Jim and I painted cornflowers, fall leaves, and grapes on greenware pumpkins yesterday at the North Coast Clay Pots I.A.D.C.C.T Pumpkin Seminar in Risingsun, Ohio.  Several people painted pumpkins tonight in class.  There are a couple of small pumpkins on the shelf but you should call me if you want to order one. We are NOT cutting out jack-o-lantern faces unless there is a special order.

The first picture here is the project picture from the tech sheet we used at yesterday’s seminar. Next is my large pumpkin, and finally, Jim’s.  These were painted with Cover Coats (for solid coverage) and EZ strokes (translucent), two types of Duncan underglazes. You need to use them on greenware or on soft bisque. [firing to 020 prevents breakage]These pieces need to be fired to cone 03 or 04, then clear glazed and fired again. I am assured that these colors are much more brilliant than Concepts (which are underglazes developed for use on bisque).

Pumpkins that you can order. If painted with glazes these can be used for casseroles or the smaller ones for candy dishes.

Soft pumpkins. These are designed to look like made of fabric. If painted with underglazes instead of stains you can still add detailing and they can be used for food.
1 plate, 2 candy dish, 3 decoration, 4 windowsill display

Here are some practical use pumpkins.

1 jar lid cover (fill a mason jar with candy corn), 2 pumpkins & mums design painted on a 15″ platter, 3 pumpkin cup holds 14 oz., 4. pumpkin-face tea-light cups.

Masked bears with pumpkins

More things with pumpkins

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

As you can see, some of our pumpkins are for Halloween but others are not. Several are available on the shelf but if you see something you want, just  call.

We started off this promotion first with a preview of the Twelve Days of Christmas Bears. These were so much fun to paint! The bears are $4.00 each in bisque or $40.00 for the complete set of 12.

and then the Twelve Days of Christmas Bell Ornaments.  These are double sided and sell for $2.00 each in bisque or $10.00 for the set of six. In order to display all twelve days, such as hanging from a mantle or on a wreath, you will need to purchase two sets.

The promise was to add another “day” of the song each week and announce it here on Sunday. Unfortunately that didn’t happen with the lockup of our page, so I am getting you caught up to date with the preview weeks and weeks 1 to 3.

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me …
A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

And we have this  very practical Partridge in a Pear Tree Trivet to use on your dining table. Bisque is $6.50.  I painted mine black to match some other trivets I have, but you can use whatever color matches your kitchen décor.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me …
Two Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

We have a lovely Dove Candle Holder. Using a semi-translucent glaze brings out the fine detailing. Again, choose a color to match your décor. You can use real or battery  candles, either  votive or tea light.  Bisque is $6.00 or two for $10.00.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me …
Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

This week’s special is a Personal Chicken Casserole Dish. Perfect for individual servings, it measures 5.75″ high. Bisque is $6.50 for one or $15.00 for three.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

That’s all folks!
We are now caught up and I will just add the item of the week each Sunday.
This is not a special workshop, you can paint them anytime
and any way you want to, or even take them home to do.
Make sure to order what you want so we know how many to pour.

Update

We are finally back online. The problem with posting has been resolved by our webmaster and I can now continue with the blog and update the catalog. Several changes need to be made to the catalog including new photos, changes in some of the prices, and adding new pages that were never actually written. I will keep you apprised here in the blog whenever changes are made to the catalog.

Ohio Ceramic Supply Open House

The Third Annual Open House since OCS went under new management was held September 22 & 23.  Jim and Carol both attended workshops / classes on both days.

• mold-making (Jim)
• creating pieces with fabric (Carol)
• bottle cap leather-look pumpkin painting (Carol)
• clay puzzling giraffe (Jim)
• glaze raking (Jim & Carol)

We will be offering classes on some of these techniques so watch for announcements.

Cyberflyers I.A.D.C.C.T.

The September meeting was a Retreat via Skype. Members shared projects, techniques, and tips. We will be trying out the Cranberry Bubbles project, and then sharing with our students.

North Coast Clay Pots I.A.D.C.C.T.

Jim and Carol both attended the September meeting of this chapter in Tiffin Ohio. We actually did two projects — one with Raku and another with horsehair. Jim will be teaching these techniques at some time in the future. Watch for an announcement. [left is Raku, Jim’s is top center, Carol’s is top right; right is Horsehair, Carol’s is front center, Jim’s is taller vase, second from left; all are on display in the studio]

The October meeting is this Sunday, October 15th in Risingsun Ohio. It is a Pumpkin Seminar and we were told to bring greenware already painted in orange cover coats.  Will post pictures when finished.

Fall Workshop Schedule 2017

Please check out the tab at the top of the page for Wednesday Workshops, Friday Kids Krafts, and monthly Saturday night Date Nights. It is important to let us know ahead of time if you are interested so that we pour the bisque.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

Welcome back to the Ceramic Blog.
Let us know if you see something you would like to make.
Bring your friends & family with you.
And start to think about your Christmas list.

This is a transition week, with the Summer Workshops ending and the new Fall 2017 Workshop Schedule beginning. Here are this week’s classes:

Sunday, August 26th 1:00 – 5:00

Pumpkins & Mums Platter Workshop repeated; Pilgrim Mice Workshop cancelled; also Open Class

Monday, August 28th 6:00 – 10:00

Open Class

Tuesday, August 29th 1:00 – 3:00

Austintown Senior Center — small bisque items to stain

Wednesday, August 30th 6:00 – 10:00

Pilgrim Mice Workshop (call right away if you want to do this); also Open Class

Thursday, August 31st 6:00 – 8:00

Kids Krafts Birthday plate

Friday, September 1st 6:00 – 8:00 & 6:00 – 10:00

Kids Krafts Leaf Dishes; also Open Class

Saturday, September 2nd

closed

Please note that on the Fall Schedule classes are
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Monday is just Open Class,
Wednesday is Adult WS,
Friday is Kids Krafts.
Date Nights are the first Saturday of each month.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

Hope to see you there.

Letters

We have had inquiries from ten different places, many of which have already booked parties. These include a senior center, four workshops or group homes, and five nursing homes. Some want us to come on a regular basis.

Party Cart

We have purchased a new three-shelf cart for our mobile classes. It is stocked with paint pallets, brushes, water bowls, water jugs, towels, and aprons. All we need to do is add the bisque and appropriate paints. Since we are handicap accessible we just wheel the cart up the basement lift, down the garage lift, and up the van ramp. All facilities can accommodate us so there is no lifting or carrying involved

Projects

So far Baby Ziggy in stains, Make-A-Mug with Concepts underglazes and rubber stamps or silkscreens, and stepping stones with Fashenhues.

Referrals

If you know or a group who would like to have us come out, please tell them about us OR tell us about them. Not everyone is able to get out and come to the studio. Thanks for your help.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to  you!

Update

I replaced the pictures on The Coffee Shoppe,  our page for cups and smaller mugs. See The Corner Pub for larger mugs and steins. Many of the pictures were distorted to fit into the tile format. [The Coffee Shoppe; The Corner Pub] Descriptions and sizes will be added later.  All cups and mugs are $5.00

Make-A-Mug Workshops

are a good introduction to ceramics for new groups such as senior citizen groups, clients at workshops for the disabled, residents of nursing homes, scouts, homeschoolers, and so on. We usually provide an assortment of plain mugs so that they can choose their own designs. Silkscreens are provided and rubber stamp letters if they want to add their name. Other cups/mugs can be requested.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

If you haven’t yet made yourself a coffee mug, come on over.
Personalized mugs also make great Christmas gifts — add cocoa, tea bags, or candy.
Choose from an assortment of special mugs or design your own.

Regular Adult Workshops are Wednesday evenings.

However, we can repeat the activity on Monday at our Open Class or schedule a special time for your group on Thursday evening.  Teens are welcome. All classes are 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.  Workshops are $20 unless stated otherwise. Open Class is $5.00 + the cost of your bisque. Snacks & drinks are provided at all classes and workshops when available.

Date Nights are the First Saturday

Workshops are scheduled for couples (teens and adults) They are $25.00 for both people unless stated otherwise. If you choose to make something other than the featured items it is $10.00 + the cost of your bisque. Snacks & drinks are provided at all classes and workshop when available.

Kids Krafts are Friday evenings

The scheduled workshop is a featured activity but kids (3 to 93 years old) may use the time as an Open Class and work on something else. All classes are 6:00 – 8:00 but older kids may stay longer if needed to complete their project.  Most younger kids do not have the attention span to work longer than this. Many projects can be done by preschoolers buy they will need assistance. Workshops are $10 unless stated otherwise. Open Class is $5.00 + the cost of your bisque. Snacks & drinks are provided at all classes and workshops when available.

Note: Pictures and posters will be available later. You can find most of these items in the catalog — just pull down the catalog tab on the menu bar.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

Featured Item

This is the Holland Caroler Set 0683 to 0690. The molds are on the pouring table right now for three orders. If you want to make this let me know while the molds are still out. This is our sample, painted with Fashenhues. Bisque is $30.00 per set or $40.00 cut out with light kit. Please specify whether to cut out the windows when ordering.  [Laura, Gail, & Joanne — cut out?]

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

Other holiday sets will become  featured items in the next few weeks!

Link

Some of you have noticed that the Oh Tannenbaum link [Oh Tannenbaum] took you to the wrong page. It has now been fixed. Translated “Oh, Christmas Tree” , it is where you will find all our trees. Please order your trees as early as possible.

Also, please inform me of any other problems with links, errors in presentation, or missing items. Only with your feedback can we make corrections. Thank you.

Next Week

• Sunday @ 1:00 Pumpkins & Mums WS $20
• Monday @ 6:00 Open Class (limited seating)
• Tuesday @ 1:00 Carousel Center visit # 3 (painting Baby Ziggy)
• Wednesday @ 1:00 Community Skilled Nursing in Warren (Make-A-Mug)
• Wednesday @ 6:00 Pumpkins & Mums WS $20; Open Class (limited seating)
• Thursday @ 6:00 Kids Krafts ($10) with Gateway Residents (Make-A-Mug) [full]

Activity

We have been busy pouring and painting the Football Trees. Joanne is working on her Steelers tree. I painted three Steelers trees and a Browns tree for an order. And then started on an Ohio State tree.  We have two more in greenware which I will paint for other orders as soon as they are fired. Remember, you (or I) can paint any logo on the tree. We have several team decals available  — however,  if you use a decal the tree must be fired two more times. I painted my trees with stains and painted the logos myself, tracing a picture I found on the web.

Carousel Creations
Where having Fun is why we come!

So come on over, paint a pumpkin picture, or order a tree.
Gets you out of the house, away from the chores and the kids.
It’s less expensive than therapy and,
I’m told, even cheaper than going to Bingo!