Eucalypt Homewares

Sydney Life Instyle

2012-01-30T10:41:00.001+08:00

Wow, it has been a while since I posted a blog! Christmas time was insanely busy in the studio, then I collapsed in a heap for a few weeks!

The next big event for the Eucalypt Homewares team is the Sydney Life Instyle Trade Fair. Below is some info about the fair, taken from the website. It is a trade only event and you need to register to attend.

Life Instyle

Life Instyle’s boutique trade event delivers a mix of beautiful designer brands sourced from a diverse range of companies featuring homeware, giftware, lifestyle and kids products.

Floralware tumbler and plate with Eucalypt Range side plate and small bowl

VENUE
Royal Hall of Industries & Hordern Pavilion
Entertainment Quarter
Errol Flynn Boulevard (access via Lang Road)
Moore Park, Sydney.

Floralware tumbler and Dress Ring

Opening Hours

Thursday	11am - 9pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	9am - 6pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Collection of Floralware and Eucalypt Range Tableware

Eucalypt Homewares will be in the Royal Hall of Industries at stall number 1370.

Trinket Boxes come in four sizes

The idea behind a trade fair is to showcase your wares to a retail audience who will (hopefully) place orders for their stores.

A collection of Floralware and Eucalypt Range Tableware

If you are retail outlet attending the fair and would like to book an appointment with Eucalypt Homewares, please email me melanie@eucalypthomewares.com.au

Plates

There is still lots to organise and make over the next few weeks. Luckily I have some fabulous assistants to help in the studio and during the fair.

Dress Rings with adjustable backs

Christmas Markets 2011

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001+08:00

The Eucalypt Homewares Studio has been in a constant state of making madness over the last few weeks, in preparation for the upcoming Christmas markets. We are looking forward to showcasing the latest bowls and plates, decorations and adorns at these fabulous events.

Perth Upmarket

Sunday 27th November @ UWA 10am-4pm

Perth Upmarket brings together over 150 of Perth's talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all under one roof. The product mix is diverse ranging from handmade clothing, cupcakes, wall art, cards, homewares, jewellery to skin care products. The market allows Perth shoppers who appreciate the handmade to connect with the talented creators.

Eucalypt Homewares will be located in the usual spot in the Undercroft of Winthrop Hall.

Fremantle Bazaar

Bazaar at Fremantle Arts Centre is your annual slice of pre-Christmas shopping heaven on earth, taking place again this year from 2-4 December.

Established in 1985, Bazaar is the foremost event of its kind in WA for high quality locally made wares. Bazaar remains the best pre-Christmas market for goods made by local artists, designers and makers of Perth's finest fashion, jewellery, textiles, homewares and more. Shop under the stars on Friday night and enjoy the beautiful garden setting throughout the days on Saturday and Sunday.

Fremantle Bazaar 2010

Eucalypt Homewares will be joining forces with Old Grey House and Robin Wells Jewellery under the stall name Clay Cloth Metal.This unique and beautiful stall can be found up the stairs in the upper deck, near the payment tent and food stalls.

Market to Market This Sunday

2011-09-30T12:10:00.003+08:00

This Sunday take an outing to the Perth Upmarket at UWA. Eucalypt Homewares will be in the usual spot in the Undercroft of Winthrop Hall.

New for the October market..

Brand new Christmas Decorations ( I know it's only October, but some people like to be organised!)

Christmas Reindeers. Also available, stars, doves, hearts, angels.

Floralware Herb Labels (sorry, still in kiln so no photos)

Floralware Tumblers and Larger Bowls

Pretty Dinner Setting

Eucalypt Homewares Vouchers (perfect for weddings, birthdays, Christmas or just because...)

Vouchers Redeemable @ The Eucalypt Homewares Studio

Dress Rings

Funky rings to wear for fun!

Hope you can come by....

Make Your Own Christmas Decorations

2011-09-19T15:57:00.000+08:00

I have just been trowelling through the photos of student work and thought these shots of the nativity scene might inspire people to want to make their own in my next round of classes.

Baby Jesus snuggled in his swaddling

A collection of tree decorations

Many Josephs waiting to be fired (in the kiln)

The Marys drying on the shelf

No experience is need to participate, just a desire to create and get a little dirty :)
Email me at melanie@eucalypthomewares.com.au for details.

Christmas Clay Classes and Workshops 2011

2011-09-11T12:37:00.003+08:00

Christmas Stars

Christmas Decorations and Nativity Scene

The next ceramic workshops have a Christmas theme, students will make some lovely things to decorate their home or give as gifts.

The lovely porcelain Christmas-tree decorations are made using cookie cutters and pretty stamps, then glazed in Christmassy colours. A Nativity Scene, including Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, will be hand built in porcelain paper clay.

Baby Jesus

Students will be given step by step instructions as to how to make the decorations and nativity scene, so no experience with clay is necessary!

There are a number of workshop times to choose from including six week night or morning classes during the week and one day workshops on the weekend.

Joseph

Night Classes

$250
Six weeks 7.30-9.30pm

Mondays 26 September – 31 October 2011
0R

Tuesdays 8 November – 13 December 2011

Day Classes

$250
Six weeks 10am – 12noon

Tuesdays 18 October – 22 November 2011

Mary

1 ½ Day Workshops

$200

Saturday 29 October 9.30am – 4.30pm + Sunday 5 November 1pm– 4pm

Sunday 30 October 9.30am – 4.30pm + Sunday 5 November 1pm –4pm

To enrol please email melanie@eucalypthomewares.com.au

Weddding Inspirations

2011-08-03T08:54:00.033+08:00

Eucalypt Homewares will be at the inaugural Wedding Upmarket held at Mosmans restaurant Saturday 13th August. Attendees will be able to purchase an order product for their special day. Here are a few ideas or inspirations to get your imagination flowing...

Inspiration 1: Request Eucalypt Homewares vouchers as gifts from your guests. Use the collection of vouchers to order a dinner set directly from the Eucalypt Homewares Studio.

Inspiration 2: Pretty porcelain decorations can be used to add a splash of colour on your wedding tables and can have the dual use as a place-name (names applied with a clear printable and removable sticker). These lovely decorations come in flying dove, nesting dove and love heart. Your Guests can hang them in their house as a reminder of you special occasion.

Inspiration 3: These little bowls look very pretty grouped on a table with tea lights aglow. Just perfect for creating the right ambiance for your wedding reception (or dinner party). They come in Floralware as well as a tonal range of colours to match your wedding decor.

Inspiration 4: Serve your spectacular wedding cake on Eucalypt Homewares organic cake plates (available in a large range of colours). Then perhaps gift them to your guests as a thank you after the reception?

Inspiration 5: Floralware vases filled with flowers create a sense of opulence in your wedding venue; the church, the reception, on your wedding tables and in your home. Display them on the bridal table, the cake table, the gift table or even on each guest table.

Inspiration 6: Porcelain trinket boxes and porcelain dress rings make thoughtful gifts to say thank you to your bridesmaids.

Cracking The Kiln

2011-06-22T11:45:00.000+08:00

"Cracking the kiln" means to open the kiln just a crack to help cool down the kiln before emptying it. There are different schools of thought as to when to do this. If cracked too early you can loose all your work to thermal shock. However, when in a rush to get the kiln unloaded, one some times takes risks...

The "Cracked Kiln"

Luckily for me, this was no such circumstance. Phew!

When cracking the kiln there is a sense of thrill as well as dread, what will the kiln hold? A trove of treasures or cracked rubbish?

Today the kiln holds goodies for the up coming Perth Upmarket. Below are photos of said treasures - no cracks!!!

Herb Labels

Black Bowls and Tumblers

Canisters

Trinket Boxes

Work waiting to be sanded

Hope to see you at the Upmaket, this Sunday @ UWA 10am - 4pm

Out On A Limb Eco Design Store

2011-06-18T09:41:00.000+08:00

This lovely store in Maylands opened earlier this year. It has a great mix of adults and children's hand made and Eco friendly products including jewellery, textiles and home wares. Perfect spot to pop in for a special gift, then wonder up (or down) the road for a coffee.

They have a very good selection of my work. Especially tumblers and large salad bowls as well as some Floralware and other bowls from my Eucalypt Range.

Debbie and Kiri are the owners and are completely gorgeous!

Out On A Limb Eco Design Store

"Our ethos is to sell predominantly Australian and New Zealand made ecoO friendly sustainable products and to support local artisan talents to create an interesting mix of gifts and homewares."

194 Whatley Cr, Perth, Australia 6051 · Get Directions

0893715351

Tues - Sat:	10:00 am	-	5:00 pm
Sun:	10:00 am	-	2:00 pm

Studio Ground Work

2011-06-15T22:12:00.000+08:00

Today was a day of "studio ground work". Next term I am running a coil bowl clay class. So I spent some time today making a coil bowl using the coil bowl I made a couple of years ago as an armature.

It is extremely therapeutic to roll coils. The goal is to roll them all the same thickness to create even walls of the bowl. They are joined on the inside, being careful not to squash each coil too much so as not to lose the definition on the exterior.

This photo is of the (almost) finished bowl, upside down of course. Tomorrow it will be dry enough to turn over....

Oh, the other thing I did today (ie 90% of the day) was to re-make the prototypes of all my moulds. Here they are under wraps, as they will stay until ready to show in their finished form.....

Trinket Box Clay Classes

2011-06-14T16:25:00.000+08:00

Over the last six weeks I have been running three Trinket Box Clay Classes.

The first two weeks we made trinket boxes, some with stamped decoration and some smooth ready for tissue transfers.

They following few weeks we constructed the canisters. They are a bit like trinket boxes, only bigger...and harder.

One of the canisters we decorated with wax, waited a week then washed back the clay to create a relief pattern.

Week five, out came the tissue transfers and off we went!

This week is the last week. Every thing has been bisc fired ready for glazing.
next week is pick-up week. I'm looking forward to seeing all the trinket boxes finished!

Workshop for Teachers

2011-05-10T13:38:00.000+08:00

Last term I ran a workshop for high school art teachers. We spent the day making moulds, casting bowls and experimenting with different decorating techniques.

Here are few photos that one of the participants emailed me, taken on her iphone.

They are mostly of me talking and people listening!

Oh, here's one of some work being done! Don't worry everyone worked very hard. I can't wait to see photos of the bowls their students make....

Mother's Day Studio Open

2011-05-04T09:24:00.000+08:00

Twice a year I open my Eucalypt Homewares studio to the public for a sale on current pieces as well as some real bargains on seconds and discontinued lines.

One is held just before Christmas and the other the week before Mother's Day. Last Sunday was the annual pre Mother's Day sale. This year I invited some other local designers to join me resulting in a lovely market like atmosphere in my back garden.

Eucalypt Homewares table

Shoppers could wonder through the garden looking a tables set up with work from Eucalypt Homewares, Robin Wells Jewellery, Little Babushka and Old Grey House.

Robin Wells with some happy shoppers

It was a perfect sunny day with people arriving at leisure through out the afternoon. There was a nice mix of loyal supporters and new enthusiasts all enjoying an outing perusing local artist's wares. We even had a lovely local lady organise a luncheon for her friends with a stroll down to my studio after, a special thanks to Mia!

Looking through the garden at Little Babushka and Old Grey House

Talking of thanks, much appreciation to my friend, Kim and my husband, David for their help on the day!
I'm looking forward to the next Open Day in December....

Term One Clay Class Photos

2011-04-14T09:33:00.000+08:00

These lovely bowls where made by the Monday night advanced slip-casting class. They designed and made prototype bowls then cast them using the paper pulp mould making method. Lots of Japanese tissue transfer was used to decorate the bowls, as well as wax resist and two tone colours.

Some interesting forms where designed by the Thursday night clay class group. Each bowl was decorated using a different technique; two tone colours, tissue transfer, wax resist and inlay. They also made a collection of ceramic drink coasters.

Next term we are making trinket boxes. I still have spots left on the Tuesday 10am class. Email me if you would like more information melanie@eucalypthomewares.com.au

Brand New Shiny Kiln

2011-03-24T09:59:00.004+08:00

No, this is not my brand new shiny kiln. This is the old faithful, well maybe not so faithful... just old. It is a bit broken, but can be fixed. I'm giving it away to anyone who is willing to take it out of my studio... Send me an email if you are interested melanie@eucalypthomewares.com.au. You will need 3phase power and an electrician to hook it up.

This is my shiny new kiln - it's it beautiful?!! Here's to many years of firing success!

Win Eucalypt Homewares Products

2011-03-15T10:10:00.002+08:00

Come to the Perth Upmarket this Sunday 20th March @ UWA 10am - 4pm to win a $200 Eucalypt Homewares voucher.

To enter visit the Eucalypt Homewares stall and fill in the entry form :)

Brooches

2011-03-14T09:49:00.004+08:00

Next weekend is the Perth Upmarket. I am in a state of making madness to get ready.
Here is a little sneak peak at some of the new brooches I have. They come in lots of patterns.

You can choose from a number of shapes. Featured here are the cat and flying dove.

I have also made nesting doves, tiny kissing doves and love hearts.

These little guys are my new teddy brooches. They come in red, pink and sea green. I have a new batch of my other children's buttons too.

Slip-casting Clay Classes

2011-03-14T01:45:00.005+08:00

This term I ran three slip-casting workshops in my studio. It is almost the end of the classes, with one class ready to pick up their work and two classes glazing this week.

This is John's set of slip-cast bowls (I must confess John is my dad - I think he did beautiful job!).

Each person designed their own bowl, then made a plaster mould from the prototype. They then cast four bowls and used a different decoration technique on each one. Voila, a set of cute little bowls all the same, but different!

This term was certainly a family affair, Tuesday night Classes with my dad, sister and sister's boyfriend. Certainly lends for a bit of banter in the class :)

Above are my sister, Chelsea's lino-cut drink coasters.

One more photo of the Tuesday night bowls. I hope everyone had lots of fun! They certainly made some lovely bowls.

Should have photos of the the other night's bowls next week...

Gunyulgup Gallery WA

2011-03-09T10:23:00.003+08:00

Here are a couple of photos taken in my studio of the Floralware for Gunyulgup Gallery and Lake Grace Visitor's Centre.

Soon there will be new Floralware at Aspects of Kings park and of course for the Perth Upmarket.

New Website

2011-02-28T14:25:00.003+08:00

Well, it's all happening at the Eucalypt Homewares studio. My new website has just been launched. Please come and have a look!

The weather in Perth WA is horrible and HOT. Not the nicest of working conditions for a ceramics studio. Some how or other I am grinning and bearing the steamy studio and getting lots of work done.
Come and visit me at the Perth Upmarket. Sunday 20 March...

Porcelain Brooches

2011-02-23T10:03:00.003+08:00

It is my littlest's 3rd birthday soon. I thought I'd make some badges to put in the lolly bags at her party. She is having a Teddy Bear's Picnic theme - so time for a new badge design!

Here's a sneak at the stamp I made. Don't worry I have made extras for you to buy at the next Perth Upmarket.

Talking of sneaks... here is one of inside my kiln I just opened.

You too could have your child's hand immortalised in clay :) They make lovely Mother's day gifts too. Just send me an email to book an appointment.

melanie@eucalytphomewares.com.au

Morning Work

2011-02-20T17:02:00.002+08:00

There is so much to be done in my studio with orders to fill and Perth Upmarket looming. Perth is hot and very dry - no rain for ages. My studio is not the most pleasant place to be come midday. However, early in the morning it is lovely.

Exciting news... my website is due to be finished ahead of schedule and should be live 25th February.

New website coming soon....

2011-02-09T12:31:00.004+08:00

I have a brand new website being made - yay! I have also redesigned my logo.

Here is a sneak preview of the logo.

The website is by Skopos Web Design and will be ready at the end of Feb.

Clay Classes start with a splash (of plaster)

2011-02-08T09:31:00.006+08:00

It is the start of week two of clay classes for term one. I am running three classes this term. Two slip casting classes and one "advanced" slip casting class.

I had a number of people who had attended two slip casting classes of mine in the past. I thought they might like to up the anti a bit and make a bigger piece using the paper pulp casting method.

The photo below is of the group mixing plaster.

So far it has been a great class. I am looking forward to seeing how their bowls turn out.

Facebook

2011-01-22T14:23:00.004+08:00

Eucalypt Homewares is now on Facebook...

Rest Time

2010-12-16T12:28:00.005+08:00

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you have enjoyed catching up on some of the things I have been making and teaching this year.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and safe holiday time.

My studio will be closed until February 2011 and I will be having a rest from blogging until then too.

Studio Open

2010-12-10T22:26:00.008+08:00

Studio Open @ my place this Sunday

Featuring...

Old Grey House

Robin Wells Jewellery

Eucalypt Homewares....

Come and visit us for some beautiful hand made Christmas gifts...

1-4pm in Kensington WA

email msharpha@bigpond.net.au for details

Markets

2010-12-10T21:34:00.002+08:00

Thank you to everyone who visited me at Perth Upmarket and Fremantle Bazaar.

Here are a few photos taken at the two markets...
This is Tanya Cain-Abbs from Old Grey House and me at Fremantle Bazaar on our "Clay & Cloth" stall. We had a lovely few days selling our wares at the relaxed and beautiful Fremantle Art Centre.

Perhaps I should have also taken a photo of the stall on Sunday afternoon, as there was not much left!

These photos where taken at the Perth Upmarket. It was a very warm day, but that didn't stop the Christmas shoppers. My decorations sold like hot cakes and so did my new Floral Ware. It is so nice to get the immediate feedback from people buying my work from the markets. It is very affirming :)

A special thank you to Justine from Perth Upmarket and Marcus from Fremantle Bazaar.

Christmas Decorations 2010

2010-11-20T11:13:00.002+08:00

Here is a sneak peek at a few of my new Christmas decorations for 2010.

There is a selection at Aspects of Kings Park and Swanbourne News.

I will have "millions" at the next Up Market and Fremantle bazaar.

Perth Upmarket (free entry)

28th November 2010

10am-4pm

Winthrop Hall

University of WA

Fremantle Bazaar ($2 entry)

3rd -5th December

Fremantle Art Centre

New works @ King's Park

2010-11-17T09:56:00.003+08:00

Introducing Floral Ware by Eucalypt Homewares.

Currently it is stocked at Aspects of King's Park.

Also featured at Perth Upmarket (Sunday 28th November, 10am - 4pm Winthrop Hall, UWA)

And Fremantle Bazaar (3rd-5th December, Fremantle Art Centre)

These beautiful photos where taken by my friend and photographer Claire McFerran.

Christmas Clay Classes

2010-11-16T09:17:00.006+08:00

Clay Classes for term four are almost finished. This term we made millions of Christmas decorations. The Christmas Family: Joseph (the proud father)

Mary (adorned in flowers)

and a very cute Baby Jesus. These are not glaze fired yet - that's next week.

I have already had enquires about next years classes. Term one we will be slip casting bowls.

If you are interested please send me an email (msharpha@bigpond.net.au ) to go on my contact list. I will be sending out the information email in a few weeks time.

Current students are offered places first then when I know how many spots are left I email my contact list. It's a good idea to respond pronto as they fill up quick :)

Porcelain Christmas Decorations

2010-11-15T09:59:00.000+08:00

My little Christmas Elf (up from bed for a "cuddle") watched me slave away sanding all my white porcelain Christmas decorations. After a while she decided to help (sand the same one over and over).

Here is a collection of them ready for stringing up and packaging...

Watch this space for more photos of my new Christmas decorations.

Handprint Tiles

2010-11-14T15:21:00.000+08:00

It is getting closer to Christmas and people are booking in to have their children's handprints impressed into a clay tile.

They make really nice gifts for Grandparents.
I make two sizes 20x20cm and 15x15cm.
These ones pictured are 15x15cm and fit one small child's hand or a baby's hand and foot. The big tile fits two children's hand or a hand and foot of a bigger child.

To book an appointment email me on msharpha@bigpond.net.au

Sommerville Open Day

2010-11-14T14:25:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago Somerville Baptist College had it's annual Open Day. It was a lovely day of activities, food, silent auctions and of course displays of the student's work.

Here is a sample of the work my students made this year.

MORE Holiday Fun

2010-10-17T10:33:00.001+08:00

Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos while everyone was making these bowls. My two girls had much fun with the water and clay after the bowl making, they were covered, head to foot in clay.
It was a lovely morning with kids and mums making bowls, then eating lunch under our shady peppermint tree.

I couldn't resist these two photos (out of the 70) Eve took as we where leaving the zoo.

Oh, and this one of T-Bear in her garden out-fit!

It's sad the school holidays are over, back to work and school and swimming lessons and piano and band and, and... sigh

Holiday Fun

2010-10-17T10:07:00.000+08:00

My friend Lowie and I printed some fabric in the school holidays. It is for a surprise quilt, so I won't say too much about it... Except to say I had forgotten how much fun silk screening is!!! A special thanks to Kristie for putting the image on the screen for us XX

Buy West Eat Best

2010-09-30T17:44:00.001+08:00

Eucalypt Homewares is featured in this lovely new cookbook Buy West Eat Best. It features recipes made from local produce by chief Paul Zammit.

You can purchase it from Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores. Happy cooking :)

Cook Book Feature

2010-09-24T18:45:00.000+08:00

Eucalypt Homewares is featured in a local produce cookbook. It is all very exciting especially as I haven't seen it yet! The book launch is this week...oooh....

I have been asked by the publicist to make a number of bowls and platters so it has been madness in the studio over the last week - yes even more so than usual. Above is snap of the studio this morning.

Watch this space for more info....

Five Faves

2010-09-13T10:37:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Justine for yet another wonderful Perth Upmarket. She even managed to turn on a beautiful sunny (and freezing) day! Thank you to all of you who came to make it a successful day!

Here's my five favourites for the day...
On my stall it has to be these Reindeer Christmas Decorations - they sold out! Don't worry I plan to make plenty more for the Christmas markets.

Rachel Hancox Designs was the next stall to mine. She designs and makes the most gorgeous children's illustrations and toys. I bought these very cute little brooches for my two little girls.

Petit Cupcake are Perth designed and made dresses. I bought this lovely dress for Eve - it's her birthday soon. They are beautifully made and very versatile dresses.

This bag I bought at Christmas time from Anthea from Yuniko Studio. It has be very well used! Check out Anthea's blog - she makes lovely things for children and adults from found objects and re-cylced materials. Yuniko was at the Perth Upmarket this time - I hope to see her next time too...

And last but not least, my wonderful mum! She is always a star helping me at my markets. Thanks mum!

I must say it was pretty good coming home after a very long day at the market to a husband who not only fixed the leaky taps in the bathroom, but also made a delicious Chicken roast with real homemade stuffing and gravy!

Finished For Term Three

2010-09-05T15:21:00.000+08:00

Monday night clay classes are yet to collect their work. Here is a sneak peek. How absolutely gorgeous are their finished pieces!!

Tanya's slip cast bowls - Inlay, wax resist, tissue transfer and two tone slip.

Wendy's design was inspired by her daughter's cute flower drawings.

These are Claire's pretty plate and bowls.

Next term we are making Christmas tree decorations and a Nativity set. I will be taking enrolments soon. Send me an email if you would like to be on my contact list to receive info on classes and markets msharpha@bigpond.net.au

Working...

2010-09-05T15:11:00.001+08:00

Claire captured me glazing and loading my kiln during glazing night of the clay classes. Claire is a wedding photographer and one of my clay class students. Visit Claire's lovely blog Sweet Unwrapping Life.

Tuesday Clay Classes Term 3

2010-09-05T14:47:00.000+08:00

One Clay Class evening the lovely Claire snapped away while we worked.

Unfired plates, decorated with handmade stamps.

Slip casting in action.

Slip inlay decorated slip cast bowls - unfired.

Clay tools

The work bench. Timing the slip in the moulds. Last week's bowls taken out of the moulds and cleaned up, ready for decorating. Thanks Claire :)

New Works...

2010-08-29T08:33:00.001+08:00

Only two weeks until the next Up Market. I have been busy making work for this market as well as for an order for Aspects of King's Park. Look out for my new plates and trinket boxes up there.

Above are slip cast bowls with tissue transfer and coloured slip. There is only one of each design, but look great as a little set. They are exclusive to the Perth Upmarket (at this point).

These cute little people are Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. If you book into my clay classes for term four you will learn how to make them. I have made four sets to sell at the next Up Market. They are all slightly different from each other as they are hand built.

I still haven't glaze fired these new look trinket boxes, so the jury's out as to whether I like them or not. They have two types of slip + my hand made tissue transfers.

None of these forms are new, but casting them in these colours is. I really like the way the bottles have colour, white, colour on the rim. These forms in a collection of colours will be at the next Upmarket too.

The last picture is of my small bowls in peacock, blue/black and drum roll.... my new black! Don't they look yummy together?

Potty Article

2010-08-17T12:05:00.000+08:00

I have just forund an online link to the article written about Eucalypt Homewares (and me) in The West Australian a few weeks ago.

Potty about Gums

Winter warmer Clay Classes

2010-08-17T11:51:00.000+08:00

Lucky kiln is running hot this term as it is keeping my studio toastie warm on these cold winter evenings.

Here are a couple of snaps of the slip cast bowls people are making in my classes this term.

They are not fired yet, but are promising to be lovely.

This nativity scene isn't fired yet either, but is a little taste of what we will be making in term 4 Clay Classes. Pop me an email if you would like to be on my contact list for future clay classes msharpha@bigpond.net.au

Wild Flower Festival

2010-08-10T11:06:00.000+08:00

I will be running a two day workshop at Kings Park as part of the Wild Flower Festival in September. Bookings are essential on 9480 3600. More info on the Kings Park website under Delicate By Design. We will be making herb labels, herb pots and a tissue transfer vase, also see a slide show on my work and take a tour of Aspects.

Lots of clay fun!

We're all going to the Zoo tomorrow...

2010-08-10T10:50:00.000+08:00

When you next visit the Perth Zoo shop, look out for my little animal brooches. They are made from porcelain and come in lots of colours.

Weddings

2010-07-28T12:35:00.000+08:00

Here are some things I can make for weddings.

The "Small Bowls" look beautiful lined up on a wedding table alight with tea-light candles. They make nice gifts for the guests too.

Hand cut dove (or other shape) decorations make pretty bonbonnieres. The guests will remember the wedding every Christmas as they hang the decoration on their tree.

The Christmas decorations also work well as a special corporate Christmas gifts. This year I am making cut-out stars, doves, reindeer and angles in white, red or green.

Feel free to email me on msharpha@bigpond.net.au for enquires.

Clay & Cloth

2010-07-16T09:21:00.001+08:00

I have gotten a bit carried away with the number of photos posted here, but I couldn't help myself!

My friend Tanya, from Old Grey House, and I have been busy over the last few days photographing our work. We think the clay and cloth work very well together and hope the images tell a visual story.

I hope you enjoy the photos. We certainly had a blast taking them.

Treasured Hats

2010-07-16T09:10:00.000+08:00

My little girls love their hats from Little Babushkas so much that they wear them almost every day!

They are most treasured hats! Thanks Frankie and Ces :)

You can find Little Babushkas at the Perth Upmarket.

Stall

2010-07-16T08:48:00.000+08:00

The winter Perth Upmarket was fantastic! Here are a couple of photos of my stall.

They were taken before the people came in. It was soooooo busy that I wouldn't have been able to take any photos during opening time.

Thank you to every one who came to make the day so successful.

Perth Upmarket This Sunday

2010-06-25T08:42:00.001+08:00

Colours of the studio.....

All ready for this Sunday's Perth Upmarket.

Sunday 27th June

10am - 4pm

Undercroft of Winthrop Hall

UWA, Perth WA

kiddy cards

2010-06-25T08:29:00.001+08:00

Here is a sneak preview of the cards I have made for this Sunday's Perth Upmaket. They come with a coloured envelope and a matching porcelain brooch.

Great to have a collection of them in your cupboard ready for birthdays, thank yous or just because.

These cards retail at $8 each.

Pop in to see me at the Perth Upmaket. You can find me in the undercroft of Winthrop Hall.

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme...

2010-06-22T14:03:00.000+08:00

Herb labels - $10 each or 5 for $40 @ Eucalypt Homewares stall Perth Upmarket, UWA

I am also selling these three tumblers with a label and herb for $25 each. The tumblers have glaze flaws and can't be used for food - but perfect for dirt :)

Trinkets

2010-06-18T15:51:00.000+08:00

New to Eucalypt Homewares are these hand built (yes, that means each one is a one off) porcelain trinket boxes.

The lids are decorated with tissue transfer designs. They are glazed on the inside and base, with the tops left unglazed for a nice textural contrast.

I have only made seven of these little boxes and they are exclusive to the Perth Upmarket.

Price range $30 - $55.

Brooch + Headband = $15

2010-06-17T19:03:00.000+08:00

Here is a sample of the headbands I have made for the up coming Perth Upmarket.
Oh so cute on a little one.

I have made 20 headbands, only two of each fabric combo. So get in quick to purchase yours....

They are packaged up ready to be given as a gift, complete with an animal brooch. The headbands are reversible and the brooch removable (can be worn on the headband or on a t-shirt). The brooches are made of porcelain and are very strong (ie good for posting).

Coffee any one?

2010-06-16T14:57:00.000+08:00

Eucalypt Homewares tumblers and small pates are a must for your collection.

The tumblers are perfect for serving tea or coffee to your friends, with a slice of cake or brownie on the side. Tumblers $20 each and Small Plates $15 each.

Perth Upmarket 27th June @ UWA 10am - 4pm

Platter - not just for nibbles

2010-06-15T12:07:00.000+08:00

Eucalypt Homewares platter is not only beautiful as a nibbles plate, but looks fabulous filled with salad, rice, pasta or cake....

Some snaps of food served at my house in the platter.

Salads often loose all the yummy bits under the lettuce in a bowl. Served in an open platter it looks great and is easy to serve.

It is the perfect size for a 22cm cake, especially one that has lots of texture like this pistachio syrup cake.

The pink platter looks wonderful with this marble cake covered in chocolate ganache and maltesers.

Grrr and Graah

2010-06-12T14:37:00.000+08:00

Hot out of the kiln. These are my Grrr and Graah badges.

Watch out for them at the Perth Upmarket.

10am -4pm

Sunday 27th June

Winthrop hall, UWA

Clay Classes Finished for Term 2

2010-06-09T13:14:00.000+08:00

Here are some snaps of my student's work from this term's classes. This workshop was jam packed with slab building in white porcelain paper clay. We used tissues transfer, stamping and wax resist decoration.

The trinket boxes look lovely, some of them even had lids that fitted.

These are Tanya's stamped mugs. All of the mugs looked fantastic glazed. Some left white, like Tanya's, others coloured, inside or out.

I think everyone had lots of fun decorating their vases with the tissue transfer. Next term we will use the tissue again to decorate one of our slip cast bowls.

I will be taking enrolments some time next week for term 3 classes. If you would like information about these classes, please email me at msharpha@bigpond.net.au

NMA

2010-05-22T12:42:00.000+08:00

Just a few snaps taken in my studio of the order going over to Canberra for the National Museum of Australia shop.

Girly headbands

2010-05-21T17:01:00.001+08:00

My two little girls love these new brooches. Tessa has to wear her "Warffe" brooch every day. Eve has an elephant (Ent-one is what Tessa calls them).

I will be making a heap of headbands to pin the brooches onto for the next Perth Upmarket.

The headbands will be in lots of colours and patterns. The brooch can be worn on the headband or taken off to wear on a t-shirt or coat. They will be $15 each or $5 for the brooch by itself. So far there are giraffes, birds, elephants and owls.

Perth Upmarket is only six Sundays away.....

Clay Classes Classy Collectables

2010-05-21T16:46:00.000+08:00

These lovely trinket boxes and vases are about to be bisque fired then glazed.

Some have been decorated with commercial tissue transfers and others wax resist.
Everyone had a lovely time making them. I enjoyed it so much that I have made some trinket boxes to sell at the next Perth Upmarket. Hope they turn out...

Watch out for my email for registration for the next clay classes - coming soon.

Clay Classes for Adults

2010-05-12T13:54:00.000+08:00

Each term I run clay classes in my Kensington studio over six week blocks. They are held in the evening for 2 hours. I program set projects for each term and the cost of $180 covers all materials and firings.

Next term the main project will be slip casting small bowls. The students will make a prototype bowl and cast it in plaster. Over the weeks they will learn a new decorating technique for each bowl they slip cast. The one pictured is unfired with a tissue transfer design as decoration. Alongside this project they will also make a hand made platter (or two).

This term has been a hive of activity, with students making hand built mugs (pictured), tissue transfer vases and slab built trinket boxes decorated in wax relief. There are still two classes left in the term with the last week being glazing. Everyone comes back briefly on the seventh week to view all the work made before taking theirs home to impress their loved ones.

Term one clay classes was a very ambitious tile mural. Each student designed and made their own garden feature wall hanging. This is an image of Wendy's mural. She not only impressed her loved ones but all of the rest of us too! Fantastic effort and outcome.

If you would like to attend my classes please email me msharpha@bigpond.net.au for more information and to be on my contact list.

Mother's Day Studio Sale

2010-04-26T14:32:00.000+08:00

I will have my studio open this Sunday (2nd May) 1-4pm. 20% off selected Eucalypt Homewares tableware. Send me an email if you would like to come msharpha@bigpond.net.au

PS I am in Perth WA.

Medium Triangle Bowl

2010-04-15T08:20:00.001+08:00

This is the last of the Eucalypt Homewares tableware forms, for the time being....

I am in the process of designing a few more smaller forms - watch this space.

The Medium Triangle Bowl is a larger version of the Triangle Bowl. I do have a much larger Triangle Bowl too, but no photograph (I only sell this extra large one from my studio or the Upmarket).

The medium triangle bowl is 70mm x 240mm and retails for $95.

This bowl is nice as a display piece and is also fully functional. A beautiful salad bowl, great for serving food at the table, like noodles, pasta, rice etc.

I have now added a selection of photos from my Eucalypt Homewares range to my blog. It shows the pieces in a variety of colours and settings.

Please contact me via email (msharpha@bigpond.net.au) if you would like to make a wholesale enquiry.

Platter

2010-04-14T07:03:00.000+08:00

This platter is a wobbly round shape with high sides. It has a smooth texture, ie no pattern. The inside is glazed clear and the outside is unglazed.

The platter's dimensions are 30mm x 310mm and retails at $60.

The platter can be used as a cake plate, it fits a 22cm cake very nicely. Display your cake on the platter and serve up the slices on the small plates.

This dish also works very well as a serving dish for meals to be served at the table. For example, an open salad, a rice dish, noodles. As it is ceramic it can be heated in the oven, so could be used to cook an apple crumble or the like. Just be careful of putting it onto too cold a surface straight out of the oven (extreme thermal shock will crack any ceramic dish in half).

Of course, being a platter it can also be used to serve dips and nibbles. It looks fab with an arrangement of the other Eucalypt Homewares bowls and plates.

Triangle Plate

2010-04-13T08:11:00.000+08:00

The Triangle Plate has softly rounded corners in a triangular shape.

The dimensions for the triangle plate are 15mm x 240mm and retails at $30.

This plate works well in combination with all the smaller bowls and the small plate. It looks great as a display on your sideboard or buffet. It is perfect for serving your guests tapas, pre-dinner/sundowner nibbles, entree, desserts like cheesecake or tart. They work well in one colour or a range of colours on your dinning table.

Small Plate

2010-04-12T07:58:00.000+08:00

This little plate is oval in shape and has the texture on the underside. As the texture is applied to the prototype before casting, the texture subtly comes through to the top. The thinner the plate the more pronounced the pattern. This is the case for all the Eucalypt Homewares tableware.

Slip casting is the method in which all the pieces are made. I design the prototype, making a solid and upside down version in clay. The texture is applied to the surface. It is then used to make into a plaster mould. When the mould is dry I pour liquid clay (called slip) into the mould, time it, pour it out and let it dry. The finished piece pops out, is cleaned up and glazed on the inside. I then once fire it to 1260oC.
I use an Australian casting slip called J-cast. It comes in a powdered form which I mix up and add the colour (the pieces pictured have been left white). The clear glaze is made from scratch using a recipe (like baking a cake). Basically the whole process is a one woman show. I design, make, pack, market, photograph, etc all myself (with the odd exception of my mum or friend Tanya leaning their photographic skills).

Anyway, back to this little plate...
It is 15mm x 160mm x 170mm and retails for $15.
The small plate can be used as a small dip and crackers plate with the small bowl, looks lovely with homemade rocky road on it, or any other chocys and a collect of different colours is fantastic to bring out to serve birthday cake. Actually any cake, biscuit, slice, muffin or other delight are made that extra bit more special on a "Small Plate".

Oval Bowl

2010-04-11T08:32:00.001+08:00

The Oval Bowl is a very organic form. The top rim flows around loosely and is not parallel with the base.

The oval bowl's dimensions are 55mm x 220mm x 240mm and retails at $40.

This wide rim bowl makes a lovely salad or pasta bowl and is great for serving Indian curries and Asian Style food. It can be used as a humus and Turkish bread server (the humus is served in the small bowl and is nestled in with the bread inside the oval bowl), or wedges and chili sauce. It also looks lovely filled with water and floating candles.

Triangle Bowl

2010-04-10T09:08:00.000+08:00

The Triangle Bowl is designed on an old gum nut I found from the Silver Princess gum tree. It was slightly weathered into a triangular shape. All the Eucalypt Homewares forms are designed on weathered gum nuts, hence the irregular organic shape of each piece.

The surface texture/decoration is either repeated gum nut wax relief pattern or a blossom flower pattern (made by impressing a handmade stamp into the wall of the prototype form).

The Triangle Bowl's dimensions are 80mm x 160mm and retails at $30.

It is a versatile bowl that can be used as a small serving dish, salad bowl, noodle bowl, soup bowl, breakfast bowl.

What better than to start your day eating your cereal from a unique handmade vessel? Or sharing a gourmet salad under a peppermint gum on a sunny day, with your favourite friends?

Tumbler

2010-04-09T13:57:00.001+08:00

The Tumbler is a taller version of the round bowl.

It is 100mm x 90mm and retails at $20.

The tumbler can be used as a handle less mug for tea or coffee (you just leave a space at the top of the cup so as not to burn your fingers). It can also be used as a water or juice tumbler or even a small vase. It would also look lovely with a herb planted in it (with pebbles in the base for drainage), sitting on your kitchen windowsill to be plucked from whilst cooking.

I use one at work to drink my coffee, it is certainly different to all the other mugs in the staffroom cupboard!

The tea and coffee stains wash off very well in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Round Bowl

2010-04-08T06:29:00.001+08:00

The Round Bowl dimensions are 65mm x 95mm and retails at $20.

It is shaped a little like a large tea cup and can be used for a number of purposes. Great for dips, nuts, olives, chocolates, mousse, green tea, and sorbet.

The round bowl works well with a set of small bowls on a platter, or in groups of different colours. It pairs nicely with the bigger triangle bowl as a lovely birthday gift.

As with all the forms it can be washed safely in the dishwasher.

Small Bowl

2010-04-07T13:15:00.001+08:00

Over the next few days I will post an image of each one of my forms. The photos are of the white form, but each one comes in many colours.

Today's bowl is the Small Bowl.

It is 50mm x 8mm and retails for $15.

This bowl can be used for dips, nibbles, a tea-light candle holder, a trinket container, drinking espresso...

It looks lovely sitting on the triangle plate, small plate and the platter, grouped with the other bowls.

A row of small bowls filled with tea-light candles adds a beautiful ambiance to a wedding table or even your dinning room.

I used them recently to serve Turkish Coffee - yum.

Open By Appointment

2010-03-31T11:06:00.000+08:00

Couldn't make it to the Perth Upmarket, local outlets don't have the colour you want, just want to buy from the maker?
Eucalypt Homewares is now Open By Appointment.
Please email Melanie on msharpha@bigpond.net.au for an appointment.

Hot From the Kiln

2010-03-27T10:36:00.001+08:00

The very last load of work for the Perth Upmarket came out of the kiln this morning.

Here are a few sneak peek photos of my new plates They are $25 each, $35 for the large one (I only made one of those).

My little girls love these new tiles I have made for children. Might have to buy a set for their room :) They are $18 each or $60 for a set of 4.

Come and see me at the Perth Upmarket tomorrow. I am in the Undercroft as you walk through one of the doors.

Perth Upmarket

Winthrop Hall, UWA

Sunday 28th March

10am - 4pm

See you there!

Creative Overflow

2010-03-25T19:52:00.000+08:00

After the big storm on Monday our internet has been a tad intermitent. But as that is all I can complain about, I won't! I did try to post this last night...

These are the rest of Wednesday Clay Class garden murals. For a tour... The one above is Meaghan's and the one below is Wendy's (one of three Wendys). Meaghan hand craved a number of lino stamps and glazed them with a beautiful sea green glaze. Wendy made her house number (I don't think I have it in the correct order). It looks very effective.

This is (one of the other) Wendy's, made with lino cut stamps and brushing stain into the design with clear glaze over the top.

Tanya made two plaster moulds and produced a number to tiles that she added threads and fabric to give texture.

Jaye hand built hers as well as making a lino stamp.

Yvonne also made a plaster mould and used BRT clay to give the lovely rustic look.

Clever Students

2010-03-24T14:09:00.001+08:00

A sample of two clay class garden murals from Wednesday class.

These two tile panels are made by sisters, Louise and Rachel. They have a lovely antique look to them. More photos to follow....

I have just finished sewing the hems on these fish cushions, made by my year 8 students from Somerville Baptist College. They used the lino cuts to impress into clay tiles as well as print on the backs of the cushions. They make a beautiful bright collection.

Turkish Delights

2010-03-21T10:05:00.001+08:00

We had a progressive dinner last night. Oh what fun! Three couples, three countries, three courses, dress ups, house decorating and plate making.

I was on dessert: Spiced peaches and apricots with homemade vanilla ice cream. I dug out our wedding table runners and leftover invitation cards to use as menus. The design so happened to be of an Ottoman tile - delicious!!!!

We used my small bowls as candle glow bowls and Turkish coffee cups, served with, of course, Turkish Delights.

I was so inspired that I decided to make some dessert plates to serve on.

The first batch (after many struggles with cracking) are photographed here for the dinner party and given to the guests after.

The second batch are waiting to be fired for the Perth Upmaket, happening next Sunday. I have used these lovely stamps as well as my own hand carved stamps to decorate them.

They will be $25 each for this size.

Perth Upmarket - Winthrop Hall, UWA Sunday 28th March 10-4pm

Birthday Delights

2010-03-21T09:26:00.000+08:00

My daughter, Sunni is about to turn 14 and to celebrate she had a slumber party on Friday night. I baked her a pink marble cake, smothered in milk chocolate ganache and maltesers.

It was pretty in pink on my pink platter and pink, white and lime small plates.

Laura McKibbon

2010-03-19T19:04:00.000+08:00

Today I partook in a print on clay work shop at SODA studios with Laura McKibbon. It was lots of fun and I learnt a few new printing techniques. I hope to share them with my students, both teen and adult soon....

Thanks Laura!

Finished

2010-03-19T17:18:00.000+08:00

It is taking quite a few firings to get through all my students work (coupled with firing my work for the market and orders)

Here are the results from the completed murals. this one is Louise's, it is a combination of the WA swan and the Yorkshire Rose.

Angus experimented with mark making in clay.

John (my dad) made tiles with a gecko that will be adhered once the tiles are grouted in place.

Kerry had a large mural made of tiles pressed with lino cuts and glazed with three colours.

Jocelyn made a lino cut of a scene from a Greek Island.

This is Angus' beach scene.

Watch this space for the other murals....

Upmarket Brooches

2010-03-18T15:44:00.000+08:00

These are the first lot of brooches out of my kiln. They are especially made for the up coming Perth Upmarket. Some are crosses for Easter and doves and leaves for just because, or maybe save them up for your mum, for Mother's Day.

These ones are unglazed Southern Ice porcelain and the ones below are blue glazed Southern Ice Porcelain. (For those that don't know, Southern Ice the the yummiest, whitest, translucent porcelain)

I like the little one with the eye :)
I will be making them in lots of other colours. You will have to come and check out my stall at the Perth Upmarket to see (and buy) them.
The tiny doves are $6 each the leaves and Easter Crosses $10 each and the larger doves $12 each.

Aspects of Kings Park

2010-03-17T07:54:00.000+08:00

Just a quick word, to say these colours will be available from Aspects of Kings Park very soon...

They are Blue, blue/black, chocolate, peacock and white.

Ceramics @ Somerville

2010-03-05T17:20:00.000+08:00

This year I am teaching art at Somerville Baptist College two days a week. I have two ceramic classes, year 9's and year 10's. Here is some of the work they are doing this term.

The year 10's are slip casting. They made a prototype bowl which was cast in plaster. This is the first lot of bowls from their moulds.

The plan is to decorate each bowl using a different decorating technique. This week was tissue transfer.
They are pretty lucky to learn slip casting, as they wouldn't have the opportunity until TAFE or Uni ordinarily.
They are learning that it is harder than it looks and the rims crack really easily, but it is fun, fun, fun! I think their efforts are wonderful (do I sound a little proud?)

Talking of proud. How are these lovely Fleur Schell inspired hand built mugs? The year 9's have been having a ball making these. What do you think Fleur?

More Clay Class Photos

2010-03-05T16:58:00.000+08:00

Well, we are getting to the pointy end of the clay classes.

And what wonderful work everyone is producing!

These are all at the pre-firing stage i.e. they are dry and brittle, but not fired.

It will be fun to see them all finished with glaze.

This one has a third tile as the top and is one of three panels.

These clay "icing" flowers are part of the tile project below. Oh so beautiful!

They have promised me photos when they are installed.

New Autumn Colours

2010-03-03T13:52:00.000+08:00

Today I was asked for some images of my new works. So I thought I had better take some!

I think these colours are lovely autumn and winter tones.
The platter can be used for a 22cm round cake, a Tapas or dip plate and looks fab as a serving dish for a couscous and roast vege salad.

Market To Market

2010-03-03T10:58:00.000+08:00

Only four Sundays 'til Market day. I have been running the kiln hot to get work ready.

This is a new tile design, framed in white. I will only have a few of these at the market.

See, I have been busy... My plan is to have all the work ready a few weeks prior to the market so I can concentrate on my biggest and littlest birthday girls. Sunni turns 14 and Tessa 2.

I have partially made these itsy bitsy brooches. They are made from the most beautiful soft and white Southern Ice porcelain. I will glaze them in lots of colours as well as leaving some polished white.

Perth UpMarket is one week before Easter, so I have made some porcelain cross brooches. There may even be some other Easter goodies for sale. My bowls make lovely chocolate egg filled Easter gifts...

Also featuring this market are my new look herb labels - see the sneak preview.

Tuesday Clay Workshops

2010-02-24T10:24:00.000+08:00

It was stinking hot in the studio last night. Not only from the hot, humid day we had, but I (very meanly) had the kiln on. I had to steal my daughter's fan so we didn't die. She was none too pleased either.

As promised, here are some progress photos from the classes.

This is my Dad, he is making a gecko to sit over the top of his tiles.

A selection of people and their tiles.

As you can see everyone is producing quite different tiles using a variety of techniques.

They are lino cut, hand painted, stamped with hand made stamps, wax resisted, carved, sprinkled with sand and Kimberly dirt... You name it, it's happening.

Everyone was very busy last night as we only have a couple more weeks of making before we have to glaze.

The tiles below are dry and waiting to be cleaned up before glazing.

I will post photos of the other group next week.

First of Many

2010-02-22T15:55:00.000+08:00

Today was the first of many kiln openings for the year.
It is always a tad nerve racking as so much work goes into making the pieces.

Here are a few shots of the gems inside. The photos have been taken in my studio, so I apologise for the dodgy backgrounds.

I fired three colours: white, yellow and black. Black is quite a new colour, this is only the second time I have cast it. It is a blue black rather than a true black. I quite like it though.

Here is the black platter with a yellow and white tumbler.

A stack of white round bowls.

The flower print tumbler in black, yellow and white.

I tested my new tile design for children's rooms. I plan on making a set of four animals; a bird, an elephant, a hippo and a giraffe - I think...

Two tiny baby hands. One was a month old and the other only six days old, so cute!

2010, here we come...

2010-02-14T14:04:00.000+08:00

The holidays are over and it has been a busy start to the year. One kid in high school, one in year one, one at 3 year old kindy and the last one turning 2 years old next month. We are all getting used to the new routine that is for the new year.

I resumed teaching at Somerville Baptist College with five classes of great kids. I think it is going to be a good year! Two of my classes are ceramic classes. We will be making lots of fun stuff like, slip cast bowls, Fleur Schell inspired mugs, a mural, smoking dragons and more. One class is making crazy felt chooks with ceramic hand painted eggs and basket woven nests.

My adult clay workshops are also up and running. We are making tiled garden wall features. It is a very open brief so I have 15 students all making something different (I am running two classes this term due to demand). It will be wonderful to see them all finished. I will post photos later.

I have a new client for my Eucalypt Homewares tableware. A new shop opening soon in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Made By Others is the shop. Perth Up Market is not far away either, so the studio has called!

It has been a very industrious weekend. Braving the steaming studio (both the weather and the kiln adding to the ambiance of the space!) I have cast three colours in a day and a half. The hot weather is a help as well as a hindrance as it speeds up the drying of my moulds.

I would be out there now but even I can't handle 37*C days in the studio. Tomorrow should be a little cooler, so after a coffee with the year one mums, here I come studio...

Silver

2009-12-28T08:47:00.000+08:00

Flick through the January edition of Silver, Perth's fashion and lifestyle mag, and on page 69 you will come across a rather enormous photo of me. Then a six page spread with photos taken in my studio and an article about my work. All very exciting! Silver is in your local newsagent now and only costs $5.95. It is a lovely mag edited (and mostly written) by Kristen Watts. I feel most privileged to be featured - thanks Kristen.

Somerville Beauties

2009-12-08T20:32:00.000+08:00

These beautiful plates were made by my year 10 Art students.
They were made with BRT clay and have a layer of white slip, then coloured slips with a clear glaze. They drew flowers from life as inspiration for their designs.

I hope their mums love them as much I do :)

Bazaar 09

2009-12-07T20:21:00.000+08:00

Two entries in one day! I thought last week was busy, but at least I still had time to blog about it! This week has been so crammed full of studio time that if it wasn't for my husband and daughter helping around the house, things would be in a bad way around here! I managed to finish the reports for school, produce another 200 Christmas decorations, have my hair cut, attend the playgroup committee wind up, finish the Ardross tiles, grout the pre-primary tiles (with some mums from school), glaze and fire the pre-primary angels, re-number work for bazaar (thanks to mum), set up for Bazaar, spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Bazaar, string up 200 decorations (up to 1am Friday night with David), throw, turn and handle 39 mugs and and and... Anyway here are some photos of the bazaar set up.

Fleur Schell setting up the Christmas tree.

Alana McVeigh setting up part of the stall.

Rachel Zimmerman setting up her paper cut outs and dolls.

The SODA stall at Fremantle bazaar.

We had a great weekend. Thank you to all our wonderful customers.

crazy mugs

2009-12-07T19:59:00.000+08:00

The things you do...

I have been feeling guilty over the last year because lots of my dear friends have been asking me to make mugs. So finally I have, but it's been so crazy around here that the only time I seem to have to make them has been very early in the morning and the middle of the night - told you - crazy!

Tonight I put them in the kiln (slightly wet, might I add) crossed my fingers and turned it on. I have to fit in a bisque and glaze firing before my studio open on Sunday.

Here they are whispering to each other that they are too wet to be in the kiln yet....

Angel's Watching Over Me

2009-11-29T19:46:00.001+08:00

It was the Perth Upmarket today. (Sorry forgot to take camera!). Mum and I were very busy. Thanks to all our lovely customers. The Pre Primary Angels came out of the kin this evening.

This is my James' angel and a couple of other kid's too.

Market day tomorrow

2009-11-28T07:45:00.000+08:00

This morning I am pricing and packing for the Perth Upmarket.

Lucky for me there are great stickers you can print prices on, it saves lots of time.

See you tomorrow :)

Perth Upmarket 10am - 4pm @ Perth Town Hall Sunday 29th November

Clay Class Christmas Magic

2009-11-27T15:36:00.000+08:00

Last night was the pick up of work for the Christmas clay classes. We decided to make an evening of it and celebrate the end of the year with a glass (or two) of wine and nibbles. It was magic to see everyone's work finished and fun to sort through all the decorations.

Danica made these beautiful little slip cast bowls this term.

This is Tanya's table decoration. It was still in the kiln having a make over last night. I promised to put it up on my blog so everyone could see it :)

These are the PP Christmas angels glazed but not fired. Too cute.

I am running classes again next year. Interested???

Colours of the studio

2009-11-26T14:03:00.000+08:00

Too few sleeps to count before the Perth Upmarket.

I just have to thread up the decorations, unload the last kiln, price and pack. And clean the studio...

Here is a taste of some of the colours for the Upmarket.

These are coloured porcelain decorations $9 each. I hand colour the porcelain my self - it's hard work.

Stacks of plates. They make lovely cake plates or dip platters.

Looking in from my window...

Studio update

2009-11-23T19:55:00.000+08:00

This is the line up for the second last firing before the Perth Upmarket this coming Sunday.

It always amazes me to see all the work spread out on the table for glazing to find that it all fits in the kiln. I not only squeezed in all these bowls and plates, but truck loads of Christmas decorations - they fit in the cracks.

I had a big scare last week when my kiln showed a reading of EEEE and not working! Thanks to the guys at Kiln West they had it fixed that day XXXX. Phew! I mean, why couldn't it break next week?

Here is my little Eve with her precious bowls (don't worry they are all seconds with cracks in the rims). She doesn't ever break them as she is very careful. They get filled with bits and bobs from the studio, lined up in colours along with endless chatter about how "Mummy gave me pink bowl" She announced that the studio was hers too, not too sure about that one, Eve. I reserve the right to kick out any overbearing children when I am stressed!

Kiln opening

2009-11-22T08:06:00.000+08:00

First thing this morning I opened up the kiln. It is always nerve wracking, but even more so when it's not my work in the kiln. So far so good, lots of pinging noises, so I left it to cool a bit more...

This is a shelf of Clay Class decorations. I think each person made 20 - 40 decorations. Lots get lost in the glazing stage as they are very fragile.

This is a shot of Wendy's little slip cast dip bowls, aren't the pretty?

Not the best photo, but these are the table decorations. Meaghan's is in the front. The idea is they have a lit tea-light candle in them on you Christmas table.

OOh, gotta go, mayhem here...