tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8467139459409866132024-03-05T03:09:14.138-08:00Fireluster PotteryHandmade pottery and ceramicsFerragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-75304787647617066712008-09-29T05:51:00.000-07:002008-09-29T06:20:14.510-07:00Pensacola Seafood Festival 2008I went to the Pensacola Seafood festival yesterday - the last day of the event. The weather really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cooperated</span> , and it was beautifully sunny , but HOT. I went with my friend Leslie H. and we got there about 1 pm.<br /><br />Okay, the first thing that could have really put a damper on the day happened when we parked the car. Leslie drives a sweet little black Mercedes convertible, and after driving around looking for a parking space close to the Seville Square, we saw an open space in a small lot that was actually free- not $5 as all the rest of them were. She turned into the lot, and the driver at the stop sign must have had the same idea at the same time --- there was a bump and some tears (on the other drivers part) , but no real harm done. (I would have been really upset if it were my car, but Leslie took it well in stride and was determined not to let it ruin our day. I wish I could be so pragmatic as she is!)<br /><br />Anyway, we walked a block or two and entered the crush. I do mean crush! I don't know what the numbers were but I'm sure it will turn out to be something like 80,000 at least in attendance. The booths were lined along the X that is in the middle of Seville Square, along with several on the outlying streets and places we didn't even get to see.<br /><br />Leslie had a mission to find two artists she knew and we browsed the show looking for them and poking into booths. The variety of artists was astounding. I especially loved the guy who had all the worlds coins and cut them out with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jewelers</span> saw. That was really cool. Lots of pottery ( which I love of course), some great jewelry, lots of painters both good and bad, and some weird, hard to classify stuff, too.<br /><br />It wasn't easy to get around sometimes, just because there were <em>so </em>many people. I hate getting bitten in the back of the ankles by baby strollers or having someones funnel cake wipe powdered sugar all over me - but it was just part of the scene yesterday. Did I mention it was <em>hot </em>? Oh, wow, it was sweat running down your backside hot. I had an icy cold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">budweiser</span> and that kind of took the edge off it.<br /><br />The festival is "Seafood Festival" after all, so of course there was food. But, it was super expensive and walking past the rows of food booths made me a bit queasy since all you could smell was hot grease. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ick</span>. The live music was great and there was plenty of seating for listening or eating.<br /><br />We couldn't stay too long due to other plans, but it really got me excited to do the Pensacola Seafood Festival next year as an exhibitor. After seeing what was there, I know I'd fit right in. Maybe paintings, maybe jewelry - I'm not sure yet, but I have a few months to decide.Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-91025902249767502382008-09-28T06:47:00.000-07:002008-09-29T05:51:35.262-07:00Art Festival Time!Yesterday I attended the Navarre PHunFest, held on the bayside park along Highway 98 in Navarre, Florida (my hometown!). This park is right on the water and a wonderful sea breeze kept the heat and humidity to a minimum. The weather really cooperated, but I was a bit disappointed with the quality of art at this show. There were <em>way </em>too many resellers there for my taste, an not enough original artists and crafters. That could be because there is a really big Art show in Pensacola this weekend and most of the best artists were there.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251079853732407218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfbp4vd9BUWwrv5-dt3wpD2RRT7g4qXi9J2y5GqkutY7KSpkZKGzV5cbAKgsm5kkqVc45uadAjhOp41M9aWDyNRDJ3QbdoTKV2QceVETU5ZujlOyx4y5WNM5RgAiEY-lp7P18gLYLlktF/s400/navarrebeach.jpg" border="0" /><br />The festival was sponsored by the Parrothead club and benefitted the local zoo, so it was a good cause, and it was pretty well attended, but I think it would have been even better with more artists and less "junky-junk" booths. I went with my new friend, Leslie, who is a huge local patron of the arts. She's really enthusiastic, and a good buyer, so it was my duty ( I felt) to steer her away from the Slipada/mass market jewelry and the punched-out earrings. She bought a nice handpainted table, a painting, a handmade blanket and a stained glass windchime. We also saw some nice boxes with shells glued on - but a bit pricey at $50-$90 each; and a local painter with abstract jigsaw puzzle shaped paintings, fairies and mermaids. Overall, the quality of the art was so-so. The local Parrothead club was having a good time and listening to the band while nursing hangovers, the Zoo had lots of animals for the kiddies, and I bought a $3.00 bottle of water!<br /><br />I met the guy in charge of the Navarre Festival of the Arts show, and he wasn't too happy to let me in with jewelry. That's irritating, because I would think they would be happy to have any kind of artist-made items. This is Navarre, after all- not Miami, Destin, Seaside or Sedona. Navarre is too small-time to be picky. The last time I was at that show, the booths were really average overall. There is not enough visibility for this show for them to be so choosy, in my opinion - but anyway, they do run the show- so what can I do about it. My friend Leslie assures me that she is tight with the organizers and can guarantee me a place, jewelry or not - so I guess I won't worry about it.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I get a bit of a rude vibe from some of the people in charge of the Navarre Arts Association, which is not useful for attracting artists to their organization. It's a shame, because this could be the next artists hotspot. We have it all; good weather, customers, beautiful scenery, etc.<br />I hope things look up for the local artists. We can only wait and see.Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-76158095225366413242008-09-18T09:40:00.000-07:002008-09-18T09:58:27.515-07:00Etsy woes and the crappy economyWell, firstly, let me apologize for ignoring my blog posting for so long. Really, it's inexcusable, given all the support from you who've come by to check on my posts. It's been a busy and hectic summer and I am always running short of time!<br /><br />My sales at Etsy have taken a severe hit the last 6 weeks or so, and I wonder how much is due to my lack of promotion in the Etsy forums and how much is general economical malaise. I've chatted with a few other sellers, both newbies and established online shops and the consensus is that sales in general are in the crapper (a favorite phrase that can rarely be overused!).<br /><br />In case you are an Etsy seller, you may be following some of the turmoil that's plaguing Etsy in the search results. I'm not totally in the know, so take my explanation with a grain of salt. Apparently, when items are listed or renewed, they are not always being posted to the search results. Instead, etsy is posting items in batches. In other words, items may not show up in the search for minutes, or hours. If I pay .20 to list an item, I'd like to see it at the top of it's search category, but with a batch post- I may be on page 3 or 4 or 20 right off the bat. Not good.<br /><br />So, with the renewing/listing problem going on, I wonder if I suffer sales by letting my shop sit without the exposure of renewing (renewing is paying another .20 to have your item at the top of the search results).<br /><br />Of course it could be the economy, stupid. It almost makes me feel a teensy bit better for having no 401K or stock portfolio. I watch lots of cable news and listen to NPR during my hour long commute to work daily, and the news is not encouraging. I wonder how long it will be before the average Joe and Jill, especially, feel good enough about spending money to want to shop for little luxuries. I think most people are quite scared just now and things will get better the closer we get to the holiday season. Perhaps things will be looking up in a couple of weeks.<br /><br />Until then, I'll keep creating!Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-64371223799038229102008-08-05T19:18:00.000-07:002008-08-05T19:21:35.665-07:00July Blog Contest Winner!Congratulations to Yyeres, the winner of the free necklace in July's blog contest! <br /><br />Thanks to everyone who participated. We'll be having another free contest starting Friday, August 8. Look for the contest post where you can sign up!!Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-67478166173226264032008-08-05T06:37:00.000-07:002008-08-05T06:47:32.511-07:00I'm on DaWanda!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Q0QqWrA9rhVQPv8yvnC4J2oXAC0HsNVunO5MviNSWHGRXmI06ucLPX3D_sPnNLp3AYSVxcHDnHlabaF5bU0eNUyOJjFSQ4gMYIAiB57hbQ4W6KOI_nTcqCVdvwBhOK3hrGqpny_lz7r/s1600-h/logo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231029350920753762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Q0QqWrA9rhVQPv8yvnC4J2oXAC0HsNVunO5MviNSWHGRXmI06ucLPX3D_sPnNLp3AYSVxcHDnHlabaF5bU0eNUyOJjFSQ4gMYIAiB57hbQ4W6KOI_nTcqCVdvwBhOK3hrGqpny_lz7r/s400/logo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What's DaWanda, you say?? That's another online shopping site for handmade goods. It's similar to Etsy, but based in Europe. There is the original site, in German; a French DaWanda; and an English one. The German and French DaWanda definitely see more sales and traffic, but the English site is new and just getting going. </div><br /><div>The site is super easy to use and learn. You don't pay per listing, just a small fee for when the item sells. There is also a nice forum filled with helpful people. The usual snarkiness of the Etsy forum is blessedly missing. I haven't noticed any of the nasty comments and general bad attitude that Etsy forums are prone to. Actually, that's probably one of the reasons I hang around the Etsy forums too much- for the drama!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231029564536938658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdhYAYf1sUfScrZD4LW2MUpo3tPi0hTNvJPuTOGQHo49iIWpKcIlxBW3K2yzNpv27xaEaWSIdIqT6ja6yGIjPM2TX4xTxc5Pxi8KwueQUA9foBuBzZQTECyn8_8k3XkuuRoYlCYFRu3Gt/s400/1199603063-19.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Anyway, I digress! DaWanda now hosts my shop called <a href="http://en.dawanda.com/shop/FerragamoStudio">Ferragamo Studio</a>. I have an eclectic collection of items in that shop and will be adding more in the coming days and weeks. I hope to have it as robust as my etys shop soon.</div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-12666946408875681092008-07-28T12:21:00.000-07:002008-07-28T12:58:55.575-07:00Santa Rosa Beads is coming!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINnkIXB1-uB8Pf2z4IuTmxB_5qD40jLUQmV6TOC6zXDut53ustawNAXO0_leoVtnvxl_w9V5aqy74NPSdtuJHr7x_J9zOqH5Ig7FibL09qZTV_EREKzngBPE5WJqEDVZMdiiFIOfr4Es0/s1600-h/2547511467_afb07c6856.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228155150352876754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINnkIXB1-uB8Pf2z4IuTmxB_5qD40jLUQmV6TOC6zXDut53ustawNAXO0_leoVtnvxl_w9V5aqy74NPSdtuJHr7x_J9zOqH5Ig7FibL09qZTV_EREKzngBPE5WJqEDVZMdiiFIOfr4Es0/s400/2547511467_afb07c6856.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We're so happy to announce that our new etsy shop, Santa Rosa Beads, is slated to open in the next two weeks! </div><br /><div>We've had so much wonderful feedback from our customers about our pendants and pottery, that we wanted to offer some supplies and handmade beads with our Fireluster Pottery style.</div><br /><div>We're busy creating loads of handmade beads and components. I'm going to start listing on Etsy sometime in the next week. I have a lot of work to do; make a banner, write listings, pricing, etc. We did secure our url, though, so hopefully, we'll have a website developed soon, too.</div><br /><div>At Santa Rosa Beads, we'll have handmade sterling silver findings, too. Handforged earwires, eyepins and clasps are some of the cool things you'll find for your jewelry making. I love making silver clasps and components and you'll be sure that you're getting only the highest quality handmade findings available. </div><br /><br /><div>Keep your eyes open for the debut of Santa Rosa Beads. I think we'll be running a fun little contest for our grand opening. I'm still thinking of what to have as the prize. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228155273171628530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjunE3eVYl4grpBLObiAk4jkjdlrJvyBP-jrju1jiVFS0Iw__XjvOozBvaW9PkjNejTfmWS1RdQr_WvFMNFPfSQvm2VJh8M_3OUpHUUPabeRWc7WkyikCGzF3bmiA9GvLxK8J8r0sSBJB/s400/2547511421_4af8e36160.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Thanks to everyone who purchased from us. We have the nicest customers! We'll continue to have <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445">Fireluster Pottery</a> as our shop to sell finished handpainted ceramic jewelry and one of a kind pottery and ceramic work. Santa Rosa Beads will be your place to buy handmade porcelain and ceramic beads and sterling silver jewelry findings for your original designs!</div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-41384937731431870062008-07-16T07:52:00.001-07:002008-07-16T08:01:38.642-07:00Etsy Find - Turquoise Soaps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5cyKEIgWBmp45GOPdNv0OPE9wTXCqYr0SIKcrgk1vMXjB4g_179kjD7_Iwysh8Bx84B8e0unkYR0EcvaYrse7gaVN1IWFGLMfKZ3rtN5CW3h6CALodUf2JQ2LVTUiMLFVXxy3yoX1NV6/s1600-h/il_430xN_31985441.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223625090383833570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5cyKEIgWBmp45GOPdNv0OPE9wTXCqYr0SIKcrgk1vMXjB4g_179kjD7_Iwysh8Bx84B8e0unkYR0EcvaYrse7gaVN1IWFGLMfKZ3rtN5CW3h6CALodUf2JQ2LVTUiMLFVXxy3yoX1NV6/s400/il_430xN_31985441.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I found this seller on etsy the other day; <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5531278">Amethyst Soaps</a>. I couldn't believe how realistic this soap is! It looks just like real, tumbled turquoise nuggets with the 'matrix' and everything!</div><br /><div>Amethyst Soaps also sells soap shaped like, what else, amethyst crystals. Very pretty. Almost too pretty to use. I just love these. They'd be beautiful in a guest bathroom, or as a housewarming gift. I know what to get my mother for Christmas. She has a southwest decorated bathroom, and the turquoise soap would be perfect for it.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223626040100556626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUuD4e3DRlvKP5-ET9nRyaXnf_P_4kODHvB5BJvUKjo6aV-AHI8VB0GHXCSRaWWaLyb9oPhXkhJiAjbBPduXg0GwrtKEt1fHOsT5KxgBSmjJWcUtzBMk3ulTlbM7u3yhKgWwrW6A3Nt5e/s400/il_430xN_31814576.jpg" border="0" /></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-87906958871865558052008-07-14T13:48:00.000-07:002008-07-15T05:56:29.521-07:00You Cant Go Home Again<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC1e5yVu61KVxNtr783J7B4BZTyD3POeYHBzDjzA1dCbokNMtqQtrJrkT6pBQoXxKFUGJiM-yQmG0Tut_UHSay6G-CsT01D6X4KfzBq5r-tfKnDfdI4Qs60eHC4w-zW3BV5x0V0nxrsvB/s1600-h/IMG_0008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222975032765906434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC1e5yVu61KVxNtr783J7B4BZTyD3POeYHBzDjzA1dCbokNMtqQtrJrkT6pBQoXxKFUGJiM-yQmG0Tut_UHSay6G-CsT01D6X4KfzBq5r-tfKnDfdI4Qs60eHC4w-zW3BV5x0V0nxrsvB/s320/IMG_0008.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here's a picture of one of the houses I grew up in. It's in Wellfleet, Massachusettes (Cape Cod), right in the town center (kitty corner from the post office, if you know where that is). Anyway, we called the tiny road the house was on "Wicked Road" because of the windy, potholed, dark and shady nature of that lane. One day I want to have a shop or write a book called, The House on Old Wicked Road. </div><br /><br /><div>It looks pretty beat up in this photo, but it was a big, fun old victorian house to knock around in. We lived there in the 70's. Mom took this picture a year or so ago when she went back to Cape Cod for a vacation.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222976362325071330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9tEQnG7QA6CkHRJADAwq6uaB5-aXhjeVNnDiZn5hTDzb_AV-YazcKsVJgqc_yaOX_XAVW7FzYIjrhZyrF2IPs8uZUbAsEd4TVpo4SDuTM4NwIdUnyTCy2achyphenhyphen8p1IRQVivZW4E1qUhbG/s400/IMG_0065.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>This is a picture of my sister Audrey posed by the famous dingy that greets visitors to downtown Wellfleet. "Downtown" is a bit of a misnomer, because it's mostly Main Street and a couple of side streets and that's it. It was an idyllic place to grow up, though. I remember on this corner Audrey and I encountered three baby raccoons, just hanging around the sidewalk. Yes, it was weird, and we played with them for about a half an hour.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223222465552416914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfdPMIfa-yjqGlywXKMyczGi5gAl3jIvVcflYUbvDQIvDWwfhCrCn32JzlWMzMUCQrcHuT977GZr2d_qPKG7KTrJQIXc047GPYoMHZc4bm2S3KSncxJD3cCk65K7KYI7vhuN3TvyI7-g3/s400/IMG_0057.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Wellfleet is a very cute town; very historic and quaint. I lived there in the 1970's and 1980's, until I left home. I'd love to go back for a visit, but I think I might be disappointed in the changes. I remember little things like walking to the Newsrack and buying penny candy, and sitting on the bench on the lawn in front of town hall. It was a really charming place to grow up. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223223120681641138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtHv7uNFjrUjwZ4C-GJADoD_Y5wYN7GYkC0Lr92Ju2ZNXmFe8TxB3-ySrEUNbU9kn-ULGAxldcxKLX59aVrKk66Nyk7hwo5_23wdq1OcDG4B6PY1Sj2PgqNbq7rgR-wGDTVxQRPCVx-Wm/s400/IMG_0063.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br />This is another house we lived in. This is right on Main Street in Wellfleet. When I lived here, there was a covered porch, but it's since been restored back to the original. My room was in the upper left window. This was a really nice location and an awesome house. The sign to the left that says 'Dead End' is for a road that goes along the house, down a hill to a pond we used to ice skate on. Very fun!!Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-65722394661972419962008-07-04T05:41:00.000-07:002008-07-04T06:23:53.468-07:00Craft Show Tips<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmoBhVofv2D__aUqk7PLSajil1MsDS4_7s7RMQ_fxQOEbzQ1pqH849hAC2Jnr_QIkFkU09msCl8At2ZmyR4WNasiELnZa-eO_CxzAfJGvnyiuGW4oYEhQWSZhgxelKklPpiQgC321blfO/s1600-h/014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219139069788121746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmoBhVofv2D__aUqk7PLSajil1MsDS4_7s7RMQ_fxQOEbzQ1pqH849hAC2Jnr_QIkFkU09msCl8At2ZmyR4WNasiELnZa-eO_CxzAfJGvnyiuGW4oYEhQWSZhgxelKklPpiQgC321blfO/s400/014.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's time to start signing up for all those Christmas craft shows. I've gotten my check in for the Holly Fair, held in the Methodist Church in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shalimar</span>, Florida. That's a pretty nice show. They are only a one day show, but the last time I was there (a couple of years ago) it was very heavily attended and sold lots and lots!<br /><br />I still need to get organized and get my application to a couple more I want to do - bearing in mind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">how</span> draining it can be doing shows on following weekends. I get tired just thinking about it.<br />After doing a few shows, I've come up with my list of things I need, like to have, and should bring because I "might" need it. Here it is. You may have more to add. If you do, please leave them in the comments for me.<br /><br />*bags<br />*bubble wrap<br />*tape (masking and scotch)<br />*twine/string/fishing line (great for tying up displays)<br />*scissors<br />*paper towels<br />*sharpie<br />*ink pen<br />*business cards<br />*index cards (make quickie signs with the sharpie)<br />*alligator clips<br />*small notebook (for taking names, mailing list, etc)<br />*table covers<br />*bed risers or equivalent (these raise up your table which can increase your sales)<br />*water bottles and snacks/mints<br />*cash box or fanny pack ( I like to keep my money close)<br />*receipt book<br />*extra spending cash (just a couple of $ )<br />*for jewelry makers- extra findings/tools<br /><br />I'm sure someone can think of lots more. These are the basics for me, and I like to keep them in a plastic storage container with the kind of lid that flips open and can snap shut. It makes it so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">much</span> easier to keep all the small odds and ends in one of these that can be shoved under the table. I also swear by the technique of raising the table by 4 - 6 inches. It makes your product look good and gets it right under the buyers nose!<br /><br />Now that it's July, I'm about to get into high gear for making inventory for what I hope to be big sales this fall and winter. When you have a full time job and have children, being creative can really be a challenge, but it's one I love!<br /><br /><div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-59203414462229211822008-07-03T09:34:00.000-07:002008-07-03T09:39:51.396-07:00Featured on Etsy Front Page!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHArwhyphenhyphenNgih5FvIRHY-vUrWxXVsjJ3auOVl-E8NvO221i7lFmfayhSXqowFXk2o7P_T5DFNTgiEqUEwj1cPFlsWOnzoEnUe0-4UCaQ0KvK2VzFm88chYIh6-agFGuRI9r_uGx8s58TLbR/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_28802740.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218827481556052690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHArwhyphenhyphenNgih5FvIRHY-vUrWxXVsjJ3auOVl-E8NvO221i7lFmfayhSXqowFXk2o7P_T5DFNTgiEqUEwj1cPFlsWOnzoEnUe0-4UCaQ0KvK2VzFm88chYIh6-agFGuRI9r_uGx8s58TLbR/s400/il_fullxfull_28802740.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybsmkOzGGQBLPOE6lGCigqvNOzyiy14YGx-KShChx3Dl3hK77yH0lBYfQQkOkuyGjMJsOZ3_tS7H3xjvzCxW2kHkdHTwMqwaz6TWt2GwJ-nif2PctwjpvUCMto30FK7SQ5X9Vfy4MJ2p9/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_28802740.jpg"></a>My little Blue bird was featured on the front page of etsy today! I wanted to get a screenshot, but I never have gotten the hang of doing it properly. In any case, the front page changed a couple of minutes after I happened to see it. I usually forget to check it, but for some reason, I decided to look at it. Maybe it's because of that long, long, etsy forum thread about the same people being shown on the front page.</div><div> </div><div>Well, I'm thankful I was there and got a couple hundred views out of it. Hooray!!<br /><br /></div><div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-14856398805333853622008-07-01T09:36:00.000-07:002008-07-01T09:57:36.236-07:00July Blog Giveaway!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsVScJzZvs7CP7ozxAd2Iyj9XSAguFRFPBcSgLxlsFBosvjJl7iGj75rCSXrAWXXI7Y1iRv0sUF85Mg8rpUp0WPellke9RnYzzTSGpOqCoQ7tJgd52r3hYBiXy3TkRyc6Oj2stWWbnFYd/s1600-h/il_430xN_18837827.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218089368932955026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsVScJzZvs7CP7ozxAd2Iyj9XSAguFRFPBcSgLxlsFBosvjJl7iGj75rCSXrAWXXI7Y1iRv0sUF85Mg8rpUp0WPellke9RnYzzTSGpOqCoQ7tJgd52r3hYBiXy3TkRyc6Oj2stWWbnFYd/s320/il_430xN_18837827.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><br /><div>Well folks, it's that time again!<br />It's the start of the new blog giveaway from Fireluster!! Woo-hoo!!<br /><br />To qualify, just check out the blog and post a comment to this post. I'll need to contact you to let you know if you're a winner, so make sure I have a valid email. The prize is a pendant from our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445">etsy shop</a> , <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445">Fireluster Pottery</a> ($15 or under only). The winner is chosen by a random drawing. Last month, Kat picked out an awesome carved porcelain pendant as her prize.</div><br /><br /><div>In addition, if you leave me an address to your blog, I'll link to it here, too. I'll be looking for artists, etsy shops, and websites to feature on the blog, so if you'd like to be considered, feel free to let me know that, too! If you want to be on our email list, let me know and I'll email you reminders of our contests and new stuff!</div><br /><br /><div>Good luck!!</div></div></div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-86035772085507869732008-06-21T11:09:00.000-07:002008-06-21T11:21:36.058-07:00New Etsy Listings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyInFYZSXFg_eOTpUd3eP-dT9tHrKccuHui4o0wp8Svpwvro5krShWf89wHUhTne_STAKARFz9sfFFhFz-XfbkAMjEU34mOKB3TnO2Rs8JU9EDOm-lEi3408dJ-BmKRp1qHHj6_EiZmNVm/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_29968038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214399321333664018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyInFYZSXFg_eOTpUd3eP-dT9tHrKccuHui4o0wp8Svpwvro5krShWf89wHUhTne_STAKARFz9sfFFhFz-XfbkAMjEU34mOKB3TnO2Rs8JU9EDOm-lEi3408dJ-BmKRp1qHHj6_EiZmNVm/s400/il_fullxfull_29968038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme2X5FmhZaswkQkY_EsbK48mlUk66Zh8Ri8skXUvSoZ73XdesAgQtDps_-HciFW0RmEA9z1LxyJdorCVotvF2YMhIKqSMkFNqKlmXfyDCc1JaOt35MIF17P9uXDlp-9jTI7iRe21S_Dc_/s1600-h/il_430xN_29966356.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214399323415310098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme2X5FmhZaswkQkY_EsbK48mlUk66Zh8Ri8skXUvSoZ73XdesAgQtDps_-HciFW0RmEA9z1LxyJdorCVotvF2YMhIKqSMkFNqKlmXfyDCc1JaOt35MIF17P9uXDlp-9jTI7iRe21S_Dc_/s400/il_430xN_29966356.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT93VH14naEdMOlrRcTZdP0K25ewn43AMLb1hHwv0BcoX72jfAEqdckVkmjgWCppIMXtUgh5aRM92YUjmPe9aNjcBUdCYuremsv4fhASx552O_1UFjfcrmhC7OAFfzCy-2BmMwlxcRdE2-/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_29969494.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214399321274058354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT93VH14naEdMOlrRcTZdP0K25ewn43AMLb1hHwv0BcoX72jfAEqdckVkmjgWCppIMXtUgh5aRM92YUjmPe9aNjcBUdCYuremsv4fhASx552O_1UFjfcrmhC7OAFfzCy-2BmMwlxcRdE2-/s400/il_fullxfull_29969494.jpg" border="0" /></a> I added three new listings to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">etsy</span> shop; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445">FirelusterPottery</a></span> today. The top photo is called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12748917">Super Star Necklace</a>, and it's got my favorite butterscotch looking glaze with a ton of nice crackle glaze. It's strung on a brown rubber cord.<br /><br />The second photo is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12748418">Carved Porcelain Heart Necklace</a> in porcelain. I like the way the glaze is transparent enough to emphasize the carving in the porcelain. This pendant has so much textural interest and charm. I love heart pendants of any kind, and the sideways heart is always popular.<br /><br />The bottom photo is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12749330">Little Yellow Bird <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Handpainted</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Porcelain</span> Necklace</a>. I use the majolica style of decorating on this one. The bright glazes are painted over a base of white satin glaze. This makes the glazes sink into the white, giving the whole pendant a wonderfully soft look. Birds, and the color yellow are supposed to be popular this year. Well, we'll see. Maybe this little necklace will sell quickly.Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-14653323836550238672008-06-17T05:31:00.000-07:002008-06-17T05:50:40.395-07:00Ceramic Bead TutorialI've been interested in making a tutorial for making ceramic beads, but after looking on the internet, I see there is already a wealth of information out there about bead making. So... for now, I'll just pass on this link to a wonderful page chock full of ceramic bead making tutorials. This site, <a href="http://ceramicbeadartists.com/">Ceramic Bead Artists</a>, has a nice collection of <a href="http://ceramicbeadartists.com/index.php?inc=6">tutorials</a>, artists, links and information about ceramic bead making.<br /><br />I especially am interested in trying the slip trailing technique. This involves squeezing wet slip (clay mixed with water to a muddy consistency) onto wet or dry clay using a squeeze bottle or other tool for a relief effect.Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-54542231692052080632008-06-15T08:01:00.000-07:002008-06-15T09:13:06.568-07:00Fresh Hot Ceramic Beads<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212124638211579250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sAuvjCs9Euo5690SW4cHsAF0GYkzXiKpmXXnHNmUFEwXAVSm6u_RH7J0b-qdB6ERhNZiUr96RsMN7hgxm5frAEtVhBW4ipDlesnudfNtVN3gANec2tHxNJ-BUQrWahp007mHGU05yFw9/s400/003.JPG" border="0" /><br />Here are my new beads that just came out of the kiln. This load has a nice selection of pendants as well. I made several Tiki Head beads that I want to make into pendants with sterling silver bails. I think those came out nice<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212124632901562610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PWAdW0vcNxuajAM1prZ9JaAh3O7q8kO_N5v6OEt8S9JG0QOKikhUeCEAiPOgVdsu6J8eIHS1vIZYoBe5d8bG7XyBrOziauh3eOBZ16syHPm4aatB2tV8JrzjUCwL7ieOnTb47CHClBpr/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /><br />In the photo above are a few of the pendants; hearts and odd shapes that I made. The circular one at the top is going to be filled with crushed glass and then fired again. I want to see how that comes out.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212134817083312514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkZqVpszUEZuMYsTVqkqtuvm4VHXk6MGUEjWOnSE4Ow3CoGUOjGjUwvoBgAwDsClhO1Yw27KB13PjwMXjo3rk53ohEbiCv4K0Wy0uaVOlTEJi8WIlCslVcY6vYJ99Dy8Fusu1UO40dUtp/s400/013.JPG" border="0" />There are a nice selection of blue beads; a little irregularly shaped, but I like that. Too much uniformity makes me think it looks manufactured. I guess it's just a personal preference.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212134814719979090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0xt92x4uPqX6uvobCQflHai1FP9IqOfnf-_97oQVV0S4l2wkskmvWTJYcunYKRHGjDa44k9vniz32EUuWaH42_lPk3QMY4PYmbnvOsoqmm7SkFszSZ1RdHnU4odIWJ7D1nF1zihtOV9r/s400/011.JPG" border="0" />The Tiki Head beads were a lot of fun. I could make these all day long. The shino glazes that break along the high areas add so much too the look of these beads.I use a clay sculpting tool to press in the eyes and patterns into the clay. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212134823490691682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE0gLnTArYa5BQq8v8mBZO1DzmtUho4OhByZ7HPyUrKayTxf4ng6jAM9RobfnBpEo1xmqbEn-ENwAmn_luotR7BnXz2Rlm1ZVjjfwQncrsj08SkqFDf1ynvg6nZbY39wb4-3iczcVAjoW/s400/014.JPG" border="0" /><br />Lots of great texture on these tube beads. I like the way the glaze broke and all the different colors that you see when you look closely; blues, lavender, brown, turquoise.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-0_IaZQ9wEJ3RAS2yyC0Hl8axj28YIQMtNocCCgBVP7VIZMfNFMrYOYcC7Yfuh1XEXUuOR-JHOxs1xq83F6QzTdBqltIQD4TLGRTmbJLnV3OR4_Wc35cDm9kbHiN2Tx5D4KFw5jJ0e8j/s1600-h/014.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj921BfT4GH6jL9Bn1O0_4T4lrVlK-ogz0X84_iHcFDjMQi1MO1V8efRCkb3LF-G476nfN_oE0mxOTHreWF4w2C7Z_BrwEhbbRYAcfhTZRWF0GWxK5q3YmDjNpM5JiFGYS4j0p5Ghy5-VdX/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212124643244186210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj921BfT4GH6jL9Bn1O0_4T4lrVlK-ogz0X84_iHcFDjMQi1MO1V8efRCkb3LF-G476nfN_oE0mxOTHreWF4w2C7Z_BrwEhbbRYAcfhTZRWF0GWxK5q3YmDjNpM5JiFGYS4j0p5Ghy5-VdX/s400/007.JPG" border="0" /></a> These are two large lentil beads that Imade from taking two of my pendants and pressing them together. It was a challenge to keep them from getting indented and firing was tough. I had to string the smaller one onto high temp wire because it wouldn't fit onto the mandrel. The large bead is massive, isn't it? I think someone will be excited by it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX1MJsMm71BSfSz-xk2HDB1zfUstg_8_LaS24FG-nsYqsfjcVzewDkZCrOxFPrXSpGjwzhOh9a6LhDRKkw7RmT_BLcCK3EFvILBBfdBzSrIWzydb_TuRh73tlRKxM61uNqdPL2-d7aP_L/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212124657943393058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX1MJsMm71BSfSz-xk2HDB1zfUstg_8_LaS24FG-nsYqsfjcVzewDkZCrOxFPrXSpGjwzhOh9a6LhDRKkw7RmT_BLcCK3EFvILBBfdBzSrIWzydb_TuRh73tlRKxM61uNqdPL2-d7aP_L/s400/018.JPG" border="0" /></a> These were textured with a piece of cloth and until I saw them out of the kiln, I wasn't sure if I would like them. I think they are among my favorites. It's so cool to open the kiln and see what happened.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212134828105366226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcSBanyBYB8wFUltyilyq3qOwpXP3zLb4bj10Q2NHawgAiUlxWgn4OkRQQQxF3_5ILSlYProRI-Wzb_tDfeYIBZbPmkTHQOYPUJP-OBRNtjmhWk1zypxWjG2G3vl4jO2br8Jz9inhS7n/s400/015.JPG" border="0" /> The green beads have some intense breaking and running of color. I pushed an X shape into the sides, but you can barely tell I did here. It gave the glaze a place to puddle, and that made it really look cool.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212135708475022610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh7ka_Iq-VnIWMyXAbEoIEJGZBbYbB4Ulw2bjDpdeEERrRktdiJAhlHNU5zX7dk2jIEgOaEEVCc_k_HCvGEhqluN3W_evog6knWSmsIkgNppiKlRHRwBmeKuxaoVutuKuJeamwyZf7233/s400/023.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212135710017792930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4XTBRDBtMgyveAnaCci-0wEeFV7ojYsBYmVz5Bs0grH3xcDiIGyBFIJwoI2_NRFs6BsqOEV_Qo_lXpCutpb8fpAW89_WiEsGdeJ0nnJAQEDQd64roICS-wowy4UzgFDh3iD7GYH2HBYt/s400/025.JPG" border="0" />This is my workspace. What a mess! Check out the TV on the table. I could sit there for hours just making beads and watching Law and Order. Seriously, I think Law and Order is on 24 hours a day. If you look for it on your TV, I'm sure you'll find it.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212135716493353186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xI51GQ-NXkKuWZ4JwwXRN6zveR04w9AZ6OakWCmuzRq06Pkd9TAKrR7JuiCVHAxky9Kjcm4de7v35CYciRVB28VnkKRFxje1xrlHO4IeFq1bv9-YTCXJcWWgk_BvKGqWKfsN_JRgBEdK/s400/026.JPG" border="0" />Finished pendants and beads. There are so many and I don't have a good system for storing them. Mostly, they sit here and I go through them and decide what to list on our etsy shop. Lots of these will be sorked up into finished jewelry.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-682251638063884172008-06-15T06:45:00.000-07:002008-06-15T06:51:05.354-07:00Giveaway Winner!Congratulations to Kat, who is the winner of the contest this month for the free necklace from the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445">Fireluster Pottery</a> etsy shop. Kat can now go to our shop and pick out a necklace of her choice as her prize.<br /><br />Yay, Kat!! Congratulations!<br /><br />Be sure to check back in 2 weeks for the start of the July GiveAway!!Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-70157053784963196942008-06-12T05:08:00.001-07:002008-06-12T05:33:54.675-07:00Garden Bunny Handpainted Porcelain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QsjynjzlYJeVxeX1XzAzHfX3KVlIc29Qow6L_EBvXbf13UmAsiuE3bigeYQHcq1LYbv7Haf4nP2rf-dwhewf-6itkxZQVNPYApxPYJf1iyuF1C9UPX_hGAJBB9eZx2_Kmdva7ytjOU2T/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_28840810.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210965860410514994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QsjynjzlYJeVxeX1XzAzHfX3KVlIc29Qow6L_EBvXbf13UmAsiuE3bigeYQHcq1LYbv7Haf4nP2rf-dwhewf-6itkxZQVNPYApxPYJf1iyuF1C9UPX_hGAJBB9eZx2_Kmdva7ytjOU2T/s400/il_fullxfull_28840810.jpg" border="0" /></a> I love making tiny plates. Something about a miniature version of an object is very appealing to me. I've made plates with handpainted rabbits before, and this one is the same size. On this one, though, the bunny is painted in a more detailed manner and I added a potted plant to tempt him.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210965981076128354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUbRH3NzGHCBRT7pf-ZLA2x2zYc4FVD1KCcf2lcitfFHEdcjncz-6Xx8gZqJg9_B7LSr-x-Rp_w56rBHdIeY6mL-X19wLFhTC_qNGIoXvvKtzXTiyUmGqUh2DQ-EJrtyMWI-VQ6Ki1733/s400/il_fullxfull_28840816.jpg" border="0" /><br />You can see how small this little plate really is in comparison to my hand. It was a challenge to paint it in underglazes (on unfired clay), because underglazes in the unfired state are a different color, in most cases, than after firing. This meant I didn't really know exactly what I would get when it came out of the kiln. The clear glaze I put on top of the underglazes after the first firing really brought out the color.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210969750891587026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkjkyEw3kfY_2u7nhXKdtemQCZiqbH2xENXhlTJSkaTzUwwYCFU7ZR2JVNfwz75oZWupzDVJ9OR6UIxo2NFOBpnUiQ9kRoR-HQZSY0wRJziEhxi8Z38AwCwSRLv3PGSFZQfnsZwHRGz-a/s400/il_fullxfull_28840837.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Another challenge in making these small plates is making a nice, round plate, with no warping. I make all my plates from a slab that is slumped into a form, not thrown on the wheel. I have to dry my plates carefully so they stay perfectly round. Sometimes, they get a little wonky - but that's part of the handmade charm, I think.</p><p>I have this plate listed in our Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12399090">Fireluster Pottery</a>. This little plate would be nice to use as a place to hold your rings or other small treasures next to your sink or on your bedside table. It's also a perfect gift for someone who collects rabbits or miniatures.</p>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-20616004452687291452008-06-11T07:01:00.000-07:002008-06-12T08:33:12.385-07:00ETSY YART SALE - JUNE 11-21<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRlPaZSF9_CKcS8Ors3JovMOYcgV5Mfz3gS3OFRC9IvySUuFKTqssaX7_l3OmC4Ijw2mDThyXnthyphenhyphenqQep-_sywkx8xO4XdhfeSkm1HkZg9WKioxgwylBhjqaQudeu5wKq7joFRPfsmhyphenhyphenG/s1600-h/iusa_75x75_5443452.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210624808262210226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRlPaZSF9_CKcS8Ors3JovMOYcgV5Mfz3gS3OFRC9IvySUuFKTqssaX7_l3OmC4Ijw2mDThyXnthyphenhyphenqQep-_sywkx8xO4XdhfeSkm1HkZg9WKioxgwylBhjqaQudeu5wKq7joFRPfsmhyphenhyphenG/s400/iusa_75x75_5443452.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Is that a misspelling? Yurt? Yart? Fart?<br />Actually, it's a large sale happening on Etsy - sort of a 'yard -art' sale. It started as sort of a grass roots kind of thing; one person had the idea, then another ran with it, and now there are over 200 participants.<br /><br />Lot's of people are changing up their avatars to reflect the fact they are having the YART Sale.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445&section_id=5482485">Come on over to our Etsy shop and see what we have on sale</a>. There are lots of cool pendants that I reduced. They'll go back to the regular price after the sale.Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-23168147337089439832008-06-09T11:01:00.001-07:002008-06-09T18:39:50.887-07:00New Etsy Listings - Clay Carving!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_umIA3SNeeh24VZWDvGIKhgrOw0VzTTANl4TDlKb4CCeO_dPxE0JTzEIXmhoG2F32uivHp1MZzWs85Oy-NkkHcVWTUdk94VbQSeBwhLAtmAgBissZTqeCMFZDr3kcDKn0QNX4qz6sYBH_/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_28846235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209943722224351858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_umIA3SNeeh24VZWDvGIKhgrOw0VzTTANl4TDlKb4CCeO_dPxE0JTzEIXmhoG2F32uivHp1MZzWs85Oy-NkkHcVWTUdk94VbQSeBwhLAtmAgBissZTqeCMFZDr3kcDKn0QNX4qz6sYBH_/s400/il_fullxfull_28846235.jpg" border="0" /></a> I listed a few new necklaces on our Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445"target="_blank" >FirelusterPottery</a>. These new pendants were made using a technique that I've been trying; clay carving. Some people call it clay lifting, and that's a very good description of what it is. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I use a tool, that has a sharp edge, to cut into the leatherhard clay, and lift it from the surface. Some lines I carve with a scalpel. When the clay dries, I fire it and apply glaze for the second firing. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The trick with this is getting the pattern correct the first time. There is no second chance to fix a boo-boo. You get what you get, and hopefully, you did it right the first time. I liked doing the carving, but there is a definite learning curve. I messed up a few until I got the hang of it. Now I have a couple of tricks that help me get it to come out right the first time.</div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSGhnOejvAHe1XFzQGqRbTntx8UMRVodqTkMFpwB1eneC-j-OId1zIleY8pGFJpc7A3lTtVMpXX3aDS67xO9JFXWm1OPFZL0Mtyr_jUNnxSEX5Vmt6No8ZbYOONpSuYpUQKYhSgHuJxUh/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_28903563.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209943657210811346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSGhnOejvAHe1XFzQGqRbTntx8UMRVodqTkMFpwB1eneC-j-OId1zIleY8pGFJpc7A3lTtVMpXX3aDS67xO9JFXWm1OPFZL0Mtyr_jUNnxSEX5Vmt6No8ZbYOONpSuYpUQKYhSgHuJxUh/s400/il_fullxfull_28903563.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12400874"target="_blank" >The first picture is a pendant made from cone6 porcelain</a>. The flower design is carved into the clay when it's leather hard. I love the glaze; a sort of buttery color I call butterscotch. It looks just like when you melt butter and caramelized sugar together. The second photo is of another <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12418553"target="_blank" >porcelain pendant glazed with Coyote glazes in Crazed Copper and Archie's Base</a>. Those two together make a wonderful combination. There's lots of nice crazing with some frothy looking light blue in there, too.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12400290"target="_blank" ><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209943596364233154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflmQ21CMsDyN6LP5ORfTTHgoWnmHwi2hYxZBZgvI6TAHnJ92anlMSezNO4WN2N5_XYkg_WJX4XtX7LYgOYnSm-UfTxoVqwDnTkBhmQMnnADR6_bYPdHhH5txezv9lCEPdnHf5DuMZzOzt/s400/il_430xN_28844643.jpg" border="0" /> The last photo is a pendant made from stoneware</a>. This stoneware is from Axner, and has a good amount of grog in it. That made it harder to carve, but also gives it a lot of texture and character. The glaze is a green shino. I like how the green breaks to brown in the thin areas. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">This is a technique I want to explore further. I have many more pendants to list, and will be doing that soon. I have a few earmarked for use in necklaces that will use beads I made earlier. Keep a lookout in my etsy shop for more additions within the next week. </div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-53030998358725884732008-06-06T09:34:00.000-07:002008-06-09T18:40:50.119-07:00Tis the Season?<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkG42y6P8lKBQsxP_AD3RVVst7XzE1idXGIltacNujcn60cbTNjAKqktAA1bt-p2Z4nfeBHQ29M-KLbdOaK3fUf5JXB0zcuLcYthNvIjlH4ITYJgBBwBB34n_vbcX_R842Swte8exXpF8/s1600-h/IMG_0563.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208809121306142082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkG42y6P8lKBQsxP_AD3RVVst7XzE1idXGIltacNujcn60cbTNjAKqktAA1bt-p2Z4nfeBHQ29M-KLbdOaK3fUf5JXB0zcuLcYthNvIjlH4ITYJgBBwBB34n_vbcX_R842Swte8exXpF8/s400/IMG_0563.jpg" border="0" /></a> I know it's only June, but in a week or two, it'll be time for Mom and me to start making our Christmas items for holiday craft shows. Well, mom's got quite a following with some of the stores in Sedona she wholesales to. She makes these wonderful nativities in her southwestern style and has a line of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9804840"target="_blank" >angels</a> and santas, too.<br /><br />In fact, the angels were the first things that mom showed me how to make. I think hers still beat mine (she is just so good at them!), <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9804840"target="_blank" >but mine are pretty sweet, just the same</a>. All the angels we do are holding something in their arms; a Christmas tree, a candle, a doll, even a cat or dog for the pet lovers. It's the most fun to think up something that the angel could be holding. I think we spend too much time on them for the amount we are charging , and might have to think of an increase. They just require so much time and are easily broken in the fragile greenware state.<br />I love making them, though.<br /><br />The Santas we make are also adorable. Mom designed it, too, as well as some angel ornaments. She is one talented lady, that's for sure.<br /><br />I need to start on my Santas soon. It's not that hard to get into the Christmas spirit in summertime when you are painting a Santa Claus. Once I get started, it's easy to get in the swing of things and pretty soon, I have a couple of dozen sitting around, waiting to be sold.<br /><br />I just remembered I need to sign up for a couple of shows that have deadlines. Oh boy! I hate when I space off the entry and later kick myself for being so dumb! This time I won't forget to send in my application. Anyone else ever do that? Arrg! It's so aggravating because you know there was plenty of time and you have no excuse! Maybe this year will be different. Maybe this year I'll have a half dozen shows lined up with no problems. Hmmm...maybe this year........<br /><br />For information on Helga Cruz's nativities or to place a custom order, you can go to our Etsy shop and send a convo ( see: Contact the Seller). </div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-43803100495819009902008-06-06T05:10:00.000-07:002008-06-09T18:41:33.006-07:00NEW CONTEST - Win a FREE Pendant<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PNn4NTtu0nqXqyjtqP0DXNz5EXAtl3e0WYGU_6Ch2Ewe1tgc7eokBxBGa8YZaKHDYW-jNpzcQVzy7jhOzwZdrdU02zYWUNZe54DopSbAeVeDN0tRju7PNpv2tiq3xZ5xlHTREAuGYGxF/s1600-h/il_430xN_27036632.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208817037282879986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PNn4NTtu0nqXqyjtqP0DXNz5EXAtl3e0WYGU_6Ch2Ewe1tgc7eokBxBGa8YZaKHDYW-jNpzcQVzy7jhOzwZdrdU02zYWUNZe54DopSbAeVeDN0tRju7PNpv2tiq3xZ5xlHTREAuGYGxF/s400/il_430xN_27036632.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><div align="justify">Hey, what better way to welcome summer than with a new piece of jewelry!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Here's your chance to win one of our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445&section_id=5306594"target="_blank" >handpainted porcelain or stoneware pendants</a> OF YOUR CHOICE. </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify">Yes, you get to pick the one you want from the necklaces for sale in our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445"target="_blank" >Etsy shop</a>. Just make a comment to this post and on June 15th, I will randomly select a winner. I'll email you and you can go to the shop and tell me which one of the necklaces you want. I'll even pay for shipping - how great of a deal is that! </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify">So come on now, add your comment below, and I'll let you know on the 15th if you won so you can pick out your pendant. Feel free to enjoy the blog while you're here, too!<br /></div><div></div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-49908045736481025672008-06-05T11:00:00.001-07:002008-06-05T11:38:29.582-07:00Super Heavy Duty Craft Show Tent Weights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8H2uv68BiIjr2eqCSlHRziybaeus4QIO_K4gL5MAQSPym-ncP_fZIsbnet7nZA6Dk7JrCk7Pjh3muYM2aJWoa24ZNrq-6DUN3NSbg8lDy6roO5lOEyi4E_kI_YuYqQH13gj_7FZIe1BM/s1600-h/317QD8BPQYL__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208459014850467106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8H2uv68BiIjr2eqCSlHRziybaeus4QIO_K4gL5MAQSPym-ncP_fZIsbnet7nZA6Dk7JrCk7Pjh3muYM2aJWoa24ZNrq-6DUN3NSbg8lDy6roO5lOEyi4E_kI_YuYqQH13gj_7FZIe1BM/s400/317QD8BPQYL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br />Go to Home Depot or Lowe's or any building supply that sells a big, 5 gallon bucket that looks like this. Buy 4 of these, with lids, if you want, but they aren't strictly necessary for this project.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208459578275242594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4wlZ2PSaumlJAeVDAUwZw_pYoQvIzUAf9IFSvDxYPPXKnyRsjleJj9BTFkOeapuRIXcns9hvgxZT4tjIundIz6KljeVjZ9gFQVXUzlN8gZqDVyb3xOllvQXMV4lWloNGDqKNW80djQJN/s400/41sZSgGWxXL__SL160_AA160_.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Now get 4 bags of Quikrete, or any ready-to -use concrete mix. I got the small bags. I'm not sure of the weight, but I think they were 40 pound bags. You'll probably need help loading and unloading these from your car if you're a woman. </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFS_GQbDvWvRp_zNTX7gGkO85s6DPxQTfrGyfg2yAhW9tSn0TNnQbLfPDsA4_17iBjXeONyPcLRc2X3goR0E1ZRrmxjg3Vrmamcghng6WkQtn1kkJd-aCFzj6ycb2WwRipCaoe8Yyi7H5/s1600-h/eyebolt1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208461287286642466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFS_GQbDvWvRp_zNTX7gGkO85s6DPxQTfrGyfg2yAhW9tSn0TNnQbLfPDsA4_17iBjXeONyPcLRc2X3goR0E1ZRrmxjg3Vrmamcghng6WkQtn1kkJd-aCFzj6ycb2WwRipCaoe8Yyi7H5/s320/eyebolt1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ5az1C65eUjJ1YNFgJKFRyP0UnyvPnWVr3lqId3ztHC2wbCce9f4b2wF80idH_2jUFc3sm3ZTFYaACp-eh81rJrw64M2jkfCeaw8Cfb4XDeGvWn7-CgIAThJP1EyKGN160vOEFkTyQ80/s1600-h/413664.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208462067493831890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ5az1C65eUjJ1YNFgJKFRyP0UnyvPnWVr3lqId3ztHC2wbCce9f4b2wF80idH_2jUFc3sm3ZTFYaACp-eh81rJrw64M2jkfCeaw8Cfb4XDeGvWn7-CgIAThJP1EyKGN160vOEFkTyQ80/s320/413664.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now you need to get 4 eye bolts like in the picture and 4 washers big enough to thread onto the eye bolts. These need to be big, giant, eye bolts, because you want to be able to tie rope through the hole in the eye bolt, or at the very least, slide a heavy duty hook through the hole.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now, to make your super heavy duty tent weights;<br /><br />1. Pour the contents of each bag into a bucket. Be careful and wear a mask when you do this, or at least do it a place with lots of good ventilation. Of course, it should be done outdoors!<br /><br /><br />2. Get your hose out and add water. Use a disposable wooden spoon or stick to mix all the concrete mix and water. I don't know how much water. Just enough to make a thick, gooey, porridge-ey consistency.<br /><br /><br />3. Mix mix, mix, mix, mix, mix. Until you think your arm is going to fall off. You can do all the buckets at once. The concrete sets up fast, but not <em>that</em> fast.<br /><br /><br />4. When the concrete gets thick, push your eyebolts into it, in the center of the bucket. Leave about 2 inches sticking out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That's all there is to it. Your buckets will cure in a day. When you use these, set a bucket at each of the four corners of your tent, you can attach a bungie cord or rope from the corner of the roof of your tent to the eyebolt. The lids of the buckets can be cutout to accomodate the rope, and you can cap off your bucket, or leave it open - the choice is up to you.<br /><br /><br /><br />These are extremely heavy and you will most likely need help lifting them. I use mine regularly, because I do a lot of shows on the coast or on the beach, where wind can be ferocious. The concept can be modified if you want you use smaller buckets or less concrete. A common style for hanging weights is to use large diameter pvc pipe capped off on both ends and filled with concrete. They are great, but if you need super heavy weights, the bucket idea works great.<br /><em></em>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-81321067290504744912008-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:002008-06-09T18:42:06.464-07:00Ceramic Beads Fresh From the Kiln<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiwSKjp9oTkx8QGhpvVDXTLoWEgztVllrVmp2-5ZGtfOxoo13-g_jzOx1s92possZkLSi12XO-RSrNfBlEW6LVz-TRuzXx55lGcsUy7XhU1x_w18y53ZhWmVC6v-EZeCztqvI2GEy65XQ/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207759736692661186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiwSKjp9oTkx8QGhpvVDXTLoWEgztVllrVmp2-5ZGtfOxoo13-g_jzOx1s92possZkLSi12XO-RSrNfBlEW6LVz-TRuzXx55lGcsUy7XhU1x_w18y53ZhWmVC6v-EZeCztqvI2GEy65XQ/s400/003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Fresh, hot beads finally from my kiln!<br />I spent the majority of the weekend rolling a bunch of beads while sitting there watching TV and they are done at last. I just received my sample pack from Coyote Clay with nine new glazes; shino, oasis blue, green shino, crazed copper, and others. Wow, it was so much fun! I went to the Coyote web site and they have a wonderful page where they describe each glaze and what it looks like. It also gives suggestions on what colors to use together and whether a glaze is runny, or stable. Good job, Coyote!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZuVlTYnBO_vdOUv2UadRNINllIQM8-7lcZirU3DTi3XAVHz-wB-jVU0688g1NoSmCq0jOSgOS012wkk6lameXdbr7I2YXHpfdd0v0JX1dkCw6hOJs1KMoajNF2sBk06KirmhFO_m2-X6/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207759621196793458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZuVlTYnBO_vdOUv2UadRNINllIQM8-7lcZirU3DTi3XAVHz-wB-jVU0688g1NoSmCq0jOSgOS012wkk6lameXdbr7I2YXHpfdd0v0JX1dkCw6hOJs1KMoajNF2sBk06KirmhFO_m2-X6/s400/005.JPG" border="0" /></a> Unfortunately, I didn't do a very good job of making samples of each glaze. I know which glazes are which about 50% of the time. I 'think' the red ones below are Fire Opal - but don't quote me. It is a cool glaze, though- lots of reds and pinks all swirly and textured. Just like I like it! Making test tiles is my next project. I have to get on the ball with that!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDh-bxe3E8WXy8IGU9V1kxawN-_PFI1wDDtYyGHFYlHKomN8Nq54a35a32HkfhRxAD27WkwKngeCXa6ceau2M21Ci16Fq_MYXDem2Dscs9KV0PKvMVJGrs5n1PgBOzzAHEdLjD43AZCih/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207759474578932018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDh-bxe3E8WXy8IGU9V1kxawN-_PFI1wDDtYyGHFYlHKomN8Nq54a35a32HkfhRxAD27WkwKngeCXa6ceau2M21Ci16Fq_MYXDem2Dscs9KV0PKvMVJGrs5n1PgBOzzAHEdLjD43AZCih/s400/007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Doesn't the yellow look luscious? I took a clay ball and squeezed it in between two of my clay stamps. The small balls have impressions I made in the side with my needle tool.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-79605361737443301582008-05-31T10:41:00.000-07:002008-06-09T18:43:05.484-07:00Polar Bears - New Listings on Etsy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUS_SFe63epEraHYrZErjFpyP_dfD6TDbgmXL3d1cq-YTyKmttKfbmjbAvI87nPsFq1nSwPfv9QCUKv59puYol4ymkEwQnbGJ8UQXTFSxyzDxzpnsQZ074X17WRicesijuCpHKN1ZDe1o/s1600-h/IMG_1337web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206601209075944370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUS_SFe63epEraHYrZErjFpyP_dfD6TDbgmXL3d1cq-YTyKmttKfbmjbAvI87nPsFq1nSwPfv9QCUKv59puYol4ymkEwQnbGJ8UQXTFSxyzDxzpnsQZ074X17WRicesijuCpHKN1ZDe1o/s400/IMG_1337web.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445&page=1&section_id=&order="target="_blank" >We added some very cute polar bears to our etsy shop.</a> Mom made these adorably cute polar bear sculptures from white clay and painted in underglazes and glossy clear. I think she has it down! They are sweet, and small! Only about 3 1/2 inches long, Helga Cruz's bears are full of character.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5ZJWT11ZEWWGXXYjyOuA68zgeN8FF4ogqmhkHZ5uUEBNRsybNX9_RoQf_jafCVTFutYfdivohNFHbJRWNsYUpN4tfk7NlLej11yNlYT4sQWJE8JlgmhUPyYILW-0fj4oDDO_Jx7NIUFJ/s1600-h/IMG_1335closeupweb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206598872613735330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5ZJWT11ZEWWGXXYjyOuA68zgeN8FF4ogqmhkHZ5uUEBNRsybNX9_RoQf_jafCVTFutYfdivohNFHbJRWNsYUpN4tfk7NlLej11yNlYT4sQWJE8JlgmhUPyYILW-0fj4oDDO_Jx7NIUFJ/s400/IMG_1335closeupweb.jpg" border="0" /></a> After hearing so much about the plight of polar bears and the effects of global warming on their habitat, we started talking about it, and these sculptures were the result. Mom has a wonderful knack for making small figures in clay, and she sells her <a href="http://shopchristmasinsedona.pinnaclecart.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=3&pg=1"target="_blank" >pottery scuptures in galleries</a> all over Sedona, Arizona. </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9z9QDDu0TwrOJMzWfjAR1CYtfQwOvPkF5_BOF3lF1FwOYWk3sAD46-uCnRI3L0_4DJR842TglkMLRHQEQiSmIJSwgp1e_W-F3toEQEf2XMfvgRgRh3NgTOrC9f1Nu9Lmknxf6emaJmZs/s1600-h/IMG_1329web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206602841163516882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9z9QDDu0TwrOJMzWfjAR1CYtfQwOvPkF5_BOF3lF1FwOYWk3sAD46-uCnRI3L0_4DJR842TglkMLRHQEQiSmIJSwgp1e_W-F3toEQEf2XMfvgRgRh3NgTOrC9f1Nu9Lmknxf6emaJmZs/s400/IMG_1329web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/item590.html"target="_blank" >There's a program at the World Wildlife Fund, where you can adopt a polar bear</a>. For a donation starting at $50, you can "adopt" a bear and get a little fun gift, too, like certificates and plush stuffed bears. It's a scary and sad thing to think that in my lifetime, polar bears can be brought to the brink of extinction. Bears are adapted to living on sea ice, and as their habitat shrinks, due to global warming, we'll be seeing less and less of these majestic and magical animals</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206605100316314594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrltj3VgQ9o8hwDnN5apyY9Pgb-lHkAiywaH0JVS_djFrWb1n6nz1TXTiF8DnlHD1LcK2TsigwYy3VABoA5NfeyVwRVYkT0tuELbBUNgZuVvG1p6i9PRiQ6Q7PS9id3l4ZmPXQHPwAXDr0/s400/IMG_1350web.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br />She's working on some new bears that promise to be even more fun. I can't wait to see them.Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-12410831573457231352008-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:002008-06-09T11:23:03.193-07:00Great Finds - Zizziba Studio<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqGZZBdqDw73vwzjG66NkVvR8GgP-VhWFbyT199c64NTcwvZ3VvbyEoOyMI69ACNco0ovfcq2XDgSYj623Hu6mHZcpBye-jB_pFOPPrdfpMCG54HyMYi1APhWtTFD7JNHcjBlummdObB4/s1600-h/il_430xN_16659589.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JqNYuDnR6y3E-ZY6XReaIzpg2NJOUXlSfXunRQ4KOBlIyWdrOS7st0HeToOU5qgJXSxGBhh4xkZC8xCcFPvWkbIErCnQ5pd6HLY7iaYY9nNq8HKEV37cx5bo2bALv6lRhyGBpRUvlTe_/s1600-h/il_430xN_27830391.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzqRmYJeREyCtzZJ3q9MQGALjRXYwXM1Mgoqobd3PO14MeBDh-basihXYPdvDqCkeNLajMAaHhlvgnELObP-1CMYBoSL6K2G2ZrnVF7_IOABc2hk6zhoxcQEVZtNtSFE2VQUhE8Fn0Gf4/s1600-h/il_430xN_16653827.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205889197987547954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzqRmYJeREyCtzZJ3q9MQGALjRXYwXM1Mgoqobd3PO14MeBDh-basihXYPdvDqCkeNLajMAaHhlvgnELObP-1CMYBoSL6K2G2ZrnVF7_IOABc2hk6zhoxcQEVZtNtSFE2VQUhE8Fn0Gf4/s400/il_430xN_16653827.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dina at Zizziba Studios, in Flagstaff, Arizona, makes wonderful wheel-thrown pots that combine her love of clean lines and color in a way that makes you want to smile when you see them. Her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8672087">soup/salad bowl</a> contrasts classic form with wild splashes of color, creating something fun and functional. I love, love, love color myself and I really appreciate how her pottery fits in with today's casual lifestyle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENpKVEammBg9KVhNqCv3Qmu0zNu5XpjVw-NcAdSqP2qLQjQIC21TKkL4-yD2-RFDY-mxFuMl7GMOQhOrqvZRn4sVxnFOY-YdnsCwQJ6THbFOltq0FV3Jv7xBw-EKuMC1Feob1gLBZGcAT/s1600-h/il_430xN_16659589.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205892964673866578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENpKVEammBg9KVhNqCv3Qmu0zNu5XpjVw-NcAdSqP2qLQjQIC21TKkL4-yD2-RFDY-mxFuMl7GMOQhOrqvZRn4sVxnFOY-YdnsCwQJ6THbFOltq0FV3Jv7xBw-EKuMC1Feob1gLBZGcAT/s320/il_430xN_16659589.jpg" border="0" /></a> Zizziba Studio is a one woman pottery studio, where owner Dina has 20 years of pottery experience. She creates bowls, plates, mugs, and other kitchen essentials with her unique flair. I love her use of color and the touches of the unexpected I found, like the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8681555">Frog Cup</a>, which has an adorable froggy sitting on the rim.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5513724">Zizziba Studio's shop</a> can be found at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/index.php">Etsy</a>, and is a member of the Etsy Mud Team. You can check out her other items I didn't have room to show here. I think you'll find her pottery as fun to look at as I did.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqR8zNRkXTjElZmJ0ydz9ndnjcMCRYq9CJPIIk1-sC0hcWqNB6x-keld62WRMiejBxCUGmO7vaTXinFUcz5yxrJCzGKhRyOFtpyVBON1BrIAo-XMnlyx5Y3aQwgFshTfU_D2t7FKlsVTk/s1600-h/il_430xN_24329162.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205905162380987282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqR8zNRkXTjElZmJ0ydz9ndnjcMCRYq9CJPIIk1-sC0hcWqNB6x-keld62WRMiejBxCUGmO7vaTXinFUcz5yxrJCzGKhRyOFtpyVBON1BrIAo-XMnlyx5Y3aQwgFshTfU_D2t7FKlsVTk/s320/il_430xN_24329162.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CPscQiPLAiB2Iud9sT0IxiVvgln20fLqjei1JusgXRF1LtfCkAxIs4oZmofY0sNqeWnDsEYKSuTyjghrJyy6Q1M4PcDZIJ6T83jMjZQw4ll0cBNDu5tVc-3Ox8YucjWcP4CR76r6gJyF/s1600-h/il_430xN_27830391.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205896787194760066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CPscQiPLAiB2Iud9sT0IxiVvgln20fLqjei1JusgXRF1LtfCkAxIs4oZmofY0sNqeWnDsEYKSuTyjghrJyy6Q1M4PcDZIJ6T83jMjZQw4ll0cBNDu5tVc-3Ox8YucjWcP4CR76r6gJyF/s320/il_430xN_27830391.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846713945940986613.post-10834207314017285972008-05-23T11:11:00.000-07:002008-05-23T11:23:11.472-07:00Ready for the kiln<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCB6796WHThr2wT1VuThuKRwhf_-t3-SP4IMjWtpw38eibRciVcoJG0KAN16VRCZzvGmN_cfOkISMRqZHNbA2cP7drpz7DIvkuxarhoNo7haJtTda7ptxEGyShFSfKNQsdUF9yz5N6Tgq/s1600-h/silk%252Bpainting%252B001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203639167700388642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCB6796WHThr2wT1VuThuKRwhf_-t3-SP4IMjWtpw38eibRciVcoJG0KAN16VRCZzvGmN_cfOkISMRqZHNbA2cP7drpz7DIvkuxarhoNo7haJtTda7ptxEGyShFSfKNQsdUF9yz5N6Tgq/s400/silk%252Bpainting%252B001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's a photo of what my pendants look like before they get fired. These are in the greenware state, which means they are basically just dried clay. At this point, they are very fragile, so when I paint them with underglaze, I have to be careful. You can see some of the pendants I have listed on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5578445">Etsy</a>; the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11082224">Moon</a>, the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11072258">Flaming Eye</a>, and a few others.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">You can see the canvas covered board that I roll out and cut the clay on. For small things like this, it works great. To change colors of clay, I just change to my brown stoneware canvas board.</span></div>Ferragamo Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201773219509884458noreply@blogger.com0