Creative Dawdling: Clay Play Every Day

My rusty bits project so far has been fun and challenging at times. So far I've worked on something in clay everyday. I've drifted a little away from some of my rusty bits. I saw some mosaic work this week and it gave me an idea that I may want to use mosaic to incorporate my rusty bits into art.......that of course opens up a whole lot of mess. I really do not like the process of mosaic that much. I love the effect of mosaics but grouting and the heaviness of the finished product has always deterred me from doing much of it. There would be a large technical learning curve if I was to do mosaics.......so I'm pondering it for now.

Meanwhile I keep working in clay. I think today, Sunday Day 7, I will give myself a break from the wet clay. I may create some sketches and mindmaps about the project. I will finish glazing a piece that I started long before this month began. I have a lot of lingering unfinished pieces that await glaze. I also would like to finish two SoulCollage® cards that are awaiting to be glued.

We've had very nice weather this past week....I know the wind and cold will be coming and snow maybe.   On Day 2 of this project I did not save the clay piece I worked on. I took notes about what I liked and what worked but I didn't think the piece was worth the trouble to dry and fire and glaze......so I smooshed it back into the bag.    I went outside to walk my labyrinth and took my camera.   I had the best time playing in the late day sun......The long shadows gave me some interesting shots....
Here is one of my favorites.....

Day 3 I was inspired by a Brene Brown video. And the day before I'd had a discussion with someone who reminded me that some of the rusty bits I have are in the form of barbed wire. It was left here on our property and I wouldn't let my husband throw it away. So I went out and got a piece of it and created this heart with a saying inspired from Brown. Her blog is found at Ordinary Courage. And the video found at youtube - TedxHouston. I shared the video on my Facebook and it is worth the 20 minutes of time. Many people are now sharing it and commenting they've watched it several times. I have watched it multiple times too.

Day 4 I found myself making angels.....and using my clay and other items to make impressions in them......

Day 5 I loved what I made. I was completely stumped when I started and then I went on to make something that just delights me......but I didn't take a picture of it. So you'll have to wait to see it. I think I may wait until I get it fired and glazed and fired again. All of these clay pieces once they are fired will turn a nice terra cotta color and have some mica twinkles to them.

Day 6, well I was tired. So I switched to my favorite soft low fire clay called story teller. I started by just relaxing and making in a meditative way one of my hearts. Then I played with making a face. I nearly threw this back in the bag - but decided it is so small, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, I will find some use for it. It's over worked but in the end reminds me of the man in the moon. I think the photo is the best thing about it at this point. It's leaning up against a rusty bit.