Yesterday was pottery class day. I have to say that in a way I was not looking too forward to it. Which was silly, really.

We walked into the studio and there was my apple sitting on the table all nice and dry. Unfortunately it still looked the same as it did last week. I said as much to Kathy (the instructor) and she said “don’t be dissing your apple so much, everybody in the other class loved it.” I felt immediately better after that and even better yet when I saw what one woman in the other class had made last week. Yes, I felt much much better about my apple.

I took my cue from my other classmate and this week brought an old shirt to put on over my clothes. I was glad I did because today was sanding day for the two pieces we created last week. I was able to sculpt the apple just a tad but left some little dents since after all, no apple has a perfectly smooth skin. It will be fun to do the glazes next week.

As we worked we could see it starting to snow outside! The flakes didn’t last long before we heard the sound of sleet pelting against the studio windows.

I also got to see what my bowl looked like after it was turned out of its forming bowl. Not bad. Not bad at all! As I was sanding down the edges to make them smoother, some small pieces broke off from the rim. I wasn’t too worried as it made it look all that more artistic. Everyone else had done a different texture on each of their clay slabs that went into forming their bowl, kind of like a patchwork quilt. I guess I am a not a “busy” person because I used the same textures on each of my slabs. The look turned out very cohesive and because I varied the pattern it didn’t look too matchy-matchy. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that it holds together in the firing process. I wish now I had taken the camera to get a shot of it just in case. At least if it doesn’t make it through the firing process I’d have something to show for it!

Today’s project was making an extruded vase/bowl. We formed a base by tracing around an upside down bowl, then rolled out different lengths of coils of clay which we then wound around the base to whatever height we desired. I tried to stagger the beginning and endings of the coils so it would be more interesting. I am still debating how to finish mine off: whether to use a ravioli wheel cutter to introduce some texture like I did with a pot I made before (way back when), or to leave it in its natural form. So, since I was undecided I wrapped it in plastic to keep it moist until next week. I was kind of liking how it was looking in its natural state, so we’ll see how I feel about it next week.

I think I’m going to be sad when it’s over. Maybe I’ll take another round of lessons ...

Sounds like your pottery class is going good and you’re doing lots of stuff along the way.  It sounds fun.  I hope you take your camera and post some photos soon.

Debra, yes I am enjoying it and am now getting into the creative mode without worrying about what other people are doing. Next week I will take the camera for sure. Fingers crossed for a safe firing this week!

waiting for a firing is like waiting for xmus…. will it ever come?  what will I get?  will I like it?? 
sending good vibes to the kiln.

I’m so glad you are starting to enjoy the class.  Soon you’ll be addicted and have to set up a studio with your own wheel and kiln.  Then of course you’ll get lonely and start offering classes to share your love of the craft and then…well, it could happen!

Yes, bring your camera next time!

Maggie, yes it’s a bit like that. Once it gets fired (if it makes it) with the glaze on then I will REALLY be wondering what it’s going to look like!

Susie, I might get addicted! But the kiln would be a huge investment. Somehow I can’t see myself down that path, but you never know, do you? I will bring the camera for sure. Even if only to show shards of pottery ...