Is your tetanus current?

It is that time for me- time for a tetanus booster.  I really hope anyone playing in "the dirt" wheather that be clay, gardening or whatever... gets a tetanus booster.

You know the old thing about stepping on a rusty nail?  Well, it is not the rust, it is the dirt on the nail which causes tetanus.  Tetanus lives in the dirt and is transmitted to via an open wound.   Getting tetanus is rare but not pretty!  The CDC recommends a booster every 10 years.  Check with your doc to see if it is time for you too.

Harbor Freight Wheel

A month or so ago someone purchased a potters wheel from Harbor Freight, she gave a nice review of it on PotteryBasics 101. 

Sure there were a few things about it which were of concern but, with the 20% coupon code I had, the wheel was less than $275 out the door!  Can't beat that price.

After using the wheel for a few weeks, I sadly returned it.  Harbor Freight has a great return policy.

Below are the pro's and con's I found with the wheel. 

Pro- price, fairly quiet, comfortable to sit at

Con's- single splash pan does not come off or have a drain hold, wheel head does not come off which makes it tough to clean the splash pan, the foot pedal does not have "cruise control" it also felt awkward and was touchy to decrease speed.  The biggest single issue for me was that the top speed was not very fast for centering.  The wheel was able to handle centering 15 lbs no problem, it was just very slow.

With all that said, I do think it could be a great starter wheel for someone.  Mind you, my use for the wheel is mainly for students; beginner to advanced.  I currently have two Creative Industries Class Boss, an older Brent C, Pacifica GT800, an artista and Baily wheels.  I think the difference in footpedal alone would have been enough to drive everyone crazy.

Right now for the money and my useage needs, I feel the Creative Industry Clay Boss a better choice.

Stay tuned for a future review of the Clay Boss.

Kauai Potter Dean McRaine

Tucked behind a wood working shop just a block off the main hwy in Kapaa is a wonderful treasure... LightWave Pottery, the working studio of Dean McRaine. 

A potter for more than 20 years on Kauai, Dean designed and built the studio a few years ago.  Dean and his wife Malone welcomed us in the bright, airy, spacious and well designed studio and gallery as if we were old friends.

Once Dean found out I too am a potter, he immediately began showing me things he thought a fellow potter would be interested in.... Dean single fires Cone 10 Oxidation in a gas kiln.  He formulates and mixes all of his rich and beautiful glazes.  I was especially impressed  and interested in the chemistry involved with his copper red.  Dean incorporates texture and glaze layering to enhance the color and effect of his glazes. I could tell that glaze and colors are a passion for Dean with years and years of testing.

Currently Dean is excited with the wonderful results he is getting using colored clays.  My picture did not do it justice so, check out his website at http://lightwavepottery.com

"Puff" The Magic Dragon hanging at the studio. 

On your next visit to Kauai, don't miss LightWave Pottery & Ceramic Art

Clayworks at Kilohana

Clayworks is a really cool spot, located just South of Lihue on an old plantation, this pottery studio and gallery has it all.  The set up is simular to T Pots Pottery iwth classes and instruction.  Clayworks is the perfect rainy day activity for those on vacation, looking for something fun and different to do.  The "studio" with wheels, work tables, and kilns are outside under a covered porch in a tranquil, garden like setting. 

If throwing is not your thing, Clayworks also offers paint your own bisque and they seem to specialize in Raku firing.

Inside is a retail gallery space with some beautiful pottery from different artists.  The prices are reasonable and they will ship.

Next time you are on kauai, be sure to check out  Clayworks!