Another Kiln Load Opening Today -- and, Yes, Mixed Again

Today, or possibly tonight (it's still cooled only to around 550 F), I'll be opening another mixed kiln load, but I'm moving in the right direction:  almost all of this load is bisque, and only a handful of glazed pieces.  I think by the next firing, I can have solid one or the other loads.

The kiln yesterday before I started firing.  Only these few pieces on top are glazed.  It's not a very full kiln, but I have a lot of oddly shaped pieces that are going to need their own kiln when I have enough of them.  

Later (next day)  Oops!  I forgot to photograph the kiln when I opened it, but all came out well, and I have a lot of underglaze painting to do now!!

Included in the few glazed pieces are some really cute ones, in my humble opinion.  I've been doing a few smaller pieces as I think I've already mentioned, and among them are some smaller wall-hanging fish that can be hung either vertically or horizontally.  I can imagine how nice a grouping of them on a wall would be.  And, of course, as usual, each piece is unique.  

Remember, if you ever have any questions about any part of my technique or materials (such as clay, underglazes, etc.) that I use, I'll be happy to answer them.  Just drop a comment in the posting.

And if you ever want to see any of my works, they're all at Etsy (except for the two galleries below). 

 https://dottiedracos.etsy.com

My works are also available at Fine Lines Gallery in Sister Bay, WI, and at Nash Gallery in Hilton Head, SC.

And, one final thing:  I no longer do paintings, but prints of my paintings are still available at FineArtAmerica, https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/dottie-dracos/shop.  I get a small commission when one sells.

Today, a Couple of New Listings on Etsy, and Gardening

 I listed the large dog with the stick in its mouth (in the photo a couple of days ago in the bottom of my kiln) and a small dog figurine that was in the kiln, too.  I try to list a couple of pieces every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  

Here's my Etsy shop if you're interested:  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DottieDracos?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

I also still sell prints of my paintings from years earlier on Fine Art America.  At this time, I'm not doing any more paintings, but I'm known for changing my mind sometimes.

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/dottie-dracos/shop

Gardening:  Lots of weeding and watering.  I have the usual veggie starts going well already, such as tomatoes, eggplants, serrano peppers (I love them!), and cucumbers.  I also always grow lots and lots of greens of every sort, and of course beans, onions, herbs, and garlic.  Oh, and radishes for my granddaughter - she's addicted to them.

Re my running commentary on online art/crafts sales venues

Well, I don't have a whole lot to report at this time.  I got a couple of sales on Artfire.com, but they were to other artists/vendors on the site - due to my having made comments in the discussion forums.  Absolutely no "outside" sales.  However, in fairness to artfire, I haven't had (or taken) the time to do much marketing, either.  I'll keep working with it, I think, though, just to see how it goes if I give it more of a chance.

Etsy is still going strong, although it's slowed down a bit I think because it's summertime.  I still haven't checked back with 1000 Markets, but I promise I will soon.  I'm also looking at another venue now, too, but so far, I haven't done much yet with it:  It's called http://www.fineartamerica.com/.  There's supposedly a free membership or a $30 annual membership.  I'll report my findings on it probably next week (we've got a camping trip coming up for a few days!  Horray!)