oh I've been without my computer for a few days and I finally got it working All it took was my DH standing there, looking over my shoulder going.... "its booting up, what do you mean its not working?" UGH all the time!

but I'm checking in just the same!
-pj

I'm still on the fence.  Would anybody like to receive maybe artwork, stuffed animals, embroidery, maybe some jewelry or sculpture?   I would like to paired up w/somebody who can knit and crochet.  There are some knitted and crocheted stuffed animals I would like to receive, as I don't knit or crochet.  And, I collect knitted and crocheted stuffed animals.  Any takers?   

I think we should join even if we let Fate dictate our partners..... and if you want a crochet stuff, let me know! I can always see what the hook brings I love making things for you! 

And hi back Toothless!
-pj

Oh I am so on the fence with this swap and I've only got a few days to decide!!!  I loved everything in the other swap galleries but I always get fearful at the thought of a large item.... then I look at some of the things I send and know that they would really be larges if I gave myself more credit than I do....

*sigh* which I could get off the fence...
anyone wanna make friends with someone who makes raku pottery?

-pj

OK so the stuff in this gallery is sooooo awful that you need to send it all to me so I can save all of you from that Henson-lishousness !!!

OMG we are an incredible bunch of artist!  From the clay work, to the paintings, the cards, the beadwork.....my friends and family see what I get from swaps and are amazed what we make for each other. 


but seriously, send it all to me....you know you want to....
-pj

Yeah, what I'm working on now, I want to keep it for myself.  But, I know it's going to a really, really good home, and to really, really WONDERFUL people!

Thank you Gotgrey!  I love everything (and so does the kiddo!  He keeps picking which stuffie to drag to his therapy appointments and he's there three times a week!)
Crafting has been lagging a bit for this swap because the art center's student sale is this Sunday and I have a few dragons to finish for it.  Then the member's show and I'll be back on track

-pj

And, pjr107 received yesterday.  That's 2 less loads on my mind.   

 No worries, that's my job this week

Gotgrey  sent tons of things in a tiny box ( not spoilling this time.... yeah right!

 So some cute  books (I had some of these when I was a kid and lost them at my mother's house)

 to some stickers and notebooks

 and figurines( not opened yet cause kiddo isn't home)

 she also sent not only Beaker

 snuffy
]
 but she also sent camella as well


 thanks for everything, you are such an awesome swap partner!
-pj

Oh, then I would be GREEN w/envy!!  2 greys, I would just die!

well,we shall see.... my house is so small that the dog has to back up  until she can turn around....  funny but sad sometimes.   she seem happy and I think I just worry too much.

 box is here! thank you for all the goodies and posting pics ( hopefully) in a few.
-p

here is another cheap way to get started that involves just a little research to get started type in the words "raku instructions" on Google. Raku is a Japanese pottery style that requires much less heat than kiln firing.

It must be noted that Raku Is Definitely no food safe... but a great start for art pieces.

Raku is usually bisque fired and when glazes are applied, they go to cone 05-06 which I believe is around 1200F. 
I know you can do pit firing or wood firing which doesn't involve a kiln and there are a few good books on alternative firing techniques. 

If you are struggling to get pieces glazed/fired within a class time,  find out if there is open studio time that you can go in for glazing pieces.  If your class ends and you have limited time to glaze/fire... sometimes talking to the place that hosts the classes will allow pieces to go in after the class for firing.  I know my instructor will allow former students to come in for a class to fire (esp since it is raku and you have to be right there for the firing). 
As for the glazes not being marked.... that's a huge problem!  If they are a larger "school" offering classes, you might want to bring this up to the instructor as well as working your way up the food chain (director, board) simply so that this issue can be addressed, even if its just a sheet that needs to be pointed out at the beginning of the classes.

Good luck!
-pj

Maybe a "duh" moment for me but here's my question....

Its any amigurumi? not necessarly human but could be a critter type?  Or it should have human qualities so its similar to a poppet but crochet?


Or am I really just thinking to hard on this....
-pj