I took the month of January off. Sort of taking it easy, giving myself time to plan and strategize for the year ahead, and extended New Year's celebrations that lasted a lot longer than I thought I had the ability to keep up with.

I was also unaware that the clay I use wont ship in certain temperature ranges. So I was without materials for the last four weeks. I ended up having to drive to Philly to pay practically twice as much for materials than what I can acquire locally. But if the weather keeps me from getting my hands on clay then what good does the decrease in price do me?

This week we are having some bizarre weather. We've gone from a month of temperatures in the teens to a forcasted week of upper 50's and 60's. And I am not missing this opportunity. One of the steps in my process is to sand and 'finish' my pieces. A step that must be done outside due to the need for ventillation because of the dangers of silica dust.

Having spent the previous twenty years of my life down south in New Orleans, I cant say I'm too fond of this cold weather. And the idea of sitting outside for hours with ice cold hands and a numb drippy nose makes me want to take up a new craft. I hate the cold. So my goal for the week ahead is to stock my shelves with greenware so that when the cold weather returns I will have lots and lots of bowls and cups to glaze from the warmth of my studio.

I've got a kiln load going now and another kiln load in process drying, that should be fireable by Tuesday.

I have several places I'm going to be moving inventory this spring and summer. I will announce those in posts later on. This is all so new to me - trying to figure out how much inventory I'm going to need. For some reason shelves full of stock make me feel like my work isnt good enough because its not moving. I'm going to need to get over that, and fast. Because I need to stock the heck up.

Okay - back down to the studio. The nesting bowls are calling :)