Inspiration

White Echinacea 

at DirtKicker Ranch

Such awesome inspiration God gives us

heart emoticon

Goodbye Blocks - Hello Shimpo Extension Legs

Extension Legs for

Shimpo Whisper pottery wheel 

I've been throwing standing for nearly 5 years now.  It was a change that saved my back.  Once I began standing at the wheel, my back pain was greatly reduced.

Shimpo designed these leg extensions right.  The legs look sleek, but they are totally sturdy and stable!  The height is adjustable too.

It's so much easier to keep my wheel area clean.

An early birthday gift to myself.  I give these Shimpo Extension Legs 5 Stars :)

This was my old set up.  Glad to be rid of the clunky garden blocks.

©Cindy Gilliland 2015.

Handmade Coffee Scoops and Kitchen Scoops - By DirtKicker Pottery

Making scoops is a fun way for me to relax and experiment with new decorating ideas.

My scoops are handmade from silky smooth porcelain clay.

I make them in 4 sizes

Small, Medium, Large and.......

Mega-Large!

This big scoop can be used similar to a ladle or serving spoon.  Perfect for serving thick soups or chili.

Honey Bee Scoop

I like to put a little hole in the handle so the scoops can be displayed when not in use.

Coffee Scoop

by DirtKicker Pottery

  

DirtKicker Pottery Scoops are adorable and full of personality.  Currently available for purchase in my DirtKicker Pottery Etsy Shop.

All designs, photos and content are ©copyright Cindy Gilliland 2015

Concrete Wedging Table - Pottery Studio Kneading Table - Pottery Studio Tip

Last year we poured a big concrete patio.  John built a slick smooth form and we poured a concrete wedging block.   

I finally retired the old plaster block.  It was very worn, plus it wouldn't let go of the red clay contamination.

Cinder blocks are a safe sturdy foundation for the heavy concrete block.  I could totally do the smack down and this thing wouldn't move at all.

The surface is just smooth concrete.  No polishing required.  It's very similar to wedging on plaster.  It wicks moisture big time, so I usually wipe the surface with a damp sponge prior to wedging my clay.   

This new concrete wedging block Rocks!  I love it.  Should have gone with concrete years ago.
  

Thanks to my Sweetheart for making it.

©copyright Cindy Gilliland 2015.

fun with ladybugs

Yesterday My Grandkiddo's and I set free 1500 Ladybugs in our yard.  We had dozens of ladybugs crawling all over our hands and arms.   We put them on trees and flowers.   It was so much fun!!

Ladybug Garden Bowl

by DirtKicker Pottery

Wheel Thrown Mugs by DirtKicker Pottery

Honey Bee and Echinacea Mug

by Cindy Gilliland

.. and the cycle begins again.

I love the beginning of a new making cycle.  After reflecting on the good and bad from the last firing, I can now go forward to make even better pots and incorporate new ideas.

I love making mugs, so I always start a new cycle with my favorite form.  

See my DirtKicker Pottery Etsy Shop for Romantic and adorable Mugs.

Throwing a DirtKicker Pottery mug

©CindyGilliland2015

Loving the Pour-Over Coffee Makers

I love coffee, I always have.  I remember being a tiny girl and my Daddy giving me "just one sip" from his coffee cup.

Pour over drip coffee maker 

by DirtKicker Pottery

There's just something about making and serving coffee in handmade pottery.  It's very satisfying and cozy.

I make my pour-overs kind of big, because I usually make generous size mugs.    

Keep an eye on my DirtKicker Pottery Etsy Shop for One of a kind pour-over drip coffee makers and adorable coffee mugs.

©CindyGilliland2015.

First Glaze Firing in New L&L Kiln - Pottery Studio Tip - Modeling Stick / Ruler

Test Firing new kiln

First glaze firing is done.  My 9 hour firing schedule finished in 8 hours 35 minutes.  The moment of truth will be Thursday morning.  

I realize now that this kiln is much bigger than what I really wanted.   Probably should have purchased a Liberty Belle.

Studio Tip:

This tool is next to my wheel everytime I throw.  I use it to under-cut fresh pots and to check height and width.

Just take a simple wood modeling stick, measure out each inch and label with a Sharpie.   

Ruled modeling stick

All designs, photos and content are owned by and ©copyright Cindy Gilliland

Updated Website

dirtkickerpottery.com

My website got a total makeover.  It's light and cheerful.  John did a fantastic job.  He's such a sweetheart.

©CindyGilliland

sunrise in the studio

Morning light and shadows made everything look like a good memory.

What is an Acceptable Witness Cone Bend?

In the Book "The Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes" John Britt writes about reading cones,  "The perfect arch of self-supporting cones is when it is bent to the top of the flared triangular base". He goes further into the subject with illustrations, photos and lots of great information.  If you don't already have John's new book, you need to stop what you're doing and order it right now. 

I found this video from Orton. It was very enlightening.

Lining up a good view through the peep hole

©CindyGilliland