open.

Come see me! Here's a MAP!

shoot.

Superstar photographer Phil Kneen spent a morning with me in the studio on Tuesday. He captured some beautiful shots - I'm stoked. 

See a few more photos over on Phil's blog and stay tuned for a few more here!

big.

I've skipped off the island this weekend to visit my Mum in Suffolk. We're doing a bit of road tripping and found this awesome kiln! It belonged to Henry Watson in the olden days (ie. I'm not sure when.).

smitten.

Don't mind me, I'm just crushing on my studio. 

breakfast.

I'm so in love with my studio space. I quite happily amble there earlier than necessary to sit and contemplate and eat my muesli. Ah.

[oh hello mugs!]

mie.

Moghrey mie (pronounced 'morra my') is Manx Gaelic for good morning. I learn a little Manx in primary and secondary school, then promptly fell in love with French instead. I suspect that was mainly because I wanted to go to Paris!

There's a steady resurgence of support for this once-native language and I'm rather enjoying adding a little Manx cheer to my pots.

jug.

Tea tastes better out of handmade cups. Fact.

Another fun fact: pourers are super cute.

small pleasures.

MORE SHELVES!

partay.

wednesday.

Ah full days in the studio, glorious! On wednesday morning I threw a heap of ramekins to distract me from the cooling kiln...!

That's 22 ramekins plus 3 little test pourers in under 4 hours. That amount of throwing used to take a whole day for me to complete and that would be pushing it. I have no idea how I've improved my speed without practicing for 9 months...?!

I'm slightly obsessed with this view ^

festive.

Christmastime never felt quite right in Australia. 30C heat with traditional carols? Weird. 

November already feels festive. The nights are cold and crisp and clear, the leaves have nearly all fallen from the trees and fairy lights are slowly beginning to appear. I'm actually looking forward to the Christmas season. I've even made a few cups and ramekins to share some seasonal cheer: Nollick Ghennal.

[merry christmas.]

sunday.

Well, 2 sundays ago. 

[a hand painted gift from a special lady]

[MUGS!]

Eileen.

This is my first kiln. I've been using electric kilns for 10 years, but I've never owned one before. It's a whole new awesome and terrifyingly responsible experience.

Between you and me, my Mum helped me out with a loan to buy my equipment before I got my government grant, so it seems only fitting that I have christened my kiln 'Eileen', after Mum!

[kiln gods]

I unloaded the first test glaze firing on Sunday and it was so perfect I nearly CRIED with happiness.
Thanks Mum.

[Let's go to Mud Colony, shall we?]

Repeat.

Ooh repetition can be so satisfying. 

Night times.

Long nights are upon us. The sun sets by 5pm. It's cold; around 10C daytime. Most evenings you'll find me in the studio.

[did I mention my landlords are awesome?!]

[mmm new kiln shelves.]