PayPal vs. Google

And it's a win for Google.  At least, it does for me...and thousands of other PalPal haters.

I am exclusively using Google Checkout now.  It's been about three months with only a few hiccups. PayPal has lost me for good.  I won't go into my own story, but let's just say between Ebay (officially the devil of "independent" web commerce) and PayPal (Ebay's bitch and the one CURRENTLY holding the torch in web monetary transactions), I was screwed out of nearly two grand. 

My first thought...  Fuck PayPal, I should sue.  But I'm not the litigious type, and of course, I'm not the only one.  There are multiple sites and groups out there with HORRIBLE stories, much worse then mine.  I have had customers who refused to use PayPal due to money being withheld or fraud (that buyer protection ain't so solid), or simple identify theft.  You're dealing with a monopoly of a company who only wants your money.  That's it.  And they really don't care about the buyer or seller.  There was a woman who called them up after not receiving a $10 item on Etsy that was lost in the mail.  The PayPal representative she spoke to on the phone immediately told her to "take action".  But, one simple conversation on Etsy with the seller...all cleared up.  No PayPal involvement, no issues. 

That one little phone call could have ruined someone's business and livelihood.  I was thoroughly shocked when I read some of these stories...

So, I weighed out my options and decided to go with Google Checkout.  It's super secure.  You do have to sign up, but if you have a Gmail account (which EVERYONE should by now) it's a cakewalk.  It's an extra step for me, sending out an invoice after the sale notification, but it helps me to keep better records and it's a little more official, yet personal.  Google Checkout may still be a bit foreign to some, but it's only going to get bigger and better....just like Google itself.  It's a winner.  Oh, and I've personally confirmed that international buyers love Checkout over PayPal.

Next time, why Ebay is a total bastard...

My puppy.

I need custody of my baby Dudley.  Soon.  There's a huge hole in my heart....

In the retail world.

Here is a pic I found by accident from one of my favorite stores to work with.  Someday I'll get there in person... 
Thanks Tildé.  I love you...and apparently so does Portland.

I'm trying...

So I am still without a studio...and it's driven me, not so slowly, insane.  But to make do for now, I've set up my wheel outside.  It's on a huge tarp so I don't make a big mess and so I can wrap it up like a burrito at night and when it rains. Which, by the way, it has...almost everyday...and it's been a particularly cold September.  Perfect when you have two important shows coming up in less than two weeks.  Bleh.  But, I've made it through most of the inconvenience of the workspace and made what I hope will be some great pieces...no one really knows til they open that kiln...kiln...now there's a whole other issue...

It's always nice...

to get a write up on someone else's blog.  Especially one so super-terrific.
http://www.veniceclayartists.com/shoshona-snow-ceramics/

Too many...

Shows coming up....and no studio.  Freaking out?  Yes.

Day...ah #$*& it...

It's been too many days to count now. I still have no studio. We never moved and are now staying a my friend's mother's house. I was feeling too depressed to even have the slight urge to want to make work...not anymore... I still have my wheel, which means I could still make work without having a full studio...but I need somewhere to fire. I THINK I may have an answer to that for at least this first firing I hope. Then maybe I can look more to the long run option..renting space somewhere or from someone. And I suppose finding out where we'll be living next will be of some importance in that decision.

For now, I already have several custom orders and a few shows that I need work for...It's making me antsy and nervous. The holiday's are right around the corner. I don't want summer to be over. :(

And yes, that is a REAL waterfall. Right near where I'm staying right now. Nestled in the woods in a secret spot...

day 2.

Me and my friend Jen had a garage/studio sale...two actually. One at my studio, one at hers. Went pretty well, didn't get as many people interested in buying the work, but they were pretty into it. Which is still okay with me. I have the Etsy shop and thetinbox Etsy shop back up and running but, have decided to only ship once a week and always priority (which is pretty much my standard...and no international shipping, sorry). I have a couple more bins of work I want to sell before we move. I think it's totally possible. I unfortunately I have work and belongings all over the place, the old house, my friend's mom's and my mom's...which is where my camera and light set up is and I am not happy about. Grrrr. My cell phone my have to do for

now...

I tried to start drawing yesterday but it just didn't work. I may have to switch to sewing for a little bit (by hand since my machine is in Connecticut...my Kindle needs a new cover anyway. I don't have good luck with electronics...better to be safe.

So, this is day 2 and I'm feeling relaxed. Still have lots to get rid of at the house, but I'm feeling good. I guess it's a Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there. I don't get to see my 4-legged, Dudley today, but I'm sure he would give me some loving...and presents if he had thumbs...

homeless.

Well, my kiln has a new home, but I don't. She's in her new home in Brooklyn. I'm a gypsy for the next month. Then the plan is to be in Eugene by the beginning of June. I've got my pots down to ALMOST 2 bins, maybe another smaller box too. The wheel and tools and going on the top of my friend's Jeep, covered, I doubt anyone is gonna try to get that stuff of the Jeep and it's so high up. We also have things from thetinbox Etsy shop that we need to fit. I'm hoping maybe we could do a flea market or two to get those 2 or 3 boxes down to 1 also. Then it's mostly clothes and a few personal things. I bought Dudley (my Boston terrier) a booster seat so he can see the whole time we are driving...we'll just switch who's got him and it will be good to have him...it will make us stop for more breaks. Otherwise, we plan on camping a lot. I've got the tent and cooler and sleeping bags...it should be all good.

The annoying part is that I'm already missing making work. I've been drawing a lot, but that doesn't help. I know I have a good month or so til I can work again and it's already KILLING me. When I was inventorying my pots earlier today, just feeling them made me want to work...

And, I have so super cool news, but I can't share it yet. HAHAHAHA

So, I'm calling this "day 1" of official start over....

My mystery plate....

My mystery plate...., a photo by shoshonasnow on Flickr.

putting this out there again...any one know anything about it? I know it's mid-century, obviously, but of it's possible origins or if they have seen anything like it before? i was thinking italian, but now i'm not so sure, someone mentioned scandinavian in origin? not signed. i've just NEVER seen this subject matter. so odd. please check it out and let me know what you think? or pass it on to someone who might. thanks!!

Jefferson Airplane -White Rabbit-

UGH.

Yeah, so things have been quite a bit crazy around the studio, around the house, around my life....

So writing this blog has been WAY low on my list of priorities.
I have huge amounts of work to make and just not enough time or will...

Jon was out on a US tour for 32 days playing drums for 2 different bands. A long time to be left alone at home at the studio. I actually enjoyed in very much. Worked a ton, hung out with friends, enjoyed some time hiking and a bit of swimming in our local hidden waters....I really do love living in the Hudson Valley.

But, then the shop orders, gallery and museum orders started popping up one after the other...and let's not forget about the gallery shows I have coming up this fall. At least half of that work has already been made....
AND, the holidays are coming. Which mean I need to bust ass to have my Etsy shop stocked and ready to go...early. Last year I was getting holiday orders as early as the beginning of September!!

Jon's left me again for a few days. Which is what I need right now. Home alone again. Time to get some real work done, without any distractions. I really wish I just lived in the woods...Could take a break and walk and re-group when I'm having a disastrous day.... But he'll be home on Sunday to record with another band. Which means I guess I'll have then to work in the studio as well. I have A LOT to accomplish before next Friday. INCLUDING firing 2 kilns. UGHHHHH.

Grrrrrrr.

After MANY slow hours, I decided to shut my kiln off at 1647°. I think my elements are kaput. The thermocouples are all working, the relays are all working...it just doesn't seem to have enough juice to get up to cone 10. So......there goes my day. Now I have to wait for the damn thing to cool (which is going to take forever because it's so packed), unload all 50+ pieces, change the elements, reload, re-fire, and then wait for it to cool AGAIN. Grrrrrr. The plan was to unload tomorrow and reload with greenware. Guess that's not happening. I was just finishing up a few more things for that bisque load, including these egg cups....did I mention I've been making a series of egg cups???????I think this came to me, in part, from working on my piece for the small favors show. I had been working on some larger (large for me) animal pieces, some of them don't really have a function...meaning; vase, pitcher, teapot....they are just sculptural. That is fine, of course, but I do like to at least hint at a function. So, I thought I'd work on some small (even smaller than usual) animals....more sculptural and all with the same function. I have been wanting to make egg cups for a while now, but seeing as they are not so popular in the US, I wasn't sure anyone would be interested in them...but I've decided I don't care.

BUT, then my kiln crapped out on me. SOOOOO, if you are waiting on work from me or waiting to see what's new in the studio....I'm sorry to say, you are going to have to wait a little longer. I HATE when this stuff happens....

Small Favors V.

Small Favors V is officially up and showing at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. It's such a cool show. All the work must fit into a 4" plexi cube. The are a TON of amazing pieces from pots to sculpture and all quite affordable.

This is my piece...The entire show is up on The Clay Studio's website, so check it out. And if you are in Philly, the show is up until May 31.

SALE TIME.

Yes, I'm having a Mother's Day sale. 10% off all vases. AND, I can ship directly to mom. Free gift wrapping and I'll even include a note if you'd like. I'll be adding a few more vases today and tomorrow...that's all I seem to be making these days. I guess it's all those flowers popping up outside. Ah, spring...so, go check it out!

The Art of Spring.

Well, I survived another opening... The Art of Spring, a group show here in Kingston (look at me, FINALLY doing some LOCAL gallery shows), is up from April 10th through May 28th. I think there are around 45 artists in the show...insane! Cornell Street Studios is my new favorite place. Lots of rooms, lots space. I really hope it continues to be more and more successful, Kingston really needs it. Hundreds of people came through during the opening and it was actually pretty great talking to everyone. Lots of good feedback, networking and SALES...can't complain about that. This guy sold right away. :)

Nerman MOCA.

Just wanted to mention that my work can now be found at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Pretty nice. Maybe someday I'll get to Kansas to see it in person...

AND....I wanted to show off my llama...Isn't he lovely? Made on the wheel in a couple of pieces, altered and put together. I can resist sneaking into the studio to pet him....

Cups.

I've been making a lot of cups lately. Mostly because when I have a huge list of other work that needs to be made, I end up procrastinating and making the pieces that have only lived as drawings upon my studio walls. This giraffe mug is one of those pieces. Thrown and altered and I'm totally in love with it. I'm firing a bisque today and this guy is in there. Along with this cutie...And, I had another lovely lady feature me on her blog. So thank you to Kimberly. You can check it out here. And you can check out her two Etsy shops as well- AvecJasmine and Shoda

Vote.

I was informed this morning that I got nominated for Poppytalk's "The Poppies" award for #1 Ceramics. Cool, huh? A pleasant surprise.

So, please go and vote for me! There is some serious competition from some of my favorite ceramics friends.

Featured.

Well, I got another lovely email informing me that one of my pieces was featured on a blog. So, thank you to April for featuring my mug on here lovely blog along with a bunch of my Etsy clay peeps. Check it out!Tomorrow morning I'm off to New Paltz to set up my show. I have 15 pieces to hang. 8 fish and 7 birds. I don't think I've ever made so many hanging things all at once. It should be interesting to see them all up.