Q & A Time about WillowAK Pottery
Every question is a good question...and I get many of them. Thought I'd answer a few.
1. How are the porcelain and antler buttons used?
I've seen others use them on quilts, as ornaments on mini-trees, and embellishments on headbands, hats, purses, slippers, phone pouches, etc. Here are a few I've put on knit items. The porcelain buttons are fish, bear, moose, spruce, cabins, and hearts; antler buttons are from caribou and Sitka deer. All are $4 each. If you dry in a dryer, I recommend turning the knit item inside out to provide some protection for the button from clanking around against the inside of the dryer.
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| Button, button, who's got the button? |
Most of my pieces are made of a porcelain clay ordered from Tacoma, WA. Although more costly than stoneware and most other clay bodies, it is easier on my hands than a stoneware or any clay with grog. It's considered a "high-quality clay." When really thin, it has transparency and it also brightens glazes a bit. Once a potter invests in a collection of glazes that "fit" a certain clay well, it makes sense to continue with the same pairing. I did use a brown clay a few years ago to experiment a bit; although I loved its warm color, it was complicated working with two such different clay colors in the studio, keeping them separate from one another.
My answer should also include the fact that I've used the same clay for many years so know what to expect from it and what not to ask of it. That's especially important when it comes to shrinkage and the "fit" of glazes. From personal experience, I know that the clay I use has held up beautifully to microwave use multiple times a day for 15 years... and counting, that it is oven-proof and dishwasher safe. We know better than to put it on a grill or to expose it to sudden extreme temperature changes. Functional and durable, it serves well and looks good! Yes, if it crashes to a tile floor, it usually breaks and you have an opportunity to search for another piece of pottery to take its place.
3. Do you offer pottery lessons? Would you offer pottery lessons?
No, I do not currently offer lessons. After being an educator for about 30 years and after sharing space in the UAA ceramics studio with a wonderful group of others, I was ready to focus on what I was learning and not having to pack up and clean up after each studio session. I was ready to spend time in my own studio doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, how I want to do it, etc. Occasionally, I've had a group in to create something with clay; Garden Club ladies had a workshop to make vases, library summer reading group made pieces in the studio, and occasional visitors try their hand at being a potter. Because there are several commercial businesses in the area that are set up for providing pottery instruction, I typically refer those seeking lessons to look into those businesses in Wasilla and Palmer.
Right now, I have a bum shoulder, so am not throwing at the wheel. If that continues, I may change my mind about lessons. They would, however, only be for people I could completely trust to follow directions since there are many safety issues to consider, there are "best practices" to follow, and the tools/equipment/supplies are vulnerable to damage by improper use. Sometimes I feel selfish keeping the studio to myself, but quickly that feeling disappears. It's my happy place. I love being in it to create, and appreciate having full control over how the studio space is used. My use of it is with care and appreciation. Repairs are not easy to come by in Willow!
I did turn on "allow" comments for this post, although I don't see it offered as an option. So, if you have a question, or want to comment, please drop me a note. Most other posts show pieces of pottery I've made. Are some occasional Q&A posts of interest? Ask questions if you have them, using the link below.
Thanks. ~ Carol
