The Potter's Studio & Gallery
16 Brunel Road P1H 1P1 Huntsville, ON, Canada

Continuing with my involvement in NATIONAL CLAY WEEK, I thought I'd share the process of how I make a custom platter. The inspiration for this platter came from a customer who wanted to give his mother a special gift, a gift based on her favourite poem. The technique I use is called Sgraffitto which involves scratching or carving the image into leatherhard clay ( slightly dry clay, before kiln firings) The first step is to create the actual piece, whether it's a wheel th...rown bowl or in this case a large oval platter. This platter is made from white clay and has been coated with black underglaze. Next I loosely draw out the design, pressing lightly with a blunt pencil. Once the design is more or less thought out then I start scratching away the black underglaze, exposing the white clay and allowing the image to develop and come 'alive'. From there I continue adding details as required and scratching away the underglaze. My favourite tools are the 3 metal ones as they leave a nice, sharp and clean line. Carving is done at leatherhard stage. If additional colours are required I hand paint this detail onto the piece using underglaze. This painting is done prior to kiln firings. The first firing is a bisque firing that will vitrify pieces, making them ready for glaze firing. After glaze firing it's ready to go....wait, still need to sand the bottom, take photos and contact the customer. I need to go now, put handles onto mugs that I threw this morning. Thanks for following along! #nationalclayweek #potterycommunity #potteryhuntsville #sgrafittopottery #huntsvilleart #potterymuskoka #openstudio @ The Potter's Studio & Gallery

I'm participating in NATIONAL CLAY WEEK and today I'm taking you on a tour of my studio. I've numbered each photo, top left corner, and a description of what you are looking at.Hope you enjoy this glimpse into life of a potter! Www.clayweek.org 1) My studio from the curb as you approach the studio. I'm so happy the flowers have lasted into October. ... 2) This is the view of my studio, once you walk into the house. The big work table, adjustable shelves, great lighting make my job easier but its really the scattered knick knacks that motivate me. 3) A second room is set up for glazing, complete with glaze bucket on wheely cart. 4 & 5) The electric kiln is off the glaze room, in its own room with a powerful fan for proper ventilation. This fan was one of my best investments. 6 & 7) Various shelves provide ample storage for the equipment, supplies and tools.....but seems there's never enough. The storage unit in photo 6, which was in the basement, sealed the deal on my offer to purchase the house. That's how important storage is! 8 & 9) My wheel is nicely tucked into the corner with a view to the street and sidewalk, catching all the world as it walks or drives by. 10) And a spot for the furry ones. Hope you enjoyed this glimpse and I'll be back tomorrow with more insight into life as a potter. I gotta go now, clay is calling! Karen www.thepottersstudio.com #nationalclayweek #clayweekopenstudio #makersgonnamake #makeanddoceramics #ontariopottery #canadianceramics #craftontario #muskokaartsandcrafts #discovermuskoka #potterylife #pottersoninstagram #potteryoninstagram #muskokalife #potteryhuntsville #potterymuskoka #potteryhaliburton #wheelthrownpottery #handmadepottery @ The Potter's Studio & Gallery

Finally, I uploaded a few medium and large bowls to my website, along with a couple of trays. I'd like to upload more frequently but I'm just one little potter doing the best I can..... Gallery is open 10am to 4pm until Friday October 9th then by chance or appointment until early December. Always available online or email me. Thank you for your support during this strange and wobbly summer of 2020.... www.thepottersstudio.com #potteryhuntsville #potterymuskoka #canadianceramics #algonquinprovincialpark #shophuntsville #muskokalife #cottagelife #lakeofbays #discovermuskoka #sgrafittopottery #artrailmuskoka #muskokaartsandcrafts #artrailmuskoka

Check out Muskoka Arts & Crafts tote bag promotion! Sooooo many fantastic bags. Vote for your favourite.

So next week is National Clay Week and I'm participating in the virtual open studio portion. This is where the outside world can see the inner workings of a pottery studio. Check out www.clayweek.org for details, line up of virtual tours and demonstrations. Gosh, now I need to spend the weekend thinking of impressive things to show you! In the meantime, I'll leave you with a photo of life in the woods, 2020 style. Have a good weekend. ... @clay_week #nationalclayweek #potterycommunity #potterystudiolife #lifeofpotter #potteryhuntsville #potterymuskoka #wheelthrownpottery #sgraffitto #sgrafittopottery #handmadepottery #ceramicartist #artistlife

Sometimes you just have to say yes to the unusual requests! #fixthecookiejar #favouritecookiejar #littlepiggy #piggyjar #memoriesforlife @ The Potter's Studio & Gallery

Lately I've been on a roll with anniversary gifts. This large platter celebrates a 2019 wedding that included our local steamship heritage. I have a couple more gift orders on the go, just can't post photos before they are presented! #discovermuskoka #segwun #segwunsteamship #muskokalife #muskokalife #gravenhurstwharf #gravenhurstshipyards #muskokashipyards #muskokaartsandcrafts #muskokagiftshop #cottagegift #custompottery #weddinggifts #anniversarygift #sgrafittopottery #potteryhuntsville #potterymuskoka #canadianceramics #ontariopottery #ontariotourism #ontarioculture #artrailmuskoka #artistsoflimberlost #smallbusinesshuntsville #pottersofinstagram

Closed September 22 & 23 for a little sunshine therapy. www.thepottersstudio.com

I think there may be a few motorcycles cruising the roads this weekend. I don't ride one but know how precious sunny fall days are. Enjoy. Safely. These 4 mugs are available, $40 plus hst, DM if you need one. Pickup and shipping available. Open Monday to Friday by appointment or chance. ... #sgrafittopottery #sgraffitto #motorcycle #motorcyclemug #motorcycleart #falldays #potterbrunel #potteryhuntsville #potterymuskoka #potterymugs #algonquinprovincialpark #arrowheadprovincialpark #huntsvilleartgallery #huntsvillesmallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #cottagemuskoka #cottagegift #huntsvilleart #discovermuskoka @ The Potter's Studio & Gallery

Why do fall days and Buffalo Plaid go together so well? Today's bonus round for me included carving these fun mugs for inventory. I'll post photos when completed, but for now they sit on the shelf, drying in todays glorious fall weather. Custom and online orders welcome. Gallery open Monday to Friday by chance or appointment. #buffaloplaid #fallmugs #potteryhuntsville #potterbrunel #discovermuskoka #muskokaartsandcrafts #huntsvilleartsociety #artistsoflimberlost #sgrafittopottery #cottagegift #cottagelife #muskokalife #lakeofbays #cottagemuskoka #handmadepottery #huntsvilleartgallery #shopsmall #shoplocal #shophuntsville #ontariopottery #ontariotourism #artrailmuskoka

Connecting the dots! What started as a meeting in Algonquin Park is completed with a platter in Australia .....wth a little help from Canada and Australian Postal service. Thanks to all helping hands along the way. Shipping and pick up options available for online orders. Gallery open by appointment. #custompottery #customorders #algonquinprovincialpark #algonquininspiredart #artistsoflimberlost #artrailmuskoka #paddleart #discovermuskoka #huntsvilleartgallery #potterymuskoka #potteryhuntsville #muskokaceramics #ontariopottery #ontariotourism #pottersoninstagram #handmade #handbuiltpottery #muskokaartsandcrafts #muskokalife #cottagelife #cottagegift @ The Potter's Studio & Gallery

It wasn't the start of the day I had expected but with a little silicone spray and help from a neighbour my world began to rotate again. Have a good weekend folks! #wheelproblems #potteryproblems #dailygrind #potterymaking #potterymuskoka #smallbusinesshuntsville #smallbusiness #fixityourself #potteryhuntsville #potteryhaliburton #potteryoninstagram #wheelthrownpottery #canadianceramics #ontariopottery #ontariotourism #potterystudiolife #discovermuskoka #muskokaartsandcrafts #artistsoflimberlost #artrailmuskoka #sgrafittopottery