Firing it up

 

Is it crazy to load and fire the kiln at 2,199 degrees in the summertime? Maybe. But when I have a deadline to meet, I fire whether it’s hot outside or not. And the last few weeks have been the hottest we’ve seen this summer with temperatures as high as 112-117 degrees. 

Working with porcelain in the summer is always a risk, especially when it’s both hot and dry. If the clay dries too fast, it will crack. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s usually the opposite problem, having the clay take too long to dry. It’s always a balancing act. 

Hot and happy. 

I love to work with clay anytime of the year. Especially when I have a new idea that sparks a whole new group of work. A few months ago, I made a dozen or so little plates. I really didn’t know what to do with them or why I was making them, but it was fun. And I needed some fun after this difficult covid year. 

Even in the heat, the little plates are fun to make. Add to that I was making them for a new cooperative project with a local artisan company, Plein Devie, online at bepleindevie.com. They make crystal self care products. Beautiful crystal soaps, bath bombs, and fragrances. I was asked to make turquoise Celtic spiral plates for a new crystal soap. 

So firing up the kiln twice in two weeks had to be done. Yes, it was the hottest 2 weeks this year, but it was worth it. 

Lavender and bergamot, oh my. 

I grow lavender in my garden and every year, I harvest bunches and make them into sachets for my home. Another of my favorite scents is bergamot, which you might know is in Earl Grey tea. These two scents are just heavenly and relaxing all on their own. 

But the idea of mixing them into a soap? And putting in a beautiful Aventurine crystal? And wrapping them up on one of my turquoise Celtic spiral plates? Inspired.  

I’ve been so excited working on this project and couldn’t wait to smell the wonderful soap and see it paired with my little plates. 

 Plein Devie and Me. 

All the sweating paid off, none of the plates cracked or bubbled or stuck to the kiln shelf. They all came out beautiful. And the soap created by Ashley Dow, PDV owner, was just as beautiful. 

The soap scent is a relaxing mix of summertime sweetness and comforting spice.  And the layers of turquoise and lavender surrounding an aventurine crystal look so lovely on the celtic spiral plates. 

After you enjoy the luscious, scented soap, you have a porcelain plate perfect for a candle, earrings, or even a sweet treat. 

This week, I didn’t just fire the kiln, I got fired up with new ideas.