Oh, hey! Long time no see. . . .
I've been keeping very busy lately with lots of projects on the weekends, and I wanted to give everyone a look inside Little Ox Workshops. People often ask me what all is involved with these at-home clay workshops, so I'll use the latest one for a great example. There isn't always a special occasion for a group to host a workshop but this time, we were celebrating the pending arrival of a little one named Charley.
The set-up was beyond cute, as if Pinterest had exploded all over the back yard. It was truly beautiful and I admit I felt a little out of my league! I was soon set at ease as we started to create magnets, ornaments, wall hangings and sweet little dishes for little Charley.
After everyone had practiced stamping into the clay, we began making. We cut out shapes and stamped and personalized and then did it again! And again. . . and again. . . until we could no longer see what we were creating!
So we just propped up our cell phones and grabbed a few flashlights, and then continued!
I love that I get to meet great people all the time. Its great to share the love of just playing and experiencing something new, and of course, to create something in the process--better yet, to create a keepsake for someone else.
So, after we finish up and select colors for our pieces, I tote them all (very carefully!) to my aunt's studio. She is the reason I am able to make this happen. She has taught art and clay classes for quite a while now, nearly 30 years.
The studio is located near my parents' home in Bethpage, TN. Its about an hour from Murfreesboro, a nice drive. It's pretty much a country paradise. .
Then
the pieces are laid out to dry out completely. They become very dry and
brittle, and are very fragile. The edges of each piece are smoothed to
take off any sharp edges and they are loaded into the kiln (super hot
oven). After they go to about 1800 degrees, they cool and I unload
them.
Firings
take literally--all day long, SO sometimes I just chill in a hammock or
rocking chair for a while. . . anxiously awaiting the kiln shut-off. I
know, that sounds rough.
The comes the glaze :) . Each piece is individually brushed with a colored underglaze and then is sponged so that only the color in the stamped area remains. A clear coat is added and then they fire again, this time to 2200 degrees. So when it's all said and done, they look like these. .
They then get magnets attached, or string and are wrapped and given back to the party-goers. So far, its been pretty awesome every time, almost for a year and a half now. Thanks to all who enjoy this as much as I do! You inspire me to continue to grow and love what I do.
In other news. . .
New jewelry is coming (eek!)
.
Stay tuned, for this is JUST a preview of what's to come!!!!
