Happy Holidays... Plans for 2009!

Hello and Happy Holidays to All!



We hope 2008 proved to be a great year of joy and creativity for you. We have exciting plans for 2009 and hope you do too.




But first, we want to thank everyone who has supported our Large & Loose, Polished & Poetic workshops in 2008.



We loved hosting the workshops in Ohio and New York, met wonderful potters along the way and enjoyed your enthusiasm and feedback each and every time.







Our 2009 schedule will begin with a 2-day demonstration and firing intensive workshop on Saturday and Sunday, May 30th & 31st. It will be held in Port Washington, Ohio at Tom's 36 acre art-farm.



If you have any questions, contact Brenda or Tom and as always, if you know someone who would be interested in our throwing large and saggar firing workshop schedule, please pass the information along.



Until we see one another again - have a healthy and peaceful 2009!!

Brenda & Tom

Autumn in Ohio - a big hit!

We had a great group - and everyone left with inspiration, excitement and lots of ideas.

Here are some of the highlights...



Tom began the workshop with 4' vessels....





The group learned great techniques....








Then Brenda described the philosphy of saggar firing....





and we loaded our pots





into the fires.....



Back to Tom on Sunday Morning... with large & LOOSE platters.....

He threw....



Flipped.....



And Altered....



Lunch, some clay videos, sunshine and fresh air....

Then the saggar unloading...filled with surprises



treasures....



Oops, Ahhs and more....



We burnished...



Learned about terra sigillata....



And practiced the POETRY OF POLISHING!





Thanks to Tim, Donna, Ivan, Marilyn, Donna (great chocolate cake!!), Jack, Patricia & Karen. You were a great team, a fun group and we all ended the weekend exhausted, inspired and ready to make pots, polish pots, fire pots and alter and loosen up.





Please make comments and read those of your friends & colleagues... and of course, please forward the blog to anyone you think may be interested in our 2009 workshop series.

See you next year...

Brenda & Tom

New York's 'Large & Polished' ... a great success

It's been a month already - since our New York version of Large & Loose, Polished & Poetic - and Tom and I are happy to report another great workshop.

The saggar firing was a huge success....





Here are some of the results.....



Jolene's pots were sweet....



Pangaea's were amazing.....



Both Ann's did a stellar job with their saggar firing....



Even Tom learned a few extra tips....



And throwing large & loosening up....





Once again, Tom showed the group his technique, leaving everyone eager to go home and work on the skill they already possess... or dive in and get big!



Despite the monsoon rains saturday night - and the soggy campers, everyone was excited to be there....



And happy with their results.

We're gearing up for our next workshop - back in Ohio on October 25th & 26th.
It should be a big one. Representatives from Brent are going to be on hand as Tom does his demos on the new Brent EXC.

You'll be seeing Tom's face...and pots in CM more - as he has been selected as this year's Ad Man for Brent.

Congratulations Tom! Look for his picture in the November or December issue of Ceramics Monthly.



If you have any questions about the workshop - please email me or Tom - or go to either of our websites for a complete description of the 2-day demonstration and firing intensive workshop.



Until then....
See you in October.
Brenda & Tom

July Workshop Ready to Go...

Tom and I are gearing up for "LARGE & LOOSE, POLISHED & POETIC" take two... in New York. It's being held on Saturday & Sunday, July 26 & 27th.


We still have spaces open in this last New York Saggar Firing workshop. If you're a last minute person - give a call or send and email and join us. Brenda@bluemoonclay.com.



I have 3 saggar kilns at my place - so you'll get a full saggar firing instruction - enough to leave here and go home, build your own kiln and start experimenting.



Not only that - you'll be doubling the size pots/platters you make within a week. With a bit of instruction and a bit of practice - you'll shift through where you are to a new place - we guarantee it. And best of all - you'll leave New York inspired and revved up... ready to soar forward.


We hope to see you. If you can't make July, the next workshop is in October in Port Washington, Ohio at Tom's place. That workshop is beginning to fill up - so download a registration form, send it in and hold your space.


Until then... happy potting - and have a fabulous summer!

brenda & tom