Category: Ceramic arts

I am a Cast Member

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hello friends!

I know that it’s been some time since I’ve updated. Life has certainly had a few ups and downs of late. Central Florida is seeing strange times and there are a lot of people who are needing some love and TLC. Many of you may not know, but I’ve been a Disney Cast Member for most of my adult life. I’ve had some amazing roles, most recently being a Minnie Van Driver. Unfortunately, I was laid off last week along with so many others, but I’m OK. Others are not. This is the best way for me to help others; using my art as my voice.

I created magnets to sell with phrases specific to being a Disney Cast Member. I will be donating to the non-profit group, Magic for Magic Makers. This organization was founded by Dana Kyro, who has already helped quite a few persons in need. They will first be available at the Orlando Makers Faire Pop-Up for Furloughed Cast Members on October 10th, from 2-6 pm. After that, I will take email requests for the magnets beginning on Sunday, October 11, 2020. There will be an update on Facebook if any magnets are left over.

Please take a moment to check out Dana’s group. If you can donate, fantastic! If not, I get it. Things are tight for a lot of us right now. One of the best ways to help is to share the information.

Here’s where to find the group:
Facebook – Magic for Magic Makers
TikTok – https://bit.ly/2IeMOqU
Venmo – @magic-for-magic-makers

If any magnest are left after the pop up show, email orders will be taken starting SUNDAY, October 11, 2020.
Magic for Magic Makers, Handmade Magic & Magic Maker are $5.00 each.
Cast Life are $2.00 each.
Shipping will be $3.00 per magnet and then $.50 each additional magnet.
I will update with availability Sunday morning. These are limited in quantity.
kindredowlstudio@gmail.com

Until next time!

Love more. Find gratitude. Share kindness. ❤

Spring is in the Air

kindredowlstudioLeave a Comment on Spring is in the Air

I hope this note finds everyone well! Not too much going on other than prepping for the Orlando Pottery Festival Spring Market. My studio time has been a tad limited as I’ve returned to school to work on my master’s degree. I will still be taking custom orders, however turnaround time is about 6 to 8 weeks.

If you’ve got some free time this weekend, come out and see a lot of potters sharing their passion for clay and all things pottery. It’s family friendly and free admission! The show is indoors and air conditioned with plenty of parking adjacent to the building.

Orlando Pottery Festival – Spring Market
This festival is taking place this coming Saturday, May 11th from 9am until 5pm. I am one of 39 artists participating in this event. Please come out and see us!
Florida Army National Guard
2809 S. Ferncreek Ave.
Orlando, FL 3280

I do hope you will come by and say hello!

a little help from my friends…

kindredowlstudio2 Comments on a little help from my friends…

I get by with a little help from my friends. I was listening a little to The Beatles today, and although I didn’t hear this song, it got stuck in my thoughts.

It’s true, the words of the song title, and it’s been a lot of help lately. I’m grateful and thankful. Whether it’s been phone conversations, getting a meal together or simply a hug from a friend I don’t see as often. These are the moments that keep me focused forward on what’s to come. These moments have helped me get back to throwing and creating the things I love to make. Moving forward feels good.

Albeit, unloading the glaze fire today was definitely not one of my favorites…. And there was a bit of testing involved with some new glaze mixes. I think I liked 3 things. Maybe…

<insert eye roll here>

But that’s why I’m a maker. I make stuff. I try new things. The important part is that I am back at it. Making stuff. Creating something from a blob of clay, freshly wedged and then thrown and forced into a vessel.

The movement of the wheel and the feel of the clay centers me, more-so than I center it on the wheel. It grounds my senses and my being while I force this wet mass into something that will become strong under pressure and fire. An item that will have beautiful lines and colors, that may glimmer in the sunlight or from the light of a candle.

I have much gratitude for those who keep me motivated and help me push my boundaries. It truly does take a village.

Who am I anyway?
A mom, sister, daughter, potter, artist, friend, coffee fiend, ocean lover, star-gazer, optimist…. and I suppose there could be many others.

But in the end, I am one that gets by with a little help from her friends.

 

Change

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New Beginnings… like a fresh lump of clay, awaiting my skilled hands.

Change is healthy. Change means growth. Change means adaptation and new perspectives. If we don’t have change, we can become stagnant in every area of our life. Although, sometimes we don’t expect the change and it completely knocks the wind of of our ambition and drive.

And just like that, I am picking up the pieces and finding ways to create and stimulate my own productivity. I have to take a moment to type out loud, some accomplishments I talked myself into during the past couple weeks. A couple realizations are mixed in there, too…

The garage is SO much cleaner.
The studio section of the garage is ready to go, which means I will begin throwing again VERY soon.
My bedroom is a more comfortable haven. Ask my cats…
I’ve thrown lots of stuff away that’s been sitting around for no good reason.
Throwing stuff out is cathartic.
I’ve got three boxes full of donations.
Music, of all varieties, is essential to my healing.

Yup.. there it is. This is all part of the change, which makes it all part of the healing.

I’m thankful for my tribe. And for all of you as well.

Many blessings to you all. ❤

 

 

Twists & Turns

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Life is funny. It’s unexpected.

Life is a narrow path that takes you on an adventure you are plotting, point by point.

Life is a enormously wide walkway, with hills and curves that distract you from those points you so carefully planned for, and expected to come to fruition.

My life took some of those drastically different sidesteps this past month. Each day that passes is an opportunity for learning; for healing.

But healing comes slowly some days, and it is in those days that I continue to plot my course. In time, my path will continue forward.

I am incredibly thankful for the friends & family who have rallied around me while I navigate the torrid waters. Without you, I would not be afloat. For that, I am forever grateful and love each one of you. ❤

Studio operations should begin by the end of February. I thank you all for your patience and understanding while these challenges are worked through.

blessings ~ Melanie

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