New Class begins at my studio next week!

Hand building with Clay (all levels)

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 2: Wednesday evenings
March 24, 31 and April 7, 14
4 weeks / 7-9pm

Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchase for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.

Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.

Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions.  

Next round of Hand building classes with clay starts March 24th!

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 2: Wednesday evenings
March 24, 31 and April 7, 14
4 weeks / 7-9pm

Session 3: Wednesday evenings
Apr 21, 28 and May 5, 12
4 weeks / 7-9pm

Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchase for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.

Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.

Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions. 

Reasons I love and hate the internet...

For better or for worse we have the exciting world of the internet and social networking. Its a necessary tool for me to market my artwork. Twitter, Facebook, and Blogger have reached a larger audience for my work than I ever could by just doing shows. Its impossible to travel and sell work. With the internet comes opportunity. But it also brings with it a daily hassle. I would love nothing more to go Amish every weekend and shut down the computer. Its like a different planet sometimes. I attempted to stay offline all weekend but getting up my web shop is slightly impossible to do if I'm not online. Marketing the next open studio would also be impossible. So here I am on a Sunday morning dealing with internet la la land. Here is what I love and what I hate about the bizarre world wide web...

I like that:

I can market my work for free and I control the content.

I sell artwork by simpling clicking and posting in on Facebook.

Through twitter and blogger I have formed relationships with other ceramic artists I admire. The same can be said with galleries. I would have never "met" these people without these tools.

You are ACCOUNTABLE. Once you post it, its there. No taking it back. Its a diary whether be written or visual like the majority of this blog.

And lastly and the most shallow reason of all, online shopping. You can buy my artwork. I can avoid the mall. We all win.

I hate that:

I am at a computer for so much of my day. I'm a potter. I want to make a mug. Not always have to tweet I made a mug and now its on etsy then go post it on Facebook. I would rather just be making.

People think that the internet world is a true indication of the real world. Get a life. Social networking doesn't make you social. Going to see an art opening, selling your work at a show or taking in a museum is social. Tweeting the entire time you are at one of these events is NOT.

Defamation of character. Look up the word "libel". If you have a problem with a gallery that's one thing. Naming names is another. Social networking should be used for positive marketing of whatever it is you are selling.

And the last thing I hate is the dissection of everything your write, tweet, etc. For example today's Facebook status update is simply "Sunday Studio Therapy". Its simple, its Sunday and working in my studio is like therapy to me. However some people like to take your updates dissect them and then dissect those parts. This is the hardest for me because I've done it. Social networking is slowly becoming a battlefield for the passive aggressive. I had to sit down this weekend and reevaluate and decide why I'm really on such sites. Its goes back to accountability. I need to use these sites for what I initially set out to do. Not mud wrestle via internet.

Time to take my own advice. Off to do things in the real world this afternoon. Consider it a quick nap in the world of social networking.

The next open studio event at the Lake Erie Building...

C R A C K E D AND CONGEALED...

this week in the studio:

ok so apparently when you stack mugs on top of coasters in the bisque kiln the coasters do not like this. then they get hair line cracks. then 12 sets of coasters become 5 sets and lots of test tiles. you know what that means...more $1 tiles for sale at the next open studio.

also since my studio is slightly brisk in the winter my wax resist is turning into a brick. today at trusty drugmart i invested an $11 mini crockpot to melt this brick. i get to try it out tomorrow. then hopefully i can move forward and get some glazing done this weekend.

i really want to try some new glaze combos and buy new glazes. alas, i am going to ny in april so i'm saving funding for that trip. going to work with what i have and try to come up with some new ideas.

I get to be a student again! 

I stumbled upon a great workshop being offered at the Wayne Center for the Arts in Wooster, Ohio. I cannot wait to take it. I have not been a student since 2006 and I want to learn some new tricks both for my own work and to share with my students. Check it out at http://www.functionalworkshop.com/.

I feel like I need a push. My work for 2010 has been good but I still feel like I'm stuck. Hopefully this will be the direction I have been craving. And it will be nice to meet some fellow potters in all levels of the playing field. 

This time last year I was on the verge of unemployment. I was serving out my last days in retail purgatory waiting for the corporate monkeys to tell us when we could officially close the store. Due to the shopping center suing us we got the opportunity to work a little bit longer and basically do no work other than chit chat with the customers about the dysfunction of the economy, etc. I can't say I was particularly upset that I was getting laid off. Honestly I had zero luck finding any other jobs in the 3 years I was trapped there. I thought my only way out would be to get fired or get laid off.

It took a little over a month to find a job. Not bad at all. I worked as a Marketing Asst. despite the fact I went to school for art. I'm good at it and I enjoy it. But after 2 months there I lucked out and heard about my current job. A job in the arts anywhere is hard to come by, especially in Cleveland. I still dream of a college teaching job someday. Even just to teach one adjunct class a week would thrill me. Alas, easier said than done. Apparently I have not honed my stalking skills to include the job market. And I don't want to move to Tennessee or Wisconsin to get a teaching job. Fail. Sorry TN and WI, although Forbes feels differently there are places I like Cleveland more than and you are it.

Its not so bad here. I like it. No plans on moving but you never know. Look where I was last year.

Here is my current list of some etsy favorites. My birthday is coming up. Just sayin.

Hey Everyone! I'm teaching a one day workshop at Art House on glazing. Its a great way to learn some new tricks to try on your ceramic pots and sculptures. 

Glaze Workshop with Gina DeSantis - all levels

Saturday, March 6

10:00am - 1:00pm

Discover a range of exciting glazing methods to decorate your functional or sculptural ceramics, This workshop will cover beginning to advanced techniques, including wax resist, sgraffito, incising, slip trailing and combing. Tiles will be provided for practicing these decorating styles, or students currently enrolled in a ceramics course may utilize their own pieces.

Class fee: $50

Class fee includes: 8 lbs. of clay, glazes, slip, firings

Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 2 (5 student min)

Call Stephanie Kluk at 216.398.8556 to register!

Yep. More jewelry.
I actually cranked out a bunch of work for a show but due to the amazingness of Cleveland weather attendance was low. So now all of this do-dads are going up on my Etsy site or shop site...as soon as I test the shop site for my webpage I will let you know when it goes live. Working out the kinks and putting the final touches on it.

Look...new things! Shiny things. Ooooh. Ahhhh.

Here are some new necklaces in a nice springy aqua blue. All priced at $20. to be listed soon on my etsy site and my webshop.

I would be rich if....

I was paid for the time I spent hunting down galleries to pay me for my work. Its been 4 months. Pay me with interest.

I got a quarter everytime someone or some organization asked for free art in this town. Guess what, I don't make a living off this.

Everyone who emailed me on Etsy for wholesale inquiries actually followed through.

I didn't go to school for art.

My point? While I'll never stop making art I'm getting to the point where I feel too old for this shit. Seriously when health insurance is a luxury for a person who has 3 jobs something has got to give.

 

One of my dreams is to start a collection of mugs from other ceramic artists. I have so many that I love. I have decided to start my collection with this one. That's right, a zombie bunny. I can't wait for it to arrive. I will love it so. It was created by an artist named Barbara Donovan. Stop by her shop for more creations and some other awesome zombie critters.

I'm not sure when my next purchase will be or who I will buy from but I think this is a good start.

I've been a bad artist...

2010 has started out with me having zero motivation. After a tiring 2009 full of participating in shows and organizing a few I think I have gone above and beyond the term slacker. I've made some new stuff. Other than that I'm finding it next to impossible to get my arse in gear.

I have this feeling like I want to go off the grid. All of the stuff that comes with marketing artwork makes that impossible. Twitter, blogging, Facebook. Its a social media overload. At the end of the day I crave real human interaction and end up going out and spending too much money. Its a bad cycle.

I'm hoping that in March I get it together. This involves getting the web shop and the etsy shop updated and finished. More time on the computer. Bliss. And more time in the studio which I am thankful for. In addition I hope to try to break some bad habits. I'll keep you posted on that. Wish me luck. Send thoughts of motivation my way.

I am going to be a bad blogger this week. I'm flu-ish and have some stuff going on to share so this is my only post for the week...

If you are interested in taking my class on Wed nights it starts this week! Everything you need to know:

Handbuilding Class

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 1: Wednesday evenings
Feb 10, 17, 24 and March 3
4 weeks / 7-9 pm

3 SPOTS LEFT!!!

And don't forget to stop by the Bazaar Bizarre Valentine Show this Friday and Saturday. Here's what you need to know:
Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is hosting a Valentine's show next weekend at 224 Euclid, on Public Square (the old Bang & Clatter theatre space, across from the Starbucks in the BP building) -- come check it out! Event hours are 11-8 Friday and 11-6 Saturday.

You can RSVP here on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=215849410442

30+ vendors makes this the perfect alternative to the mall.

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.

Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 1: Wednesday evenings

Feb 10, 17, 24 and March 3

4 weeks / 7-9 pm



Session 2: Wednesday evenings

March 24, 31 and April 7, 14

4 weeks / 7-9pm



Session 3: Wednesday evenings

Apr 21, 28 and May 5, 12

4 weeks / 7-9pm



Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchase for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.



Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.



Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions.

I made 18 of these. 9 lived. I have a cracking issue due to the toastiness of my studio in the winter. I'm not complaining but Ohio temperatures cause havoc on my pottery. I threw 30 this weekend. Already down to 29 because one flew off while I was trimming. I fear another one has a handle that is not going to stick.

I am very happy with the results despite the problems I am having. The mugs themselves turned out just as imagined. The glazes worked out perfectly. So while I was defeated in some ways I think these are a success. Hopefully I will have more to come.

Soup of the Week: Sausage and White Bean

No photo today. Kind of had a soup fail. Seems appropriate since most of January sucked. And its the last day of the month so why not go out with a bang. Soup turned out ok but first of all the sausage I bought just happened to be super greasy. Needless to say the broth reflects that. Its not bad its just that this is my favorite soup and its not up to par which annoys me. On to the recipe:

1 package ground sweet italian sausage
3 leeks
carrots
escarole
2 cans white beans, your choice
chicken broth
pepper, salt, garlic, oregano, basil

Brown sausage then add the leeks. After about 2 minutes add carrots, broth and remaining ingredients. Boil then simmer for 1 hour.

Good luck. May you do better than I.

My first show of the season. Friday February 12th and Saturday February 13th. More info on its way...

I have finally editted some of the photos for my new online shop. This weather and post show burnout have made me rather lazy. I can't say I feel like doing much of anything. Next step, actually upload them. Wish me luck or motivation. Either will do.

First look at the wall tiles. The photos did not turn out good. I need to set them up at home and take some shots. In the meantime here is one..

First glaze fire of the year. Olive trays.

Soup of the Week: Replaced by Turkey Chili
This week I thought I would try making turkey chili in the crockpot. I make very good chili but using turkey is new for me. I'm on a health kick. I'm 7 lbs lighter than I was in November and I have more to go. I usually cook very healthy anyways but calorie counting has made me realize what portions I should be eating and how to get more out of them. I should note I could huge portions because I like to have something healthy around the house all week. And if I make too much I just freeze it for a day when I'm too lazy or poor to cook. Also I'm Italian so I think I'm genetically coded to cook for families of 12 despite the fact I'm an only child.

For this recipe I used:
1 lb of ground turkey, 2 cans kidney beans, 1 can black beans, 2 green peppers, 1 red pepper, 1 white onion, one large can of tomato juice, cumin, chili powder, fresh ground pepper, fresh minced garlic, cilantro, taco seasoning, a bit of salt.

First I browned the turkey in a pan. After it was about 2/3s of the way done I added the fresh garlic and onions to give it more flavor. Then I transferred it to the crockpot and added the peppers, beans and tomato juice. I probably used 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning and cilantro and 1.5 tablespoons of cumin and fresh ground pepper. I didn't add much salt because the tomato juice has some already. It was in the crockpot for 6 hours.

I'm up for a Poppie! 

What does that mean you ask? Poppytalk, a great design blog is taking votes for a Handmade Awards Event. I was lucky enough to be nominated. How, I have no idea. I guess I have more Etsy followers than I realized. The most exciting part is the artists I am surrounded by. Diana Fayt, Heather Knight, and Ayumi Horie to name a few of the ceramic artists I follow. I feel like some of my hard work is paying off! And that is a good feeling.

Please go and vote here.

New work in the studio.

As I was bisquing my first round of work from January I took on 2 tasks. The first being a photo shoot for work for my web shop. Also known as "my least favorite thing to do". Bleh. After le photo shoot I decided to work on some pendants. I can say I have any clear direction right now with my work. I'm just playing and figuring out what juried gallery exhibits to enter and which festivals this summer I wish to endure. I can tell you this, it will be a lot less than last year.

Shows are tedious for many reasons. The first being I'm a ceramics artists and my work is heavy. I love lugging it around in the hot summer weather and trying to set up the stupid tent. Then I get to answer questions like, "Did you paint this yourself?", "Why is this so expensive?", and of course "Do you make a living off of this?". Welcome to my hell.

Next are the show organizers and fellow vendors. Not everyone can organize a show. You have to take on the task of dealing with a lot of complaints and anticipating everything that could go wrong and planning for it just in case. Some people in this town = epic FAIL at organizing. And most of the time you get good neighbors but everyone once in awhile you get the loud mouth who I like to call sale stealers. You are sitting there talking in a normal tone of voice but the person next to you is so loud that it distracts half your customers all day long. Usually this person has mediocre work and an excessive amount of entitlement.

This is why I enjoy 2 things: my open studio sales and online shops. The studio sales draw in customers who want to see where artists work. Intelligent questions usually follow. And with online I can spend less time dragging ceramics across town and more time actually making work. Hopefully more gallery representation will follow this year. I'm a better artist than a salesperson and I would like to leave the selling up to someone else most of the time.

New work from the studio.

Some new mugs. Lots of curves and assymmetry along the bottom with some sprigging for design. All of the handles have been textured. 2 have thumb rests. Playing with ideas. There are 16 of these. I want to glaze them in a matte black along the bottom half with aqua or bright purple on the remainder of the exterior and the interior. With a slight overlap I will get a nice third shade. The black and aqua creates a metallic green. The black and purple creates a ultramarine blue. I will post more soon. I hope to bisque these this weekend along with the trays.

Soup of the Week: Pasta Fagioli. Mmmmm.

I wanted to try a new soup this week. I didn't use the crockpot for this one. Its a yummy tomato based bean soup in case you were wondering. Sorry for a lack of measurements. I don't measure when I cook. I just go for it. My ingredients:
Orzo
Can of diced tomatoes (slightly pureed)
Chicken bouillon
Turkey bacon (the original recipe called for a fancy Italian ham or bacon. I opted for something more healthy)
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Escarole
White beans. I used 4 cans. 
Pepper, Garlic, Oregano, Basil
Olive Oil

Saute the bacon in a separate pan. Then remove and dice. This eliminates some of the greasiness from affecting the soup. Then in the soup pot add the bacon and the onion and olive oil. After a minute or two add the carrots and celery.
Next add water and the remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil. Then lower heat and cook for one hour. I used too much water for the broth but it turned out yummy nevertheless.

Project for the week: photographing artwork. Kill me now.

I am working with a friend to create a shop on my website. I love Etsy but I get so many hits on my site I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of potential customers. I also feel like maybe my work is getting lost in the shuffle. Somehow the whole does not know about Etsy. Seems impossible at this point but working with that point of view I think 2 online shops is the way to go.

All of this means I get to do my least favorite chore of all, photographing my work. I hate it. Its boring, some of my glazes don't like the same lighting as others, and some glazes are so shiny the glare is horrendous. I've tried all the tricks, etc. Lightbox, natural light, whatever. I don't care what anyone says because I will never like this chore. I rather take care of my accounting and that says a lot.

After taking photos comes the joy of cropping and editing on Photoshop. I also have to measure each piece. Another tedious task. Then shipping costs must be worked out. I have this down now thanks to my Etsy site but still I sometimes misjudge. I like to pack things with excess amounts of bubble wrap. I've only have 2 orders break in 3 years. Still more than I would like.

So as I begin this chore wish me luck. In my head I hope to have this whole shop thing live by the end of February. I think its a realistic goal but I'm in no rush. However the potential of selling online and dealing with less shows makes it all worth while.

 

 

New Work, Round 2.

I am the proud owner of a new slab roller. While shopping on Bailey Pottery Supply I found a great table top model. Perfect for what I need and have room for in the studio. I started making these little trays. It had been a long time since I played with the ideas of trays. For my thesis show I made all tray sets so I think I burnt myself out. 

This round has a geometric design on what I will describe as a leaf shaped tray. I made 7 for the first batch. Each one is different. My old tray sets were rectangular or square so these are definitely more organic. Not sure how to glaze them yet. I'm going to make some more with different stampings so perhaps I'll chose a color for each series.

New work. Round 1.

I have been trying to work on wall pieces for 3 years now. I have had little time to experiment. Lately I have felt like I am making work to sell, not making work to create. Therefore one of my goals for 2010 is to experiment and not worry if I have enough to sell or anything to sell. Come what may.

The first set of wall pieces were more like canvas. I constructed the boxes but the edges seemed so harsh. Then I tried using a foam mold. Again the shape was not quite right. Then of course holiday shows came and I abandoned my wall tiles.

The current piece above is essentially 2 tiles pressed together. There is a slight pillow quality to them so that they do not sit flat against the wall. There is a bit of a sculptural quality about them. Right now in my head I want these to be glazed in the gunmetal black/grey. I'm not sure how this will evolve but for the meantime I'm happy with the first round. I have made 6 and the construction is the best since the previous trials. I'll keep you posted on the progress. And in case you are wondering this one measures 5 inches square but it will shrink a bit.

Better late than never?
Here are some pics from the Bazaar Bizarre westside show. Why did it take me so long to post them? One word: vacation. Anyways, enjoy. You won't see me at a show till April. Until then I'll be hiding in my studio.

I'm trying to be a good blogger. And with the nice set up of scheduling blogs I can write them and then set a time for them to post. So when I'm snug under a blanket with my loyal space heater by my side on Sundays I can get a lot done. Sunday is usually cooking day for the week. I've been trying to make a soup a week. Its healthy and keeps me eating that way throughout the week when I often don't have time to cook. I also got a crockpot for Christmas which I'm very excited about. I've decided to start posting some of my food creations. Eating is something I love. And since I make dishes it kinda goes hand and hand. Below is my first crockpot creation: southwest stuffed peppers. I needed something vegetarian after a week of meat for Christmas. Please excuse the blurry picture. I'm trying to not be OCD about this.

The recipe called for:
4 large green peppers
1 cup rice
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1/2 cup green onions
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Mix together ingredients and stuff peppers. Cook on high for 4 hours. 

All and all a good recipe however I made a few alterations. I tried using a yellow pepper along with the green and I think that was a better choice. I added more cumin then the recipe called for along with some taco seasoning, fresh ground pepper and garlic powder. I also served them with fresh avocado slices. I'm not a cheese eater (and cheese was called for in the original recipe). So creamy avocado-ness was perfect.

After trying this recipe I think the time I will use less corn, more beans and salsa and cilantro. It was definitely missing something and I think the cilantro was it.

I think my next recipe will be turkey chili. I really want some chili but again I'm meated out from the holiday season. We'll see how that turns out.

52 Weeks 52 Works

A great way to start off the New Year! I am once again featured in the calendar put out by AGC: The Creative Advantage. Every year they have a call for artists and feature some amazing regional talent. My teapot below is included.

The focus this year is working on some new ideas. I did a lot of shows last year. I'm going to do less this year. I have wanted to make wall pieces for years now but I have never had the time. Due to my inventory I am at a place where I can experiment. I plan to take full advantage of it.

Please check back often and I will try to be a good pottery blogger.

Cheers to a fabulous 2010!

Hand Building Class with Gina DeSantis

 

This class will focus on creating hand built clay vessels (both functional and sculptural). We will also integrate texture and pattern to create one of a kind pieces. Topics will include carving, sprigging, stamping, inlaying, stencils, and sgraffito. This class is designed for all levels of ceramics artists from beginners to more seasoned students.

Dates: Mon evenings 7-9pm, Jan 4th - Jan 25th (4 weeks) 2 SPOTS LEFT!

***just added OR Thurs evenings 7-9pm, Jan 7th - Jan 28th (4 weeks) 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Fee: $105 (The class fee includes one 25lb bag of clay, all glazes and firings.)
Payment is due upon registration.
 
(Sign up soon. Class size is limited. Maximum 6 students.)

Location: Lake Erie Building at the Templar Industrial Park
13000 Athens Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107

Contact Gina DeSantis at artzy_grl@yahoo.com for more information and to register.

The last installment of my life in list form for 2009!

1. Today is my last show of 2009. Please visit my hot mess of a studio for sales. Please bring me baileys.
2. As I enjoy the first Christmas in 3 years because the last 3 years I worked in retail hell. I am reminded that:
-I loved being a merchandiser. But I hated when the managers undid all of my hardwork thus sending me into a meltdown.
-I hated leaving work covered in sweat and glitter. I think perhaps this is how strippers feel.
-I hated ungrateful customers who seemed to think that you get paid to deal with their holiday craziness. Guess what, we didn't.
-I am happy I got laid off because if I didn't I would probably still be trapped in retail purgatory forever.
-There is nothing like working at a "lifestyle center" aka faketown when you have a Masters degree.
-There is nothing like being treated like a moron because customers equate working in retail with stupidity. Again, MFA so bite me.
-I hated that people thought posters that were framed (badly) were made my local artists.
3. Next week commences the making of yummy holiday foods: manicotti style crepes, wedding soup, stuffed olives, and pizelles.
4. Next week commences 2 weeks off. Not only do I not work in faketown anymore, I have 2 weeks off.
5. With these 2 weeks off I will sleep a lot, work out, eat, drink, be merry, and clean the hot mess of a studio. Can I fill 2 weeks with these things? Oh, yes. Yes I can.
Merry Christmas!

Super Duper Sale of Awesome-ness

Here is the deal...The Last Minute Market is my last holiday show of the season. I have some new ideas in my crazy little head and I need to clear out some older work. Stop by my studio (on the 3rd floor) or my table on the 2nd floor to get some deals on cups, bowls and ornaments!

See you this Saturday from 10-6pm.

The 3/50 Project

Did you wonder where your money goes when you shop at a big box store? How much of it goes back to the community vs. how much money goes back when you buy from a local, independent business?
Visit the 3/50 Project page to learn more about sustaining your local economy.

A few Cleveland area stores I recommend:
Local Girl Gallery, Lakewood, OH.
Bay Arts, Bay Village, OH.
Banyan Tree, Tremont, OH.

Also search on etsy for "clevelandteam" to find the Cleveland Handmade Team's work. A wide variety of work from a group of very talented artists.

Last Minute Market Love

Check out a great article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer by Evelyn Theiss about the Last Minute Market and Open Studio events. Read it here.

Open Studio Press

In case you didn't get to check this out here is a nice article about the Lake Erie building. Read it here.

Some of the artists in the building will have their spaces open during the Last Minute Market on Saturday, December 19th from 10-6pm. If you missed the first open studio event this is a good opportunity to check it out.

Remember the Last Minute Market is this Sat, Dec 19th. Valerie Tyler, one of the Cleveland Handmade artists has been doing a great job showcasing artists from the group. Check out her blog to see what Cleveland Handmade has to offer. That is one of her foxy necklaces pictured above. Check out her etsy site for more!

The Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is this weekend!

Visit me this Saturday and Sunday (Dec 12th & 13th) at 1300 w.78th St. in Cleveland.

Noon - 9 pm Sat

Noon - 6 pm Sun

Support local artists and DIY. Shop handmade this holiday season!

For all the eastsiders be sure to check out Animals in Art at the Orange Art Center

(also on the 12th & 13th)

10am - 4pm Sat

noon - 4pm Sun

located at 31500 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike.

Happy Holidays!

As most of you know I have my studio in the Lake Erie Building (aka the Screw Factory). When I moved to Lakewood I never knew it existed. I am from Lorain, a city with nothing to offer artists. My first studio post grad school was supposed to be this great space. I was lucky to have a place right outside of school to work and I found a used kiln. But I was in the hood of Cleveland. Don't get me wrong, I love Cleveland but I can't say I was somewhere I felt safe.

After a series of issues in this space I decided to leave and start shopping around. My friend Ruth told me about the Screw Factory open house she had attended. I checked out the space and decided to call it my new studio home. Because I had to get the hell out of dodge I had to move before my studio was actually built. The landlord was kind enough to let me store my equipment and supplies for free. The tenants were few at that time but my stuff was left untouched and safe during its stay. I could already tell I was going to love the place.

Once I finally settled into the studio I quickly got to work. It was nice for the first time since school and the last studio nightmare to have a space to call my own. No distractions, no one else to deal with. It was my bubble. Often there is nothing I would rather do than spend a Friday night in my studio with some beer and some clay.

After being there for a year I proposed to my neighbors that we do an open studio. The response I got was tremendous. It quickly snowballed and everyone chipped in time, energy and money to help. The amount of tenants has tripled since I first rented a space. The last open studio event tripled in size as well. I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be. I am surrounded by a group of talented and diverse artists. They are some of the best neighbors I could ever ask for. The energy is amazing and I can say that these events are truly a collaboration. The community has been kind enough to give us support and I'm happy to call Lakewood my home.

I love Cleveland but I recognize that there are always going to be people checking in on me to see if I've failed. And I will fail at things. But that's the only way I'll get any better. I'm happy to be right where I am at. I only hope you can say the same.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my artwork throughout the years. And thank you to everyone who has supported these open studio events. Your kindness will never go unappreciated.

Yesterday was the Cleveland Handmade Market at Wooltex Gallery. I was scarf sitting for Shannon Okey. It was a good day despite the cold. You have one more chance to check out the Cleveland Handmade crew on Dec 19th at the Lake Erie Building (home to the Screw Factory Artists). It will be a big show. Join us from 10am-6pm.

Snowflakes have been filling the studio. As well as stars, trees, and christmas bulbs. Enjoy.

Things you can buy me for Christmas to make me happy. (Or things I will buy myself with Christmas show earnings!) Enjoy the work below. Remember to buy handmade this holiday season.

This Saturday, December 5th from 10-6 you can find me and my work at the Cleveland Handmade Market. This event will be held at the Wooltex Gallery located at 1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, 44114. Its in the same building as Artefino.

It should be a great day of holiday art shopping in Cleveland. Terravista Studios located at 1400 E. 30th St. will be open. And Bridget Ginley who is located on the same floor will be selling her awesome cards, prints, paintings and ceramics as well. In addition the ArtCraft building is holding their annual holiday sale.

The Cleveland Handmade Show includes work by LazyTcrochet, Silver Made Studio, Susan K Jewelry, smashing, urbanartifaks, Les Trois Fleurs, mtmarge7, deglass, jenuin, pvialewis, Sara Riley, Lise Anderson, knitgrrl, Cherubs Blanket, Bread and Roses 2, Ms. Kitty's Closet, Simple Elements Design, snollygosters, Gina DeSantis

Great shopping all around! Hope to see you there.

Find me and my dog dishes and cat bowls tomorrow evening at the Animals in Art Exhibit. The Patron Party is Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm. Tickets are $30 in advance or at the door. Call 216.831.5130 to purchase tickets. This event benefits both the Orange Art Center and the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. The exhibition will be up all week during normal business hours (Mon-Thurs, 9:30-4). Then on December 12th & 13th stop by the OAC for a craft sale which is free and open to the public. The show is 10-4pm on Sat and 12-4pm on Sunday. I hope to see you there!

Holiday Calendar for the Month of December!

Sat, Dec 5th:

Cleveland Handmade Market at the Wooltex Gallery.

Sat, Dec 12th & 13th:

I'm pulling double duty. Find my work at the Orange Art Center's Animals in Art Craft Sale which is in conjunction with the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. A portion of the sales benefit both organizations.

Also find me at the Bazaar Bizarre at the 1300 Building on w. 78th St. I'll be there later in the day. Be kind to Becca and Kate who are manning the table for me.

Fri, Dec 18th:

TBA in Little Italy. When I know details, you will know details.

Sat, Dec 19th:

Cleveland Handmade's Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Building. I will have a table on the 2nd floor with the lovely Ruth Sholtis-Furyes in charge. And I'll be in my studio on the 3rd floor as well. Bridget Ginley is also joining us!

As of December 1st:

4 shows down, 5 to go. some great. some not.

30 more soap dishes made for the next 5 shows. so not enough.

then i broke 1. 29 soap dishes.

125 new ornaments made. lots of snowflakes. and new christmas bulbs which are hopefully nice to look at.

1 bad elf beer in the fridge. saving it for an evening at home which probably won't be till saturday.

3 kiln firings in 4 days.

i just want my bed....