Our first load of the year...2012

January is the time we tighten up the kiln for the upcoming year.

The changes we made allow us to fit even more pieces into each kiln load.

We took apart and redid the shelves and  fire bricks.

 This is a stamped baby gift for Skylar with our shamrock logo.

 An anniversary wedding crock for Penny & Fred with our Snowman logo.

 They were the first pots put into our first kiln load of the year.

 We start filling the load as the pieces dry. They don't go in until they are dry or they'll explode in the bisque fire. These pieces are still drying. You can tell by the darker variations of clay on the pot.

 These pieces are dry and waiting to be loaded into the kiln.

 Like this....We load the kiln until it's full then we do our bisque fire.

Here's to a Happy, healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Non-Personalized Christmas Pieces

We are so ready for the Christmas Holiday Season

zotterthepotter.com

Are you thinking about the holiday season ahead? We are. We are so ready.

We're trying something new...

We're lucky to have some really talented artisans at Zotter The Potter.

We're thinking about trying something new and showcasing their work outside our standard

Zotter The Potter line.

We'd like to introduce Mike Rozzi.

He not only throws our shapes, but his own as well.

This is a picture of his spice jar.

It's a one of a kind piece.

Once it's gone, it's gone.

Fall Color

Fall Millstone

Walt at Millstone a few years back. (He's the one in the red cap.)

This group has been camping at the same site for almost 30 years.

Walt joined the group over 12 years ago and enjoyed their spring and fall camping traditions.

For their 25th anniversary, Walt made the group a commemorative Millstone stein, individualized with their special camp names.

Houston Pumpkin Festival

Pick of the Day: MC with Monogram Logo

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October is a gorgeous time of year in Pittsburgh.

The leaves are changing, the days are nice and crisp...it's a beautiful time to be outdoors.

This year, we went to the 28th Annual Houston Pumpkin Festival sponsored by the

Houston Fire Dept. in Houston, PA.

It was busy. They had over 175 Unique Craft & Food Booths includ­ing Pizza, Fun­nel Cakes, Hot Sausage, Gyros, Veg­gies, Ket­tle Corn, & Much More! There was a Children’s area with

Pony & Car­riage Rides, Rock Wall, Bounc­ers, Pump­kin Dec­o­rat­ing, Pet­ting Zoo, Train Ride & Much More.

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.

We found a vendor who made their own Root Beer and Sasparilla Soda. Delicious.

Who doesn't love a miniature pony?

They had a petting zoo for the kids.

A picture of our Pumpkin Harvest Logo

A Celebration in Black...

Our friend Theresa loves the color black.

And because she loves black, he loves black.

 So, we did a special project and personalized some pots in black glaze for her.

She is that special.

We'll miss you Jack.

Waxing & Lining

Waxing the bottom of the pots helps keep glaze from melting and sticking to the kiln shelves.

Each line is hand painted on each pot.

Cobalting...

It's hard to believe the tools you have to combat a kiln load of freshly bisqued pots include a tiny bowl of cobalt and an eye-dropper.

 Each letter, logo, and number gets filled with an eye-dropper.

It's a precise (and daunting) process, especially when in a hurry.

 It helps to have your own personal cheerleader sitting behind you cheering you on.