Hi there

Thanks for popping in. Happy Bank Holiday Weekend! The sun is shining, I’ve been in my element all day, doing you know what – yep! P O T T E R Y !!! #madeinmay.

It’s time to stop starting more, and start finishing what’s already half done! And there’s lots of it now!

This is a bisque kiln load. So on the bottom shelves there are a few bowls that are going in for the first time, but the rest is all oxides, 2nd firing. I guess I’m finding my style, and it’s a bit grungy. I love highlighting the texture and markings in the raw clay. Anyway, we shall see. Tomorrow I’ll glaze some others, ready to go in once the kiln has cooled down. But the bisque load won’t be cool enough to open until Tuesday late. Fingers crossed they come out ok!

I had a chat to myself today – Barb the workaholic -, and to Dave, and we (the 3 of us!) concluded that this is not work; this is pure pleasure and passion. If I am happy with the results, then I may set up a table at the Open Days, next to Mum, and sell some. I love hanging out with her, keeping an eye on her, chatting to everybody, mingling. But I can do that without pottery there! So there’s no pressure to produce and sell. No, no, no. It was great last year, when some many folks bought my pottery, of course it was! It was the first outing it had ever had – a virgin voyage! So it really gave me a confidence boost, which was much needed. And for Mum too. We had been pretty low since Dad had died, and the Happy Open Days coupled with our little pottery success gave us both a lift. You get that for sure. But quite honestly, I’ve got enough pressure on at work at the moment, without turning my lovely hobby into a performance too! So it all depends on the outcome. I was thinking of trying out some underglazes tomorrow. And some spot glazing. So much to learn, so much to try!

Last week I made a crossword puzzle for you to try, and I thought you might like to see the answers. You probably knew all the answers anyway, but just in case…

I’ve made a Parchy Crossword for you too, which I’ll post tomorrow. Happy Days. I’ll also figure out what we are going to need for the Craftalong on Thursday evening. It’s been a scramble at Clarity, with so many TV shows. You cannot imagine how much time and work goes into each hour! Oh! Here’s irony for you! Remember the other day, I talked about the M25 being a rolling carpark? Well, after the fabulous launch of the clever doors and panel dies and the pretty Pocket Poppets on Create & Craft on Friday at 4pm, I headed straight home, because our darling friends Debby and Gill, from Texas, are in town, and we were spending the day with them on Saturday. FIVE hours to do what usually takes 2 1/2 hours. It was pants. By the time I got through the door, I was done in.

Bank Holiday Weekend plus Friday evening = absolute chaos. I got home at 10.30. That makes for a very very long day, friends. That reminds me. All the craft stuff is still in the boot! 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃

Here’s the truth though. I’d rather be busy than not busy. I’d rather be able to work than not be able to work. I’d rather have a never-ending list of things to do than be scratching around for things to do. It’s better for this old bird to stay busy, to keep on making. Keeps me sane, keeps me grounded, keeps me grateful. And I know I’m not alone. #madeinmay. Dave’s the same. His woodwork is so lovely!

How about you? What have you made today? Tell us, pray do !

Love always,

Barb x x x

PS. The ferns in the garden are unfurling so beautifully too! The very first thing I’m going to do tomorrow morning, is pick a couple of ferns and go pulls some prints on that old printing press in the other shed!

I do need a plan on my days off, otherwise I waste them.

Have you seen these prints from a couple of weeks ago?

We’ve got something so special in the pipeline using these prints! I reckon this will mark a turning point at Clarity. More will be revealed…

Pots and Prints. Add Dave’s beautiful wooden art to the mix…

Sounds like the