Shoshona Snow Ceramics

PayPal vs. Google

2011-10-04T00:10:00.001-04:00

And it's a win for Google. At least, it does for me...and thousands of other PalPal haters.

I am exclusively using Google Checkout now. It's been about three months with only a few hiccups. PayPal has lost me for good. I won't go into my own story, but let's just say between Ebay (officially the devil of "independent" web commerce) and PayPal (Ebay's bitch and the one CURRENTLY holding the torch in web monetary transactions), I was screwed out of nearly two grand.

My first thought... Fuck PayPal, I should sue. But I'm not the litigious type, and of course, I'm not the only one. There are multiple sites and groups out there with HORRIBLE stories, much worse then mine. I have had customers who refused to use PayPal due to money being withheld or fraud (that buyer protection ain't so solid), or simple identify theft. You're dealing with a monopoly of a company who only wants your money. That's it. And they really don't care about the buyer or seller. There was a woman who called them up after not receiving a $10 item on Etsy that was lost in the mail. The PayPal representative she spoke to on the phone immediately told her to "take action". But, one simple conversation on Etsy with the seller...all cleared up. No PayPal involvement, no issues.

That one little phone call could have ruined someone's business and livelihood. I was thoroughly shocked when I read some of these stories...

So, I weighed out my options and decided to go with Google Checkout. It's super secure. You do have to sign up, but if you have a Gmail account (which EVERYONE should by now) it's a cakewalk. It's an extra step for me, sending out an invoice after the sale notification, but it helps me to keep better records and it's a little more official, yet personal. Google Checkout may still be a bit foreign to some, but it's only going to get bigger and better....just like Google itself. It's a winner. Oh, and I've personally confirmed that international buyers love Checkout over PayPal.

Next time, why Ebay is a total bastard...

My puppy.

2011-10-03T17:52:00.002-04:00

I need custody of my baby Dudley. Soon. There's a huge hole in my heart....

In the retail world.

2011-10-02T16:59:00.001-04:00

Here is a pic I found by accident from one of my favorite stores to work with. Someday I'll get there in person...
Thanks Tildé. I love you...and apparently so does Portland.

I'm trying...

2011-09-28T22:47:00.001-04:00

So I am still without a studio...and it's driven me, not so slowly, insane. But to make do for now, I've set up my wheel outside. It's on a huge tarp so I don't make a big mess and so I can wrap it up like a burrito at night and when it rains. Which, by the way, it has...almost everyday...and it's been a particularly cold September. Perfect when you have two important shows coming up in less than two weeks. Bleh. But, I've made it through most of the inconvenience of the workspace and made what I hope will be some great pieces...no one really knows til they open that kiln...kiln...now there's a whole other issue...

It's always nice...

2011-09-02T05:25:00.001-04:00

to get a write up on someone else's blog. Especially one so super-terrific.
http://www.veniceclayartists.com/shoshona-snow-ceramics/

Too many...

2011-08-22T20:25:00.001-04:00

Shows coming up....and no studio. Freaking out? Yes.

Day...ah #$*& it...

2011-08-20T02:59:00.003-04:00

It's been too many days to count now. I still have no studio. We never moved and are now staying a my friend's mother's house. I was feeling too depressed to even have the slight urge to want to make work...not anymore... I still have my wheel, which means I could still make work without having a full studio...but I need somewhere to fire. I THINK I may have an answer to that for at least this first firing I hope. Then maybe I can look more to the long run option..renting space somewhere or from someone. And I suppose finding out where we'll be living next will be of some importance in that decision.

For now, I already have several custom orders and a few shows that I need work for...It's making me antsy and nervous. The holiday's are right around the corner. I don't want summer to be over. :(

And yes, that is a REAL waterfall. Right near where I'm staying right now. Nestled in the woods in a secret spot...

day 2.

2011-05-08T13:08:00.007-04:00

Me and my friend Jen had a garage/studio sale...two actually. One at my studio, one at hers. Went pretty well, didn't get as many people interested in buying the work, but they were pretty into it. Which is still okay with me. I have the Etsy shop and thetinbox Etsy shop back up and running but, have decided to only ship once a week and always priority (which is pretty much my standard...and no international shipping, sorry). I have a couple more bins of work I want to sell before we move. I think it's totally possible. I unfortunately I have work and belongings all over the place, the old house, my friend's mom's and my mom's...which is where my camera and light set up is and I am not happy about. Grrrr. My cell phone my have to do for

now...

I tried to start drawing yesterday but it just didn't work. I may have to switch to sewing for a little bit (by hand since my machine is in Connecticut...my Kindle needs a new cover anyway. I don't have good luck with electronics...better to be safe.

So, this is day 2 and I'm feeling relaxed. Still have lots to get rid of at the house, but I'm feeling good. I guess it's a Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there. I don't get to see my 4-legged, Dudley today, but I'm sure he would give me some loving...and presents if he had thumbs...

homeless.

2011-05-07T19:31:00.011-04:00

Well, my kiln has a new home, but I don't. She's in her new home in Brooklyn. I'm a gypsy for the next month. Then the plan is to be in Eugene by the beginning of June. I've got my pots down to ALMOST 2 bins, maybe another smaller box too. The wheel and tools and going on the top of my friend's Jeep, covered, I doubt anyone is gonna try to get that stuff of the Jeep and it's so high up. We also have things from thetinbox Etsy shop that we need to fit. I'm hoping maybe we could do a flea market or two to get those 2 or 3 boxes down to 1 also. Then it's mostly clothes and a few personal things. I bought Dudley (my Boston terrier) a booster seat so he can see the whole time we are driving...we'll just switch who's got him and it will be good to have him...it will make us stop for more breaks. Otherwise, we plan on camping a lot. I've got the tent and cooler and sleeping bags...it should be all good.

The annoying part is that I'm already missing making work. I've been drawing a lot, but that doesn't help. I know I have a good month or so til I can work again and it's already KILLING me. When I was inventorying my pots earlier today, just feeling them made me want to work...

And, I have so super cool news, but I can't share it yet. HAHAHAHA

So, I'm calling this "day 1" of official start over....

My mystery plate....

2011-05-03T15:02:00.001-04:00

My mystery plate...., a photo by shoshonasnow on Flickr.

putting this out there again...any one know anything about it? I know it's mid-century, obviously, but of it's possible origins or if they have seen anything like it before? i was thinking italian, but now i'm not so sure, someone mentioned scandinavian in origin? not signed. i've just NEVER seen this subject matter. so odd. please check it out and let me know what you think? or pass it on to someone who might. thanks!!

Jefferson Airplane -White Rabbit-

2010-11-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

UGH.

2010-08-27T12:02:00.005-04:00

Yeah, so things have been quite a bit crazy around the studio, around the house, around my life....

So writing this blog has been WAY low on my list of priorities.
I have huge amounts of work to make and just not enough time or will...

Jon was out on a US tour for 32 days playing drums for 2 different bands. A long time to be left alone at home at the studio. I actually enjoyed in very much. Worked a ton, hung out with friends, enjoyed some time hiking and a bit of swimming in our local hidden waters....I really do love living in the Hudson Valley.

But, then the shop orders, gallery and museum orders started popping up one after the other...and let's not forget about the gallery shows I have coming up this fall. At least half of that work has already been made....
AND, the holidays are coming. Which mean I need to bust ass to have my Etsy shop stocked and ready to go...early. Last year I was getting holiday orders as early as the beginning of September!!

Jon's left me again for a few days. Which is what I need right now. Home alone again. Time to get some real work done, without any distractions. I really wish I just lived in the woods...Could take a break and walk and re-group when I'm having a disastrous day.... But he'll be home on Sunday to record with another band. Which means I guess I'll have then to work in the studio as well. I have A LOT to accomplish before next Friday. INCLUDING firing 2 kilns. UGHHHHH.

Grrrrrrr.

2010-05-19T12:39:00.004-04:00

After MANY slow hours, I decided to shut my kiln off at 1647°. I think my elements are kaput. The thermocouples are all working, the relays are all working...it just doesn't seem to have enough juice to get up to cone 10. So......there goes my day. Now I have to wait for the damn thing to cool (which is going to take forever because it's so packed), unload all 50+ pieces, change the elements, reload, re-fire, and then wait for it to cool AGAIN. Grrrrrr. The plan was to unload tomorrow and reload with greenware. Guess that's not happening. I was just finishing up a few more things for that bisque load, including these egg cups....did I mention I've been making a series of egg cups???????I think this came to me, in part, from working on my piece for the small favors show. I had been working on some larger (large for me) animal pieces, some of them don't really have a function...meaning; vase, pitcher, teapot....they are just sculptural. That is fine, of course, but I do like to at least hint at a function. So, I thought I'd work on some small (even smaller than usual) animals....more sculptural and all with the same function. I have been wanting to make egg cups for a while now, but seeing as they are not so popular in the US, I wasn't sure anyone would be interested in them...but I've decided I don't care.

BUT, then my kiln crapped out on me. SOOOOO, if you are waiting on work from me or waiting to see what's new in the studio....I'm sorry to say, you are going to have to wait a little longer. I HATE when this stuff happens....

Small Favors V.

2010-05-11T12:28:00.004-04:00

Small Favors V is officially up and showing at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. It's such a cool show. All the work must fit into a 4" plexi cube. The are a TON of amazing pieces from pots to sculpture and all quite affordable.

This is my piece...The entire show is up on The Clay Studio's website, so check it out. And if you are in Philly, the show is up until May 31.

SALE TIME.

2010-04-25T14:52:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm having a Mother's Day sale. 10% off all vases. AND, I can ship directly to mom. Free gift wrapping and I'll even include a note if you'd like. I'll be adding a few more vases today and tomorrow...that's all I seem to be making these days. I guess it's all those flowers popping up outside. Ah, spring...so, go check it out!

The Art of Spring.

2010-04-11T21:20:00.005-04:00

Well, I survived another opening... The Art of Spring, a group show here in Kingston (look at me, FINALLY doing some LOCAL gallery shows), is up from April 10th through May 28th. I think there are around 45 artists in the show...insane! Cornell Street Studios is my new favorite place. Lots of rooms, lots space. I really hope it continues to be more and more successful, Kingston really needs it. Hundreds of people came through during the opening and it was actually pretty great talking to everyone. Lots of good feedback, networking and SALES...can't complain about that. This guy sold right away. :)

Nerman MOCA.

2010-04-05T11:50:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to mention that my work can now be found at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Pretty nice. Maybe someday I'll get to Kansas to see it in person...

AND....I wanted to show off my llama...Isn't he lovely? Made on the wheel in a couple of pieces, altered and put together. I can resist sneaking into the studio to pet him....

Cups.

2010-01-29T20:50:00.006-05:00

I've been making a lot of cups lately. Mostly because when I have a huge list of other work that needs to be made, I end up procrastinating and making the pieces that have only lived as drawings upon my studio walls. This giraffe mug is one of those pieces. Thrown and altered and I'm totally in love with it. I'm firing a bisque today and this guy is in there. Along with this cutie...And, I had another lovely lady feature me on her blog. So thank you to Kimberly. You can check it out here. And you can check out her two Etsy shops as well- AvecJasmine and Shoda

Vote.

2010-01-19T13:50:00.005-05:00

I was informed this morning that I got nominated for Poppytalk's "The Poppies" award for #1 Ceramics. Cool, huh? A pleasant surprise.

So, please go and vote for me! There is some serious competition from some of my favorite ceramics friends.

Featured.

2010-01-15T23:00:00.005-05:00

Well, I got another lovely email informing me that one of my pieces was featured on a blog. So, thank you to April for featuring my mug on here lovely blog along with a bunch of my Etsy clay peeps. Check it out!Tomorrow morning I'm off to New Paltz to set up my show. I have 15 pieces to hang. 8 fish and 7 birds. I don't think I've ever made so many hanging things all at once. It should be interesting to see them all up.

Studio loveliness.

2010-01-14T14:36:00.002-05:00

Okay! Etsy featured my studio in their blog, The Storque. So check it out- Studio Envy

Showtime.

2010-01-12T15:23:00.004-05:00

You know you want to come...

Oh you beautiful blog...

2009-12-22T13:12:00.003-05:00

My mug and pitcher were featured in a most lovely blog today, I Dreamed I Saw, with several of my clay friends...

Check it out!

Year Ending...

2009-12-19T21:13:00.006-05:00

Wow. Guess it's been a while since I've been on here...

Well, just wanted to mention that the shop is still open and my official last day for shipping is Monday, December 21st! All items are shipping USPS priority mail. (Free priority upgrade for ornaments!) That means 2-3 days depending on how far you are from me...I'm in NY. Actually, if you live in NY, NJ or CT, your package might be there by Tuesday. So get those orders placed by Sunday...Monday by noon at the latest! I will even gift wrap, include and note and ship directly to your gift's recipient!

And after these INSANE holidays are over, I'll be back to making work for some shows and hopefully posting a lot more often on here.

Happy Holidays!!

Snowflake Giveaway.

2009-11-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

You can win a snowflake!!! Katydid and Kid has featured my work and is running a little giveaway. Leave a comment with your favorite item from my shop and you get entered in the giveaway for one of my snowflake ornaments. Find it here.

Pack and ship and pack and ship.

2009-10-14T21:01:00.003-04:00

That's it. Approximately 130 pieces went out in the mail today...yikes. My studio looks mighty empty right now...and I'm totally freaked out.On a lighter note, this tray was featured on a lovely blog today. Check it out.

2 Months Later.

2009-10-05T21:13:00.005-04:00

I know, I know.

It seems that Flickr and Twitter and Facebook have all conspired against me...sucking up my time and making blog posts nearly pointless. My husband hates when I use the term "micro-blogging"....and I must say that I hate that term as well, but that what it is. Instantaneous notes on new work, new Etsy listings, shows...all that stuff.

Oh well. I do miss having a weekly update that's a bit more thorough...and a bit more permanent. It's nice to look back on my progress and lame little musings....I'll just have to try harder....stay more focused....be a bit more disciplined.

So, you can find my work up in Hudson, NY during Arts Walk 2009. I have 15 pieces displayed in the windows of Face Stockholm for the Windows of Warren. It's actually a perfect fit. My glaze colors compliment the makeup really well....and then there are those great black and white floors...

And of course, I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, trying to fill all my holiday orders....while still trying to fit in a bunch of one-of-a-kind pieces I've been DYING to get made. I will admit, I've been on a weird kick for the past month...and my husband doesn't like it one bit. I've basically been working in the studio just about every day into night, non-stop, until about 4 am. I've even seen the sun start to rise a few times...I know, not too healthy. In my defense, I still get at least 6 hours of sleep, I've been eating really well, working out as usual...in fact, I'm very healthy, not run down at all. And I've gone through so many audio books it's kind of insane...not to mention the late night dance parties....in attendance: me. I thought I'd be totally burnt out by now...not at all. I'm actually amazed at all the work I've manage to make and I'm still happy being in the studio, not sick of it AT ALL. I've always been a night owl. I'm a bit embarrassed to say this, but Facebook has been a great tool for keeping my sanity. Being able to connect with other potter's who are also all alone in the studio is a really great thing. It's nice knowing that I'm not the only one locked up in my studio, talking to myself. I take regular "coffee breaks" to chat with my "co-workers" and it brings me back to "reality"...ha! And even when it's late, there are the potters in other countries! Where would we all be without our computers and phones....

Well, back to the studio for another long night...and I love it....

Showtime.

2009-08-09T22:03:00.003-04:00

I should have posted this already, but I've been super busy lately. I'm one of 18 potter's in The Clay Studio's...

Pitchers: An Exploration

August 7 - August 30, 2009

So, if you find yourself in Philadelphia, go check it out!

I really do love making pitchers. I have about 5 new pitchers sketched out and ready to be made. Now that I have about 200 pounds of fresh new clay sitting and waiting for me in the studio, tomorrow might be the day...

Back to reality.

2009-08-01T14:24:00.008-04:00

My mini camping vacation was fun. Super relaxing. No phones, no internet...perfection. I left the shop open and came back to a bunch of orders and emails, but everything was fine. I 've stayed out of the studio for the last couple of days and just packed and shipped and packed and shipped....then took photos and took more photos and posted work and posted more after that....then took stock of what I actually need to create in the next couple of weeks. I've been invited to do the Kohler One and Only show again this year, so I'll have to crank out some work for that as well. It's hard to be thinking of the holidays, but I know I'm not the only one. I've seen that "holiday" word popping up on a lot of artist's blogs lately. Yuck.Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the outlook) I don't have much work in the studio right now. A bunch of mugs and some free form tripods. Nothing too unusual though. I do still have some of these cute bird silhouette vases. I made a bunch before the Pittsfield Art Show. The owl keeps popping up on the front page of Etsy.I guess it's off to do some more cleaning. I need to make some more clay and I've totally been procrastinating. The husband has a gig tonight and that's means I'll have some alone time in the to work. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE having a husband that's a teacher and who gets his summers off, but I can't seem to get a damn thing done around here...

Success.

2009-07-24T22:18:00.003-04:00

Well, the Pittsfield Art Show was a success. Sold a lot of work, met a lot of nice people, the show was well organized, great weather...what more could you ask for. I came right back and started posting the left over work in my shop and pretty much sold everything as I listed it...crazy! Also sent more work up to the Mountaintop Gallery in Windham, NY for the Journeys in Clay show (which has been extended until August 20th). Tomorrow I'm off to go camping upstate. I won't be closing my shop this time. I've decided to keep it open. If you decide to purchase something, it will be shipped on Wednesday, July 29...same with messages. I'll be camping, so no internet, no replying to emails or conversations. 4 days of no internet, can't wait.

Where have I been?

2009-07-17T18:20:00.003-04:00

Okay, so it's been more than a month since my last posting...baaaad girl. What have I been doing? Well, there was a couple of weeks of non-stop studio work and a couple of weeks of Arts Camp.

Today was my last day of camp and now I'm about to pack up all that work I was making before camp started. Why? Well, for the Pittsfield Art show, of course. This will be my first year doing the show and also my first 2 day show. I've mentioned before that I only do 2 fine art/craft shows a year, so this is my summer show. If you are in the area, come see me at tent #11 this Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. The weather is supposed to be lovely.

Super Sale Time.

2009-06-12T00:07:00.004-04:00

Yup, the old studio is getting crowded again. I've been busting my tush in the studio for the past month+ and I need more room on my shelves! I have a few gallery shows and my one big craft show of the summer (I only do 2 craft shows/year...not really my thing) coming up in the next couple of months. SOOOOO, that means it's time to clear out the older work and all those pesky seconds. So go visit my SALE section where you can find work 30-50% OFF!

Journey's in Clay 2009.

2009-05-30T20:56:00.005-04:00

I survived another gallery opening! And it was a successful one too, sold 6 of the 11 pieces.

Journeys in Clay 2009-Contemporary Ceramics.

May 30-July 18

GCCA Mountain Top Gallery, Windham, NY. Hours: Friday & Saturday 11AM-6PM; Sunday & Monday 10AM-5PM; Tuesday-Thursday:11AM-5PM. 518-734-3104, or visit www.greenearts.org.

You can see the nice little blurb in the Arts Newspaper right here...name misspellings and all.

p.s. The pitcher isn't in the show...I'll be posting it in my shop this weekend!

The worst...

2009-05-28T17:47:00.002-04:00

...blogger ever.

Yummy, yummy.

2009-05-03T14:55:00.006-04:00

Yo! Gabba Gabba - Party In My Tummy from Sundtrak on Vimeo.

Here is some inedible yummy-ness.
I think I'm officially going nuts...but it sure is cute. You can find out more right here.

I've been working on ALL new stuff. I made a dozen large nice sized planters with my gray porcelain (AKA the reclaim from all my black and white scraps).

These are upside down waiting for their bottoms to be "signed" and carved. They were coated with white porcelain slip and then carved. So when they are all finished, they will be white with the gray porcelain showing underneath. I'm not sure if I'm going to add any color to them. They may just get a very thin coat of a clear glaze.

I also been making LOTS of pitchers. All different, all one of a kind. Some have been made into animals...of course. In fact, I'm off right now to make some more.

Garden.

2009-04-29T21:10:00.004-04:00

This one made it on to the front page of Etsy today. It got 400 views in 2 min. Crazy.

Hotness.

2009-04-28T23:09:00.007-04:00

Well I HAD a studio full of work for about 2 whole days. That's almost a record. I sent 54 pieces of work today... Most of it is on it's way to Portland, OR. Then a few other pieces to random spots throughout the country. I've also had a big spike in International sales the past few weeks...wonder why...

Anyway, I spent the past 3 days hanging out with an old friend. Hiking and walking and hiking and walking and taking pictures and watching movies and walking some more... After she left I spent the rest of the day today taking photos and doing some computer work...(and watching ¡Three Amigos!)

I've updated my Etsy shop with these 2 new vases. They are on sale (with the rest of my vases) 25% OFF until April 30th. ((Mother's Day is coming fast!)) ((Free gift wrapping. Just let me know in the note to seller box when you check out.))

Be on the lookout for some surprises in my shop in the next few days. I got a few fun new pieces into this last kiln load...

*OH! And I was featured on a lovely blog the other day. Check it out right here. Thanks to Andrea at CRE8IVE JUICE. And be sure to check out here work at small muse.

Wow.

2009-04-16T23:58:00.003-04:00

I need new business cards...

...and I need to go listen to some Joan Jett.

I'm back.

2009-04-13T22:58:00.004-04:00

I've been the worst blogger ever. It's really not my fault. The husband has been on spring break and that makes it damn near impossible to get any work done. I have managed to get work made in the studio, but any extra computer work has been really hard to fit in.

The first few days he was off he was up in Buffalo for a teacher's union conference. And my few days alone with Dudley were very productive and lots of fun.

This cupcake sugar shaker is just one of the cutest things ever. I was going through old pictures and found these shakers I made over 2 years ago. I thought they kind of looked like cupcakes, so I just went a step further and made them REALLY look like cupcakes. S & P shakers didn't seem quite right, but sugar or cinnamon and sugar seems just perfect.

I've also been cranking out the mugs and other smaller items so I can restock a few of my shops and also start to stock pile for my 1 summer show and then for the fall. Of course, I've still been working on the bigger stuff...

This guy is REALLY fat. I think I'm going to tuck him away for my show at the end of May.

Other than work, we rearranged the ENTIRE living room area. It's a big open space and SO hard to work with. We've been wanting to get a new TV and knew we were getting something big and we'd have to rearrange the whole damn room. I know, why a new TV when you don't have cable or anything? Well, that doesn't mean we don't love movies. And we do LOVE movies. We decided on an LED HDTV...uses less power and has no mercury (2 really great things) and the picture is fan-freakin-tastic. It's like looking through a window and watching everything happening in real life. AMAZING. Well worth the extra cash. We really aren't into the whole consumerism thing...but I can't praise this TV enough.

Well, enough about that. I have a huge amount of work on the shelves waiting to be fired. I really want to pack this kiln solid. I've been having a great time with the standing and throwing and my hip/back issues have been lessening. One more batch of work to carve and that's it. I'm aiming for a Thursday bisque. Then it's going to be glazing, glazing, glazing...

Springtime.

2009-03-27T21:41:00.003-04:00

In honor of all those lovely flowers starting to open up in my yard, all my vases have been marked 25% OFF! Click here to see.

Happy Spring!

In hiding.

2009-03-26T22:54:00.004-04:00

Okay. So this has been out of the kiln for several days and I'm just now sharing it. Every once in a while, I unload a kiln and get so excited by a new piece that I hide it in my studio. At times, I can be seen huddling in a corner, gently caressing it...I'm really not kidding. This bird pitcher is one of those pieces.

Today, I finally felt ready to part with it. You can find it right here.

I've been spending my evenings this week sketching. I have loads of new ideas and guess what??? They don't involve animals. Well, I guess they do, but of the bipedal form. And I don't mean Emus........

Birdlady of Alcatraz.

2009-03-21T20:08:00.004-04:00

So here is the newest edition in the studio. It's actually in the kiln right now. I glazed the inside with yellow...I'm not really sure why, it just told me it wanted to be yellow... The weekend went by fast. I spent Saturday loading the bisque and doing some more straightening up in the studio. I'm still working on getting me wheel up just how I want it.

I did finally go through all my molds. I have a ton of plaster molds I made when I was working in, well, my old style...which I PROMISE I'll go into someday. Some were molds I took of things I made and some where molds I made from found objects. This little tray-bowl-dish piece was made from a mold of a Styrofoam tray that once held string beans. I had it at my desk for a while and I just kept touching it. I even made Jon hold it. It feels sooooo good.

Tomorrow it's the chiropractor, the gym, and some more organizing while the kiln is cooling...

Cute tray mania.

2009-03-14T13:45:00.005-04:00

Well, after 2 trips to the Chiropractor this week and a diagnosis of a twisted pelvis and a bit of scoliosis {probably due to the muscles on my right side being WAY more overdeveloped than my left and pulling my spin over}...I'm rethinking the amount of throwing that I do. The past week has been going to the doctor, cleaning the studio, going to the doctor, reorganizing the studio... New shelves are going up, more lights have been hung, big heavy tables are being moved (don't worry, I have help!!) and I'm finally putting my wheel up so I can stand while throwing. The goal still is, throw less. Which is fine. I have already mentioned that I will not being making lots of bowls and small vases and other small pieces that just seem to suck away all my time and physical health. I've been committed to making more complex pieces. I've been throwing lots of parts and spending time cutting and "pasting" them back together.

But, making these cute trays was a nice, relaxing, no-body-stress activity. The blue one is already on it's way out with the mail today, but the green one was just posted in my shop. I have one more owl tray with a deep purple background that I really like...It's like he's hanging out at night. Unfortunately, the purple is SOOO hard to photograph and I don't have a good shot yet.

More work will be posted over the weekend. Wall pockets, other trays, and a new BIG fish bowl!

For the quails.

2009-03-11T18:37:00.009-04:00

Here are my new quails. I've had this form in my mind for a while. I kept drawing it over and over until I finally went ahead and made it...well, them. A fat one and a skinny one.

I didn't quite know what kind of bird they were going to be until I made them. A quail seemed to work best and the feather variation worked well...not to mention their great little "headpiece" that I knew would work with the handle.
I've also been working on a little one-a-day project this month. I've been collecting black and white plates to hang in a grouping in our giganto bathroom. I just got this one a couple of weeks ago.
It's mid-century, made in Norway...and I LOVE it. It's little, about 3 inches in diameter. And it totally inspired me to make one little plate a day for the entire month of March. I have a little mold that I've been using. My only requirement is that they must have only one color glazed area...which must be an animal. Each one is signed and numbered on the back. I'll be posting them on my Flickr. Of course, the drying, firing, glazing, firing schedule is going to make it difficult to show a new one every day, but I will be making them daily. They are really just quick sketches to keep my mind fresh but committed to one shape. Maybe I'll do something else next month??

Well, that's it for me. I know it's been a while since my last posting. I've been making work, firing kilns, shipping out orders...same old routine. Also, I've been in the process of rearranging my studio and adding more lights and shelving...AHH! It's still a total mess in there. HOWEVER, I did unload a kiln this morning and I'll be posting new work in my shop over the next week! Lots of cute trays and new serving pieces.

Pretty penguin.

2009-02-23T18:05:00.006-05:00

Here's a new one. I posted him on my Etsy shop today. You can find him here. I made a few of these in different shapes and sizes but, the rest are already spoken for. He's the baby of the bunch and the only one available right now.

My whale made it into 2 great treasuries today. The one above is all artists from the Hudson Valley...where I live. Click the pic to make it larger. You can find the actual treasury right here. A thank you to WrenWillow who was the curator on this one and go check out her shop. Her things are so cute!

And then there is this great treasury by SplishySplashCraft. You can check it out right here. Birds and fish...my favorite!

I'll be posting another new thing tomorrow...can we say rainbows??...

Interview.

2009-02-22T19:46:00.004-05:00

Check out my interview on the So Cal Potter's blog. I know I'm not from or living in southern Cali, but hey, he asked and I answered. Anyway, check it out right here. There are a bunch of really great interviews like this one with my buddy Shane Keena or this one with the fabulous Ricky Moldonado...my fellow compulsive surface decorators.I've also posted more newness in my Etsy shop. This is one of my new tripod bowls. And upgrade from my old design.

This one sold shortly after I posted it, but I plan on adding another one similar to it.

OH! And I also made my 1111th sale...actually, I made my 1112th sale today also. But I was so excited to hit 1111. I really like that number. My next goal is 1234...

Newness.

2009-02-21T12:43:00.001-05:00

Well, the new batch of work is finally finished. I had some distractions...Valentine's day cake making (it's kind of weird censoring plastic boobs), feeling crappy a couple of days, kiln issues, glaze materials back ordered...

But, I finally have some new things in my Etsy shop. I finished a bunch of special orders and a several orders for some galleries and shops. I've also managed to tuck a few things away for a gallery show at the end of April.I just added this guy today. And I'm one sale away from 1111 sales...make a wish!

I have a ton of new things to post. As I mentioned before, I'm moving away from simple forms and I'm moving toward making more complex pieces and more animal related things. I realized I was wasting time making multiples of bowls and vases and it left me with little time to make more complicated things. Soooo, you may see bowls and vases BUT, they will be a bit more involved. And, I'm playing with reducing the custom orders I take. I'm planning on making more one of a kind pieces or small runs and let that be that. I often get requests like can you make this shorter or wider or a different color. Sometimes it's hard to explain to customers that their idea just won't look good, or that I only make my chick bowls in green, yellow and orange for a reason...it's starting to drive me a litte crazy...

Anyway, be on the lookout for more animals and a few "normal" bowls that just happend to make it into this last batch of work.

++Oh! And I totally forgot to mention that the awesome Ashley Akers did a sweet little post on her blog about my work! Thank you Ashley! You can go check it out right here. I've mentioned her work before. I'm a big fan. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop as well!

One more.

2009-02-11T15:21:00.004-05:00

Heartstrings...which you can see here. A thank you to Monarchdancer, for featuring my sculptural bird dish with pink...which is also part of my Valentine's Special through Saturday.

Another treasury, another piece.

2009-02-11T10:32:00.006-05:00

This little vase made it into a treasury on Etsy today.

Wrapped in Morning Dew Silk. Lovely name. No Dew here in New York's lovely Hudson Valley. Just piles and piles of slushy snow. There are still spots in the yard that are well over 1 ft of snow and I hear our almost 50 degree heat spell is on it's way out. Anyway, a warm thank you to lilysoffering for including me in this collection. You can check it out for real here. You can check out my vase right here. And being that everyone I know is either pregnant or has just given birth, I am particularly fond of littlesaplingtoys. Go check them out.

I've still been working nonstop in the studio. I fired one bisque and I'm finishing work for one more, which I plan on firing Thursday night. So...new work should be out and finished by Sunday. Although, most of it is off to St. Louis, some to Boston, some custom orders and a bunch is being tucked away for a gallery show at the end of April. I'm hoping to have some left to post in my shop. And speaking of my shop, my 10% off Valentine's Day special is still going on. 10% off any thing with red, pink or purple.

Okay, time for the gym...

Treasury loveliness.

2009-02-08T16:18:00.002-05:00

How beautiful is this treasury? You can see it for real right here. Thanks to Nina of Kings & Queens who was nice enough to feature my love bird ornaments. You can still get them right here. And, if they sell out, I have 2 more sets available with red eyes, just ask and I'll post a special listing for you.

Salt & Pepper

2009-02-05T18:07:00.002-05:00

Well, we'll see how this one goes. All the parts were made on the wheel and then altered. The owl shaker comes off. I really like holding her. She's such a great size. If all goes well, this will be off to a gallery. I may or may not make another set...we'll see...

Tomorrow I fire a bisque. I'm going to do 2 in a row and then a tightly packed glaze firing. Hopefully the new work will be finished by the end of next week.

Sore hand.

2009-02-01T19:11:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I was a carving machine. This morning I woke up with a sore forearm...I made a ton...well, a bunch...of owl creamers, a few "stump" jars to match and a pair of TALL owl vases. I plan on making at LEAST 2 more of the owl vases. I need 2 to send out to a couple of galleries and I'd like to have some back-ups and maybe one for my Etsy shop. I also made one of these guys!

And the menagerie grows... I'm going to make a few more penguins in different sizes. They look cute all sitting together.

I tried to take the day off today. It's still really hard to make my mind shut everything out. I plan on doing a bit of drawing later. I guess that football game is on now. I'm so happy we don't have TV. I didn't even realize the super bowl was going on until I was at the gym on Friday. I've never watched one in my life, why start now. Hmm. Anyway. I have a really good idea for a salt and pepper set and I'd like to try it out tomorrow. I just need to draw it out a few more times...

And now I leave you with Dudley in the snow...eating a branch from our deceased Christmas tree. It's a little blurry. I took it from the porch.

A whale of time.

2009-01-28T12:05:00.009-05:00

I guess he's not really a fish. The tail isn't spread flat like a whale's...

Cute, huh? Made on the wheel in a couple of parts and altered. I have a whole menagerie starting in the studio.

My tray made it to the front page of Etsy this morning. Yay. It's still available right here.I made this little guy out of some felt I had laying around. Dudley likes him.

More animals to come...

Finished.

2009-01-25T11:27:00.006-05:00

Everyone really seemed to like these, even before they even saw them finished. So, here is a finished set.Both sets are already sold and I don't have any more. I AM making more...I'm starting today after I write this. I'm still going to make just the solo owls because I prefer making them a little larger. People have also asked about different colors and I have pretty much decided that I will ONLY be making these with green. That color seems to suit them best. I'll also be making more owl vases. I have tons of requests for those as well. Again, as for color? Only blue interiors...Just give me some time. My last couple of kilns have been filled with orders for galleries and shops that carry my work and some special orders from Etsy. I didn't have a lot of time to play around with all the ideas I have drawn out in my sketchbook. I've been toying with the idea of really cutting out most of my "normal" work...like bowls and more simple vases. That will free up some time and some space in the kiln.

ALSO, I'm running a little Valentine's Day special in my Etsy shop. I've marked down everything with red, pink or purple, 10% off. Click here to see! And look at the new addition to the shop...can we say swans?

Stumped.

2009-01-15T18:07:00.003-05:00

Actually, not stumped at all. I figured it out. I had wanted to design a sugar jar for my smaller owl pitchers and when a customer mentioned that she wanted one, it pushed me to finally do it. These are not something I will be making over and over again, so don't expect to see a lot of them. I only made 2 sets so far. One is already spoken for but if they both come out with no problems, the other set may pop up on Etsy...not sure about that though.

Everything is getting loaded and bisque fired tomorrow morning.

Finger cramp.

2009-01-13T19:40:00.010-05:00

I'm quite happy with the amount of work I've produced in the past week. I had to "restock" all my tiny tripods, mod squares and gondolas. I've managed to make 60 tripods and about 25 each of the others...not too bad. I've also made a few special Valentine love bird sets. They have hearts instead of regular round eyes. I didn't match the carvings cause that's not what I wanted, but I plan on matching the eye colors. I'm only making a few sets. I don't really do seasonal things (the snowflakes don't count either cause I love snowflakes) and Valentine's Day stuff can be rather sickening, but I thought these would be sweet to make. You can also see some owls peaking out at the top.

I'm really loving the owls. I cut a strip of aluminum flashing that I use for mold making and made an owl cutter. I really, really like them. I decided that I would make the birds all year round since they go with all my other bird work.

I also made some swans. I had made the press mold for these a couple of months ago. I had only made one swan with it though. It went to Craftacular with me and sold immediately. So, I finally made some more. The bowl is press molded from a thin slab of porcelain and the necks are each hand rolled so no two are alike. I made quite a few fish bowls in between....not to mention, a bunch of custom orders, lots of vases, several owl pitchers, some owl cream and sugar sets----that's right, sets! Just wait until you see the sugar bowls!!

Oh, and as I mentioned before, I made myself take 2 weeks off from clay over the holidays. That didn't mean no creating. I did a lot of drawing and designing, a lot of knitting and sewing and A LOT of paper folding. This little guy took 300 pieces? to make. I can't remember. And once all the pieces were made it took a long time to put together. Thank goodness I have a good paper cutter, these are made with half squares.

I've been doing origami since I was about 10 or 11. I recieved a very good book when I was a kid that had actual photos instead of illustrations. It really helped me understand the folding a lot better than a bunch of dotted lines, dashes and arrows. Now I can read them all, but that book was the best. I got into 3-D origami around 4 years ago. I got a little obsessed and made 10 of these swans for the centerpieces at out wedding reception.

I made porcelain bases with built in vases in the middle to go up through the swans. Then I made TONS of origami lilies to fill them. Each swan was made of 297 (I think that was the number!) pieces of either red or white vellum. Yup, I'm crazy. This was the only pic I could find from the reception that even showed one of them! Terrible, huh? Keep in mind, we were married on the Empire State building and had the reception at our house a month later. No professional photos.

Anyway, more work tomorrow...made out of clay. Maybe I'll grab a shot of the cute sugar jars...

Oh! I've also been posting a bunch of sale stuff in my Etsy shop to clean up the studio shelves a bit. Some work is on SUPER SALE so go check it out!

Press-o-rama.

2009-01-09T18:07:00.007-05:00

I'm back in action. I've been back in the studio since Monday. I stuck to my guns and stayed away from making clay work for almost 2 whole weeks. I think that's the longest time away in 2 years!! I did, however, do lots of drawing so I have loads of new designs to play with. I also did a bunch of other finger cramping crafty things that I'll share in another post.

I received a couple of way cool presents in the mail this week. The first one was from Tildé, a fabulous shop in Portland, OR that carries my work.This came out a while ago and I kept meaning to mention it. I finally got the book in my hands to scan it. They misspelled my name...but that always happens.

The second present came by resisted mail from Portugal. I had forgotten about it until it arrived in a nice little box.A nice, big (almost too big to fit on my scanner) full page feature in the December 2008/January 2009 issue of House Traders. A very cool architecture and design magazine from Portugal. It's written in Potugese and then in English beneath...love that. And who was on the opposite page?Why, good old Jonathan Adler of course. Looks like I'm playing with the big kids now...lol. I hadn't really looked at his work in a while...wow, he's really cornered the entire world of 50s-60s ceramic design. Beautiful stuff, but it kind of takes the fun out of it. Hmm.
Anyway, a great finish to 2008. First, sharing a full page with Eva Zeisel, now this.

Vacation

2008-12-28T19:02:00.003-05:00

I'm alive. I'm on vacation, but alive. I won't be posting anything on Etsy or mailing any orders or even making work (well, I'm trying not to) until January 5. I'm going to try to respond to messages, but I can't guarantee it will be a quick response. I'm MAKING myself follow these rules...it's VERY hard. Hope everyone is well and recovering from the holidays!

Be inspired.

2008-12-18T20:06:00.005-05:00

That's the name of this wonderful treasury that's on the front page right now...

curated by Rachelaakmama. Thanks Rachel!

There's still time to buy that mug!

One more day.

2008-12-17T23:13:00.004-05:00

So much has happened since my last post I don't even know where to begin. There was glazing madness and then firing the kiln during an ice storm...no power problems, thank goodness. Packing and loading for Craftacular...which ended up being quite spectacular. I met lots of fellow Esty folk, clay people and others. And I met lots of folks saying that they had "hearted" (my new favorite verb) my things on Etsy or recognized my work and even 2 people that had bought things from me on Etsy! That was fun. We stayed at my sister-in-law's apartment on Saturday night, slept VERY little, woke up and shot right to the Metropolitan Pavilion. We got a sweet parking spot right out front and parked for free! We finally got home around 11pm after picking up Dudley at our friends house. Monday and Tuesday were spent posting left over work like a madwoman and packing up TONS of boxes. I had to bring them straight to the post office because there were just too many to leave for the mailman. I had to go again today, 10 boxes and 5 of them were BIG boxes. I also managed to work a little in the studio today. I still had a few more things I wanted to make for presents. I'm planning on firing a bisque on Friday. We are supposed to get hit with a bunch of snow on Friday. We had some late last night, into the morning. Jon had a 2-hour delay. It doesn't look like school's going to happen Friday. Then he's off until after New Years. A nice long break. I'm hoping I will have the discipline to take a break too. After I glaze this last load of work over the weekend, I'm planning on taking a break until after the new year. I think I deserve it!!
Well, the last day to purchase work in time for the holidays is tomorrow. Friday was to be my last day for shipping but I may not be able to leave the house until Saturday. If you still need something, buy it tonight or tomorrow before 1pm so I can get it shipped out tomorrow!!

Brain freeze.

2008-12-11T00:06:00.009-05:00

As I sit here awaiting the freezing rain and staring at the huge....no, ominous....Christmas tree in our living room, I am exhausted.

When I sit back and look at all the work my hands have created in the past few weeks.....it's really quite amazing. I certainly feel it. My hands feel tight. My back is sore. My brain is kind of numb.We did get the Christmas tree on Sunday and I managed to decorate it in between attaching handles and painting naked chicks. I'll have to take a picture of it. It's the second tree we've gotten that had a bird's nest hidden in it. I think that's supposed to be good luck.

My last load of work for the holidays is almost finished. Saturday, I pack it all up for Craftacular. I will be taking some listings down from my Etsy shop Saturday afternoon. If there is something you've been looking at, I suggest you get it before then. It may not come back with me. Any work not sold will be re-listed on Monday along with new work. Also, my last day to order for guaranteed delivery before Christmas is December 18th. Almost all items ship USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days). Pendants and ornaments ordered alone will ship USPS 1st class (2-5 days). I am willing to overnight any items, just contact me for shipping rates.

Oh, yeah. Does anyone have any good ideas for a gift for my mailman? Do people still do that??? I give all my packages to my mailman to take. Except when I have A LOT going out...then I feel too bad and bring them to the back loading dock of my post office. Anyway, I gave him a mug last year so I don't want to give him another piece. Any suggestions?

Front page love.

2008-12-04T12:15:00.002-05:00

I'm on the front page of Etsy again...Sometimes I get a wave of convos telling me that I was included in a treasury and I always snap a screen shot and hope they make it to the front page. But, it's always fun to be surprised and see one pop up of the front page when I haven't seen it before. Good job Ashley for making it to the front! If you haven't seen her work yet, go look! It's a great mix of modern and organic design. If I wore more jewelry (and actually left the house to show it off) I'd get these.

Yowza!

2008-12-03T14:48:00.003-05:00

Last night I passed 1,000 sales on Etsy!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my work!

New ornaments.

2008-12-02T16:46:00.003-05:00

Okay. I really shouldn't have...but I snuck these out of the top of the kiln. It's still cooling, ALMOST ready to unload, but not quite. I knew these wouldn't crack or anything because they are barely glazed. I must admit, they are soooooooo wonderful. I think I only have 18 in this load and I know I'm going to have to make a lot more.

You can find them here along with my snowflakes.

Still sick.

2008-12-02T14:19:00.006-05:00

I'm still sick and now I'm feeling totally grumpy. I can't even sit at my computer in the office/guestroom. I'm sitting on the couch with the laptop and a box of tissues watching Dune (which I love, but sometimes makes me want to puke when I watch it). Jon and I watched the entire series of Twin Peaks several weeks ago and just realized that might have been the root of my owl obsession lately. And it rekindled my crush on Kyle MacLachlan...well, my crush on Kyle MacLachlan as Agent Cooper.

I'm one sale away from 1,000. That's the only thing that isn't making me grumpy today.

I'm off to Bailey's in an hour to pick up some mason stains. I just found out that they discontinued one of the stains I use to make my pale blue, so I'm going to start testing new blues. It's good, I need some change.

I really need to not be sick anymore. I have so much work to do. I can't believe Craftacular is in less than 2 weeks. I'm kind of starting to panic...

Sick.

2008-11-30T14:22:00.005-05:00

Well, it's all finally caught up with me. I'm sick. I could feel it in my body a little on Friday. Yesterday morning I could feel it a little more. I went to the gym thinking that maybe I just needed an energy boost...wrong. We went to hang out with some friends last night and by the time we got home I knew it was inevitable. I slept horribly and finally got out of bed at noon. It looks like that glaze firing won't be unloaded until Tuesday...evening probably. I am REALLY not happy about this but, I realize that if I don't rest now, it will only prolong being sick and I can't afford to miss more work days. I need to make, fill, fire, glaze and fire another kiln within the next 10 days. I do it all the time but it will be really hard to do when I'm sick.

I did finally post this decanter in my Etsy shop.I don't know why it took me so long to post it. It's my bedroom colors. Black, gray, white and yellow. Yummy.

So tired.

2008-11-28T17:11:00.005-05:00

Well, even with having Thanksgiving at out house this year, I still got a lot done in the studio. The kiln is PACKED full and just finished firing. I'm hoping it won't take too long to cool because I was hoping to do a glaze firing early Sunday. I wanted to have everything finished an unloaded by "Cyber Monday" (I hate that term) but we'll see...
I really want the work finished just so I can see these birdies all glazed up.

So, be on the lookout late Monday...but probably more like Tuesday for new stuff.

I'm also getting reeeally close to my 1,000th sale over at the old Etsy shop. And just like before, I'll be including a small gift with every order until I get to 1,000!

Woo.

2008-11-20T13:17:00.007-05:00

It's been a looooong week. I had an opening last Saturday in Catskill, NY. I really hate going to openings. It's mostly those group shows where I am the youngest by about 15 years and no one realizes I am one of the artists...it doesn't help that I don't look my age either...and I'm pretty anti-social... I think that's why I don't go out of my way to get shows within driving distance. Not that I don't like having gallery shows. If it's someplace I like or put on by someone I know, it's waaaay more enjoyable, even (dare I say) fun. I did actually sell one of the 2 pieces at the opening. I'm assuming this was after we left to go get sushi. Anyway, to promote holiday sales they are letting buyers take the work when they purchase it so I sent them another piece.

One of the pieces I'm showing is an owl vase. Similar to this one.

Unfortunately this one has a crack in the bottom. It's small and was completely filled in with glaze, so it's still water-tight. I'll probably be posting it on Etsy since it's not gallery worthy. I have another one that is much taller and has little feel at the bottom. That one also has a crack at the bottom but it goes all the way through. I may just keep that one for myself.

I'm not one for trends. I know owls have been big for a while now. I thought they would be "out" by now, but they are still going strong. I've really been on a bird kick and wanted to make a vase. Owls just seemed like a logical choice.

I've also made some small pitchers.

Again, the owls just seemed to work with this shape.

In other news, I just sent more work to Tilde in Portland, OR and to the Kohler One and Only show and The Clay Studio in Philadelphia now has some new snowflakes. Oh, and guess where I will be on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2008 from 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM?

Yup! This will be my one and only craft show of the season. So if you happen to be in NYC area, come to the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th Street and say hi! I'm really looking forward to meeting some of my Etsy friends in person.

That's all for now! I've got to go make lots and lots and lots of work...

Tagged.

2008-11-12T23:28:00.012-05:00

I've never been in to doing these. BUT, I was tagged by Jennifer (AKA JMWJewelry) so here goes...

THE RULES:
* Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blog.
* Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have a HUGE Pez collection. At least 1,000 dispensers and Pez related items. Including a PEZPal Policeman still sealed in his original vending machine box and a copy of the original Pez patent. Unfortunately, since buying our house almost over 4 years ago, the collection has been sitting in boxes. I have no idea how to display it all. And yes, I have been to several Pez conventions. I AM A DORK

2. My husband and I were married on top of the Empire State Building on August 6, 2005. The ceremony took about 2 min. and was attended by 6 people: me, my husband, my friend who married us (he got ordained on the internet), the best man, the maid of honor and her fiance (our "photographer")...oh, and a whole lot of tourists.

3. I am one of those weird people that doesn't like TV. I haven't had Television (network, public, cable...) in 7 years. I do however have at least 500 movies (a small fraction of them were made after 1985) and I've watched each one so many times it's kind of embarrassing. I'm pretty much a movie snob.

4. I am addicted to old time radio shows. Mostly science fiction, Ray Bradbury kind of stuff, but also horror and good mystery and detective stories.

5. I am also addicted to NPR. Most of my evening conversations with my husband start,"I was listening to the radio and there was this story about..." This is what happens when you have no co-workers to talk about.

6. I despise talking on the phone. I hate making phone calls. I hate answering the phone. Caller ID is brilliant.

7. I've only had 3 professional hair cuts in my 30 years on this planet. I think I have a hair salon phobia. I cut my own hair. I also never had my hair cut at all (except those pesky dead ends and those bangs I cut when I was 3) until I was 15 1/2 years old!

Well, that's it. I'm not really one to play by the rules, so I'm not going to tag anybody. I hate bothering people (one of the reasons I hate making phone calls), especially since most of the people I know have been tagged a million times. The only one I WOULD tag is my friend Jen...so maybe she'll finally post something on her blog....

Seeing spots.

2008-11-06T19:04:00.006-05:00

I've really been into the colored dots lately. I'm not really sure why. I just posted these 2 in my shop. They are short and squat and I love them a lot. I think they'd make sweet planters as well.

I've also been really into opening up my Etsy page and doing a search by color within my shop. Like this one for "green"... or how about "blue"...

Not much else to report. I'm in the middle of a new batch of work. In fact...I better get those handles on their mugs...

I'll leave you with pics from Dudley's 2nd birthday.

Oh, and Dudley picked Barak too......

Tweet.

2008-11-01T15:33:00.008-04:00

I posted my first pedestal bird! Isn't she pretty? This one was my first attempt. I had this form in my head for a few weeks now. It's always so nice to see work go from a sketch on a piece of paper to pulling it out of the kiln. These two were attempts 2 and 3. I was experimenting with a thicker base and different carving patterns. Unfortunately the one on the left has a little crack around the spot where I inserted the "candle hole"- which was a separate thrown piece. I'm sure you'll be seeing that one in the good old sale section. These 2 were in the same glaze firing. They are off to Massachusetts on Monday. I do have a similar green vase that will be posted eventually. I'm a little attached to it right now....that happens a lot. I'll hoard pieces I really like for weeks. Just living with them in the studio, soaking up their good vibes...deciding on whether or not I should just keep them all for myself. :)

Entertaining.

2008-10-31T00:53:00.005-04:00

I made some trays like this one back in April. I kind of forgot about these guys until I found the mold I made for them when I was cleaning. I have 2 more with different designs that I'll be posting over the next few days. I'm thinking...holiday entertaining...

Bad blogger.

2008-10-29T16:58:00.014-04:00

I realize it has been 21 days since my last posting...wow. That's bad. And my only defense is that I've been working...a lot. Since it would take me forever to write what's been going on, let's do this in photos.

First came my birthday. And this the cake that my adoring husband made for me.

Then, we had some company and went to Storm King Art Center. I got to see my favorite Alexander Calder sculptures... and we revisited the spot where Jon proposed 4 years ago on my birthday. And I made A LOT of new work. After reaching my 900th sale on Etsy (now I'm at 925!) I did some math and figured out that in the past 2 years, I've sold over 2,200 pieces. Incredible. I don't think I ever imaged I could sell that much work in my lifetime, let alone in 2 years.

Other things to note==I sent a few boxes out to Sword + Fern who is now carrying a selection of my bowls, cups and a few other things. Also, One and Only: Gifts Made by Hand opened on October 26 at The John Michael Kohler Arts Center. I was invited to do it months ago, I just forgot to mention it. I got the cards last week and there are so many great artists participating. Go check it out! Then it was over the river to the Sheep and Wool festival.

These 2 are alpaca-llama mix. My favorite animals, next to one of these.

Still more working and more birds. I think I have a bird problem.I've been working so much the yard and gardens are not cleaned up at all. I'm not too happy about that. Dudley, however, is perfectly fine with all the sticks and leaves...his favorite. So now it's October 29th. I fired one bisque and a glaze last weekend. Another bisque this past weekend and a glaze yesterday. I'm waiting to unload the kiln again. Lots of snowflakes, lots of birds. Some special orders and some tiny tripods.

I just got back from the gym and I'm soooo tired. I was up until 3:30 am working. We donated my old car and when they came in the morning to pick it up I didn't even hear the tow truck...I was OUT. I guess that's it for now...

p.s. Dudley just farted on my lap. Gross.

Blog feature.

2008-10-09T17:29:00.006-04:00

Look! I was featured in JMW Jewelry blog. Be sure to go check out her Etsy shop as well. Thanks Jen!

Tomorrow's my big birthday so I probably won't be posting. My friend and her new husband are coming up for the weekend and we plan on going to Storm King Art Center on Saturday. I used to go there once a year but I haven't been there in 4 years! 4 years ago tomorrow to be exact. My 26th birthday. AND, it was that day and that place, in which Jon proposed. Awwwwww. Here's a pic from that day, post proposal. Me and a Calder sculpture. It's his many sculptures there that make it one of my favorite places.

Hand-picked.

2008-10-07T19:44:00.003-04:00

I love when I make the front page and it's a hand-picked group. And what a pretty list!

Flashfilm interview.

2008-10-07T16:22:00.004-04:00

I forgot to mention that I was interviewed by Flashfilm. Flashfilm is an online magazine from Japan that features fashion, art and interior design. There are a ton of great interviews, a bunch from some great ceramic artists (like Stepanka Horalkova and Kim Westad). Go check out my interview.

Other than that, nothing too exciting to report. I've been shipping work out like crazy. I'm taking this week off from making. I made enough work to fill and fire 2 kilns in the past 2 1/2 weeks...which is insane. I unload the last glaze firing today. Fortunately I was able to save most of the work from this last one for my Etsy shop. I haven't posted these yet, but here's a sneak peak. Also, for the past 500, 600, 700...sales on Etsy, I've given away a free item. This time I've decided to give away a free item with every order until 900 sales. 900 sales is a pretty big deal and I just want give a special thank you to more of my fabulous supporters this time around. Last month was my 2 year anniversary on Etsy. My goal is to hit 1,000 sales by the new year. That would be really awesome.

-Dudley hanging out while I pack up work...looking like Huck Finn with a leaf stem in his mouth.-

It's only OCTOBER.

2008-10-02T19:32:00.005-04:00

It seems a bit early to be breaking out the folding tables in the studio, but the holiday orders are already being completed and packed up. I have to think of something really good for the mailman this year...

I posted a cute set of 3 tripods today.

I had a special order for a larger "tiny" tripod, so I decided to make an in-between size and create a little stacking set. I have to get on the ball and take some new photos of the regular tiny tripods. I have them in a bunch of colors right now, but only the turquoise are posted...bad girl!

So, I'm one of those weird people who is anti-TV and haven't had it in at least 6 years. But, I am a total news and politics junkie and I am very much looking forward to listening to the debates tonight. Should be interesting...veeery interesting.

Press.

2008-10-01T23:44:00.005-04:00

If you are anywhere near Hanover, MA, be sure to visit A Piccolo Arte this Sunday, October 5TH. They are having their grand opening from 12-5pm. The owner, Karen Snow (no relation), has selected a great mix of my work, in all price ranges. Vases, dishes, tripods...fun stuff! She sent me this little write-up about her shop and look, there's my vase!I love that vase.

A Star Was Born.

2008-09-30T12:03:00.004-04:00

That's the title of this wonderful treasury by brownbunnybyiris. I've already sold one of those gondola dishes. And I'm loving that pillow from Sun2Create.

I feel like crap today. I started feeling bad yesterday morning and after I got back from the gym it was full on crappiness. So, it delayed the kiln a little bit. I wanted to get it in last night, looks like it's gonna be tonight. AND, I have a BAD cut on my left thumb and a nail on my right hand that is breaking off where it is still attached to the skin...OUCH. Good thing I don't have to touch clay...

Gondolas?

2008-09-27T16:12:00.004-04:00

That's what I'm calling them.

I made these 3 before I decided to use this mold for my new fish dish. I really like the shape and they look quite elegant. These may be the only dishes I make like this.

I still need to do some last minute things before I finish loading and start firing the kiln. It's full of mugs, creamers and vases. My hand is killing me.

I also have a pile of pieces I made for earrings. I guess I should get them finished. Oh, and I need to string up some more ornaments. Soooo many ornaments!

They're back.

2008-09-23T17:11:00.005-04:00

Well, one is back...more on the way. I've been slacking on the tripod bowls. I hadn't made any in months and months. Then one of my galleries requested a few and of course, I had to make more than a few. So here's one in yellow.I've always been fond of this design. I do get a bit frustrated that they warp a bit. But, I've just come to accept that the fussiness of my porcelain and the fact that they are on 3 feet just means it's going to happen. I could let these dry all the way, lightly covered, a slow as possible, never standing them up on their feet until they are out of the bisque and they will still warp. Some more than others of course, but those are the few that end up on the seconds shelf. And don't worry, if the price for the up to par bowls is too steep, some of those seconds will end up in my sale section.

I'm still working like a madwoman in the studio. One more big load of work before my big 3-0 birthday weekend. I thought I was getting caught up and then *boom* more orders. Of course, who's complaining, but boy am I tired.

The kitchen is coming along. The walls are painted...after 2 colors and the floor has been ripped up. We decided on Pergo as an inexpensive fix that still looks nice. I didn't really want to spend all that much. I mean, we DID do a lot to the room 4 years ago when we bought the house...new appliances, hardware on the cabinets, the floating "peninsula", and yes, I did paint the walls only 4 years ago as well. BUT, I work at home and the only time I leave the house during the day is to go to the gym or to go food shopping...I need a change of scenery! So anyway, the floor is next...once this next load of work is in the bisque!!

Smells like fish.

2008-09-18T19:54:00.005-04:00

All I seem to do is make birds and fish. And I have absolutley no reason for this.

Last week it was fish.

And I really, really like him.

I also posted my first snowflake. I was told that it is NOT too early. We are supposed to get our first frost tonight. I guess that counts.

I packed up 9 boxes of work to ship out tomorrow morning. I usually have 2-3. I can smell the holidays brewing......

Food. Water. Food.

2008-09-15T17:18:00.006-04:00

Today I am totally in love with these bowls, a custom order I unloaded this morning.Dog food, cat food and shared water...feel the love. Dudley's dog bowls are 2 of my favorite things I've ever made...is that weird?

Restless.

2008-09-12T11:38:00.009-04:00

The kiln is on and it's a *sort of* day off for me. I'm going to have soooo much to glaze. The kiln is PACKED. I went on a rampage this past week and made about 60 pieces...not including 24 tiny tripods and 18 square dishes. It's going to take FOREVER to cool. I probably won't be able to fit it all in once it's glazed, but at least I'll have a jump start on the next load.

I was kindly featured in two treasuries.

Both the bowl (which is really dark pink, not red) and the chicken (last one in cobalt...ever!) are still available and ON SALE or ON SUPER SALE in my shop.

Now I'm off to Lowe's to check out some colors for my kitchen. Right now it's yellow with orange trim and white cabinets (very 70's) and a horrible floor that needs to be replaced. I still love the colors, it was the first room I painted when we moved in...the second day we were in. The room was a pale robin's egg blue that totally offended me and HAD TO GO immediately. It's been 4 years since I painted and I'm just feeling I need a change. I've pretty much settled on a lovely retro aqua. I just need to find one that's not too crazy bright but not too boring. Since I've started collecting my Franciscan starburst plates, I've also been collecting mid-century pots with aqua interiors like these from McCoy. So I'm really looking for that color. Now it's just picking an accent color for the trim. I could do white, but my cabinets are white and right now the trim around them is orange. White on white might be fine. It's really that or maybe red. I have a lot of red in the kitchen- a starburst clock, my kitchenaid mixer, food processor and pots and pans. And red and aqua are lovely together. Decisions, decisions. Then it's picking out the floor...Ahhh!

Pitcher love.

2008-09-09T22:28:00.006-04:00

Yes, true love.

I've been throwing a lot of curvy forms lately. I decided to go more geometric with this pitcher. This was the result. I resurrected my turquoise for this one. I tried to stay away and I just couldn't resist. It just looks so fantastic with the crisp black and white and helps to soften up tighter, more calculated shapes. These are all sitting in the Things that pour section of my shop.

Early snowfall.

2008-09-03T16:36:00.004-04:00

Not really. It was actually about 90° today. But I unloaded the kiln late last night and this is what one of my tables looks like... I sent out my first batch of snowflake orders and it's Jon's first day of school...wierd. I made 70+ ornaments and all of them are already spoken for. I wonder how many I'll have to make this year?

I'm still adding work to the SUPER SALE!

SUPER SALE.

2008-09-01T18:29:00.006-04:00

I've decided I need to make some room in the studio...now. That means big sale, SUPER SALE. I'll be posting studio seconds and samples and some old work, some really really old. I'm waiting on my kiln to cool and don't quite feel like getting dirty today, so I figured I'd empty some shelves and some boxes and get this stuff out of the studio. I've already posted a lot but I need to take a break. So be sure to check back as I'll be posting lots more.

And of course I'll still be posting new work like this bottle I posted yesterday. It comes with a cork to use if you want to use it for oil or whatever or you can use it as a vase.

I'm back.

2008-08-31T11:16:00.006-04:00

Well, I am back. I took a bit of a break on here. I had to. My reoccurring back and sciatica issues have made this last batch of work a tough one. My schedule was pretty much work, take ibuprofen, lay down flat, work, more ibuprofen, lay down flat, work, more ibuprofen...ugh. But I've got just a few more things to glaze and then it's firing time.

Then, of course, it's back to making more work. Christmas is coming and panic has already set in. I've already made about 70 snowflake ornaments and it's going to be in the high 80's today. Does anyone else see something wrong with that?

So, I've posted a few pitchers in the shop. I think they might be my favorite thing to make. I have a couple of pitcher and cups sets going in the kiln as well as a few one off mugs just for fun.

Time to take some ibuprofen and finish glazing...

How nice.

2008-08-17T22:24:00.006-04:00

I'm always so tickled when I get a message from some wonderful blogger informing me that they have featured my work...even more tickled when it's a whole posting about my work. So a big THANK YOU to Tonia who featured me on her wonderful blog, Loco-Notions. Click here to check it out. She's found some great artists and lots of really creative and innovative designers.

No work pictures today, so I leave you with Dudley. This is from his vacation with our friend, Andrea, who he stayed with while we were in Mexico.

Back to reality.

2008-08-12T13:36:00.006-04:00

Well, sorta. After a long break from work...I'm back! Camping was fun and Mexico was wonderful. Super hot, of course, but we had a great time and the wedding was so very nice.It was a lot nicer out than it looks in the photos. Fortunately the sun wasn't blaring down on us during the ceremony...we fair skinned folk just can't handle it. We went through A LOT of sunscreen.

Now it's back to work. I shipped out all my orders placed while I was gone and went through WAY too many messages. I wasn't able to check my email or Etsy for over a week and it was sooooo weird. I'll be back in the studio, making work, tomorrow. For now, here's some links to some blog press!

First, a nice mention in fookadesigns blog. Be sure to check out Shannon's Etsy shop. She's a wonderful designer!

Second is a mention in the fantastic blog Design Crisis. A post with all things yellow. I've been slowly working on getting our bedroom all yellow, black and white...oh and gray of course...I LOVE yellow and gray.

So thanks to everyone who has featured my work. My little square dishes are becoming famous! They're sitting in the studio blushing...they're so modest.

VACATION!!!

2008-08-02T11:49:00.002-04:00

Yup, that's right, vacation!! My shop will be closed until August 10th. All orders placed from August 2-10 will be shipped out on Monday August 11th. At least I got to see these bloom before we go away!!

New.

2008-07-27T16:50:00.006-04:00

Okay. I did actually manage to scrounge up some time to fill the kiln and fire a ▲10. I had forgotten how hard it was to work full-time and make work....yuck! Like I had mentioned I was going to make, there are lots and LOTS of new mugs. I also felt the urge to make a sugar and creamer set.I didn't know what color to glaze it, but I'm happy I decided on green. It is sooooo wonderful. The color is so vibrant and clean and the black slip is very BLACK...wonderful contrast. I'm also really happy with the forms. I wanted to make a set that matched my mugs and I've also been really into high domed lids...the shape of these really goes well with the bulging silhouettes. They also hold a deceptively large amount. Very pleased indeed.

One more week of camp...
Then it's vacation time starting Friday night. Camping then Mexico! The shop will be closed August 2-11. If you need something, get it now!

Press.

2008-07-13T14:36:00.005-04:00

So I've been keeping a secret...I was featured in the July/August issue of New York Spaces magazine. Cool, huh? Even cooler...the other image is a bowl from the new Eva Zeisel collection.

I've been kind of absent from the online world the past 2 weeks. Last Monday I started my 4 weeks of full-time teaching I do every year. It used to be 6, but thankfully it's now 4. I run the ceramics program at a fabulous Arts Camp. This is me in a couple of pictures from the brochure...This is my 8th summer teaching there. I used to do a lot more teaching. I've taught adult classes at The Clay Art Center and for various non-profit organizations, lots of after-school programs and also classes for Hudson Valley Pottery. For the past 2 years I've only done camp and some private lessons. I just don't have the time for it anymore. But the camp has a nice community feeling about it and the kids are great. The teachers are either art teachers or artists and the kids get to experience a lot of different mediums and techniques. Each week of camp is a new week, with a mix of new kids and kids that go multiple weeks. Each week, each child I see will make something Monday and Tuesday, gets fired (glazed on raw clay and once fired) in MY kiln (the camp doesn't have one) on Wednesday and out on Friday for the art show the children help curate. I know....a miracle. And I don't really have too many problems as far as cracking or work blowing up. I had a few messes over the nearly 50 weeks/50 firings I've done, but it's been pretty good. Unfortunately, while the work is in the kiln, I have to use self-hardening clay the rest of the week. It is actually pretty decent for sculpture, but it smells and both me and the kids hate that and it really dries out your hands.

I'll try not to be so wrapped up in camp and try to update this thing. But after camp it's off to real camping in the Adirondacks for a few days and then off to Mexico on August 6...our 3 year anniversary.

Be a good citizen.

2008-07-03T16:40:00.004-04:00

And help Jon's band. It's quick and easy. You can also use the link to register to a new party or change your address.

Pink loveliness.

2008-06-27T16:50:00.007-04:00

Okay. I know I say it a lot, but this piece is so lovely. When I took it out of the kiln my heart was melting. I think I may need to make myself a mug version of this pitcher. And as someone who spent the first 25 years of her life hating the color pink, I've certainly had a change of heart. I guess it's the context that makes the difference and paired with black and white, almost any color can shine.

I've mentioned previously of my love/hate relationship with mugs. In the beginning I thought that I had to make them. Everyone loves mugs. They are an inexpensive, useful yet handmade and special gift for others and a present you can buy yourself and not feel so guilty. And for the ceramics collector, the are another relatively inexpensive way to purchase work by your favorite artist. BUT, they are a lot of work. At least the way I work. Throwing them exactly the same size, painting them, CARVING them(I don't think people appreciate how long that takes), pulling the handles, attaching the handles, firing, glazing, firing again... At first I kept them simple in form, simple carving. But they were still taking time and I felt bad charging a lot and definitely lost money on them. Now, I think I've found some peace...

I'm not going to worry about matching perfectly. They are all the same style. I'm using the same amount of clay for each so they are all similar in height, but not exact. And if someone really wants a matching set, I'll make sure they are the same height, but not exact in shape. They're more interesting that way anyway. And I don't feel bad charging more because more work, more consideration of form and definitely more love goes into these. There are still a few left in the shop from the last batch and I'm working on more.

Time off.

2008-06-26T19:08:00.010-04:00

So the show was a success. Beautiful weather and way more people than any other year I've done it. I don't do too many shows. Mostly because I can't stand the packing up and setting up and packing up...routine. And I'm never quite happy with my display. This year I was okay with everything. We had to use our small car because the Outback is out of commission. So whatever we took had to fit in the car with me, Jon and Dudley. 3 tables in the trunk along with a pair of chairs, a box, a few random things. 4 bins in the back seat along with the tent, 3 shelves, some planters that I used to put the shelves on, a couple of bags of random things...That little sports car held quite a bit. So this is what I ended up with...{I'm hiding out in the back}

I wasn't quite finished setting up. Not as many levels as I would have liked, but that would not have fit in the car. I tried my best to not overload the tables. Jon's always telling me less looks better, but if you've ever seen my pots...I kind of have a problem with that less is more thing. I do think it worked though. Apparently I was one of the few that was actually selling work. And I did go home with about half as much as I brought. :)

Since the show I've pretty much been doing nothing. Isn't that great?! I decided to take the week off. Now that only means not making work. That still means taking pictures, posting work, shipping work, cleaning, organizing, computer crap. I did make some time to visit a friend, go to the gym with Jon, do some gardening outside with Dudley, clean my stove...oh wait, that wasn't fun.

I also worked on a fun custom order for some puppy dog bowls. I decided to make a plain set to post in my shop. The first set I made was for Dudley last year when he was a puppy.

His bowls have his actual paw print on the bottom...his puppy paws were so little and left black underglaze prints all over my studio floor :). I got the idea for that when I was doing a workshop with high school kids. One of the girls brought in her new baby hedgehog and was making a bowl for it. He was hanging out on the table while we were working and walked on the black underglaze lid and made little foot prints. I told her to let him walk on the inside of the bowl...it was so ridiculously cute. I made a lino stamp for my new bowls. I'm willing to do custom colors and names on these. And I don't discriminate...I'll do bowls for kitties, ferrets, hedgehogs...you name it!

I'm alive.

2008-06-19T18:13:00.006-04:00

Yup, I'm still alive. I know I wrote that I'd be posting customer photos...but that obviously didn't happen. I really don't have the time to do it now either, so they'll have to wait. I've been getting ready for Saturday. I'll be up in Albany for Art on Lark. It should be really great this year. They are closing off the street and vendors will be set up on the street. There's going to be tons of art and music and dance and even a fashion show. If you're in the area, come say hi! I've been firing kilns and packing work...I never seem to think I have enough. I definitely do. I'm waiting on a glaze kiln to cool. It's at 340° and those last 200° of cooling are always the worst...just like Christmas morning. Anyway, I'm on the front page of Etsy as I write this. I think this makes the 5th time I've been on there since my post last week....but I won't bore you with all the screen shots- just the one from today. It's too lovely not to. Thanks riyzedesignz!Oh, and tomorrow I'll be taking down a BUNCH of work from my shop to take to the show. So if there is anything you've been thinking of buying, be warned that it might not come back with me!! And, also a heads up that due to my material prices increasing (just like everything else in the world!!), some items will be going up in price starting June 22, so get them them cheaper while you can! I sat down after my last Bailey's order and did some math...AHHH! With my materials getting more expensive and my electric for the kiln...let's just say I should have increased my prices months ago. I won't be increasing anything already posted except for chicks, square dishes and tripods....the more "production" type items. Sorry!!!

Tired.

2008-06-11T23:03:00.005-04:00

And why am I tired? Well, allergy medicine helps, but really it's just lack of sleep. A few months ago Jon and I were on our way home from one of his shows and I saw that Blondie was going to be playing at UPAC. We got home and immediately bought tickets online. The theater is only 2 miles from our house and that is sooo convenient. It's such a nice place to see shows. We saw the Pixies there a few years ago (a fantastic wedding gift). Anyway, this year is the 30th anniversary of the release of Parallel Lines...and my birth (ha!). If I look half as good as Debbie Harry when I'm 63, I'll be totally happy. The show was fantastic and her voice is still absolutely perfect.

I woke up to a wonderful message from Jan (aka daisyjanie) telling me she featured my work on her fabulous blog scoutiegirl. Thank you Jan! So, go check out her blog and her amazing fabrics in her Etsy shop.

I also had 2 lovely messages in my inbox from customers that just received their orders. It's wonderful when customers take the time to leave me feedback on Etsy, but it's very special when they take the extra time to send a personal email. It really started me off on the right foot in the studio today and got me excited about the next batch of work in progress.

Tomorrow I'll be posting some customer appreciation photos I've been collecting. I LOVE those too. So if you feel like taking pictures of work you've purchased from me, I'd love to see them in their new homes!

So pleased.

2008-06-08T23:21:00.006-04:00

Yes, I am so pleased. I made 4 vases in this style. They are all gorgeous. I used my new green on this one. I thought I might miss my old green....but I don't. This one is glossy and clean and looks stunning with the black and white. I posted this one in my shop today. Be on the lookout for the other 3 in orange, cobalt blue and my new light blue.

Today was super hot again...hotter than yesterday and just as humid. I worked on a set of 8 bowls and some new mugs. I've also been working on some garden markers. I made a bunch last year and they were quite popular. They are made from a very fine, very red, terracotta clay. Still painted black and carved like the rest of my work, but left unglazed. I plan on firing them and a BUNCH of other work on Friday. I'm doing a show up in Albany in 2 weeks. I think this will be my 6th(?) year doing it. Anyway, I'm working on finishing up one more big load of work this week....so I'll be busy....very busy.

Speaking of Pitchers.

2008-06-07T16:35:00.002-04:00

Here's a new one...I know I said this glaze was too dark...but there's something about it I really like. It doesn't work on everything, but I knew it would look great on this pitcher, so I made a small batch. I figured I'd keep a bit on hand for when I made a piece that need it. The color on this one is so striking...much more in person than in my photo. I just posted it in my Etsy shop along with a green chick. The very first chick bowl with my new and improved green.

It's about 90º today and sooooooo humid. I went to buy some plants this morning and almost died in the greenhouse. At least I had the place pretty much to myself (because no one else was dumb enough to go there in this heat) and had free range over all the plants. I wanted to plant some flowers but when I came home it started to rain...and thunder. The studio is super cool thanks to the cement floors and small windows, so I did manage to get quite a bit of work done. Now I'm in an allergy medicine haze and too tired to do anything. Guess I'll spend the afternoon making garden tags...