If all goes to plan, then this missive will be posted as my younger sister and I are at Wembley enjoying Harry Styles. As I type, the last thing to do is make our signs - I’m wondering if ‘Harry - fancy a stoneware bowl’ will cut it 😂
This is a serious departure from my usual life, having been agreed upon on a bit of a whim last weekend. It was one of those occasions when things just came together neatly. I’m excited for a break in the routine ‘though can’t deny I’m wondering if I’ll be wistfully thinking of my bed at 10pm.
The kiln is cooling right now, just a bisque fire in preparation for other things but I always look forward to emptying it. I’ve been making some new test tiles this week, in varying combinations of two clays which I’m interested to see once they have been glazed - I’m hoping for a few little flecks and a toasty halo where the glaze finishes, but let’s see for we all know what a dark art this is!
One or two of the tiles are, in fact, unlikely to come out of the kiln unscathed since I seem to be particularly clumsy this week and kept knocking things over. I stuck them back together with slip (squidgy/liquid clay) but don’t hold out too much hope.
As ever, I find myself wondering where on earth the time goes and wish I spent more of it in the studio. I am certainly in there at some point each day, but rarely for a full day which I long for in order to keep on top of things. Still, I do finally feel as though I am beginning to have a more overall understanding of ceramics. Sort of!
Since we have been joined here by a few new subscribers I feel it would be remiss of me not to mention that there are still a few things available in my webshop. Feel free to pop along and browse - you’ll just have to imagine me wittering away as you peruse the wares!
The wisteria is in full force. Blooming for the second time, she is no longer tapping at the windows in the breeze, but forcibly making her own way in through any available crack or crevice. I kind of love it, to be honest.
I feel terribly behind in the garden in general, everything seems to have got away from me in the last week and a half while I haven’t been feeling well. I’ve been scrabbling to catch up - tomato wrangling was a priority, and while I’ve pricked out one or two lots of seedlings which are romping away there are others desperate for my attention.
I could make a list longer than my arm (but probably shorter than my full height) of all the things waiting to be done, but I think it’s just that time of year really. The erigeron is flowering all over the place, softening the edges and providing interest in the areas where there is otherwise none.
Mum popped over one afternoon this week and we picked some blackcurrants together, and there are more on the bushes which I hope I’ll get to this weekend - so jam making will feature in my near future.
I’m pretty sure I’ve written about my sort of love/hate relationship with Instagram in the past (I know - I should go and find the link to the post but no time!). No matter, I have been trying to change my tack a bit on the platform and this week posted a short video introducing myself.
It took me all of 30 seconds. I promised myself not to overthink the whole thing and went ahead and posted it (you can see it here). To my great surprise, instead of the usual few people kindly giving it a like it seems to have made its way to a wider audience and I’ve had a lovely time connecting with others who have either pottery, gardens or lurchers in common.
Gertie definitely appeals to many and I can’t argue with their taste in dogs for she is indeed the apple of my eye (sorry children).
And finally, to make you smile, I got stuck behind a peacock walking down the hill yesterday. Cows I’m quite used to, and maybe the odd pheasant, but this made me laugh.
On that note I will wish you, as always, a week ahead abundant with things which put a smile on your face.
With love, Vx
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