December 2018

• We have mailed or delivered all of the online orders
• We have glazed and fired all of the snowman plates
• We have poured all the greenware and the last bisque firing will be tomorrow.
• This is the last week of classes: Monday, 12/17 and Wednesday, 12/19 (call if you need to come another time)
• We will be closed Saturday, December 22nd until Monday, January 7th

It has been a very good year.

Personally, we celebrated out 50th Anniversary with a Renewal of Vows and Reception in February; then a seven-week trip to see all the western MLB stadiums. Some ceramic accomplishments this year:

1. We attended the Cyberflyers Regional Event at the Duncan Plant in Fresno, California
2. We picked up African-American molds and bisque in Oregon.
3. We picked up more molds in Illinois, Michigan, and Akron, adding to our  African-American Collection, our Carousel Collection, and our Disney molds.
4. We traveled to Delaware where we learned how to pour the masters and make our own Alberta Carousel Molds.
5. We established the Carousel Party Van, where we bring the ceramics to you. Our clientele included nursing homes, disabled adult workshops, and group homes.
6. We hosted Duncan Essentials training for students interested in becoming Certified Duncan Teachers.
7. We hosted several Duncan University Classes.
8. We established a new Chapter of IADCCT (International Association of Duncan Certified Ceramic Teachers). We call ourselves MVCT (the Mahoning Valley Ceramic Teachers).
9. We continued to offer Open Classes two or three times a week as well as additional Workshops where folks learn a new technique.
10. We also hosted some special events such as a Mommy & Me Tea Party and several Date Nights.

Goals for the New Year

1. Expand Party Van list
2. Introduce African-American Collection
3. Improve social media advertising
4. Add day classes to the schedule.
5. Make progress on remodeling and redecorating projects.
6. Work on Carousel Collection
7. Hire some help! (Bartering ceramic bisque & lessons for help in the studio)

Carol’s Carousel

Where having FUN is why we come!

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Duncan University Classes

Sheryl and Laura show off plates made at the Majolica Snowman class at Lynne’s studio in Butler.  The Aspen Leaves class was here in the studio later in October. The Country Holiday (poinsettia plate) class was taught in the studio by Duncan Ambassador, Larry Knight. Then Playful Penguins and Snowy Night were classes at Johnna’s studio is Monessen, PA. Dru Woodward, Duncan Ambassador from Florida, taught the rest of the classes as well as some Essentials classes for new teachers.

Casual Country Snowmen

Just a reminder that this workshop is the week after Thanksgiving. So far we have 23 painters registered.

Paint a Grinch Day!

This workshop is the first week in December:  Sunday 12/2 at 2:00, Monday 12/3, Wednesday 12/5, and Friday 12/7 at 6:00. Trace clipart pictures onto mugs, bowls, or plates OR paint a pair of ball ornaments OR make a lighted Grinch logo tree. Prices vary and are listed in the Facebook Event. We already have 7 signed up after posting for only 24 hours.

T-day is Tree Day! 

Tuesdays and Thursdays in December —
12/4 & 6, 12/11 & 13, and 12/18 & 20. Oh Tannenbaum

• mini tree with mini tea light
• nightlight tree with 7.5 watt bulb
• 7-8″ lighted trees — spruce or regular,
  green, white, and pink or blue for baby’s first tree
• 11-12″ Holland trees, lighted or specialty
  (peppermint, candy cane, gingerbread, gingerbread man, princess)
• soft trees, one with music box
• logo tree for military, sports, or holiday theme or cutout for nativity scene
• 15, 16, 19, 22″ large trees — poured to order only
• snowman tree and penguin tree
• Christmas tree salt & pepper shakers
• tree or holly candy dishes
• stack tree lighter & ashtray set

You can work on trees anytime.
But these days are set up just for trees,
especially for new students.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

Wow! November is next week already!
Here is a reminder of our upcoming workshops.

Country Holiday Poinsettia Plate

Duncan Ambassador Larry Knight is teaching this Duncan U course for us on Sunday, November 4th at 2:00. Cost is $35.00 including the bisque. Please let me know if you are coming and whether you want the Bell Plate OR the Oval Platter OR an 11″ round Dinner Plate.

The African American CollectionWe are introducing our African American Collection
with this workshop on the SATURDAY before Thanksgiving.

Casual Country Snowmen

We will be teaching this workshop created by David Hoff the week of November 25th:
Sunday 11/25 at 2:00; Monday 11/26, Wednesday 11/28 , & Friday 11/29 at 6:00.
There are quite a few who have responded “interested” but I need a definite answer and also need to know which day you are coming. We have already purchased two cases of plates but will need to order more to accommodate everyone who is interested.

Carol’s Carousel
Where having Fun is why we come!

Come to one of our November workshops
and get a head start on your Christmas gifts.

We decided to go ahead and get rid of our pool table since it only gets used for storage these days. All the kids and grandkids are grown and the greats are too little to use it.  Those of you who have walked through the game room to get to the studio know just how much was piled on it. So I tired myself out the last couple of days moving carousels and molds and paints and books and so on. Not everything was ON the table, much was UNDER the table (and is still there), or on the floor BESIDE the table (on the ends). We advertised on Facebook and had about a dozen inquiries. I hope that the fellow coming tomorrow takes it, despite a couple of repairs that need done (mentioned in the ad). If not, I’ll go to the NIL (next in line).

We have not yet decided how to use the space but at least will have room to set up a table or two when needed. There is still some wood, bins of books, and things to be repaired that need a new home.  But things are moving along.

Back Porch

Most of the holiday decorations from the back porch have been handed out to family and friends. If you have not yet taken a look, there is still some 4th of July and Easter decorations, a bluebird set I used for August, and quite a few bird feeders. I guess it’s what folks do when they get old ~ it’s called downsizing. Fact is that I LOVE to decorate for the holidays and had one, two, or three bins for each month. But we don’t have that many visitors and it is just too much work for me to get everything out and  pack it away again. Besides, I would rather show off the ceramics that we make in our own studio. Another bonus is more room in the shed. Hmmm, wonder what I can use that for? Maybe some ceramic molds!

Carol’s Carousel
Where having Fun is why we come!

So come on over and have some fun.
Bring your friend, or daughter or son!

I am so excited to be having Duncan Ambassador, Dru Woodward, return to our studio. If you recall, she was here in July to teach the first half of Duncan Essentials. Here’s what we are doing with her:

1. Saturday @ 2:00 Aspen Leaves ceramic box with glass frit. This is a Duncan U Class and CDTs will get credit towards advanced training. We are all set up and awaiting her arrival.
2. Sunday @ 2:00 More Mandalas, dot designs on an 8″ plate. Although not a Duncan U class, this is a new technique for us using Cover Coat underglazes. We base coated our plates so they are ready to go.
3. Sunday @ 6:00 , IADCCT charter meeting of a brand new chapter at the Austintown Denny’s Restaurant. The closest to us now is in the Toledo area. To be a member you must have completed the Duncan Essentials training and joined the national organization.

Carol’s Carousel
Where having Fun is why we come!

Bringing  in Duncan Ambassadors
gives us the opportunity to learn new techniques.
We can squeeze in a couple more seats
if anyone else wants to come.

Earlier today I posted the new Alberta Carousel molds that we made yesterday. After updating the page I took a look at our African American Collection and saw that it needed updates as well. Here is a collage of the pictures. Refer to the page for sizes and prices. These pieces are available now and we will be pouring bisque for the shelves.  African-American Collection

Clearer images will be posted after we get our samples made and take some pictures.

Carol’s Carousel

Where having Fun is why we come!

You might consider making some special gifts for your African American friends.
And encourage them to come make their own pieces here
or to schedule a workshop at their home or meeting place.

Yesterday Jim and I went to Smyrna, Delaware and learned how to pour plaster into the mold masters to make carousel molds. Tracie & Paul Johnston purchased all of the Alberta Carousel Masters and we are gradually trying to fill in our collection. Unfortunately, Tracie is off helping Florida hurricane victims but we had a great time with Paul learning his craft.

So today I added the new molds to our carousel catalog.

New Carousel Critters

We have two new horses, a camel, a rooster, and a polar bear.

Carousels

This carousel takes the small Alberta Carousel Ornaments. We already had the canopy, but added the pedestal and the round base. Check out the Carousel Ornaments page to see what we have that goes on this carousel.

This carousel takes the MB (music box) size carousel horses and other animals. It is shown with the center round base and first ring which holds 5 animals. The next picture has two rings (10 animals) and the last picture has three rings (17 animals). We are waiting for one last mold to be shipped (after election day but before Christmas). Then we can pour this for you. You may have seen the carousel Jim and I made many years ago sitting on the pool table. It has two rings ~ we bought the greenware for it and the animals at Red Barn (which is no longer in business).

Accessories

He we have the Organ Grinder with his Monkey and the Balloon Man.
Alberta has a few other accessories as well, such as a man & woman on a bench and a ticket booth. We will probably add those molds later.

Carol’s Carousel
Where having Fun is why we come!

So come on over and make a carousel ~ for yourself or for a gift.
Or buy a gift certificate for a friend to come and make their own.

We just added four more new silkscreens to our collection: Steampunk, Faceted Designs, Kitchen Utensils, and Science. Check out those previously in stock at this link: Silkscreens

Remember that silkscreens can be used on any plain piece — plates, bowls, cups, vases, pitchers, plaques, canisters, piggy banks, whatever you can find. Designs are 20% larger than pictured.

We usually transfer the design using black Concepts but any color can be used. For example, I used a dark brown for the cat on the yarn bowl shown below. I always like to add color to the designs and enhance by adding other images such as flowers, grass, sky, etc. In case of the yarn bowl pictured I added several balls of yarn.

Carol’s Carousel
Where having Fun is why we come!

If you haven’t used silkscreens before, come and give it a try.
Good for seniors and handicapped with limited fine motor skills.

IADCCT — the International Association of Duncan Certified Ceramics Teachers

In order to join a local chapter, you must first be a CDT (Certified Duncan Teacher). This is accomplished by completing Essentials Courses I, II, III, & IV. We had Duncan Ambassador Dru Woodward here in July for I & II ; then Duncan Ambassador Marge Quick here in August for III & IV. Those who completed the training are interested in starting a new local chapter since the closest to us is in the Toledo area.

Organizational Meeting

Dru is helping us to organize at a meeting on Sunday, October 21st at 6:00 at Denny’s in Austintown. We have been gathering signatures for the new chapter petition which will be sent in tomorrow. There are also some members of our group Ceramic Teachers / Studio Owners of Northeast Ohio & Western Pennsylvania who are already CDTs.  If you are certified and wish to join us at the meeting you are welcome.

Certification

If you wish to take the certification courses, let us know and we can arrange another session. I believe that Dru has one or two scheduled now in PA and Larry Knight is teaching the series at Ohio Ceramic Supply in Ravenna. You do NOT have to be a teacher or have your own studio to take the classes. Some folks are just interested in the advanced educational opportunities and the free online workshops.

Duncan U Classes

Workshops given by Dru on Saturday, October 20th and by Larry on Sunday, November 4th are Duncan University classes and you get credit for taking them.

Carol’s Carousel
Where having Fun is why we come!

Scroll down for a list of this year’s Fall workshops.

The previous tentative schedule has been abandoned as we invite guest teachers into our studio.

Drybrushing with Laura

Monday, October 8th, 6:00-10:00 during regular class time
Laura Gilbert will teach the technique of drybrusing on a covered turkey bowl and matching set of salt & pepper shakers. As this technique is time-consuming, you may need to finish your pieces during a later session. Here are pictures of the pieces; however, not drybrushed. Cost is $20.00 which includes lesson, supplies, and bisque. If you have stiff brushes for drybrushing please bring them with you.

Aspen Leaves 

Saturday, October 20th 2:00-5:00
Duncan Ambassador Dru Woodward will be teaching this Duncan University class on the square box. This is a new technique which uses glass frit. Certified Duncan Teachers will receive credit for this class. Reservations required.  [We previously advertised doing it with Duncan’s Welcome Board but changed to a smaller item to keep the cost down. Anyone wanting to do this technique on the Welcome Board can do so later during an open class.] Cost is $35.00. This includes lesson, bisque, paints, certificate of completion, and additional firing since the frit will move if transported.

More Mandelas

Sunday, October 21st 2:00-5:30
Dru Woodward will be teaching another workshop for us on Sunday, previous to the IADCCT Chapter Organizational meeting. This new technique involves using various tools to apply dots of Cover Coat underglazes to an 8″ plate previously base-coated with blue, green, or black Cover Coats. Specify which color you want when you register. Cost is $35.00 which includes lesson, bisque, paints, and firing.

Country Holiday Poinsettia Plate

Sunday, November 4th 2:00-5:00
Duncan Ambassador Larry Knight will be teaching this Duncan University class. Certified Duncan Teachers will receive credit for this class. Reservations required. This technique shows us how to create a wood background and uses fired gold as an accent. The gold is optional and must be applied during a later class after the piece is glazed and fired. This pattern can be applied to any flat plain piece of bisque. We are offering the bell plate OR the oval platter OR a round dinner plate. Please specify which one when you register. Cost is $35.00 which includes lesson, bisque, paints, and certificate of completion. There will be an additional charge for the gold and extra firing, dependent on the amount of gold used.

Casual Country Snowmen

Sunday, November 25th 2:00-5:00; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6:00-9:00
Carol will be teaching this David Hoff Workshop using brushstrokes and neon Concepts on four square salad plates. You may choose to paint the edge of the plate in a solid color, creating a “Frame” for each picture. Cost of $20.00 includes lesson, four plates, paints, and firing.

NOTE: these workshops have been posted as events on Facebook and you should have received an invitation.  Please let me know if you are coming so that we have enough supplies. The Drybrushing workshop and the snowman workshop are offered on class nights. However, you may come and paint something else if you are not interested in the workshop.

Carol’s Carousel
Where having FUN is why we come!

Here is a chance to learn from true professionals.

It is not often that Duncan Ambassadors come all the way from Florida and Toledo, so take advantage of the opportunity this fall.