A Weekend That Reminded Me Why I Love What I Do!

There's something special about opening my studio doors and watching people connect with the pottery I've made. Seeing someone find a mug they love or choose a piece for someone special reminds me why I love doing what I do. And this past weekend's fall Artist Open Studio Tour gave me plenty of those moments!

I've been participating in the spring tour for many years, but this was my first time opening the studio in the fall. A different season, a freshly rearranged space, and lots of new faces made this weekend special in a different way.

The Joy That Walked Through the Door

My studio is out in the country, a little trek away from the other artists on the tour, so I'm always SO grateful to those who intentionally made the trip out for a visit!

Going into the weekend, I hadn't quite found the usual excitement I feel before a show. We had recently lost my mother-in-law, and while our family has peace knowing she's with the Lord, life at home has been a little quieter than usual. I didn't get everything made that I'd hoped to, or shared about the event as much as I planned.

So basically I did what I could and left the rest in God's hands...which is always the best course of action.

And what a beautiful weekend He gave us!

It was so much fun welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors to my studio! The excitement, the conversations, and the encouragement for the art I'm creating brought such wonderful energy into the space. Seeing everyone enjoy the pottery and get excited about what I'm making reminded me just how special it is to share what comes out of my studio.

As the weekend progressed, the joy I'd been struggling to find slowly started coming back. God used the people who walked through my doors to fill me with a little more peace and joy. What a gift!

Thank you all for being part of such a beautiful weekend. I hope the joy you brought me comes back to you tenfold!

A Fresh Studio & What's Next

My husband and I gave the walls a fresh coat of whitewash, moved a big table that had been in the same spot for years, and rearranged a shelving unit. Suddenly, the whole space felt fresh and new, and now I just have to figure out if it's actually functional LOL!!

Tomorrow, I'll be back in the studio making pottery. (the pickings at present are pretty slim).  Everything currently available online is all I have in stock, so it's time to get my hands back in the clay and prepare for my final event of the year. November  27th & 28th for the Winter Modesto Art Market at the  Modesto Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Reflecting on this weekend reminded me that what I love most about making pottery isn't just the creating. It's sharing it with you, hearing your stories, seeing your smiles, and knowing something made in my little country studio might become part of your everyday moments or a gift that makes someone feel special.

Thank you all so much for making the trek, encouraging my work, and reminding me why I love what I do. I'm heading into this next season with a grateful heart, fresh studio walls, and plenty of ideas waiting to take shape.

Now, I've got clay waiting for me. Let's see what happens next! 

Love & Blessings,

Tammy Jo

(Here are a few more photos I remembered to capture in the studio)