Kiln loading day! // Here are the first two layers in the kiln of greenware, sometimes starring my hair because it’s VERY deep and I have to reach far inside with my short arms. Hoping to fire this batch later this week . . #kilnvideo #kiln #ceramics #potteryprocess #pottery #keramik #kilnloading #potteryvideos #ceramicvideos #makerlife #artprocess

Loaded // All cozy and stacked, ready for their long hot day in the kiln as they magically (scientifically) turn from formed mud to permanent forms. Kiln firing one of two, and only three days behind schedule because sometimes, clay doesn't dry just because you want it to. Clay that isn't completely dry before entering the kiln is a great way to guarantee an explosion.Now it's time to finish filling this kiln and fire it up! See you in 24 hours, little clay babies..[Image description: Sixteen ceramic mugs loaded into kiln, viewed from above.]#creativeprocess #creativelife #handmademovement #artisanmade #buyhandmade #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #etsyartist #ceramics #pottery #AlbertaMade #yycarts #canadianceramics #kiln #kilnfired #potterymug #wheelthrown #kilnfolk #ceramicprocess #handmadeceramic #shoplocalyyc #handmadeyyc Posted by Intagrate Lite

The Schedule // Spoiler: it's changed twice already since this photo was taken (my dates for activities were wayyyy off and Jason has items to add to the first August bisque so… revamp!) However, we have an outline, a checklist, a guide of sorts to take us into mid-October. It may change wildly depending on what "Digital School" looks like for our son, what repairs are needed around our home before the snow flies, and if anyone in our community/cohort needs support. Or if we get sick. Plan A is in place but we don't mind having other plans in the wings, just in case.How are you organizing your weeks? Are you still creating with the robust strength as you did pre-Covid Times? Do you need strong calendar organization or can you wing it with ease? 🦁🤡 Our circus would love to hear how you manage!#studioplanning #artpractice #studioorganization #productivity Posted by Intagrate Lite

The first glaze kiln of 2018 is running because these little wooden shot glasses want to be celebrating instead of waiting. #ceramics #CustomOrder #ChooseCelebrate

The Kiln may be Scrooge but we aren’t – Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from us to you! We’ll fire our last kiln of 2016 on Boxing Day since the kiln called it quits yesterday twice, and we can take a hint. It’ll be fixed in no time but for now, eggnog for all! #ceramics #KilnTech #KilnSitterContactCleaning #paragonkilns

First, Silky underglaze over paper mask on greenware. Pretty yarn bowls all in a row. Next stop: bisque fire then glaze!    

I love my husband. Today, if it’s possible, I love him even MORE. As we feasted in honour of our 13th wedding anniversary: J: “I made a decision about what to do with that extra cash” (selling stuff on kijiji is lucrative) C: “Oh?” (this was in a tone attempting to be casual without being “oh crap, what the heck are you buying? A taxidermied duck? A boat? Gun? Hookers?) J: “I want to buy a new wheel. Happy Anniversary.” C: (stunned silence) J: “Yes, really” C: TEARS OF TEARS WITH MORE TEARS I’m awestruck. A new wheel is better than any diamond, especially after the drama of my current wheel going off level and my intense emotional reaction to not having a wheel for even a few days (reminder: my reaction was panic and attempting to use socket wrenches and lots of prayer to every god/goddess I could think of) I wasted no time and I quickly found a thrice used wheel that needed a new home.  We brought her home last night. Introducing my new (still nameless) Shimpo VL-Whisper: She runs in near silence. I mean, SILENCE. I wouldn’t know it was running if I wasn’t sitting right there with hands on the wheel-head. I tried her out last night and after having the rattling and humming of my current wheel to intuitively judge speed and power, the Silent Queen was a big change – I was zipping way too fast, not realizing the speed or sensitivity. It will take a few pots before I adjust to the power, the silence and the responsive pedal action. I am so excited that I’ll be able to listen to audio books while throwing. Jay pointed out last night that the wheel just looked familiar . Well, duh – she’s destined to be mine so of course she looks familiar! On second inspection, sure enough, this is the style of wheel that I learned to throw on so many years ago. It’s fate, people. Can I cancel our family vacation to stay in the studio and play with her? Every two year old would rather play with clay rather than go visit dinosaurs, right? So today while I daydream of my new wheel, the bisque kiln is started and I can’t wait to get this load glazed and up for sale. There will be  some really cool mugs looking for a new home and with the new wheel, much more functional pottery produced in the next little while as I completely immerse myself in my new girldfriend. I’m off to find a Giffin Grip – is there any place to find such a thing used? -Cara

Although most of these have gone through glazing, I had to share this photo that I found last night: (I cannot take credit for the the two coil pots in the foreground. They are from a cousin’s father-son afternoon that were fired with this batch). Bisqued pots are full of promise. These can be any colour and any combination of techniques. I can use stroke n’ coats to paint detailed landscapes or dip them in a rich earthy glaze, coat them in rich red or pale ocean blue. I can wax resist layers of glaze or add strokes of another glaze onto the first.  I can honestly say that I am always engaged by the glazing process because, although I only work with a limited number of coloured glazes, the combinations and methods are limitless. Bisque also symbolizes risk for me because glazing has always been my biggest challenge – if I don’t take enough care and wipe the bases, there will be a glaring stroke of glaze staring at me forever, spoiling an otherwise perfect pot. I have learned to slow down but I find it a struggle. I love the adrenaline rush with throwing, fast and furious yet glazing must be slow and studious. Clay isn’t just a hobby. It is my teacher. ’til next time, -Cara