Put Down That Spoon, Punkin'

From Kentucky...

Our class made pumpkin rattles today. It seemed like a Fall Equinox kind of thing to do. The rattles are made by attaching two pinch pots together. I came up with the idea of making a small envelope of paper which holds the rattle components inside, and keeps them from sticking to the sides of the rattle interior during the first firing. The envelope conveniently burns up during the bisque firing. I warned the students that they would go into a sort of zen hypnotic state, when paddling their pumpkins with their wooden spoons. No one listened. A few deflated pumpkins were the result. I think we might need to get the spoons out and paddle some random shapes. It actually IS very relaxing...

There were three parent helpers today. I always like to have the parents make what we're making. Seriously, Alina's dad and Haley's mom have some clay chops. Lovely work. The kid work was inspirational, as always. They just make it happen, and it seems effortless and free.

Some had vines and leaves...

Very creative stems...

Excellent organic shapes...

These are going into the kiln with my telephones...

Helping to load the car...