Look what followed me home...

Well not exactly, it was shipped from British Columbia but I am just thrilled. I've wanted a Ladybug spinning wheel ever since they were introduced by Schacht a few years ago. Recently they changed the style of the red wheel, and I don't think the new ones are as cute, so I
was tickled to find this one in a destash on Ravelry.









I am also looking for a new home for my Ashford Traditional wheel, but I haven't had any luck yet. I don't want to ship it so have only advertised it locally, and there are lots of wheels available in this town. I originally painted some of the parts teal green as part of a plan to decorate the wheel, I think I will continue with this project and list it on etsy when it is done and all prettied up.


And speaking of etsy, I have started my shop up again, and have already sold some handspun yarn and some craft supplies. Going to list more this weekend. Guess my clay vacation was restorative, but there is nothing like spinning, knitting or crocheting by the fire on a winter day.

Hard decisions...

Just made a difficult decision, giving up my reserve spot at the Saturday Market. It's hard to let it go, after all those cold, miserable days at market to earn enough points to win a reserve space. And I love my neighbors, and my spot near terrific music and food.

But it feels right to open it up for some new market energy, I know when I didn't have a spot I wished some of those folks who only came to market the bare minimum to keep their reserved space would move on and open up spaces for artists who were producing work and having to set up in a different space every week! And then last year as my art underwent changes I became one of those people, setting up a minimum display and barely covering my fee and lunch costs.

So I let go, and it is out there and hopefully somebody feels very lucky to get it. It's a nice space, hope whoever is there finds it as positive as I did.

Meanwhile I am trying to find other ways to stay involved in and support Market other than selling, and I am trying to find the new directions my art will take.

Why I do what I do, and why I sell at market.

"You work that you may keep pace with the earth
and the soul of the earth."

Kahlil Gibran, to read the rest go here.

And beautiful words on the marketplace, read this and think of Saturday and Holiday markets. So go buy some food from the farmers, eat some food made by folks who care, listen to a song and buy some art. And nourish yourself on many levels.

Cold and stormy weather arrives!

It seems so fitting as the rain (and maybe even snow) rolls in that we are all moving into the fairgrounds this weekend to create the magic that is Holiday Market. I am feeling like it crept up on me way too suddenly, I can 't quite believe it is mid-November already. But a step outside says, yes it is.

Spent the last few days getting ready, set up the booth in the garage, got the fire extinguisher checked, located table coverings and extension cords. Holiday Market here we come! I drag myself into it every year, and leave the sweet alternate world sadly at the end. The relationships with booth neighbors, food court vendors and customers that we create in the 14 (yes 14!) days of selling is rich and rewarding. Makes the three months of hibernation seem really lonely after Christmas.

And this year, I am sharing with my daughter, and it is so exciting to see her develop as an artist and small businesswoman. Come see her lovely images in photos and cards in our booth, or check out my website to see her skills as a web designer and product photographer. And even if you don't come by our booth, come buy lovely handmade gifts and food, and support the creative talent that makes Eugene such a special place.

Seasonal thoughts

The big kiln is once again being loaded at Clayspace. I have lots of pieces ready to go in this time, trying to get stocked up for both Holiday Market and the studio sale at Clayspace.

I've been running around gathering leaves to use in the clay before they are all gone. As a result my worktable has been a riot of lovely fall colors. It is fun to find yet another way to participate in seasonal bounty, I have learned to eat locally and seasonally and now it is part of my work. I am not sure how much longer the fall leaves will be available, but then I can always use the cedar and ferns and other evergreens that grow in our lush climate.

But today I am taking a break from clay and planting daffodils and garlic bulbs, thinking ahead to next spring. I hope you are enjoying your autumn day!

Pretty new website is active!

My talented older daughter designed a lovely website for my pottery, check it out.

Other than that I am in high production mode trying to make tons of lovely stuff for Holiday Market and Clayspace's Holiday Sale.

How to make lots of pieces and still keep the joy? That is the struggle with craft production. But there are moments when it is all worth it even during these crazy weeks before the holiday rush.

Kiln firing, woo hoo!

The big kiln is firing and all of my recent pieces are in it. Can't wait to see the results, kiln opening is on Thursday afternoon!