clay projects

Mom has been sick the past 3 weeks, so my sister and I have been taking care of her at home.  During that time, I really haven't gotten a lot of weaving done, but I was able to do some small clay pieces.  They are made of a really nice clay called Willamette Yellow.  I was very surprised that they turned into this soft pink after the bisque firing, but I really like the results.

                                           horsehair coiling on the rim

                                                 coiled wire ornament

                                             rattles w/ Japanese basketry knots

There is something very calming and satisfying about polishing the clay with a small rounded rock. (A day after it's formed.) So I'm not going to glaze them.

In case you don't know about the knots, these are embellishments found on Japanese flower baskets.  Some people call them musubi, which means knots.  What about musubi that you find in sushi restaurants?  Well, they are 'tied together' in a sense.  Here's a good explanation:

                                              In Japanese, musubi means

                                              to connect or bind together

                                             as well as to pledge or promise.

                                             It is believed that when you tie

                                             things, a heavenly spirit will

                                            dwell within the knot to protect

                                            people.

                                           From Japanese Flower Wrapping by Mitsuko Kawata  

Ask  me about my booklet that shows how to make Japanese knots, if you are interested.