It’s a rainy day today so I’m not tempted to be out in the garden. My clay work began with my inserting spouts in the 4 earthenware jugbirds I threw on Saturday. They’ll firm up overnight. Then I threw some candle-holders to reaquaint myself with how I used to do that. Wednesday’s TriCity Potters’ meeting will focus on the making, either by throwing or hand-building, of candlesticks. Hazel Postma will be there to explain to members about Amnesty International because we are making candle holders for one of their meetings/fundraisers. 75 are needed and will be given to attendees. Our making them should be a fun evening of shared ideas. I popped up to the High School today to make sure that we have a wheel available. I trust we’ll have some volunteers to show their hand-building techniques. Cone 6 clay will be available. Come prepared to get white clay on your clothing!

Do please bring along any candle-holders (standard candles, not tea-lights) you have, whether they’re made of clay, silver, glass or wood. We might be inspired.

We are asking that members please try to make about 3 each, either at the meeting or later when you have some ideas. Bring them all finished to the September meeting and we’ll take some photographs.

Once I’d thrown a few more earthenware pieces I cleaned the red clay out of my wheel ready to start throwing stoneware. Hah! I have just about a week to make, dry and spray with slips 2 1/2 cu. ft of pots for Cathi Jefferson’s firing for Fraser Valley potters. First I combined Plainsman H550 and H570. That’s the combination I found to work best for me last year at Medalta.

Meanwhile Vincent Massey says he has now fired his salt kiln. I can hardly wait until we can meet up and I can see the results!