My mornings just got better...
Our mugs are out of the kiln and into our hands, and I finally have five homemade **American-sized** coffee cups to drink out of before class.  They aren't perfect, but for a first attempt at ceramics mine aren't bad. Thanks to my professors Alexis and Tanner for the refreshment "testers" and pastries at our cup critique today!  Check out their website here:
http://antsculpture.com/AnT_Sculpture/Contact_AnT.html
Those two are awesome...

 Today I was The Girl Who Played with Fire.

I finished soldering my belt buckle in the metals studio, with the help of my professor Lola Brooks (check out her Facebook page here--https://www.facebook.com/51001732273/photos/a.10150680194372274.397270.51001732273/10151356012037274/?type=1&theater--she's the one modeling, too).  My piece definitely needs some sanding after the heat discoloration, but overall I am pleased...

Meanwhile my five clay mugs baked away in the ceramics kiln next door.  I'm anxious to see how the glazes I chose will react after the bisque firing.  You never know what the colors will really look like until they come out of the oven.  We'll see tomorrow morning!

Happy Birthday, Levi!

Happy 22nd Birthday to my boyfriend Levi!

For the past two years I've made Levi a painting for his birthday present.

Here's this year's: A blast-from-the-past poster, advertising the notorious St. Lawrence University "Snow Bowl" Winter Carnival (est. 1934).  This celebration of skiing, sledding, and other "festivities" was once an annual event at local "Snow Bowl" mountain.  Unfortunately the university sold the property in 2004, and the party no longer takes place.  Saints like us only dream of it nowadays--until there's fresh powder and a free afternoon.  Then Levi, my friends, and other brave SLU students ski the un-groomed backcountry slopes.
Happy birthday, Leev :) I hope you like it!

Duomo Cathedral bowl (unfinished)

 Continued work on the Teatro Signorelli tray (unfinished)

 I have settled on a design for my belt buckle: This abstract "jewel."  I have cut out almost all of the pieces, and will begin soldering soon (brass, bronze, copper) 

 My first attempt at sawing and soldering metals in jewelry-making (copper and brass)