"Kiln loading is a bit like a puzzle" said my Ceramic professor!  "You have to optimize your space!"  These are photos from one of my most recent kiln openings this winter, top, middle and bottom shelves of the kiln!  When making and glazing my pieces I not only think about the design and function but also how they will fit in the kiln!  Sometimes I wonder if I need a bigger kiln?!

Third Annual Maine Pottery Tour

This is our Third Annual Maine Pottery Tour!

Potters from all over Maine will be joining us.

The potters will be opening up their studios, 

galleries and kilns

to give you the inside scoop on how 

all this great Maine 

pottery is made and the inspiration

 behind it all!

For more information and maps, check out:

mainepotterytour.blogspot.com

Your Favorite Mug!

I know we all have a favorite mug or mugs!  I love a great cup of tea or hot chocolate in the afternoon in one of them!  These are some of my mugs inspired by a hot beverage!

Bee, Hedgehog and Chicken Mugs!

Chicken Mug!

Hedgehog mug!

Bee Mug!

25th Annual Holiday Show

Yes, I have now been making pottery on Maple Lane Farm for a quarter of a century!  It has been a wonderful journey and I have loved all every minute of it!  Thank you all for making it fun and rewarding!  Hope you will stop by for a visit and a cup of hot mulled cider!  Robbi

Maple Lane Pottery's Annual Mother's Day Show and Sale

You are invited to join us for our Annual Mother's Day Pottery and Perennial plant show and sale!  I have some fun new designs for this spring show! Hope you can come join us!  Thank you for your support and I will look forward to seeing you! Robbi

Garlic Grater designs

The Garlic Grater is a delightful little dish with a ribbed design on the bottom used to very simply grate a clove of garlic, making it a little gourmet treat when adding olive oil!

I have just started making these and have whole heartedly added them to my line of pottery! 

Hedgehog Garlic Grater

Use of the Garlic Grater:

Separate cloves from the garlic bulb. Hit a clove with the back of a wooden spoon or kitchen hammer. This will slightly mash the clove making it easier to peel. Peel one or more large garlic cloves. Press the clove on the bottom of the dish or bowl and rub back and forth. This will grate the garlic clove, releasing it's spicy oil and turning the grated clove into an intensely flavored garlic paste.
Add your favorite oil to the paste and enjoy dipping torn pieces of  french bread.
For tasty variations, add: Balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese or soy sauce to the garlic oil.

Crows & Ravens

Crows and Ravens have always fascinated me! Their almost human movements combined with an uncanny ability to even sound human make them an irresistible subject to study. I am intrigued by all the of the mysteries surrounding them in superstitions and folklore.

Some of my favorites: If a raven perches on a house in Wales, it will bring prosperity to the family within.

Alexander the Great was supposedly guided across the desert by two ravens sent from heaven.

Rooks feeding in village streets or close to nests in the morning means inclement weather is to come - usually storms or rain.

Conversely, rooks flying far from their nest means fair weather

I have started a new design with the crow/raven as my subject. I have enjoyed trying out different poses and crow possibilities!