It's hard enough to be an entrepeneur these days, but to be a woman in a house full of testosterone -- that's where the real bravery is. I always swore that my boys would do the dishes, cook, clean up after themselves, when they were young (and I was obviously stupid). I think all these years they've just heard "blah, blah, blah" -- because that's what it amounts to, a bunch of blah. My boys just won't clean without me becoming the scariest, screeching mom in Damascus (I just know my neighbors hear the screaming with their phones in one hand, fingers poised to hit 9-1-1 with the other).
Since I started the studio some six months ago (nearly 7 now), I haven't had but a day to spend at home for anything other than sleeping. And on those days I've cleaned like my life depended on it only to come home hours later to the same exact, foul, disgusting house that I spent my precious free time cleaning. What's up with that??? Now, granted, my kids (separately) have been known to see a sorrowful mom who, under the guise of "oh, you cleaned the house" fever, generously parts with a few dollars in her moment of weakness, but lately those occasions have been few and far between. Now I don't know if that's because I was finally hit with the reality that I've been paying my kids to clean up their own messes and stopped paying them or if they have just ceased to care. Bottom line is - I could seriously use a home makeover, one that uses minimalism and color (oh, and we'd have to become dieting nudists because the dirty dishes, pots and pans and all the laundry would have to go too).
My studio is quite the opposite of my home. Other than at the end of a very busy day, my studio is clean and inviting. I'm actually thinking about putting a sleep sofa back in my office so I never have to go home and face the mess, but can stay here in my own controllable, clean world. So, if I happen to open up the store one morning in my fuzzy robe and slippers you'll know why.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
What Community Means in Damascus
You know, the reason I thought it was okay to open up a pottery store during a recession was simply because it would be in Damascus. Damascus is a bit of an oddity. We take care of our own -- after family, community is everything. I don't think that was any more apparent to me than this week.
Monday evening just after 9:00 pm a car with five teens ran into a tree. This happened on one of the dark, back roads of Damascus. One I take two times a day, every day. Of the five kids, two of the kids were in critical condition and flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma, the other three had lesser injuries and were sent to a local hospital. The doctor's couldn't save one of the kids and he passed that night. It's the school's homecoming week and rather than celebrating they are facing one of the saddest parts of life, death. There was a candlelight vigil held Tuesday evening attended by more than 1,000. Ryan's father spoke to these children and parents, reminding each of us that no matter how cautious or careful, or how many times we tell our kids to do the right thing, sometimes they don't. Ryan wasn't wearing his seatbelt. This comes from a man who teaches, is an advocate, for safe teen driving. Ryan's mom is also a driving instructor. I don't think I could have been strong enough to send this message less than 24 hours after my child was gone, no - I know I couldn't have.
His funeral was yesterday. I wasn't able to attend but did pay my respects as the funeral procession passed my studio -- it took nearly 20 minutes for the procession to pass. It is rumored that there were more than 1,000 attendees.
I have a 17 year old son who goes to Damascus -- I told him that the picture of the kid who passed looked familiar. "Mom, he spent a lot of time here about four years ago -- you know, when we'd all go dirt bike riding and come back here hungry." Yep, that's where I knew him from. He was a good kid, one that made you smile just because you could see he was happy.
It seems that during a summer trip Ryan got a mohawk, so in remembrance of him after the funeral yesterday the boys of Damacus got mohawks. My son is one of those kids -- and while I can't say I really like the cut, I am pleased he did this to remember and honor his friend.
The studio has been eerily quiet with just a few from Germantown and Clarksburg coming in. I'm still hoping to hear good news about the other teen who was in critical condition at Shock Trauma. I know all of Damascus is holding out their hopes and prayers for her. The other children have been released and while their physical injuries are healing, we can only pray that their mental injuries heal with time.
RIP Ryan, and may mohawks, #101 and dirt bikes be welcome in heaven.
Monday evening just after 9:00 pm a car with five teens ran into a tree. This happened on one of the dark, back roads of Damascus. One I take two times a day, every day. Of the five kids, two of the kids were in critical condition and flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma, the other three had lesser injuries and were sent to a local hospital. The doctor's couldn't save one of the kids and he passed that night. It's the school's homecoming week and rather than celebrating they are facing one of the saddest parts of life, death. There was a candlelight vigil held Tuesday evening attended by more than 1,000. Ryan's father spoke to these children and parents, reminding each of us that no matter how cautious or careful, or how many times we tell our kids to do the right thing, sometimes they don't. Ryan wasn't wearing his seatbelt. This comes from a man who teaches, is an advocate, for safe teen driving. Ryan's mom is also a driving instructor. I don't think I could have been strong enough to send this message less than 24 hours after my child was gone, no - I know I couldn't have.
His funeral was yesterday. I wasn't able to attend but did pay my respects as the funeral procession passed my studio -- it took nearly 20 minutes for the procession to pass. It is rumored that there were more than 1,000 attendees.
I have a 17 year old son who goes to Damascus -- I told him that the picture of the kid who passed looked familiar. "Mom, he spent a lot of time here about four years ago -- you know, when we'd all go dirt bike riding and come back here hungry." Yep, that's where I knew him from. He was a good kid, one that made you smile just because you could see he was happy.
It seems that during a summer trip Ryan got a mohawk, so in remembrance of him after the funeral yesterday the boys of Damacus got mohawks. My son is one of those kids -- and while I can't say I really like the cut, I am pleased he did this to remember and honor his friend.
The studio has been eerily quiet with just a few from Germantown and Clarksburg coming in. I'm still hoping to hear good news about the other teen who was in critical condition at Shock Trauma. I know all of Damascus is holding out their hopes and prayers for her. The other children have been released and while their physical injuries are healing, we can only pray that their mental injuries heal with time.
RIP Ryan, and may mohawks, #101 and dirt bikes be welcome in heaven.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
70 Days until Christmas -- or in my world, 63 Firing Days
That's right -- only 63 firing days left until Christmas. With today's strugging economy and everyone pinching their pockets, it's a very good time to give personalized gifts. Because of the anticipated holiday rush I'm going to implement a couple of things at the studio --1. If you want a large platter, bowl, plate or other large special order item -- do it early! The cut-off date for firing those large pieces is December 15th. I don't want to be hard-nosed about this and if I can fit in a large item with a regular firing after that date I will do my best, but no promises.
2. If you want a personalized, special order item please order before December 1st. I pick those up in greenware, clean and fire to bisque here at my studio and will need time to do this. These are the cutest pieces (I want a few for myself!) -- just see for yourself...
There is a Jesus, Mary and Joseph figurine that stands about 10" tall, a very cool Tom Turkey, a sweater wearing reindeer that would look cool with your family name across the front, Mr. & Mrs. Claus with their hound dog warming their butts against a roaring fire, and two different sizes of snowmen that can also be personalized. There are very cute ones with Ravens or Redskins written across the front, just add a scarf in the team colors and what a cute home decoration or gift this makes!
There are plenty of holiday items on the shelves -- but these are definitely special.
I've also finished all my convention pieces and have fired everything -- just waiting for the kiln to cool down this afternoon so I can get the last two pieces out. Here's just a few of the pieces that are done and class schedules are being updated daily (the snowman plate up top is also one of the pieces).
The coffee cups are a sponge and water color technique, the crane plate is made dimensional using baby powder (can you believe that!?), and the snowman plate is just a cute design that takes quite a bit of time to create all those stars. A stamped coffee tumbler and crackle butterfly plate will be coming soon.
Now -- that's the official business...is anyone else out there watching TrueBlood? Makes you want to date a vampire, doesn't it? Well, I'm hooked -- I actually started reading the Sookie Stackhouse series on the plane heading to convention. I didn't realize until after the first episode that the books I became hooked on were the basis of this series (not to mention I'm hooked on the Twilight series too!). Anyway, it was a fun surprise and now I spend my Sunday nights waiting for the next episode (thank goodness for On Demand too).
Take care and hope to see you all soon.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Field Trip for Me!
I had such a good time this morning -- at 8:00 am I headed out to Westminster to Small Farm Ceramics, the closest traditional ceramic shop that I can find. I come from the traditional ceramic background -- start off with greenware, clean it, fire it, paint it with stains or glazes and fire it again (if glazes). The offerings from a contemporary ceramic shop just don't compare in any way, shape or form to traditional ceramics but it seems that traditional ceramics is slowly dying out here in Maryland.
Some of the differences are traditional shops offer a lot of items that are complex -- instead of a Santa with a smooth coat and fur, face, etc. -- something fairly quick and easy to paint with plenty of room to add your own creative flair (i.e. stamps, polka dots, patterns, stripes, etc.). In traditional ceramics Santa would be carrying a bag with toys sticking out of the top, his boots would have creases and soles, the hair in his beard would have more texture, there would be toys laying around his boots or perhaps Santa would be on a base with a decorated tree standing beside him.
With traditional ceramics you can also personalize your items -- carve out your family's last name on the belly of a snowman, turkey or Halloween pumpkin. Not that the contemporary shop can't do that, but we have to order it from the central U.S. and while I haven't done this yet my biggest fear is that it will break in shipping. If I go and pick it up myself, I only have myself to blame if anything gets broken and timeframes aren't met.
Anyway -- to get back to my field trip, I had a blast. It made me want to hire help at my shop so I could go play with greenware again, lol. I really wish I had my own molds and could have a combined traditional and contemporary shop. Maybe someday, lol...I definitely have the room for it. Well, I made it home with some adorable snowmen, a large turkey centerpiece, African violet planters, and a Mr. & Mrs. Claus set that are just the cutest! Oh, and I can't forget the adorable reindeer. The snowmen and reindeer have cutout areas that can be personalized -- you can put "Ravens" "Redskins" "FireWorks" etc. all via special order. Come into the studio to see them up close and to place your order. Here are a few pictures...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
My Projects are Home from Arizona!
Well, it only took one month for my convention projects to make it home -- so long, in fact, that I had forgotten some of the projects. All of them made it back without a scratch which to me is unbelievable considering they were shipped in the same box I had only planned on carrying as far as the business desk at the hotel. As well, in picking them up I got to visit another studio owner and spend a few minutes chatting -- it's very rare we get to do that since we are all so busy running our businesses.
Anyway, they are here and within the next two weeks I'll get them all completed and fired so I can plan a few classes to pass onto my customers. Keep your eyes peeled and on the calendar so you can schedule a creative visit.
A huge 18-wheeler stopped right on the highway in front of my shop yesterday afternoon to deliver the much awaited slab roller too. It was quite funny to see this big truck parked out front with the driver carrying in the one and only box I was shipped...guess you just had to be there. Anyway, it's all put together and I can't wait to see what we can do with it. I'm going to make a few cookie cutter ornaments and see how affordable we can make them rather than purchase pre-fired ones. Otherwise, it's going to be great to have it during next year's summer art camps -- the kids had such a hard time keeping the clay at an even thickness, even with the right props.
Well, I need to prep for tomorrow's class -- we're making Halloween characters on 4" tiles -- a scarecrow, witch or skeleton...very cute, inexpensive and easy to make. Hope to see you there.
Don't forget -- there's less than 180 firing days until Christmas!
Anyway, they are here and within the next two weeks I'll get them all completed and fired so I can plan a few classes to pass onto my customers. Keep your eyes peeled and on the calendar so you can schedule a creative visit.
A huge 18-wheeler stopped right on the highway in front of my shop yesterday afternoon to deliver the much awaited slab roller too. It was quite funny to see this big truck parked out front with the driver carrying in the one and only box I was shipped...guess you just had to be there. Anyway, it's all put together and I can't wait to see what we can do with it. I'm going to make a few cookie cutter ornaments and see how affordable we can make them rather than purchase pre-fired ones. Otherwise, it's going to be great to have it during next year's summer art camps -- the kids had such a hard time keeping the clay at an even thickness, even with the right props.
Well, I need to prep for tomorrow's class -- we're making Halloween characters on 4" tiles -- a scarecrow, witch or skeleton...very cute, inexpensive and easy to make. Hope to see you there.
Don't forget -- there's less than 180 firing days until Christmas!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Wednesday, October 1
Well, thank goodness September is over. It's been my worst month since opening. Thankfully the day and a half ending the month were no school days and my business increased drastically for those two days -- otherwise I may hesitate to pay my rent (just kidding). I'm ready for the new month of October and have great plans to hurry up and get my class schedules down so that I can have classes on my slower evenings and help my customers get ready for the holidays. I think I'm going to put a countdown for "days left to fire" for the holidays.
To end this already nasty September month, I also seem to have caught a cold -- so, if you come into the shop and I don't seem my normal, dapper self -- blame it on the cold medicine. I was hoping it was just allergies, but that just doesn't seem to be the case. This also leads me to my next bit of knowledge that it's time that I hire a second person to help in the shop when I can't. I really need to get to the business of business and need to make sure that I am available to teach these classes without interruption from walk in customers. So, I'm on the lookout for a recent college grad, part-time college student, stay at home mom whose kids have gone back to school, someone dependable and, well -- nice. I very much like my customers and I want someone in the studio who is going to like them as much as I do and be as nice as I am...too bad I can't clone me, lol. So, if you know of anyone who fits that bill....I actually already have a candidate, but I do like to have choices.
If anyone goes by the studio, please take a look inside at the window display -- I think it's one of my nicest ones yet! It definitely looks like fall and has lots of new items for Halloween to get the whole family in the mood. Now, if I can only look up how many days are left until Christmas....
Til next time - go get fired!
Laurie.
To end this already nasty September month, I also seem to have caught a cold -- so, if you come into the shop and I don't seem my normal, dapper self -- blame it on the cold medicine. I was hoping it was just allergies, but that just doesn't seem to be the case. This also leads me to my next bit of knowledge that it's time that I hire a second person to help in the shop when I can't. I really need to get to the business of business and need to make sure that I am available to teach these classes without interruption from walk in customers. So, I'm on the lookout for a recent college grad, part-time college student, stay at home mom whose kids have gone back to school, someone dependable and, well -- nice. I very much like my customers and I want someone in the studio who is going to like them as much as I do and be as nice as I am...too bad I can't clone me, lol. So, if you know of anyone who fits that bill....I actually already have a candidate, but I do like to have choices.
If anyone goes by the studio, please take a look inside at the window display -- I think it's one of my nicest ones yet! It definitely looks like fall and has lots of new items for Halloween to get the whole family in the mood. Now, if I can only look up how many days are left until Christmas....
Til next time - go get fired!
Laurie.
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