Wordless Wednesday

 

My First Octopus

 From the way the various birds and bees have been acting I think they are looking for water.  Rooting around among my artifacts I found this bird bath/platter what have you.  I am pretty sure it's one of the first thing I made after switching from a high talc, low fire white to terra cotta, which would take me back to 1990.  Have no idea of the glaze, I was trying various studio glazes and still learning to mix Mason stains. In the 'flesh' it's obviously over fired., but still usable. 

 I know the clay was the old Miller #25 terra cotta with 10% frit 3124 added.  This clay body wears like iron.  It's no longer available.  I don't think Miller even exists these days. I am trying a body from tuckers which also has frit but haven't had a chance to fire it yet.  

We haven't had a lot of rain in the last few weeks which is pretty normal for this time of year.  It looks like hurricane Erin will be too far off shore to bring us any rain.  The tides however are dangerous.  Toes crossed that people have the sense to stay away from the shore........probably a vain hope.

Stay strong and as always, thanks for stopping by..............*s*

Late Afternoon Tea...Day 7

Doesn't feel like a week has passed. Toes crossed everyone has been enjoying tea none way or amother

This may be the teapot that inspired my love of tea, making teapots, and majolica.  The handle got broken several years ago.  I have the pieces so I will mend it at some point.  

Thus was my Nanu's teapot which supposedly she and Gramp bought on their European honeymoon.  I have my doubts as it says 'Made in Italy' on the bottom.  Perhaps purchased at some sort of import shop?  I will never know.  The glazes probably are leaded so it hasn't been used in many many years.

I remember as a child being fascinated with the decorations.  Now I am thinking about making a replica.

We'll see, grasshopper, we'll see..............

Stay strong, and as always, thanks for stopping by.
 

Afternoon Tea....Day Six

 One of the very first teapots I ever made waaaaaaay back when.  It's high fire, so it was before I switched exclusively to low-fire.  I would say ca.1988 when I had only been potting for a few years.  I think I painted an Albany Glaze on and rubbed it off. The interior is lined with it.

I've been having a lot of fun unearthing old teapots.  Perhaps I will go on looking for hidden and forgotten pots.

We'll see, grasshopper, we'll se...............

Stay strong and as always, thinks for stopping by........*s*

Afternoon Tea...Day Five

I bought this teapot many years ago at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen summer festival at Mt. Sunappe, New Hampshire.   Unfortunately I lost the maker's card.  It's porcelain with this very pretty glaze.  Holds about three generous cups and pours very nicely. The opening is big enough to accommodate one of my brewing baskets. 

 I always drink loose tea.  Since I started using the baskets it has made clean-up whole lot easier.  At one point I thought I was giving in to modern laziness.  I have since found many antique pots with brewing baskets made to go with the teapots.  

Stay strong and as always, thanks for stopping by.............*s*

Afternoon Tea....Day Three

Another so-called 'one hour teapot'.  Made this a very long time ago.  Unfortunately I don't remember the glazes, but the are most likely Spectrum.  It's been sitting on shelf, not sure why.  I like the handle and lid.  It holds about three generous cups and pours very nicely.

 I find it very interesting that I rarely have a spout go wrong.  I just wish I could figure out what I am doing right!🤭

I really should try for a better picture.

Stay strong and as always, thanks for stopping by......*s*

Afternoon Tea....Day Two....and.........

International Elephant Day.  This little teapot and cup by Gary Rith feels particularly appropriate!

 I love the way cup and pot fit together, to say nothing of the jolly little elephant.

It's a perfect 'tea-for-me' size, which will be enjoyed on my deck this afternoon.

Stay strong, and as always, thanks for stopping by.............*s*