Breakthrough

 I have had a breakthrough! For some reason, I have been in a creative slump these past couple of months. I have been imagining things I can create, but just have not had enough mental motivation to actually create much of anything. Oh, I may make a thing or two, but the drive to actually create, has been hard to come by. It happens to most all creators.

What started getting me out of the slump was to create a project for the creative group that meets once a month at our store. I had chosen paper quilling as the medium. 

I found a free pattern and tutorial on line for the crab. I made it to her dimensions in the red. Then, I doubled the length of the strips and made it again in blue. (thepaperycraftery.com) The bear and the squirrel were from the instructions in a kit we have at the store by Quilled Creations. The gnome, I designed myself. When we had the creative session, a few people made the gnome into Santa by making a red hat with a white pom pom at the tip.

The flower is one I created on-the-go for my aunt's 87th birthday last week. 

The beagle is another design-as-I-go for a birthday card for a friend (she has not seen it yet). I know improvements can be made if I make one again.

The bear is another birthday card for a friend who has not seen it yet. 

And, finally, this weekend I made a concerted effort to take out the clay and get started. I created 20 pieces over the two days. (I possibly could have done more, but I had to take care of other things like laundry, sorting through some boxes, running the dishwasher, paying some bills, and some R & R to re-charge for work this week.)

The creative slump is over. I may not be moving at a record pace, but I have broken through and hopefully will keep some momentum going. Next weekend I should be glazing and firing these so I can re-stock gnomes and angels at the store... they are seriously low. 

I hope all had a safe Memorial Day weekend and that you have a good week ahead. May the moments you share with those close to you be full of wonderful memories.

My secret project is secret no more

Well, to give a little background information first... Back in the 1950's, our dad was a fine arts student at the NY State College of Ceramics at Alfred University (graduated in 1953). During his time there he designed, modeled, molded, and cast some salt and pepper shakers. We used a set on the table while we were growing up. 

After Dad passed, my younger brother Rick decided he would like to have the shakers replicated for all 6 of us siblings. I gave him the shrinkage rate of the black porcelain I use and he worked to create an up-sized 3-D printed model. It was then sent to someone to make a mold and he brought the mold to me in October. 

Once I finished preparing for Mistletoe Market, I thoroughly cleaned my work area so the buff clay would not have any chance of contaminating the black. I then started casting. In all, I cast 8 sets, to be able to get 6 good sets.

Unfortunately, my kiln was not firing hot enough to be able to get the true black finish on the shakers. First, I contacted Juliet Bravo studio in Seneca, but they were unable to assist with the firing at that time. I then was referred to Magpie Arts LLC in Clemson and made plans to do the glaze firing in her soon to be delivered kiln. The delivery got pushed back, and then she was dealing with a faulty breaker. 

FINALLY, firing day arrived and I dropped off the pieces to Kimberly. Then, I patiently waited for the firing and cooling to complete. (Insert the Jeopardy theme here.)

Success! They fired a little hotter than I normally fire, but her kiln is computer controlled, while mine uses a cone sitter. Either way, I was/am very pleased with the results.

Rick had me send him copies of one of Dad's signatures, as well as one of mine. He then laser engraved them onto the lids of the wood boxes he purchased. Silicone stoppers were added and they were nestled into wood shavings inside the box.

The glazes I used are definitely not the ones Dad used long ago. His were more muted and covered the entire surface except the feet. We decided that I would use speckled glazes (Dad's were also speckled) and only glaze the lower portion so that the black porcelain would show. This brought Dad's design a new life with my spin on it.

The bottoms are signed with both Dad's and my initials and the year.

I will make more.

Now that all family members received theirs. I am able to "go public" with the project.. 

Making these brought back so many memories of my youth. It also is a testament to how our family remains close-knit. 

As 2024 comes to an end, and 2025 is about to begin, I wish all of you the very best life has to offer. May any stumbling blocks become stepping stones, and may you face life with a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances.

Love to all.

 

As 2023 comes to an end...

After Mistletoe Market, I still had orders for this years Limited Edition Christmas Gnome (Santa with Gingerbread). I only had 2 remaining after Mistletoe, so I made enough to fill the rest of the orders. 

I still have 6 to make today to finalize the Limited Edition of 35 pieces. All but 4 are spoken for.

In early December we chose to take the house off the market temporarily. 

Home sales traditionally are very slow this time of year. 

Of the few people that viewed the house, the only specific comments were about the bathrooms needing updating. So, we are planning to update at least the small bathroom, if not both. 

Then we plan to re-list the house sometime in March.

The house is now officially in my name. It's scary being a first time homeowner at my age! 

The fact remains that the house is too much for me... space and budget-wise. I need a smaller place.

Jordan Bannister and John Perkins 2023 PABA Co-Presidents present Cindy Higgins the First Annual PABA "Higgins Award".

The Higgins award was established to  recognize an PABA Member for exceptional service and dedication. Cindy has served on the PABA Board of Directors for 10 years. During her tenure Cindy has given her time and talents which has resulted in invaluable contributions to the Pendleton business community.

Not only is Cindy the first recipient, the reward itself is named in her honor and will be awarded annually.

THANK YOU CINDY!!!

Several years ago, I became Secretary of the Pendleton Area Business Association. A couple of months later, the group fell to the wayside because the President and VP didn't want to continue. It was dormant for a few years. 10 1/2 years ago, business owners wanted to resurrect the organization. I was the only remaining officer still in the area, and was the only one on the signature card for the bank account. 

We were able to re-group and I retained my position of Secretary. One President served 2 years, the next served 1 1/2 years. Not long before his term ended, our Treasurer unexpectedly passed away. One the President left, I was the only officer. I had a volunteer help with the treasury. Finally, I was able to encourage the right people to step forward and serve as full-time Treasurer and Secretary, and I became President (officially). About half-way through 2022, I stated that I could not serve any longer. I had my own business to attend to with my sister. The crickets didn't even chirp. I got blank stares in return... Then, in September, Dad passed away. I said at the next meeting that I REALLY couldn't do it any longer and needed a Nominating Committee to find candidates. FINALLY a few people stepped forward and volunteered for that committee. As a result, there were nominations for officers and a new Board of Directors was elected that November. I would remain on the Board as Past President per the By-laws. I was good with that. Today officially marks the last day of my time on the Board of Directors of the Pendleton Area Business Association. I am ready to let go... and I am grateful to those who  are taking the leadership of our organization on. I will remain an active Member at Large.

At our Christmas Party, they presented me with this award, which they named after me! 

I am beyond honored!

My wish for all is that 2024 have fewer obstacles and more joyous moments.

 

Busy creating for Mistletoe Market

I've been busy creating stock for Mistletoe Market. The show is in 1 week. The creative flow has been difficult at times because I need to clean and put everything away every time I leave the house for more than 10 minutes, just in case someone wants to view the house.

Glazed and ready for the final firing.

Some angels ready to assemble. Other items I ran out of time to glaze for tonight's firing.

The last of the items formed for next weekend's show. (I will make more after the show too!)

Collapsible bar that comes with it's own carrying case.

And a shelf underneath for boxes, bags, and tissue.

I have stopped shaping things for the time being so I can finish those that are already shaped. I will resume after the show so I can build stock for the store. I also found this wonderful collapsible bar that I can use as my wrap stand for the show.

A bit of production

As I was working with the clay this past weekend, it told me in no uncertain terms that some of it needed to be ghosts. So, I now have added Ghosts to my Gnomes and Friends!

Keeping busy

 In my "off" time from my full-time job, I try to find times to create. The gnomes and angels have been well received. The mushrooms are a little slow on the uptake, but still moving. I do plan to bring back the Santa Hat ornament this year. 

That being said, I have worked on some new ideas that seem to be doing pretty well, and they have not even been finished yet! The owls are leading the pack at the moment with a few requests for them already. The first two are in the glaze firing now to see if I like the glaze technique I used. The kitties have had a few requests as well. The snails have been a little sluggish... (OK, you don't have to laugh or even grin at that.)

Here are a few pictures of some of what I have done the last week or so... 

A painted gnome on a wood plaque.

Gifted to a friend.

Some of the Patriotic Gnomes after they arrived at their destination.

Bride & Groom Gnome

Shipping box art.

New friends...

A few more kitties.

Some fun things...

 A few things I have been working on lately:

Mushrooms

Owls

The inside of the shipping boxes for the Patriotic Gnomes 

(limited edition gnomes - sold out.)

The Limited Edition Patriotic Gnomes

Sold-out

owls (angels in the background)

I am thoroughly enjoying the process of making the gnomes still. 

Each of them has their very own personality.

About two months ago, I started with the mushrooms as well, and then recently have begun work on the owls. They are not finished yet.

There are so many additional ideas for decorations on the hats of the gnomes, and ideas for other things to add to the collection of friends that are floating around in my head. (As you can see in the background, I am still making my angels as well! I will also be bringing back the Santa Hat ornaments.)

Recently, I submitted my application for the Mistletoe Market at the Museum (Anderson County Museum, Anderson, SC) again for this year. I am always on pins and needles waiting to see if I get juried in or not. I understand the process, and the fact that the jury may be different people each year.

I hope the year has been good to everyone so far. We have been busy at the store. I am still the President of the Pendleton Area Business Association. Dad will be 91 this August. My car unfortunately needs a new head gasket... the possibility of buying  new-to-me car is out of the question right now. 

Gnomes!

 I have been busy, busy, busy making mini gnomes since November!

I made 40 for the Mistletoe Market and then they started flying out of the store. By the end of December I had made 94!

I then decided to make some limited edition ones for Valentine's Day, St. and Easter because a friend had asked me to. Silly me didn't think they would be in high demand, so I made a limited run of 12 each. I now have people waiting in line for me to finish any gnomes!

None of the ones in any of these photos are still available...

they have all been claimed or sent to their new homes.

The only ones I have that are not claimed yet are these 30 every day gnomes that are not finished yet.

I am not complaining at all! But, I do need to get some more angels made as well, there are only 4 of those left.

Thank you all for appreciating my creative venture. I appreciate you!

PS: The facebook group Cindy's Gnomes & Friends was started to help people see what I have available and to let people know a little more about my process.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1302988350199628

Is it October - ALREADY???

 Oh how time flies!

I am in the midst of creating for the Mistletoe Market at The Anderson County Museum which will be November 5 & 6 this year. After a year off due to the pandemic (and the county cancelling any indoor events last Fall), it will be nice to be back. I have always loved this show.

Pictures?  Well, I am taking new pictures and I also need to figure out how to get Drop Box set up on my new computer... I may have to remove it from my old computer (which I still use for a few things), or my tablet... if I recall, the maximum is 3 devices for the account.

When I get the photos taken, I will share them here.

I hope this post finds you all doing as well as you can.

Back in the saddle

 This year has been crazy, although I don't need to tell anyone else that. 

I have been keeping busy making #boredombuster kits for work, but my personal creative mojo has been lacking. The only show I participate in as an artist has been cancelled. That leaves me without my largest outlet for my angels and other pottery. I understand completely and respect their decision for the health and safety of everyone. As a result, my drive to create was lost for months.

That being said, I started creating angels yesterday!  It felt soooooooo good to get my hands back into the clay. (Both physically AND mentally!)

Today, some friends gifted me with some extra money for my birthday & Christmas to buy some new glazes. Some I am re-stocking what I have used lots of, but there are some new ones in the order that I am excited to try!

Here is a blurry photo of the first few angels from yesterday. More will be made today. I have challenged myself to make several dozen before Thanksgiving.

May you all remain healthy.

I will be selling these angels at our store as well as through personal contact.

Where is the time going?

What a crazy time we are living in right now!

So much has happened since I was last here to share. States all over the country shut down just about everything in hopes of keeping the COVID-19 virus from spreading too fast to too many people.
Our schools here in SC were closed the week of St. Patrick's Day. The restaurants, gyms, hair salons and other "close contact" businesses were not too far behind. They closed retail businesses on April 7th. We worked in the store, with appointments for curbside pick-up as well as shipping that week. We then took Good Friday and Saturday off before Easter. Starting that Monday, we spent a week working from home, filling orders and meeting customers as needed. The state allowed us to re-open on April 21, but we decided that we would limit our days and hours to 4 hours a day for 3 days a week. The numbers are still too high for comfort. Yes, they are probably not accurate, but still, neither of us wishes to be responsible for one of our high-risk family members contracting the virus because we did not follow our instincts.
Just this week, we decided to add one day (still 4 hours only). Restaurants, gyms... are all open again, and attractions were able to open this past Friday.

What we did to help with people who suddenly were needing to find things to do at home was to make up kits for creative things. Most have been greeting card kits, but we have done a simple beading kit as well as face painting on a cloth mask. Each are only $3.00! check them out on our Facebook page or our website.
As of yesterday, we had sold over 575 in 2 months! I spend my working at home time cutting the parts and assembling these kits. The living room has been taken over!

Other than purchasing a much needed new tablet on amazon, most of the stimulus money that I have spent (which is only about half) has been spent with independent businesses. I purchased masks from two friends who have Etsy shops. I purchased beads from an independent bead shop. I buy takeout meals from independent restaurants. I was a strong supporter of the Shop Local/Shop Independent movement for a long time before all of this hit the fan.

I hope whomever happens upon this post is doing well. I am grateful that at this point, I do not know anyone personally that has been diagnosed with the virus. I do know people who have had friends or family members that have.

Be safe. Be well. Be respectful of others who may deal with all of this differently than you do.

Thinking too much...

It is February again and the dreaded Valentine's Day is just 2 days away. How I wish I could just hide away from everyone and suffer in silence.

I do have family and friends who love me. I know that. But I feel so alone this time of year, I have difficulty seeing all the couples laughing, snuggling, kissing...

By Saturday it will all be over!  That is something to celebrate!

On another note, I have received the application for Mistletoe Market 2020. I am applying again and hoping the jury will approve my entry. I just need to get the kilns fixed so I can make some more pieces.

Speaking of fixing the kilns, I have a potter friend who will come by and see if he can diagnose what is ailing the kilns. I am grateful for the friendships my creativity has forged.

OK, now I need to stop thinking too much and get back to doing.

PS - I survived! It wasn't as bad this year as last.

Progress report

I have no photos to share.

I do however have 60 angels glazed and ready for the glaze firing tonight. I have 16 additional angels, 12 Santa Hats, assorted soap dishes, bowls, and a few pumpkins to glaze tonight and tomorrow night. They should fire Wednesday morning. I will be adding gold accents, heads, and halos to the first batch while the firing is being done.

Mistletoe Market begins Friday evening and I should have everything completed by Thursday evening.

Thank you for your support of my artistic release.

Pre-show Crunch

I am participating in the Mistletoe market at the Anderson County Museum again this year.  It is scheduled for Friday, November 22 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM and Saturday, November 23 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

As usual, I am in a crunch to finish creating stock. Yes, it is still 2 weeks away, but I have a lot to do in that 2 weeks to be ready. There are 76 angels in progress as well as some more soap dishes and Santa hats and Sake bottles.

There never seems to be enough time.

The latest to be completed...

I have been working on creating for stock and for Mistletoe Market again.  Most of what I have at the moment are my angels.

First, what they look like after the first firing but before glazing and assembly (no, the pumpkin and the bowl will not change into angels...):

Once they are glazed and fired again, I add gold highlights and the heads and halos.  There is a hook at the top to hang on a tree if desired, but I have a lot of people say they leave theirs out on a shelf all year round.

9/29/16 update - B3, R1 and P2 have sold.

I do have more I am creating, after-all, I did sell over 200 of them last year (YAY!).

The angels are one-of-a-kind, no two exactly alike.  I create whatever the clay tells me to when I pick it up.  If anyone requests anything the guidelines are: size (larger/smaller - none are over 3" to the top of the ceramic robes), arms or not, and color (from the four colors I routinely offer - Blue, Purple, Red or Green - as shown in photo).  I can also personalize with a name in gold at no extra cost.  Other than that, it is whatever my hands create, I cannot even have people choose wing style, because they are what they are at that moment.

The cost is $20/angel with shipping additional, if needed.

I wanted to update everyone and let you see some of the results.

Off to a new pet-sitting job this evening... an adorable Westie!

Christmas in July Iris Folding

I said that I would show the completed samples of the Iris Folding cards I designed for the Christmas in July class.  Well, here they are!

Well, after seeing the patterns I drew, did you think the cards would look anything like this?  It was so much fun creating these for my students.  I love how they all turned out but, I do have my favorites, which one(s) are yours?

A bit of progress

More work on angels today.  It was rough because I was not feeling in the creative groove.  But I was persistent and completed 10 more for a total of 16 so far. 

When I started working on these, I had orders for 21, it is now up to 24!  That is good!

These angels are hand-built out of a ^6 stoneware clay.  No two are alike.