tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32405214100864657662024-03-12T19:50:25.508-04:00Big Dog Pots Pottery BlogPottery with a Purpose - Unique Handmade Functional Pottery. A portion of our proceeds are donated to animal rescue groups in our local community. Visit our Website www.bigdogpots.com follow us on Facebook / Instagram @BigdogpotsLori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-62079826814969862682014-08-28T08:15:00.002-04:002021-12-17T12:36:38.410-05:00OUR BLOG HAS MOVED.....<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Please continue to follow along at:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.bigdogpots.com/blog" target="_blank">Big Dog Pots Pottery Blog</a></div>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0Virginia, USA37.4315734 -78.65689429.1213395638211523 -113.8131442 65.741807236178843 -43.500644199999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-91704609702746075082014-07-25T12:29:00.002-04:002014-07-25T12:29:29.270-04:00It's a BIG world out there.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a big world out there and we are so excited to be one stop along the way.<div>
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As our first highway attraction sign is now up and "running," we have been seeing LOTS of traffic from EVERYWHERE!!!</div>
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Interstate 66 carries approximately 45,000 plus vehicles per day right by our little old Marshall exit 27 and we have been making new friends from near and far. Our west bound sign has been installed and our east bound sign at the same exit is on the way!</div>
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Just since our first sign has gone up we have had visitors from: Montana, Chicago, Ohio, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Florida, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kansas, South Dakota, Australia, England, France, Germany, Japan, China, and Mexico!!!!</div>
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I think we may need to put up one of those maps of the world with little red pins so that we can keep track. We love to visit and meet new friends! </div>
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If you are in the area, stop in and say hello we look forward to meeting you!<br /><br /></div>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-24846606936481565342014-07-07T18:32:00.000-04:002014-07-07T18:32:52.694-04:00TEEN Classes ...Living in rural Virginia is such a wonderful experience for families. <br />
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It is a peaceful, easy going way to raise children. When those kids reach the teen years, it is wonderful to have alternative activities with which they can participate. Pottery is a great outlet for the busy and sometimes complex lives of our teens. With pottery there are no grades, no exams, no recitals, no special equipment or uniforms to complicate the experience.<br />
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Pottery is a wonderful leveling activity. No matter if you are the quarterback, the math whiz or a shy quiet student, every teen can enjoy the experience of working with clay. Each teen will walk away from their clay experience with new insight the art form, and may find a passion and talent they never knew was there.<br />
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At Big Dog Pots Pottery we will begin offering a TEEN CLASS on Friday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm starting in September. We will go back and forth between both hand building and working with the wheel and will explore all the basics of both forms of working with clay.<br />
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Classes will be kept small so that each student can receive personalized instruction in a positive and welcoming environment.<br />
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Our first class will begin on Friday, September 5th and will run in four (4) week sessions. Sign up will be on a first come basis. Please contact the Studio with any questions (540) 364-2834.<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-69644403557253378632014-06-26T10:46:00.004-04:002014-06-26T10:46:44.894-04:00Wedding Planning and Pottery - A Wonderful Combination....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When a bride and groom come into the Studio to order a custom, personalized tray as a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190870369/personalized-tree-of-life-large-serving?ref=listing-3" target="_blank">Thank You for their parents for their wedding</a>, they leave excited with all the possibilities our Studio can offer. Besides creating one of a kind handmade trays, we create custom pieces for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. We also offer fabulous alternatives to a ring pillow. Our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/172554692/ring-bearer-bowl-wedding-wedding-rings?ref=listing-18" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #006699; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">handmade ring dishes</a> are created with custom text and a place to tie the rings onto the dish with a ribbon during the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, the bride will have a treasured remembrance which she can use everyday to remind her of that special day.</div>
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In addition to creating one of a kind pieces, we also offer one of a kind experiences for the bridal party and friends and family who are in town for the event. We can schedule private events for bridal showers, or a grooms night out, or a session for the extended families to share a new experience and bond with a fun and wholesome activity for adults and children alike. If your group is more interested in a paint and glaze experience, we can create custom pieces for your guests to paint and glaze with personalized text and textural elements.</div>
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At <a href="http://www.bigdogpots.net/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #006699; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Big Dog Pots Pottery</a> we provide a range of services to help make that extraordinary day, exceptional. Contact us at (540) 364-2834 to discuss your ideas!</div>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-29133624020092023112014-02-16T08:44:00.000-05:002014-02-16T10:34:57.219-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hGjiPQ6aSel-ayG_bwY-J2PHHRIyI2-5IaYy1R7TE1ZLGFLIpjLAIH577-xVGz-20uvUMftwdI-cq1WoM94p2gRKnT9ut34ScItof9AYuJD9yxE5Ykz1ZiGyWOGdpfkG9Kwpzr_I-_iS/s1600/BIG+DOG+POTS+SIGN+JPEG0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hGjiPQ6aSel-ayG_bwY-J2PHHRIyI2-5IaYy1R7TE1ZLGFLIpjLAIH577-xVGz-20uvUMftwdI-cq1WoM94p2gRKnT9ut34ScItof9AYuJD9yxE5Ykz1ZiGyWOGdpfkG9Kwpzr_I-_iS/s1600/BIG+DOG+POTS+SIGN+JPEG0001.JPG" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GREETINGS FRIENDS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Well if you have
been following along on<b><span style="color: #660000;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bigdogpots" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</span></b> you know that
things are really coming together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> It is an exciting
time for sure and lots of things going on behind the scenes. I am thrilled to announce that Ann D. Masch has come on board as my new Studio Manager. Ann and I will be at
the studio quite a bit this coming week taking inventory and getting things in
place to open. We plan to open by March
1st at the latest, and possibly as early as February 22nd. We will keep you posted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> As we have experienced weather delays with
the WONDERFUL <st1:state>Virginia</st1:state> winter we
have had, our opening date had to be pushed back a bit. As a result our classes will begin the first
week in April. This is the class
schedule as is stands now, there may be some slight changes, but I think it will ultimately be quite similar to this listing:</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Batik Regular"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> POTTERY CLASSES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #993300; font-family: 'Batik Regular';">TUESDAY </span><st1:time hour="9" minute="30"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">9:30
- 11:30 am</span></st1:time></b> - <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wheel Throwing for the Novice Potter - Adults
and Teens, Ages 14 and up $185, plus
$12.50 for tool kit; and $25 for one bag of clay which includes glaze and
firings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";"><b>TUESDAY 1:00- 2:30 pm</b></span>-<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
Hand-Building for the Beginning Potter
Ages 9 and up Pottery for Home School Students $ 130; and $25 for one bag of clay which includes glaze and firings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";"><b>WEDNESDAY 6:30 - 8:00 pm</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> -Hand-Building for the
Beginning Potter - Adults and Teens Ages 14 and up $130; and $25 for one bag of clay which includes glaze and firings.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">FRIDAY </span><st1:time hour="9" minute="15"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">9:15 - 10:15 am</span></st1:time></b>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Mommy and Me in the Mud - Ages 3-5 (and an adult helper), $120, all
materials, and firings, included. (Great class for Moms, Dads, Grandparents, or other adult care-giver to do with that special little one in your life.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">FRIDAY </span><st1:time hour="10" minute="30"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">10:30 - 12:00 pm</span></st1:time>
</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Hand-Building for the Beginning Potter - Adults and Teens Ages 14 and up, $130; and $25 for one bag of clay which includes glaze and
firings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">SATURDAY </span><st1:time hour="9" minute="30"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: "Batik Regular";">9:30
- 11:30 am</span></st1:time> </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Wheel Throwing for the Novice Potter - Adults
and Teens Ages 14 and up, $185, plus $12.50 for tool kit; and $25 for one bag
of clay which includes glaze and firings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Batik Regular"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pottery Open Studio, Available Monthly</span></b><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Batik Regular"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: maroon;">- </span>Includes
use of Studio and all equipment. $130.00 per month; tools and tool kits available for purchase; $25 for one bag of clay
which includes glaze and firings. Big
Dog Pots only fires pieces which are created from our clay. Contact the Studio if you need a specific
clay manufacturer, type, color and we will do our best to obtain it for your
use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Additional classes will be coming in May!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><a href="http://www.bigdogpots.net/Contact.html" target="_blank">SIGN UP ON LINE</a> to be on our class mailing list. Classes will be small so you will want to keep up on class information.</b></i></span></div>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-18977058861274757182014-02-05T12:51:00.000-05:002014-02-05T12:51:39.581-05:00Provenance....<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Websters defines <b>"provenance"</b> as "the place of origin or earliest known history of something." It is a wonderful concept when applied to all sorts of things, a name, a recipe, a picture, an idea....but for me it seemed to come home in a simple concept of creating a logo for my new Studio. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKNVaaH80SaUxxN3IcW1396if1_ZZFXg28angperMKCnFHVPrHx9H8AsNw98WooGxN4ocfkWM-NvC6BGh8icxNAOl21-8Y3Mghz0ffw59a38m2-sjIns7iT999RRqZXWJFhr61QwdUzfM/s1600/Big+Dog+Pots+Pottery+-+Freestanding+final+-+SIGN+ONLY-02+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKNVaaH80SaUxxN3IcW1396if1_ZZFXg28angperMKCnFHVPrHx9H8AsNw98WooGxN4ocfkWM-NvC6BGh8icxNAOl21-8Y3Mghz0ffw59a38m2-sjIns7iT999RRqZXWJFhr61QwdUzfM/s1600/Big+Dog+Pots+Pottery+-+Freestanding+final+-+SIGN+ONLY-02+(1).jpg" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Logo For Big Dog Pots Pottery</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want my logo to elicit an immediate response from people who see it. I want them to actually feel a warm, happy, relaxed feeling when they look at it. For me, it made sense to share what makes me feel the same way when I look at it - or in my case - them. I decided to include Daisy and Max in my logo, and I am just thrilled with the outcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It started with a photograph that I took of Max a year or so ago. We went on a family outing to a local orchard and took the dogs with us. They LOVE being at the orchard. They love the smells, the wide open spaces, visiting with kids who have come there with their families, and of course trying to figure out what we are doing climbing up those trees!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I took this picture of Max. He was sitting in front of me watching my husband up in a tree, handing apples down to the kids. I absolutely LOVE this picture. Even though it is a picture of his back, you can just SEE him smiling! He was SO happy and excited, and even from behind you can tell. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCvYvP8zMHU-ERa2OwicYL2ZUq70gMNlJP9xOexvY84DBmUM-KKukeqY9zNSQvuo2z-FxXH5efUe96S7Eor5_kwBv10RuGY1RGaxkBUSJ7Duidq5uMN2HacLSlk9-MICTFq_l5O6osLD3/s1600/DSC_00430001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCvYvP8zMHU-ERa2OwicYL2ZUq70gMNlJP9xOexvY84DBmUM-KKukeqY9zNSQvuo2z-FxXH5efUe96S7Eor5_kwBv10RuGY1RGaxkBUSJ7Duidq5uMN2HacLSlk9-MICTFq_l5O6osLD3/s1600/DSC_00430001.JPG" height="400" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max at the Orchard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlJl9F8Cw2RKoIfJvNyAclTsq0S9X9i9532PkNEpPWIAD4-U1Xf8WXF7tFpTf576QZin89x3BLxfNhPZhk3cBGwVwd0xMkyWfvJfVgkEUVMJd-ulgX3NQ5Ia0T8N6tzvdKzjlP2mKgp0G/s1600/DSC_00360001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlJl9F8Cw2RKoIfJvNyAclTsq0S9X9i9532PkNEpPWIAD4-U1Xf8WXF7tFpTf576QZin89x3BLxfNhPZhk3cBGwVwd0xMkyWfvJfVgkEUVMJd-ulgX3NQ5Ia0T8N6tzvdKzjlP2mKgp0G/s1600/DSC_00360001.JPG" height="200" width="106" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I printed this out later and looked at it, it made me realize that Max's "expression" was universal to dogs everywhere. It is an expression of love, an expression of anticipation, an expression of joyful waiting. All of these things I attribute not only to Max, but to the many wonderful animals who have shared their lives with me. I guess, if I had to describe it in a few words, it would be "quintessential unconditional love and joy."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieunLkoxN4FvUN_xX1DtHnv7_GdG-8Yg6wpAhihyjkVwqnC593anOwKVvaLv3-zAdoY7ly4wPWeFfiyjoxkfkgMOUE30EbE0fh7eFQxIe_S3ZUOsKb7W6uMi5phdm-S2u_pYsrxP5X3Fo0/s1600/DSC_00370001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieunLkoxN4FvUN_xX1DtHnv7_GdG-8Yg6wpAhihyjkVwqnC593anOwKVvaLv3-zAdoY7ly4wPWeFfiyjoxkfkgMOUE30EbE0fh7eFQxIe_S3ZUOsKb7W6uMi5phdm-S2u_pYsrxP5X3Fo0/s1600/DSC_00370001.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy and Max</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought what better than to share that "feeling" with everyone who comes into contact with Big Dog Pots Pottery Studio. And so, in addition to our Max, I have also included Daisy as a part of our logo. We added a little heart to her hindquarter because after she had her open heart surgery and her port was healing, the hair in that spot grew back in brown. We look at that spot as her "badge of courage" and wanted to show it in our logo. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These two souls have brought tremendous</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> joy into our lives, and we are thrilled to share their joyful antics with everyone who visits Big Dog Pots.</span><br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-32789212712908869752014-01-31T08:49:00.002-05:002014-01-31T08:49:17.016-05:00Finding Balance.....Well, here we are in the home stretch of renovations on our new Studio/Gallery. It has been a LOT of work, a lot of fun, and an interesting journey for sure. As my thoughts for the Studio are coming more and more into focus, the realization that I cannot do everything is certainly sinking in. I do, after all, only have 2 hands! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1pLfC2RVQ3Fz5dH5cIyJbChbXu6R0HdcJp-hgvdhPe3uBEkPsgPFa_-iwl2hf6DTuhnkjswycPmk_pIGTIy7gKX4H6Y91bMgDnYb5sCgu2AExp15EPPRG4CGg7ueXlLjoio-W9FZfUIj/s1600/DSC_00200003_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1pLfC2RVQ3Fz5dH5cIyJbChbXu6R0HdcJp-hgvdhPe3uBEkPsgPFa_-iwl2hf6DTuhnkjswycPmk_pIGTIy7gKX4H6Y91bMgDnYb5sCgu2AExp15EPPRG4CGg7ueXlLjoio-W9FZfUIj/s1600/DSC_00200003_1.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
I have read over the years in various ceramic journals about "finding balance" and over the past 7 years, I have tried to find a balance between home, life, passion, and pots. Now "balance" is going to take on a new dimension as it relates to custom work.<br />
My <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigdogpots" target="_blank">ETSY store</a> has been quite successful, and many customers have been thrilled with my custom pieces. While it has been a fun adventure, working with customers and gaining insight into how others view pottery creation, it has also be quite time consuming and stressful. All those wedding trays! When my <b>Thank You</b> trays are given to the parents at the rehearsal night dinner, they <i><b>have</b></i> to be there on time and in <i><b>perfect</b></i> condition. All of my brides and grooms to date have been a true joy to work with, but mother nature intervenes, or my LIFE intervenes (think 2 kids, 4 cats, 2 dogs - one with a serious cardiac condition), and hard deadlines have on occasion become stressful all day/all night events in the Studio.<br />
I am proud to say that with almost 350 online orders, I don't think I have missed many dates, if any at all, and certainly, I have not missed a rehearsal dinner - even one that took place in Paris, France!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgBs_hnK5DL2j-YVSeMNIHnuwsHPRdZNvIENp6PXTtlyOqb3RU8QV3zOoFLeiYft8u4YQkqGyup1XKG51l_nsRpWpiKWLDikRNCArWql3_tNGk7dqZJPzwCnIpg4kkukyJ6R5FEc2f38n/s1600/DSC_00080001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgBs_hnK5DL2j-YVSeMNIHnuwsHPRdZNvIENp6PXTtlyOqb3RU8QV3zOoFLeiYft8u4YQkqGyup1XKG51l_nsRpWpiKWLDikRNCArWql3_tNGk7dqZJPzwCnIpg4kkukyJ6R5FEc2f38n/s1600/DSC_00080001.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
For a one person potter, working out of an unheated space with no running water, I am pretty proud of this accomplishment!!!<br />
As I look to my new Studio and Gift Gallery, I see a different type of work, and a different type of work pattern in my future. I will still create custom pieces, but now they will only be available through the Studio. By offering ready to ship pieces via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigdogpots" target="_blank">ETSY</a>, I see myself actually having more time to create the pieces I would like to create, and growing in my journey as a potter.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBhFzde-zpRt9qTZgmv-n4u8FAopDWmsQrceiy6OMv_UJugsXmZ-iyk2BGz4YZ-Mt6OAVLtyIvoPbmsrFP3omttmGZGfTmaCyEx-K6im6u8JT1QEWRRk1CcuKS04dv8aUVGlYqO_MsUu9/s1600/photo+(41)0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBhFzde-zpRt9qTZgmv-n4u8FAopDWmsQrceiy6OMv_UJugsXmZ-iyk2BGz4YZ-Mt6OAVLtyIvoPbmsrFP3omttmGZGfTmaCyEx-K6im6u8JT1QEWRRk1CcuKS04dv8aUVGlYqO_MsUu9/s1600/photo+(41)0023.JPG" height="174" width="320" /></a>While I realize that I will be making a shift in my work, I think it will actually be more of a return to what my life as a potter had been like before the "Custom Frenzy!"<br />
So, in the end, I believe this decision will offer me a less stressful life, with more time to enjoy life, and enjoy creating pottery...and in the end, for me - that is what it is all about....living a peaceful life and making pots!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-32864834462278701862014-01-24T11:33:00.003-05:002014-01-24T11:33:40.012-05:00Choosing A Pottery Wheel.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKHU2KA_h1i1rQEZd2aUaQ3Io9B5Y-UdTuO1Q1miD-faL0_YyR-hLHT_SCpYolgwnXuxSJFHz1noDLqFGmP_mz4BMb_WD18prAFcgSamPSTR46Qot1uH9uz2eoFQDCck2ZJOJUzo-u37A/s1600/DSC_00130001_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKHU2KA_h1i1rQEZd2aUaQ3Io9B5Y-UdTuO1Q1miD-faL0_YyR-hLHT_SCpYolgwnXuxSJFHz1noDLqFGmP_mz4BMb_WD18prAFcgSamPSTR46Qot1uH9uz2eoFQDCck2ZJOJUzo-u37A/s1600/DSC_00130001_1.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a>Picking out a pottery wheel, my method behind the myriad of choices. It is a tough choice and it gets more difficult when you are buying multiples! There is little real information on overall satisfaction from potters themselves about wheels and their highs and lows. Yes,there are forums, and discussion threads, and large sales companies who write up the products they are selling. There are some very detailed reviews on wheels available online. What I was searching for was a more "ethereal" view point from the potters themselves and how the connect with the wheels they use. Although I am sure I did not hit ever nook and cranny of information out there, I am confident in my choice, basically because of the way I feel when I use it, and my overall level of comfort with the design. <br />
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Basically, I am a Pacifica GT800 potter, and I will tell you why.... I have thrown on Brent, Thomas-Stuart, Creative Industries, and Shimpo wheels of varying ages and styles (including the stick shift version), and not being a kick wheel user, I did not investigate those options. Of the wheels I have used I just keep coming back to my Pacifica.<br />
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While a number of the manufacturers listed are substantial and venerable for sure, for my purposes, and the students I anticipate working with, I believe the Pacifica wheels will do a wonderful job.<br />
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I am not going to go through all the other styles and tell you what I liked and disliked about each and how they stack up against one another. Instead I thought I would simply share what I LOVE about my Pacifica GT800 which I have been using, basically on a daily basis, for the past 6 years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me Throwing on a Shimpo Wheel</td></tr>
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First, it is solid. It doesn't move, rattle, clank. It stays still and lets the wheel head do its job.<br />
Next, it is QUIET. Very important to me because for me wheel work is often meditative and quite is paramount. No distracting noises, none. The splash pan is super easy to put on and take off and I never seem to hit that "oh, I have the pieces reversed" dilemma. I really like the non-porous work table that is built right in. It has lots of room for tools, water buckets, and all those other nick knacks you just have to have when you sit down to throw. Finally, I think it is important to purchase enough throwing power so that as you progress and build your skills you are not limited by the size of your horsepower. The GT800 has 1.0 hp which is all I will ever need.<br />
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So, this was my process. It was not scientific, but I am confident my students will enjoy throwing on these wheels for many, many QUIET years to come.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-48365114252310948732014-01-21T09:04:00.000-05:002014-01-21T09:04:18.390-05:00Down to Earth....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we are closing in on the last few days of bringing the construction phase of our "little project" to a conclusion. I am beginning to think in earnest about all the details of what, where and why in setting up the Studio and Gallery. We have made some last minute changes, and I am thinking that the changes will work well and allow for lots of interesting opportunities.<br />
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First up is the actual layout. We decided that in order to better use space and keep the actual creation processes on tile surfaces (think muddy here), we will be adding some additional Gallery space. This will serve several purposes, first to encourage visitors to feel welcome past the first two rooms and encourage them to go "behind the scenes" into areas of the Studio where work will be in progress. Second it will allow for additional area for sales of both work by our Studio Artists, as well as some of my favorite non-pottery art work which I have discovered along my journey into mud.<br />
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Having participated in many Fine Art Shows over the past 7 years, I had the joy of meeting and getting to know several artists who create phenomenal work, and yet like me they strive to keep their prices down to earth and affordable. <br />
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Yes, there will be a few items that will be in higher price ranges, but overall everything in the Gallery will be affordable art for everyday, or for that special day when something unique is needed. All of the pieces that I create will be available for custom order with choices of text, impression, clay base and glaze colors.<br />
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It is my hope that the Studio will be a welcoming and friendly place where people look forward to come and explore being creative, or come looking for unique creations.<br />
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In the meantime, we are setting up all the needed "number things" book keeping, scheduling, ordering, and ultimately, very soon MOVING IN AND SETTING UP !!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-37498733650950427082013-12-13T08:21:00.001-05:002013-12-13T08:21:34.358-05:00All That is to Come...These past few months have been quite busy. In addition to my day job as mom to 2 teen age kids, 2 dogs, 4 cats, and wife to busy corporate executive, I have also been working on getting a new studio renovated and open. On top of that, my lovely and talented daughter had the lead in her school's musical, and my son began his journey into College! PHEW! Just listing it all makes me tired :).<br />
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When my "pottery hobby" over ran the two studio buildings my husband had built on our property, we decided it was time to take the next step. Instead of building a third, and probably fourth outbuilding on our property, we took the plunge and purchased an old house on Main Street here in Marshall, Virginia. <br />
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The property has a lot of visibility on our hometown thoroughfare, is zoned for Commercial uses, and was previously used as a dog grooming salon (this in particular felt like great karma to me!). The structure was built in 1890 and was constructed without the benefit of pressure treated wood, and with the added misfortune of being situated on top of some moderate shrink swell soils. The end result....LOTS of rot. <br />
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We have had to gut most of the floors, replace most of the sills, band-boards, and of course floor joists and floors. Here are some before and during pictures of the floor process to date.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first cut is the deepest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGt5nMEZInZYhKaazH8xcIJTZqf2Epah-Z_GPDaPZGVFlhkBU9yr92E3GTwwuOBiIr_cDn4y5_FuHqd_b_1i79Sq2Qn4LuaCHdT9ax33hycZ4337DI0KMDE5Djtyd_NpHck86c74si52O/s1600/photo+4+(4)0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGt5nMEZInZYhKaazH8xcIJTZqf2Epah-Z_GPDaPZGVFlhkBU9yr92E3GTwwuOBiIr_cDn4y5_FuHqd_b_1i79Sq2Qn4LuaCHdT9ax33hycZ4337DI0KMDE5Djtyd_NpHck86c74si52O/s400/photo+4+(4)0004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposing what was beneath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing out down to the dirt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original rock wall foundation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOTS of rot!!!</td></tr>
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Once we removed what underneath 4 of the 6 rooms, we began to carefully rebuild with modern materials and technologies. After monitoring the water drainage around the foundation for several weeks, we decided that we needed to attend to the outside of the foundation as well as the interior. So, we installed french drains around the perimeter of the structure. Once in place, they will work to trap water filtering down beside the foundation and draw it away to several underground catch zones. It was a LOT of digging, both by hand and by machine, but we are hopeful that it will create a lasting difference for drainage on the property. </div>
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Here is what that process looked like....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOzA53jcMZbPCRAeE-2vj0SLy6Q_noDYRczUA-9idBWUO9M2_amrKCRbuiNNuMP6SXaBSQB5bEJ5SbiiVLRqWmdBStiHpHgqOd3rHhUBLFOqppSGsKCCZzp7xO6KJp9VFwOhJHFN7-pH6/s1600/photo+1+(7)0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOzA53jcMZbPCRAeE-2vj0SLy6Q_noDYRczUA-9idBWUO9M2_amrKCRbuiNNuMP6SXaBSQB5bEJ5SbiiVLRqWmdBStiHpHgqOd3rHhUBLFOqppSGsKCCZzp7xO6KJp9VFwOhJHFN7-pH6/s640/photo+1+(7)0003.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">No doubt it looks like FUN, but it was a lot of work</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Careful to make sure the water would drain properly and slope correctly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a much deserved break!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were at it, we added a few coats of water sealer to the outside wall.<br /><br />Next came the rebuild....but I think I will save that for the next post! Stay tuned.</td></tr>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-51882786882528964922013-12-11T11:33:00.000-05:002013-12-11T11:33:25.326-05:00Looking Ahead to 2014 and Learning from 2013....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"End of December, the sleepy brown woods seem to nod down their heads for the winter..."<br />Dan Fogelberg, Lyrics to "Old Tennessee"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lessons Learned</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I write this in mid December, I am coming to the close of my 6th year in the world of custom, personalized pottery. What I have learned this year can be summed up in the simple thought of "let the customer lead!" Some of my best pieces have come from ideas that my customers have shared with me. I keep and open ear and do not fear doing something differently just because it is something that I would not have done. Some of my most interesting, and successful pieces have come from my collaborations with customers. That said, it is also important for me as an artist to continue to create all those pieces I have floating around in my head. I find that if I share my studio time with pieces that I have been commissioned to create with those that I "need" to create for my own artistic venting, that I have a good week. Keeping time set aside, and kiln room set aside for the pieces I want/need to create has been a happy medium for me this year and a lesson learned for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>LOOKING AHEAD</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54pxB52qCTue1_cW6057JOTzySCmb2inGK1QhxErlR70dwlkBeuhgh-_0p3BZvFZ1P6r-623Tkv0tmlrth7JAhVuAAsxJN-N0qG0jL7tk2TSuYNNHWbPJ2exOdZFvIw_jWHTCsNLFm4_h/s1600/wedding-color-trends-for-spring-2014-from-pantone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54pxB52qCTue1_cW6057JOTzySCmb2inGK1QhxErlR70dwlkBeuhgh-_0p3BZvFZ1P6r-623Tkv0tmlrth7JAhVuAAsxJN-N0qG0jL7tk2TSuYNNHWbPJ2exOdZFvIw_jWHTCsNLFm4_h/s320/wedding-color-trends-for-spring-2014-from-pantone1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking ahead to 2014, I just downloaded Pantone's Wedding Colors for Spring 2014. There are a lot of great shades to work with for my custom pieces, as well as for my ready to ship items. In particular, I will certainly be playing with Pantone's Freesia - a beautiful vibrant yellow; Dazzling Blue - a wonderful full bodied shade or royal blue; Radiant Orchid - a fabulous shade of violet; and Celosia Orange - a terrific, subtle shade of soft peachy/orange.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Moving forward, one of the things that is beginning to whisper to me from the furthest reaches of my mind, is the notion of preserving my artistic ideas in the pieces I am working so hard to create. Imitation is certainly the sincerest form of flattery, but within the artistic world it is a big no-no. While, I have thankfully not been subjected to any other pottery taking my ideas and reusing them, I will be looking into protecting my ideas moving forward for sure. Being a fairly "type B" person - sort of a more "whatever" type personality. I have a natural resistance to pursuing such legal protections, but many of my customers, friends, and family are encouraging me to at least look into it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, if you have experience or ideas on how I should go about doing this, I would sincerely appreciate your input and experience. For now, I am focused on responding to my Christmas orders, and finishing my new Studio which should be opening in January 2014. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is an exciting time here at Big Dog Pots Pottery, and we are hoping for even more exciting times ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy Holiday Season, and a wonderful 2014!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-11035794109399369942013-10-01T12:57:00.000-04:002013-10-01T12:57:51.352-04:00A Study in Leaves...When I first walked into the local pottery studio 7 years ago, I had an idea of what I wanted to create, already in mind. I have come to learn that sometimes this is a good thing, sometimes it only provides fuel to my frustration. But on that day, I had a thought and wanted to see if I could make it happen in clay. I had collected pottery from various artist in North Carolina's Seagrove community for about 25 years. During my many trips to Seagrove, I was exposed to many different artistic interpretations of leaves. What I was trying to achieve was something more real, or at least realistic in its finished presentation.<br />
Over the past 7 years, I have developed my own "secret" methods to create pieces that use real leaves, and yet allow for glaze and the pottery firing process to alter their appearance. Here are the basic steps in my process and some pictures to lead you through how I create them.<br />
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First, finding the "right" leaf. After many attempts, what I have found that works best, for my application are leaves that have deep veins. These are the types of leaves that will leave the best impression, and allow for the most interesting applications with glaze. I have used Wild Fern, Sycamore, Fig, Grape, Hosta, Hydrangea, and many others. For this blog, I will show you a recent piece I created with a Fig leaf. I saw a Fig tree last year outside of a restaurant we enjoy locally, and I thought, "hmmm, I could grow my own Fig tree and then use those leaves!" And so I did.<br />
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Once I find the right size leaf, I look for consistency in appearance. Not necessarily symmetry, but consistency. This is a subjective aspect of the creation process, but one I find interesting nonetheless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOkK2AqIIWtMOfvjgW8UaZ2xRiGhALVjlManUumxgXH5LVFoYlhrG5Wwr_TGbdltfYxwcwVJwknEqGOIVqzrimxeygREtK74fkdnmcwoi6s32ck7OIQV0_cQCblUzcFjZ9pLybhwCmg5W/s1600/DSC_00050004_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOkK2AqIIWtMOfvjgW8UaZ2xRiGhALVjlManUumxgXH5LVFoYlhrG5Wwr_TGbdltfYxwcwVJwknEqGOIVqzrimxeygREtK74fkdnmcwoi6s32ck7OIQV0_cQCblUzcFjZ9pLybhwCmg5W/s200/DSC_00050004_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS1CtQlO7n48GZt6aopDXzt9ETcY1Z8oqDPO2aDOLMR-nmw0vtKjGxFPTnbsx51D96dU7SFHUg3r_EBlBpjKJVjUz7DTzn3BlKa6fk-lSAdcNY0FlMfAZDqqUSwoKehPRKfo46NdiwPkw/s1600/DSC_00020001_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS1CtQlO7n48GZt6aopDXzt9ETcY1Z8oqDPO2aDOLMR-nmw0vtKjGxFPTnbsx51D96dU7SFHUg3r_EBlBpjKJVjUz7DTzn3BlKa6fk-lSAdcNY0FlMfAZDqqUSwoKehPRKfo46NdiwPkw/s200/DSC_00020001_6.JPG" width="133" /></a>With the leaf in hand, I then apply it to the raw clay. In this instance, I have rolled out a slab of clay to make a circular serving dish. After cutting out the initial circle for the piece, I transfer the slab of clay to my work table and visualize the finished piece. Then apply the leaf to the raw clay and use a pony roller to impress it. I let the leaf set up for a while so that when I go to remove the leaf, the clay underneath has had a chance to dry.<br />
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Then the piece is dried, and fired to Cone 06. Once it is bisqued, it is ready for glazing. This particular piece is being glazed in various shades of blue. But first, I need to get the glazing onto the leaf impression. Using ultra-fine brushes, I carefully apply glaze to the edges of the leaf. This is the hardest area to work with as glaze has the consistency of thick yogurt, and dries very quickly. Once the outside edges are done, I fill in the remainder of the leaf and then let it dry for a period to allow the glaze the "settle." Once it has dried completely, I apply wax resist to the leaf area so that when I apply glaze to the remainder of the dish it will not be absorbed by the area where the leaf is located. I use various wax resist products, and there are any number that you can create from scratch, but I do not use a lot of wax resist in my work, so I just purchase mine commercially. One thing that I have found quite useful is to set aside specific brushes for just my wax resist work. I keep these brushes in water that I have added a small about of dish washing liquid to in order to keep the brushes soft and allow for the wax not to build up on them. The brush container is messy, but it does the trick and keeps all of my wax brushes in one place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuc2BxejdnuF86KMv1N7oVOabhWSwQGPohr62PSCHH048NQeyahd5x3V6y0OCR-nwfW5NdVqquvyW30SFMaa1FQz2CHvvhLZ7krZmcXNN9l4FrD084x_ZVldfdgMA6-Ssa-eTeP_dBUWW/s1600/DSC_00160055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuc2BxejdnuF86KMv1N7oVOabhWSwQGPohr62PSCHH048NQeyahd5x3V6y0OCR-nwfW5NdVqquvyW30SFMaa1FQz2CHvvhLZ7krZmcXNN9l4FrD084x_ZVldfdgMA6-Ssa-eTeP_dBUWW/s320/DSC_00160055.JPG" width="320" /></a> Once the wax resist is on the leaf, I can then apply glaze to the remainder of the piece. The wax resist will leave a glossy appearance on the glaze once it has dried. For this particular piece I have layered 3 different types and colors of glaze. The end result is a speckled appearance which I think adds some depth to the piece. I was pleased with how these turned out, and have created additional layered glaze combinations the latest of which is in shades of green. But I think that will be saved for another blog post :).<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-66491971023712330042013-09-18T08:24:00.002-04:002013-09-18T08:24:55.536-04:00Coming Back Down to Earth.....or MUD!It has been an exciting time here for sure. With the purchase of our new studio property and renovations getting ready to begin, I have returned to the studio, and returned to the mud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZT536pyY7r-aomwm3iC4zDeVbrLzKrX_YmL6L2_uj0tM5oH0GF5ADc8q6-8wDMHMF1obSO5N2jMNqDTefe45fL3IcA_yXGm-qvPS1eSo5nP7qVp6L7WCLdsP7bU6Gfegb2w2NOepZJEn/s1600/picisto-20130720092229-9762390001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZT536pyY7r-aomwm3iC4zDeVbrLzKrX_YmL6L2_uj0tM5oH0GF5ADc8q6-8wDMHMF1obSO5N2jMNqDTefe45fL3IcA_yXGm-qvPS1eSo5nP7qVp6L7WCLdsP7bU6Gfegb2w2NOepZJEn/s400/picisto-20130720092229-9762390001.JPG" width="266" /></a>When I first started with pottery, the clay that I used was a warm red brown. Clay is found in many different types, colors, and consistencies and all of these work in different ways depending upon your application.<br />
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It happened that the first bag of clay available to me at the time was red brown, and so that is what I started with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rbPd-kEC8V4W1LLPIRYoNmJncCCzjL4ATLldSQG-ihQUp09t-jNcoqCearmgmG_u_9uCx9HQ3zXrPYru73qEan4YbwcRV34hvAWF2_FFzxvxWog4e8yOzErVlG2BPAY2j0QHLN-hedmk/s1600/DSC_00020001_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rbPd-kEC8V4W1LLPIRYoNmJncCCzjL4ATLldSQG-ihQUp09t-jNcoqCearmgmG_u_9uCx9HQ3zXrPYru73qEan4YbwcRV34hvAWF2_FFzxvxWog4e8yOzErVlG2BPAY2j0QHLN-hedmk/s400/DSC_00020001_12.JPG" width="298" /></a>As I begin my pieces in clay, I visualize the end result. So that when I begin, I know what clay I want to use. Clay responds differently all along the process. Some clay is more malleable and as such may not be good for hand building projects, some clay has more grog (sediment) in it and may just work wonders for particular throwing applications or three dimensional projects. But all clay respond differently to glazes. I made this little informational reference for my customers so that they could visualize how their clay choice would impact the end result of their custom pieces. I learned a long time ago that it is always easier to start with a draft, this visual has been quite helpful.<br />
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I received a new custom order just yesterday, and seeing as the wedding is just around the corner, I decided to go ahead and get these trays underway. They are going to be Wedding Thank You gifts from the bride and groom to their parents, and the wedding with be at a beach venue. The bride and groom picked red brown clay, and a wonderful crab impression at the center piece. These trays are still wet, but are well on their way to becoming a family keepsake. They are a joy to make and I am looking forward to how these will come out. The bride and groom have not decided on their glazes just yet, and that is part of the fun of custom orders, I get to create someone else's vision.<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-58221675678922747632013-09-14T08:25:00.000-04:002013-09-14T08:25:00.418-04:00Come In, We're AWESOME !!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Setting the tone.....When I think about the new studio, I think relaxed FUN, with a little attitude! I found this great sign, and yes, I bought it to hang in the window. I just couldn't resist the overall sense of FUN it projects to the world!<br />
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The studio will be geared toward beginners. As I am self taught, I know how it feels to be trying something you have never done before, and not be able to get it right. But with a bit of old fashioned perseverance, it is indeed possible. I have been told that I have a very laid back teaching style. I present information visually, as well as verbally, so my students find it easy to absorb what I am trying to show them. When all else fails, the good old hand on hand method can also be remarkable helpful in teaching pottery.<br />
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I have been in classes where the teachers are too far "above" beginner students, and that not only frustrates the students, it inhibits them from returning to use the studio once they are working more independently. I really hope this studio will be a relaxed, welcoming environment where ALL the artists, novice or expert, will come in, and leave, feeling AWESOME!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-26752867853149365782013-09-12T08:09:00.000-04:002013-09-12T08:09:27.739-04:00Swimming Into Fall....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.....<br />
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I love living in a place where the seasons change. It is so inspirational to see the world change its color palate every 3 months. So surprising to watch the subtle changes of emerging plants from year to year.<br />
Even the wind gives me ideas....<br />
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The movement of fish through the water is so interesting. How certain species move, glide, sprint, or jump! It is all interesting for me to observe and I find that ideas about pieces I would like to make can be attached to how my senses react to changes in the environment. This piece is my "fall fish." I make a lot of beach/nautical themed pieces during the summer months, but this fish seemed to want to belong in a deeper, richer setting. Playing with the scales, and various inscribed patterns on the fins was an interesting contemplation of both movement, and providing surfaces for reflective relief.<br />
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Without, getting to "deep," I think this guy came out quite nicely, and I am thinking about trying another fall themed piece with perhaps splashes of purple.....<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-89512694868064070572013-09-11T08:18:00.000-04:002013-09-11T08:44:58.437-04:00Sometimes, less is more. Sometimes, less is less.<br />
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Displaying items, whether it is pottery, or thimbles, takes some thought. While there are as many thoughts and ideas to fill the universe, a display says something about you, and also about what you are displaying. Displays have been a learning process for me over the years. I started doing commercial displays when I was a manager of a jewelry store at an east coast mall. There were jewelry case displays, wall displays, and window displays. All had to be done, and all had to be changed regularly.<br />
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Here are some of my thoughts on displaying items. I do not put myself out as an expert on this topic, why there are even entire degrees of higher learning in displaying items. I am not a recipient of such a degree, but I don't mind sharing some of the things I have learned along the way.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sometimes, less is more. Sometimes, less is less. </i></b></span></div>
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One of the things I look for when I walk into a store is the overall "feel" and the intuitive response it generates in me as a shopper.</div>
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Is it cluttered? If yes, my internal response is: "Wow, there is so much here I will never see it all, and it will take too much energy to go through all of this, so I think I will just turn around and leave."<br />
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Are they really in business, there is hardly anything here? If yes, my internal response is: "Gee, maybe they are not open yet and I missed an announcement, maybe I should leave, quietly?"<br />
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Does it "flow" and make sense to me the shopper? If not, then my internal response is: "Hmm, that doesn't make sense, why would they have the boiled peanuts in with the spices? Shouldn't these have been with the rest of the nuts?"<br />
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Finally, in my most unprofessional way of sizing a place up, is it pleasing to my eye? If it is, then I normally feel calm, comfortable, and ready to SHOP!<br />
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In finding my own way to actually opening a bricks and mortar store, with displays, I have decided to err on the side of "simple." To start off this store, I am going to go with white on white so that hopefully the displays themselves will not over take the pieces, and will not overwhelm the senses.<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-72361268192285166692013-09-09T10:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T12:43:53.850-04:00To Studio Cat or NOT to Studio Cat????<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have talked and blogged and posted a lot about my animals, but I have never really gone into how Sneakers came to be a part of our family. A few years back we lost our last dog of the two that we had had, and that same week Sneakers appeared at our back door. <br />
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Now for some folks, a stray showing up may be a fairly normal occurrence, but out here, surrounded by cow farms and woods and mountains, (and normally dogs), we had never had a stray show up.<br />
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It was a first in nearly 22 years!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs7ByRTiUTeEVP0zZN_TRf_LvhxKYtoVqmrQCv6BKz6E_fdRSUlSGS0NNWka6uE3JP6RG0JExw1oqVfO8EFTtchFv2EF4GV_yZAflg7Lan65gKjf_SVJuS58acWkzgQEdMxDOEekpI4nR/s1600/DSC_00020001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs7ByRTiUTeEVP0zZN_TRf_LvhxKYtoVqmrQCv6BKz6E_fdRSUlSGS0NNWka6uE3JP6RG0JExw1oqVfO8EFTtchFv2EF4GV_yZAflg7Lan65gKjf_SVJuS58acWkzgQEdMxDOEekpI4nR/s320/DSC_00020001.JPG" width="320" /></a>When he first arrived, he was hungry and wary, but still obviously wanted to be petted. So, we set him up on our front porch and he snuggled right in. A few weeks went by and he came indoors and all seemed to be just fine. Our 3 other cats accepted him, or so we thought. Then, about a year after Sneakers became a member of the clan, our female alpha cat Sammie decided Sneakers was not welcome. And, well... it has been a rough go ever since. At this point, both Sneakers and Sammie have been living outside on our porch. They are doing just fine, but they miss us :(, and we miss them.<br />
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I am considering moving Sneakers to the Studio once we are open. He is an incredibly laid back dude. Loves to be held and petted and tolerates being hugged and nuzzled. I have always liked when I go to a studio and there is an animal lazing around, and I think Sneakers might fit right in :).<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-48594839370750724542013-09-07T13:20:00.000-04:002013-09-07T13:20:25.757-04:00UNDER CONTRACT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are moving ahead. Still keeping the exact property under wraps, for now. But things are definitely moving along.</div>
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We plan to settle in the next few weeks. Then the property will need some much needed repairs, new equipment will be arriving and we hope to move in during November.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammie and Sneakers Help with Refinishing a Chest of Drawers</td></tr>
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Hopefully, Saturdays in December, we will be open for Holiday shopping.</div>
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Then in the first week in January we will begin classes for pottery and other art forms (HINT)!</div>
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LOTS going on....in the mean time we are working behind the scenes getting fixtures and other pieces built and/or refinished so that they will be ready to move in when we are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPBjsxvwi8e7AqtDJWVAa5BpDraXVKBKW4txT3w8hzsWZwE8fR_4YDVxmDQgA2jEqnfl9vwGOtFFD5CHizo9ixiKNhhL_k5FQOct3q6Nege67iT6Krq659F3PdOO-CfE_W0nWl-Xby425/s1600/DSC_00110002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I have accumulated a number of displays during my 7 years on the show circuit, my theme for the gallery is going to be white on white so that the pottery and other unique items (HINT) will display well. </div>
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I hope to create an inviting, uplifting, and comfortable place where children and adults can immerse themselves in pottery and other art forms (HINT.....yes AGAIN).</div>
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These first steps toward making that a reality for my hometown are really very exciting. Stay tuned as more information rolls out over the next few weeks and months.</div>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-1051341024236337422013-09-02T11:34:00.000-04:002013-09-02T12:45:00.370-04:00Taking the Next Step....Bricks and Mortar????Well, I have been doing pottery for 7 years. It is truly a passion. I think constantly of pieces that I want to make, things I want to try, things I would like to teach. In my personal life, we are also trying to navigate the transition into adulthood for our son who has special challenges. On top of that, I have once AGAIN outgrown my current studio.<br />
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My husband and I had a long talk, then we had a long family talk. The result...we began a search for potential places to open a studio. We envision a place where I will work, teach, have a sales gallery, and provide studio space for other pottery hobbyists who would like a space to create their treasures. My son will be my CEO, he will manage the studio, handle my books, class registrations, and since he is an whiz with chemistry....he will be developing my own glazes!<br />
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Now, you may be thinking....well, she can create pottery, but can they actually handle all the aspects of running a business. Good question. The answer is yes, we believe we have the combined experience to do just that.<br />
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From the perspective of finding a suitable property, to renovating it for our use and setting up a studio. We have lots of experience. We have built and set up my own private studio, and I have worked and created in many other studios. My husband, before he was a financial whiz in the corporate world, owned a building company. He built our home and has done major renovation and construction work for all types of properties. When he decided he wanted something to challenge his brain everyday, instead of his back, he went back to school and earned his MBA (about 18 years ago). So the construction and numbers aspects are checked off! </div>
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In terms of finding a property, I have my own skill set to bring to the table. Before deciding to be an at home mom, I worked for many years as an Urban Planner in both the public and private sector. I worked to do just what we are interested in doing, analyzing properties for various uses, and when the existing zoning didn't allow what a potential owner what to do, I would work through the zoning aspects with local jurisdictions to help make it happen.<br />
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From the perspective of running a retail gallery, I think we are good to go! I was the manager of a high end jewelry store in a mall here on the east coast, and before that I worked in various retail stores through high school and college. <br />
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From the perspective of running a pottery studio and teaching, I also think we are good to go! I have not only run my own studio and taught privately, but I have also run after school programs, worked with preschools, and have managed a pottery studio locally where I also taught classes for students aged 3-92!<br />
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So we are trying to make this dream a reality. Follow along as we attempt to take my pottery making into a full fledged bricks and mortar business. Wish us luck! We may need it :).<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-47434053896512018812013-04-06T06:36:00.000-04:002013-04-06T06:36:21.226-04:00Unique Gift for Wedding, Anniversary, Retirement, or Any Special Occasion <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Lace Tray made with handmade Italian </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wedding Lace</b></span></div>
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When I first started working with clay I had some "big" ideas about projects I wanted to try. This tray was one of them. It is a favorite piece for me to create and I am always surprised with the results. These trays are made by impressing wedding lace and then individually glazing each and every petal. They are wonderful as a wedding gift, anniversary present, retirement, or just to have and to enjoy.<br />
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These are wonderful for any season. I have created this in fall these, spring, summer, and even in winter shades using wonderful pastels.<br />
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It takes me about 2 hours to glaze a single tray. Some of my pottery friends think I am "nuts" to make these, but I just keep making them. I love how the lace appears after the final firing.<br />
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Yes, these are not your average pottery run. There are normally an average of 4 runs per tray to achieve the final result.<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-75538492344525662892013-01-23T17:06:00.000-05:002013-01-23T17:06:02.749-05:00Feeling "Crabby"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This time of year, it is easy to hide away deep inside my studio and "coast". But, this time of year has usually been when I try new things, experiment, and enjoy working with all things Spring and Summer. This year is no different and I am feeling quite "crabby".<br />
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The temperature is below freezing outside and Daisy, Max and Sneakers (the cat) are all snug and sleeping in their respective beds under my work table, and I am glazing flowers, starfish, seahorses, bunnies, and crabs. Light glaze colors, and new layered combinations should be coming out of the kiln soon, but for now, I think you will get the gist with this fabulous crab wall pocket. I love to make these hangers, and just really love and respect this vibrant blue. <br />
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It is funny how a potter learns which glazes are temperamental and which are tried and true. This one is definitely in the "tried and true" category, but when I experiment with layering, it has been disastrous in the past. For this particular piece I went with the full on, true Spring blue and was very pleased with the result.<br />
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Next up, filling orders for custom pieces which have come in this month. Getting ready for my Spring show at <a href="http://www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=574" target="_blank">Ida Lee Park</a> in Leesburg,Virginia, the first Saturday in March. I will be taking all my new Spring/Summer pieces to that show along with a host of wall pockets and wall hangers. I have not had that many with me at that show in a couple of years and customers always ask if I still make them, so I am coming back in full force and should have a lovely selection to share.<br />
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But for now, back to the studio to finish glazing, run the kiln, keep glazing and run it again! Busy week.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://rpc.technorati.com/rpc/ping
<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-30042620248186120422013-01-08T18:19:00.004-05:002013-01-08T18:19:54.462-05:00What a Difference a Day MakesI have been struggling with presenting my pendants in photographs on my ETSY site. When I take my pendants with me to shows they are a BIG seller, but my sales on ETSY have been lacking. I know the problem is my photographs and so I set off to find a better way to present them. I did a LOT of research, and did a LOT of trial and error photographing in various lights, various settings, but I think I have found a fairly simple way to photograph these pieces that hopefully should be able to be consistent as I move forward. <br />
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Here is the picture of the first listing I posted on ETSY. I really like these stones and when I look at them, they appear to be a wonderful contrast for my pendants. But when I get the pictures loaded onto the ETSY site, a LOT is lost in the translation.<br />
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Now, let's fast forward to my latest picture for this piece, I think showing them side by side really shows the difference lighting and background can make.<br />
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This is my second attempt at photographing the same pendant.<br />
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All I have to say is YEAH!!! The color, dimension, relief and glaze are really represented so much better in the second photograph. In the first picture the dimensional aspects of the piece were really lost and the piece appeared to have almost no relief. In the second picture, I think you can really see the texture of the piece.<br />
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The solution was fairly simple. I waited for a clear sunny day and found a monotone background, that was not black, set up the piece so that the sun was fully shinning on it, but there was no glare shinning off the piece, and I got to shoot away.<br />
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Here is the direct link for the ETSY listing for this fabulous and unique piece:<br />
https://www.etsy.com/listing/118352281/horse-head-equestrian-pendant-necklace<br />
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While no two of pendants come out exactly the same, I am able to make sets for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, family celebrations and other special gatherings. Here is a direct link to my ETSY shop listing for custom pendants: https://www.etsy.com/listing/117010598/personalized-bridesmaid-gift-wedding<br />
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Hopefully, these new pictures will help to show my customers the true nature of my pieces, I think in this instance, a picture really is worth a thousand words.<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-53621733852949703512012-12-25T12:11:00.001-05:002012-12-25T12:11:26.346-05:002012 Lessons Learned.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbsQRWb6vS4ayQs4zO5GciKI5WxpTvLZLxKefalacGT4o8d2xx-P7CS7hOpvYus91Kuk8Z81YGpeoVXOaBzKFNx6MNJ9c_-4gGl2U0Tc0G09SESHrMXbNMioA7tLD26gJrUMqIxsIkvC7/s1600/177257_web_Doggie-Raindeer-with-Santa+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbsQRWb6vS4ayQs4zO5GciKI5WxpTvLZLxKefalacGT4o8d2xx-P7CS7hOpvYus91Kuk8Z81YGpeoVXOaBzKFNx6MNJ9c_-4gGl2U0Tc0G09SESHrMXbNMioA7tLD26gJrUMqIxsIkvC7/s320/177257_web_Doggie-Raindeer-with-Santa+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Hawaii Style</td></tr>
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Who knew that 6 years ago I would be blogging about pottery. 6 years ago I was far from where I am now, but I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunities pottery has brought into my life, and for the whole range of new people it has also brought to me. You know who you are out there, and I sincerely appreciate you, thank you for all you do!<br />
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2012 has been a year of expansion and learning here at Big Dog Pots. I entered into several new retail venues, and am in discussions with a few more to come online in early 2013. As a result of my new found brick and mortar locations, I have cut back on the number of shows that I attend. 2013 will see even further pairing down of my show schedule to 3 shows total, perhaps even less.<br />
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Being able to leave the show circuit has been a learning experience. It is wonderful to interact with customers in the show setting to get their feedback and ideas on my pieces, and also to receive new ideas from people who stop by my booth and ask "have you ever seen one of those....." or "my grandmother had a ...." and the ever present "can you make me.....".<br />
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In exchange for this valuable feedback, I have been able to save wear and tear on Me! Shows are exhausting to participate in. Crafters arrive at 0-dark-hundred, spend about an hour and a half setting up, sit throughout the entire day, (or two, or three), then carefully pack out making sure they are ready to set up the next time, and are able to inventory what they need to create what has been depleted. Also saved is working on someone else's schedule of when you have to arrive, leave, and how to participate. Most of those are not really issues for me, but occasionally you are placed next to the noisy vendor, the vendor with the wafting perfume, or the vendor who thinks they are a superhero and sets up their booth with such a flurry you are terrified that they will take out half of your display in the process. For the most part, I have met lovely vendors, and have been lucky enough to be situated near some very nice people. Many of whom have now become good friends.<br />
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<script src="http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">new Etsy.Mini(5625723,'thumbnail',4,2,0,'http://www.etsy.com');</script><br />
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What I have learned this year also extended in to the "World of ETSY". I had tried to create a shop on ETSY about 3 years ago and found the programming not user friendly. I always say "I am mud savvy, not computer literate". So after being encouraged by many, many customers that "you really need to be on ETSY", I took the plunge again. I found this time around that the minds behind ETSY had taken numerous steps to make it more user friendly. I still have problems figuring out the details of some aspects of how it really works, but I have a shop, I have made sales, I have made custom orders, and I now have an ETSY presence. The down side to ETSY is that it is time deceptively time consuming. Photographing, editing, posting, monitoring, communicating, shipping, all take time away from not only making pottery, but living an everyday life. For now, I will continue my efforts on ETSY, but am reconsidering they types of things I offer and will continue to alter various types of items available.<br />
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MULTIPLES. <br />
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Something I have avoided.<br />
I do see the value of making multiples. Time saving, work saving, money saving. I will begin to make multiples, but in a "Big Dog Pots" way. My multiples will be unique.<br />
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READY TO SHIP<br />
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Something I must do for next Christmas.<br />
As the stars aligned, I was entering into various retail venues in late October. The pieces I had made all year for the Holiday Season were all downloaded into brick and mortar stores. So, come Christmas, I was really depleted and did not have enough items that were ready to ship. Next year will be different, and hopefully as a result more successful.<br />
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VALUES<br />
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As I am expanding, I have found that it is becoming more difficult to donate 100% of my proceeds to my favorite animal rescue groups. While my level of giving to these groups will remain constant, or in some instances will increase, I now find that I do need some funds to maintain my equipment, pay electricity for the increased number of kiln runs, purchase basic materials, and the gas needed to drive the hour each way to the nearest pottery supplier. As a result, my website, ETSY site, and everywhere else now says that I "donate a portion of my proceeds to animal rescue groups in my hometown." I wanted to be honest, the past 6 years I was able to donate 100%. From this point forward, that percentage will have to fluctuate.<br />
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So, as I enter into my 6th year in this endeavor, I continue to learn, continue to be inspired, continue to create and be passionate about making pottery. All in all, it has been a very good year!<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-41404103730763734602012-12-25T11:36:00.000-05:002012-12-25T11:37:46.693-05:00Happy Holidays 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98n93Lp75XLCap-g3plJpVbGfn0xp92L3BIy2W98hHHj-usvhvkgggYhdHxtWwKbIe2pYa0UA3jYEojXHU1G8ztuNHnTUHZDtM_ZmUjNF7ylS0uU2_6F2BzRoElW-hFXkn-OKkPWVoL6c/s1600/DAISY+ELF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98n93Lp75XLCap-g3plJpVbGfn0xp92L3BIy2W98hHHj-usvhvkgggYhdHxtWwKbIe2pYa0UA3jYEojXHU1G8ztuNHnTUHZDtM_ZmUjNF7ylS0uU2_6F2BzRoElW-hFXkn-OKkPWVoL6c/s200/DAISY+ELF.jpg" width="109" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elf Daisy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTq6DgeZD4KYpdIOqqOMTmnmUUsXojkk47w_wryVFRfDZiWDWmDZN5rwXeaqig8HweX1perEfdxZeKIN02XQgUdT3NL0GPxCbTqat2wr_WWDUZo0SfFg-1V24tMgfkOXfrILENTd3Ku48/s1600/SANTA+MAX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTq6DgeZD4KYpdIOqqOMTmnmUUsXojkk47w_wryVFRfDZiWDWmDZN5rwXeaqig8HweX1perEfdxZeKIN02XQgUdT3NL0GPxCbTqat2wr_WWDUZo0SfFg-1V24tMgfkOXfrILENTd3Ku48/s200/SANTA+MAX.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Max</td></tr>
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Happy Holidays From Big Dog Pots!</div>
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Wishing you all the best this Holiday Season and in the coming New Year.</div>
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We give thanks as we end enter our 6th year<br />
for the friends and family who have graciously supported our efforts. We give thanks to all who give their time, energy and spirit<br />
to the protection, care and love of animals everywhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Consider adopting your next pet, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
change a life forever.</div>
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240521410086465766.post-74117671633267028182012-09-19T14:50:00.000-04:002012-10-02T17:10:37.899-04:00A Study in Horses...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LRrYb9GZbVUWGHJ4caWeVUlN9nVhvoK_CWriry7_kpPmiPMAHWgAc25G9wVaICZdeAjmEpSbO-rrRKCvcXsHEhaQ50e9EGZuf5nt_iKGlhZnSsNhAXunVb9RYpvUzTeN6vfYVIRcthUZ/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LRrYb9GZbVUWGHJ4caWeVUlN9nVhvoK_CWriry7_kpPmiPMAHWgAc25G9wVaICZdeAjmEpSbO-rrRKCvcXsHEhaQ50e9EGZuf5nt_iKGlhZnSsNhAXunVb9RYpvUzTeN6vfYVIRcthUZ/s200/DSC_0011.JPG" width="113" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHq71jrUHY5aD0xQVHbGyfNseLajobuyW-1hhyphenhyphenie91pMPbRgF0RlP_xVZPvuaoLANdjnfZZREcKnzfXPjZ2o7NEspFveFiN-v1WuwbnDeC53FO6mfckrHRC8NP28Y40JFUqDkIooymM1E/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHq71jrUHY5aD0xQVHbGyfNseLajobuyW-1hhyphenhyphenie91pMPbRgF0RlP_xVZPvuaoLANdjnfZZREcKnzfXPjZ2o7NEspFveFiN-v1WuwbnDeC53FO6mfckrHRC8NP28Y40JFUqDkIooymM1E/s200/DSC_0013.JPG" width="168" /></a>I learned to ride when I was 6. I won't tell you how long ago that was, but let's just say that Neil Armstrong hadn't walked on the moon yet! I loved my time with horses. My summers were spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia. As the summers past, and I became a little more accomplished with my riding skills, I started to care for the horses, and barns. I remember walking out early on summer mornings in thick mist, and wet grass to call in the horses for the day's activities. I would walk and call, and walk and call, and couldn't see much of anything. And then, all of a sudden, I could hear them cantering and galloping thru the rich green fields and heading straight for ME! I would stand still and spread my arms straight out to either the side and when they were a little too close for comfort sometimes, they would see me, and come to a very quick stop. Snorting, and stomping, and breathing heavy from their morning run. Then they would fall in line and follow me back to the barns to be groomed, fed and saddled for the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaNUFdQCATbigVg_adhYua7hOG577-U27ipxIaeQ03GBVVfusR53mYE-wiaoqybQ3c5HGEgGhMdL-AYAIe4NXjmpymA7DO1Y99oIWZMn1cgt0KlAjzPScxQzGaGxgU0wPbwoDcsLAzVqY/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaNUFdQCATbigVg_adhYua7hOG577-U27ipxIaeQ03GBVVfusR53mYE-wiaoqybQ3c5HGEgGhMdL-AYAIe4NXjmpymA7DO1Y99oIWZMn1cgt0KlAjzPScxQzGaGxgU0wPbwoDcsLAzVqY/s200/DSC_0012.JPG" width="134" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKYvJw1B7YVmr4wVMooQFZeARSR1HlRB9Yzzf430uxeiln53cn4kNDnQ2ggg35g5IhEuUzLcaMqomDNhzxL7ZxT3bZR5e4MC_ooAK0pqzPzaDVxuLxibUA2S2gJltx64JIjY2nIs1vJDX/s1600/DSC_00090001_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKYvJw1B7YVmr4wVMooQFZeARSR1HlRB9Yzzf430uxeiln53cn4kNDnQ2ggg35g5IhEuUzLcaMqomDNhzxL7ZxT3bZR5e4MC_ooAK0pqzPzaDVxuLxibUA2S2gJltx64JIjY2nIs1vJDX/s200/DSC_00090001_1.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilevFdcwQWn6cEU_zQ4b_0-YcyV_BjFSr4_-fFOwshANFS9OjCR6faljmwVRz-wUr4062n93eqGAMRq-6uwFSyqhMYDCtV2WLEWS47RtItjiGV0KQUz8-aRruIUKKupOYqb6I9n1X_WUnP/s1600/DSC_00060001_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilevFdcwQWn6cEU_zQ4b_0-YcyV_BjFSr4_-fFOwshANFS9OjCR6faljmwVRz-wUr4062n93eqGAMRq-6uwFSyqhMYDCtV2WLEWS47RtItjiGV0KQUz8-aRruIUKKupOYqb6I9n1X_WUnP/s320/DSC_00060001_1.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaNUFdQCATbigVg_adhYua7hOG577-U27ipxIaeQ03GBVVfusR53mYE-wiaoqybQ3c5HGEgGhMdL-AYAIe4NXjmpymA7DO1Y99oIWZMn1cgt0KlAjzPScxQzGaGxgU0wPbwoDcsLAzVqY/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Having about 20 horses running full bast toward you in a thick mist, is something not to be forgotten. I loved those experiences and I have been looking for a way to reconnect to my time with horses. I did a study in horse heads over the summer, and created this piece trying to capture the essence of movement, particularly in the mane. I am very pleased with the results, and thrilled with some of my glazing results.<br />
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Here are the study photos of a horse I met in western North Carolina a few years ago, and then the raw clay piece and then the final glazed piece.<br />
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<META name="y_key" content="3bb53ab49edf024b" /></div>Lori Langford, Owner, Big Dog Pots Potteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15931039573771690237noreply@blogger.com0