Raku Gods, Cherry Bombs, and Fall Festivals

My studio held its Boo's 'N Brews Fall Festival, and it turned into one of those days I will be talking about for a long time.

The centerpiece was a Raku demonstration, and if you have never watched a Raku firing, here is the short version: it is pure chaos. Pieces go into the kiln, come out glowing, and what happens next is part skill and part surrender. You can do everything right and still be surprised. A pumpkin of mine blew up in the kiln, just gone, which is exactly the kind of accident Raku loves to remind you about. But my two gnomes made it through, and they turned out exactly the way I hoped. The Raku gods smiled down on those two, and I am so happy with them.

The festival had a cookie contest too, and I entered my recipe, Cherry Bombs. It was a blind taste test, so nobody knew whose cookies they were eating. They just liked them, and I took home first place. The prize was a free three-month membership at the studio, which I really wanted, and I walked away with an amazing Raku fired gourd I won as well. I am so thankful for all of it, and especially for the people who voted for a cookie without knowing it was mine.

Now I am looking ahead to the Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival on October 24 and 25, from 10am to 5pm both days. I am bringing a lot of goodies, including big mugs, gnomes (those two Raku beauties among them), and all things sunflowers.

If you are in the Saint Louis area, come say hello. Bring your coffee. Bring a friend who needs a gnome.

More soon, from the studio.