Teapot 52 and 2013 Schedule

Schedule for this year is set. Two less shows this year due to planned travel to Japan in August.  Mailing has been sent, and now putting prices and packing.  I am debating to update the show canopy with better one.  It costs around $1500.  It is more stable against the winds, and has more roomy feel to it as mine is low ceiling.  I am starting to concern about the winds last couple years, it seems getting more strong wind events happening.  I will look for the other persons' canopies and will decide.

Here is one of a kind teapot #52.



 

 

Warm compost in use

It has been almost one year since I started the warm compost. I opened the bin and to remove the compost for the first time.  I was surprise to see all bedding (paper) was gone.  There were significantly more warms than last year.  I realized I might underfed them recently.  Anyway, these composts were spread to my new vegetable garden today.



 

 

 

 

The summer shows are around the corner, and I am busy firing the kiln as usual. I updated 2013 schedule.  I have one less show this year.

Teapot 51

Let's head for 100 teapots.  Here is one of a kind teapot #51.



 

Windowsill planter

This is a new item for this year.  My friend in the building asked me to make it, and I like it.  I have been using it for growing scallions on my kitchen windowsill. This is a perfect.  Do you remember the red worm compost?  I am still doing it.  It is very slowly growing its population.  I added the compost to the planter, and these scallions are look very happy.  I am reusing these scallions as they grow.



 

 

 

 

 

 

I throw them on the wheel and let dry overnight under the plastic, and make a square shape by hitting with a paddle next day.

Adjustment

I lost a large piece during firing last September. That was my second piece of this shape I made. The first piece came out the kiln ok, but did show a sign of sagging. Second piece was collapsed during the firing, like you throw a bowl with lots of water for long time. Problem was its small foot to support rather large size, just could not support its weight.



 

 

 

 

 

 

I made its foot wider as well as the bottom side of bowl higher, so it will compensate if it sags. This piece is about 22 inch wide and 8 inch high.  The first piece was good conversation piece during the festival.  People has great idea what this is used for, from baby bath to fish ponds.... I will have fun with this one.



 

Winter Wonderland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firing perfect

Kiln fired perfectly.  It acted different as expected.  Actually it worked my favor.  I needed to push in the damper more, that better for reduction.  I am not 100 % sure this is due to the kiln repair or the frigid temperature outside, or plate setters inside. Most bricks seem one piece now. One odd thing is a bottom part of the kiln door turned brown.  I guess small particle from the mortar was chipped away from near the target brick where I used the mortar.  It did not collect on the wares.

This is new plate design.  Forbes Emulsion Wax from Highwater Clay is easier to resist the glaze.  My new piece of 2013.