Open

Tradition probably helps dictate how you celebrate Christmas (if you celebrate Christmas). When you open presents, how you open the presents and activity after opening presents can all be unique to you and your family. 

I have a few strong memories of Christmas time from when I was growing up. Watching a televised production of Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitor’ is one of them. I know the music and the words by heart and can sing along to the entire opera. The story always makes me tearful. My own family likes to make fun of me when I listen and sing to the music, but I don’t care. It is one way I open up to my roots and childhood memories each holiday season. 

Christmas Eve was spent with ‘the Greens’ for years and years. Our two families would gather, share a meal starting with Oyster Stew (which I grew to love), open gifts and share festive conversation. Today I am thinking about that tradition and how the repetition of those gatherings were so special in my life. 

When I was a child, Christmas morning had a ritual. My brother and I could open our stocking gifts at the same time, but each present under the tree had to be opened in turn, one at a time, and the wrapping paper was carefully saved to be used another time. I know other families approach opening differently, ripping into the presents willy nilly and all at once. There is no right or wrong way. 

When my husband and I married and had our first child, we began our own tradition of celebrating both Hanukah and Christmas. Our kids enjoyed opening gifts during each holiday. Now that our family has grown up and live on their own, new holiday traditions emerge. Christmas Day is often celebrated with a movie, Chinese carryout, or a simple home cooked meal. 

Merry Christmas!

Lighten Up

One of my favorite parts of the holidays are the lights that dress up the winter darkness. I have a visceral memory of driving around my Arlington, Va. neighborhood with my mother and father when I was very young to enjoy the colorful house displays.  These days, my family enjoys perusing our neighborhood to enjoy our local light shows in the same way. This is a holiday treat to treasure. 

On the flip side, the stress of creating a perfect holiday is also evident this time of year. Selecting the perfect gift, cooking the most delicious meal, acknowledging every family tradition, all at the same time can take its toll on the enjoyment of this festive season.

So lighten up. That’s my mantra for the holiday season. So much of the stress we put on ourselves this time of year, is self-imposed. It’s not a competition with our family or friends, or I don’t think it should be. It is probably impossible to create the perfect holiday you have pictured in your mind, and that’s okay. Do holiday time your way, the best way you can.

Here’s my nod to holiday decorating this year. A little tree covered in chili pepper lights next to my blooming Christmas cactus!

The holidays can be about spending time with loved ones. Gifts are nice, but time together is what we remember. Share some food, play some games, take time for conversation. Build those memories that truly last a lifetime. What better gift is there than that?

Click on the photo to tell me about your favorite holiday tradition.

Celebrating All Things Hand Made!

You may not be aware that it’s American Craft Week. October 6 – 15 marks a national spotlight on handcrafted art in America. Why is this significant? Think about it. Crafts spark jobs, help create vibrant communities, and provide economic growth all while showcasing our exceptional national heritage. And on top of that, crafts provide a beautiful aesthetic for our homes and public places. 

American Craft Week provides nationwide opportunities for you to explore handmade art right in your local community. Craft shows, artist demonstrations, shops and curated exhibits are all part of the fun. Click here to find specific details about American Craft Week in your area. Want to visit my studio to learn about my creative process? Just let me know and we'll make that happen!

As the holiday season approaches and you begin to think about your own family traditions, celebrations, and gift-giving opportunities, please consider buying and using items made by a craft artist. Your purchase means the world to its creator. You are supporting a small business, and helping keep the art of craft alive and well. 

Presence – The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The days after holidays can be a letdown. There is such a build-up to a particular day and event, that when it’s over and done, it can be a little sad. My remedy to this natural ebb and flow is to focus on the positive, and think about the lasting gifts each holiday brings.

Knitting is one of the ways I sit with my family and enjoy their company. 

Sure, presents and elaborate meals are nice, but what I truly remember about holiday events of the past is the people. The time we spend together talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company – those are the gifts I most remember. As each holiday comes around, and past family traditions are shared with new friends and growing families, it’s also a good time to reflect on those no longer present. 

Some of our family traditions for Christmas include Chinese Food carry-out, a trip to the movies, and playing a board game. These memory-building activities are a fun way to spend time together, relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s presence. What are the holiday traditions/memories that are important to you? Click on the photo above to tell me!

I did manage to slip into the studio this past week to finish up some commission pieces. This unique colander will replace a broken one that was made long ago for a special friend. I already have lots of new ideas brewing and am excited to get back in the studio to create in the new year ahead. 

Let The Gift Giving Begin!

I’ll start. Here’s a chance to receive a free ClayByLaura mug which retails for $42 from me. Entry is simple. Like the ClayByLaura Facebook page = one entry. Like the blog Facebook post = another entry. Share the blog Facebook page = another entry. Comment on the blog Facebook post = another entry. Leave a comment on my website = another entry. Sign up for Studio Updates (if you haven't already!) = another entry. Pin one of the photos from this blog to your Pinterest page = another entry. Follow the ClayByLaura Pinterest page = another entry.  Follow me on Instagram, look for the ClayByLaura Free Mug Giveaway Post – like it, comment on it, and @share it for even more entries! You get the idea. A winner will be chosen and announced at random on Sunday, December 6. 

If you're like me, a morning cup of coffee happens first thing. I have certain favorite mugs that seem to make that first cup o' joe even more delicious. I hope this will become your favorite mug!

Not a coffee fan? That works too. This is the perfect mug for a warm cup of evening cocoa to help melt away the day's stress. The mug holds 12 ounces of your favorite liquid.

I hope the spirit of giving this season is pleasurable for you. That's the real point -- to enjoy the gift giving and not let it become a burden. If you are looking for unique gift items starting at just $15, take a look at the ClayByLaura Purchase page for handmade presents that will last for years to come and remind the recipient of you each time they are used!

Tried and True

Ideas for the shapes I create often come from Family, Friends and Customers. I’m looking forward to getting back in the studio this week to work out some new pieces for the fall and holiday season. Also on my ‘to do’ list is a familiar shape I will make again and again.

Over the last fifteen years (or more), I’ve been making a tray and serving bowl set. Originally, each free form tray was slumped over a piece of Styrofoam I had covered in masking tape. There are a few different sizes I use to create trays. More recently, I've played with pressing a wood shape in the clay to achieve a desired serving piece.  I have a large collection of these forms in the studio.

I like to include a recipe card with clay pieces I sell. It answers the question, "What do I use this for?" and is another way of personalizing what I create.  I play around with textures on the tray and repeat the pattern in the matching bowl. 

I've experimented with different styles for the tray and shapes for the bowl. But the long tray style with matching bowl seems to be the most popular.

The most recent iteration of the Tray-n-Bowl features the two color process I use on many of my other clay pieces. I layer one color of underglaze with another color of glaze. I like how the pooled glaze highlights the applied texture. I've also changed the size and design of the matching  bowl for the set. 

As much as I enjoy adding new shapes to my clay repertoire, the familiarity of the Tray-n-Bowl sets is satisfying to make as well. This useful item has evolved with the techniques I've picked up and use along the way and continues to be a popular seller. I'll be restocking my inventory just in time for serving holiday goodies and gift-giving season!