Grow to cut cycle

I have a unique relationship with Pam, my neighbor and the hair stylist who has cut my hair for the past 21 years. She knows that I will call her every 6 mos. or so for a trim and sometimes that stretches into 12 or more months if things are just too hectic in my life. I began growing my hair out last year (again) and finally got it to a length that was long enough for me not to be totally shorn, but would be 10" (the length needed for Locks of Love)minimum for a donation. They won't make my hair into a wig because it is really grey and these wigs go to children, but they will sell it and the money will help the program.
So, I'll be looking a little different if you see me at the studio!

Update on create

Drop in pieces that will fit in the holes on the top of the piece. They hold two different

sized candles.
All the trees in place. Lost one of the trees and had to repair. Drying slowly and hoping my hands will be very steady when I set this in the kiln and again when I get to the glazing parts. But, as Scarlet O'Hara would say, "I'll think about that tomorrow"

Open House today and tomorrow, 2-6pm

2 to 6 pm
Hope to see you!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
4522 Wilkinson Blvd.
Gastonia, NC 28056
704-824-9928

The Creative Process (in pictures)

Putting the ideas on paper. Eating and drinking and being surrounded by pottery helps! Covered jar in background is a Ron Philbeck pot I use for my sugar bowl.
I had already slabbed out the sides of the piece the night before and had the general idea of the shape. Although, to be honest, I flipped the sides over a period of about an hour, mulling over which direction to make this piece.

Ideas for the base, decoration and different little containers for candles, etc.

Carving on one side started.

Little drop-in pieces that will go in top holes. Prototype of candle holder built. Needs lots of refinement!

Trees formed and setting up, waiting for carving and placement.

View of top of piece with 4 of 8 trees in place. The little holes are for clay stubs that I bore into the trunks to help stabilize them on the top. Learned this the hard way when previous tree piece fell off due to inbalance and only being attached at base.
The large holes will be used as is for flower arrangements or with a drop in piece to convert it to a candlabra.

View of carved front with tree springs place. Awaiting dark clay spring for bases of trees.

Come out and see the work in progress this weekend!

Open House, Sat. Dec. 10, 2-6pm

Just a quick view of some of the smaller gift items I have in the studio.

Come out and browse on Sat. Dec.10 and Sun, Dec. 11th.

I'll have hot cider or hot tea in handmade mugs and cookies,

and will be providing free gift wrap for your pottery purchases those days.

Hope to see you and your friends!