How The Ceramics Industry Can Avoid Wedgwood's Fate

I read an interesting article in the Guardian UK tonight by that name, written by Helen Brown it is an interesting look at the success's and failures of large production potteries. Read "How the ceramics industry can avoid Wedgwood's fate" by Helen Brown

Bison Tools

Have you ever tried them? They are expensive but nice! I bought myself three for my one year anniversary of quitting smoking. They feel good in the hand. They trim beautifully, especially with porcelain. The only drawback is that they are fragile, you sure don't want to drop them! But if you do you can send them back and Phil Poburka of Bison Studios will fix them for you, for a nominal fee. The trimming part of the tool is made of Tungsten Carbide, the handles are turned from exotic woods that adds to the feel.

I just found out that Bison Tools are now available on Etsy so it is now easier than ever to own your very own! Check it out here, Bison Studio's on Etsy.

And yes, it has now been over two years since I quit smoking. Though it has been difficult lately to remain a non-smoker, I STILL AM!!!

Smashing, Breaking And Creating

Got an email from Magenta Raves, otherwise known as Perry Hoffman announcing his next series of mosaic workshops in the desert. All the information you could need is below, Come learn mosaics from a multi-media artist in an inspirational environment. A place of magic. Perry has been giving mosaic workshops for 5 years in the Mojave desert and Santa Barbara. He has been working in clay and tile and mosaics with his home for over 10 years now and it is a living evolving piece of work. Color and pattern take the eye on a visual adventure at Perry’s desert retreat. Inside/out. You can also bring your own tent and camp on the land at the Tile House and still enjoy the civilized mosaic shower and hot tub.
We begin with dinner on Friday at 5 - followed by an introduction into the world of mosaics, the materials and tools then with goggles over eyes we proceed to BREAK tile… music on… Questions!?!?!?Get up early Saturday for breakfast and good strong coffee and continue projects. We break for a picnic lunch. Saturday evening before sunset, if we’ve finished our piece, we head up to Joshua Tree for a short hike, return for dinner and a bonfire at the Tile House! We grout and finish our projects on Sunday, enjoy a last lunch together and you’re on the road by 2pm. All weekend workshops include meals and basic materials for a variety of projects. Staying in Tile House, meals included and all materials is $350. Staying in your own tent meals and hot tub amenities included and all materials $250
Not staying with us? Not eating with us? JUST the WORKSHOP $150
$75 non-refundable deposit, (except towards another workshop date)

If you are interested and would like to sign up you can reach Perry Hoffman at raven9@cox.net and check out his blog Magenta Raves, if you do tell him you read about it here at SoCalPotters!