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newbie from michigan

updated thu 15 feb 07

 

Al & Robin on wed 14 feb 07


Hello All!!!

I have been lurking for awhile now and have learned so much from
reading all of your posts and browsing the archives.

I have been messin around with the clay for a couple of months now,
handbuilding stuff. My husband bought me a wheel, Clay Boss, for my
birthday last month. I haven't touched it yet, I'm a bit nervous
about it and I want to try it out, I just don't know where to begin.

I would love to take a class, but I can't seem to find one that
would work with my schedule, actually its the rest of the family
schedule.LOL!

I'm a stay at home mom with 2 kids, my son is in the first grade and
my daughter is in preschool a couple of hours a day.My husband works
for Ford and is going back to school right now a few nights a week.
Right now my only chance would be while my daughter is out of the
house in the early afternoon.

I have a couple of questions to start with.

I live in Harrison Township, MI, north east of Detroit. I don't know
if anyone on the list lives close to me, but I am wondering where
the closes place to go for supplies. I have a 2 1/2 hr. window
without any kids.

Also, does anyone know of a place to go to learn to throw on the
wheel and other basic learning info? I would think private
lessons,or I would love to have someone come to my home. I am also
getting a kiln.

My work area is in the garage, thank goodness we have a heater in
there. I figure that during the winter time I will have to keep the
clay and glazes inside so they don't freeze and anything else I
make.

Any help and suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you,

Robin

acrooks586@comcast.net

Michael Juengling on wed 14 feb 07


Hi Robin, I live in Saginaw although I am originally from your 'neck of the
woods'. I am not sure of where to go in the Detroit area for supplies. I
get mine from Runyans Pottery in Clio a little north on Flint. They have
always been very helpful and I like their clay better than any other that I
have used. They also have a full line of tools and supplies. Call them fo=
r
their catalog. Their number is 810-687-4500

As far as classes go, I would check out Oakland U and Macomb CC. I am sure
there must be others too. I know the Cultural Center in Flint has classes
as I have talked to one of the instructors and have been contemplating
taking one myself. Be sure to visit Pewabic Pottery on Jefferson in
Detroit. They specialize in tile but they also have thrown pottery. The
glazes and work is truly inspiring.

Rather than wait for classes get some clay and just give it a shot. The
worst that can happen is that you will have a start on your recycling bin.
There are lots of good books, many of which are written by people on this
list. I refer to Vince Pitelka's book, "Clay. A Studio Handbook" regularly.
It is very comprehensive. There are too many more books to list.



Michael Juengling
Back Porch Pottery
mjuengling@charter.net

Kathi LeSueur on wed 14 feb 07


Al & Robin wrote:

>Hello All!!!
>
>I live in Harrison Township, MI, north east of Detroit. I don't know
>if anyone on the list lives close to me, but I am wondering where
>the closes place to go for supplies. I have a 2 1/2 hr. window
>without any kids.>>
>
>

Rovin Ceramics in Taylor or Runyan in Clio

>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Al & Robin on wed 14 feb 07


Thank you everyone who as contacted me,
I'm going to mapquest Runyans and Rovin to see which would be closer to
drive to.
Right now I don't think I could find a class, except a private class, since
right now my only time is between 12noon and about 2:15 on Thurs. and
Fridays, I help out at the kids school on Mon. & Tues. and Wed. they get
home early.
I have been checking out books at the Library, Vince's book is on the top of
my wish list to get, I'm hoping my hubby will get it for me:)
Thanks so much to everyone on the list, I have learned a ton by reading all
of your posts.

Robin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Juengling"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: newbie from Michigan


Hi Robin, I live in Saginaw although I am originally from your 'neck of the
woods'. I am not sure of where to go in the Detroit area for supplies. I
get mine from Runyans Pottery in Clio a little north on Flint. They have
always been very helpful and I like their clay better than any other that I
have used. They also have a full line of tools and supplies. Call them for
their catalog. Their number is 810-687-4500

As far as classes go, I would check out Oakland U and Macomb CC. I am sure
there must be others too. I know the Cultural Center in Flint has classes
as I have talked to one of the instructors and have been contemplating
taking one myself. Be sure to visit Pewabic Pottery on Jefferson in
Detroit. They specialize in tile but they also have thrown pottery. The
glazes and work is truly inspiring.

Rather than wait for classes get some clay and just give it a shot. The
worst that can happen is that you will have a start on your recycling bin.
There are lots of good books, many of which are written by people on this
list. I refer to Vince Pitelka's book, "Clay. A Studio Handbook" regularly.
It is very comprehensive. There are too many more books to list.



Michael Juengling
Back Porch Pottery
mjuengling@charter.net

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