Little Bear Clayworks

New Pottery at the Wine Maestro, Mooresville

2011-11-11T17:03:00.001-05:00

Little Bear Clayworks now for sale at the Wine Maestro in Mooresville Town Square on Williamson Road. Visit the shop (open seven days a week) for wine goblets, beer steins, platters, carafes, wine chillers and more this holiday season.

Raku Pottery Workshop

2011-06-08T17:14:00.004-04:00

I love this technique!

I attended a raku workshop with Sawtooth, taught by Gaff Pearce, and these are two of my resulting pieces.

Raku is instant gratification. We all took pieces already bisque fired and learned the process of raku by doing. And the pieces are glazed so quickly we took them home immediately.

Great fun, even if it is just for display (never use).

Vineyard Series

2011-06-03T14:28:00.005-04:00

Grape vines are growing strong, and with them, lush leaves!
I love this series, the Vineyard Series, even if the season limits the pieces I can create in it each year. These are the first of our grape leaves, and as the season goes on, I will switch to leaves of a local vineyard (with permission, of course).

Ahhh, Weddings!

2011-05-25T13:02:00.005-04:00

May is for weddings!
We just celebrated our anniversary
this week and on the same date
one happy bride and groom
in Virginia shared wedding
communion in a custom set
of pottery they had commissioned.
And, the during the month
many couples did the same!
But, one bride and groom
chose these personalized
mini pitchers to place in guestrooms
for those attending. I can only imagine they
were filled with beautiful flowers. And, hopefully they will be used to warm syrup, or serve gravy, in the homes of those guests for years to come!

Pottery Communion Pieces

2011-04-14T18:14:00.016-04:00

I field more questions about communion pieces than any other pottery. I like it that way! And most churches and wedding parties require only the simplest of communion forms. But, some,

request pieces that are more unusual, more challenging and, if possible, even more fun. So, for those of you who have asked for, and would like pictures of, ciboriums, I have photographed a couple. Along with other communion pieces. The lava bowl is over 12" across and the ciboriums are 9" and 10" tall for reference.

Pottery at Fall Festivals and Events

2010-09-24T09:21:00.006-04:00

Today is a packing day. I have to locate bags and tissue, crates and tags and the like. Because, tomorrow is the Pumpkin Festival.

Then on October 9th and 10th I'll be at the Shelton Vineyard's Harvest Festival.

http://www.sheltonvineyards.com/ (click on events)

And October 14th at Feather The Nest A private open house shopping event benefiting Red Bird Mission and located at a home in Longview Country Club (south Charlotte, Waxhaw, Weddington).

Whew! Glad the kiln has been repaired.

New Pottery at the Downtown Statesville Art Crawl

2010-09-15T20:53:00.003-04:00

Friday, September 17th, is the night for the Downtown Statesville Art Crawl. GG's Art Frames and Gifts on Broad Street is the first gallery to carry pieces from the new Babbling Brook line. Wine goblets, mugs, platters & more will be available at the crawl from 5:30 until 8:30. Join us there for wine & munchies and meet visiting artists as well as gallery artists.

Grape Vines

2010-08-15T07:38:00.009-04:00

The grape vines have been well used in the pottery studio this year, and now it's time to use them in the kitchen. We harvested the grapes and made grape jelly. And, we harvested the pears and started making pear butter. The canner is in high gear and there is another bushel of pears mellowing in my garage waiting to meet the same fate.

Today's project, amending garden soil and adding fall vegetable plantings.

Farm life....

Pottery on the Work Table

2010-08-06T07:12:00.004-04:00

The last week proved very productive in the studio. After facing issues that kept me away from my wheel much of these past two months, I finally found time to delve in deeply. The kiln is full and firing a load of bisqueware and this greenware, along with the rest of the countertop full, is waiting - or drying - for it's chance to face the fire. Several of these pieces are of the hand-built grapevine series, and platters for watercolors, bottles and lidded pinecone jars join them.

It feels very satisfying to spend my days with muddy hands!

Next week, a repeat.

Custom Pottery Wine Goblets

2010-08-04T09:15:00.002-04:00

It's always fun to be given a request for something special. A gift to be presented to one on behalf of another.

To be trusted to create something that will honor both the giver and the recipient. Something that captures the feeling of the moment and the occasion.

It's just a little sad when you aren't there to see the faces and know if your efforts met their mark. I gather from the email that this set did, and I thank the giver for the opportunity to share in their celebration!

New Glaze Series

2010-07-27T11:22:00.006-04:00

This is one of the new glazes I've been working up this year. Sarah named this series "Babbling Brook". Deep brown, glossy, smooth and nearly wet on the body, it has overlapping foamy colors of soft white to pale green/blue. Click on the picture above for a close-up.

When you test a glaze it takes many months to be certain it marries well with your clay body and firing techniques. We've been working on this a while and it's definitely a keeper!

Pottery Studio

2010-07-23T11:17:00.012-04:00

The studio is finally done.
When we started this project, nearly 20 months ago, we didn't realize all of the life issues that would get in the way.

But, now, it's an easy place to just be. Wonderful windows and light, plenty of pot lights for late evenings, shelving and cabinetry to spare (today) and air conditioning...I even have running water again.

The only thing you can't see here is my wedging table and scales under the front window. The kiln area is in the next room - through the french door.

There is a double glass sliding door on the front leading to a small patio with table and chair - simply heaven. And flowers. Trees, flowers, grapevines and blueberry bushes...just through those doors. The only thing left to do is the pull-out bins in lower cabinets for glazes. And, that can wait. Right now I just want to create in this beautiful space...thanks, honey, for all the hard work!

Loss and Gain

2010-07-15T12:14:00.008-04:00

Wayland Myers McGuirt went home Tuesday to be with the Lord.

He was born in rural Waxhaw, North Carolina, in 1923. He was raised on a farm and lived in an old wooden house where he could see the chickens underneath through the floor boards. He worked hard all of his life and shared the stories with those of us who remember him.

He served in World War II as a member of the 345th/87th Infantry Division, a Golden Acorn. He marched through Europe and faced cold worse than the mornings on the farm when he awoke with snow on his blanket that had come through the roof during the night.

He married his wife, Sally, in December of 1943 and they gave life to four children; Brenda, Judy, Charles and Alan. He worked at a cotton mill during the day and on his small farm at night to feed his family. And he proudly worked to buy a modest brick home and his own piece of America.

He lived a simple, quiet life in the country as an outdoorsman. He hunted and fished, and he raised and trained hunting dogs that were the talk of the south. He sang in a gospel quartet and traveled to churches around North and South Carolina. And he grew some of the best tomatoes you ever tasted.

In May of 1983, when I married his youngest son, he stood beside my husband as his Best Man, and they always were best of friends. My husband called him Pop and my children called him Grampa. And he stayed with us long enough to make a lasting impression in how we live; in how my son holds his gun when he hunts, in how my daughter sings love when she speaks his name, and in who my husband simply is.

He waited patiently these last few years to go home and be with his God, his parents, his sister and his wife. He waited patiently these last few months when in the hospital. He waited very patiently these last few weeks when under Hospice care at his daughter's home. And now, his waiting is over, he is absent from the body and at home with the Lord.

A Perfect Day on the New River

2010-07-10T12:49:00.004-04:00

We spent many days like this when the children were younger.
Days where breakfast is a slow process, loading up boats and packing a picnic lunch are followed by a quiet, lazy trip down the river.
Where breaks for fishing, watching wildlife,
picking through river rocks, finding an island for lunch
and climbing trees break up the day into small and memorable pieces. Where the sun and the wind combine to form perfect temperatures and only mild sunburns on the spots that aren't exposed when we aren't in our river clothes.
With the children now grown, and a daughter in law paddling along, things haven't changed. Behind our mountain home there is a deep and quiet section of river that allows us to spend a whole day without seeing signs of civilization. Instead we watched hawks and herons, ducks and kingfisher, katys flies and log cabin flies, clams that opened and shut for us in the sun, and trout both at the end of our hook and swimming gently beside the canoes. Our youngest even showed us how to catch fresh water snails and judge if the water is clear or polluted.(Okay, after about four hours we did see a few cows, but...that's to be expected.)
Peace....

Pottery Grape Leaf/Vine Pieces - Vineyard Series!

2010-06-10T13:54:00.003-04:00

Pieces fresh from the kiln this time include those, pictured here, created from real grape leaves cut from the vines I overlook sitting at my wheel. Glazed in a matt black and stained a natural brown, the vase measures over 17 inches tall and the platter is approximately 13x15 inches overall.
My husband is pressing me for a day of building/throwing more - the vines need to be trimmed again! Everything here is growing rapidly this year.
These pieces, as well as much of the kiln load, will be available tomorrow night at Abbigail's Gallery in downtown West Jefferson, NC. Tomorrow from 5 until 8 they will throw open the doors and serve wine and food to the crowd, as we enjoy the first gallery crawl of the summer in Ashe County. Join us every 2nd Friday there for great art and lively conversation!

Squash Woes, Part One

2010-06-09T21:01:00.005-04:00

Why is it every year we look so forward to those first beautiful squashes from plants so lovingly nurtured...and when they come, they come in an overabundance! We limit the plants each year(due to limited space), carefully counting the mouths to be fed and numbers of fruits required. And yet, the crispers are full, dinner every night includes squash, and bags are being sent home with visitors already. And, it's only the beginning of June - YIKES!
Ooo, I mean - YUM!

God's Beautiful Creation, Farm Style

2010-06-02T12:41:00.010-04:00

Mother called a few days ago to thank me for her veggie delivery

and, I must admit I was a little disappointed. She said, "Wow, you must have grown a different beet...we had some nice sized ones this time." Hmph. I grow my beets for the tops. Generally, I choose Big Top seeds and enjoy the greens with very little beet. Well, the last were pulled this morning (see picture) as well as the last of one patch of spinach (in my favorite baking bowl in the same picture). And, I intend to enjoy those beet greens steamed in a little cider vinegar. along with the beets that did seem to grow a little larger this year. But, I can deal with that.

I love farm life! Strawberries have been frozen this morning, and dill is nearly dry - having been dehydrated in my oven and having filled my house this morning with the most wonderful odor! (Want to try that - fine herbs dry quickly in your oven when set to the convection setting at 150-175...just open the door every 15 minutes or so until you have no moisture left! Time depends on the herb. This is also the way I dehydrate my tomotoes.) Lavender will by drying by day's end and the fridge is full of salad stuff, snow peas, carrots and the like. This time of year I visit the grocery store very rarely! PTL!

I love that the Song of Solomon refers to My Beloved as He with cheeks of balsam - banks of sweet-scented herbs. With lips of lilies, dripping with liquid Myrrh. He knew all of us couldn't relate to the gold and ivory that describe Him so often. But, here, on the farm, I can relish in this creation He shares with me and thank Him that He is like the best of His beautiful creation!

Sorry, the lilies are in bud, but not bloom...but the roses - now that's another story! Ahh, farm life!

Okay, the sun is high. Off to feed the chickens the scraps from the morning (they love the garden, too), and hit the pottery studio! More work to be done....

The End of May, and My Favorite Pottery Communion Set

2010-05-31T21:08:00.016-04:00

May brought joys to the farm that were stifled all winter long. Green things and baby animals have brightened the month beyond belief. There wasn't a table that lacked eggs, greens, herbs, asparagus, onions, snow peas and the like. The last of the carrots and beets will be pulled this week, but we won't mourn them - cucumbers, tomatoes and squashes will ripen before the week is over! Spring things will be set aside as summer rushes in!

This month included a visit to my sister in Atlanta...to greet the newest member of her family and love on the family that already lives within the walls of her home. We enjoyed several mountain visits and time with Nana and Grandpa and our children as we visited them and they visited the farm.

This month also included studio time that included testing several new shapes and two new glazes...to be revealed after more use. My favorite pottery this month would be a communion set, glazed in the soft white glaze that I used on my everyday coffee mug. I tested this glaze on my favorite mug shape nearly a year ago, and in the hustle and bustle of the last year...I forgot I had gallons of this mix sitting in the studio! I love it daily, and throw it in the dishwasher and go to the studio to work, rarely thinking about it again. So, now, this set is available in my etsy shop, see it here: www.etsy.com/listing/48277014

May, is also the birth month of my baby girl. Today to be exact...May 31st. She's 20 today. No longer the parent of a teenager, both of my children are 20 something. And, I can't wish her a happy birthday until next weekend...she's in summer school in the wilderness, in an unreachable area. Hope she's enjoying the experience and the day!

Pottery Wine Goblet Exhibition

2010-05-03T17:01:00.010-04:00

I am pleased to have been chosen by The Bascom, of Highlands, NC, to exhibit wine goblets at their center for visual arts from May 15th until June 6th.

To check out The Bascom - click here:

http://www.thebascom.org/

The goblets will be part of a display that coincides with the Collective Spirits Wine Festival held on the grounds May 21st and 22nd and will help benefit the visual arts center's fund drive.

For information about the wine festival - click here:

http://www.colectivespirits.com/

A gorgeous place to visit, a great center for art study and a wonderful wine festival...thanks for the honor!

Wedding Pottery, Stoneware Chalice & Paten with Unity Candles

2010-04-24T10:03:00.003-04:00

Wedding season is here, and along with it comes orders for custom pottery to enhance the service. This set is off to Sara and her fiance in Nebraska. Additional sets will be posted on etsy in a matter of days (my kiln is fired up as I type!).

Downtown Statesville Art Crawl, April 23rd

2010-04-23T09:48:00.002-04:00

Tonight is the first Art Crawl of the season in downtown Statesville. Join us from 5:30 until 9:00 and enjoy art, artists, wine, nibbles and conversation.
I'll be at GG's Art, Frames and Gifts - come by and visit!
www.ggsartframesgifts.com

Springtime is for Planting...and Harvesting....

2010-04-12T19:23:00.011-04:00

The garden shed is full of seedlings that spent the long winter on heat mats, under grow lights, and are now ready for planting in the garden. Most of the cool weather plants have been moved out of the garden house already. Above are the wee ones that weren't ready to brave it just yet.

But, out in the

vegetable garden,

some plants are

ready to move

on to the dinner plate. Every night is salad night, and asparagus will soon follow. Young radishes and many herbs are being enjoyed, and strawberries are full of bloom and promise! Up until this year, that would mean the daughter and a hand full of nieces would soon arrive to sit and chat on the garden house porch, within easy reach of the strawberry bed and juicy ripe fruit. This year, everyone is scattered around the world. We should be able to see how much the bed actually produces (although I would prefer the laughter of lovely young women enjoying the season and the company of one another). This year, I will have to put up jam so they can taste spring on the farm from a distance!

Spring is Here....

2010-04-07T19:19:00.011-04:00

Well, Monday was the day. I posted items from the kiln, and I bumped Auntie Jo from my front page. I'd been logging in and signing out and never posting, I didn't want her to leave the front page. I know, I could have extending the number of posts per page, but that would have prolonged the inevitable. So, I prolonged the inevitable by procrastination. It felt different, somehow.

But, it is written "the leaves on the tree are for the healing of the nation." And every spring brings new life and new hope. And so, the long winter has ended. The farm is springing to life and everything looks somehow different....

Kiln Opening!!!

2010-04-05T12:28:00.014-04:00

This morning's work: unload the kiln, photograph, inventory, fill orders and post extras.

Embracing Your Family Tree in Pottery Form

2009-12-07T12:39:00.008-05:00

I had the wonderful assignment of creating a platter for a friend's family Christmas celebration. I've done this form of platter in the past (check with The Smart Gallery if you need one before Christmas), but, since I inscribe so many tree goblets for family gifts, I thought inscribing the platter would be great as well.
And, I love it!
How nice this would be with a set of tree goblets for weddings, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day!

Click on the picture for a close-up so you can see the family names (sorry if they're hard to read...they're upside down).

A Work in Progress

2009-12-02T12:56:00.007-05:00

Life seems to be a work in progress of late. Good news from accountant, bad news corporate attorney, items stolen from property, lessons learned in settling and managing estates, bank procedures and general government craziness! God seems to find strange ways to make us stretch and grow, and we're just trying to keep a sense of humor and honor Jo.

My studio stands fairly still, definitely a work in progress...no, those walls won't remain peach. They've been plastered a pattern and a deep chestnut glaze will turn it all a dark burnt orange. And the cabinet fronts (and shelves, and flooring) are missing. Nothing worked on here since summer.

Then there's the pottery, well, it's a work in progress too. If you prepaid for a special order, your work is on this counter. It's been bisque fired, cleaned up, signed, (stained if needed)washed and waxed. Glazing begins in a few minutes and the kiln should be loaded, fired and unloaded by Monday. If you just have a "special request" placed with me, like the January wedding and Mel's parents gift, you're probably in here too. Lanterns didn't make it this kiln load, sorry...but there is still a possibility of some before Christmas. It will be close, but I hope to fire one more time for family pieces.

Ah, family. Now that's a work in progress! But, worth all the challenges it brings. The larger our family circle grows, the harder the work and the greater the reward! Praying we all have time to slow down and enjoy that this season, our family and yours. Just be sure to keep up the good work!

GG's Holiday Open House

2009-11-04T08:06:00.003-05:00

GG's of Statesville is hosting their annual Holiday Open House this Sunday, November 5th from 1:00 until 5:00.
Meet and greet with many artists, shop holiday gifts like Christopher Radko and Carolers collections, enjoy music and munchies. Start your holiday season off right!

http://ggsartframesgifts.com/index.html

New Gallery Display at the Sanctuary of Davidson

2009-11-04T08:01:00.005-05:00

Just a quick note before I head to Charlotte for estate business.
A new gallery has opened in downtown Davidson, NC, with a bent toward Christian charities and, of course, beautiful art. The website is not fully developed, but you can click on the link and check them out.
I delivered a few pieces when Jo was sick, and am dropping off a few more on my way through today. I can't wait to have studio time to create some pieces especially for their clientele!

http://www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com/

Passing Over to the Perfect Life

2009-10-15T16:52:00.024-04:00

Well. Auntie Jo passed on my birthday.

People keep apologizing that I had such a bad day.

Not so. Let me tell you, it was beautiful!

Hospice came early the day before and put in a catheter, upped her medication and told me it would be two days or less. Obviously, it was less.

Before hospice left, Bishop Curlin showed up to give her communion. She was asleep because of the meds the hospice nurse gave and didn't wake up for him...although the sweet father waited nearly two hours. He blessed her and told us to call him if anything happened, any hour.

Then, we had a strange evening.

Alan had left the checkbook at home the day before when we rushed from the pottery show to Charlotte. He brought his bills, but couldn't pay them...and needed to go home. We had been up all night the night before getting what turned out to be last minute instructions from the boss as she kept sitting up to tell us things she considered dire. He said that he needed to make a quick trip home while she was sleeping and whispered to her not to move until he was back in the house.
She is always the boss, she laughs - or twinkles, but never listens.

So, twenty minutes later she wakes and starts giving me a hard time.

Swinging her legs like she's getting out of bed. And, for the first time in my life, getting angry with me...because I block her. I try to soothe her and tell her it's because Alan said not to move (getting back at Adam for blaming everything on Eve...you know). It doesn't work well.

The fourth time she succeeds and her legs go too far to stop them.

I grab her from the front, under both arms, and try to lift her. But, the lymphodema is so bad that she is very bottom heavy (and just days before I could handle their weight). It doesn't work.

She had been complaining that she needed to be in a different position. So, I tell her sitting on the floor is just a new position and I gently lower her, joke about smores around the campfire and call Alan. She tells me "Robin, don't you panic". And, I joke again and never panic. Why waste the time. I tell her I feel jipped out of those smores, and I know she's been jipped out of so much more.

Alan rushes back (cutting a drive that is normally 1 hour and 15 minutes to just 41 minutes...you can't get a ticket retroactively can you?). Anyway, the two of us can't lift her.

I call 911.

Okay...this sounds like the end, right? But, no, not for Jo! It takes five men and a special tarp to get her back in bed. Five young, strong, nice looking men, with two more standing in the doorway...and you think she's leaving NOW???

My Alan gets his back up...this is his Auntie Jo. And, man that he is, he has to protect his territory.

So, he tells her he has to stand between them so she can't see these guys are younger and look better than him...and she laughs. We all joke about the responders the whole time they are there. And they leave well after 9pm.

She talks for a while and continues to ask just how many young men came to see her. Hmmmmm, she says, with a very big twinkle! Ugh!

It's midnight when things settle down enough that I go to bed and Alan sits first watch, pressed up against her bed so her legs stay where they belong. (He doesn't want competition again in this house!)

We never made it to second shift.

He called me just a little over an hour later.

We sat with her for a while. Me rubbing her hand, and Alan stroking her head and my back.

She was more peaceful from eleven til heaven than I had seen her in a while. Not worried about things left undone, or love left unexpressed. Just peace.

She never needed her pain medication or her panic medication.

There was no panic, and no obvious pain...just peace, and the slowing breath of life.

She asked me many times over the last two days how long I thought it would take to die.

I didn't know the answer until she was gone, too long for her-not long enough for me.

But, now, there is only the peace. No cancer, no pain, just sweet peace.

The bishop came again. He blessed and prayed over her. Was that to give peace to a soul already enveloped in it, or those of us standing with him?

(You know she just winked when I asked that, don't you?)

Pottery at Shelton Vineyard's Harvest Festival

2009-10-05T08:27:00.018-04:00

This weekend is the fourth annual Shelton Vineyards Harvest Festival in Dobson, NC.

We loved this festival so much last year we couldn't wait until harvest time again! Grape vine pieces will be available at our booth this year (amid other designs) as we enjoy a day among the vines.

Live bluegrass music will tickle our ears both days, 45 local artists will dot the hillside above the grandstand, hay rides will be given around the property, face painting and local produce will be available, along with good food. Come sit on the hillside above the music and watch the sun play on the fall leaves on distant hills, and take an evening walk around the lake in crisp fall air.

Free vineyard tours will take place and admission to the festival itself is free!

10% of the vineyards proceeds during the event will benefit

the Foothills Food Pantry.

Join us Saturday and Sunday,

October 10th and 11th!

Check out:

www.sheltonvineyards.com

The crowd will be thick, food will be available below the bandstand, but...if you want a special treat...make a reservation at the Harvest Grille for fabulous food (request the back porch by the fireplace if you call early enough!)

My Mother and My Auntie Jo

2009-09-22T21:02:00.007-04:00

This is a picture of my mother and her best friend, my Auntie Jo.

Mom had her first radiation treatment today for breast cancer, after a lumpectomy last month. She's had many back surgeries (not that she will stop or sit still...still) and the position they had her in for surgery sped up the deterioriation of the next disk. So, today she also went in for and MRI to prepare her for another possible surgery.

In the meantime, two and a half hours away, my Auntie Jo is dying of liver cancer. Last week we all thought we would lose her, this week she's fighting a tought fight. There is much to be done, paperwork and doctors visits, possible procedures, closing a business, ridding her life of forty years of stock built up in her floral business. But, Mom can't be with her best friend to help. So, I'm happily the substitute. I get the benefit of seeing Jo still (she was another one who wouldn't stop or sit still). I'd rather she was well and still running everything around her, but it's a blessing just to help her and show a little of the love she always showed to those around her. And, it's also a blessing to have her still enough to hear the stories that never had time to spill from her lips - family history, lost loves, first big jobs, college and stories of days spent with my mom. What wonderful women, wouldn't life be wonderful if we could keep them around forever.

Still, I can only imagine the trouble the two most beautiful women in the world got into when unsupervised by us children! A good thing they have a bunch of us around to keep them in line.

Pottery At Statesville Art Crawl Friday Night

2009-09-15T21:51:00.014-04:00

This Friday night is the second Art Crawl of the season for the Iredell County Arts Council and the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, held from 5:30 until 8:30 . The pieces above will be available at GG's Gallery and Gifts on Broad Street, along with many others. And I hope to be there as well to meet local art collectors and avid downtown supporters in Statesville.

This is the closest art gallery to my home, I display in it and I love to support and assist in its growth. Many state conventions have been held lately in this area deciding the fate of this beautiful downtown. It's not enough that major motion pictures featuring George Clooney and Rene Zellweger have been filmed here. Or that the United States once ended here (Third Creek) in our beautiful county - yes, on the maps it ended here. History moves on. But, this gorgeous downtown remains a hub to those of us who love it, and its history. We can see the past and the possibility - in one glance.

We can't support art crawls each month like so many of the downtown areas I display in...but, you better believe, the heart behind this evening - if only held twice per year - is strong and more than willing to work through any adversity this community may be faced with. The possibilities here are endless! We truly are the crossroads of America (okay...the east coast).

Join us in celebration of all the talented artists and avid gallery owners, collectors and donors (and even bored citizens looking for a Friday night thrill) that look back at our historical past and forward to our prosperous future and gather to celebrate the now.

Oh, and while you're at it, check out this website: http://www.downtownstatesvillenc.org/events.aspx to get information about the downtown historical tours in October (okay...it's a "ghost tour" - but with historical significance, trust me.)

See you Friday night!

Stoneware Communion Set

2009-09-12T22:00:00.011-04:00

I just finished unloading the kiln. Almost completely special orders, so nothing fun for me. But, this 9 piece set for the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, to be used at Camp Arrowhead, is my favorite from this kiln load!

The campground is covered in sassafras trees, according to the director. So, we designed a set of carafes (1 litre each), a set of chalices for intinction (1 1/2 cups each), a set of chalices for communion by mouth ( 1 3/4- 2 cups each) and I impressed and applied leaves from one of my sassafras trees onto each. Then I carved the camp logo into a set of patens and created a lava bowl to match. The chalices are all 8 inches tall and the patens and lava bowl are all 9 1/2 inches in diameter. (Click on the picture above to enlarge it if you would like to see them more clearly.)

I must say, I love this set - it came out of the kiln just gorgeous. I hope they are pleased and it serves them well for many years to come! It is such a blessing to be able to share in communion with people I will never meet (not in this world, anyway)!

Pottery Grape Leaf Series...

2009-09-05T10:07:00.005-04:00

I haven't posted in a long while, things have been very hectic here. Between illnesses and the backlog of orders once we returned from vacation, we haven't had much time. So, this is the only new design that has made its way through the whole production process since we've been back. The grape vines and vineyards in Germany and France really made me appreciate what we have here so much more. And so, I've plucked leaves from our grapes and begun a new series and this is my prototype. I don't think I rubbed enough of the glaze back off the vine/handles to get the look I was going for. But, I like the matte black against the natural leaf. And, just one more kiln load to get the rest of the orders finished and then I can fire some of the matching wall pockets and hand built pieces that I've worked up for this series. All are oversized...this first piece is over 16 inches tall, and other vase forms are larger. I think I'm going to like this group!

Wheel Thrown Pottery

2009-08-14T10:17:00.004-04:00

Unloading the kiln is so much fun...I love this glaze combination! A pale icy green and deep brown mixing to create all sorts of fun shades! As a matter of fact, I'm going to have a hard time sending this platter to the gallery it was intended for...GG's in Statesville.

The wine goblets are the only pieces not going to Gloria and they will be available this evening at The Smart Gallery in West Jefferson. Join us there for the monthly Gallery Crawl from 5 until 8.

Pottery Place Settings

2009-08-05T08:48:00.006-04:00

I've been trying to decide on place setting pieces and color combinations. Both to sell, and for myself. I've narrowed it down to two choices for myself and that I will be producing for sale. One other color combination may be available before the holidays, but for now these two will suffice. So, I will be throwing the five standard pieces shown and mugs in these patterns that can fill in bare spots in the kiln during custom and gallery orders. And hopefully, by Thanksgiving I will decide which set suits my kitchen best and commit to one myself!

Wine Country By Any Other Name....

2009-07-20T20:25:00.010-04:00

Well, July is my month for loafing. Not working. First the "Family Fourth", then vacation time took up a chunk of our month. And late last night we returned to voicemails, emails and requests that will take both of us weeks, if not months, to catch up on.

The last 10 days we visited Germany and France. The studio sat cold, the garden and animals watered and fed by others who were fed by them in turn.

And, Alan, Sarah and I enjoyed family time in Europe, along with the wine country in the Alsace region of France and along the Rhine in Germany. For some reason, even away from my home in the middle of two wine appellations in North Carolina (YAPA Valley and Swan Creek), I wound up in two wine areas across the ocean. It wasn't intentional, just within easy travel distance of my sister's home.

Nor was it intentional to find that several villages contained high numbers of potters shops along with those vineyards. Ideas abound, both for throwing and painting. And long walks with my niece, Lauren, in the forest near her home in Kelkhiem, proved fertile ground for new trees and wildlife visions that will be working their way into clay form.

Quaint villages in the Alsace region open up to hillsides of vines above.

And abundant rock walls dotted with ancient castles break up the lines of vineyards along the Rhine.

As much as I enjoyed the hillsides of grapes in these countries, I must say...I love calling North Carolina home. And, nothing rivals the rolling hills, verdant fields and blue skies I came home to!

Nest Full of Hungry Baby Birds

2009-07-06T08:47:00.007-04:00

Just back from the mountain house for a long 4th of July weekend. 31 family/friends gathered on Nana and Granpa's hill (only 5 at our house...thank goodness), and a great time was had by all (I think?).

These little fellows were our alarm clock. Mother bird built this nest a while back (during a painting and staining session at the house) and we just let her go. Unfortunately, we had a rainy spring and she made the nest of mud and moss. They look as if they're ready to leave the nest, and once they're gone we'll have to remove the mud and mess somehow...an easy task from the boxing, but not so from the cedar siding.

Until then, joyful voices and hungry heads peak out from the messy, too small, nest.

Pottery Wedding Communion Sets

2009-06-30T14:22:00.005-04:00

Courtney & Michael, your woodland wedding communion set is ready for post and will ship out tomorrow morning!

Just thought I would show everyone else what your chalices look like, as well as new sets for other weddings in Virginia and Kentucky. I hope each wedding is beautiful and blessed!

Blue Pottery Bowls

2009-06-30T09:26:00.006-04:00

Wedding season is in full swing! Much of the season, I've been throwing communion sets engraved for the bride and groom, or carved with designs for the wedding. It's an honor to have my work be a small part of weddings all over the country, and a blessing to be able to take part in the communion service of so many.

But, for this local wedding...it's bowls! Bowls to be filled with local goodies and placed in hotel rooms as a favor. A great idea for any occasion, and a fun project for the potter. Thanks Kati, and mom, Mary!

Watercolor Painting on Pottery Platter

2009-06-25T12:33:00.004-04:00

Okay, I had to try it. Ever since I saw the pottery watercolor sets in a catalog I have been dying to give it a shot! So, this morning's kiln presented me with my first watercolor (bravely painted on a 14" platter).

The colors were darker after firing, a bit of a surprise...I would have thought they would burn out and fade a bit. I covered the amaco stoneware watercolors with a clear glaze to make it food safe, and give it a glossy finish. What fun!

Now I have to throw some plates and platters just to play with so I can do some detailed painings! A new direction to explore....

Weekend Gallery Crawl, West Jefferson

2009-06-16T15:16:00.008-04:00

What a fun place West Jefferson has become!

We spent a lovely evening this past Friday at the West Jefferson Gallery Crawl, enjoying artists and art collectors, wine and food, free music and great friends...new and old.

Then we went back to the mountain house for the weekend to paint and get things ready to put it on the market. Hmph! Sitting on the front porch swing when the fog rolls in makes us really think twice about selling out!

We bought the place when Sarah was in diapers, she's a rising Sophomore in college. It was Baxter's first experience helping us build a house, he's finished his BS and Masters and is currently working toward his PhD...married with a house of his own that he happily gets to remodel.

The kids grew up on the mountain, spending every spare weekend there and many summers. They built waterfalls in the stream, damned it to form pools, put in a nature trail to hike cleanly down the side of the mountain, canoed, kayaked, hiked, biked and galavanted all over the county.

The new property is in the same county. Just not West Jefferson. Which seems to be the new artsy "hot spot" in the hills. Boone has been taken over by the college kids. Todd (where the new homesite is) is being taken over by the college overflow...and losing a good bit of it's river water to Boone since they've decided to pipe it from the edge of Ashe County back up to Boone to supply their never ending building boon (isn't is smart to keep giving out building permits when you have no water left?).

Anyway, I'm rambling. The new property will be a great place to build a "downsized" empty-nester kind of home. Not so much land, not as much house, smarter use of space and wiser understanding of lifestyle. And, it is within driving distance of West Jefferson, it just doesn't have all of the sentimental baggage we'll miss from the other "hill". And if we build this one right, maybe we can sell the farm down the road and condense everything into one house! Maybe.

Tough job letting go.

Pottery Display and Gallery Crawl

2009-06-01T09:37:00.008-04:00

I joined with a new gallery last weekend in West Jefferson, North Carolina. The display is underway and will hopefully be complete in time for the Ashe Arts first Gallery Crawl of the summer arts season! Join us at the Smart Gallery for a fun evening of arts and fellowship. The gallery features photographer - Rex Miller, watercolor artist - Robert Flowers, a fantastic jeweler, wood turner, stained glass artist, potter - Tena Wenta, and much more! It is a beautiful, soothing gallery in West Jefferson's historic downtown, and the place to be June 12th!

New Pottery Display at Smart Gallery

2009-05-22T17:23:00.005-04:00

Just picked up a new gallery location in historic downtown West Jefferson:

The Smart Gallery

109 North Jefferson Avenue

New pieces are headed that way in the morning, and I have an exciting plan for a display that will hopefully be ready before the first Art Crawl of the season, June 12th!

Pottery Wine Glasses and Their Kiln Buddies

2009-05-14T09:40:00.012-04:00

Most of the requests I get these days are for wine glasses or communion chalices...my favorite shape and form! I love those requests, otherwise I'd be throwing and building pieces that would take over my studio and home...I just can't seem to stop myself! I love exploring the shape, balance and overall feel of each goblet!

Now and again, kiln

buddies find their way

out of the clay, only to be

matched up with goblets

that need partners and

glazed accordingly.

Goblets have become

that much of an addiction!

These are some of the latest pieces to find their way out of the kiln (at least those not special ordered ahead of time). I missed photographing the larger portion of the goblets, they left home and can be found now at GG's Gallery & Gifts in Statesville, NC, and Buck Shoals Vineyard in Hamptonville. Click on the pictures above for a larger version and let me know what you think!

Pottery Garden Lanterns

2009-05-06T11:34:00.005-04:00

I love play days! I've had several in the last few weeks.

One such day, I decided to attempt hanging lanterns similar to the antique glass lanterns my daughter bought a few years back for her bedroom. What a fun project!

I love the results...just need to tweak a few things the next time around, and the next, and I'm sure the next. Never settle, never stop, just play hard!

I love this job!

One Potter Sees Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-04-23T08:13:00.010-04:00

The lack of business has given my husband, and me, time to reflect on the important things. No, his building business hasn't picked up. Not much work since last November. And not many people are spending money on extras, like pottery. God promised to provide for our needs...not our wants. We are just squeaking by financially, His provision. But, there has been time to take long walks, catch up on maintenance items, train little girls in the community to play soccer and just be together; things we obviously needed much more than a financial cushion. And, now, after one very long winter, spring has arrived. Finally, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ah, the warmth of the Son, or sun (depending on how you look at things).
Picture above is my husband, Alan, and our dog, Gabe, during one long walk.

"From darkness into light"

I Love Creating Handmade Pottery Wine Goblets!

2009-04-21T07:51:00.007-04:00

I haven't posted anything in a while. I've been busy building up stock for galleries. But, now, a kiln of wine goblets...my favorite. Thankfully, a wedding order sent me on a tangent throwing new goblets, and my mind kept traveling.

So, these are my new favorites (at least for the day)!

My goblets are made of stoneware, wheel thrown in two parts and connected while still damp. Then they are dried for a week or more, bisque fired, glazed and fired again. The process is difficult, even tricky, but when they come through the fire...wow!

GGs Gallery and Gifts Pottery Display, Statesville, NC

2009-03-18T12:06:00.011-04:00

Okay, I said I would be at GG's for the first Gallery Crawl of the season, (downtown Statesville, NC). Sorry if you looked for me, I had a funeral to attend in Pennsylvania. Totally unexpected.
Instead of visiting with art collectors, I was visiting with family I hadn't seen in years and saying goodbye to my Uncle Allen.

Carol says you all had a wonderful time without me. Glad to hear it. And the display they put together of my pottery looked great (pictured above). I'm glad some of my friends had a great evening of fellowship with them.

Now for the upcoming weekend:

Saturday, March 21st from 10 until 6
The Yadkin Valley Studio and Wine Tour
http://www.foothillsartscouncil.org/tour.htm

Be sure to visit Buck Shoals Vineyard (not listed on link above, but open during the event) to see my pottery display on the Swan Creek Wine Trail. New pieces will be added before the event. (Sorry, my studio won't be open - I have two soccer games to coach.) For directions to Buck Shoals hit the link to the right under "Sites I would visit"!

New Pottery : Lidded Urns & Wine Goblet Trees

2009-03-11T11:22:00.018-04:00

It's very hard to work in the studio when your husband is at home. After 26 years of marraige and raising children while he worked 60+ hours a week, we have found ourselves at home together much of the last three months. It makes it very difficult to work when I could be spending time with him (not to mention my studio shares space with his and quiet isn't possible when saws and planers are running). Fortunately, he had time to create some beautiful pieces for our garden and our son and daughter-in-law's new garden, as well as gorgeous cabinetry for the media room. And we got to spend some time hiking with our daughter in the mountains. Not a bad trade-off!

So, here I am, after nearly three months, unloading a kiln full of new pieces, and there is another kiln soon to be fired full of special orders. I think the "break" did wonders for my perspective and I can't wait until the next firing because I love the pieces now drying in the studio.

These new Mossy Bark pieces, along with a new Misty Forest grouping, will be available at GG's Gallery and Gifts in Statesville. Visit us there this Friday night, March 13th from 5:00 until 9:00, for the first Gallery Crawl of the 2009 Arts Season.

New Pottery Glaze Series!!!

2009-01-09T16:02:00.012-05:00

Everyone seems to love the Misty Forest Series. Even the Orchard Dawn Series gets a lot of attention. My house just doesn't support those cool blue colors, and maybe some of you have the same issues. Still, I love the mystery and movement I get with those glazes. What to do?

Well, I have been trying for over a year to develop a new glaze series with earth tones (that meets my standards and suits my style). Finally, I think I've got it. So, new for 2009, a glaze series titled "Willow Wind"!

This glaze begins with four or five layers of only two colors of glaze, mixed just the right way to create the look of four or five seperate glazes. Shades of deep chestnut brown, tan, sage, olive and forest green emerge from the kiln the final firing!

As always, I love to make things run, melt and create excitement once they reach prime temperature (and I keep them up there for a while). So, after weeks of air drying, bisque firing and glazing, drying and glazing again... voila. A finished product! Strands of green weeping and waving from the top of a deep brown base. Fantastic, if I do say so myself!

And, now available at a new location...GG's Gifts (formerly The Frame Gallery)of downtown Statesville (Broad Street). If you are in the area, come in and see!

If not, check the Little Bear Clayworks webshop link at the right (or visit one of the other retail locations in North Carolina).

Potter, Organic Farmer?

2008-12-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

Okay, I can't decide.

I love my garden. I love my farm. I love my pottery wheel.

But right now, the studio is cold. My family is upstairs laughing at the Wii and working out in the exercise room. And me, well, I'm looking through seed catalogs and dreaming of Spring!

I've spent so much time immersed in pottery this year, my winter garden is nil and the chickens aren't laying and need attention. This picture is my garden in summer, and the beautiful garden shed that my husband built to keep my tender plants warm and my dirt loving fingers happy.

So, like every avid gardener, the seed catalogs that started pouring in last week have replaced the Christmas magazines. And now that new birth has occurred, I can move on to growing things! Playing in dirt in my garden and playing in clay, creating vessels, and spending time with The Potter growing the truly important things in life.

Pottery Chalice and Paten Sets with Ewer, Communion

2008-12-26T14:48:00.001-05:00

My favorite forms! The lump of clay becomes a vessel of honor when used to share the body and blood of Christ in Christian service....

New Pottery Chalices Fresh From the Kiln:

2008-12-07T13:34:00.001-05:00

If you recieved an email to check the blog for an update on your communion sets, let me know as quickly as possible which chalice you prefer. I have marked one that was made specifically for Ann as "sold". Let me know what you think of the new pieces and which one you would like. These were so much fun, thanks for the opportunity to create something for you!

Several of these are unsold, please contact me if you would like to purchase one. They are priced in order:

The 9" chalice is $32.50

The 8 1/2" chalice is $29.00

The 8 1/2" chalice marked "Ann" is $32.50

The 9 1/4" chalice is $35.00

The 9 3/4 chalice is $40.00

Click on the photo above to read captions and see closeups.

I love feedback....

2008-12-06T10:54:00.001-05:00

When I shop online, I always look for ratings or feedback on the site. I love that Etsy has a place for feedback since you can't touch the pottery before you buy it!

Just this holiday season, I have hesitated to buy several things because of the ratings (one electronic item, one game). It is very helpful when shopping from a screen.

Thank you if you have taken time to leave a feedback for me on Etsy. I love knowing how you feel about your piece once it's in your hand. Here are a few customer comments:

Wonderful, wonderful quality. Light, yet sturdy. The outside is very much like a painting I have of the Appalachians. Thanks! davidisshoppingnow 11/17/2008

Very nice work. stephaniejourdan 12/06/2008

Super fast shipping and beautiful product! Thank you so much! cahotage 11/04/2008

Exquisite cup! Thank you for the beautiful work of art. I am using and enjoying it already. Thank you for the kind note as well. Willowroselady 10/04/2008

Robin is talented and wonderful to work with. psilovecupcakes 12/04/2008

Pottery Chalices in Progress....

2008-12-05T09:23:00.001-05:00

Today is glazing day. Made easy because I have orders for particular colors and I don't have to decide (that generally takes as long as the process itself). I thought photos of works in progress would be cool. So, those waiting for communion sets will see yours in the bisqueware photo (top).

Then I thought, maybe works even earlier in the process would be interesting to some. So, my damp cabinet is full of greenware and I am adding photos of that as well. A set of the daiquiri glasses and one pitcher are special order pieces, but the rest is just me having fun! (Click on the photos for a close-up view.)

Now, I'm off to glaze everything in the Misty Forest combination (except the dogwood vase). The kiln should be lit by 2:00 and ready to open by late Sunday night or early Monday morning. Check back then to see your finished pieces!

Handmade Stoneware Pottery Chalice and Paten - Communion Sets - by Little Bear Clayworks

2008-11-22T08:49:00.003-05:00

Wow, how personal communion sets are. I had a custom request on Etsy and started thinking about the possibilities. I have spent much more time on these in the past and now my mind is reeling with new stylings, engravings and appliques I would love to try. Footed plates, lipped, bowled, flat...it all depends on what the body/bread looks like to you. Is it wafer or loaf? And my years of Bible teaching offer so many inscription ideas that would be fitting and pictoral ideas that could be interesting. So, my studio list is growing as I type this, and I pray God gives greater inspiration. It's a good thing Alan built up my fire before he left this morning, and I worked up clay balls for a dozen wine glasses late yesterday...one more cup of coffee and I'm gone for the day! (To order any of these, or custom, sets visit my Etsy webshop by linking at the top right of this page.)

2008-11-21T09:13:00.002-05:00

Emilie is holding the First Annual Handmade in Todd Holiday Market December 6th and 7th.
Thank you Martha for using one of my mugs in the poster for advertisement. Isn't the felted doll adorable? Those are one of my favorite things! Artists in Todd will have demonstrations and offer a great deal of items at super discounts for the event. And, Emilie has a large display of my pottery - just in case you're interested. Come and see!
A great weekend for Christmas shopping in Ashe County, and cutting down your Christmas tree at one of the many choose 'n cut lots. (Join the President and get your tree in Ashe!)

Alan's Urn

2008-11-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

I love kiln opening day!
Alan requested an urn to throw his change in when he comes home. He picked his favorite color and pattern. How wonderful it is to open the kiln the final firing day and see that a special piece is blessed to turn out as planned. Oh, and I couldn't resist the chance to test the size of platter I could get on my shelves. (16 1/2 inches of green ware is the max - and this is it!)

Little Bear Clayworks Pottery for Sale at Buck Shoals Vineyard

2008-11-14T16:11:00.002-05:00

I completed my new display at Buck Shoals Vineyard, on the Swan Creek Wine Trail. The Crater's were kind enough to clear a space for my pottery in their tasting room/gift shop and offer my work to their customers.
Visit their winery Wednesday through Sunday, check out the website link on the top of this page to see their hours.
A great time to visit our area is during the Vineyards of Swan Creek Christmas Open House weekend, December 6th & 7th. The wineries have Christmas music, refreshments and in-store specials. Check out this website: http://www.swancreekvineyards.com/events.html
One more way to have a happy holiday season!

Pottery Wine Goblets

2008-10-24T09:24:00.001-04:00

Cool weather is here to stay. My husband finished the new chimney in the studio/shop in the nick of time and the fire is roaring! This week is the week for special orders. I've been in the studio throwing mugs and tumblers. (No wine glasses!)

Mugs, Mugs, Mugs

2008-10-17T09:50:00.001-04:00

Crisp weather is moving in today...after days in the 80's (and 70's for most of the month) we are suddenly rainy and cool...expecting a frost Sunday night. So, I'm off to clean my garden shed "the shedmahal", as Maggie (my daughter-in-law) lovingly named it. Time to move the delicate plants inside. It is just so sad!

But, we get to celebrate with warm mugs of cocoa, mulled cider, green tea, and coffee. Nuzzling a warm mug in front of a crackling fire makes it almost worth the absence of green in the landscape!

Welcome, Autumn.

Pottery Throwing Obsession

2008-10-16T07:47:00.001-04:00

I love this stuff, however, after building up for two shows - the extras have come back in and taken over my house. My husband doesn't care for that too much!
So, lots of pieces off to Emilie Enzman yesterday at the Todd Merchantile (a store, gallery and bakery on the New River near Boone). And the rest to be packed up for other galleries and shops in the next week. A few things made it to Etsy. But, I have to push myself to sell some of this out so I can get back to my wheel!

Pottery at Wine Festival

2008-10-14T10:58:00.001-04:00

Another weekend show! Shelton Vineyards Harvest Fest was very laid back and relaxing, great music and free activities in a beautiful surrounding. We sold a bit and got great publicity...best sellers - anything in the Foggy Garden Series (not one piece left). Good friends and family made it an even greater blessing. So, now, I am working on gallery sales and custom orders...and unpacking all this stuff to redistribute.

Shelton Vineyards is a wonderful place, if you have a chance, stop in and visit ( I-77 North to exit 93, Dobson, NC)!

Pottery Wine Glasses

2008-10-09T13:57:00.001-04:00

I love pottery wine glasses.

Wine just "feels" better when holding a well balanced pottery goblet!

And, every glass is an event in itself!

First Road Show

2008-10-07T09:46:00.001-04:00

My husband and I, and of course, Gabe, had a booth this weekend at Great Grapes, Wine, Food and Art in Charlotte. The sale started slow, but ended well (once the wine flowed a few hours). One of my sisters joined us in the afternoon, and her husband a while later. The music was great and the people were fun! But, Gabe can't believe he has to do this again next weekend.