Off Center Productions

Tucson 2012

2012-02-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

KIm at Gem Mall

Sara at C Koop

Judy, Joanne, and Mak

me at St Xavier

Kim at Desert MUseum

Old One

Starr Pass

Mother and Daughter

KIm at a big show

Great time in Tucson Gem Shows

Tucson

2012-02-02T18:28:00.001-08:00

Having a great time; hitting alot of shows. Weather is perfect.

mister andrew...tucson

2012-02-02T17:38:00.001-08:00

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Snow in Washington

2012-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Fun and Beautiful

2012-01-08T11:32:00.001-08:00

Kim Miles new beads...

http://www.longwayhomeblog.com/2012/01/starting-again.html

Tucson

2011-12-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

I will be in Tucson Feb 1-6; not doing Best Bead but doing the shows with my daughter Kim.
She came to help at our very first show To Bead True Blue.

Lana and I are moving on to continue to sell pots at the Olympia Farmers Market. We are also selling finished jewelry as well as some beads locally and on line in 2012. Kim and I are taking an enameling class and looking at some collaborations.

Let me know if you will be in Tucson and want to have dinner etc. Contact me through Facebook or leave a message here.

Holiday Market

2011-12-24T13:29:00.001-08:00

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Lana at our booth at Holiday Market at Olympia Farmers Market on Dec 24,2011

Lots of great customers and revisited by some Off Center Production fans.

Happy Holidays and Joyful Solstice

2011-12-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings

Joan and Lana

2011-12-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

We are nearly ready for Holiday Market at the Olympia Farmers Market this Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-3. Have a new logo, new booth set up, new ware, and gift wrapping.

Please stop by for Itty Bitty Bowls, all sorts of candle holders, dishes, etc. Stop by and help us stay warm.. Joan and Lana

Sales Update

2011-10-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

We will be showing our work at the Lacey Holiday Show at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey on November 25, 26 and also we are having a big Holiday Open Studio Sale on December 3.

If you live in our area, please do drop in to say hi, have some refreshments, and shop the tables of pottery and handmade knitted ware. This will be our second Annual Event. Woohoo.

market day

2011-09-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

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raku at the olympia farmers market

2011-08-19T12:42:00.001-07:00

Raku neighbor

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view from our booth

2011-08-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

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Summer at the Market

2011-08-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Pottery by Off Center Productions. Lana Weed

Very sweet to be selling at the Olympia Farmers Market; we only can sell on Thursdays and Fridays but later may become 4 day venders. Right now this suits us. Amazing sales considering we sit between kale and eggs and oysters. Of course there is glass, raku, fabric and wood as well. Such a pretty setting in summer. There is live music and food booths and loads of people from everywhere.. kind of like a bead show only with better food and more diverse conversations.

Working on booth designs. We have to rethink design due to our always having a different site so set up has to be flexible. We had our best day ever yesterday and we were in the egg person's booth; she was out sick. An occasional customer wanted eggs not porcelain.lol

Beads

I am loving the venders and customers; this will be very good for me. Our schedule will be make ware and have students in our studio from November to February; March , we got to Palm Springs and April to Oct we sell at the market. We are adding some Holiday gift shows to the schedule.

As you can see from last post, our studio is all yummy and we can host studio sales and also enjoy some classes with students. Life is good.

I am creating a new line of jewelry called JHT and it will feature mixed media, mostly stones
with some ceramic pieces. I will sell my jewelry at art and craft shows and on line.
More later...

Orange Studio Inspired by Florence and Lilies

2011-08-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Florence

New Studio Remodel

We are finishing the studio; glorious color inspired by trip to Florence and sunset on the Arno and our own lilies in spectacular bloom right now. Lots of tossing and cleaning; next job set up gas kiln in new kiln shed and start firing away. We are so excited about doing reduction at home. I have a jewelry making area and a crafts closet and oh so much more room. The studio has a throwing corner, a beads corner, a handbuilding table area, tools storage , kiln area where our new oval kiln will got to replace the old girls we have now.

Our Lilies

Throwing Area

The space is joyful and invites the muse to play with us. Cats share the space and they seem happy too. I will post some new shots of the cats in their fancy beds. We also have a glaze area and storage for bisque and finished ware.

Slab Roller

Kilns

Jewelry Making Desk Area

Storage for glazes

Another View

Bisque Shelves

Lana's Corner for throwing

Oh the lilies...

2011-07-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Tacoma Show over.. on to August

2011-07-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

We have RV trips; local outings with my sister to see Japanese gardens and tea houses. Off to see granddaughter at family get together. Then the big re- do of studio and on to new work, classes, and fall. Busy

Change Change Change

2011-06-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

We are slowly adjusting to selling pottery and beads at The Olympia Farmers' Market. It is different from the shows we have been doing for 6 years; nice to be in between farmers and the lavender lady and oly kraut. You have to set up every day and take down every afternoon. You are not sure of having a space
until the day of the market. We are inside and a big table is provided. We are super quick at set up and take down so that is not a problem. We are discovering what these new customers want from us. Lots of textile artists want buttons and they love the small bowls. We plan to make tiles, magnets, chimes and bells in August. The holidays will require gift packages, tree ornaments, small kits for bracelets and other little gift items. I will make my little dolls and faces and maybe some paperweights.

It has been fun and we hope to one day move to become 4 day a week vendors. There is a steady stream of people and lots of compliments on our work. Change is good. We will be at The Tacoma Bead Factory Bead Show on July 8,9, 10.

miller lavender

2011-06-17T10:13:00.001-07:00

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What's New

2011-06-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Busy girls this summer. Completed some remodeling, working at the market selling beads and pots, getting ready for my sister's arrival. Grandson visiting.

What's next is a major and I mean major remodel/reorg of studio. It will be transformed. I know it can be done I know it can be done. Big messy complex job. We want to make more open space so we can have students and also sales here in our own space. I see a jewelry making corner and a glazing area and a hand building area and Lana's wheel corner. Also we have cat perches. And then the general arts and crafts materials storage.Lots to fit into one big double garage. I have shelves and we have tables etc. It is a questions of letting go of the non essentials and trimming back on some supplies; also storing some materials in our new kiln shed. Wish us luck. Not a pretty task.

Lots going on...

2011-05-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Verona 2011

Our Dogwood

Getting ready for July show

Ole Grrl our RV

Over our jet lag, memories only linger from Italy, now on to summer. Big challenges. Re- do two bathrooms, get our suite ready for J who is moving here, and reorganizing the studio.All big projects. Moving patio furniture to deck with new umbrella to make room for other stuff and taking a load to Goodwill. Still have to plant the garden and a trip to Bark and Garden is on the bill. Then trip to Massachusetts. Hopefully picking strawberries for the 4th and BBQ.and getting ready for Bead Factory Bead Shoe in Tacoma. Kim Fox staying in Ole Grrl guest house for show. Several RV trips with our club.

2011-05-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Viarregio

Palace hotel

2011-05-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

Palace Hotel in Viareggio

Viarregio skyline

2011-05-17T13:34:00.002-07:00

Pisa

2011-05-17T13:34:00.001-07:00

Sunset viarregio

2011-05-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

Happy in viareggio

2011-05-15T03:18:00.001-07:00

Duomo Florence

2011-05-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Train to viarregio

2011-05-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Italian beach

2011-05-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

2011-05-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

Italian coast

2011-05-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Terrace

2011-05-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Lunch

2011-05-13T07:31:00.002-07:00

Terrace

2011-05-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

Viarregio

2011-05-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Viareggio

2011-05-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Viareggio another room with a view

2011-05-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

In front of duomo Florence

2011-05-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Update

2011-05-11T00:35:00.000-07:00

Got my hair done ,three lovely male stylists all talking at once, off to coast tomorrow.
We tour the uffizi today. Crowds and more crowds. We have found quiet places. Harrys Bar.
Lots of favorites and we found madova gloves.. Very dangerous place. Also silk scarves oh my..the leather and shoes

Slice of Florence

2011-05-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

The boys

2011-05-10T23:12:00.001-07:00

Where is Leslie Robelski, ambassador for Swarovski

2011-05-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Reflection on florence

2011-05-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this..the arno in Florence

2011-05-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

Image for Carolyn

2011-05-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Ponte vecchio

2011-05-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Night Florence

2011-05-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Lana roughing it in Florence

2011-05-09T04:37:00.000-07:00

Florence in may

2011-05-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Room with a view

2011-05-09T04:33:00.001-07:00

More from our balcony in Florence

2011-05-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

Florence

2011-05-09T04:32:00.002-07:00

Arno

2011-05-09T04:32:00.001-07:00

Our room with a view

2011-05-09T04:31:00.000-07:00

Verona

2011-05-07T22:04:00.001-07:00

Our room with a view

2011-05-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hills Verona

2011-05-07T22:00:00.002-07:00

2011-05-07T22:00:00.001-07:00

Arena in Verona

2011-05-07T21:58:00.002-07:00

Arena in Verona

2011-05-07T21:58:00.001-07:00

Verona

2011-05-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wedding in Verona

2011-05-07T21:48:00.002-07:00

Verona

2011-05-07T21:48:00.001-07:00

Verona

2011-05-07T21:47:00.001-07:00

Marienplatz

2011-05-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Isartor munich

2011-05-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

almeria cave carving

2011-05-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Some really old pots

2011-05-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Schloss Nymphenburg

2011-05-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Munich market

2011-05-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Lana in Munich

2011-05-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Munich

2011-05-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Munich in May

2011-05-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Munich has been all about fierce walking and the glory of Mai spargel in every form. L and I
have been zipping around this town like we own it. Some rain, some sun..acting very untouristy. Had a great dinner chat with a young woman married to an Israeli.interesting conversation. The quaint concept of sharing tables with strangers which I adore.

Train to verona tomorrow. Photos will have to be loaded later. iPad from m and p; great gift that it is. Little feedback on world news. Off to Verona by train tomorrow. Jt

Trip to Italy

2011-04-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

We are going to Italy. Have housesitter so all will be smooth at home. It should be a great trip and very inspiring for future clay projects. We are traveling by train and visiting Munich, Verona, Florence, Lucca, Sienna and the Ligurian Coast.

We are Flying into Munich and staying close to Sendlinger Tor; an easy walk to everything and the S Bahn and U Bahn. Great train trip through Alps and Dolomites to Verona. Staying near the Roman Arena in Verona; plan on walking through the neighborhoods and markets. In Florence we will have a room with a view –two bridges from the Ponte Vecchio and plan to take a tour of the Uffizi.

Lucca will be a relaxing homebase for many side trips in a tiny rented car.

Olympia Farmers Market

2011-03-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

We will be guest venders at the Olympia Farmers Market starting this April. We are very excited to be included in such an excellent group of farmers and crafters. We will be selling porcelain and stoneware beads, baskets, boxes, bowls, tiles, magnets, garden ornaments and many other items all handcrafted in our studio in Lacey.

If you are in the area please do stop by. The market is open Thursday through Sunday 10:00-3:00.

Current Work

2011-03-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Shot

2011-02-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

Reviewing photos from Best Bead and Tucson Trip

2011-02-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Joan at booth

Our ware

Moon and windmills in Palm Springs

Wonderful wooden beads at Woodworks

Glass Maker Harvey and Lana

Lana and Ole Grrl

Mt Shasta

Lemons at Marsha's

Sunset in Tucson

One heck of a trip and adventure

Full moon over street fair

2011-02-18T08:43:00.001-08:00

Palm Springs,lovely weather and full moon

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Thursday night street fair in Palm Springs..lots of jewelry booths

2011-02-18T08:40:00.001-08:00

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Palm Springs mid century houses

2011-02-16T10:22:00.001-08:00

Checking out mid century houses in Palm Springs..fun

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Look for new ideas at Off Center Productions..

2011-02-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

We left Tucson with bronze pieces, tons of our show neighbor, Joanne Kekowski's matte glass beads and ideas for collaborations using our bronze, black and teal porcelain and stoneware. Yummy combinations. After I return from Palm Springs -the 23rd I will put some of these bundles up on web site shop.

We searched and shopped and talked ourselves silly at the show. Met some kindred spirits who have the same aesthetic and are eager to work together. We will be at The Bead Factory's July Tacoma Show with a line of bundles and some jewelry.Very exciting for us. Many thanks for the old customers who dropped by, the new friends we made, and the venders who have been sharing trade secrets, complaints, and riding out this recession to better days. It is indeed a gypsy encampment. Kim Fox of Handfast parked next to Ole Grrl and we rode out the freezing weather.In and Out Burger sustained alot of us as did the fabulous SW Mexican food in Tucson.

I missed Tucson last year and regretted it; not getting that shot of energy, art, love and vitality. Looking forward to maybe going next year as a buyer, supporter, visitor and really see everything.

Home Again Tucson was Great

2011-02-11T06:12:00.000-08:00

We made it home to Lacey, WA yesterday. The cats greeted us and they are happy. House was maintained by house sitter and we are sort of unpacked. Had a Netflix waiting so we had movie night with coffee and cats. It felt good to stretch a little and use a real keyboard after the Droid for 3 weeks.I did love having the Droid for the entire trip. It provided maps, emails, facebook access, travel guides, RV information , etc etc. Now I wonder how I lived without one.

I leave for Palm Springs on Sunday for a week of sun with an old friend. Lana is back to work and we both have long lists to undertake. Gardens to turn, rooms to paint, a trip to Italy, a trip to NY and some minor remodeling. Busy girls. I am grateful for lots to do and travel to keep me from the winter blues.

Tucson was so much fun. The show was great; beady friends were in fine form, our show neighbors were high spirited and supportive. We stayed in a funky RV place which was friendly and cheap. Our friend Kim was parked right next to us and we weathered the cold together. We had dinner with our friend Sara and her mom from C Koop and had a lovely chat in the heated restaurant patio. Temperatures dipped to 17 and water pipes froze and people ran out of propane. We had an impromptu breakfast at the Waffle House and met some characters out of Jack Kerouac.Saw Andrew Thornton and his blogging world co-workshop leader Kate McKinnon- the Atomic Ranch is charming and filled with hospitality.Many beaders, customers, and friends dropped by at our booth and that is what makes Tucson worth it.

I took tons of photos on the Droid at 70 miles an hour- lol and also took some fine photographs with my new Olympus Pen EPL1. I particularly love the way the camera deals with color.

I will be downloading photos today after I clean the RV and finish laundry.I will post them here later.

Thanks to those of you who came along for the ride to Tucson in Ole Grrl and let us know we were

being followed. Also those who followed on Beads of Clay.

ah yes the fog....

2011-02-10T08:53:00.001-08:00

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closer to wa and no sun

2011-02-10T08:41:00.001-08:00

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mt shasta

2011-02-09T12:14:00.001-08:00

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lambs and olives: corning, ca

2011-02-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

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Palm Springs

2011-02-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

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dinner in palm springs

2011-02-07T17:46:00.001-08:00

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We are in palm springs; very warm; great after tucson's cold

2011-02-07T17:44:00.001-08:00

Palm Springs

2011-02-07T17:37:00.001-08:00

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Desert AZ

2011-02-07T11:45:00.001-08:00

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saquaro gila bend

2011-02-07T09:42:00.001-08:00

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Leaving Tucson

2011-02-07T08:37:00.001-08:00

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Anne Mitchell

2011-02-02T08:12:00.001-08:00

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Lisa Kan and Nick

2011-02-02T08:11:00.001-08:00

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Karen de Souza of Kumihimo to Go

2011-02-02T08:10:00.001-08:00

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Lana at our booth

2011-02-02T08:09:00.003-08:00

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Karen of Klew

2011-02-02T08:09:00.001-08:00

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