Mrs. Mud's Muddy Buddies

Summer Camp at Valley Art Center

2011-06-30T03:53:00.001-07:00

Excellent first session with the "mudwumps" at Valley Art Center! We worked on the potter's wheel and used sgraffito and splatter painting to decorate the pots- we created slab bowls by marbling red and white earthenware clay, and made pinch pots and animal sculptures. It was busy and productive and I'm really proud of the results.

Winter/Spring 2010

2010-03-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a busy 2010. Usually this time of year, I am hunkered down in the studio making my own work, but this year has been a blast with events at St. Ambrose Church, Arts Adventures at Garfield Elementary, the reopening of Valley Art Center's new and improved studio space, and senior classes at Menorah Park in Beachwood.

I'm on a mission to get clay into as many hands as possible, and it feels really good! Many friends, new and old, happy hands and plenty of beautiful pots have been made.. love it!

Autumn leaves.

2009-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Made of brown stoneware, stamped with real leaves and glazed with a combo of my faves.

VAC, wrapping up Spring Session

2009-05-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Too bad, so sad! Last week of spring session, but looking forward to summer camps, and the student /faculty art show- starting June 22nd.

Memories of good mud-

Momma Robin

2009-05-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

So, the kids and I were walking home from school today, and we came across this robin's nest sitting on a neighbor's porch. Fortunately, momma robin was willing to sit for a photo- and the babies are beautiful! I wish I had a glaze like that.

James A. Garfield Elementary Arts Adventures 2009

2009-03-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Has it been 6 weeks already? I'm sad to be wrapping up my 3rd annual "Hands In Clay" class at JAG Elementary. Once again I am thrilled with the fun and the work that these kids have accomplished. I stopped counting pots after 125 or so (I'm still firing Mr. Caldro's little kiln).

Great Work. Great Fun! See y'all around town!

Mudwumps Holiday Cheer

2008-12-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Gotta love the spirit of the season! Turkey bowls, clay gingerbread houses- great work by the VAC mudwumps!!

Atticus & Gwen

2008-09-23T04:35:00.001-07:00

We built jars during "Art du Jour" this past Saturday at Valley Art Center. Olivia and Sydney brought their talents, and their sidekick, Atticus the Yellow. I enjoyed meeting them all very much, and I think Atticus was pleased to see his image walking like an Egyptian atop a treat jar.We also had a visit from Gwen, the build-a-bear, who adorns the top of her new accessory jar, shown above.

Thanks, girls, it was fun!

Summer Pottery Camp at Valley Art Center

2008-08-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! Summer was fun in the mud at VAC- I am really impressed by the creativity and personality of all the kids I met this summer. What a great group-parents, be proud!

This is only a very small sampling of the great work done during June and July. Pots are packed and ready to pick up at the center. Can't wait to see you in the fall!

Katie's Cookies & Mr. Fishington

2008-06-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Just had to share the latest and greatest muddy buddy creations! By Erin, age 11.

HANDsome Vase

2008-06-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

I got this idea off of a Duncan website-
http://duncanceramics.com/Lessonplandetail.aspx?id=2a6c8802-592d-4d43-9e13-f71278519af1
It was so fun, I've decided to do it with my summer camp kids this year. I think I'll have them trace Mom or Dad's hand along with their own hand to make a fun pair of hand vases.

It's a little tough to spot, but I also put a "ring" on the finger that's big enough to run a flower stem through.

You just trace a hand onto a slab, stand it up and curve it, make a front and a base. Another change I might make is that the base might be more stable if it were bigger- this vase sits okay, but a narrower one might topple.
I'll post photos of muddybuddy pots when I get them- the only fear I have at this point is fragile fingers. Wish us luck!

Heads Up!

2008-05-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here are only a few of the GREAT planter heads the kids made for their moms- we planted li'l violets in them to take home. They were made by using balloons as forms, and we added small slabs in strips, sort of like you would for papier mache(not too much overlap) . Once leather hard, the kids got to do "brain surgery" by popping the balloon that was sealed inside, and add a favorite face to the outside. Then we cut the top, fired, and planted them. I'm sure they were very well received!

Here Come the Suns

2008-05-07T06:34:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the suns that "came up" thanks to the kids of the Hiram Mom's club. We had a great time ushering the season by calling upon our friend, the sun. I think it worked - the weather has been great!