Jennie the Potter

Chop chop

Jennie — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:35:15 +0000

Eagle eyed customers of mine will notice something new when inspecting my ware. I have a new signature stamp to mark my work. Potters call these maker’s mark stamps or impressions chops. Often they are fashioned of fired clay, carved plaster, or like mine are made of wood. My stamp bears the initials jtp, and will be how my work is marked from now on. I made the decision to change my mark after having a familiar conversation about the serendipity of having the last name “potter”. Shocking, but true, many people incorrectly assume my name really is potter. You’ll be surprised to know my middle name is not “the” too. The mark is pressed into the clay when still moist, but some pots will no doubt escape unstated from time to time. Those that do, will be signed the old fashioned way, with my true last name.

MDSW 2012

Jennie — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:05:49 +0000

At 4:00 this morning I opened the final kiln for this year’s Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. After waiting for the kiln to cool enough to wrap the pots for transit, without melting my bubble wrap, I got on the road. We made it all the way to Ohio, and we getting ready for some well deserved rest.
The studio has been buzzing making lots of pottery, buttons, and stitch markers for this year’s event. I’m in the same location- you’ll find me in the farm and garden building, booth #8. (The farm and garden building is directly next to the t-shirt building.) Here’s a link to the festival grounds map.
The blue crab has made it’s way back to the specialty mug for the event, and is joined by an octopus. I have a limited number of these, so come early to make sure you nab one!
Also, if you have a project in need of a button, bring along your swatch or a sample of your fiber to help you locate the perfect match.

I seem to have a problem

Jennie — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:34:46 +0000

I’m working on some new techniques to add to my artist’s quiver. I’m not entirely sure where, or how these are going to end up on my pots but I thought I would share a little of my studio obsession at the moment, speedball ez cut blocks.

It’s almost March?

Jennie — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:12:37 +0000

Really? How did that happen? I seem to remember a similar experience after Lillian was born. Entire months of time *poof* just ceased to exist in my brain. I have been puttering away in the studio, albeit infrequently as the kids just simply require more energy and effort these days. An adorable distraction though. The little man is already 4 months old!
As Mr Potter has new things cooking in his professional sphere, it has taken some of the urgency out of the studio. While that is still and adjustment in progress, I find my mind wandering off to new territory. I have a few fresh ideas in the works and will be sharing those with you here as they come to fruition. Feels like there’s some serious fun on the horizon!

Ho, Ho, Ho

Jennie — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:19:43 +0000

The update will be here shortly. We’re trying something new and this year there will be a limited number of gift pots. You choose the form and the recipient chooses the design. I will work with each recipient to craft their piece. As these will be custom pieces they will be made and arrive in the New Year. They’ll be worth the wait. Each gift certificate order will be sent a special card to give. Might want to check out the etsy shop today for those listings . . .

Holiday Update 2011

Jennie — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:28:42 +0000

The end of the 2011 is almost here. I’m all finished with shows for the season. I’m hoping Minnesota will finally get some appreciable snow so we can all play outside. (really it’s December where is our snow? ) While I wait for that snow to come I will be making the last pots of 2011. If you’re on the update list watch your email boxes as I’ll be sending the date and time for the holiday update this week. All orders will be shipped within 48 hrs of the update- and domestic orders should get to their homes in plenty of time to be wrapped for the holiday. Stay tuned . . .

No Coast

Jennie — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:00:50 +0000

It’s that time of year again . . . Come on down to the Midtown and check out all the great vendors at this year’s No Coast!

Baby Benjamin

Jennie — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:55:21 +0000

Our newest arrival. Meet Benjamin. We’re smitten.

Handmade

Jennie — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:14:27 +0000

I feel the need to address issues of production here on the blog. Those who know me either personally or professionally know I take great pride in my work. Each piece is hand crafted from scratch. While other production methods exist that could increase the amount of pottery I am able to produce those manufacturing techniques would remove my hand from the process. This is something I’m not comfortable with. I make my pots the old fashioned way, one at a time. Handcraft is important to me, being a craftsperson even more important. I truly believe a handmade object has more to it. More energy, more personality and character. I could go on and on about this, but if you’re reading this you probably understand what I mean. I am a process person. Process takes time and energy.

The updates are my way of making my work available to those who cannot visit me in person. My show schedule remains the best way to find the largest selection and variety of pottery. The vast majority of my studio production goes to shows.

I have had many inquires about the availability of Sock Summit mugs. I am NOT currently making that design. My show schedule is tight. After a show is finished I transition production to the next show on the schedule. Revisiting designs or filling special orders must wait until I finish with the obligations I have on my calendar. I do intend on making a small quantity of that design. If you have previously contacted my please know I have a list and you will be contacted as I have pieces available. At this time I expect to have that design available in December.

I am so appreciative of the positive press and word of mouth I receive. Please continue to follow my work, our studio and our growing family. Please understand that my family is changing and growing and that takes priority in my life. This means the studio, and my work will undergo changes too. Please be patient.

The connections I have with my customers is part of what makes this journey extraordinary. You all invite my work, and by extension, me, into your homes and to your daily rituals. Thank-you.

Vogue

Jennie — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:07:29 +0000

Lookie here. I’m in Vogue! Well, my pots are, which is practically me, right? I’ve renewed a few choose your own mug and yarn bowl postings on my esty shop for those interested in purchasing pots. My work was also published in Interweave’s Sockupied e-mag at the end of July. You’ll see the stitchmarkers are also listed in the etsy shop. I am SO appreciative of the press.
As always the best selection of designs and motifs are when you find me in person at shows. Just a few weeks to WI Sheep and Wool in Jefferson, my favorite Mid West festival. Then a few weeks to Rhinebeck! (and hopefully somewhere before Rhinebeck baby potter #2 will arrive!)