Work in progress

I worked on some of my favorite feelings today: empty, torn and curious.

It's been a while since I've enjoyed claying again. While my head and heart were elsewhere it was more a matter of 'I have to clay' instead of 'I want to clay'. This didn't feel right and every time I had to start claying because I had to, I was dreading myself into the studio.
Thankfully I have found my mojo back and I've really enjoyed cracking some work in my studio today. :)

New start

A fresh year, a fresh start in the studio too. I'm finding it hard to balance my ceramic work with a little baby around but I'm sure things will get easier. Last fall, Anna (afjewellery & LilaRubyKing) and I have been discussing a new line. I find it so exciting to exchange ideas and discuss new work. And since Pinterest allows to have secret boards, we actually can have a joint inspiration board! Superfun!

Apart from that, I'm also doing a try out of a new product. It will take some time to develop and I hope it will work because I love the idea! Here's a sneak preview of work in progress...  I know it looks like a bauble but it's not! :)

Work in progress

You know how much I love cookie cutters right? I told you before it's my weak spot but strange enough they hardly ever end up in the kitchen.
Besides, using cookie cutters gives you less cookie, right? Huh? That's no good!
So I made some reversed cookie molds so that it leaves you with more cookie. :)

Here's the proof:

cookies cut out with cookie molds...

and cookies, 'cut' out with reversed cookie cutters.

I made the prototypes ages ago but never did anything with 'em until I found 'em in my drawer last week. I've been frantically working to getting some done but as time is ticking along, the quantity will be limited.
If you are interested, rush yourself to my stand at Stiel & Stijl to get yourself some. :)
It makes a great gift for people who love to make & bake.

Here's how I make reversed cookies....
The cookie molds look a bit like paper making molds or old butter molds.

I press the cookie stamp in the rolled out dough.

Then it looks embossed.
With a round cookie cutter, I cut out the flower cookie.
I take away the remaining dough and I put the cookies in the the oven.

I'm not a food blogger so I didn't do any fancy pics of these - and I must admit, I didn't even try.

I'll leave that up to the pro's...

Work in progress

The other day, someone send me an e-mail and asked me if I make the bags I use for my baking pearls myself. So here's some proof I do...
I think it's a great way to practise sewing straight and have something useful as a result afterwards.
But being still a slow sewer, it takes me forever to finish one! :)
I stamp the bags with a quick & easy 'stamp words' technique...The fun part is that I can choose the color of the ribbon myself.
I do work in batches so I made a whole lot ready to be filled...
Hmm... I did not make enough ceramic pearls to fill 'em though. I hope there is a good movie on tv tonight! :)

Work in progress

A set of nesting bowls in the making...

Work in progress

Making singing birds...
Lots.