Christmas in August?

Seriously, it is over 90 degrees outside, we have just unloaded and kiln and there you have it.....CHRISTMAS!  YES, Christmas, already!

I remember when.....each holiday was celebrated respectfully in the large department stores, and no store would put up their Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving was done and put away.  As we all know, times have changed.  

We have a Christmas corner here in the gift gallery that is stocked year round.  But this time of year is when we begin to really begin to plan our annual pieces, and begin creating for early winter.

Many customers do not fully understand the amount of time involved in created a piece of finished stoneware.  There is the creation process itself, either on the wheel or with slabs.  Then the drying of the piece.  Depending upon the size and type of piece, drying can take the better part of one week, or if need be, up to 2 weeks to have it dry very slowly.

After the piece is completely dry it is put through the first kiln run.  This run takes about 8-9 hours and the kiln will fire up to about 1850 degrees.  Once the piece survives the first run, it is glazed (painted) and the run in a high fire run over a period of 12-14 hours where the kiln will reach upwards of 2350 degrees.  

The high fire run takes about 24 hours for the kiln to cool completely, sometimes longer in hot weather, and then the pieces are removed from the kiln and ready to use.

SO, if a custom comes into the Gift Gallery and asks "hmmm, I would love that platter, but can you make it for me in, hmmmm, purple?"  The answer is always yes, BUT the process can take 4-6 weeks.

In advance of the busy Holiday gift giving season, we are beginning early.  These are some of the pieces that are trending for 2014 here at Big Dog Pots Pottery.

Remember, custom orders are always welcome, but remember handmade does take time :).

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