Pottery Dreams

There is one art that I would love to try, making pottery.  I already work with polymer clay but there is something about working with a material from the earth that is infinitely appealing to me. 

While taking Art in high school, one of our projects was to make something out of clay.  I made a a large bowl out of clay coils, smoothed it out and away it went to be fired.  When it came back I chose purple and yellow glaze and when it was done firing, I gave the bowl to my sister, who had just married and started decorating her home.  I loved that bowl and I don't even know if she still has it or if it was a casualty of one of her many moves.  I haven't even thought of it in years.  I'll have to remember to ask her what happened to it.

I would love to learn to throw a pot but I have so many projects going that I just don't have the time.  Martina, of Pottery Heaven  is obviously an expert in making pottery items.  She admits that when she first tried throwing, she was not very good.  But through perseverance and practice, she has steadily improved until she got the technique down.

Multicolored Pitcher

Sophisticated Coffee Mug

Small Bowl In Purple and Pink

Visit her ETSY Shop to see more of her work.

A Little Bit Of Heaven -- Pottery Heaven On Etsy

As Wednesday rolls around again, I realize that I haven't done my post for the Blogging Again Ring.  We're a little group of 9 who have pledged to promote each other through our blogs.

This week the topic is to feature one of our fellow members on our blogs.  I've was intrigued by the work of Martina Morton of Pottery Heaven on Etsy'

Martina is from the Toledo, Ohio area.  She and her husband have 2 young boys who are currently the focus of her life.  To quote Martina, "Her boys are only young once, so I'm trying to make them my first priority."

She joined Etsy in 2009, after a friend told her about the site, where she makes and sells the most wonderful pottery items. Etsy turned out to be a match since her engagement, wedding and the birth of her first son, left little time for shows or spending extended periods in her studio.  The birth of her second son left her even less.   With Etsy, she can list her products and basically forget about them until they sell.

Despite a husband and two young children, Martina still strives to work in some creative time while caring for those she loves.

This is my personal favorite,  Black/Green MetallicGlazed Pendant With Celtic Knot Relief

 

Another of her creations is this  Adorable Honey Pot with Sculpted Bee Knob

I love these  Spoon Rests  They are simple in design but beautifully textured.

For your wedding, she has Unity Candle Holders

 

And last but not least, I found this wonderfully glazed Small Cobalt and Ash Bottle 

I highly recommend that you visit her shop and see all the gorgeous hand made pottery items. 

 

Berkshire Bowls - Featured Artist

Scott of Berkshire Bowls started his business in 2010.  He's been in the technology field for several years and has run a sports game website since 2001.

Berkshire bowls was supposed to produce hand-turned wooden bowls
 Birch Stash Box With Spalting

 but as he let his creativity flow, it turned out to be so much more.  He makes stash boxes, wine glasses, bottle stopper, pens and more.  He searches the woods looking for a piece of wood can be turned into a fantastic hand-turned.  He always uses the wood from a felled tree or stump, not so much to be ecologically friendly(although, he see that as a plus), but,as he admits, to be a little frightened of felling a tree himself.
Curly Maple Wood Pen and Pencil Set With Gold Accents

Last year, he found a power tool on sale and not being someone who passes up a bargain, particularly when it concerns a power tool, he bought it.  In his quest to find something new to make with his new tool, he started making puzzles.

His shop is filled with things the delight both children and adults.  This paint-it-yourself  T-Rex Puzzle

would enthrall any dino loving child. And what child isn't fascinated by dinosaurs?

If you prefer, fully painted puzzles are available.  This F15 Jet Fighter Puzzle

caught my eye.  Scott also has some, what I would consider educational puzzle.  This one is a map of the United States,
As well as, several individual states.

He also has a line of wooden toys.  This Fire Engine Push Toy
would delight any young boy.

And this Blue Whale Push Toy
is just too darn cute!

And of course, there are bowls.  This Birch Wood Bowl With Knothole
is spectacular!

You should check this wonderful shop often, as Scott is always adding new creations to his repertoire. 

Scott can also be found here:

Berkshire Bowls on Face Book
Berkshire Bowls on Twitter
His Website

Crocheted Creations by Steph - Featured Artist

 Stephanie Gorgas is a crochet artist with a shop on GoodSmith.com .  She learned    
her crocheting skill from her Yiayia (her Greek grandmother) and she has been crocheting ever since.

All her lovely creations are hand crafted by her and she admits to rarely using published  patterns.  All her pieces are one of a kind, so even though she may make more than one of a certain item, there will always be slight variations in each one.

She also puts her crocheting skills to good use.  She participates in an organization called, Warm Up, America, which is a program of knitters and crocheters who create afghans for people in need.

If you would like to participate in this wonderful project, Stephanie suggests that you check out this site:

 Warm Up, America 

Stephanie's skills are evident in the wonderful products that she has for sale on the Goodsmiths.com shop.  I've just picked a few different items to feature from her shop, along with the links back to them.

Large Crochet Bowl by Crocheted Creation by Steph

Kid's Scarf And Hat by Crocheted Creations by Steph

Chair Throw and Matching Pillow by Crocheted Creations by Steph

Medium Depth Bowl by Crocheted Creations by Steph

Crocheted Coaster Set by Crocheted Creations by Steph