loading the kiln in summer

the kiln gapes open in the background, waiting to eat up whatever I can decorate

after the kiln is loaded, the colors are scattered and drying out

I seem to be slower, this summer, but am about to finish loading a glaze kiln!  There are some orders in this firing, along with work for the next fair, in August. Because of my hip surgery, I've not been going to fairs in July, but will start, again, next month. Maybe it's also the heat and drought, this summer, that's slowing me down.....

More from Rickye's garden--

starting the black outline

black outline and shading completed

In addition to the garlic that Rickye Heffner brought to me (and which I planted behind the studio   see link:  http://anntubbsmaiolicapottery.blogspot.com/2011/10/behind-my-studio.html), she also gave me some of her squash--she's a master gardener, and I decided to try one of the ornamental squashes as a decoration on the maiolica.  Here are two photos:  the first one is after the color, and just at the beginning of the black outlining; the second is after the outlining, and the additional color shadings.  I'll do more of this before I load the next glaze kiln, and then show the results.  (I also have a little tea cup that Sheri's mother-in-law, Flora, who was born in Canada, bought on one of her trips back to see her birthplace--and it will be the inspiration for a table----)

Time for orders

Now that fall is here, I am working on orders (at last! some say..) Here are some photos of a set of bowls: first, being thrown, then, being decorated after the bisque. They will match a mug sold earlier this summer, and one will eventually be chosen for the set of mug and bowl.

thursday, work---Meghan's a great cook!