We are hearing the noisy chatter of sandhill cranes; the drip, drip, drip of water running down the drain spouts; and the dramatic thump of snow slides off the metal roofs. We are not hearing snow machines or snow plows. This could be it! SPRING!!
To those of you who have been so very patient for pottery you've ordered, I thank you. When you said, "no hurry" I really believed you, maybe to a fault. It was not until today that I unloaded a bisque load of new pieces: bacon cookers, flower pots, French butter crocks, serving bowls, mugs, plates, and some just-for-fun pieces that are included in every firing. Forty-eight in all, and once they are glazed and fired again, you'll see images of many new pieces on a future blog posting and in the studio. If you placed an order, I will be contacting you directly to invite you to come take your pick. Here's a table full of porcelain pieces ready for glaze application. Please, no earthquakes in the coming week.
As I wandered through the studio today, I decided it's time to do a little promoting. With another limited tourist season ahead, I am revisiting how to clear shelf space in the studio, my happy place, so I can keep creating pieces with personality. Farmer's market in Willow maybe? Open studio days? Actually, my best marketing tool has been word of mouth. Thanks for spreading the word that there is pottery made and available in Willow, and do arrange to bring your friends, house guests and neighbors with you for a look. If you see something on the blog in which you are interested, a note to willowakpottery@gmail.com will generally get a quick response.
With winter behind us, knits may not be on your mind, but I do believe we'll see winter return in about six months. Plus, even in an Alaskan summer there is occasional need for the warm and cozy. And, there are always gifts to be given -- baby, graduation, birthday, house warming, anniversary, hostess, thank-you, retirement, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and more. Warm feet for you and others, year around, is nice, too. If you're interested in hand knit, one-of-a-kind items, consider:
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| Hand-knit gifts are treasures that keep giving. |
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| Cables are classic and stylish; these are 100% wool. |
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| If you are lucky, one pair of these will fit you. Hand knit, felted, 100% wool and warm. |
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| A few other goodies for the little ones. Yes, warm feet for all ages! |
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| Baby cardigan with matching boots. Easy care...washer and dryer friendly. |
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| Willow hats...soft, unique, and rustic. |
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| Cotton headband and fun pouches for phones or whatever. |
Thanks for looking and watching.