springing into summer

The past three months have been busy ones. I have, for the most part, kept my head down at the wheel and cranked out two large batches of pottery for wholesale production. This week I am putting the finishing touches (read : stringing & beading hanging planters and air plant holders) on some pots, then wrapping everything well and packing it all up and shipping it out. And breathing a healthy sigh of relief. You see, I have been going on in these cycles of wholesale production for almost three straight years now. While I am always grateful to be busy with work, the looming deadlines can at times be stressful, especially when a kiln craps out or the weather turns rainy and humid for weeks at a time. So many things can potentially impact the rhythm of production.

I have been lucky to work with patient and understanding buyers and shop owners. And even now, when I have decided to take my first break from this style of work, I have received enormous support and encouragement from them as they excitedly wait until I am back at it again.

So once these current orders are shipped I will be getting down to the business of creating. New ideas, new forms, reworking old products. Making pots with less repetition and more character and whimsy. There is a list in my notebook of things to try out alongside sketches and scribbles. I am looking forward to making larger pieces, one-of-a-kind items and useful gift sets that will be perfect for the favorite cook, gardener, coffee lover and wellness seeker in your life.

There are a few pieces that were left over from this last production run and because of that I feel it is time for another small shop update. So, mark your calendars... these new items (including some of the planters shown above) are going to be stocked this weekend, Saturday, May 26. For details and to be the first to know when the sale goes live, get your name on the mailing list! 

And if you happen to be an Athens local, other dates you want to keep in mind are June 1st & 2nd. On the first weekend of the June Southern Star Studio will be hosting our annual Summer SALE and Open House. Friday evening from 5pm - 9pm we will have an opening reception with food, drinks and music by Caleb Darnell (of the Darnell Brothers). Saturday, June 2nd we will be open again from 10am - 5pm with coffee and light fare and of course, lots of fresh, new work for sale! Stop by if you are in town! 180 Cleveland Avenue.