I'm beginning to work up Pottery.About.com's project list for 2010. I've got many ideas, but I'd also like your input!

What kind of projects would you like to see? What projects would you like to have step-by-step instructions for?

Project ideas could be specific types of pottery, such as pitchers (Jan 2009) and lidded jars (March 2009). Ideas could also be specific techniques, such as underglazes (April 2009) and sgraffito (September - October 2009). Or perhaps you'd like to see a project that is geared toward some other focus, like the animal and people pots of May, 2009.

All thoughts are welcome! Please share your ideas and desires here or post them on the forum!

I'm not sure whether to cringe or not, although I am definitely leaning toward the "duck and cover". Bravo TV has announced casting calls for a new reality show, The Untitled Art Project. Did erst-while potter Jonathan Adler put them up to this?

Thinking about it, probably not. After all, they left the ceramic arts out of their listed media ("painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, mixed-media") although of course a potter-artist could possibly slide under the guise of sculpture. I can't decide if I'm relieved or annoyed by the omission.

I may be a mud-soaked throwback, but I do believe I am going to avoid that show at all costs.... I like the quiet and solitude of my studio and have little interest in hearing the histrionic squabbles of art celebrity wannabes. How about you?

Photos © 2009 Kate Pullen

Kate Pullen's napkin ring is the cat's meow! Learn about air dry clay and how Kate made this napkin ring!

Have your own special Table Touches? The Table Touches Project is extended through the end of July!

I can't seem to keep it really wordless, but here are more Wordless Wednesdays on About.com and other Wordless Wednesday Blogs...

Have you ever heard of William Morris? He is often credited with being the originator of the Arts and Crafts Movement and had huge influence on thoughts regarding architecture, design, and even lifestyles.

Morris said, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." ....Think on that a moment. What tremendous ramifications that would have on many of our lives if that was truly how we lived. For myself, I also find those words and the concept as inspirational.

After re-reading that quote from Morris, I began looking at my house and the things in it a bit more closely. As a potter, I create both sculptural and functional work. My last kiln-load included sets of pedestal mugs and tumblers for two different people. And yet... I shudder to admit it, but my own coffee is in a nondescript glass mug.

I think it is time to make some pots out of pure selfishness. I want a mug I love as much as I love my coffee! How about you? (Or have you made your own dinnerware and mugs long ago?)