Take Note

I started writing this weekly studio diary about 3 years ago. Throughout my life, I have kept private notes of events and special activities. These written triggers help me remember the past more clearly when I read back and revisit those words. When I began this journal, my goal was to document the artistic process I experience and share it with my friends and customers so they would gain some understanding of who I am and what I do in the studio. So, writing down and recording my creative time in words and photos has now become a natural part of my weekly routine. 

Tumblers are a new shape I'm developing in the studio.

My memory is not my strongest attribute. I readily admit that. But, when I can look back at pictures and written reminders, I can revisit the past easily and continue to share it with others. 

I completed the set of dishes I have been working on in the studio. I'm happy with the results!

This blog is my attempt to share a slice of time with the reader. Hopefully, you’ll gain insight into the time and creative effort that goes into the clay art made in the studio. Sharing the process on a regular basis has helped me refine and define what I love to do. I go and create in my studio because it makes me happy. By sharing this diary of my studio time, I hope to communicate that joy and hopefully inspire the readers own creative juices.

Despite the fact that snow and cold seem to be lingering, I know that Spring is just around the corner. If you'd like to create your own wind chime for your garden, check out the craft class schedule at The Muse in Frederick, Md. I'll provide the materials, you bring along your creativity!

Another goal of the blog is to spark ClayByLaura sales. Maybe you have a special gift to purchase or desire a clay creation for yourself. By showing you what I make, how I create it and the type of pieces that are possible, you'll remember to visit the ClayByLaura website next time you want to make a purchase.

I'm experimenting with creating some new baking/serving dishes. I'll continue to play with size, shape and the handles in the coming weeks. Here's one of my first attempts.

Finally, I'd like this blog to inspire and pay creativity forward. I encourage you to take notes, snap pictures and keep track of your memories. It does not have to be formal or complicated. Begin by writing one sentence a day on your calendar. I think you'll like it!

If you'd like to share the ClayByLaura blog with a friend just fill out the form below!

Seasonal Sale!

Now you can purchase my creations directly from my website! To celebrate, I’m selling several of my in-stock garden items for discounted prices! This particular sale will last through the month of October 2014. If you’ve been considering a piece for your yard or garden, now is a good time to make that happen. My garden art can be outdoors year-round in all weather conditions and will provide a whimsical pop of color throughout all four seasons. Supplies are limited (as they say in the advertising world!) and the prices are low (with FREE shipping offers on most sale items). Go to the Purchase page of my website to get a full view of the sales items and clay pieces you can purchase today.

I have privately received positive feedback from many people about my blog and website. Thank you. Your input is important to me. Please continue to send me suggestions on how to improve and what you'd like to see me make. If you follow me on Facebook, please comment on, click the ‘like button’ and repost my website facebook messages to help spread my visibility. Posting comments directly on my Blog page and clicking the like (heart) button there is also helpful.

As always, thank you for your support!

Bowls are always useful. I'm making some new shapes and sizes of bowls in  my studio. These have the first layer of underglaze color and are ready for the first firing!

I hope to 'spread the love' with these little heart-shaped dishes. 

I received this hand-made journal from my artist-friend Pam Kessler. I met Pam when I lived in Hilton Head, SC. She was in town to sell her beautiful botanical watercolor paintings at the Bethesda Row Arts Festival this past weekend. I helped her set up her booth early Saturday morning.