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

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

Saying "sorry no" to custom orders

It's been a couple of years since I said yes to a custom order. The last custom request helped me make a decision.

The order was for 10 large (24 ounce) custom glaze mugs.  When it came time for the customer to buy them, he declined because the mugs turned out to hold 2 ounces less than what he wanted. Even though I had previously disclosed that the capacity would be an approximate.   He wanted me to start over and make more, but I was done with him and done with requests. 

Stormy Mugs

by DirtKicker Pottery

I won't say that all of my custom orders were a bad experience, but most were overly time consuming due to the back and forth planning and confirming that I understood the customers vision.  Custom request orders were never a good fit with my work style, plus they stress me out really bad. 

When a special request comes in, I no longer hesitate,  I just say "So sorry, I don't make custom requests, but I appreciate your interest in my pottery".  

Some potters thrive on the challenge of custom orders. Glad they do, because someones gotta do it and it's not me. 

It is a little difficult to say no, when the request comes from a return customer.  I explain as nicely as possible and hopefully they understand.  

All designs, photos and content herein are owned by and ©copyright Cindy Gilliland 2015.

Wheel Thrown Mugs by DirtKicker Pottery

Honey Bee and Echinacea Mug

by ©DirtKicker Pottery

.. 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

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