The final glaze firing of this year wasn’t completely full but my most recent visitors were hoping to have their work finished by Christmas. The Raiders were Eric Metcalfe, Kate Metten, Tamara Mills and Mitch Kenworthy.

Eric enjoyed his Raid day by painting two plates with matching colours, even though they were different shapes. They’ve worked out well.

Kate meticulously laid out circles in a mathematical way to show a line moving around in them. It’s very clever. Her other piece, a little triangle, has a similar soft background, with her now familiar spots.

Tamara, relaxed after her European travels, painted her three plates in a looser way, with soft colours.

And Mitch carefully laid out related tones on a big green platter, before using bold black and orange on a smaller plate.

Eric’s Rhyton, made by me based on his recent drawing, has turned out well. This rhyton features a handle made to resemble the Ram’s horns and Eric has painted his characteristic leopard design with orange and black underglaze on the yellow slip I’d applied before the bisque firing.

So, as this is probably the last blog I’ll put together this year, I’d like to wish you folks who read my mainly ceramic notes, a happy Christmas break and a creative, healthy and contented New Year. We’re looking forward to a busy Christmas celebration with all of our local family, at Steve and Jen’s home in Pitt Meadows.