Sunday, October 24, 2010

Welcome to My Studio

It is now 3:00 PM  and I am announcing the winner of my first Giveaway  It is Erin of Tesori Trovati.  My husband picked the name out of my hat.  Congratulations Erin!!!!!
Second BOC Open Studio Blog Event Giveaway

                  Earthenware ceramic heart pendant with drenched metal toggle bar
                                plus a $25.00 Gift Certificate to my Etsy Store

To take a chance on Winning just leave a comment on this post.
To get back to the Beads-of-Clay Blog to go to other artists' studios and see their 2nd giveaway, click here.


There it is.  The door to my studio.  I am located in a very old barn.  Old like the Maple trees that grow along this driveway.  In fact the house and barn are one of the oldest in the area, circa 1850.  About the time James Fenimore Cooper's father was up here.

Once you open the door you will go through a hallway, and down some steps into my studio.  It is kind of below ground level which is good for the clay.  Not so sure about anything else in there.  But we have a wood stove in the part that my husband inhabits and it helps dry things out.  I have an electric heater which I try not to use too much.  Here is what you will see.

My Aim 88 Digital Kiln  a wonderful workhorse.  I also have a larger kiln.

long counter on which I cut out my clay



Small table where I do the glazing


Close up of hand painted pendants drying before the gloss glaze is applied

My current favorite tool-- a food dehydrator.  Thanks to LeAnn Weih of SummersStudio for this great tip.  Useful for so many stages in the ceramic bead making process

My husband built this studio for me quite a few years ago.  I never dreamed back then that I would spend so much time in it.  But it is a wonderful place to be.  A great view out over the pasture.  Sunshine in the early morning and later in the day, afternoon sun from another set of windows.
I can close the doors and be in a world of my own.  Or leave them open and chat from time to time with my favorite person. 
Since you visited last year, if you did, we have been doing some renovating i.e. propping up of the front of the bard.  Our Amish neighbors have been helping us.  Part of our summer hay barter system.  My husband rakes and bails the hay for them and they in turn help us with getting firewood, fixing up the barn and providing my veggie garden with ample amounts of straw.  It works out well.

Jacking up the barn.  This tube goes into the ground at least three feet and is filled with cement. My husband has put in quite a few of these.



What the inside of the barn roof looks like
This is an addition that will be for me to expand into next year hopefully. It should be warmer on the feet in the winter since it will have insulation under the floor and won't be below ground level.  And what a great view.

Thank you for visiting my studio.

See you in awhile when you return to find out how to make a great apple cake.

You can return to the BOC Blog by clicking here

38 comments:

  1. your studio looks like the kind of place i could definitely hang out in all day. very cozy! and clean1!! wow!

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  2. would love to win that amazing toggle in the second giveaway.
    Erin S

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  3. What a lovely tour of your barn/studio. Would love to win your toggle.

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  4. Love your studio, it looks so pieceful and beautiful outside. Would love to win your lovely toggle.

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  5. It looks beautiful! I love the barn. Must be very nice and peaceful! thanks for sharing.

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  6. Thanks for the tour!! My poor slow puter can't really keep up with all this...love your work,thanks for sharing
    ~Sharon~
    lunrei@yahoo.com

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  7. Thanks to your husband for picking me at random. I am truly blessed.
    It means so much to me to see your studio space and your process. That really makes the work you do all the more special, Mary. Thank you for sharing!
    Enjoy the day!
    Erin

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  8. Your toggle is stunning! I love your studio, it has such personality :)

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  9. Thanks for coming by Lorelei. Yes it is a nice place to be. Glad you like it. Hope you are having fun today.

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  10. Hi Erin, thanks so for wanting the toggle. wishing you lots of luck.

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  11. Your studio is so clean and efficient looking, plus very warm and inviting--would love to win your toggle!

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  12. Hi Cindy, How great that you are visiting all the blogs today. Think of you often.

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  13. Hi Raida, thanks for stopping by. It is a peaceful place. Thanks you for the nice words about the toggle clasp.

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  14. Hi Meliss, Nice to meet you. Thanks for the great comments and for stopping by.

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  15. Great studio - I love the red door! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  16. I would love to have barn for a studio. Thanks for a great tour!

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  17. What a rustic place to work in. Very inspiring. I can see just where your designs come from. Thanks for sharing a look in your studio and the wonderful giveaway.

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  18. So fun to take an inside look. Very cool studio! It's got a very rustic and nature feeling to it - obviously a very creative space to work in. I forgot to mention I'm sporting the necklace with your pendant from the swap we did earlier this year! It's a favorite of mine!. Hope you're enjoying the day. Lisa :)

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  19. Hi Colleen,
    thanks for coming back. so glad you are enjoying these posts. Much appreciate your support.

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  20. Hi Bev, I am so glad that you are on the tour today. Glad you this barn. A wonderful old place.

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  21. Love the studio tour. It looks like a place conducive to great bouts of both creativity and contemplation. Lucky you! --SallyA

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  22. Hi Lisa,
    I saw a pic on your blog of you wearing the necklace. How cool. thanks for stopping. I finally got to leave a comment on your blog.

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  23. I love your barn...It's inspiring me to set up in my barn too...except I have insulation in the garage and it stays toasty! Thanks for sharing!

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  24. Hi erin, he says you are welcome. How fun that you are so appreciative and that it is your anniversary.

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  25. What an awesome studio!!! I love barns and feel they have so many stories to tell.

    Your giveaway is very generous, and I hope it comes my way.....

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  26. I absolutely love your toggles and would love to win one!

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  27. I would love to win!
    Shannon C

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  28. so much fun! hope I win!

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  29. What a great rustic studio!! Your pieces are wonderful, look forward to owning some...

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  30. I'm in! Would LOVE to win :O) Great studio!!

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  31. beautiful toggle! Will read post in a bit (working on my recipe post ;)

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  32. NO...PICK ME PICK ME!!!! :-)

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  33. NO...PICK ME PICK ME!!!! :-)

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  34. Beautiful workspace and that toggle is gorgeous! Impressive!

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  35. Your studio looks so rustic and full of inspiration. Thanks for your wonderful giveaways.

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  36. Your studio is amazing Mary, just like your ceramic pieces!

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  37. Oh my gosh! Your studio is so neat & clean & large.
    I have an overcrowded, old dining table in the corner of the room! Thanks for inviting us in.

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