Playing with Clay – New Products

One of the reasons I have been a potter for so many years is because the clay never ceases to challenge me. Whether it be form, finish or design, the possibilities are endless!  This year, I have felt particularly inspired to try out some new designs and ideas.

I call this first line Rainbow Ware – a combination of carved hummingbird drawings with a Mother-of-Pearl Luster finish. I love the highly reflective quality of the finish. Interiors have a good sturdy liner glaze which ensures excellent functionality for food service. I carry mugs, serving bowls, jugs and flower vases in rainbow ware. Recently I was asked to make a canister set in this pattern, so that is nicely on it’s way as I write.

Next, I started to play with dipping plates. These popular items feature a rough surface used to grate seasonings such as garlic, lemon or ginger right onto the plate. Then, you add balsamic vinegar and olive oil and serve with cubes of french bread beside it. What could be an easier dish for entertaining? Don’t forget, all my functional pottery is safe for dishwasher, oven and the microwave!

Then, I got to thinking, why not create an oil/vinegar dispenser to match the dipping plate? I had to research high and low to find the metal fittings needed to pour the liquid. Finally, I found two styles.

One dispenser comes with a cork and fits into any narrow necked bottle. The other is a threaded stainless steel fitting that screws into the bottle. To make this work, I needed to throw the screw ‘threads’ into the neck. What a fun project that was! But here they are and they work great! Both oil/vinegar dispensers and dipping plates are available in Slate Blue or Spearment Green glazes.

Most recently, I have been smitten with the idea of making jewelry boxes with crystalline glazed lids. These little treasures have a surprise inside each box – did you guess? That’s right – more crystals! I can’t help myself. This dramatic glaze is just so much fun to play with!

 

Of course, I still make all  my standard functional pottery, but I am always adding new shapes, images and textures to those.

I will be showcasing the new jewelry boxes as well as alot of other items at the Island Arts Expo, coming up November 3rd and 4th in Qualicum Beach. I hope you can come by and see me there from 10 am until 4 pm. This Expo is celebrating their fourth year and they offer food, draws, lectures and a nice selection of local artists. Brad will be doing a seminar on how to photograph your art, so Island Arts Expo is a Grigor Family Event this year!

So, you see, even after many years of making pots, it’s easy to come up with new and different ideas. That’s why I love clay so much. I am always happy to talk to customers, because they often present me with new ideas too. You never know where a request from a customer will take me! As I said before, the possibilities are endless.

If you want to come and play and learn about clay, be sure to check out my winter classes. Last year, I had a class full of recipients of a Christmas gift from a loved one, so if you are looking for a unique and long lasting gift, consider giving pottery lessons!  Of course, combining your gift with a lovely piece of pottery would be just the perfect touch, don’t you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by – I love to hear your comments, so please feel free to leave me a message! Meanwhile, remember – life is about playing! So go out and have fun! Until next time…