Sorbet Cups & Caramel Plates
I am not officially back to work full-time, but I am going to ease back into my work as I can. I had said I was not going to do work the month of June, however, I have kiln firings to keep up with. Yesterday, my husband and my dad came over to the studio with me to help move my greenware pieces out to the garage so I could load them into the kiln to bisque. It took about an hour to get everything sanded for the firing, moved to the garage and loaded into the kiln. I was starting to feel a bit stressed about the work I needed to get done within my tight timeframe. It feels good to have that firing going.
Anyways, this little set came out of the kiln before Noah was born. It was originally a commissioned set. When they came out of the kiln, there were hardly any crystals that had formed and four out of the six bowls had broken. It was pretty upsetting to open the kiln and see that, but these pieces that survived have really grown on me. I love their caramel color and subtle turquoise crystals that sprouted occasionally. I am thinking of posting them for sale on Etsy because they are in great shape. The crystal formations were the only thing that didn’t come out as hoped. My favorite pieces are the little bowls. They are the perfect size for sorbet! (In fact, I made homemade lemon-berry sorbet which is in those little bowls. Very yummy!)
See, aren’t they a great size for sorbet? They also make a great rice bowl. I have since, remade this order and delivered it. They look a lot different, but they are the right glaze and what was originally desired. Maybe you will see these pieces on my Etsy shop soon. Poke around on there if you would like! I hope your weeks are off to a good start!
A Custom Dinner Set
This post is a special one for me. It is, because these pieces were my final commissioned order to complete and send out before the baby arrives (which could be any day now)! It feels like quite the accomplishment to get done. Yesterday I finished up some wet work in the studio and then cleaned up. I wanted to leave my work yesterday feeling like it wouldn’t matter if I happened to go into labor at any moment because I am ahead of myself and the projects I am currently working on are for me and can be done at my own pace. This particular commission has been a long time coming. This family has had to wait a while for their pieces because of kiln troubles, and then breakage during its final glaze firing. Very frustrating. They could not have been more gracious and patient as they waited. I am happy to hand deliver these to them on Sunday! Here is a peek at their order: 4 lunch plates, 2 mugs and 6 dessert/custard sized bowls all to be glazed in blues and greens (for the love of the beach)!
Cream & Sugar
The rectangular tray has become one of my favorite items. I love how versatile it is. I have used this tray for many things: just by itself, for decoration, for make-up trays, food service or in this case, a cream and sugar caddy. The tray comfortably holds the cream and sugar set with room for extra little spoons for your guests. I have been making quite a few of these trays lately. I have really enjoyed a straight-edged shape mixed in with the round. It just seems to add a little extra interest when looking at different pieces. I think it catches your eye a little more.
I actually made this cream and sugar set back in college but it never quite felt complete to me. Usually I like to have a lid to fit my sugar jars, but I didn’t make one for this jar for some reason. I will say I like the easy access I have to this sugar jar. Just stick a spoon in it and you are all set. When I started making the rectangular tray, the idea was for a make-up caddy. Then I realized it works for so many other things. When this cobalt tray came out of the kiln last week, I knew it would be perfect for this little set. To me, it looks complete now. I am definitely going to keep making these sets.
What’s for Dessert?
My top three favorite desserts are Molten Lava Cake, Creme Brûlée, and my dad’s homemade Key Lime Pie. Those are the ones that really make my mouth water. On friday, March 9th, I celebrated my 25th birthday and got to indulge in one of these sweet treats. My husband and I went out to dinner with some good friends at the Cheesecake Factory. It was delicious and I ended the meal with their amazing key lime cheesecake! Since I couldn’t have my dad’s homemade key lime pie, I figured this would be the closest thing I could get. It was so yummy! I have a rather large sweet tooth, so I very rarely will turn down dessert. I even have several sets of dessert plates stacked away in my cupboards waiting to be brought out for a yummy treat with a friend or after a special meal. I have never made a set for myself, however. My mother-in-law recently commissioned me to make a set of six dessert plates for her own mother’s birthday. I am happy to say they are complete and will be traveling to her tomorrow. Hopefully she will get to enjoy a wonderful piece of birthday cake on one of these plates.
These plates were glazed in cobalt and navy crystalline glazes. I love the bold crystals that formed on these!
Hand-Crafted Pottery by Arryn 