the show which remains nameless

I should have one more firing before Christmas then that's it.  I haven't actually had my hands on raw clay for several weeks, unless you count making the cone packs.  Just fire, glaze, fire, glaze. I have been crazy busy with getting ready for a show which took place Friday night plus filling commissions.  The show did not go well. Hours were 6 PM to 10 PM.  I left an hour early.  I have never done that before, but this was such a poorly attended show there was no point in staying. The show fee was fifty bucks and I only made fifty-nine. Profit of $9.00. When I was first contacted about this show I was told they were trying to get more artisan-type work to improve the quality of the show so, obviously, if they were needing to improve I couldn't expect a stellar show. I thought I'd give it a shot, though, because it might be an opportunity to inform people I haven't yet reached about where I usually sell. But where were the other artisans?  Most of it seemed to  be commercial items like Home Decor, etc.  This was the fifth year for this show and I think their audience was maxed out. Why would anyone take the effort to go to a show to buy stuff you see at Walmart or the home sections at mall stores?  The organization that put on this show gives scholarship money to young women.  Good Cause- that's what one of the other exhibitors kept saying, I suppose to feel better about not making any money.  I agree it's a good cause but I work hard, make each piece by hand, and expect to get paid for my time.  I'm not naming the organization or the show because I do not intend to embarrass them. I'm sure they saw what I saw and by now know they either have to ditch the show idea or make drastic changes.  Holding on to a dying show which clearly already had problems is not fair to your exhibitors. We might as well have handed over a check and walked away. And in this case- small town, small population, a $50.00 entry fee just for a few hours is way over-priced.  On the positive side, all that pottery was loaded to take to  River City Farmer's Market in the morning and I did sell well there.  Several times better, in fact.  And without paying the fifty bucks.  I have a double space at the market and pay $120/year.  That's inside a building where I can leave my pottery set up most of the year. Good Deal.

Because I have been working non-stop I didn't get any pictures taken before the show, but here's a few things that didn't get loaded for the show that I'll take to the market next week-

The two glazes used on these tumblers create a marbleized effect in some spots.  One example of where I actually like the unpredictability of the glaze outcome.

 

A set of three small prep bowls.  I made several sets in different glazes.  I especially liked this one: a slightly iron oxide tinted clear glaze over some sketchy black slip lines with rutile brushed on the rim.

Made several honey jars in this style. 

I managed to get about ten pendants put together with chains or cords.  They're at the market now.  I'll try to remember to get pictures of them next week.

A few of the rustic wall hangers I'll get to the market next Saturday.  I didn't take these to the market yet because I have to figure out a way to display them.