Heidi Fahrenbacher: Bella Joy Pottery

Blog moved

2011-07-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

The blog has moved to Bella Joy Pottery
Come check out the new blog!
Thanks, Heidi

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-27T08:21:00.000-04:00

Traditionally Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season. The studio is located between two lakes, Lake Doster and Pine Lake. I'm grateful because I get a lot of stop-ins during the summer months.

The above postcard is of Shelp's Resort, on Pine Lake. I bought this postcard this past summer at an antique fair and was intrigued by the photo and the message on back. Shelp's Resort is about 1/2 a mile north from the studio and is still open. The post office in Doster closed in the 1960s and is now where pizza is made at the Doster Country Store.

The above postcard reads, "Dear Aunt Lucy, I am here with Beatrice. Hope you are well. With Love, Catherine." I love how the address is just Catherine's aunt's name and the city and state. The postmark is July 7, 1904, 7AM.

Thanks to all our veterans for their service. Have a happy and safe weekend!

Tourist Time

2011-05-26T19:19:00.000-04:00

A lot of my business in the summer comes from tourists visiting Michigan, especially the Lake Michigan coastline. Here is great old clip from a Michigan tourism campaign from the 1940's. Enjoy!

FYI

2011-05-24T12:13:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone that came out to the studio on Saturday! It was a lovely day and it was nice to see all the visitors. If you are late to the game, I wanted to let you know that I didn't sell all the discontinued work yet. If you scroll down and see something you like let me know.

Have a great day!

Discontinued Work

2011-05-19T12:35:00.000-04:00

Day 4 of discontinued work!
Today we have a lovely assortment of pieces.
First up is a fun sugar and creamer set on the go! It measures 6"H X 8"L X 4"W. It was originally $80 and is now only $40. (Shipping is $8.)

Second up is a wee vase with tulips on it that measures 6"H X 3"W and was originally $35 now $15! ($6 for shipping.)

Third we have two mugs that were originally $25 each are now $10 each. They are 3.5"H X 3"W. (Shipping is $6 each.)

Next up we have a nice medium sized bowl (3"H X 7"W) originally $35 now $15. ($8 for shipping.)

Now it's time for a small bowl (3"H X 5"W) that was originally $25 now only $10. (Shipping $6)

This piece is still made in a modified version. This is the original form (5"H X 3.5"W). It was $24 now $10. (Shipping $6)

Another medium bowl (3"H X 7"W) originally $35 now $15. (Shipping $8)

And the last piece for today is a 7" salad plate that was originally $24 now $10. (Shipping $8)

Again thanks for looking and have a wonderful day!

Discontinued Work

2011-05-18T14:28:00.000-04:00

Today I'm bring you two salt and pepper shaker sets. Each was originally $50 and are now $25 ($6 for shipping).

Next up is a large porcelain bowl (8"W X 4"H) that was originally $45 and is now $20 (shipping is $8).

Following the bowl is my last casserole dish. I stopped making these completely. This piece is 6"W X 4"H and was originally $50 now $25 (shipping is $8).

I have also quit making large pitchers (7"H X 5"W). This piece was originally $50 and is also now only $25 (Shipping is $8).

If you have any questions just let me know and again thanks for looking!

Discontinued Work

2011-05-17T13:48:00.000-04:00

Today I'm bringing you a 14" platter originally $100 now $50! (Shipping $15).

Two teapots (6"X 6") each originally $100, now $50! (Shipping is $8.)

Thanks for looking! Have a great day.

Discontinued Work

2011-05-16T17:50:00.000-04:00

My finger vases are one of my most popular items. These are all fired in reduction at cone 10 (2300 degrees F). I started making these when my tulips came up and kept drooping in a round vase. Now they stand with their heads high.

These originally sell for $50, but since I don't use these glazes anymore they are now $25! I can ship it to you for $8.

Thanks for looking!

Discontinued Work

2011-05-15T18:54:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 21 from 10-4 I will be selling discontinued work at the studio for up to 50% off, as well as new favorites. I've started firing at a lower temperature and the two styles don't mesh.

The above vase was originally $70, but is now $35! I'll be posting photos of discontinued work all week, so make sure and check back. Also, if you see something you would like I will ship it.

Have a great week!

Tag line

2011-05-05T18:40:00.000-04:00

I can't really say that I used to have a tag line. So when asked to create a tag line for Bella Joy Pottery in my marketing class, I panicked. My first thought was "Mutiny on the Mundane," but my friend Catherine, marketing goddess, thought that implied a pirate theme.

Try again. Then I thought: "Bella Joy Pottery: Beautiful Joy Everyday." My instructor Megan Auman said that the tag line should have a call to action.

Try again. I was having a difficult time trying to put my idea that my products bring playful whimsy to everyday life. Even if you are having a bad day, sometimes just holding a warm cup of tea makes things seem better. I want to harness the idea of treasuring simple pleasures like drinking tea or eating cake.

Well that did it! Catherine thought of "Cake for Breakfast" of "Let Them Eat Cake." We finally decided on:
"Eat Cake for Breakfast."

I really like it, because for one I'm a cake monster. Two, it's a call to action to do something out of the norm, which relates nicely to my whimsical, playful designs. Three, it's memorable.

Any thoughts?

Mmmmm....cake.

Are you Square?

2011-05-04T20:34:00.000-04:00

About a month ago I received an email from Square asking if I wanted to join their "inner Square." Uh sure. What that means is I got a free T-shirt, 50 free Square credit card readers, and 50 Square stickers. They are not paying me.

I like my Square, as seen in my first review. Today I have already given away 6 Squares, but there are some questions and I thought I would just blog the answers.

Are there receipts? There are digital receipts that you can email to your clients. I also like to quickly write out a hard copy too, but there is no need to do that.

Are the credit card numbers stored on your phone? No.

What if someone disputes the transaction? There is a log of all transactions on your phone and also online when you log into your account.

Do customers give you a hard time about not getting a receipt? No, and again you can always write out a hard copy.

Who processes the credit cards? Square! You don't need to have a merchant account, which is nice if there are months you are not using your Square.

What if you don't have cell service? Right out a hard copy receipt with the credit card number, security code, zip code, and purchase amount and run the card later. The rate will then be slightly more. Make sure and get your customer's email and phone number in case there is a problem.

Are there hidden costs or start up costs? Nope. It's actually pretty amazing. You don't even need to have a business to have a Square. Use it for your next garage sale, if someone owes you money, or even for a lemonade stand.

Anymore questions?

Marketing

2011-04-13T10:30:00.000-04:00

Oh lord. I'm taking an online marketing class. It's with Megan Auman creator of Crafting an MBA. For me, this is the difficult side of owning your own business. Last week we discussed revenue and conversion rates. This week we are working on describing your product, taglines, and your market. Now that I'm getting into the marketing mind frame it's really not as bad as I thought. It's actually kind of fun. I feel as if I'm understanding my work more and how it is perceived by the public. Luckily, how I perceive my work and how the public perceive it are similar.

Today I'm working on my tagline and have asked my dear friend Catherine to help me. We've been best buds since second grade and she's a marketing goddess. I remember looking at her marketing portfolio senior year of college and being mesmerized. It's comes so easy to her and her ideas are great! Needless to say she shot down my taglines, but that's ok. We are going to come up with something that knocks it out of the park.

As soon as we nail it down I'll share it. Catherine did bring up a good point though. She mentioned my tagline should flow with Bella Joy Pottery because they will be together a lot. That got me thinking: should I change my company name? What about Heidi Fahrenbacher Ceramics? What do you think?

I'll leave you with an image of my geodesic domes that are going to be glaze fired this week. Yea Buckminster Fuller!

Living Up To Your Potential

2011-04-09T18:23:00.000-04:00

I was doing some spring cleaning on my blog profile and noticed I've been blogging for three years! No way! Happy anniversary.

Earlier this week a young lady named Maddison sent out a call on Twitter to interview an artist. I checked her Twitter profile and quickly realized she's 15 and an aspiring interior designer! Ok, well since I took my first pottery class at 15 I felt a connection to Maddison. She is so dedicated! I'm lucky to post weekly and Maddison posts daily on her blog. Plus she has her own Etsy store!

Now I realize Maddison and I don't work in the same medium, but I still want to encourage her to follow her dreams. I really frown upon discouraging people. What's the point? I mean you can be realistic and say it's going to be a long haul, but still you can do it!

My dear friend Susan just moved into her own studio space at the Park Trades Center, in Kalamazoo, MI. Susan is actually firing her first kiln load there today! I'm so proud of her! Not only is Susan an accomplished potter, but she also teaches at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and has had her ceramics in several Strictly Functional Pottery National. I like encouraging Susan because I see her potential. I see Maddison's potential.

That's why I frown upon discouraging people. We all have potential. So stop being a killjoy and start encouraging people. We are all in this together folks.

More Finished Work

2011-03-25T07:03:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my nesting canisters! I'm excited how they turned out and am ready to make more.

More images can be seen here. Have a great weekend!

Work in Progress Finished

2011-03-11T06:55:00.000-05:00

The Work in Progress pieces are finished! First up are two of the flower shop flower vases. I used a light wash of color so that the black slip wasn't overpowered and so that you could use different colors of flowers easily.

Next up is the building whiskey set. I just used clear glaze. I initially was going to add some color, but decided to see how the piece would look plain. I like how you can see the brush work from the application of the black slip.

This last piece is a little treat; a building butter keeper I've been working on.

What do you think of the finished pieces?
Off to the studio! Have a wonderful weekend!

Work in Progress II

2011-02-23T06:59:00.000-05:00

I finished the two pieces I showed you all yesterday. They are ready to be bisque fired.

The cup on the left shows the back of building with a fire-escape. The slip is black.

Here is the finished mishima (inlaid slip) piece. I think I like the mishima more. I like the crisp lines and it seems aesthetically lighter. What do you think?

Work in Progress

2011-02-22T06:57:00.000-05:00

I've been getting to the studio earlier than normal, around 7:30. It's so nice. There aren't as many distractions and I've been getting so much done. I'm going building crazy and am working on some new forms.

First is a whiskey bottle from a whiskey set. The pour spout is suppose to resemble a chimney. It will be decorated with sgraffito.

This second piece is a flower brick that resembles a shop. This piece is going to have mishima decoration.

Off to the studio to finish!

Workin' It

2011-02-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

It's so nice to be in the studio. It's why I do this. I love working. I got some more wire for my lightning rod canisters.

I've been working on nesting canisters, like Russian nesting dolls. I love nesting dolls and it was actually my brother, Bobby, that made the suggestion.

They will probably need a little tweaking, but I'm game. I'm also glazing too. I usually don't make pots and glaze at the same time, but these 3 dinnerware sets need to be finished. I'm working on the filler.

See those 4 shorter cups on the right side. Those are my new yunomis. Yes, I jumped on the yunomi (you-know-me) bandwagon. I read on Wikipedia:

"There are special pairs of yunomi called meoto yunomi (meoto means ‘married couple’). Meoto yunomi usually consist of two cups with the same pattern (sometimes in different colours) but different sizes and often slightly different shapes (the larger cup being the ‘husband’ and the smaller being the ‘wife’ cup)."

Anthropomorphism? Yes please! I was sold.

Have a wonderful day!

Propane and Product Placement

2011-02-12T18:28:00.000-05:00

Thursday was a great day and an awful day. Mackerel Sky Gallery sent me a little package of goodies. Linda (one of the owners) told me she used my work for their Christmas card and she sent me one. It's pretty cool and is appreciated.

There was also a copy of American Style in the envelope with a Post-It note sticking out of the top. I flipped to the page and found:

How lovely of them! Then they called and placed another order. Woo-hoo! After I got off the phone I went to turn up the kiln (I was bisquing) and when I turned the knob the gas pressure didn't increase. Shit. I walked out to the propane tanked and was out. Boo.

I'm going to warn you in advance I'm going to go on a rant.

It was 4:50 in the afternoon and I realized I probably would not be able to put a propane order in, but tried contacting Amerigas and remained on hold until after 5pm.

Frustrated, I phone again at 8:10am the next day. The customer service representative informed me I would have to pay $100 for a pressure test and wait 10 days for delivery. If I wanted to expedite my propane delivery it would cost an additional $200. What!?

Again frustrated, I called the Wayland, MI office, which could offer no help because I’m currently under the jurisdiction of the Kalamazoo, MI office. I then asked if I could get the number to the Kalamazoo office and that request was denied. They informed me that I needed to call the 1-800 number and they would give me the office number.

I then called the 1-800 number and asked for the Kalamazoo office number. Again I was denied my request. I asked the customer service representative how I was suppose to contact the office then? Email them? She replied she could take my number and call the Kalamazoo office and then they would have to contact me. I complied, but was not satisfied.

I couldn't wait 10 days; I heat my studio with propane too. I called the 1-800 number and through grinding teeth ordered my propane to be delivered the next day. Then I was put on hold.

Now it's time to back up. This isn't the first time I've had issues with Amerigas. It a fit of anger I wrote up a complaint on Pissed Consumer and was contacted by Amerigas. Here is the issue. I'm not blaming anyone for my propane running out. It was my fault, but I think $300 is excessive. What if I was a poor elderly person on a fixed income?

When the customer service representative got back on the phone it was a different customer service representative. She then informed me that my fee would only be $150. Ok, but that still wasn't the issue.

Yesterday (Friday) the Kalamazoo office called and I explained what had happened. Jackie felt awful and knocked my fee down to $75 and gave me the Kalamazoo office number. Thank you. Bob who delivered my propane yesterday was also very kind.

I know what you may think. Why aren't you on the plan where Amerigas monitors the tank? I was. They didn't fill it regularly. Especially in the summer. Who knows.

I just get so frustrated with customer service. Why should I have to complain? Just have good customer service and quit taking advantage of people. I didn't yell at any of the customer service representatives or swear at them. I was polite. It wasn't their fault and the whole reason I wanted to talk to someone at the Kalamazoo office was to see if it would really take 10 days.

I know, I'm a pain in the tukis.

New Canisters

2011-02-05T09:29:00.000-05:00

After some requests, I started making larger house/silo canisters, which should be out of the kiln next week. Cross fingers. The new canisters will be large enough to hold a 5 pound bag of sugar or flower, or a small bag on onions. They really dwarf the other canisters.

I'm also working on some new veggie steamers. Stay tuned.

Blizzard 2011=Working at Home

2011-02-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

The blizzard hit. That means today I will work at home. I live on a dirt road and they could plow it today or next week. I have an all wheel drive van, but it's so low to the ground that I would get stuck in one of the drifts. The TV weather people keep saying if you get stuck, basically you are screwed; no one is coming to get you and that's fine. I'll work on my Big Cartel store.

This is also a good time to clean out the freezer.

Yes, those are my canisters. There have been there for about 10 days. I meant to get to them before I left for California, but didn't. Why are they in the freezer? It's the easiest way to remove the lids (roofs). I fire the top and bottom together to prevent warping (remember porcelain likes to warp). Typically they stick together. I pop in the freezer and then fill the sink with hot water.

I place the piece inverted in the sink until I get bubbles from an unsealed spot on the lid. I usually hold it there for about 30 seconds to create steam.

I use a flimsy thin piece of wood the "tap" around the rim. I used to use a heavier stick, but broke it and I broke many rims. And pop! The lids come free. Not bad.

I've also been doing some cooking and baking. Last night I made Cornish game hens stuffed with oranges, roasted veggies, and homemade brownies.

I love food. The game hens and veggies get a thumbs up. The brownies, eh. I got the recipe from Bon Appetit. They said it is one of their best brownie recipes. I wouldn't go that far. They are good just not excellent. I hope you are warm and safe today!

California Gift Show-Report

2011-01-28T14:55:00.001-05:00

Well I've settled back into the cold. My entire week in L.A. was sunny and 75.

The California Gift Show was my first whole show. The show offered a free workshop with Megan Auman of Crafting an MBA. Amazing! Megan was so helpful and gave a great synopsis of how to approach a wholesale show as opposed to a retail show. Megan also reiterated the importance of not only making sales at the show, but following up with potential clients.

I had all my work shipped to the show and had them put up shelves for me.

The display was ok, I wasn't expecting the silver bars running along the walls. After the first night several of my neighbors had their product stolen! I hate hearing things like that, especially when there is "security."

I was surrounded my many lovely exhibitors including Carol from Tao of Paper, Maia from Dandy Lion Press, Michelle from Attic Journals, Javier from Love and Luck Greetings, Michael from Queen Bee's Hive and his partner Nowlin, Virginia and Leonard from Medicine of the People and Pattie from Butterfly Nautilus.

Foot traffic is completely different than a retail show. It is slower, but the people there are there to buy! I love it. It's so much easier. I will tell you that many vendors told me that the July show is busier. I received 5 new wholesale accounts and about a dozen leads. I'm not disappointed. It was a great experience and am now looking at other wholesale shows to participate in. I was also able to take some photos for some new cityscapes!

Christmas Gift

2011-01-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

This past Christmas (2010) Joe had the idea to get my parents a aerial view of their farm. My parents have an aerial view taken in the late '90s, but this would be a vintage shot.

I thought ok. I looked up Vintage Aerial and was amazed. I had to set up an appointment so the representative (Tom) and I could go over the images online. After an hour and a half we finally found my parents farm! It looked amazing! It was so cool! All the out building were still up and there was even a really cute vintage truck in the driveway.

I ordered it, without consulting my siblings. (Bad idea) They were not willing to spend the $. So the next morning I had to call Tom and cancel the order. (Sad)

The Monday before Christmas I received an email saying that my picture had shipped! What!? Quickly I got in touch with Tom and he told me a customer service representative would be getting in touch with me. I was nervous.

Then Tom emailed me and told me to keep the picture! Free of charge! I cried, it was so sweet. Then the picture arrived half an hour later via UPS. I was amazed at how beautiful the image was and so excited to give it to my parents.

Joe and I hosted Christmas this year so when my parents opened their gift my siblings thought I has paid for the entire thing. I explained the whole situation and then my mom cried. Here are Mary and Fritz with their new picture.

In appreciation of Tom's generosity I sent him his own country mouse/city mouse mug! Thanks Tom!

Pots and Pucks

2011-01-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

Last week and for part of this week I've been remaking 3 dinnerware sets. I'm almost done, but had to stop because I leave for L.A. tomorrow for the California Gift Show. Here are some bowls for one set.

It's kind of depressing, three weeks of work out the window. Did you know that there are stats on which day is the saddest day of the year? Apparently this year it was yesterday, January 17. So if you felt crummy yesterday you now know why.

For me, I enjoy winter as long as there is snow on the ground. I like taking walks in the snow and what's even better this year is that my brother built an ice rink! We used to make ice rinks as kids and so this is fantastic. Having an ice rink is one of those activities that "warms you twice," similar to splitting wood. Due to the lake effect snow SW Michigan receives, shoveling off the rink is a normal activity.

As kid I received my first black eye while playing hockey with my brother. Oh yeah, we aren't figure skating.
We are such dorks because we pile on our gear and chase after a puck and hope to god not to fall. Bobby biffed it hard the other day and bruised his tail bone. Ouch! But it's so much fun! I love playing hockey and with proper padding it really doesn't hurt when you fall.

How do you cope with the winter months?

Down Time

2011-01-14T08:55:00.000-05:00

After the craze of the holiday season it's nice to be able to relax. I usually take a couple weeks off during the new year, but could only take off three days this year. I'm not complaining. I was able to do a lot of traveling in 2010.

I've been reworking my handles. In the past year I've gone through 5 different styles and think I've found one I like. For today that is.

During the new year it's seems to be the time to reevaluate our lives. I want to share this video with you. It's my friend Susan's husband, who is a very talented writer and just good guy. Have a wonderful weekend!