Blue bowl with Yellow leaves

A tedious process, but oh, so worth it! 

The leaves are a velvety texture.

And the journey continues...

Winter has arrived!  It was 12 degrees F. today, with crunchy snow underfoot on the way to the studio.  Someone (me) forget to leave the heater on, but my well-insulated studio was 50 degrees and quickly warmed to a reasonable temp.  My friend, Susan, stopped by to help unload the kiln and share the joy!
FYI,  the Rising Trout Coffee Shop in Lewistown is carrying my coffee cups.  I will be, Lord willing, at the Spotted Horse Gallery in Lewistown during the Christmas Stroll (11/29 from 4 pm to 8 pm), and hope to see you there.  Also, I'll have some pieces at the Stanford Gallery the month of December.  And, my friend, Sue, has agreed to host my first home party.  So much and so many to be thankful for!

 

One example of a stein; they are about 5 - 7" high and hold 16 oz. with the foamy head.

These are mini-vases.

And Mini-bowls.

Another coffee cup(:

October 2013

After Hay Days, I took time to visit my family in Georgia; it is wonderfully enriching to share life with grandchildren and their parents!  My computer must have missed me, for it was "ill" when I returned.  Dr. Nathan worked his cure, and I should be able to post again.  The photo above was the last kiln load of new pieces, mostly special orders.  I ran into some unexpected issues, not surprising as this is how I learn and, Lord willing, continue to improve.   Have a very blessed day!

Hay Days, September 8, 2013

The Hay Days celebration was a success!  Making many "Coff-Hay cups" and several "Mon-Hay" style paintings, printed on note cards, was worth the effort.  I think I make about $0.02/hour, but all worth it to do what I love doing.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by my tent, to visit, comment, and/or purchase - we had a great time! 

My Pottery & Painting Booth in Utica, MT, 9/8/2013.

My Sister, Betty, helping with everything!  THANKS, Betty!

Pottery - fresh out of the kiln

This was an interesting firing.  Some pieces seemed to have gotten too hot, and I'll have to refire them, or let Frank use them for clay pigeons on the shooting range!  There are so many variables to consider, including our hot summer weather.  Unexpected results on some pieces, though, offset the disappointment of a few unacceptable pieces.  All in all, a good day!  I'm preparing for Hay Days in Utica on September 8, 2013 ... Hope to see you there!! 

Coff-Hay Cups

French Butter Dishes

A beautiful, unexpected blue and celery bowl

Wouldn't this make great candy dish?

Candy Dish

 This piece has unusual glaze and underglaze -

Two-piece plate set (medium and small)

Cordial or Egg Cup

Cordial cup

Catching up - how time flies!

Over the past few weeks, I've been working on enough pottery to start another bisque today.  I'll post photos as soon as possible   Also, highlights included baking a delicious wild gooseberry pie - thanks to Pat and Sarah for inviting me up to pick some of their gooseberries!  Picking and processing our chokecherries - a very good year for chokecherries.  Watching hummingbirds ... and more bunnies.  A few pieces of pottery entered in the Judith Basin Fair received Best of Show (small beginnings!).  And, I was blessed with taking Michael Capser's workshop last weekend ... results posted below:

Blue Rutile Glaze

I love Blue Rutile glaze.  It works well by itself, as well as over or under other glaze colors.  The twisted handle cup holds 8 oz.  Twisting clay adds a whole other aspect to building; just because you can twist clay, that doesn't mean it won't break apart.  I'm not a production potter and I don't intend to become one.  Each piece is unique and gets my special attention.  I love being challenged every day to make something new and something better.   Thank you for visiting my blog(:   

More Pieces

Baby Blue with botanical texture.

Celery Green with black underglaze (turns blue!)

Nothing like a COLD beer -

According to my expert consultant, this chilled mug keeps a beverage much colder than in a chilled glass.  Cheers!

The results "work" by Lily and Ella

Granddaughters Lily and Ella had their first pottery lesson this summer - and the results were sent to GA.  I know their mom and dad will appreciate the love and attention they put into making them. 

Painting on Pottery

I used texture and glaze to paint a landscape onto this piece (sold).  It is a way of combining my love for painting with making a pottery piece (platter) ... I hope to do much more of this!

Bowls, Vases, and Various Vessels

Medium Bowl - $20

Medium Bowl - $20

Cordial & Shot size - $10 each

Medium Vase/Bowl - $20 each

Vase, or cup, or pencil holder (10 oz.)  - $20

Medium Vase or pencil holder - $20

Coffee/Tea Cups - each uniquely created from a lump of clay(:

Medium (8 oz.) - $15 each or $25/set of 2

Large (12 oz.) - $20

Large (12 oz.) - $20

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Large (12 oz./NFS) - $20

Small (4 oz.) - $15

Newest Pottery Pieces

The results of this firing were good!  I'm so thankful when things "turn out" yet realize there is always more to learn, more to do - and that is a positive thing.  This is definitely a journey I'm enjoying ... and hope you do, too.  I've been asked to add prices to pieces, so I've done that (no pressure!).  Please contact me at pmatlosz@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing a piece.  I know...I need to get Etsy set up.  Be blessed!  

Working on "Viking Mugs" - they will hold 16+ ounces.  NFS yet.

Small Creamer & Sugar Set $25

Medium "Thumb" plate with oxides & texture - $30 (sold)

July 2013 Art Endeavors

Hi - It has been a while since I've posted - summer needs to be much longer!  The Rising Trout display went well.  They sold two coffee cups(:  Thanks to whomever purchased them!!  And thanks again, to the Rising Trout folks!
Here is the brief "first look" at my most recent kiln load.  I'm working out details on the two "Viking Mugs" - and I'll post more detailed photos of the other pieces soon.  Please contact me directly if you are interested in something ... and I always appreciate your comments.  Have a beautiful day!

Beer Mugs - 16 oz. +, holds a chill way better than a glass.