Yashica Hawthorn

Yashica Hawthorn, originally uploaded by claygrl.

Finally, a roll of Black & White 120 film developed out of my ‘vintage’ twin lens Yashica A camera that I have had since the end of October. Out of a roll of 12 possible photos, only one turned out well and two others have me thinking, that I may post them eventually.

I discovered that my bargain camera needed some professional love and attention. After a cleansing bath to get out all of the old dusty bits, I am ready to rock and roll again. Oh yes, I will test out my sewing skills to see if I can put the leather carrying case back together again.

This is a lovely Hawthorn tree out on a friend’s farm. I have liked the shape of this tree since I first visited the farm. I will do a photo essay on it throughout the seasons. Once it warms up a wee bit out there, I will get back for a winter profile.

Is it just me or can you feel the extra bit of umph in the photograph? Can’t wait to get this negative into the darkroom for some hands on trials and error.

Nest

Nest, originally uploaded by claygrl.

January is almost over. Once again, I can feel ‘cabin fever’ starting to inch it’s way into the house. This image is from a project called “100 shots” over on Flickr. Not only do I have ideas for pots ticking away, but now this process of shooting 100 still life images is adding to the clutter in my mind. Not to worry. I started to journal again as well. Then perhaps I can put these ideas onto paper in one place, a bound book. Smart. Over the years I have kept so many bits of paper and other ephemera, that they are really starting to pile up. So I jumping in full on, no rules. I am the boss of me and my ideas.

This image is fragile. The vintage ceramic doll is already broken (she lost her head years ago, before I got to her). The nest I found on the ground after a night of high winds. It was frozen and had no sign of inhabitants. Now that it has been in the house for a week or so, it is revealing its true organic state: it is decomposing. But before it is gone I have been inspired by its construction. It is lined with pine needles all laid out it a circular pattern. Nature and her spirals, how cosmic. I am reminded of my mantra “Do Not Be Attached”.

The Nest is reminding me of a cocoon. I have been thinking about cocoons a lot as of late. Probably because we are cocooned for the months of darkness.

Time to haul out the seed catalogs and start planning for spring! Until then, more Vitamin D please.

Brownie Delight

Brownie Delight, originally uploaded by claygrl.

Clay or photography? It is really cold in my clay studio right now…..need to order more firewood (add that to my list of to – do’s). Warm in the house with my vintage cameras. January is my month to let my mind play and think other than in clay. So many ideas spring up that I have a collection of notebooks around the house.

One of the things that I love about these old cameras is the design and the feeling of weight they have. These are items of substance. There is also a metallic smell to them – I use my sense of smell a lot.

Yes, they were made by the millions, but they are usable today (with a few modifications). I like to imagine what sorts of adventures these cameras captured. I have a growing collection of vintage photographs from complete strangers too. Luckily, I found two undeveloped rolls of film in some of my camera finds. Add to my list; develop mystery film. FYI, don’t pay more than $10-$15 dollars for these. I have seen them at antique shows for $45…outrageous! Invest in a lovely piece of pottery instead.

Time to get some fresh air and walk the Rudy dog.

Vintage Thread to Hunker Down With

Vintage Thread to Hunker Down With, originally uploaded by claygrl.

It is getting colder, there is more snow falling and yes, Solstice was just a week past, but still, the lack of light has made me want to hunker down and cocoon. Out with the Husqvarna, out with the sewing projects (there was bunting, lots of bunting…call me Bunny Bunting or Bunting Bunny). I think I am even going to sign up for a proper sewing class at the local high school just down the road!! My dear Mum must really be spinning in her box now…all those years she encouraged me to sew. Better late than never, did I say that already?

Oh yes, Happy New Year!  2010 has officially arrived…..

Festive Feasting

Festive Feasting, originally uploaded by claygrl.

There is playdough mushed into our carpets, a gingerbread house falling to bits (as bits mysteriously disappear), blinking lights, train noises and new stacks of books. Phew! There is duck stock boiling away quietly away in the kitchen, and cookie crumbs scattered about. A morsel or two of chocolate (80% cocoa) to be somewhere if I can remember where my latest hiding spot is.

The chickens are still clucking away in the yard, laying eggs as their life does depend on it (I still think Chicken Korma had given up delivering the goods long ago).

Before I grab a new book and dive under the duvet, I will savor a glass of Organic Egg Nog in my flannel jim-jams. Doesn’t that paint an interesting picture? Oh yes, can’t forget to floss my pearly whites as my dear Papa gave me a year’s supply of dental floss.

That santa was tasty!

Solstice Tree

Judith’s ATC Ornament, originally uploaded by claygrl.

I am digging out all of the Festivus ornaments getting ready to celebrate Solstice. How lovely to have the house smell of spruce.

Festivus Yarn

Festivus Yarn, originally uploaded by claygrl.

I couldn’t resist. As a child who never played with dolls, except for my Bobby Orr, Evil Knievel and army boys I can’t seem to pass by these old festivus heads! Plus I have been feeling that I have been behind in my decking the halls regime this year. This is my attempt at being FESTIVE!

Ho Ho Ho, it’s back to the studio I go.
Didn’t you know that Santa contracted me this year? I have joined the union of Elves…..

Go With the Flo, the alternative Craft show……

In case you may have wondered if I had fallen off of the planet, I just have been consumed with productivity in the studio.  This is the mad time of year, when people get all excited about purchasing handcrafted pottery made by yours truly.  I love this time of year!  Although, I always seem to come up with so many brilliant new ideas, and just not enough time to get them all done!  Then, I always seem to misplace the notebook where I jotted all of those ideas down.  In truth, there is a certain little person in the house who has taken to hoarding my little notebooks!  At this point, I know where all of his ’secret’ hiding spaces are.

Come out and enjoy the show, and say Hello!

Etsy Front Page

Etsy Front Page 11/12/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Yesterday I enjoyed the lovely sun and warm temperatures and took the time to shoot some photos of my work. Then I spent the entire afternoon post-processing them to sell on my etsy page.

This morning while I was out walking with my beloved and the pooch (we had a sitter for the wee one, don’t panic), apparently I was on the Front Page of etsy and not only that, but the piece sold! How exciting! Plus, the yarn bowl is going to Kalamazoo!! I have always wanted to add that to one of my destinations.

So I spent the rest of the day making more…yarn bowls!

Bespoke Oak Jar

Oak Jar, originally uploaded by claygrl.

Sometimes the image of the pot I have created just makes a piece zing. This is one of them. Fancy that we had an oak close by to lend us a leaf. The lighting is lovely too. These lovely, warm days of November are almost making up for the terrible summer…..