tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-374767792011-12-31T09:36:42.377-08:00Sculpture, pottery and class happenings at the clay studio of Eleanor Hendriks.StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-34837400621956192802011-08-13T18:25:00.000-07:002011-08-13T19:30:26.341-07:00

by Eleanor Things have changed here at StudioÉlan. And the changes are so big that it is like starting over. The vagaries of life have resulted in the loss of my husband, the loss of my fabulous studio and a move to a new city. This blog will no longer be a cheerful collection of studio activities, nifty projects and storage solutions. There won't be any more reports about students or invites

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-19120287707131362742010-12-01T10:40:00.000-08:002010-12-01T11:07:24.160-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI was just thrilled two weekends ago to be the lucky recipient of The Best in Show Award at the Northumberland Potters Guild Annual Sale! This piece, one of my Milkweed Pod Jars, was the one that did it for me...It sure feels good to be recognized for work you love by pottery peers at a time of year when all that seems to be important about your art is it's dollar value. The

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-7480707204507373362010-11-22T14:39:00.000-08:002010-11-22T14:51:35.994-08:00

By Eleanor HendriksAt this time of year I have ware boards of stuff everywhere and since the ware racks I've been dreaming of for more than 10 years haven't been executed yet, I had to come up with something to clear off some table surfaces so I could fill them up again. The worst culprits for wasting space are the flat ornaments and small trays that I make in big batches and then use as kiln

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-10366960642923314142010-11-18T16:44:00.000-08:002010-11-18T17:07:16.969-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-65580100476451613772010-11-04T09:01:00.000-07:002010-11-04T09:12:30.220-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksPottery -Eleanor HendriksWatercolour -Janice AddisonStonecarving -Peter MartinHandsewn Gifts -Rene BuistStained Glass and jewellery -Janet TysiakWoodturning -Morris YoungFriday November 5, 6-9pmSaturday November 6, 11-6Sunday November 7, 11-6From Hwy 121 just north of Fenelon Falls,turn east onto Victoria County Road 8 andsouth onto Hickory Beach Road. #97Please join us for a

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-74462602994465926042010-10-24T08:15:00.000-07:002010-10-24T08:37:34.178-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksOnly dribs and drabs here at the blog even though I have tonnes of great posts floating around in my head. I need a time machine -the kind that makes more time!I revisited the project that left me feeling kinda blah back in August and I think I've come up with a good solution. Adding the pedestal resolved the proportion problems and some creative reshaping and carving have (

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-43422363993489790972010-08-25T14:46:00.000-07:002010-08-25T15:20:08.164-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksIf it were, the other contestants would be whispering behind my back that I will be the next one going home and Tim would be telling me to Make It Work!I've got a week of reduced family responsibilities and so I have the opportunity to tackle some unusual projects and try a few experiments.The first project went reasonably well -an 18" replica of the Stanley Cup -a custom

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-5915725500889330512010-06-12T21:02:00.000-07:002010-06-12T21:10:21.941-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksEven though I've been at the pottery gig for a few years now, I can still catch myself doing stupid things.Just the other day I was making handles for a batch of mugs. Because I was a little distracted while I was making them, I ended up recounting how many I had already at least 4 times.Finally I got so fed up with myself that I reorganized the handles into groups of 5 on the

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-37140818376751339442010-05-31T09:47:00.000-07:002010-06-11T13:51:55.136-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksOne of my spring projects was to get properly stocked up on Berry Bowls and I'm thrilled to be able to say that I've accomplished that goal... but along the way I was reminded that......Berry Bowls are FULL of Holes!Each of those little bits in the pile on the right represents a hole that had to be cut in one of the many berry bowls I made. I was only half way through them all

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-52571600026095396432010-05-08T09:52:00.000-07:002010-05-08T10:05:00.742-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksIt seems that every potter I know has a bit of scavenger blood. It seems I'm always saying things to people like "If you ever have any empty drywall mud buckets, save them for me..."or "Don't throw out those Styrofoam peanuts -just give me a call, I'll come get them..." Sometimes the effort that goes into scavenging these things is enough to make me think about taking the easy

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-81030064072235613112010-04-04T10:55:00.000-07:002010-04-04T11:41:56.837-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksI had the opportunity to teach a clay elective at my childrens' grade school recently. I had a group of 11 children from grade one to grade eight. The age spread kind of freaked me out and I decided to deal with it by doing two projects -one for the older kids -4 boys from grade 6 and 8, and a different project for the 7 children from grade 1 to 3.The project for the 4 boys was

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-60575927512919251002010-03-28T16:52:00.000-07:002010-03-28T17:45:27.517-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksWow -lots of ideas about how to glaze the Yarn Bowls with the tricky holes and slots! And some of you got very close...So here is how I do it:First I glaze the inside by pouring the light blue glaze. Inevitably, some of the glaze gets on the outside. I sponge this off and let the piece dry.Then I glaze the outside by holding it upright and dipping it into the finicky cream

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-52640866534064406642010-03-13T14:19:00.000-08:002010-03-13T14:39:48.159-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI'm not really the blog giveaway type of girl, but I have an idea that I thought might be fun...To the potter who can figure out how I glaze these Yarn Bowls I will send a piece of pottery handmade by me.I'm thinking one of my Sweetheart Mugs might be a nice prize...This is how they look when the Yarn Bowls look when they are finished:So, here are the parameters:I don't brush

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-66138211888016291692010-02-26T10:28:00.001-08:002010-02-26T11:34:13.051-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksHis name is Peter. I met him on Valentine's Day and I'm in love.So here's the whole juicy story. I bought a Peter Pugger/Mixer from another potter who was upgrading and the only day we weren't both busy was Valentine's Day so that was the day we arranged to go and pick it up. My handy hubby (yes, I'm keeping him too) and I spent the most romantic day driving to get the pugmill

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-1188597699925684482010-01-27T13:21:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:35:33.976-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksSweetheart Mugs are now available in my Etsy shop!Cranberry RedWeathered Ivory (with a touch of palest Pink)My dear American friends, I can still get one of these to your Sweetheart for Valentine's Day but please, please, place your order before the end of day on Sunday -thanks!Just spreading the love.

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-24388802949236306802010-01-22T18:16:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:03:54.697-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksWhen I make a batch of things the same size I use something stuck into a blob of clay on the edge of my splashpan to mark the height and width so I don't have to measure each piece as I work.For about 10 years I used a twig plucked from a bush outside the door of my old studio in Fergus. It was just the right length and thickness and, most importantly, it had a bit of spring so

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-76396848517748696592010-01-17T10:31:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:26:14.856-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksWhen I sit down to make a batch of similar pots, I often think about ways to speed things up. I like to think of myself as an artist and I strive for some level of artistic vision in everything I make, but let's face it -some things about being a potter are factory-like. And if I'm going to spend time being factory-like, I may as well be an efficient factory. Theoretically,

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-63389692003334770332010-01-09T15:58:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:36:13.974-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI was so excited to get back to clay this week. Holidays and shipping have kept me away from gooey wet delicious clay for many weeks and I could almost taste the mud. But, things didn't go as planned...I had a turkey carving cut on a finger that was surprisingly painful, my clay was too hard, my studio was too cold and I just couldn't find the rhythm. I just kept working and I

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-21441486022927758362009-10-22T07:42:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:37:15.863-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI am thrilled to report that there is progress on my gallery entrance -the framing for my new doors and one window is in!I'm hoping to have the doors delivered and put in before this next weekend is over. Then all will be ready for a welcoming entrance for my 3rd Annual Christmas Art Sale on November 6,7&8. No more traipsing through the kiln room (also known as the junk

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-6409018423451031122009-10-13T11:34:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:06:02.298-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksSo here's where I'll be this weekend...Fusion Pottery and Glass SaleToronto's Largest Show and Sale of Fine, Handcrafted Clay and Glass.Featuring 50 clay and glass artists ranging from internationally recognized leaders in the field, to emerging clay and glass craftspeople presenting some of the best decorative and functional clay and glass in Canada.CNIB Building, Conference

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-4154942137955361842009-09-20T17:01:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:06:49.197-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks*quickly sweeping dust off my blog before beginning to type...*I had a rare treat yesterday -8 hours straight in the studio without interruption and with most of my list of things that needed desperately to be done checked off.So I spent the time putting handles on 14 jars that had been waiting quietly under plastic for almost a week. Rather than whip out a batch of ordinary

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-73346041963683062742009-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:06:59.955-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksCalling all Kawarthians -are you looking for something to do this Saturday? Stop by the Bobcaygeon Wine and Food Festival . Celebrity cooks, food and wine pairing demos, music and more at the Settlers Village, a quaint collection of pioneer buildings in Bobcaygeon. And, lucky you, I'll be there too with my pottery wares for food lovers...Garlic gratersFrench Butter DishesBrie

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-38877487469652991072009-07-16T15:02:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:11:27.851-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI know, I was just here saying I didn't have time to blog but let's put it this way instead -things will be even more sporadic than usual in Elan-land during the summer...I had a bit of time in the studio today, so I got going on restocking my Berry Bowl supply in an attempt to keep ahead of demand -a very satisfying project because now when customers request the colours I have

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-36314787024368119912009-07-15T12:33:00.000-07:002009-07-15T14:49:30.588-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksI'm just blowing through like a summer breeze...Even if I had lots to post, which I might, if I stopped to think about it......I don't have the time, but I thought you might enjoy this picture of pottery in action during a summer feast...and a link to a fabulous fruit salad (not the one pictured but yummy all the same...)Happy summer...

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-4712518570908435632009-06-18T19:55:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:15:23.789-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThis gaspingly honest post by potter extraordinaire, Whitney Smith, got me thinking about the life of an artist behind the end results.The road to the painting, sculpture or pot is not all flashes of inspiration alternated with cool coffee shop conversation -at least not for me. I have never sat and discussed my ideas of art with anyone in a coffee shop -though I (romantically

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-89920169391725522992009-05-21T07:17:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:37:02.952-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI am always amazed by the many possibilities of clay. It can be so many things to so many people. Functional/ non-functional, colourful/stark, wildly textured/perfectly smooth, organic/geometric and on and on.I had three students willing to brave winter and come out to my studio for my Feb/March pottery class session. Even among only three beginning clayists, their visions and

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-76524149201255045172009-04-29T11:17:00.001-07:002010-02-26T11:38:49.882-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksJust for fun, I decided a few weeks ago to revive an old pottery form that potters have been making for decades and that I haven't made in at least 5 years -the Pansy Ring.The Pansy Ring is an unusual and versatile vase form that works really well in situations where a traditional vase just isn't suitable. It's low profile make it a great dinner table display, guests can see

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-7978500547849183892009-02-08T19:10:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:39:48.033-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThe second in a series of workshops for professional potters at Haliburton School for the Arts focussed on using the extruder to create new forms in clay. Led by Colleen O'Reilly, the group of us moved away from the round forms a potter's wheel creates into the world of tubes, hexagons and squares. You can see Colleen here with some of her exhuberant extruded garden

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-1447499593581124962009-01-17T12:43:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:41:00.195-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThis past week I had the pleasure of spending three days at the Haliburton School of The Artsfor the first in a series of workshops for professional potters.The first presenter was Scott Walker of Peterborough, Ontario. He makes functional wheel thrown pottery in traditional shapes with a refined sensibility. He uses beautiful glazes and his teapots are elegant little gems.This

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-72814295806516393952009-01-10T10:09:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:41:50.662-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksBack to the studio and the blog after a very busy Christmas season...I'm working away on custom requests that accumulated during the holiday season and on a special project. The Etsy Mud Team is having a Sweetheart Vase Challenge and our entries are due by Jan 27th. I keep selling, breaking or overshooting the deadline with my pieces for these challenges... I was hoping that

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-62251845263087047872008-11-28T16:53:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:43:40.349-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksBeing a potter isn't all playing with clay -in fact, I haven't touched wet clay in over a week! This past while has been glazing, kiln loading, packing and......painting the new table top display my super handy husband built for me... It's got a nifty hanger for all my Christmas ornaments and it folds flat to fit in the back of my CRV. I've painted my old IKEA crates to match,

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-31000031968587525922008-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:35:33.977-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksMy Etsy shop has been hopping lately -here is today's selections of items that are being shipped out to places as far flung as California, Colorado, Ohio, and Guelph, Ontario (where I used to live)... All boxed up and ready to take to the post office... I've had to get creative to carry so many parcels at once -I've taken to flinging a large sack over my shoulder -I look a lot

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-81418783562195822002008-10-30T08:33:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:44:31.207-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksMy 2nd Annual Christmas Art Sale is coming up fast!This year's participants are:Suzi Silhanek, Artistic Lamps, BobcaygeonJohn Poole, Photography, Sturgeon PointJanice Addison, Watercolour Painting, SeagraveAnne Kulmala, Recycled Fur Creations, BobcaygeonMeg Silhanek, Beaded Jewellery, BobcaygeonMorris Young, Woodturning, Peace Pointand me, Eleanor Hendriks, Pottery, Fenelon

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-13187446543409049212008-10-21T09:04:00.001-07:002008-10-21T09:11:18.871-07:00

by Eleanor Hendriks...of a white Christmas! Just in case you thought it was a long way off -here's my backyard at this moment... Of course, because I am a potter and because it takes me a while to finish things, I've been thinking about Christmas since August, but there is nothing like the feel of the first snow on your face to really drive the fact of winter home...Time to dig out the mukluks !

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-37168134385205028652008-10-19T12:39:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:45:21.524-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksWell, I haven't been blogging -not even the (almost) once weekly I keep promising myself -but I'm back -temporarily at least. My apologies to those of you who have been checking in and getting nothing new! That doesn't mean that nothing has been going on at StudioElan though!First of all, that glaze marathon I mentioned earlier had some lovely results... In fact, I've done two

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-89233306653595222952008-08-29T09:25:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:45:37.143-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks...an appearance on a busy handmade goodies blog...

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-6303932384695903762008-08-27T20:59:00.001-07:002010-02-26T11:45:54.024-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI am about to embark on a mini glaze marathon... It's a mega glaze marathon when I have two tables full of pots to glaze -I try to avoid those -they make me sweat!! ...and a few results from the last round of glazing -I tackled the experimental jars that I made during my week of freedom... Lots of food for thought here -but I was happy enough with them that you can find them

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-78099550933496833262008-08-21T22:02:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:46:16.691-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksA quick update on a few of the things happening in the studio right now...A few special projects just finished...A trophy for a charity golf tournament...A fire hydant stopperless salt shaker...and yes, that is a target for a dog...A mini version of my Orange salt shaker...And a whole batch of pots in progress... It's been a busy week!!

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-66016957468593555572008-08-19T09:31:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:46:37.010-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksMy Etsy friend, Debra Linker, is running a great promotion in conjuction with a lovely treasury she has curated. The deal is -buy something from her treasury and spend more than $30 in that shop and you will get to choose a FREE reproduction print from her shop! She has included my Rustic T-light Holder Set in selection -so if you had you eye on these hurry over to check it out

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-45820635288593762012008-08-07T07:21:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:46:58.751-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksIt was a pleasure to host a Kawartha Potter's Guild workshop this past weekend. Barbara Van Sickle of Acton came to spend the day with a crew of 11 eager potters. She shared two of her techniques with us -Naked Raku and Copper Matte Reduction Raku. Clouds threatened all day but only halted the heavy kiln action for short periods. In all, Barbara fired more than 10 kiln loads of

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-13071877683986642912008-08-01T06:01:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:48:40.059-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksNo, it's not a furniture sale... I had a little disappointment in the studio, this is what happens when I rush a bisque firing with pieces that are too wet.. shards everwhere..I blew the bottom right out of a piece that I was sure would become a favourite. I should never count clay chickens before they hatch -or assume that a new clay body will take the same abuse as the one I

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-61863148317277786422008-07-26T14:02:00.000-07:002008-07-26T14:08:31.722-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksFor those of you hang on my every blogged word (what?! -Nobody?!) and are disappointed that I've slowed down for the summer you can tune in to more pottery blogging fun. I've added a pottery blogroll -just look to your right ---> and down...If you have a clay related blog that I haven't included, just let me know and I'll get it in there.I'll be back soon with some more

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-48029365821529819262008-07-20T11:37:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:49:23.225-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksSo my once per week (almost) blog has slid to once per month -I didn't plan it that way but that may the fact of summer life. Of course that doesn't mean that nothing has been going on at StudioElan -au contraire! The large order of Apple bowls is finished and on it's way to final destinations. A few smaller custom orders from my Etsy shop are well under way and my shelves are

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-45917387195468627752008-06-21T15:25:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:49:46.726-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI was talking a few weeks ago with a potter at his show opening. I complimented him on the great posters and promotional materials that he had. He told me that his wife made them. I said that the selling system seemed to be going smoothly -he said that his wife organized that. I said that I thought that the displays showed off his work really well -he said that his wife made

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-43326591041609154932008-06-18T14:29:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:50:01.406-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksRight now I have the delicious feeling you get when somebody gives you a compliment...http://vintageindie.typepad.com/vintage_indie/2008/06/vintage-moder-1.html

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-71214390551859905742008-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:50:22.858-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksAnother session of pottery classes at StudioÉlan has come to a close. The students have come to pick up their wares at the closing night 'party'. I always try to arrange the schedule so that everyone can come at once to pick up their finished pieces so that they can see the results of everyone else's efforts. There are lots of ooo's and aaah's, "what glaze did you put on that

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-85640273067728640412008-06-08T20:18:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:50:37.372-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-29678221817379253582008-06-06T15:46:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:50:51.043-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI was the grateful recipient of a large order for my new apple bowls from a long time source of encouragement and support (Hi Mom!) The first apples I made were the result of a lot of experimenting and fiddling. This time I knew what to do and could streamline the process.First I threw and then handshaped all the basic bowl shapes and let them stiffen overnight...(Sorry, no

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-10246641742720954962008-05-26T14:19:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:51:15.210-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksSo, someone out there in blogland actually gave my angel tutorial a try! Leigh Whitaker and her daughter made this sweet angel in Leigh's pottery studio.You can check out Leigh's pottery studio blog here:http://leighwhitaker.blogspot.com/2008/05/cute-project-for-kids.htmlAnd the lovely things she makes in her studio are for sale in her Etsy shop!Thank you to Elizabeth B. for

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-5727290508884013172008-05-23T14:08:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:51:44.654-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksIt's so easy to fall into a habitual way of doing things, even if it doesn't really make sense. For example, I made glazing Berry Bowls much harder than it really needed to be for a long time. In case you aren't familiar with Berry Bowls, they are small colanders for washing, storing and serving berries, usually with a little matching saucer -like this one that I have in my

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-29672712390988517102008-05-15T09:35:00.000-07:002008-05-15T09:47:23.013-07:00

by Eleanor HendriksI usually stick to my own little corner of the world but I'm venturing out a bit with this blog. Check out this neat entry over at Modish comparing quality and prices of trendy scarves at Big Box stores with Handmade items....http://blog.modishhandmade.com/modish/2008/05/hip-handmade-sc.html?cid=114771048#comment-114771048Interesting!!

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-3825843252381634382008-05-09T15:59:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:52:14.323-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI was busy in the studio today putting handles on these... ...with little stamps like this... ..when I realized that i was tired of my stamps and that none of them were really the right size. So, I made some new ones! Once they are bisque fired I'll be able to spice things up around here!! Another of today's fiddley projects -a special order salt shaker that is supposed to be a

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-71562271974885889852008-05-02T09:32:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:52:53.581-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI hosted a Mom's Night Out for some of the parents from my children's school a little while ago. A small but enthusiastic group of ladies gathered at StudioÉlan for an evening to make clay angels.Just look at the fierce concentration... ...attention to detail... ..and a peek at the results... The whole host of angels together...And you CAN try this at home, folks!! Start with a

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-71385707123619916632008-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:53:27.589-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksA group of fruit salt shakers with their glaze coats on waiting for the heat that will transform them... ...and how they look 24 hours and 2300 degrees farenheit later... I just love how the subdued and dusty looking glaze coat becomes bright and jewel-like by the action of the heat. There were a few disappointments in the kiln too -a glaze ran and fused three really nice mugs

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-28440135849906171582008-04-11T09:41:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:53:50.760-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksNow I don't mean what you will see if you look out my studio windows -that's just all brown mud and slush and will be for a little while yet! What I mean by studio scenery is the most lovely sight of all...I just love seeing this... ...turn into this... ...and this... ...or this... I have always loved to look at rows of freshly thrown or finished pots. I wanted to take pictures

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-3314925045807061192008-04-07T11:08:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:54:21.879-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksAfter a hard drive meltdown imposed blogging break, I'm back with some news from StudioÉlan. A new round of classes has started here again -Welcome to Sylvia, Sandy, Sue, Suzanne (yes I am still getting the 's' names mixed up -I may have to make flash cards!) Betty, and Janet. Welcome back to Gayle, Lee Ann and Rochelle. I'm looking forward to a great session -some nice work

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-44901329160833062252008-03-25T14:17:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:55:12.001-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksA while ago during a pottery class focussed on glazing, I joked with my students about the Pottery Lottery. Playing the Pottery Lottery (PL) is what I call it when we put glazes on our pieces without really knowing what they are going to look like. Students almost always play the PL because they haven't had enough experience with the glazes to know how they might work. I

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-74748835664116792102008-03-14T15:57:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:55:29.335-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThe Etsy Mud Team is putting on another interesting challenge. Visit the Etsy Mud Team website to vote for your favourite critter and be sure to look for critters hidden in participating shops -you will receive a free something-er-other with any purchase if you find the critter! This is a little taste of my critter. I'm still cooking up something good to be the prize with a

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-33006897129141301652008-03-11T10:47:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:56:03.073-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksMarch Break Art Camp at StudioÉlan is going well so far this week and their project today was so successful that I thought I'd show it off! We made castle towers and tricked them out with all kinds of medieval elements and details. The series of process photos and the Rapunzel tower are the one I made as an example. The last three pictures are the great work of Lydia, Heather,

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-85797826230107038362008-03-10T17:19:00.000-07:002010-02-26T11:56:20.159-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI hinted at a future containing outhouses and hedgehogs -well, here they are, courtesy of my beginner pottery class students. I get so excited when students take a basic skill -like making a slab box or a simple thrown bowl and really make it their own. Congratulations to Rod and Lee Ann for really making all they can of the skills they have acquired so far!Rod's outhouse -

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-47024740377645992632008-03-04T10:46:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:56:44.501-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksFor those of you who have tried the "Etsy" I keep talking about but still find it confusing, here's a handy video that explains many different ways to wander through Etsy...My favourites are the Treasuries (I make one whenever I can -look for StudioElan in the curator's list) and Pounce. Of course, you can skip all that and just head for my shop ;)I'll be back with an update

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-14692245578490385342008-02-26T16:39:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:57:01.626-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksA package of pottery goodies from StudioÉlan reached its destination in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada today -so if you are near there and would like to see -in person- fruit that shakes salt or any of these other clay treasures ..........you should go to NOMI, the brick and mortar store of fellow Etsian, Kristi Cross Find hours of operation and location info for NOMI here.You will

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-65887155289996493092008-02-22T15:37:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:29:33.665-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksSo, in my last post I was showing off pots as they were going into the kiln and wondering if I had wrecked things or not. Well, the kiln load turned out fairly well -a nice batch of berry bowls, a collection of perfect fruity salt shakers, nice mugs and square hors d'ouevres plates BUT I did manage to wreck something..... ....the sculptural jars I had been working so hard on! -

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-33889116737173302662008-02-15T10:52:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:29:33.665-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksIt was another slow week in the studio -two (nearly three) snowdays changed a lot of plans! So I recruited some help in the studio to get the glazing done! (Actually, my daughter is decorating ornaments she made herself). I bit the bullet and glazed the sculpture jars -its always so hard to first decide on glazes and then execute the plan.Did I wreck them with bad choices or

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-19638210110479053512008-02-08T14:46:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:29:49.972-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThis was a slow week in the studio -my kids were home from school because of weather cancellations for a couple of days, but I still managed to spend some time playing mad scientist and mixing up some glazes... I try so hard to be neat but I fail miserably ....A little sneak peak at a new Dream Box . I miss seeing that crazy little sprout lid out of the corner of my eye so I

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-41995241380623659252008-02-03T06:45:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:58:17.620-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThe Etsy Mud Team Salt and Pepper Shaker Challenge takes place February 3 - February 9.You should go right away to the Etsy Mud Team website and check out all the entries. Vote for your favourite and you will be entered into a draw to win something pottery made by one of the team! This is the website: http://www.etsymudteam.freeweb7.com/ And here is my entry:Salt shakers only,

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-72392751416790557032008-02-01T07:01:00.000-08:002010-03-12T12:15:36.602-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksToday's blog is mostly pictures -of the process I use to make snowflake designs on my pottery.Blank slab formed platesCutting paper stencils Wait for it... ...the fun part! StockpileMatches made See you later!Wait...Careful!Ta Da!!Looking at the ruined stencils in the garbage always make me a little sad... ...but these neat leftover cut bits give me ideas!! You can see a

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-58890197264037770432008-01-30T12:40:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:59:53.920-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI had some Treasury thrills yesterday! -First of all, I got to make a treasury -this has become harder as the number of treasuries sometimes soars over 500. Second, my treasury was used as the front page (the first thing people see when they enter the Etsy website) within hours and it was up during the evening for most of North America -so it was seen by many! Here's how it

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-4028345982350067782008-01-28T09:45:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:00:21.537-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksAt least that's what I hope you'll say about today's post!These are pictures of a few of my zoetry sculptures that live at StudioÉLAN. I'm posting them here for your entertainment and as reminder to me that I'd like to make some more of this type of work soon!

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-40023023392463621262008-01-16T14:30:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:00:43.537-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThe second of the sculptured jars is nearly finished -I'll just give you a peek here...The strange noises are coming from ocarinas I've been experimenting with -We'll be making these in class over the next few weeks. I can play an 8 note scale on this lovely fellow...!...and the more mundane products of a pottery studio -berry bowls and mugs in progress this week ... I love

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-26935419697261319562008-01-10T21:04:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:01:22.805-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI found this while unpacking some boxes of books for my studio library earlier this week... October 1996 the date says!! It makes me want to sing -"she's just a young thing and cannot leave her mother.." and check out those glasses!The caption says "The 10th Annual Elora Arts Council Studio Tour featured the work and crafts of 21 artists and artisans in the Elora and Fergus

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-64715938820231188932008-01-06T17:57:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:01:38.829-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksI came in to the studio earlier this week to find a plastic wrapped blob lying on the floor. Unwrapped it revealed this......leaning, misshapen and rather unfortunately cracked. Luckily, I had six others to work with and my first session with the first one ended like this... Not done yet, stay tuned! (I did wrap up and keep the disaster -maybe it will get to be the ugly cousin

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-24378674542580447762007-12-30T14:05:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:01:52.275-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks...of Etsy!Can you tell I'm spending too much time on the computer? Go on now, get a life!!

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-86660133351903309692007-12-28T16:39:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:02:06.809-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksTwo of my stopperless salt shakers have found new homes across North America: one in Maryland and one in California! Etsy is making the world smaller. Goodbye, salt shaker friends -happy trails!To see my other items seeking international travel adventures visit my Etsy shop !

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-31658196189875865882007-12-19T07:52:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:02:23.756-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks, Many potters say that unloading a kiln is like Christmas. I sure think it is... ...especially when there are little faces like this peeking out at me.... ...and here are some of the results for the first class at StudioÉLAN, Fenelon Falls. Congratulations to Sandy, Rochelle, Ross and Marjorie on some great results. I loved having you as my students this fall. Don't be

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-34830580168977049032007-12-15T01:43:00.001-08:002010-02-26T12:02:34.467-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks...you can make an etsy treasury! Here's how it looked...

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-43653769478457636982007-12-13T19:02:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:02:47.066-08:00

by Eleanor Hendriks...are coming to an end. I've had eight fun sessions with 6 beginning students who started coming to the studio once a week back in October. Now their work is glazed and waiting to go into the kiln tomorrow with the last of my production for the year.Some of their finished pieces from the first kiln firing this session. I always try to fire the kiln twice in a session. This

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-49026827804695056422007-12-07T16:57:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:03:00.062-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksSo, after much fussing, StudioÉLAN is selling online!new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5001632, 'shop','thumbnail',2,2).renderIframe();Just a few pieces so far, but more will come as time allows.

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-45928135941952486942007-11-30T10:47:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:03:15.580-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksThe biggest motivation to get all the previously mentioned transformation done was the...1st Annual StudioÉLAN Christmas Art Sale.This show was held November 9, 10 and 11 2007 -I invited 6 other artists to show their wares at my studio along with my pottery. We had food, cider, holiday decorations and lots of fun!Guests were:Janice Addison -watercolour painter from Seagrave,

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-25652719778247715492007-11-21T11:01:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:03:31.683-08:00

by Eleanor HendriksStudioÉlan went from this...To this...And then to this...And finally, to this...A bright, cheerful pottery workspace with heat (just in time for winter) and lots of power for ... ..the kiln.This transformation took from February to October, two electricians, one backhoe, 6 bottles of Dawn, 3 floor epoxy kits, 15 gallons of paint, a truckload of drywall, plywood and 2x4's, 4

StudioÉLANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028181402183377456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37476779.post-1163176953843984292006-11-10T08:37:00.000-08:002006-11-10T08:44:28.926-08:00

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