Potty about Pots- The grand finale!

Oh yes! Oh yes! Oh yeeeeeeesssss!

I'm so excited because, after MONTHS of waiting, my pots are finished!

It's typical that they day I can pick them up is the day that I'm rushing around getting ready for a mini caravan break. But I managed to squeeze in an hour to rush down to Sidcup, pick up and rush back.

Now, they are a bit wobbly but they are mine and I am so proud. Finally Dad will get his (very late) birthday present with 3 weeks before his next birthday! Never mind, it's the thought that counts.

Who's a clever bunny,eh?!

Potty about Pots- Part 2!

Oh what a saga these pots have been! They were supposed to be for my Dad's 60th birthday in July last year... A tad late I know.

I had booked into three separate day courses to make, trim and glaze the special gift (as my parents have been collecting stoneware for as long as I can remember). The first day went swimmingly with three beautiful pots made. The second day a month later was cancelled and the third day, a month after that, I had to pull out of. Thankfully, the lovely Jane from Sidcup Adults College rang to say she would happily find a spare work surface during one of her weekly courses and show me how to glaze the pots. So after holidays, illnesses and trying to find childcare...I got back into the studio today!

I spent a relaxing hour dipping my pots into the glaze (which is ground up glass) and cleaned off the bottoms and edges so that they wouldn't stick in the kiln. Jane will try to get them fired before next week but they may have to wait until the next set of courses.........in JUNE.

So Dad, you may be getting your pot in time for your 61st but don't hold your breath!

Potty about pots!

I went back to school today! (Well, Adult college really for a beginners day of pottery.)

I've been wanting to have a go at using a potters wheel ever since I saw Margot from "The Good Life" donning a pristine pair of Marigolds and give up within minutes. I loved watching her poor henpecked husband look in horror at the immaculate, brand-spanking new studio which would never get used again and thought, I could do that!

What a great day I've had. I had clay up to the elbows, splatters on my nose and through my hair and some seriously messy clothes but it was SO worth it.

Six of us novices couldnt wait for the gradual breakdown of techniques that our teacher wanted to take us through. We all threw ourselves into it and had a great time putting mangled lumps into the reuse pile as pots collapsed, fell off or turned into strange mushroom shapes- We were reluctant to break for lunch we were having such fun!

Well, I made three dear little pots that I am quite happy with. And, thanks to some kind family promises for childcare, get to go back for two more days. One for intermediate skills and one to learn glazing and finishing. I hope I end up with at least one special pot as I have a very late birthday present that must be honoured.