and Dec 2010

2010-11-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Pottery Classes for Nov. and Dec. 2010

ORNAMENT CLASS:
One-time class of just glazing DEC. 8, 12 to 3 pm. It may only take 20 minutes to do an ornament, maybe less. Just call me so I can reserve a place for you. Parent supervision needed for those under 7.
Anyone can manage this! $2.00 per ornament. I have just a few of these, so it's first come, first serve: airplanes, dinosaurs, angels, hearts, leaves, ducks, etc. These are already bisqued and ready for glazing. So, come on down as a family or a little group, pick an ornament or two to glaze bright colors, or pastels, initial it on the back (with glaze) and you have your own special ornament. We will kiln fire it and you can pick it up within a week or so. :)

BEGINNER PINCH POT CLASS:
Monday Nov. 15 and 29
Monday Dec. 6 and 20

Pick your time: 10:30, 1:30 or 3:30

Classes: Beginning fun for all ages: pinch cup or bowl. $15 total, per student, for the two classes needed to complete the project: Day 1 to create, then two weeks later for Day 2 to glaze. The two firings, the clay, and the glaze are included in the price. Check my blog for photos. The individuality that comes out in clay work is so much fun!

It’s best if we have from 3 to 5 students for a class.
Also available: Slab class, coil building, family game set construction (variable prices), animal modeling, slab and coil construction. This is quite experimentally fun. It's best to do the pinch pot class before any of these other classes. Some of these require a bit of experience. :)

Think at least a month ahead if you want to make gifts.

biscottipottery.weebly.com

biscottipottery@gmail.com Send me a note here if you would like to be on my list for updates and phone number.
I always have stuff for sale if you need a pottery gift, and gift certificates and cards. Just call to see if we are home.
Mike's still doing tile installation, also.

Girl Scouts Earn Pottery Badge Falll 2010

2010-11-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

2010-10-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Porcelain Nesting Set

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Autumn Art Show

2010-10-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Flower Goblets

Many new varieties, as I have become addicted to making them.

BIG POTS

Mike has built a few of these enormous pots. Lots of work!

AUTUMN ART SHOW
3-6 pm Friday November 5th
11am - 5pm Saturday November 6th
1pm - 5pm Sunday November 7th

Come join us for hot cider and cookies at our Autumn Art Show! We'll have all kinds of new paintings, drawings, photos, and pottery - as well as some great little gift items like jewelry, woodings, note cards, Christmas cards, and other fun things!

Free kids' art times:
Friday @ 3:30 - Watercolor Trees with AJ
Saturday @ 12:30 - Snowflakes with Jen
and probably some Koolaid playdo with Melinda, Mike, or some other big kids.

ajcurrado.com

Write me for more info.

Pottery Classes Oct. Nov. Dec. 2010

2010-09-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pottery Classes
Monday Oct. 11 and 25
Monday Nov. 15 and 29
Monday Dec. 6 and 20

Pick your time: 10:30, 1:30 or 3:30

Classes:   Beginning fun for all ages:    pinch cup or bowl.   $15 total, per student, for the two classes needed to complete the project: Day 1 to create, then two weeks later for Day 2 to glaze.

It’s best if we have from 3 to 5 students for a class. We have a small studio.

Also available:   family game set construction, animal modeling, box construction, slab and coil construction.   This is quite experimentally fun.

Think at least a month ahead if you want to make gifts.

What about a 6 week class for 2011?   If you need an art class for school, let me know and I will see what I can put together. This sounds like fun to me!

biscottipottery.blogspot.com
biscottipottery.weebly.com
biscottipottery@gmail.com Send me a note here if you would like to sign up for classses and to be on my list for updates.

Art Show Nov. 5, 6 and 7 at our house. Watch for details. At least 4 artists participating.

I always have stuff for sale if you need a pottery gift. Just call to see if we are home. (E-mail me for my phone number.)

Mike's still doing tile installation, also.

Classes for May and June 2010

2010-04-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Pinch Pot class scheduled:
May 6 and May 20 at 3:30
First class, we will create the pinch salsa bowl or a cup. Then it will dry about a week, then we pop it in the kiln and fire it. Second class is two weeks from the first class. In that session we will glaze the piece. It then needs the next firing. We use food use clay and glaze. $15. for the two sessions and all materials. Examples in the photo of student's work.

Class to make slab boxes:
We need 4 to 6 students to proceed with this adventure.
Topics covered: scoring and slipping the clay slab after measuring and cutting out a pattern to create a box.

See the link for an on-line tutorial, with photos, to see what we will do.
http://pottery.about.com/od/stepbystepprojects/ss/basicslab_7.htm
We can add embellishments, of course, and then after bisqueing we will glaze it.

$15. per student for the two sessions. Write me if interested, and we can arrange a schedule for two sessions: One to create the box, and Two to glaze it. The class sessions need to be 2 weeks apart for the drying and glazing.

Class to make Sugar and Cream Set:
Perhaps we could have a Mother/Daughter class where we work together to make a mini cream and sugar set. If interested, call me.
We would need 4 to 6 students, meaning 2 to 3 Moms with 2 to 3 daughters, preferably one mom to one daughter, so they can work together. :)
$15. for the two of you for the two sessions.

If you think of something for Father's Day, let me know, and I will consider it.
The slab wall hanger is a good one, or a pinch pot salsa dish, or a Face Mug (see photo).

Just e-mail me at biscottipottery@gmail.com for more info, address, phone number, etc.

Pinch Cup

2010-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

Make one of these in our March classes.

It's almost time for poppies!

Send me a note if interested in classes:

biscottipottery@gmail.com

2010-01-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

We can build little slab mugs and big face mugs in classes.

Introduction to the beginning pottery classes

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All classes are Hand Building, Not the Wheel. If you want to learn to

throw on a wheel, someone at the factory outlets
has classes through the city and the college has classes. It takes a lot of time, clay,
practice, commitment. Michael may consider it, if these other options don't work for you.

We do hand building classes because they are fun and rewarding. We
teach the basics of coil, pinch and slab construction. We have the
kilns and do all the firing at our studio. All clay, glazes, and time in the studio are included in the price.

I have too many ideas for classes for this year: heart wall hangings, crosses, face mugs, animals, coasters, game sets, woven and coil baskets, little cream and pitcher sets, wall hangings with imprints you design, box building.

In the Two Day Class we create the project, then bisque fire the
item. Two weeks later we glaze the project, then we fire it again,
and it will be ready for pick up. Glazes in this class are mixable,
which means you can experiment to find what colors you like. (Most
glazes are not mixable this way.)

Our studio holds 4 to 6 students easily. More, if necessary.
Class cost $10 to $15 per student, for the completed class. (Meaning
either the One Day Class or the Two Session Class.) There will be
size restrictions on the project, for obvious reasons.

More 2009

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2009 classes

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More of Brother's Class 09

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New One Sitting Create and Paint

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New One Sitting Method

Create the project, let it dry a bit, paint it,
we dip it in clear glaze later and fire it once.

Try it!

July 09 Classes

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Summer Classes

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The D's Class

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Girl Scouts Glazing

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Pedestal dishes and stuff Mike and I have made this year, I think.

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The Girl Scouts Finished Art Work

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Nice Job Girls!!!

Biscotti Recipe

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Biscotti

To 4 eggs beaten golden, add 1 cup brown or white sugar and 2 tsp. almond extract.

Add dry ingredients which have been stirred gently together in a separate bowl.
1 cup unbleached flour
1 cup assorted flours (I use rice, oats, split pea flour, tapioca, or barley)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
dash of cinnamon and nutmeg if you desire
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Spread in a greased 9/13 glass pan.
Bake 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until cooked through. Of course you can eat it now since it's cooked through. It just wouldn't be twice baked which is what biscotti means.

Remove from oven, let cool. Slice 1/2 inch wide and place these on a hot pizza stone to toast in the oven at 375 for a few minutes. Watch carefully. Take out, cool, and eat.

Dunk in strong coffee served in one of our mugs.
Serve and store in pretty pieces you have made yourself in one of our classes!!

All recipes in my kitchen are subject to change.

Girl Scouts Earn Pottery Badge!

2009-06-04T18:25:00.001-07:00

Brother's Classes

2009-06-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Student Projects May 2009

2009-05-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Nice job on the pinch and coil pieces.

One of those items is a cave for a lizard.

June Class Info Soon

2009-05-28T20:42:00.001-07:00

All of these projects may be done in either the beginner class or the slab class.
With a bit of practice, you can do a lot of things with clay.

If you would like to be on the mailing list, write me at biscottipottery@gmail.com

Slab constructed purse necklace.

Slab constructed small mug with texture.

Slab constructed dish resting over a mold.

A slab.

Pinch pot by Matthew.

May 2009 Pottery Class

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Glazing Only Class (Students glaze our stuff in a one hour class)

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Stuff at CA Tile Supply on 10th West.

2009-05-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

I just had to share the amazing cake my sister brought from the big city. Oh My!!!
Mirangue frosting, with tons of fruit.
It may inspire some sort of pottery, right?

This shows CA Tile Supply's display with a few of our pieces.

May Classes

2009-05-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

May and June Classes Coming Soon!

2009-04-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

April 2009 Classes

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The Video

2009-04-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

April Classses 2009

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Class Times Still Available for April:

Wed. April 15 and 29 10:30, 1:30 or 3:00

Fridays April 17 and May 2 10:30, 1:30 or 3:00

Choose which days you would like, then what time, and call me or e-mail me.
Hand building.

$10. per student for the two sessions, total.

Up to six students could easily fit in our studio.

Looking for seniors, grandparents, moms groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts,etc. who may be interested in these beginner classes.

Just e-mail me. biscottipottery@gmail.com

Spring Classes and Stuff

2009-04-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Lakes and Valleys Art Center in Lake Hughes

2009-03-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

We joined the Art Guild in Lake Hughes.
The shop is open on weekends. I would call first to make sure.

Lakes & Valleys Art Guild.
43751 Lake Hughes Rd
Lake Hughes, CA 93532
(661) 724-1312

Pass the Rock Inn, going west, then turn left on Lake Hughes Rd.
It's on the right.

Another Fun Class March 2009

2009-03-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

March 09 classes

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Classes for March 09

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I have a few class openings for this month.

Mondays March 9 and 23 at 10:30 or 1:30.

Fridays March 13 and 27 at 1:30 or 3:00.

$10. per student for the two sessions.
First session we make the clay project. Second session we glaze it.

Call for information or write to
biscottipottery@gmail.com.

I can set up a beginning class (coil and pinch pots) or a slab class.
Our studio can fit up to six students quite easily.
Having grandparents attend with the grandchildren is quite nice too.
Consider a date night too. Just e-mail me with your ideas and we will see what we can put together.

Pottery Classes Feb. 2009

2009-03-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Jan. Classes 2009 Majolica Glaze Low Fire

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Aren't these great vibrant colors?

Some slab construction, some pinch pots, coil pots, and baskets.

Majolica Glaze Classes

2009-01-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Here's the address for pottery tutorials.

2009-01-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.jhpottery.com/tutorial/slab.html

Slab Construction

2009-01-25T16:49:00.001-08:00

Just thought I would add a link to a site that explains the details of making a box out of clay. We have just recently gone to the BIG City to fetch several new kinds of clay.

The one I tried today worked quite well for box making as you can see in the slide show.

I will try the other kinds of clay also.
Some of the clay and glaze are high fire, some low fire. So we have to be careful to mix and match correctly or things just don't turn out right.
Lots of science and chemistry and physics and all that going on in the pottery shop.

Slide Show of Next Class Ideas

2009-01-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

Design your own class.

Just choose from the dates I send out and decide what kind of projects you would like to try.
Find a few others who would like to participate with you or I will put the class out on the e-mail loops. Then we see how it all comes together.
Thanks for looking!!

biscottipottery@gmail.com

My First Slide Show on Blog. I did it all myself!!!!

2009-01-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

Items I may sell on Ebay soon....mamamercyme

2009-01-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

Inside of the pitcher.

Inside of the vase.

The pistachio mug holds 10 oz.
Hot or cold drinks.
4 1/2 inches tall
3 inches across the cup part.

Vase
4 inches high
5 across
Holds 2 cups, hot or cold.
Food safe just in case you want to fill it with coffee.
I might just keep it.

---------------

Pitcher in waterfall blues with cinnamon
at base.
Holds 4 cups.
Hot or cold drinks.
6 inches tall
5 inches across

Butter Bells

2009-01-20T17:05:00.001-08:00

Put the softened, not melted, butter in the little one and cold water in the big one. Then set the little one into the big one.
Keeps butter soft for a few weeks. (Oh? I'd use it by then for sure.)
This means that it is spreadable and doesn't get rancid as quickly.
(Oh? I never had any rancid butter, anyway.)
Perhaps this is for use by those who make their own butter and have no refrigeration and like spreadable butter.

Here's a link to explain butter bells:

http://www.webexhibits.org/butter/crocks.html

This one I titled Misfit as it just fits if you turn it to a certain spot. It's so cute. But I really think butter bells are silly.
I may try it anyway.
This one doesn't hold much butter.

On Ebay I am Mamamercyme.....Dear Son #1 named me.

2009-01-20T16:26:00.001-08:00

I am attempting to sell on ebay. Quite another learning curve, but why not?

So this is the bottom of the bowl. Signed. MC with a 2 since it took both of us to make this bowl. MC squared.

This bowl holds 3 cups easily. 8 1/2 inches x 2 1/2 inches.
Blue and green waterfall effect.

This is the Fat Lip Mug.
One of a kind.
Holds about a cup. Blues and greens.

Kitty Napping

2009-01-14T16:22:00.001-08:00

Jan Class 2009

2009-01-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

Jan 2009 Classes

2009-01-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Class info coming soon to an e-mail near you.
biscottipottery@gmail.com

Note that classes are two weeks apart, not one week as in the past.

Monday Jan 12 and 26, 2009
10:30 Beginning clay work: one small pinch pot and one coil pot. 45 to 60 minutes.
1:30 Would anyone like to do the sculpting work?
3:00 Slab class.

Other classes to be announced as they come together.

Some of my ideas for this year:
Date night for parents.
Valentines Day: Paint already bisqued items.
Spring time baskets made with coils in spring colors.
Mom and daughter class.
Mother's Day.
Father's Day. (Look for the fish somewhere on this blog. Sculpt guy stuff.)
Generational classes.
Tea time with your class. You bring the goodies, I'll boil the water!

Let me know what you would like and I will see what I can put together.

Beads, slab, pinch and coil pots in the un-bisqued state

2009-01-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

This is a simple slab project.

Simple beads can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes and colors.

Un-bisqued coil and pinch pots.

Sculpting Class

2009-01-02T16:14:00.001-08:00

Slab construction with added sculpting.

Face mugs and a baking dish which was slab construction.

That's a large slab sculpted with assorted items.

We saw this in a pottery shop.
Wouldn't that be fun inspiration
for something unique?

My father can show you the simple techniques for making cute dogs.

Slab Class

2009-01-02T15:50:00.001-08:00

Slab construction means that we take a slab of clay just like pie dough and create something with it. It is my favorite way to play with clay. It takes time, patience, an eye for form and design, and a willingness to crunch the project and start anew. That's my perspective.

The following things have been formed from slabs of clay, then glazed and enjoyed.

Students will spend time learning the basics of thinking through a design, forming the clay, using the glueing techniques, smoothing the rough edges, allowing it to dry properly. After the first firing we will glaze the projects.

Little purse necklaces

Cracker and dip trays

Barrettes

Small leaf dish

More advanced Slab Class

Link to Picassa Album, I hope.

2008-12-30T15:24:00.001-08:00

The Video

2008-12-28T16:21:00.001-08:00

Holidays 2008

2008-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Good Day to all who may stop by my blog today.

We have had a blessed and safe holiday season. Lots of family meals together .... yumm yumm. I will try to remember to put my biscotti recipe on one of these pages. Good earthquake food too, since it keeps pretty well, and my variety has a lot of protein.

We fetched our pottery from the Stone's Throw Gallery in Kernville yesterday. A beautiful drive it is!!! Yet it takes us a full two hours ..... both directions of course. So we have some of our pastel pieces, some colanders, and some elephant foot mugs back in our possession. We get a little attached to some of our pieces. When you create these with your own hands, and glaze them with a lot of thought through the many layers, imagining what it might look like, (since with these glazes you don't know until it's fired), you are rather connected with the finished product.

We are thinking of putting some of it on e-bay or finding a closer shop or gallery.

Class info will be out this next week, I think. Probably the weeks of Jan. 12 and 26 will be open for a variety of classes including beginner, slab, beads, etc. Let me know what your interests are and I will put together a class.

biscottipottery@gmail.com

I don't do just blue, just mostly blue.

2008-12-19T20:28:00.001-08:00

See? Black cracker and dip trays.

See? Golden purse with that other
one which I can't see what color it is.

Mike did this with some glaze we got in Nashville.
Burgundy.

Uh, see??? Um. Blue with cinnamon.

Finally, Not Blue again.
This is from the Golden Collection.

Open House Sat 12 to 4. biscottipottery@gmail.com

2008-12-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

This tall cylinder could hold dry flowers.
It has no bottom.
(That's a mirror.)

Button bowl and pitcher in pastels.

Newest elephant mugs in purples and blues with
a small pitcher.

Tall vase in the waterfall colors.

The Wed. Bible Study Group Comes Over To Glaze and Watch It Snow.

2008-12-19T19:35:00.001-08:00

These were from our glazing only class.
The participants chose their piece and glazed it.
Now we hope each of them picked up the right stuff.

This was the day it snowed.

Sat. Open House 12 to 4

2008-12-12T16:54:00.001-08:00

Something has gone wrong with the function that is supposed to take the photos to the blog. So, no new photos right now......

Will we have snow next week?

2008-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Greens and browns with blue.

And other blues with cinnamon.
biscottipottery at gmail.com

Jan. Class Ideas biscottipottery@gmail.com

2008-12-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

Nice colors on this cat.

Vase, jug and pitcher have just been unloaded from
the kiln. Always a surprise to see what turned out
the way I expected....the colors do some amazing
things under that much heat.

This of course is a duck in a pot.
Duck is stained, not glazed.

Freshly made coil pots and pinch pots from a Dec.
class, in their un-bisqued state.

We are doing one more week of classes, then we will take a break for the Family Wonderful Times of Christmas.

We are evaluating options for classes in Jan. and the scheduling for firings in the kiln and such. The classes in Jan. may be two weeks apart to manage the drying and firing times more efficiently.

If you have any special requests for new classes, this is a good time to send them to us.

biscottipottery@gmail.com
We can put you on our e-mail list and you will get all the updates.

More Photos

2008-11-30T16:22:00.001-08:00

Matt and Satin glazes most likely anyway.

Slab work by Matt.

Greens, blues, browns for the waterfall effect
which actually is dependent on so many things
coming together nicely. The shape of the bowl,
the layers and layers of different colors of glaze,
and even the placement in the kiln all have an effect
on the final look.

Pastel colors.

Vase

2008-11-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Kelsey, do you remember this?

Birthday Bash

2008-11-23T14:59:00.001-08:00

You just have to see it to believe it.

Birthday Candles on
a cookie jar???

Class Time Nov. 08

2008-11-22T12:49:00.001-08:00

Completed Project. Isn't that cute?

Do you recognize your project?

Painting our bisqued items: leaf, star, dinosaur
cup, fish, and butterfly. Good Job.

2008-11-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

Class Time

2008-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

More Slab Construction

2008-11-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

These are simple barrettes.

More advanced slab work.

Did I mention the Swamp Gully Tea Time Collection?
Not all of these are available, as the SGTT is so
'in demand' right now......

Our Displays

2008-11-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

At the College Craft Fair Nov. 08

The Stone's Throw Gallery in Kernville

The Elephant Foot Mug collection is slab constructed.
Take a class. You too can have fun stuff
for your table. Scroll down for class info. It's here
somewhere. biscottipottery@gmail.com

Open House Nov. 28 and 29

2008-11-19T11:56:00.001-08:00

2008-11-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

Vase for sale in yellow and blues.

Blue baking dish and yellow bean pot.
Oven and dishwasher safe.

Tortilla warmer and leaf necklace.

Tall cylinder.

Coil and Slab Construction

2008-11-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Slab Construction

Coil Construction

Face Mug

2008-10-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

This one sold. But you should see
the birthday candle holder that Mike made.

Slab and Sculpting

2008-10-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Advanced slab construction

Simple Sculpting
My dad, 78, did these.
He's always had a creative bent.

Ornaments and mugs from slab construction

2008-10-29T14:14:00.001-07:00

Just like cookie dough.

Advanced slab construction

For your green-fix.

Leaf Bowl, Vase and Questions

2008-10-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Slab Work in Leaf Shape

To those of you who asked pottery questions, here goes:

Appropriate Age range:

Well, it depends. My dad who is nearly 80 creates pottery stuff
nearly every week. My grandchildren, ages 2 and 4, do this quite often
also.

I think that children over 7 have the attention span and abilities to
not need constant individual attention and that is why I put the age
of 7 in my guidelines. Yet, I am flexible. If a Mom, Dad, Grandma,
Grandpa, big sister or brother, etc. want to come to be the helper for
a little one, it might or might not work. Who knows? Write to me, or call and I
can let you know if I can flex, or if I cannot. OK?

I am trying a parent participation type class with younger ones for
the Glazing Only Class. Meaning that they glaze already bisqued
pieces, like ornaments or smallish stuff.

The glazes we use change color when they are put in the kiln. Some
of them do not resemble what they will be at all. Some do. I try to
imagine what the colors will be and how they will blend. You could
get a color wheel, or look one up on the net and study color
combinations.

If you meant how many different ages can I have in one class, I think
that's pretty flexible also. It is group instruction, yet individuals
create their own pieces. Again, call me with specific ideas and we
shall see what could be worked out.

What is a pinch pot?
You take a ball of clay and pinch it into a pot.

What is a coil pot?
You make snakes and pinch, seal them together and form them into
something. I have made little baskets with this design. I am sure
there are many varieties of things to make with this method. Our son
made a coffee cup with this method.

Slab construction:
Sort of like pie dough only thicker and easier to handle I think.
Then you shape it into cups, pie plates, pocket wall hanger, vases, etc.

The wheel takes hours and hours of time to become competent. That's another topic for another time. We do have a kick wheel and an electric wheel but no classes yet in this.

biscottipottery@gmail.com