Color of the Week: Chocolate Brown

Last week we had 900+ views and 1 SALE!!
This week the color is Chocolate Brown and making this collection really made me craze for chocolate. I bet it will have the same effect on you.

I have selected 8 talented Etsy artists here. Do check out their amazing shops.

If you would like to enter for a Color Feature on my blog, you have to do the following TWO steps,

1. Leave a comment on this blog with your favorite items from this week's feature

AND

2. Post your item matching next week's color, "Mustard Yellow" (Color swatch below) in this ETSY FORUM

Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival

This weekend (July 18th - July 19th) I will be at the Summer Art Festival at Gig Harbor.

Last year was a great show and I am excited to bring new work here.

So look out for the booth with Colorful pottery which will make you feel you walked into an Indian wedding (Booth #8)

For directions and other info regarding the show, go to http://www.peninsulaartleague.com/artFest.html

Paste Magazine

I have been fortunate to be featured in this Month's issue of Paste Magazine. My Bollywood inspired Mug is featured along with other Indian themed items in a beautiful article put together by Erin Flaherty. Here is the article for your reading and don't forget to check out my shop for more Indian inspired pottery

"After Slumdog Millionaire's triumph at the Oscar's, its no surprise that Indian cultural influence has subsequently folded into America's melting pot. But Slumdog's largesse has simply confirmed a cinematic movement that's been building for years; Monsoon Wedding and Bride & Prejudice broke here first. And film isin't the only Indian export booming Stateside: Indian textiles are making their way into Western homes, and Indian fashion designers like Naeem Khan and Manish Arora are having a major impact on American pop culture."The work of Indian designers is now being appreciated in the West because we have a unique perspective in the world market and a design sensibility that is a true mix of traditional and modern," Arora says. "And also because the West has discovered that modern India has an interesting mix of old and new, the poor and the rich, traditional and contemporary. It's messy and beautiful, but, most of all, a happy place where there is inspiration everywhere." It's a description that citizens of these messy and beautiful United States can relate to. And while Arora is already a runway hit, the general public will get to know him better when he rolls out major design projects for Swatch and Nivea available this summer.The high fasahion trickle-down effect is already in full swing at mass-market retailers like H&M and Urban Outfitters. You can buy all manner of gorgeously patterned print dresses and shimmery bangle bracelets right now at Forever 21, plus soft cotton tunics at your mom's favorite Talbots store and exotic sandals at Target. Naturally, the global village that is the internet makes it a cinch to score more authentic pieces on eBay, and lots of independent sellers on Etsy handmake Indian-influenced items-from clothing and jewelry to paper products and home accessories."Infusing Indian inspiration into American decor adds interest, depth, variety, vibrancy and a touch of other-worldliness," says Mitun Chakrabarti, co-founder and CEO of textile company Rajboori. "In terms of textiles, various forms of block prints, beadwork, top-stitching and more have made their way into contemporary American design, where they have been pared down or designed to suit the decor needs of contemporary Western homes."The Indian influence on apple-pie American style goes even deeper: In 2007, General Motors built a design studio outside of Bangalore. And during the last Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Indian designers competed to dress models styled as Barbie dolls in celebration of the American icon's 50th birthday, a sure sign of sartorial cultural convergence."

Front Page on Etsy

My Sassy Teapot made it to the Front Page on Etsy thanks to AppliedWithLove. When I had seen this tresury I had a feeling it would make it to Front Page of Etsy. The color combination is so unique and the mix of items was just perfect. It requires a real good eye to make an excellent treasury. Thanks AppliedWithLove

Color of the Week: Lime Green

Last week we had 800+ views!!

This week the color is Lime Green and I have selected 8 talented Etsy artists here. Do check out their amazing shops.

If you would like to enter for a Color Feature on my blog, you have to do the following TWO steps,

1. Leave a comment on this blog telling me your favorite items from this week's feature

AND
2. Post your item matching next week's color, "Chocolate Brown" (Color swatch below) in this ETSY FORUM

Reclaiming clay using a Pugmill

As some of you know I invested in a Peter Pugmill this year in April. I had made a short entry about it then.

Everyday I have been realizing the benefits of having the pugmill. It had really changed my work in such a short while. Mostly because I don't hesitate from trying anything new. That leads to new and hopefully improved work. :)

It has also become a great tool for getting the perfect consistency of clay that I need. Since I do everything like throwing on the wheel, extruding, slab construction, handbuilding etc... It is better to have the clay at the right consistency for the different construction techniques. The pugmill is a great tool for that.

The one function that amazed me the most was reusing all my scrap unfired clay. I collect my small chunks of clay and let them get bone dry. I also collect the slip when I throw on the wheel. I made the following video showing the process involved. I have shortened the video, but you will get the general idea.

Color of the Week: RED

Last week we had 800+ views and one sale!!

This week the color is Red and I have selected 10 Etsy artists here. Do check out their amazing shops.

If you would like to enter for a Color Feature on my blog, you have to do the following TWO steps,
1. Leave a comment on this blog telling me your favorite items from this week's feature
AND

2. Post your item matching next week's color, "Lime Green" (Color swatch below) in this Etsy Forum