Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Just for my own amusement

I know, I know, perching birds on the edge of a bowl is not particularly original. I can think of half a dozen potters who do this. But I made these just to amuse myself. These are tiny little pinch pots. I think it has been something like 15 years since I made a pinch pot. Sometimes it feels good to just go back to the beginning. Pinch pots are the first thing most people learn how to make in a pottery class. It's a great way to get the feel for how clay works. Besides, they are rather fun. I'm thinking these would make great little Easter baskets for one Cadbury creme egg. Not the minis. The biggies. If I'm going to have one I am going whole piggy with mine, thanks very much.

If you were thinking that background looks strangely like the stem of wine glass on a sideboard, you would be right. It has been cold again. It snowed 2 inches yesterday. Too cold for working in the studio. So my dining room table is covered with glaze jars and other non-dining stuff. I know you Northerners are smirking and saying to yourself 2 inches of snow is nothing. Get a grip. But you know, one of the perks of living with 100F summers is that our winters are mild. I want my perk!

19 comments:

Vintajia Adornments said...

aaaahhh pinch pots that brings back memories. HAd great fun adding oxides to clay and applying to a ball pinching and shaping and seeing how they turned out

Unknown said...

I don't know what a pinch pot is but I think those lil' bowls are so cute! What a clever idea for Easter.

The whole snow thing has me in a quandary too, and we're expecting more tonight....

Peridots Garden Blog said...

I too am new to the term pinch pots but then again I know nothing about pottery except what I like and I love these!

Ever the gardener, when I first saw your photo I was so excited about a totally new type of pot for tiny flowering plants...BUT it is a darling bowl!

Love it!

Sandy

SummersStudio said...

Hi, all. Pinch pots are made from a ball of clay that you stick you finger down into and then pinch and thin the clay into a little bowl form. Some artists (not me, I'm not that taleneted) use this method to form absolutely extradinary forms.

mairedodd said...

i love your pinch pots and what you are doing in your 'inside' time... as for the weather - you keep your texas summers, and i'll keep my jersey winter... no problem! :0) enjoy your 2", i don't want dust storms either! so i begrudge you nothing! if you put a little whole at the bottom, it could be a little planter with a bird on it...

Pearl and Pebble said...

I love pinch pots-they are so "pure" and I think your idea of incorporating chocolate into the final design is most excellent:D

SueBeads said...

It looks cute! I hope you are drinking that wine!

sharon said...

It is adorable!! I agree with Pearl and Pebble...I'm attracted to the rawness and pureness!
As for the mild winter, I would kill for 2" right now. Starting between 4 and 8 Thurs. morning we are supposed to get 10 to 15"...I could really cry already. This should have been over by now!

Judy said...

I remember making pinch pots in pottery class (my VERY favorite class btw)... I think you can perch the little birdies anywhere and they would be darling.

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studio said...

Love it!!! With the snow we've been getting this winter so far, Mr. Sam Adams Lager has been a guest at my house...

Original Cadbury Creme eggs or the caramel kind? I usually go for both... My absolute favorite easter candy though: the little coconut bird nests with three little jelly bean eggs...

stregata said...

Those little birds would look darling anywhere! And I do think a sedum or sempervivum would look sweet in your pinch pot with the bird... of course, chocolate is also a very appealing idea!
I love the thought that you have done something just for your own pleasure - and more power to you!
I feel for you on the snow front - but pardon me for not offering to take it off your hands!

Cindy said...

Oh so sweet! LeAnn, I love anything you do with your little birds. My son made a pinch pot in his art class as a Kindergartner and was so proud of his creaton.
Cindy
www.sweetbeadstudio.com

sasha + max studio said...

Very sweet - love the idea of lots of choccie eggs too! May spring be with you soon :) Vicki

Andrew Thornton said...

These are absolutely darling!

peacockfairy said...

Cute, cute, cute!

Sweet Pea said...

I love it!! It's something that may be used a lot but you've completely made it your own. I love it, those little birds are my favorite!! :)

Michelle said...

What a sweet little pot. It's just so fresh.

Cadbury eggs (the creme kind) are a little naughty treat this time of year. I always have to have at least one!
Happy day to you.
Michelle

Charmingdesigns said...

Your work is wonderful. It has been to many years since I have played with any clay. You are inspiration!

Esther said...

beautifuuuuul!!!