There are many potters in the valley of western Massachusetts. Two groups of potters have a pottery tour every year. I belong to the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail. We have our tour the last weekend of April. The other group, Hilltown 6 have their pottery tour every July. The Fuller Craft Museum near Boston
Read MoreThis past January my 36 year old niece lost her year long battle with cancer. Christina loved everything butterfly. So I asked her husband and my brother if they would like me to make a biodegradable urn for her that would have butterflies, and be reminiscent of the grasses of the field.
Read MoreHow do you want to remember a loved one? For me personally, I would like to remember their spirit, the love we shared, and memories that make me smile. I don’t necessarily need to have my loved one’s ashes… but I do need something tangible, that I can see and touch. Something that reminds me that their spirit is always with me.
Read MoreMy pottery studio changes here in summer. One large work table at the south facing window is designated to making biodegradable urns. It's quite a different process from my regular pottery making process. The table is cluttered with large sheets of colorful papers that I have painted. These papers get cut into various shapes and soon become the patterns on my biodegradable urns.
Read MoreEach urn takes about 40 minutes to carve the leaves... the perfect time to listen to podcasts or to sit outside on a warm sunny porch. (The latter isn’t happening anytime soon.) Over the weekend I carved three urns while watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. A big smile came to my face when I saw the huge moon jar holding the Olympic flame!
Read MoreSitting with the sun deliciously at my back all day while throwing large urns, I caught a glimpse of sunlight on my red rubber rib tool.
Sometimes magic happens.
Is it me, or some creative force beyond my realm of comprehension. It's like the red rib touched the pot like a wand... and poof... the pot became.
