I'm Not A Gadget Geek

I've been called a Gadget Geek on more than a few occasions. My first impulse is to deny it, but it might be true, maybe I am a gadget geek. I think it's all about how you define gadgets. If we're talking about tools that make something I'd do anyway easier, then yes, I proudly admit my love of gadgets. But if we're taking about gadgets, as in gotta have the latest, greatest. Then no, I'm definitely not that kind of gadget geek. Gadgets just for the sake of owning the latest gadget doesn't really interest me, but I love a gadget that makes my life or pottery making easier and/or better.

My favorite pottery tool is this awesome Brown trimming tool. I've been using it for about two years and absolutely love it. It's reasonable priced and the loop parts are replaceable. I used to have to buy whole new trimming tools when the loop got dull. Now I can just remove the dull one off and put a new loop on. Love it!!

Some of my most used tools are very low tech like the collection of sponges and wooden ribs above or the ear of corn used for texturing pieces shown below.

A month or so ago, I picked up a little netbook. It felt a little frivolous. But I've found it's been a really reasonable way for me to keep up with computer tasks when I wouldn't normally have computer access. Do I need to blog, edit photos, list new items on Etsy, track income & expenses or maintain extensive mailing lists at any moment? No, but it really has a huge impact on the growth of my business. And the netbook helps me do that more efficiently.

Call me a geek if ya want, but I think tools were invented for us to use them. Where would we all be if our ancestors didn't use the newest tools invented for them?

All bottled up

I used to make lots of bottles. They were one of the things I loved to make when I did more woodfiring than I've done the past couple years. But today I spent some time making some 1 1/2 lb bottles to be used as reed diffusers. It felt good to make bottle again.

The diffuser below is available in my Etsy shop.

I also worked on some soap dish test pieces. I'm not really sure where the soap dishes are going yet, but The Market on Oak is carrying some wonderful handmade soaps by Bubbles by Brooks and I thought it would be nice to make some soap dishes that would accompany them.

Oh - and the bread my husband made yesterday was delicious but remember we can't let him know that. He has to keep perfecting the recipe!

Have a good one.

Smells good here

Spent the day at my day job and helped out at the Market on Oak this evening for a while. Arrived home a little bit ago to the wonderful smell of bread baking in the oven. The only thing that smells better than that is chocolate cake in the oven!

My hubby made this wonderful bread tonight. He's been working on perfecting this type of loaf and we've had the pleasure of enjoying the aroma and taste of each effort This one uses a bottle of Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss for the moisture with the flour. It's awesome.

I don't think he has it quite right yet though and will have to make another loaf again tomorrow to see if he can improve. (At least that's what I'm telling him - nobody let the secret out. Wink, wink)

A Productive Day

I had a productive day in the studio today. I threw lots of small plates to accompany my berry bowls I made last week as well as a dozen 2# batter bowls. A little bit of cleaning and organizing rounded out the day. There is still lots of cleaning to do, but ya hate to do it all at once. Tomorrow's another day - more throwing, cleaning and organizing.

Mug Giveaway

HandmadeMN is running a giveaway of one of my mugs between now and January 23rd. Visit their blog and find out how you can enter to win a mug like the one above. Good luck.

Click here to visit Handmade MN

Mugs & stuff

I spent a little time this morning pulling handles for a couple dozen mugs I made earlier this week. Many potters hate making mugs because they don't like making handles. It's definitely not my favorite thing to do, but I've got a process now that works better for me so I don't hate making them.

Because it's about -14 outside today (that's said 14 below if your from a place that doesn't see temps like that), I've got my faithful companion Snuffles in the studio for the day. She's a funny dog, but very demanding of attention. Silly puppy.

This afternoon, I'm working a shift at the Market on Oak with my friend Janie. It's a little slow after the holidays but we have fun and there are delicious chocolates to snack on!! Stop in and see us if you out and about in the frigid Minnesota weather. There are lots of new Spring items to help you forget the cold and snow.

Be well and keep warm.

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Be well.



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Reflection

This week between Christmas and New Years is a great time to take a little break from the day to day studio activities, reflect on the past year and formulate a direction for the upcoming year. There is something about putting the progress and new goals in writing (not to mention on the web for all to see) that makes them more realistic and keeps me working toward these improvements.

Generally, 2009 was a year of growth for my business. Sales showed only slight growth, but I view the growth more in presence as very valuable. A couple new, very enjoyable shows were added to my schedule. One new brick and mortar venue (The Market on Oak) was added to my list of outlets, but unfortunately, the Clover Gallery in Harmony closed.

Joining two Etsy based teams, HandmadeMN and Etsy Mud Team, has been invaluable in providing a diverse network of peers to bounce ideas off, discuss trends and challenge myself by participating in team challenges. This year I also added Facebook and Twitter to my social networking resources.

The goal I was most excited about for 2009 was partially met. The kiln shed was completed and I anticipate the construction of the kiln in 2010.

So… for 2010 I look forward to construction of a wood fired kiln and a bread oven. I’d like to promote sales growth by adding another brick & mortar sales venue and a couple more weekend sales between my husband’s running events. Cleaning and reorganizing the studio/garage is a must for the upcoming year. And lastly, I’d like always keep a healthy perspective when it comes to social media and team activities. I must remember to spend less time on these activities than I do on make pots.

Well - there it is in writing for everyone to see. No going back on it now.

Best wishes to you for the New Year.