Web site is up and running!

My new website is up and running!! You can find it at http://santasnmore.googlepages.com. I have more pictures of things there. There still isn't a shopping cart system set up. I'm hoping to get that going soon! Let me know what you think!!

Toy Soldier Trials

I'm learning that the heat isn't a ceramic mold pourer's friend. It has been over 100 degrees here lately and it hasn't made pouring easy. I've started pouring small things in my laundry room and am still having to manipulate a bit. I have this Toy Soldier mold that refuses to cooperate with me! My kids are thrilled because the less than perfect pieces will be cleaned, fired and given to them to paint! My last Toy Soldier looks like he's attempting to bow!

I haven't tried the large snowman that caused me so much grief last week. I've been using some of my energy to get some things painted. I hope to have a few more pictures posted here soon of completed items.

I've also decided to work more on a regular web page...with pricing and hopefully a shopping cart! I'll post the address for it here as soon as it is published.

Snowman disaster!

So, I'm pretty new at pouring molds...today I decided to try a larger item...a cute Snowman holding a shovel. I belt this mold up and start pouring from my Arizona Iced Tea jugs (nice and sturdy jugs...easy to handle!). I noticed some of the slip was a bit lumpy...I knew this wasn't going to be good...I asked my daughter to hand me another jug...it was extra watery...grrrr. I poured anyway...all of a sudden the slip level in the mold starts to go down. It's hot here, but not hot enough to make a mold suck up THAT much slip!!! Well, the slip was all over my work bench...and the garage floor! UGH! The mess is almost cleaned up!

I figure I either didn't have the belt on tight enough or the slip was just too lumpy. I will try again tomorrow...if I'm successful I'll post a picture of the greenware Snowman! :)

My Workspace

Here's my messy work area...at least a close-up of it. It gives you an idea of what I'm working on at the moment. You can tell I jump around from piece to piece...I guess this is so I don't get too bored! :)

The two snowmen in the back are still greenware. I plan to clean them and fire them this weekend...I'm excited to start painting this set! They are dressed up as Pilgrims....CUTE!!