Immersing myself in teapots this year really allowed me to expand my skill set. As a result, I'm seeing a definite jump in the quality and detail of my work. Also as a result, I was woefully underprepared for the holiday buying rush. What's a yin without a yang? 

I've always struggled with balancing learning with production. As a hobby potter, I'm forever torn between both worlds. Playing with teapots this year has made me a better potter, but other than a few wholesale orders and some gallery sales I've been very "unproductive" in 2014. Now, I want to be more productive without sacrificing the time required to continue learning. There are more teapots in my future. Many more. But before I return to that obsession, I'm going to work to fill the shelves so I can do more shows and hopefully share more work with buyers online. 

I'm making my list and checking it twice - borrowing a page from Santa's book. I've checked in with some trusted friends and "shoppers" and I've compiled a short list of items I'm developing right now. What's coming? 

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Soup Bowls

(more) Mugs

Lidded Canisters

Kimchi Pots

Sugar bowls

Oil warmers

Juicers

Will there be teapots? Of course there will be teapots. I'm still deeply obsessed. I'm just going to make sure I do a better job of offering items while I indulge my addiction. For now...here's a sneak peek at some stopperless salt and pepper shakers. They've been a lot of fun to make!

"Truth is largely an act of self-discovery. And for someone else to attempt to steer your self-discovery just feels...oppressive. Even if it's meant to alleviate pain or struggle or some negative emotion...if it hasn't been asked for, there's a strong chance it won't be entirely appreciated by the recipient. Even if it is "true," or sound or good. It's the notion that you feel justified in stepping into someone's path and making an attempt to guide when you weren't asked to do so. And that, gently implies that you didn't believe in that person's ability to sort out their issue on their own - in their own time. Which opens up another potentially uncomfortable can of worms." 

Won't you be my neighbor? 

FSCN1272 on Flickr.

DSCN1148 on Flickr.