Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Kitty the Kiln

Here is the answer to the Sneaky Peek post I made earlier this week!

Several of you guessed correctly! Kitty is my "new to me" kiln. I found her on EBAY and got her for a song. She looked beautiful on the outside but was a little worse for wear on the inside. I was able to order some parts and put her back together, so now she's as pretty on the inside as out. I was a little nervous about it because it took some electrical work, but between the written and video instructions, she fired right up!! Yeah!! I wish I had taken pictures while I had her all in pieces so I could prove I did it myself, but I didn't, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

HERE SHE IS!!!



I've been busy making some things to go inside, as well. I'm making some ceramic jewelry and I hope to get a booth at our local Farmer's Market on Market Square in Knoxville. I've been wanting to do this for a while and am so excited to give it a try. I'll let you know if it works out (you have to be approved). There are lots of arts and craft booths even though it is mainly for local vegetables. One of the rules is that you have to produce, grow, or make by hand everything that you sell. Here are a few pieces before they have been fired and glazed. They are going to become jewelry. What do you think?
  









I loaded them all into the kiln and I'm going to fire them tomorrow. Here's what Kitty looks like when her belly is full.

empty kiln

bottom floor of kiln with posts in place for shelves

starting second layer

Third layer

I had to move a shelf over so the cutoff mechanism will work


She's all dressed up and ready to go! Come back soon to see how it goes. Hopefully, my wiring will work properly!!!!

As always, thank you SO much for stopping by and have a great day!



Saturday, February 8, 2014

Sneaky Peek

I have a new toy! I will show you some pictures to see if you can guess what it is. I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited about this new toy that I am going to name her. I will call her Kitty. Here is a sneaky peak.







Ok. That's all you get right now ;-)

Do you have any guesses? I'm curious to know.

I'll be back soon to let you in on the new project.


I just had to say Happy Birthday to my sweet son, Hunter! It was 22 years ago today at 9:14 am that he made his appearance, 6 1/2 weeks early. He was in the NICU for 19 days. I didn't get to hold him for two days. It was undoubtedly the best and most terrifying day of my life. It is also a time where I felt the "peace that passes all understanding" that is talked about in scripture and it is hard for me to describe what I mean by that. I was both scared to death and felt the loving arms of God wrapped around me, at the same time. He has grown into a wonderful young man and I am so proud to be his mother. I think the thing I am most proud of is that he is very kindhearted! Happy Birthday Hunter and I love you so much!



  Thanks so much for stopping by!


Monday, February 3, 2014

California Dreaming: Grand Finale

We ended our trip in San Francisco. We stayed in a lovely house in Half Moon Bay that was in walking distance to a beach. We toured San Fran and also had a little down time on the beach (freezing cold!!!). I really loved the whole area and would go back for a visit anytime. I'll leave you with some pictures from our adventure!

Do we look like tourists or what?


Alcatraz - we did not have reservations so, no go
There was an amazing Market with some yummie good things and really nice gift shops.

Shrooms

Urchins? Really??



Hand knit finger puppets :-)

CHEESE PLEASE!!
Fogged in Golden Gate Bridge. Never saw it!
Muir Woods


 China Town




Loofah 

More mushrooms


Absolutely NO IDEA

Waited a LONG time for brunch at Mama's

French toast

Beach near our house


Very windy "selfie"


Super cute gift shop that had bucket for you to gather "sea" glass. Pretty sure it didn't actually come from the sea!

Thats a mountain of glass






 Stopped by the local marina for some photo ops





Overall, this was a fantastic trip. What you don't see in the photos are the fun times we have together as a group (some which I would never be able to share in public, lol)! It truly is a blessing to be a part of a family of travelers! I hope you enjoyed some of the sights.