The Celadon Studio

New Color Way!

2010-11-17T08:18:00.001-08:00

So it has been a long time since I have experimented with color. But this combination has just totally won me over. The glaze recipes were off the internet somewhere and my last summers intern mixed up a bunch of them as teste. I just decided to glaze a few whiskey cups with them and totally fell in love. Feedback??? Coffee Mug $30
Whiskey Cup $18

Creme Brulee Dishes $14 each

And visit my updated etsy site!

maleaspottery

2 Days To Go!

2010-11-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, the last kiln is firing and I thought I would give you all a sneak peak at what is to come at the show this weekend. And a little extra something for the show: I have had my lovely friend Sarah of Anselblue Studios hand craft recipe cards for all of my pottery this season! That's right! You purchase a creme brulee dish, and you get a recipe for creme brulee! And yes, my pottery is oven, microwave, dishwasher and food safe. :) So Flame On! Creme Brulee Dishes
Olive Oil Dippers
Hot Toddy Cups

Spoon Rests

Cheers!

Oh, and the Twist Fair is this weekend Friday 6-9 ad Saturday 10-6. Be there!

2010-11-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, here we go again! Coming up this weekend is the Fall Twist Fair! Visit the website : www.twistfair.com for more info. I will get you some pics of my new work for this show in the next few days.

I have a bunch of new work. Including garlic graters, hot toddy cups, handled soup mugs and creme brulee dishes. And this go round, you get a free recipe card to go with your pottery. You buy a creme brulee dish, you get a fabulous creme brulee recipe card to help you use your new pottery! How fab is that! And it's perfect for gifting.

Cheers!

2010-08-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Last night I had an extra weekly session at the Easthampton Massage School . I had been with a friend on Friday night but my back was so wrecked and then I forgot to stretch my hamstrings at all after the Give Peace A Tri, relay triathlon I did on Saturday. I was able to get in to see my favorite current student, Brian, and he once again worked miracles. If you have never been, it is only $25 for an hour and they ask that you leave a $5 tip. If you are a deep tissue kind of person, just tell them when you call to book your massage. They are great at hooking up the right students with the right people.

After that bit of loveliness, I went back to the homestead and began the purge again. I am working off the 100 Thing Challenge. Trying to limit my personal belongings to under 100 things. I was able to drop off a box of books at a local used book shop last night, tossed out 3 bags of trash, Freecycled another bag of yarn and donated another 2 large bags of linens and clothes.

I have to be in Baltimore this weekend for a bout, but boy if I had the weekend free I would be sipping some cold beer and cleaning house. After these past few days of tossing out so many things easily, I quickly found last night that I am not likely to get to the 100 Thing maximum. I did toss out a few pocketbooks, but what about that fancy one I use for weddings, and that one is too cute, should be carrying it more, that other one was hand made and I would carry it more but like to try and keep it nice....ugh!

It has cleared out my tiny apartment quite nicely though. I am already wishing I took before and after pictures.

I have reached my yarn, book and linen purging max though. And no one is getting a hold of my ceramic collection. That just goes unspoken. Now t-shirts.....this is going to be fun!

Cheers!

100 Thing Challenge

2010-08-11T07:24:00.001-07:00

So, it's been a long time since I have even seen my own blog. Roller derby has taken over about 4 nights and every other weekend from my life and although I am blissfully in love with the sport, it has taken away from many other aspects of my life. One being able to spend any time in the pottery studio and the other being able to keep a tidy house.
So, reading over the yahoo news I discovered many people are taking the 100 thing challenge. I have decided to jump on the band wagon as well.
Yesterday I tossed out a 45 gallon bag full of shoes, towels, blankets and miscelaneous clothing. Today I put 2 bar stools out near the curb while I was running my bath, when I left for work they were already gone. Now at work I have a stuffed past capacity bag of yarn that I am going to put on Freecycle. Tonight, the local used book store is getting 2 small boxes of books that I read years ago and for some odd reason was holding on to, and some books that I just never could get past the first chapter.
Although I live alone, I have no closets so all my worldly posessions are out for guests to see. At times, it feels cluttered to me. So, I am going to start downsizing. I have given myself a month to get down to 150 items. We'll see how this goes.
The more gentle form of this I have found is the 365 day challenge. Where you simply give up/get rid of, one personal item a day. I think I am way beyond the one item a day realm. But I am counting some things in groups such as all my bicycle gear (gloves, shoes, helmet, bike, etc).

Any one else out to simplify their lives? Anyone trying the 100 Thing Challenge?? Anyone think I am going mad?

Happy Turkey (Cornish hen) Day

2009-11-26T13:28:00.001-08:00

Being as I am a happy singleton and I agreed to dog sit for my friends Dawn and Andy, I thought I would do a bit of update to my poor neglected blog.

Have I ever been busy! Last month I was at the fabulous Twist3.0, tomorrow my studio, The Celadon Studio is having their holiday open house (info on my website http://www.maleaspottery.com/). I was just at the studio getting things set up and 5 of our resident potters had already dropped off work, including some great upcycled crochet bags by Cara Taylor. I have some more work coming out of the kiln in the morning, and my studio assistant Juliet will be there all day to help people with their holiday shopping.

So, what have I been up to? My style has completely changed, I have a passion for each piece that I have not had for a while and I spend much more time working on the surface treatments and I think it shows.

Dahlia Cupcake Stand $48Dahlia Serving Bowl $38

Vine Latte Mug $32

Tall Vine Mug $32 Happy Thanksgiving to all. I wish everyone the best in this holiday season.

Cheers! Malea

I know...i know...

2009-08-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been really slacking on my blogging duties. But I wanted to get this in real quick. This Sunday instead of Saturday...(rain date) will be the Stone Soup Farm Chilifest!

http://stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com/chilifest

I will have a booth there with KILLER PRICES on older stock. Come out and say hi. Or at least try some tasty chili!!!

Here I am at the Mill River Marketplace.

2009-07-05T09:06:00.001-07:00

The place goes way back,but I am just doing a quick video of the main room I am in. In the other room there are about 6 more vendors, a coffee and sandwich bar and then there are antique dealers out in what used to be the garage bay.
So this is it...

It is really beyond me why there is a giant canoe in the middle of the room. It is a sample for sale for $2200. You can buy a brand spanking new one for $4500. I think it would crush the stop of my suv in! That thing has got to weigh a ton. The strange hologram man is here again, as well as about 6 new artisans and 2 more farm stands. Lots more veggies this week.

Tonight I am teaching a wheel throwing intensive for the studio on throwing off the hump. And my friend Jim is coming down with his special lady friend and her sister and the sister is going to get a one on one lesson this afternoon after the market.

Big day ahead, but the sun is shining and I have a giant brownie.

Cheers!

Updating the Etsy

2009-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

So, I posted to my Twitter this week that I was going to put up one pot a day on my Etsy site. So far so good. And My new cloud dome photo kit arrived yesterday in the mail! It made snapping shots of this mornings pot so easy! I had been taking them to work and using their cloud dome kit. But they have them pretty affordable on the web includes lights and the infinity board and it fit ever so nicely into my pantry! I now have a permanent photo studio right in my home and out of sight! So, this weeks Etsy listings have been for:

And I need to give a shout out to my friend Deb who's birthday is today and who just opened her own Etsy Site!!! Deb crochets wire jewelry. Check it out!

All right, time to get in some quick exercise before work today.
Have a wonderful weekend and hope wherever you are it is not as humid and rainy as it is here in New England. Ick!
Cheers!

Malea

A few quick pics

2009-06-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Buttons and such.
Have a great day.

I am so impressed

2009-06-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

I do a lot of donating to local schools and charities. Before I owned my studio I primarily gave away pottery to these events. Now I have the luxury of being able to teach from my space and share my love of clay with others. So I give free lessons.

This past weekend I had a lovely young studio guest, meet Lily.

I was blown away that this tiny girl not only could center by herself, but she made 5 pots all over an inch tall to boot! And this was her first time on the potters wheel!! Kudos to Lily! I can't wait to get her pots bisqued and back to her.

If you have ever tried to make pots on the potters wheel, you know how hard this is! I have permission to post these pictures of Lily from her mom. She will be checking in on the blog and it you would like to leave some comments here for her on how fabulous her daughter did...please do!

Cheers!

Mill River Marketplace

2009-06-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

So, here I AM. Waiting on Jen from the studio to get here with more pots and if i can pursuade her to bring me a burrito I will be al set. It is quiet today as the farmers don't have enough crops to bring this week, so next week it should be full. We are at the old Cahillane dodge sight in Northampton, right on Rte 10. Stop by...bring me iced coffee...
Cheers to all!

Malea Rhodes

Getting back to my roots

2009-06-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Some years ago when I was in college I began experimenting with surface design. Not of my own doing, but my pots were so clean and strong and I was tending to stick with such simple glazes that, although they were finely made, were quite boring. So my professors told me if I didn't start doing some sort of surface treatment I would have to come up with some sort of new forms. I went for surface design.

In the beginning I took to slip trailing, squirting mud on to your pot similar to how a baker would pipe icing onto a cake. The form I always returned to was the leaf. And here I am again.

Over the past few years I have tried to boycott the leaf. Force myself to not be such a perfectionist with my forms and glazing techniques. But, what I have found was I was never happy with the results. So, I set about around a month ago to return to my roots, do what came naturally, return to the form and design I had shut out.

And low and behold I am happy with my pots again!

Sometimes it just takes walking away to make you appreciate it.

These photos are all from my phone so the colors aren't as lovely as in person, but I will probably be doing a photo shoot soon and getting them on etsy shortly. This is my line. My permanent collection of pottery that I will continue to make for years. Love it or ...well, I don't really want another critique. College is over, Professor Chamberlain has retired, and I am making my bread and butter design that my hand feels so comfortable doing.

Green and amber, always.

Below are some new glaze tests that came out of the kiln today. The deep blue was supposed to be a violet shade, but I think I might add some more manganese dioxide and make it a little darker to use with our glossy amber. So the green and honey amber will be my pale line and the deep blue and dark amber will be the more color saturated line. Something new eh?

One Day Til Open House!

2009-05-21T20:14:00.001-07:00

Crazy week for me. Crazy in a good way. I was just telling a co-worker about the book The Secret , it is one of those things you either believe in it or you don't. No big deal, (really, I am sooooo not trying to preach here! ) but for me, it just happened to work! I have used the principals over the past several months and seen results, but then over the past few weeks WOW! I got a free extra night in my vacation cottage, I exceeded my goal at the Twist Fair, I got a big wholesale order and I paid off my loan on the pottery studio, a FREE day off work...then tonight I won tickets to the Warped Tour and a gift certificate to the Spoleto restaurants! It has just been my week! Fate or not. But it has been great!!!

Anyway....

Now we have the upcoming Spring Studio Open House and all sorts of good stuff is going on this weekend! This weekend is the fabulous Paradise City Arts Festival , if you haven't been, it is wonderful! It is at the local fair grounds and is a serious jurried arts show featuring everything from hand made clothing to sculpture. All the best local restaraunts have a booth so you can eat, Herrel's Ice Cream usually has a booth. Lots to do. In my opinion the only down fall is they charge $12 to get in. But in all reality, that is pretty cheap for a days outing.

So, after you go to Paradise City, stop by our Open House and round out your day at the Northampton Brewery Deck for a great locally crafted beer.

So, here are a few pictures of my latest jewelry designs. Soon to be available on Etsy!

AND.....you can now follow me on Twitter under: malearhodes

As always, Cheers!

Memorial Day Weekend, Buttons & Other Stuff

2009-05-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Yes, I have been slack on my blogging duties. I have been back to back with sales and such it seems since November. Snow Farm, The Greenfield Art Space Seconds Sale in March, Twist and the WEBS tent sale in May. And in the middle of it all I had a wonderful vacation.

For all of you that visited my booth at the WEBS tent sale, I am going to apply to the Cumming Sheep and Wool Festival next year. Fear not! Until then you can purchase my buttons from WEBS.

Many of you have emailed requesting information on my fabulous Vermont vacation cabin. I found it on craigslist, and the owners, Ron and Dottie, are simply lovely. It is just outside Ludlow, VT, about 15 minutes past Okemo Ski Resort.

Please contact : ron@unterman.com and mention you are interested in the studio. They also have a 2 bedroom cabin available that I am going to try and convince some girlfriends to go with me to this fall!

Here are a few more pictures:

This is a close up view of the cabin when I was standing on the deck.

This was the gas "wood" stove that kept me warm in the chilly mountain mornings.

This was the amazing sunset that I got to see each night. And yes, that is a lake in the background. The cabin comes with beach chairs and towels. You can walk to the beach from there!

FYI, off season this cottage rents for $290 for the weekend and additional nights are only $50. It has everything you could ever want from Calphalon pots & coffee pot, to a toaster & oven. Bring your own food and relax. Ron and Dottie, the owners, are great!

And on another topic. We are coming up on Memorial Day weekend. My studio, the Celadon Studio, is having their Spring Open House and Sale on Saturday, May 23rd, from Noon until 4. Morgan, one of the studio members is going to be doing wheel throwing demonstrations all afternoon just off the South Street Parking Lot. Bring yourself or your kids by to try your hand at the potters wheel, sign up for a one on one lesson, buy some great pottery or just hang out and chat with the potters.

You don't have to buy anything, we just want you to come out and support local artists!

The Celadon Studio Spring Open House & Sale
Saturday, May 23, Noon - 4pm

#38 Maplewood Shops, across from the Northampton Brewery in Northampton, MA.

My dear friend Sara made this baby Kimono this morning, finished this afternoon and used one of my hand made porcelian buttons. Just had to share:

And last but not least, I LOVE TO BARTER!!! If you have a skill, craft or something you would like to trade for pottery, buttons or lessons, shoot me an email: littlepottergirl@yahoo.com

I will always respond!

Cheers!

Malea

OPEN STUDIO!!!

2009-05-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Howdy everyone!
Back from vacation, survived the WEBS Tent Sale and ready to go another round!
This Saturday from Noon until 4pm is the Celadon Studio's Spring Open House and Sale.
Browse the work of all of our talented resident potters, try your hand at the potters wheel, sign up for a class, or just come by to watch the demonstrations.

The Celadon Studio
#38 Maplewood Shops (in parking lot across from Northampton Brewery)
Northampton, MA 01060
We have 10 wonderful potters with very different styles of work. There is sure to be something for everyone!

My Vacation Cottage

2009-05-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the wrap around deck at my vacation cottage. The owners house is right next door and they are fantastic! It is just a few miles past the Okemo Resort and totally stocked with anything you would ever need for vacation. Calphalon pans, cutting boards down to the hair dryer. I am happy to pass along info to anyone. It sleeps 2 in a queen bed. Okay...back to knitting.
Cheers!

Twist and Vacation

2009-05-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

Twist was a huge success, I certainly hope I get in to the next one as it is a juried show. And now I am heading on vacation!
I am going to Belmont, VT to this fabulous little cabinto relax, regroup, do some knitting and maybe a little writing.

I am hoping the rain will let me enjoy this deck a little bit.

And I relisted some things on Etsy, these are double sided! Front and back of the dragonfly branch pendant.

I will be out of touch for a little while as the cabin has no television or internet access. I am just going to relax!
A big thank you to Heidi and Juliet for helping me at Twist this past weekend and an upcoming shout out to Chicken Betty for offering to run my hand made button booth at the WEBS Fiber Fair!
See you all on the flip side! Oh...and I got a Flip video camera so I am going to start video podcasting a few pottery lessons...check back for updates!
Cheers!

First Twist Firing

2009-04-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Morning all!

I am just quickly going to share some photos my friend Jim took of my pottery last night as I was unloading the kiln. I am overall very happy with the firing. I felt like I was putting all my eggs in one basket, and was secretly crossing my fingers. But success!

Cheers!

This Weeks Lineup

2009-04-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Some new stuff from the kiln. I have updated some of the pictures on my website, and am in the
final stretch before Twist 2.0. This past weekend was my last weekend to throw. All I have to do now is bisque and glaze and do bunches and bunches of firings. But the bulk is done, and I am totally determined not to step foot in the studio the week of Twist unless it is to pack up something. I just want to be home assembling necklaces and pricing and packing things.
So there!
Oh, I need to recommend to everyone the Easthampton Massage School. It is in the rotary on 10 in Easthampton. They have a massage clinic where you get an hour massage for $25 and it is so incredibly worth it. The students have to log so many clinic hours before graduation and they completely know what they are doing. Caveat: you are in a room with 10 other people but everything is done very discretely. All you are thinking about is why you didn't do this sooner.
They are great, I had had headaches all last week thinking it was from being tired from long nights working on Twist...it was tension. I had the massage and magically I feel terrific! They recommend you tip $5. Go, go now. Call and make an appointment!
Cheers!

Damaged Goods Line, Amber Key Mug $24

Damaged Goods Knife Mug, $24

Damaged Goods Tonal Mug...I only have one of these and it may be mine...I love this color way.
Going to do a few more.

Carved Leaf Soy Bowl...this is a tiny soy bowl. The picture makes it look so big!
$10

Twist!

2009-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Just a few weeks away! I am making all the pots and necklaces I can to prepare for this great show. Some new stuff in my lineup...but limited editions. I have a Tree of Life fruit bowl, Peony Serving Bowls, Sunflower Serving Bowls, and fun new carved Soy Bowls! I am not bringing anything over $40 so live it up folks! Recession Proof Pottery is here!!!! Taking Cash, Check, Visa and Mastercard.

New Stuff on Etsy...and I finally figured out how to shoot the photos!

2009-04-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

This little beauty is one of my newest creations. I am trying the flower gig out since it's spring. Or I want it to be spring! It is $15 on Etsy.

This grayed tree is also a bit new. I am painting on the oxide and sponging it back. I rather like the result. It isn't as stark a contrast as the black on white but you can still see the tiny tree.

We little leaf necklace...it is just about the size of a dime.

This big guy is one of my first stoneware attempts. There is a bit more color in the actual piece, but hard to show the depth of it in the picture. The detail came out nice though.

And these beauties...well, the dragon flies sold already, but the leaf in front is on Etsy.

This is how the beads look when the first come out of the kiln! Totally black....but with the magic of the fabulous bench grinder.....

And then they start to come to life...

My seller name on Etsy is maleaspottery. All of these necklaces are strung on stainless steel, nylon coated wire that is approximately 16" long. And they all retail on Etsy for $15.

Its a deal for a tiny piece of one of a kind wearable art!

And Mother's Day is coming!!! Easter??? Passover??? Graduation?? Something...buy one already.

Cheers!

New Stuff for Twist 2.0

2009-03-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

So here is a little of this and a little of that. First up, my new wine cups:

New little soy bowls with snappy sayings...trendy I know, but very fun to make!

New blue and amber leaf mugs....I think these have Chicken Betty's name all over them!

And new tiny dragonfly necklaces. These are about the size of a nickel. This beauty is getting ready to go on my Etsy page.

Cheers!

Student work...and a shamless cat plug.

2009-03-17T06:21:00.001-07:00

Melanie...here is your 15 minutes of fame...the blue looks so bright. The mugs are awesome though! Good job for your first handles!

I know this isn't pottery, but she is cute on her little chair. I keep these stools in my kitchen so friends can chat with me while I am cooking. Olive sits on which ever one is closest to me.

Cheers!

Oh yeah, go to my website...go now...leave feedback...look at my etsy link...buy my stuff on etsy...more stuff to come.

I need your thoughts, comments, critiques...

2009-03-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is my newest design to date. I need feedback....puhleeze. I am pretty happy with it. it is a nice size mug, the handle feels good and it holds comfy in the hands if you are trying to warm them up on your tea in the morning. I have made matching soup bowls (with flat bottoms so I can bake French Onion soup in them), cups and serving bowls. I like the way the glazes layer over each other. And this is a new leaf thing for me, having it come off the pot...The colors are more lovely in person, but you get the idea. Thoughts? (I might be making it in a blue/amber combo as well). People like blue.

Okay...bring on the critique................

Seriously...ETSY! and a new gallery too...

2009-03-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

This is what I have up there right now...you need to go...at least make my a favorite or something so it makes me look good. : )

The bead store had the soft flex wire in sterling silver, and that stuff is so amazing to work with. nice and strong, it's 19 mini fibers bound into a cable wrapped in a soft clear coating. It is really flexible and soft. And now that I know it comes in sterling I don't think I will use anything else! Whoopie.

My student Melanie's pots came out of the kiln a few days ago..I will get you pics of that before she takes them home tonight.

I also just got into another gallery. This is the Lotus and Orchid in Keene, NH. They have an opening on April 3rd. If you are around you should check it out!

Okay...off to work!

I finally made it to ETSY!!!

2009-03-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

You would think I would have gotten around to it by now eh? Not like I don't work at the worlds most wonderful yarn store full time, teach a few private wheel throwing lessons at night and work on my own stuff on the weekends. I have plenty of time for other ventures no?

For several years as a potter I have enjoyed the barter system for things I can't or won't make myself. One of the things I have enjoyed bartering the most for (aside from MMO's handknit sweaters) is jewelry. So, I set out to start trying my hand at making some jewelry. And not only making jewelry, but making the beads myself! What fun. And it is finally something I can do at home watching tv and not have to spend every night in the studio to accomplish.

My etsy page is: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7006053

My user name there is maleaspottery and I have only 2 things up right now, but a bunch to come. This ETSY posting thing is actually quite time consuming. You have to photo the work, every piece gets 5 pictures, so you take 10, pick the 5 you like and then edit the crap out of them. Then you have to price it and write the description...it can take hours to list a dozen things. Kudos to those who live off ETSY alone!

Here are some of the listings, and lots more to come!

This tree guy is already spoken for. But I have about 20 more waiting to be sanded and finished. More to come!

New Crafts Venue in Ludlow.

2009-02-24T06:00:00.001-08:00

Greetings! If you happen to be in the area, I have put some of my work in a new little shop there. Trying to promote local (and women owned) businesses. Grand opening is February 28th.

Make a Smilebox greeting

If you around, pop in, or if you are a crafter she has really good monthly rates and takes NO commission! You basically just rent part of the space and she takes the rent out of what you sell, and sends checks out monthly. Miss Sara D...you should bring some of your little chickens over there!
And don't forget the Greenfield Seconds Sale coming up in 2 weeks! I have some REALLY cheap prices to get rid of the old so I can keep making new.
Info on the sale is on an earlier post. But I will post more closer to the date too.
Cheers!

Greenfield Sale-March 6th & 7th

2009-02-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

Real quick post before I forget...from running around like crazy all the time.

The Greenfield Pottery Seconds and More Sale is:

Friday, March 6 from 6-9

Saturday, March 7 from 9-2

It is held at the Greenfield Highschool and features about 40 potters, glass blowers, jewelry designers, woodworkers and fiber artists.

It is a really nice show and all the monies raised go to the Greenfield Center of the Arts.

Please go. There are all sorts of great items and at every price range for any budget.

And sometimes the wood bowl guy gives away freebies!

Great New Stuff

2009-02-14T10:00:00.001-08:00

So I just unloaded the kiln and am so happy with the new cups that came out! I have to share. So I am doing a mobile post, these are pics of the new potsm
, some of my student Jim's darker colored pots and my newest student Melony has the lighter colored ones.
Cheers!

Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspot.com

Mom's a felter!

2009-01-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

So my mom saw the pictures on this blog from my housewarming party and over the holidays expressed an interest in learning how to needle felt. I sent her a kit from work and this is her first project! Go mom!

Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspot.com

Finally!

2009-01-10T12:44:00.001-08:00

I updated my website! Go there. Go to the Contact page and email me with your feedback , or "sign the guestbook" just put guestbook in your subject line of an email and I will copy and paste your email to my webpage!

http://www.maleaspottery.com/

I will probably be continuing to do some work on it, but go in, click on all the links and let me know please if you find something that doesn't work, or if you seem to loop incorrectly. I think it is a little more contemporary and cleaner than my previous website. There is still a lot of room there for me to add things but I started simple so I could at least get it up and running.

Thanks in advance for takin' a look!

Tumbler $24

Stemless Wine $24

Oval Baker $58

Soy Bottles $32

Christmas Morning

2008-12-25T07:28:00.001-08:00

Well, it isn't what I expected to be having for Christmas morning but I am warm and safe and the bread that Jim gave me made it through security for the second time so my mom will get to experience Breadman's finest. I kept thinking they would at least have me unwrap it as it probably looks like plastic explosive...but with sunflower seeds.
Overall, life is pretty grand for me lately. I have no complaints. Wish everyone a most wonderful and safe holiday season.
Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspot.com

Stranded in Cleveland

2008-12-24T16:21:00.000-08:00

So i am stranded in Cleveland after my flight coming out od Chicago was 2 hours late. Heres my room, the picture i took of where i parked at the airport so i wouldnt forget and some pearl necklaces i have been working on in my "spare" time. I am now the lone soul at the bar with a bottle of Ravenswood Zin, portabella fritters and crab cake on the way. Very shaky flight on the way in...took 3 pills...still almost had a heart attack. Ugh. The next flight o am hoping they bump me to first class out of kindness. They are paying for the hotel and a $12 food voucher. A girl can barely get a martini on $12. Happy holidays to all. Seriously, what is wrong with a night to myself in a fancy hotel and a fabolous dinner? Merry Christmas to me!

Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspotcom

Shooting Star Ornaments

2008-11-29T13:36:00.001-08:00

In the studio finishing up last minute things for the sale...

Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspot.com

Chicken and a sale!

2008-11-29T05:55:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful week. I now have a new found love for the Beer Can Chicken! That bird was so tender when I tried to take the beer can out the whole thing fell apart. I know it looks small, but the platter that it was on is HUGE! It was almost 8lbs. KT and I only ate half the breast. The rest was pulled, bones cooked down and is now a tasty broth in my freezer to be used for one of my Tuesday Night Knitting Club dinners.

The big news is that next Sunday, December 7th is my studio's Holiday Sale!

The Celadon Studio Annual Holiday Sale!

#38 The Maplewood Shops, Northampton, MA (basement level under Grumpy's Place)

Noon - 4pm

Stop in, buy some really great hand made pottery and ceramic art, try your hand at the potters wheel, sign up for a class, buy a class gift certificate for someone you love, or just hang out and talk to the potters!

There are 6 resident potters in the studio, and all will have work for sale so there will be a good variety of work to choose from. Definitely something for everyone.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my friends. If you are reading my blog then you are one of those friends whom I am thankful for.
Wishing much happiness and full bellies to all.

Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspot.com

Almost forgot...

2008-11-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

I have to give credit to my bouncer...she guarded the door all night to ensure the rif-raf didn't crash the party.

Go Olive! She was almost convincing.

House Warming Gathering...

2008-11-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

What a good time! I made stemless wine glasses for everyone, plus a few tumblers in case someone brought beer, or different tastes you know, keeps the world interesting. My friend Linda with Pioneer Valley Vineyard gave some wine to me for my guests to taste. When the guests arrived I gave them their choice of these: There were about double this many, but I had some in the dish strainer drying. I like to wash them right out of the kiln to get any chemical residue off. Better safe than develop a third eye. All thought a third eye might be useful, the constant staring by strangers would drive me mad!
These were laid out upside down so people could see the glazes and patterns more easily. Some were stoneware, others porcelain. Below are close ups of my Damaged Goods line. After the guests picked their wine glass, they had their choice of wine and then were shown to the dining area where they got to make needle felted coasters. I thought it would be fun to have things in my new home made by friends. It was so much fun! Most of the guests hadn't tried needle felting before and they were all helping each other, giving each other tips and critiques. It was like a giant ice breaking exercise with fabulous end results!

I had purchased wool roving from WEBS and a needle felting kit to get started. My friend Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer, gave me a giant bag of scraps, some hand dyed, and extra felting materials like needles and sponges.

Below are coasters by my friends Carey, J, Creedy, and KT.

Here we have Cirilia, Chase, Tina and Dena. Kat, Jane, Cara and Sage.

Sara, Fern, Jen, Me and Laura.

This is the lot of them laid out. All together everyone but 2 guests made a coaster, and everyone had a great time. Thanks everyone for coming! Now I have all sorts of great things to remind me of my friends! Thanks again! And if you see your name listed here and want me to link to your blog just shoot me an email at littlepottergirl@yahoo.com

And if you haven't checked out a random new blog lately, please check out my friend Jim's blog. He is just getting started, but is doing a great job!

Cheers!

Fresh From The Kiln

2008-11-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

WOW! I unloaded the kiln today and it was a really good firing. It used to be that I always could count on an electric kiln firing consistently, then I discovered fast firings, then holding (holding the kiln at the peak temperature to get colors to bloom, or gas to escape), now it is like going back to square one. But that just makes it all the more like Christmas morning!

So, today we have Melissa's plates:

The color is really better in person. And I even brought my camera in this time instead of my phone. I can fire them again and get a more translucent color, more bright. Depending on if she likes this in person, I can either let it go, or have a redo. But sounds like the sweater up for barter is in it's early stages so we have some time. Love you Melissa......

And these are Jim's bowls! They came out really good. The last photo is a close up of the sunrise scene he carved into the surface before firing.
All of them lined up on the table. They had just come out of the kiln.
Sunrise teabowls!

So, Snow Farm actually starts this weekend...I was a week ahead of myself. So if any of you thought you missed it...there is still hope!

Have a great weekend everyone. I will post more pics of my wine glasses next week. I am thinking of some crazy glazing trials...fingers and toes crossed.

Bye for now!

WOW! So much stuff!

2008-11-09T18:04:00.001-08:00

Wow it has been almost a month since my last posting. Sorry everyone. Been moving, unpacking, painting, patching, more painting and getting things finished up for Snow Farm. Which started this weekend! So much stuff to see out there, everyone should go at least once. It runs for 3 weekends, so plenty of time for everyone to squeeze it into their schedule... And buy my pottery...or at least buy something wonderful and hand made even if it isn't mine! Support your local artists. We are a dying breed!

So last week Jim, my Wednesday night student helped me take this picture of the kiln when it was going...You can even read the temperature on the read out.

Tonight I loaded the kiln and the entire bottom and second shelf belong to Jim! He has turned out so much stuff and really taken off. This is some of his work glazed, not yet fired. That will happen tomorrow.

These are 2 of KT's Pots that have been glazed and fired. A few years ago (back when I had free time) I made the staff at WEBS, sheep holiday ornaments. Kathy (one of the owners) had mentioned that she would be interested in selling them in the store. So last week I started the process of making them. This is the first run, I have done them with raised up, or slip trialed designs, carved designs, and slip trailing over carving. We'll see how they turn out and which ever ones get the best feedback I will make a couple dozen to sell at WEBS.

I am going to turn on the kiln tomorrow....and inside are all of the plates for Melissa Morgan Oakes. They will be done and ready to give to her by Wednesday. One more thing down!

And I have to say that while I have been getting settled in my new home I have been knitting up a storm! My most recent finished project is this felted pillow. Knit in Brown Sheep Burly Spun.

And lastly, I have been working really hard to get wine glasses ready for my little house warming gathering. And it is now down to the wire. None of them have come out just the way I wanted...which usually turns out to be the first ones to go oddly enough.

But I have done a bunch of them in all different styles and will glaze them differently. Some of them are in the new "damaged goods" line. Some others are more traditional. But they have all got to be done by this Friday.

Keep your fingers crossed!

testing

2008-11-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

My mobile blogger has been giving me problems...aka not working. So this is a test...of he non-emergency go-blogger system

Malea Rhodes
www.malearhodes.blogspot.com

Snow Farm!

2008-10-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

So I have been in the process of moving, unpacking and painting and have failed my blogging duties, simply due to a complete lack of extra time. But Snow Farm is quickly approaching so I need to start firing again...lots and lots of firing...

...
If you have never been to the Snow Farm Holiday Sale you are missing out!
Glass, pottery wood, textiles and jewelry just in time for gift giving. And it is 3 weekends so there is no excuse NOT to go!!

Malea

So this week...

2008-09-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the Snow Farm Holiday Sale is coming up which means that I have...well the deadline to drop off work is November 1st. So, it takes me at least a 2 week turn around...throw it, dry it, bisque it, glaze it, re-fire it. So I have 2 weeks left to throw for the sale. If you haven't been to the Snow Farm Holiday Sale...get your butt out there! It is so worth it. Glass, wood, jewlery, and of course, lots of fabulous pottery. It is the first 3 weekends in November, so plenty of time to get out there.

But...this is the reason I am having trouble getting out of my bed on the weekends to go to the studio...

And she is purring, an all warm and fuzzy under the blankets next to my leg or my tummy...so cute...little Olive.

But this weekend i have to get a bunch of the stemless wine glasses and the plates for MMO in the bisque either Saturday or Sunday, and then glaze them next weekend. Then maybe she will surrender the sweater to me that we are bartering....I love you Melissa...they are going to be so beautiful!!! And next week I move, so maybe I can get a few extra things done...in between unpacking..yeah...in between unpacking...sure. Oh why am I moving yet again.

No, in pet terms, this is my "forever home". And it has lots of space to store pots!

Saturday Firing..

2008-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

So, I can't decide if I am happy with this lot of newly fired work. Some dots ran, others didn't. It is becoming a crapshoot with this new style and glazing technique I have been working on. I am trying to get a full body of work together that would present well in a gallery, but as soon as I think I have the whole thing ready...bad firing, handles break in drying, who knows. At this point I suspect elves come in during the night and booby trap the kiln. I guess I could embrace it and say that individuality is the wonderful thing about handmade items. But right now we will settle with a weak hug.

Cruets, my favorite thing in the world to make...my least best seller. Ugh!

Mugs...everyone loves mugs right? Depends on the show. One year, people are "I have too many mugs, I don't need any more", the next year, same show..."do you have any mugs, maybe a whole set?".

Batter bowl. Somehow it warped a little from the weight of the handle when it was firing, so it is a wee bit oval. Go figure.

And last but not least...Tumblers. I use these for everything...coffee(they keep your hands warm in the winter), a vase, pencil cup, knitting needle holder, and if I leave on one my night stand, it becomes a cat dish...I don't know why it becomes so much more appealing to Olive when the water isn't in her bowl, but in mine..???

Open House

2008-09-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Open House was a great success. A great big thanks to Karen a member of the studio, for helping wrap pots and take cash while I did demos and greeted guests. We had a few people stop by and inquire about classes, and a few interested in renting full time studio space. And we sold lots of great pottery! We are getting plans in the works for holiday sale, but unfortunately I won't be doing any demo's outside in early December...I would be throwing a big white chunk of icy slush. Ouch!

People shopping at the Open House.

KT, trying her hand at the potters wheel.

Damaged Goods...the new line of pottery!

2008-09-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

So...all things considered I think this line of pottery will speak for its self. Now i just need to find some plastic rodents or bugs. I was trying to think of a way to make some more "indy" pots. Something a little more fun. And since you can smoosh anything into the clay when it's wet, I just have to start bringing ramdom stuff into the studio that people will be able to identify when they see the profile. Or not. Smooshing is quite gratifying. Now I just have to get my butt in there and start glazing some stuff. The Mrs. Potts, teapots, which have had lots of interest...those need to get glazed and done so I can stuff them in a befitting gallery somewhere. And then I have to start getting ready for Snow Farm.....Oh happy holidays....

Soy Bowls

2008-09-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

I scooted in last night and made a few bowls for the snow farm sale. These little guys get "thrown off the hump". Which means i get a big mound of clay, "center" a door knob shape on top,

and then throw the door knob.

You can usually get 12 or so out of a 3 lb chunk. Kinda cool eh..

Okay, today is the open house. We have expanded it, so now we are doing demo's, allowing people to sit down for a minute and play with the clay on the wheel...trying to drum up some business for the studio. And I have 2 people coming by to "interview" for the space as well, for full time residency! Yippie! The little place is growing up faster than I could have ever expected! Next year I will need to rent the space next door, and blow out the wall in between for gallery space over there...or a teaching facility!!! Whoopie!!!
Malea Rhodes

A Most Wonderful Thing

2008-09-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

So, I was sharing with a friend, KT of www.zombie-hunter.com, how I lost my grandmothers teacup collection over a stupid family feud. Grandma had everything from a tiny plastic Barbie cup and saucer to the only one that I actually got my paws on (its got a raised Chinese dragon on the outside and when you hold it up to the light there is the outline of a Geisha in the bottom). Today I noticed KT left work for lunch and I was joking with her as to where she went. Said she got me a housewarming present and just couldn’t wait to give it to me. She presented me with this lovely iridescent glass cup and saucer to “start my collection again”. There is still a lot of good out there in the world. Thanks KT. You ROCK!!!

WOW! I want one

2008-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Always a sucker for classic cars, this one was parked next door this morning. I would learn how to rebuild engines for one of those baby's! And I know it has NOTHING to do with pottery, but i could sure HAUL a lot of pots in the back of one of these. KT says is a Land Rover Defender 110. Looked it up online they are worth like $45,000 for a '93 model. Okay, so maybe I stick with my Kia. :-) The Kia, she is nice, and roomy...

Malea Rhodes

I did it and it didn't explode...kinda...

2008-09-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, after calling the old owner about the strange burnt area on the kiln outlet she reminded me that it blew up some time last year and we replaced a few bits and pieces...so i got gutsy and ran it today. All was fine! except for the 2 pieces that I think someone put on the shelf not dry enough because I heard two pops..which means something exploded. Hey, if it's on the shelf that is for the "stuff ready to be fired", I am guessing it is actually so. Maybe not so much.

Anyway, my Sunday student was in today and completed these mugs! I am so happy. He really wanted to make a set of mugs and he sure did, along with some other great stuff as well! I have always wanted to have a "wine party" where everyone comes with a bottle of their favorite wine, and I make hand made wine glasses for everyone to use at the party and then take home. These may look huge, but they will shrink once they are fired, and they should come out to be good sized stemless wine glasses.

And finally I think I have MMO's sushi plates done! Well, not fired yet as they would have exploded from wetness too. But I tried 3 different ways after the first batch cracked and I have a winner! I actually like these so much I am thinking of making extra for myself. With the rim being nice and high I think it would hold sauce in the plate and not dribble it onto my lap. And the little wavy lines on the outside edge might act like speed bumps for runaway meatballs and such!

That's all for now. I have a first-timer student starting on Wednesday, so depending on his modesty level I might show off some first night pots. And there are bound to be lots of pictures from the Open House on Sunday! And if I know and love you and haven't linked to your blog it is because I can't figure out how to yet....sorry ladies! MMO, CR, Webs, Kirsten, and the Crafty Cat(probably way more too). I will figure it out soon!

The Sparking Kiln

2008-09-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

So I went in to load a bisque kiln last night only to discover that there were melted bits to the plug and outlet of my kiln! The seconds sale is only a week away, and the Snow Farm Sale is just 2 months away! Help! Anyone know a great inexpensive electrician. I will have to call Monday and get them out there asap.

Anyway...i was going to fire more of these great mugs this week.

Oh, I guess it is always something. Just when I thought I was breaking even...coming slightly ahead out of the starting gate. Ugh!

I had also been working on these Sushi plates for MMO, but when I went to put them in the kiln last night I realized that all but 1 were badly cracked in at least one corner. So, we will try round 2 today. They were...are going to be a lovely crackel green when they are done...maybe with a hint of a black/brown oxide wash on the sides...maybe a little stripe down one side.....This will work...this will work...I think I can...I think I can.......Okay, so off I go. I have a student to teach there today from 3-5. Today we will be learning the fine art of handle pulling. Lucky him. He wants a set of mugs, by golly I will have him walk out of there with a set of mugs!

And I think I might have a new student starting next Wednesday....keep your fingers crossed. I love students!

Happy rainy weekend all!

What am I working on??

2008-09-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been working on a little more streamlined line. No more slip trailing for me! Exhausting and not worth the effort. Took twice as long to make a simple mug, and people don'twant to pay $45 for a coffee mug! I won't pay $45 for a coffee mug!

So, these are unfinished teapots...the lid screws on! I think I will do one in the amber and one in the green.
They remind me of Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast! Then I have some simple tumblers, they are darted on the sides so they fit really well in your hand. These are probably going to go for around $24 And my pride and joy...salt and pepper shakers in a tray! These took forever to make, get the trays to fit...all that stuff. But I am very happy with the results! Might make them in the amber next time.
I have some new cruets, What do you do with a Cruet you say??? I microwave maple syrup in mine! Also good for soy sauce, cream, dressings, olive oil. It's basically a good serving piece for any kind of entertaining. And they are just too cute!

I am going to be glazing and firing this weekend, so look for new stuff...plus butter dishes are getting added to the line! We'll see if they come out decent...if not another item for a seconds sale... oh well.

The Celadon Studio! Up and running...

2008-09-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

So, people keep asking me if I have updated my webpage, what does my new work look like, how can they see it...so I am going to blog about it! This way I don't have to worry about taking professional pictures every time I make something new. I can keep my camera phone handy, and keep a sort of online journal of my work and progress in the studio.

We are having a:

Studio Seconds Sale and Open House

Sunday, September 14th

from noon to 3pm.

#38 The Maplewood Shops

Northampton, MA

(its the row of shops right off the South Street Parking Lot, across from the Noho Brewery)

Everyone is welcome to stop by, browse over the work, talk to the other potters and buy some really great hand made pottery from local artists.

In addition, we are taking applications for another member of the studio. We have a space opening on October 1st for anyone local who would like a wonderful place to do their work.
Or, if you are interested in taking lessons on the potters wheel this is a good time to check out the space and talk about available times.

Hope to see you there!