To start off the New Year here is a final beautiful tile from our Turkey holiday. On the last day in Istanbul we were taken to a smaller and exquisite mosque, Rustem Pasa, built in 1561. The elegant domed architecture was completely clad with these tiles, each wall a different design. They often depict Turkey’s signature tulips and carnations. If I get a request in a comment to this post I will add one or two more!

William Morris admired Iznik tiles – isn’t it obvious?

So far I have no leads on a gas-fired salt kiln so will not be making stoneware pots until I do. Meanwhile YVR/Vancouver Airport phoned to ask for 8 more of my colourful earthenware jugbirds on Dec 15th. What were they thinking! Now I have at least one good reason to get started back in my studio after the Christmas break – enough food and sloth! I have a plan to blog the process of making and slip-painting my jugbirds. Let’s hope my one-handed photos of each stage will make for an interesting photo essay. Watch this space over the next week or so!

All good wishes to potters for inspiration, successful throwing, perfect glazes, amazing firings and the best pots you’ve ever made! As John Leach always writes: ‘Potters of the World Ignite!’