WillowAK Pottery

November 22 . . . Willow Holiday Studio Art Tour Handmade gifts galore . . . and a fun day in Willow!  Please mark your calendar and round up your family and friends to join you on the self-guided tour of three studios, many more artists!

It is one of those weeks where I'm not doing much in the studio, but am having some other fun experiences.  Monday I refreshed my training in how to tend the Willow Creek Studio for Joan and Scott, who are engaged with wedding activities this week. Also stopped to shelve books at the library, where staff is busy with inventory, a time-consuming task. Tuesday evening the Iditaquilters met and there were so many "show and tells" that we never did get to the  paper piecing program, so that will now happen in October.  Lots of beautiful work is created by the talented quilters in this area. Wednesday the knitting group met at our home; never a shortage of conversation when we gather.  Nice to have this weekly "meeting" to stay on top of community news.  Thursday a small group gathered for a fun stepping stone workshop. Designed our stones and fastened whatever was being adhered to them, and will return in a couple of weeks to do the grouting.  I brought a b...

Am happy to report that the Willow Art Studio Tour was a great success. It reminded me of a progressive social with guests moving from one studio to the next, picking up their conversations where they left them off down the road.  The energy was positive, neighbors were meeting one another for the first time, people were learning about several different creative processes, and they were buying gifts for home and friends. Feedback has been very encouraging. The door prize gift certificate at WillowAK Pottery was won by Patty Anderson of Willow.   Congratulations to Patty, and THANKS to all of you who participated in the tour.  If you missed it this time around, stay tuned.  We are planning a similar event for November -- probably on the 22nd. When we debriefed after the tour, it was obvious that not only those ON the tour had a good time; those of us opening our studios for the event also had a good time! Win-win! Next time, I must remember to have some photo...

Still liking the simplicity and richness of this glaze combo! When's the last time you worked on something for hours and accidentally deleted it all?  Just happened to me, and it's been many years since I carelessly took a fatal action while the whole document was highlighted -- and then couldn't figure out how to backtrack to retrieve the work I'd done.  Guess it means "overs" for this blogger. First things first.  Enjoyed a recent visit from Anchorage friends who came up for an afternoon. Still seems strange to have time in the middle of the day for six adults to get together for a leisurely lunch and conversation -- on a week day! No photos. When we hit 90, the photos may begin again! Had a great weekend with Jon's family, including  a quick stop in by Sara's family on their return from camping. Sunday was a nice float on Willow Creek with my three fellow floaters:   Jon on the oars. Otter on watch -- when not snoozing Else on t...

Plans are underway for a Willow Art Studio Tour on August 16, 11:00 - 4:00.   Maps will be available at Willow Creek Studio, mile 69.5.   Those putting plans together are glass artist Bonnie Church, painter and shadow box creator Penni Cross, Willow Creek Studio owner Joan Thompson, and myself. Watch for more details -- and mark your calendar for August 16! There will be plenty of yarn bowls this time!  Here's what I unloaded from a bisque kiln today: Any knitters or crocheters on your gift list? Large platters, colander and serving dishes. Bowls, mugs, vases, and tumblers. A failed attempt at Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.  I'll try again. The above items, with the exception of the nativity figures, will be glazed and available during the Willow Art Studio Tour.  Scott Thompson will be demonstrating wood carving at Willow Creek Studio, where artist Penni Cross will also be featured; Bonnie Church will be showing glass work in h...

Thank you, John, for beautiful roses and wonderful cherries! Thanks to all who stopped by last weekend.  We had two good days of visiting with folks who came from Anchorage, Eagle River, and Willow for the Open Studio. We met some pottery collectors and neighbors we'd not preciously met, and sent many porcelain pieces off to new homes.  Some of the work that is still here will soon become available at Willow Creek Studio in Willow, Town Square Art Gallery and All I Saw Cookware in Wasilla,  Non-Essentials in Palmer, and various knit shops.  My apologies if you came specifically for yarn bowls, of which I had only one available by the time last weekend rolled around. The best supply of those is currently at The Tangled Skein in Eagle River; I'll soon focus on making more of them in order to replenish several yarn shops that are awaiting yarn bowls, and will let you know when those are delivered. Yes, the door prize winner of the gift certificate has been notifie...

Had a fun day at The Great Alaskan Painting Retreat today, and will return for a second day of painting tomorrow, close by at Nancy Lake.  The Painted Ladies do a nice job with events; I feel fortunate to be able to participate and learn. But, of course my mind is also on the upcoming WillowAK Pottery Open Studio this weekend. Have done some baking for it and unloaded the final kiln load of work this morning.   These photos will give you a preview of some of the work recently completed, as well as the setup for the weekend: Front hall rack is full -- including French butter dishes Added more work to the sage celadon and blue collection Felted, wool bowls MADE of yarn -- not dispensing yarn. Fluted, serving bowl -- probably my favorite from today's kiln. Brown sugar keepers -- for fun, and they work well. Rectangular servving platter -- maybe THIS is today's favorite. Rack with the bright colors, fish plates, coasters, and small trays. ...