WillowAK Pottery

'Tis looking a lot like fall here today, the ground blanketed with yellow leaves.  We took our raft out on the lake after supper and it appears that canoes, kayaks, boats, and docks are being prepared for another winter.  Keith declared it a good day for cleaning some equipment in the studio, while he still could use outdoor hoses, so that's what he did.  What a guy! Love his help and support. So, it's one of those rare occasions when the studio equipment is clean; the display shelves dusted; the floor washed; and bats, tools, and aprons ready for another round.  Today a recent load of bisque ware was rinsed and waxed.  So, here's a look at what's coming next. Blaze King inserts ... have any spares? Oh, first, let me ask if anyone has a couple extra Blaze King inserts on hand that are not needed?  I'm making some for a family whose home burned in the Sockeye fire, but a Plan B is never a bad idea in case what I'm making isn't a good fit.  Think...

After 63 years (1948-2010) of back-to-school anticipation and excitement, I've adjusted quite easily to not deciding what to wear on the first day, not wondering who would be in my classes, and not staying awake for fear of oversleeping in the morning.  They were wonderfully interesting and rewarding years, but this retirement lifestyle is pretty nice. Look at all the fun things I get to make.  These are sitting on a 4" handrail, which will give you an idea of the size of each piece.   Yes, they continue to be pieces with personality -- some already adopted, others looking for new homes.  Let me know if you are interested in learning more about anything in this collection.  Sage with blue berries and leaf stamping The tuxedo or penguin look -- big enough for Bryan? Silk-screened pine cone and branches accent Many moose on the loose Free-spirit trees Dogs -- Willow's honored residents Fish headed upstream A pair of ...

Quite the summer so far.  Time for a glimpse at what's been going on in and around the studio. Many pieces in the last few glaze loads are out and about in the area -- in galleries, shops, and homes. New work is in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Palmer, Willow, and most recently, Talkeetna.  Love my hobby. More about that, later. These pieces share Stormy and Cadet Blues with Sage Brush:  serving bowls, berry bowls, trays, covered casseroles, French and other styles of butter dishes, mugs, tumblers, etc. These pieces are sporting Floating Blue glaze combined with lighter shades, including Shore Break: platter, French butter, vases, mugs,  covered casserole, condiment, and butter dishes. And these are glazed with Black Magic and Arctic White, with some grey and other accent colors: shallow serving bowl, plate, pie plate, mugs, covered casserole, large serving bowl, covered veggie dish, and goblets. The distinguished, tuxedo look. When the recent ...

A Good Time Was Had By All  -- at least I think so! Last Saturday's Willow Art Studio Tour had a good turn out of folks who seemed to enjoy visiting with one another and seeing the art work of local artists. The lucky winner of the $100 gift certificate from Willow Creek Studio is Natasha Webb.  If that name sounds familiar, it may be because her mother-in-law won the gift certificate last November!  Thanks to all who participated in the event one way or another. I'm happy to report that the fundraiser we had for Willow's Grow Your Library Fund raised $664, most of which was generated through the sale of  beautiful plants.  Hope it was a fun experience if you came; sorry you missed it if it didn't work out for you. Here are some photos showing displays of what we had for sale at the WillowAK Pottery studio: Large serving bowl Porcelain buttons - trees, cabins, sled dogs, bear, moose Joan's coiled bowls, wall hangings, quilts, and bags B...