Festival in the Clouds

This weekend it was time again for Festival in the Clouds in Alma. Sunshine, music, and pottery sales! Here's a tour of my setup....

My lovely booth mate, selling her cute concrete rhubarb leaf impressions

I should have gotten closeups on my appetizer trios!

Food and water bowls for pets

I like how the green glazes look together

Flower mugs

 

An eternal favorite - beer stein coffee mugs

I also had bike plates and stackable mugs - blue, pink, and white glazes

My friend brought a wildflower bouquet that divided nicely into two vases

See anything you'd like to own? Email me! I have a new address: iris [at] wildirisclay [dot] com. I also have a new website! There's still more work to do, but the essentials are up at wildirisclay.com. Let me know what you think of my new look. I always enjoy feedback.

Speaking of which, I've had a request to do more photos documenting pottery in progress. I will try to do that! Meanwhile, a quick before-and-after:

A couple of weeks ago, while doing a throwing demo, a sweet little girl named Zoe was glued to my side, watching closely while making requests: mug, bowl, jewelry holder, large vase. She also drew me inspiring shapes for more pieces she thought I should make later. What a great kid!

After glazing, here they are in my booth in Alma.

Happy Summer, everyone!

Spring Stroll

Hello, Spring! The weather is sublime today. We enjoyed a peaceful two-mile stroll behind the house. I love this springtime weather - a little too warm for my sweater and hat (even with my wet hair from the shower), but still refreshing; the snow holds up well enough under our weight so we don't fall through very much, and we also enjoy the sounds of rushing water as it runs down the mountain. We cross streams here and there, most of which will disappear by summer.

 

 

 

Vlad's sweater is much too thick for summer. I think it's time for some serious tufting to rid him of extra bulk and insulation!

 

I've been spending quality time over at Instagram recently. Come find me for regular photo updates @wildirisclay (www.instagram.com/wildirisclay). Piers has an account, too, @pierspeterson (www.instagram.com/pierspeterson).

 

Arts Alive!

Saturday night was the Grand Re-Opening at Arts Alive Gallery in Breckenridge. I appreciate all the people who came, it was a packed house! Here's a photo from much later in the evening. (I like when my display looks a little sparse, thanks for buying my pottery!)

Flowers, Birds, and an Elephant

I recently made a lovely custom butter dish using inspiration from a photo provided by my client.

Here's another custom piece, an elephant teapot (thrown on the wheel then altered).

A new assortment of flower mugs for the colorful Breckenridge shop, Magical Scraps:

I'm starting on a new set of mugs that will feature endangered whooping cranes. Yesterday I sat on the couch with my puppy to sketch some shapes.

 

And now to leave you with something silly....

On Saturday, in Frisco, there was an event called "Mardi Paws." A Mardi Gras mini parade for dogs! I had a good laugh seeing that many owners coordinated their outfits to match the pups.

 

Snowy Valentine's Day

Vlad wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! 

The snow is at least as high as his bench

I've been busy making work, glazing, shipping, dealing with bills, etc. Time's been flying by. It's mid-February already?!? 

I have two photos of new work to share: one piece that's drying slowly in the studio and the mugs I packed up and shipped out earlier this week. Then I have to get back to firing my kiln and finish glazing a very cool butter dish...

Custom elephant teapot

Travel safely, dear snowflake mugs

And now my favorite: Photos sent to me from happy customers. Thank you!! I love these very much. Keep 'em coming!

Vlad says MUAH!