Muddy Mom

Laura - LASdesigns - etsyRAIN crafter - ceramics

2011-11-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

a quick video update for the week

2011-10-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Yay it worked! Strange Flip/Blogger kept giving my an error.

Here is another video of what's been happening the past week in the studio.

I forget if I was going to say anything else... it was days ago that I started this process and I've since forgotten :)

My 1st Vlog. or is it? "Sunday in the Studio"

2011-10-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Popping the Vlog cherry.
Why?

I keep having the good intention of blogging. I have enjoyed a couple workshops on the topic this last year. And despite, learning, understanding, and wanting; I think I'm still lacking time.

Today I helped a fellow potter by scanning and emailing my recent handouts from a blog workshop and I really wanted to make my own post about what's happening in my studio. Because honestly, this BE "tis the season" and i'm CRAZZZyyyyy busy. Ok, maybe I didn't physically work in the studio today as I covered 30+ miles from city birthday party to farm birthday party and buying gifts for my hubby's bday tomorrow (and getting lost in that area: wrong/missed exit off freeway, store moved locations 3+ yrs ago...good times)

So while I had to miss going out for dinner and we opted to have it brought home I grabbed my Flip video and gave a quick view of the studio.

It's not my 1st posting of a video, but it's the 1st one with my narrative. So, I'm guessing that's my 1st Vlog (awwwe)

Super quick. Perfect for me with no time. Other than typing more description than I thought I would. And being over a year behind in dumping videos to the hard drive, I think I could do it again.

Oh, and listening to my own voice is torture, but especially on this video where I pronounce words in a super strange way.
I'll work on my speaking for recording voice. This is embarrassing and laughable for me. But overall I'm fine with it and still willing to post.

Enjoy this tidbit of Sunday in the Studio.

an Angry Birds birthday party. our version

2011-10-02T08:38:00.001-07:00

As soon as the back-to-school buzz has worn off our family gets into our own season of birthdays. In a one month period we cover my son, myself, and my hubby. All nicely spaced out.
I planned it that way ;)

My son is the age where we could be at a birthday party once or twice a weekend. I admit to buying gifts on clearance and being ready to go.
One of the summer parties was an Angry Birds birthday. The game that EVERYONE loves.
The giveaway was a stuffy bird, the yellow one. And BOY did that transform our summer!
Made up games, and drawings galore!

The 1st stuffy that went EVERYWHERE! (I usually have an in-bed only rule) There was no breaking this bond. But all the imagination that came from receiving this stuffy that hardly involved spending time playing the game on someone's phone, was something to encourage!

One of my favorites was the special request to a face painter at the flea market. An older woman, never heard of the game. Didn't have a computer. Or cell phone. Heck, she took a picture of her yellow tweety bird paint job with a wind up, disposable camera. Luckily we had the bird with us to copy. And of course as a real artist, she did a great job. It was cute.

So this crazy kid knew he wanted an Angry Birds party for his 5th birthday.
At 1st he wanted it identical to the one he attended, same location, same gift to guests, etc.
But deep within my soul I cannot copy an idea to that degree. It was a quick conversation that it would be an at home party with a very small guest list.

The fun thing is that my guy has ideas, which I get to turn into reality. Takes some tweaking, but the process is fun.

Games included:
Angry Birds Bingo
Pin the beak on the Bird
an idea for hiding eggs in a nest of hay (going with the flow of the party, we didn't do this one)

other Creative endeavors involved:
decorating with Angry Bird balloons (found online ideas for this)
Angry Birds cake
and thanks to my talented and patient friend, handmade stuffy Pigs to give to each kid

more bird photos in my flickr set
had the Dad build this. I think he was a hot glue gun virgin.
making the bingo cards was fun. decided to get them laminated and use stickers to mark.
that big cheap IKEA paper roll always lets me make the project I want
thank god for good friends! the stuffies were awesome and I knew it took a long time to make. Major props to this mom of two who's hubby has been working out of country for 3 months.

I'm pooped. Maybe just a quiet dinner out for my birthday.

Being a Mom is...

2011-06-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

changing plans.
It's a weekly effort that becomes a daily effort to make a schedule for the child and for myself.

I don't want him to have school and/or childcare everyday so that we have plenty of days for special activities in and out of the house and just quality family/growing up time.

But I have my interests and goals too. They let me be better at my parenting job.

Making time for these can really drive me crazy.
One day at a time, if this day doesn't work out I'm scanning the calendar for the next day that will. It can help me get through a day of changed plans just looking forward to the day that has that work and workout time.

Well it's been one of those weeks.
Over the weekend- I looked forward to Monday
Monday didn't pan out.
Tuesday? Nope- volunteer stuff
Wednesday? another volunteer gig.
...a lot of pressure on Thursday. Looking good. Lots of potential for the morning Body Pump class and an afternoon of studio time.

7pm Wednesday, the child's fever starts. 100, 100.5, 102. He falls asleep on the couch.
11pm he wakes up. Fever is 102.9 I give the fever reducing medicine so that he can sleep.
6am he tries to get in bed with us. Growing boy- no room for three in a queen.
7am a little throw up. He feels better, adrenaline pumping, pacing and chatting.
just lasts a short time and the fever takes over again.

Thursday (change of plans) will be spent chillin' on the couch.

It's interesting that I can put so much thought into wanting my time.
But I'm lucky, fortunate, and grateful, that when my kiddo needs me I'm here.

Thursday was a last effort for the perfect day of balancing the schedule for me and the kiddo for the week. Not sure when I'll get it together again.

But that's what being a Mom is...

Peonies! BIRTHDAY! ... and traffic

2011-06-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love that I get to enjoy these that grow in my neighbors garden.

We celebrated a birthday with good friends

And drove home. Bleh!

Oh YUM!

2011-06-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

I really love blogs- good ones.
I could spend day in and day out jumping from one to the next.

I can't and
I don't.
So really I don't follow many. I don't know the popular ones.
However, that means whenever I am browsing around there is loads of eye candy.

This last week I found two.

One I found through Pinterest. I guess it's a mommy blog...

called Whatever by Meg Duerksen. (ok apparently she super famous in the mom blog world as she is referenced in my Parenting mag this month)

A mom in Kansas. She has a Summer list on the wall that I love and am inspired by (copy).

So I'm now browsing her blog and see- oh YUM- wait for it---

this awesome looking Coconut Banana Bread w/ Lime Glaze that came from

ANOTHER blog called Our Best Bites

and as I pout for having to change my plans because little sweetie is with fever
I found light with having time to be in the kitchen and try this out.

The lime glaze is beyond simple and out of this world YUM!
I now want to glaze everything I bake.

Dinosaurs at the zoo

2011-06-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

1st day of summer break- seems so early in June, I'm not ready!
Let's get to the zoo to see this new dinosaur exhibit before every other kid is out of school for the year.
The boys loved it! Running back and forth. Had to go to the end to see T-Rex 1st.

And check watch out for the spitting/spraying ones!

No trip to the zoo is complete without a carousel ride - solar powered (the seattle way!)

1st warm weekend of the year!

2011-06-05T22:57:00.001-07:00

Yes- let's skip dinner and just roast marshmallows!
Oh, what? I'm going to regret it and still need to feed the over-sugared 4yr old real food?
ok, done.

Happy 1st Birthday to my nephew Mikel :) The 1st birth I attended after my son. Amazing!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:1st warm weekend of 2011

Bloggy Boot Camp

2011-06-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Oooo watch out blogging world...I'm at a blogging boot camp!

Ok- this isn't going to make my blog amazing overnight. Because a workshop doesn't give me more time and energy in my day.
But I'm learning lots and it's been a great day.

forcing spring

2011-02-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Aiden and I spent a sunny Seattle afternoon at the NW Flower and Garden show last week.

I'm not as interested in plants as I am design- especially repurposed. Although I do love checking out all the vendors representing retails stores from around the area. I'd like to expand my garden into starting with seeds- I haven't had much luck in years past.

I came home with ideas swirling about how to turn my recyclables into funky yard art, growing lil seedlings with the help of heating pads - lights - greenhouses OH MY!, and of course once again bringing up the topic of getting chickens (this time with Aiden weighing in in my corner)

After all this Spring-y goodness I did something that I've been thinking of for many years.
I've had this little snip-it from a catalog hanging on the board in my office for a long time and I never seem to time it right.

I love seeing how quickly the little flowers pop out once brought into the warm house. And telling the chill in the air and condition of the plant outside- I'll be able to do this for weeks to come.

my valentine

2011-02-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I'm crafty so that I can do crafty things as a momma
or if I'm a momma so that I can do kiddie things with my craft.
But I'm feeling much bliss when the two collide.
Even if I do have to make a little extra encouragement to finish up a project when the little guy is ready to be done.

Aiden made these hearts one afternoon when I was in the studio.
Pretty simple. textured a large piece of rolled out clay. used a cookie cutter for individual hearts and stamped "from Aiden" on the back of each.
Once they were bisqued, I set up an evening for us to add glaze-- and also it was the last day possible if they were going to be cool in time for Valentine's day.

A project definitely has a different feeling from "casual, no biggie" to "must finish if were going to use it"
We made it a little fun by sharing a can of root beer. His in a shot glass.

He really only struggled with the last three. He was requesting to go to bed. But once his teeth were brushed he came back and wanted to finish adding color to the last three so that they weren't left white.

Once glazed we put them in a little baggie with a yummy piece of chocolate.

For V Day- we don't do much, but I made a yummy dinner for my guys.
Lamb marinated in a dry rub. Asparagus marinated in an Indian recipe and with all those flavors, I just threw in some plain pasta w/ EVOO and sauteed shrooms.

Fabric Swap!

2011-02-12T23:40:00.001-08:00

The lovely Miss Carrie over at Chronic Seamstress organized a charm quilt fabric swap.
I've got fabric coming out my ears that I inherited from my sweet mama- well not that much compared to what a quilter has; I only picked what I wanted to keep- but it's a lot of fabric for a Muddy Mom.
So I signed up to share the love and in return am getting 5" squares In the mail from all over the country and beyond.
Real mail!
I love it!
Not anything to do with bills or taxes. Bliss!

Weeeee :)
Thanks Carrie!

Here is a little of what I sent out:

These two are from other swappers. Click to see their blogs and what else they've been working on:

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Ceramic Shop in Mytilini, Greece

2011-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

It's a gray day in Seattle and I'm dreaming of the hot weather of summer in Greece.

Here are some pics of a ceramic shop in the market. My father-in-law knows the owner. He walked down and introduced me. A sweet woman. Today she had her apprentice painting.

On the downside, as I'm looking at these photos and realizing that the owner is wrapping my purchase- a variety of dishes, mostly with adorable poppies painted on them- I have NO IDEA where these dishes are!
I don't even remember bringing them home to Seattle. grrrrrr! :(

Valentine's Trunk Show in Greenlake this Thursday

2011-02-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

If you're in the area of Seattle- I'll be at a trunk show this Thursday.
It's a nice evening, perfect for a Ladies Night Out. Something that my neighbor organized, really sweet of her to do- I know how much work it is (or really, I DON'T know, but can imagine).

Click the pic for a link to her website to see the cute charms she paints.

Olive harvest Part II

2010-12-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

For the last 25+ days I've had a 5 gallon bucket half full of olives in the corner of my kitchen.

My instructions where to change the water daily.
ok. easy enough.
And the hope is that this will remove the bitter taste from the olive. I was suppose to taste an olive every 10 days or so to see if they were still bitter. Yuk! They were still bitter and I was losing hope that this process was going to work.
Around day 25 I was pouring out the water and noticed that it looked more clear than in the past. I tasted an olive and sure enough I was able to eat the whole thing without wanting to "dispose" of it. Pretty awesome.

Next step in my "Greek" instructions was to create a brine by adding salt to water.
How much salt?
Well, enough until an egg floats. ugh. how much is THAT?!
1st I tested to make sure the egg wasn't going to float on it's own. (i've heard of that happening if the egg is a little "less fresh") ok. it's a sinker.
start adding salt. and stirring.
I felt pretty generous. And once again I was starting to doubt if the egg was really going to float. It took about 7-8 tests before I had enough salt and sure enough that little egging started bobbing above the water. Pretty awesome.

I did a little weighing and measuring and it worked out to about 6oz of salt to my 2.5L bowl of water.
Love it! Who wants some olives?!

2010-12-08T00:20:00.000-08:00

Disappointed that today's pictures ^^^^ are a re-shoot. :(
Should be, CAN be more white like the one below...

Olive harvest; St Helena, CA

2010-11-23T21:31:00.001-08:00

We flew.
The child got sick (the puke kind).
It rained.

I put just a portion in a box and brought them home.
30+ lbs!

Up in Seattle we have snow.
I stayed in and started cracking so that I can get the de-bittering process going (needs 25-30 days).

In the box.

Slowly I'm taking them out by the 'cottage cheese container' scoop full. Cracking one by one and putting them into the white bucket to fill with water.

...I'm gonna be here a while...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Green Halloween

2010-10-29T12:05:00.001-07:00

I had a great time making these trinket dishes for our Trick or Treaters. Around our house they have many uses. One being a spot to set down that sticky, not quite finished, lollipop.
Aiden has been really interested in helping me with clay stuff. Not always easy to find him a job. But this was perfect. He got to help put on the black glaze because I'd be wiping most of it off later. So he actually really was helpful and we had fun too.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I've got a crush on Fabric Crush

2010-10-26T10:09:00.001-07:00

They say it's going to be a long winter. And if this week's stormy dark days are any indication, I'm inclined to believe them.
I've been opening all the shades in my house and turning on the lights all day just so my body knows it's daytime. Already!
When I walked into Fabric Crush at Wallingford Center yesterday, my 1st thought was "HOLY DAYLIGHT! I'd like to spend my winter days in here!"

Awesome looking right?!

All the best, bright, fun, modern cottons you're little heart can quilt up. I'm not suggesting they don't have other fabrics to offer. It's just obvious for the smaller size shop they specialize in a certain style. They have a nice selection of books on quilting and DIY, "make it at home". I picked one up on quilting.

My goal is to use inherited fabrics from my Mom but give the quilt and modern touch. I'll probably piece the top together myself and bring it in for a class. They offer two types of quilting classes. The second being on finishing. It's 6 hours in 3, 2hr classes.

Here's a few more shots to make you swoon...

So if you haven't been to Wallingford Center lately; stop in with the kids, get them a haircut, where you'll be forced to step away and browse the shops. You'll find fabric crush in the southwest corner of the main floor.
Enjoy!

**UPDATE! The 2011 Chinook book has a 20% coupon for Fabric Crush!

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Will the iPad help me blog?

2010-10-24T10:03:00.001-07:00

Not sure. But I like the idea :)
I'm definitely interested in maintaining a blog. And can use all the help I can get.

Here are a couple new name plates...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thanks Renegade! I love Chicago :)

2010-09-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning it rained during setup and I’m sure vendors were pretty nervous about how the day’s weather would turn out. By opening time of 11am there were many Tweets from RenegadeCraft and lots of vendors assuring customers to come on down the rain was done.

We were there around 1pm after a delicious brunch at Orange on S Grand.

I was so excited. But I had no idea what sort of craft overload I was in for. Honestly though, it was the best kind. We walked very slowly past each vendor (also because we had a 4yr old to tend to and entertain).
At first I thought I might check out what’s available and then go back to things I wanted to see. But there was really SOO much that just browsing was perfect. I could really focus on the booths that I loved.
I was of course looking for items that I loved and wanted to buy. But I was also enjoying the booths that many vendors carefully pieced together.
Some for function of their display, others for esthetics; making their booth feel like a boutique. My sister kept mentioning the she liked when vendors hung bunting across the top of their booth.

That definitely gave it a festive and fair like quality to the event.
One came in a wood box display with folded doors and on wheels. He told me it all bolts together, stacks when unbolted and fits perfectly in the back of his minivan.
One gal selling embroidered masks and scarves is a “shop on a bicycle”. But she was sans bicycle since she had traveled from L.A.

I also met vendors from Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, and ran into Cakespy from Seattle who said her carry-on might have weighed as much, if not more than her– just a few I had a chance to talk to.

In addition to the booth main attractions there were a few side shows. One of course was the Renegade Craft store. They were hosting a contest of Owls made by vendors. And they had a really neat display out front of a man turning the handle of an old time display.

Another was the solar powered sewing machine.

There was a Renegade Renegade craft show in one of the 2nd floor galleries above the fair. And I noticed a storefront For Rent along the route opened as a “weekend gallery”
Let's not forget the awesome marching bands. One on Saturday and another on Sunday.

If you’ve been to any indie craft shows in recent years or browsed Etsy for more than 20min- you’ll recognize the styles, trends, and what’s new and exciting.
I enjoyed seeing in person the people who make these items. People who’s work I admire, who I follow on Twitter, things I have bought in the past. And plenty, PLENTY of new and exciting items.
Chicago is worth the trip.
Renegade Craft Fair is REALLY worth the trip! (even with a 4yr old in tow)

I’m curious now more than ever how it compares to the West Coast version, especially San Francisco.

See more of my Renegade Photos in my Flickr pool.

Getting what I want.

2010-08-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of making things
I set out to purchase a set of number stamps for making price tags
and came up empty handed.

Now I'm not saying that I couldn't have shopped around
and found something.
But, I WAS at a rubber stamp STORE
and they said that many of the companies that used to make such sets don't (and in fact those same companies that still make alphabet sets make many fewer options for variety)

Fortunately I found (or they showed me) a number stamp intended for a calendar ie "Save the Date" sort of cards.

She seemed surprised when I said that'd be perfect
and I could just make what I wanted,
um because I use power tools more often than I scrapbook or make cards.

But that's just me.

So, here's a video for the blog....

ideas spinning

2010-08-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

ahh summer.

busy.

but when is life not busy?

saw this blog post and YouTube video today. wanted to share.

here is my version in our house:

in progress

2010-05-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

A sweet family made a request for plates for their kids.
Two younger ones and one older.
It's great to get requests that need me to try something new.
Typically I haven't put names onto carved plates because the colored slip is painted to the edge.

Damn, I'm Clever

2010-05-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Here in Seattle it was a much needed GORGEOUS day! We walked-on to the ferry to Bainbridge- had a deli style lunch- heaps and heaps of Mora ice cream- a romp at the local playground- and back through the park to the ferry. Fantastic!

Back home it was: into the backyard, shoes and socks off, giant bottle of bubbles brought out of the garage when I had my Damn, I'm Clever moment. And really isn't that appropriate for Mother's Day because being a mom is all about being clever.

See that big bottle of bubbles? And what happens when you leave a kid alone with bubbles? They SPILL!
I put it in an old plant container and put rocks inside to weigh it down. No spilling. Yup, I'm please with myself.
ok, maybe it was the result of too much sun :D

And then reality set in again Monday morning when I see that the rain has returned. I look out the back window to find WET shoes and socks out in the grass. awesome.

Mmmmm Oatmeal

2010-05-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

I made up this concoction.

I'm pretty sure it's healthy AND the kid will eat it.

1/2 cup oatmeal
1 cup water (standard ratio)

microwave 2.5-3 min (yuk, I know, microwave= bad. but I don't like runny oatmeal)

ADD cinnamon - just sprinkle till it looks good
ADD agave nectar - spread till you know its gonna taste good
ADD wheat germ - sprinkle over the top, try to get at least 1Tbls
stir
then
ADD applesauce from the fridge - it cools it off and sweetens it up

it's like having the fakey apple-cinnamon flavor from the instant pack but in a healthy version.
You're welcome.

April. A month has quickly passed since the last post.
We lost a prominent family member in addition to regular life and preparing for a show. It was a tough month.
I'm ready for a break.

An American in Paris

2010-03-27T22:11:00.001-07:00

I had never seen this movie before tonight. I really enjoyed it.

A few images inspired by...

Ahhh, love :)

web surfing

2010-03-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when some random surfing brings you full circle?

It's fun to explore...

I went to Etsy. As I often do.

Front page: clicked this item from Pinkkiss

Found out they were a featured seller a few months back.

Clicked their interview. Browsed. Saw some things in common. Interesting :)

Clicked a blog I've never heard of: Indiefixx

Pretty cool stuff and layout.

Saw my bud Marlo of Tote 2 Go in the Indiefixx Galleria

I then went back to Pinkkiss's interview, to see what else was new to click on.

I tried Lillyella. A blog. More visual treats:)

browse, browse, browse... This skirt catches my eye.

I really love the stitch lines at the bottom. Which I guess is really the whole point of what makes it special.

Made by Out of Line. Oooo- they are local! and everything they design has cool lines like this skirt!

browse, browse, browse- I see their line is carried by a boutique in Phinney Ridge called Frock Shop. Hey, I know where that is!

I'm excited to go there and try on things. I appreciate that Out of Line give measurements to go with their sizes. But, hey, if I can skip that and try it on- sign me up.

Happy surfing :)

birthday season

2010-03-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

With a bunch of late Winter/early Spring birthdays, I've been busy making plates.

They are great, very study, a bit of a side to them so food doesn't slide off easily and they have names which is great for this age group of learning letters.

Most of the boys are getting the standard rocket ship design.

For girls I've had fun making an ice cream cone...

And more recently for a CandyLand themed party I came up with this plate: Fun!

his finished plate

2010-03-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

a great day spent volunteering

2010-02-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

A week ago I volunteered with some EtsyRAIN buds to sew curtains for a Grand Dining Room at St Edwards State Park in Kenmore.
We had lots of work to do!
...and hey- it's hemp!

machines set up- let's get this show on the road

go machine. GO! sew machine. SEW!

cutting... pressing... sewing... oh my!

WHOA! that's some glare. put a curtain on that window!

Ahh, perfect. and it's hemp! (yeah I know I already said that)

You're welcome St Edwards State Park! It was a fun day.

Ack! Kid in the studio!

2010-02-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

Awww, but he's cute. He can stay.
Smock on. Ready to go!

I run a tight ship- (ha, yeah right.) and he's got some glazing to get done.

It's great to squirt colors onto a plastic plate that we reuse each time and sponge brushes in wide and narrow sizes.
This little plate he stamped with letters and I helped him cut it out and shape it.
Plus I keep some bisque figurines on hand. Today he's doing a shark.
Then he wanted to stamped some new clay.
First you gotta get your work board.
And put your clay under the canvas for rolling.
Puuuush! ok, yes, once I get my shot I help out.
voila! slab of clay. have fun!

Murphy Bed

2010-02-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

An impromptu post about one of the best home investments we've made.

Why post about it now?

Because it was a topic this morning on the Design*Sponge blog. And I love ours, so I got excited and wanted to share....

Ours was ordered and manufactured by a local Seattle company; Wallbeds Northwest. A totally custom system that I find completely overwhelming. But I stayed focused and ordered just the basic of what we wanted.

In a relatively small house we've made a room specifically for Aiden's toys and when the guests come a knockin' we have a spacious queen sized bed to pull down for them.

The work table is huge and ALWAYS clear for when I need a space to quickly do something. I mostly use it to wrap gifts; I also keep my wrapping paper stashed up in the closet of this room.

And to mix things up a bit, sometimes we'll pull down the table, throw sheets over top and make a fort for play.

Thanks Design*Sponge! I love Murphy Beds too :D

exploring stamps and texture on paper

2010-01-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

Time to start putting up some hearts for the upcoming Valentine's Day.

A few days ago I found some paper heart doilies and we glued them to paper.

They were still lying around when we had another day with stamps.

I was interested in testing out the texture of the doily with ink.

I just stamped a pad all over the doily and tested it by folding the paper over on itself.

Seems to transfer the image!

Kept applying ink and pressed printer paper onto it. Dressed it up a little with an interesting scissor choice for the outside and cutting out the blah interior heart.

This idea is going to be explored in clay! ......

love to donate and support education

2010-01-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

I've been crazy busy preparing for my son's preschool auction--- major props to all you fundraising chairs out there. I'm pooped!

In the midst of it came the opportunity to donate to a local private high school.
It's not your typical private high school (admittingly I don't know what makes one typical)
The name is Puget Sound Community School.

"PSCS was founded on the principle that learning is best fostered by self-motivation, self-regulation, and self-reflection"

Um, yeah, I would have done much better in this sort of high school environment.
Anyway, as I'm busy looking for donations myself. I am happy to donate a little something to their fundraising efforts. As I see it, such actions always come full circle.

it's great to be crafty

2010-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Going to a potluck and don't feel like cooking?

Sure glad I'm crafty because I was very happy to peel a bag of Satsumas instead of chopping, mixing, and baking anything else.
Went to my stash of ceramics, picked a nice plate. Taped a note to the bottom to let the hostess know they could keep the gift from our family. And presto! Nice offering for the potluck table.
And btw, I did see someone walk in with a bag of Satsumas which made me feel pretty good about my "ready to eat" presentation.

let kids use ceramic plates!

2010-01-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

I feel a little odd when kids are here eating a snack and I don't have a stack of plastic cups and bowls to hand out.
Sure there a few from places we eat out and they bring the kid's drink in a plastic cup. I don't want to bring it home. If I leave it, I'm sure they're not going to use it for another customer.
When we are at home, my son has been using the regular family dishes since the beginning. Yes, they can chip or break, but I've been known to break a few myself....

wordless wednesday

2010-01-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

resolutions

2010-01-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

I made some resolutions.

And what better way to make them happen than to NOT wait for the new year.

I've also been doing some major reorganizing. Not really part of the resolutions- but I'll take the credit for following through anyway!

One little area was getting a permanent photo location. Really, how can I be consistent with listing if I'm not consistent with taking pictures and every time I take pictures requires a set up and tear down on the dining room table.

Enter= unexpected holiday gift of a new, larger photo tent with lights.

Looking around my office the only workable space is a waist high table, but too shallow for the tent.

Ok- if I play magical desks and the desk COVERED in nonsense gets cleaned off and usable (a resolution!) for the computer ((it's original home)) then I can move my sewing machine to the tall table and make the lower, wider table for the photo tent.

And presto= what do I get?! a spot to quickly and easily always have ready to take photos and list to Etsy, blog, facebook, twitter, flickr--- you get the idea!

This all works back to a bigger resolution of getting up earlier each day to get a little quiet office work done before the day (parenting) starts. woo hoo!!

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

Feels so good! Lots of ideas crowd the brain. But if I need to look at all the work that comes from those ideas, it also crowds the studio.

Sure there are a number of ways to get rid of stuff. Sell cheap, sell/give shards for mosaic. But really to get a TRUE cleansing of the mind a studio... there has to be a physical closer for me.

let's get Crafty!

2009-12-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Super Cool Portland (aka PDX) people! come see me and 200 other awesome indie crafters at Crafty Wonderland this Sunday!

and chant the mantra "it won't snow, it won't snow, it won't snow"

silly for swag

2009-11-08T00:18:00.000-08:00

I just finished bagging up 100 swag pieces for the EtsyRAIN show on November 21st and 22nd.

And I'm not even participating!

but- I totally support my LOCAL Etsy street team and their show (I'll be shopping!) as well as wanting to promote myself locally.

I've been tweaking my swag donations over the years and I'm pretty pleased with current status.

Needs to be quick and inexpensive to make but promote too.

This little trinket dish is similar to the larger plates I'm making with texture and color layering.

To complicate it (in a good way) I was inspired by the movie Handmade Nation to take my handmade product further and made my own tags.

I used my gocco for printing and cut them with a punch thingie.

I also like that for promotional purposes I had a stamp made with my shop name.

I only recently learned of a stamp pad with underglaze--- so I was literally waiting to receive the stamp before getting these pieces in the kiln. And it all came together the night before the deadline.

Done! And I loved it. Now back to preparing product - and getting swag ready for the Portland show in December....

thankful for indoor games!

2009-11-05T00:07:00.001-08:00

Gotta love indoor sports that keep us moving without breaking the windows!

Thankful for FREEcycle

2009-11-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Halloween candy

Hello bubble wrap

makes everyone happy!

Thankful for pre-written press releases!

2009-11-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

In a Down Economy this Holiday Season

Think Beautiful, Free and Green:

HOLIDAY HOME ACCESSORIES SWAP

When your wallet’s tight and the environment is gasping “help me breathe,” how can you find great gifts and dress up your home for the holidays while keeping your conscience green? Attend the Sit+Sip Holiday Home Accessories Swap – the only one of it’s kind. sitsip.com

Are you watching your wallet this holiday season?

Instead of racking up the credit card bills and depleting your bank account, attend the Holiday Home Accessories Swap! Come with three items or more and a $10 entrance fee -- everything at the swap is FREE!!

Replace all your unused décor with beautiful and “new”!

Clean out all your closets and trade in those wedding and birthday gifts plus home and holiday decor items that just aren’t your style. Swap them for some new cool gifts or décor items you’ll love. Think serving trays, dishware, napkin holders, candles and candle holders, artwork, ornaments, rugs, pillows and throws.

Do your part for the environment!

Think of all the waste that is created with every newly produced item you buy this holiday, not to mention the emissions cast against the ozone layer getting it to your doorstep. So if you want to go easy on the fish in the sea and the birds in the trees, come swap what you already have for what you need. And, if you're swapping small items, you can still ride your bike to the event.

Want to make a contribution to a child this holiday season?

20% of all proceeds will benefit Seattle Children’s and all non-swapped items will be donated to SC Thrift Stores. If you are in the giving mood, you can also bring a $10 gift card for a teen being treated at Children’s.

For more information: Check out sitsip.com, upcoming events. For general swap questions, see our FAQ page.

Swap Details

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009

Time: 10 AM to 12 Noon

Drop-off and preview 10 to 10:45 AM

Swapping begins at 10:45 sharp

Location: Phinney Neighborhood Center

6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103; (206) 783-2244

Parking: At the Phinney Neighborhood Center’s upper and lower parking lots, as well as on the street

Cost: 3 item minimum and $10 entrance fee

Only 100 spots available

Drop-Off: For large quantity or large-sized items drop off is available on Palatine Ave N, one block east of Phinney Ave N (follow the signs)

How it works:

Folks will swap in groups of 20, taking 2 items per 10-minute swap round. There will be 2 regular rounds and a free for all on the 3^rd and last round. Swap groups are determined by arrival time, so it’s first come, first serve. All non-swapped items will be donated to Children’s Hospital Thrift Stores.

Some of our favorite Seattle home accessory vendors will also be there to show off and sell their beautiful small goods: pillows, pottery, collage art, etc. See list below.

Tips for swappers

1. Bring re-usable shopping bags, a laundry basket or wagon to collect the items you are taking home.

2. Bring masking tape and a sharpie pen to mark larger items you are claiming for yourself. Tape and pen sets will be for sale if you forget.

3. Come prepared with a shopping list of items you desire to find to spruce up your home or give as a great green gift.

4. Come with a congenial attitude – No bullies allowed!

Acceptable items

Holiday ornaments and decor

Pillows (couch and floor), throws

Decorative rugs (no bigger than 8’x10’)

Mirrors, picture frames, art, 2 and 3-D (framed and unframed)

Candles, candleholders

Plant pots, baskets and decorative boxes

Floor and table lamps

Decorative nick-knacks and wall clocks

Coffee table books

Tablecloths, placemats, napkin rings and cloth napkins (no stains)

Office organizing/storage items, bulletin boards

Small furniture: (no larger than 5’ square) ottomans, side tables, trunks and chests, small bookshelves, kids’ table-and-chair sets, etc.

Non-acceptable items

Anything broken, damaged, wet, torn or dirty (think of what you would like in your home)

Any furniture items larger than 5’ square

Rugs larger than 8’x10’

No kitchen items

No toys, games, reading books

No electronics

No exercise equipment

No bedding or towels

No tools

Participating vendors:

Designs by Mara, My Chloe Flower, LAS Designs, Starbucks on Phinney Ridge

About Sit+Sip:

Sara Eizen of Nest (http://www.nestseattle.com) and Piper Lauri Salogga of Natural Balance Home & Office (http://www.naturalbalance9.com) are two interior designers collaborating to introduce Seattle residents to their favorite green furnishings and practices in town. Their mission is to promote the many sustainable possibilities for your home without prejudice to your level of green. Every choice you make toward the world of sustainability counts! Sit+Sip promotes quarterly events to bring people and ideas together, have fun and get inspired. Find out more at www.sitsip.com.

Contact:

Piper Lauri Salogga (206.660.0995) or Sara Eizen (206.525-1171) for interviews or questions

I am Thankful

2009-11-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

It was a rough Sunday. One that I really looked forward to it being over. I took very little time for myself. He is being demanding, naughty, and getting away with lots. He loves us so much and wants our attention every second that when we give him what he wants he is perfect, fun, happy. We are doing out best to parent. It was just a rough day. In pj's by 8 kinda day. REALLY looking forward to taking him to preschool tomorrow and letting him spend a little time with the nanny.

All in all what I really am is Thankful.

I'm thankful for this cute little guy that drives me crazy.

I'm thankful for my husband taking this wild ride of parenting with me.

But I'm also thankful for the creativity that gives me a break from it all.

restaurant crayon 4 packs

2009-10-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

I recently realized that I have one or two packs of crayons in every bag that I switch through for going out. But we don't ever use them so I thought we'd enjoy shredding them down for melting.

After I eventually bought some wax paper we gave it a try.

A little messy during the spreading of crayon shavings, but fun to see to process of adding heat from the iron and watching it melt.

Maybe next time we'll have a little more structure and try to make a shape...

Way to go Jack!

2009-10-23T23:54:00.001-07:00

Giving a shout out to my brother in law, Jack, for passing his black belt test.

woo hoo!!

Here he is: in red gloves.

join me while I unload the small kiln

2009-10-07T16:59:00.001-07:00

A 10" octopus carved plate with suction stamp texture on the bottom

bright lighting- the color is aquamarine/teal

Mixed the last of my Peacock glaze with white:

cup

4" plate and tea bag dish

A sample plate with a new image. Tested colors on it. Hard to see, but it is quartered with four different colors. Think I'll try the colors again to get more variety.
Most of the kiln load is this blue.

I have a bucket of Deep Blue that has been nothing but TROUBLE.

I've been mixing small batches of it with an Opaque White that I never use.

Tests came out good, so this glaze load was mostly blue. And I'm really happy with the results.

No running or crawling-- my biggest enemies, but they seem to love me A LOT!
tea bag sized dishes
2nd layer- this is my small kiln, but it's been running very well and this way when I ruin a load I don't ruin as much as in the big kiln.
My first attempt at adding bumps to a carved dish. Not so hot.
About 8" wide, 2" tallNoodle bowls!

Third layer.
Khaki with white mixed. Didn't like the original khaki color. not too crazy about this one either. Maybe more white.
Yup. blue. nice bowl.
I think this bowl was thrown too thin. Sides warped a bit. But the base is flat, doesn't rock. That's always nice.
This was a random dish. Forget what I did, think I let it get too dry to trim so I cut off the bottom and added it to a textured slab base and added a couple handles. why not.
Thanks for looking!

3 years old (plus one week)

2009-10-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we made a special trip to Napa for Aiden's 3rd birthday and got to spend the special day with friends and family while soaking up some 90 plus heat.

things i love

2009-09-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

fun things from this week

waiting for in the mail!!!

I don't honestly know if these will be comfy or not. But I'm really hoping that they are because I think they would be fun to have a few different colors of them. Plus I'll have to be really careful not to let them get wet from rainy days. But I'm sure they'll get damp at some point. So we'll see what happens.... by le pied leger

this might seem silly to put a sticker on your laptop. but i'm pretty excited to embellish mine. I think it's clever and fun. from vinylville

I love raising a healthy active child BECAUSE what I really love to giving him yummy treats. It's just so fun to have the treat of a donut or cupcake or ice cream. I was telling him how I don't like frosting and after he licked it all off he let me have a bite of the cake. He carefully told me what area to avoid because it still had some icing left. so sweet!

early birthday presents! my little guy will be turning 3 this next week. a gift arrived yesterday and we thought it'd be fun to open it up early!

without words wednesday

2009-09-16T14:28:00.001-07:00

going in and coming out

2009-09-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

a few pics of what is going in the bisque fire

I altered the shape of this tray and cut a real template for it...

trying out some slip I colored with mason stain. I didn't measure it, so it's limited quantity of what I can make exact. some purple

a blue and a green (there is also red) and I like the tiny tea bag dishes with the sun/flower, I have some with butterflies too

and out of the glaze: (why is the underlined and blue?)

a carved dahlia with texture stamped underside

rocket ship with a starry underside

my personal favorite, the drum kit with starry underside. I'm having a hard time pricing these. but I'm ready to put them in my etsy shop. just haven't yet.

Lastly: I'm having a giveaway over on another blog; Yellow Goat. So hop over there and get entered to win!

muffin tin Monday

2009-09-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm jumping on this train quite literally by using our Train Cake pan.

chips
ham
cheese
pear
tomato
cucumber

The best parts were that the tomato and cucumber we grew in our garden. And the pear was ripened to perfection. There was more of it... but he kept munchin before I could get my camera.

things i love Thursday

2009-09-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

eating home grown vegetables

dahlia season

making pottery for use in my home

without words wednesday

2009-09-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

this muddy mom is getting ready...

2009-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

for a SHOP makeover!

I recently had a few precious days to myself and what better time to take advantage and not only get oogles of new pots made
BUT
rephoto everything and start a slow transition into a consistent shop look
NOT JUST
in the way of photo background, but i'll be pulling a LOT of old work that isn't consistent with what I'm REALLY happy currently making. No worries, the older "trial" pieces will be put in my Clay It Forward (currently empty) shop, at greatly reduced prices.
Clay it Forward is the name of my as of yet unestablished non-profit, where I raise funds and buy clay supplies then take them into elementary classrooms for a clay lesson. I bring all the work home, fire it, take it back for them to glaze, fire it again.
So far, I've just been doing it for some 6th graders in the Edmonds school district where my friend is a teacher.
And so far, technically the money all comes from my pocket. But that doesn't matter much. Time is more valuable than supplies these days.

ok, back to the shop makeover story...

photos? CHECK!
new work? CHECK!
listing? IN PROGRESS!

Hope to roll it out 8/31. oh, that's Monday! Better get back at it :)

BYOB (build your own bottle)

2009-08-16T07:58:00.001-07:00

Prepare to be AMAZED!

I am giving you a snapshot of all the bottles entered in the Etsy Mud Team "BYOB" challenge.

You must click through to the website to get a closer look at all these beauties and VOTE!

Not only will you receive a 10% off coupon good for select EMT shops. But you will help choose a bottle with the most votes and that shop owner will be rewarded with a prize donated by select shops.

I, myself, have not voted yet. The decision is a tough one! Too many favorites... maybe if I had entered the challenge I could have just voted for myself and not be faced with this agony! ;P next time....

the way i see it - A Treasury

2009-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

You can see it on Etsy until Friday morning here.

my weekend

2009-08-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

This Muddy Mom went to Portland

This Muddy Mom stayed at the Modera

This Muddy Mom ate at The Farm Cafe

This Muddy Mom saw the Portland Cello Project

This Muddy Mom sold at Crafty Wonderland

This Muddy Mom went home.

What did you do this weekend?

that's better!

2009-07-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

my brain has cooled down enough to solidify again instead of being the melted liquid mush that it was the last few days.

that and just being busy Muddy Mom that I am. seriously, my day is pretty organized into Mom Mom Mom all morning and then on a few select days I am Muddy Muddy Muddy all afternoon (if I'm not running or kickboxing to burn enough calories to enjoy chips and beer!) so that doesn't leave a lot of time for the quiet blog moments.

to catch up, here is a synopsis of that last few weeks.

The Studio Sale was really nice. Not only did I gift myself with a clean studio (pictures to come)

But it allowed me to unload all my storage bins, see what I have, and put it out to share. It's nice to meet neighbors. A lot either said that they didn't know I do this or they knew but haven't had a chance to see my stuff.

You can't get much better than putting up sandwich boards (ie not paying for promotion) and not needing to move your items or your display to a show. At home I just go through the garage and see what kind of display items I want to use. Of course I need to figure out a display that can by transported...
I put all my new texture plates on a table made of my old front door, on top of two upside down garbage cans, with a table cloth over the whole thing.

The cup and plate are hand rolled with a designs from a piece of glass. The plate has the same texture on the unglazed bottom.

This blue plate is part of a series inspired by a a recent visit to the Matisse Museum in Nice, France. The bottom has an unglazed texture of a stem w/ leaf from a hand carved stamp.

This might look silly to you. But I LOVE the shape of using a ladder, and I was lucky to find 8" wide boards of varying lengths to use for shelves.

I love my stumpy cups. I haven't promoted them much, and I need to retake pictures of all the ones I have.

And little bowls. Everyone loves having some in the cabinet and I love trying glaze combos on them.

getting ready!

2009-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

All I had to buy was the hinges and do the painting!!! (which still took HOURS)

I really lucked out that Grant was working on our front door. The wood was sitting around in a couple big pieces.
I asked if he could cut them real quick. I'd still put them together... but he did the whole thing.
Such a nice guy!
Just used extra paint from around the house. The lettering is so PINK I felt like I was using fingernail polish!

busy preparing....

2009-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

for a Studio Sale this Saturday....

so while I'm away I'll leave you with a few international Etsy purchases I made recently for the home

BTW- is it hypocritical that I boast LOCAL eating and INTERNATIONAL shopping?
I mean, what goes IN my body is a little more important to me. But the airline miles don't help the environment any...

Coming from Perth:

I was recently looking for placemats while setting the table and found that I have very few. time to shop!

This one is made by Prettyinpurple

a table runner from the same shop:

Coming from Jakarta:

a couple more placemats! From the shop of Kainkain

and for the living room. this will look great on my red furniture and bring out a stripe of teal in the carpet

monkey party

2009-07-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

Went to a lovely backyard 3rd birthday party today. Fortunately the rain held out and didn't spoil anything.

Audio Dad had a little too much sugar ;p

farmers market

2009-07-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

I love the farmers market. But to be totally honest- today was the first I've been to all year. My local market is Saturday and that day can just be too crazy to get there sometimes. I'm trying to get my brain used to the idea of going to other markets on other days- it's all about planning...

This summer I've been reading Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal Vegetable Miracle" LOVE it!

I'm usually all about fiction. But this is kind of like a memoir and life lesson all in one.

It has inspired growth in me how I look at what I eat and what I feed my family.

I enjoy growing a garden each year. I enjoy the farmers market.

But I also eat whatever fresh fruits and veggies I want all year- not caring about where they come from. I'm going to be better about that.

My other goal is to buy meat at the market. Kind of out of my comfort zone.

My husband and I were dining at one of our favorite restaurants; Stumbling Goat.

They use local food. And have a rotating menu. But one item always remains, the roast chicken.

It was one of those nights when I ignore the specials and get the chicken I came for.

As the meal progressed, I overheard our waitress speaking with the couple next to us and came to realize that they are the chicken farmers!

They discussed what markets they'll be selling at this year. That peaked my interest to look for them.

So I broke my cherry buying meat at the market today. Got my Stokesberry breasts and immediately got in the zone and bought some grass fed ground beef from another farmer as well.

stay tuned for some "Locavore" plates coming out of the kiln later this week...

sandbox

2009-07-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I was pretty cool just letting my kid play in a pile of dirt. He seemed happy.

That was until I'd see that dry puff of dust rise around him. yuk! And the amount of dirt gathering on the back steps.

NOT a fan!

So enter the plan for a sandbox. Do I want to build one? Not really.

We have this kiddie pool that A hasn't been using (he doesn't like how grass gets in the pool- go figure). Filling it with sand sounds like a good idea.

I use some odd pieces around the yard to border up the dirt and create a new play area.

But sand is messy and gets in the house too... oh well. I tried!

blueberry muffins

2009-07-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

The blueberry muffins this morning were a hit.

Not a box mix. I mix white and whole wheat flour. And always use more than the 3/4 cup of blueberries the recipe calls for. I also like to put them right in the tin - no papers for me...

new blog

2009-07-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

I've tried blogging before.

Life is busy and it's hard to keep up.

I twitter and have more to say than 140 characters.

I facebook but I don't want to start losing friends due to over-posting.

I think the first thing in having a blog is a catchy title. Which I thought of this morning.

Hopefully I can encompass everything in one place.

It won't just be about getting creative with clay.

Nor will it strictly be adventures in potty training.

I know there are many parents out there that also enjoy getting serious with their craft while loving their parental duties.

Welcome to my blog.

On the agenda for today?

-bisque load kiln is firing since 5am

-start off with some Blueberry muffin baking

-then go shopping with the contractor for a new front door

-drive North for a quick playdate with another creative Momma

-finish cooking food for friend who had 2nd baby in May (because that kind of gift never gets old)

-glaze ceramics for my Open Studio on the 18th

-drop off food

-go running

-date night with Audio Dad

-get house in order for weekend guests arriving in the AM

I leave you with some inspiration I started my day with (and probably why I started another blog)

small magazine - online, FREE, kids fashion

nonchalant mom - mom blog

design sponge - interior design blog