All set up. Come by my booth and say hi. This is my one and only market this year. I’m doing a #mysterypack giveaway today! #buyhandmade #baltimoremade #buylocal #holidaygifts #tiramisuzi (at Creative Alliance)
On Wednesday 7th November we had the pleasure of an expert pottery lesson from the lovely Susan Stack from Tiramisuzi (www.Tiramisuzi.com). 23 enthusiastic ladies, and 1 equally enthusiastic gentleman arrived at Viridian Art House and rolled up their sleeves in preparation to get their hands dirty.
The aim of the session was to create a unique ‘pinch pot’. Everyone was handed a 400g ball of clay, plus simple tools including satay sticks, fabric and little doodads, which were used to add fine details and decorate the creations. Susan explained the technique of moulding the clay using your thumbs and fingers, and ensuring the right level of moisture to avoid cracks in the clay. She then advised individuals on how to create various effects using the tools supplied.
Even whilst Susan was explaining how to handle the clay, the participants found it difficult to keep their hands off the balls of clay in front of them! So as soon as Susan’s initial explanation was over, everyone was immediately hard at work creating their unique pinch pots. The variation in the style of pinch pots being created was phenomenal; some classic home ware, others unusual decorative ornaments.
Some took it a step further and made something different entirely!
Once everyone had spent time meticulously finalising their pinch pot, they were carefully packed into boxes to be taken back to Susan’s studio to dry and then fired in a kiln. The process of creating ceramic pieces can take 2 – 3 weeks. After the first round of firing in the kiln, they are then glazed with special paint, then fired one final time.
You can view the spectacular final pieces here.
Apart from pinch pots, some participants also tried their hand at silkscreening their own tote bags and posters at our pop-up merch booth. It was a lot of good fun and a lot harder than it looks! Practice makes perfect!
If you’re interested in learning pottery skills, Susan has some workshops coming up in December. To find out more, please visit www.tiramisuzi.com/workshops/
Thanks for making our second craft party such a huge success! We have two more coming up at the end of November and December, and these are now sold out, so expect more great photos to come! To join in on the next cycle of fun workshops by Handmade Movement, keep your eyes peeled for updates via our website and Facebook page.
If you are a crafter and are looking for somewhere to show and sell your wares, we have a few spaces left for grabs at our craft fair on 19 January 2013. Apply for a booth today!
