[QotW: How are you going about the "re-opening of the economy"?]

We live in the 2nd largest county in Colorado, but low population.  We are still at 8 positive cases.  People here really feel that the virus won't come here or they have already had it.  But I am still in the group that goes for groceries early morning and wears a mask.   Most of the events have been canceled for the summer, not sure what the fall will bring.  This part of Colorado is popular with river folk, kayaks, campers, fishing, hiking, so I anticipate some urban flight this summer, just wanting to get outdoors.  That is another reason we will continue to exercise caution.  And like Pres, I have an 86 yr old mother that lives 140 miles away.  Another reason for caution.  

Our restaurants are opened at 50% capacity, store employees are wearing masks, beauty shops are restricting the number of clients, dr. offices are regulating how many patients at one time, I am impressed with the local businesses that are striving to meet this challenge.  I have an arrangement with a local store to leave purchases there for pick up.  Just trying to think outside the box! 

Roberta

[Argh!! Giffin grip gripe, anyone else have issues?]

I learned on a Giffen Grip.  And I have to agree with Neil, it did set me back a bit with my trimming skills.  I now mostly use a foam bat(I really like to trim now!) or center on the wheelhead,   however, I have found the Giffen grip to be helpful with tall pieces.  So that is what I use it for.  When my giffen grip arrived lo those many years ago, it was warped. Badly.  I called the company and they were wonderful.  That is always my first tactic.  Call the company.  Maybe a couple of times.  Like the threads on customer service, it is important for companies to have repeat customers.  So they sent a new one and I returned the warped one.  Please contact them again. 

Roberta

[QotW: What are your beliefs about the time to reopen the economy and returning to Summer craft shows?]

23 hours ago, oldlady said:

ok, i don't mean to say that nobody juries the work for quality before admitting somebody.    just that the fee is unusual.   maybe that is because  i have never done the really big shows.  and yes, sometimes the "jurying" is incompetent and i would up next to a double tent of dog collars.  once was enough there.

Lots of shows have jury fees. Big and small.  It takes time to go through applications, photos, etc.  And it might be a small or large fee.  Having helped organize some things, I know it is a lot of work and there are costs involved.  As well as time.  Big amounts of time.  I don't begrudge the jury, the fee.  

[QotW: What are your beliefs about the time to reopen the economy and returning to Summer craft shows?]

One of our large events, a hot air balloon festival, was just cancelled.  It is held in August.  I had organized local  potters to make mugs for the pilots.  Looks like we can get a jump on 2021.   As my sourdough bread baking skills are being honed and I have more time for bird identification,  (maybe I will make another bird bath?)  I just keep wondering what the Holiday sales season will look like.   We will know when we get there, I guess!  

Roberta

[QotW: What are your beliefs about the time to reopen the economy and returning to Summer craft shows?]

I listened to a Hidden Brain podcast about the 1918 flu.  The historian that was interviewed was Nancy Bristow.  Quite interesting.  One of the important pieces of info about that virus was that they did "socially distance" for a time, and then as the virus appeared to recede, the businesses and public places opened up again.  Bringing about another wave of illness.  Evidently there were 3 waves of the virus..... that's why it makes so much sense to me, to keep things closed as much as possible until there is widespread testing and vaccines on the horizon.  so, to tie in with the topic, if there are holiday shows,  putting distance between vendors, wearing masks, having hand sanitizer available,  will all be realistic expectations.   

[QotW: What are your beliefs about the time to reopen the economy and returning to Summer craft shows?]

I have to agree with Pres and Terri.  We live in an area with almost no verified positive cases (3) however because of the lack of testing availability the actual number is probably much higher. (one clinic only has 6 tests)   Many of our local events are being canceled for the summer venues and personally I feel that is prudent.  Fall?  I can see they may come back but I don't know if I will participate in any way.  Winter?  we will just have to see!   Once testing is widespread I feel that businesses will be able to open their doors with some precautions.  But if you have options as a business person, to sell online, do deliveries, curbside, whatever that may be, at least you will be able to keep your doors open in the short term.  Very tough times and tough decisions to be made.  I suppose it will have to be a case by case decision made by individuals that are being impacted.  

Roberta

[What's On Your Kitchen Table?]

Pumpkin bread was yesterday.  I am going to try and Irish Soda bread today.  The pumpkin bread recipe was from my mother in law.  I use it as a base for banana bread or whatever.  It's almost fool proof and reminds me of winter and holidays and family.  And thanks @neilestrick for a great thread.  I am definitely going to try Mea's shoo fly pie.  I don't have starter for sour dough, but I love your photos!

Pumpkin Bread

1 cup raisins, 1 cup water, 4 eggs,3 cups sugar, 1 cup veg oil, 1 tsp cloves, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp cinnamon,1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsps. salt,2 tsp baking soda,1 cup chopped nuts,3 1/2 cups flour, 1 small can pumpkin (1.5 cups)  Combine all, and mix well, bake in 2 greased loaf pans at 350 for 1 hr. 

The platter was a gift and it was made by Catie Miller.  Perfect for Bread!

Roberta

 

[QotW: What are your concerns about the coronovirus impact on your health and your livelihood and passion?]

It is fairly easy for my husband and I to isolate.  We live in a rural area, 10 acres, and because of the nature of our weather and our remote area , we have always had food and non perishables on hand.  We both have interests that keep us busy, so we are fine.  I do however, worry about my mom who is 86 and lives 3 hours away. our kids who live away from us, and I even worry about the small businesses in our area who are now shut down for an indefinite time.  Our town is already facing some tough struggles, this will certainly exacerbate that problem.  

Yesterday we celebrated our wedding anniversary by grilling steaks and opening a nice bottle of red.  Grateful that we were able to do that!

But I will keep making pots and see what each day will bring.  

Roberta

[QotW: How far away is your main supplier for all things Ceramic?]

My supplier is in Denver.  200 miles one way.    However, our daughter lives in Denver, so when I visit, I plan the trip around the supply house schedule.  I have a cousin who comes here to see his mom every other month, and ALWAYS offers to stop at the supply house to pick up clay.  It has been a big blessing, that is for certain.  Because Denver is a main destination for those of us who are flying, need a specialist's care, hospitalization, major concerts or shows, we all check in with friends before we leave the big city, "need anything while I am in Denver?"  

Roberta

[QotW: When something breaks down, how do you deal with it?]

23 hours ago, GEP said:

Step 1: Curse

Step 2: If the thing that needs repair came with a manual, I start looking for a solution in the manual. Most of the time, the problem turns out to be routine, and the solution is already spelled out.

Step 3: If I still can ‘t quite find the answer, I call the manufacturer of the thing that needs repair. Often they have personnel who can help troubleshoot. In the pottery world, people tend to be smart and nice.

Step 4: I’ve also had good success asking for equipment help on this forum! 

For the most part, those are my steps as well.  Including the first one.  Usually that first swear word seems to be the motivator to start working!  My husband is able to repair, analyze, rebuild  just about anything.  I have learned his methods of detection when it comes to my pottery equipment.  After replacing the elements the first time, I realized it was something I could do.  We also live remote, so we have had to repair, replace, maintain all of our equipment, pottery or otherwise.  I have been very grateful for the forum when it comes to analyzing and repairing all kinds of problems.  Thanks friends!

[QotW: Do you have plumbing in the shop. . .ie running water and drainage?]

I have a bucket system where I throw and handbuild.  I carry the slurry/sludge out and water the trees with it.  Our area is quite arid so I really don't want to waste water.  In the shop where I glaze and fire, I again have a bucket system, so I carry it out and water the trees again.  Even in the winter, I will pour it all on the trees.  In warmer weather I have a 2 tub utility sink outside with a hose and buckets under the drains.  Yes, the trees benefit from that.  It's not perfect, but I have made it work!  

Roberta

[Underglaze Bleeding Wanted!]

Amaco LUG black will run a bit, but not sure if that is what you are wanting?

[QothW: how often do you introduce new forms, and does that change throughout your career]

I think because I am not too far into this clay journey, I do have new forms at least once a year.  Usually it's something I am trying to conquer, and once I do, like Mark, I take some time and fine tune it.  Mostly my new forms are a result of "what would it look like if I....."   

[QotW: Space wise can you afford to have a slab roller?]

I have a 10x11 maker's space.  But I did work in a small tabletop slab roller which has paid for itself over and over and over.  And it is work space also.  That is where I sit to do hand work.   However, no place for an extruder or a pugger.  Those things happen the old fashioned way.  And I should say, I do not dry all my pots in that 10x11 room, they are shuttled next door to the "spare room" which hurriedly gets purged when company comes!!   

r.

[QotW: How does your process involve object design?]

I find that I am more successful with working through a new shape if I sketch everything out.  After I have sketched it for few iterations, then I start the process that Mark talked about.  Just making a few and seeing what I like and what I don't.  Putting the piece in my cupboard and seeing how it functions.  Then I might sketch again, but definitely make again until I get it the way I want.  

I have to say, I like the sketching process.  It is not anything I ever thought I would enjoy!

[Qotw: Do you close down for Winter, or how do you heat your studio]

10 hours ago, liambesaw said:

I might have to insulate my shed this summer, that's a lot of work though... Tearing down all my ware shelves and moving everything out... But 80 degrees sounds pretty dang spiffy.

What part of the country do you call home, Liam?

[Qotw: Do you close down for Winter, or how do you heat your studio]

I throw in the house, in a small room, where all I need is a small radiant heater for a short time.  My kiln and glazes are in the unheated shop.  But it is very well insulated, and I can close off my side of the shop with doors and again, a small heater takes care of the comfort level.  The first winter I had the shop I was constantly running out there to check the temp.  Even with 30 below or more, it never freezes in there.  So I don't run a heater unless I am out there.  The rest of the time, the kiln keeps things warm.  I feel very fortunate!

 

[QotW: Kiln stuffers, what does everybody make to fill those little empty spaces in the kiln?]

soap dishes, Christmas ornaments, buttons, wine bottle coasters, ring dishes (which look a lot like wine bottle coasters) wind chime pieces, spoonrests…..

[QotW: Do you use cloth towels, paper towels or other when in the shop to dry your hands, and clean things off?]

I use mostly rags.  I have rags for glazing, rags for throwing,   Sometime paper towels, but not often.  In the summer (warmer weather) I will soak the towels, rinse them outside and once they are clean, put them in the washer.  But usually I just take those rags to the local laundry.  That's what the laundry is there for!!

[What’s on your workbench?]

Mea, I just love those ears!!!  

r.