Talkin 'bout my Edu-ca-tion

I'm a Senior Instructor for PMC Connection, but I haven't actually been certified in all three levels. When I was asked to join the team, I was still recovering from my foot accident and couldn't fly anywhere to take the class. When one of my classes at Arrowmont was cancelled due to low enrollment, I asked Mary Ann Devos (the director of education) if I could make one of the projects at home and just take the second day of the class during the retreat, and she agreed! Yay. So with only written directions I began to assemble the Inro box.

Bits and pieces - raw clay

I thought I'd make a really simple one. Just rolled out clay, no texture to worry about (I always want to perfect the seams, matching the design by carving and sanding). The box form went together really well. Then I thought about what kind of a design I'd use for the drop catch. I think I may have lost my mind a little when I decided to go with a linen fold draped clay look that I've used before. 

Out of the kiln and wire brushed

I *thought* it would be really simple. And the actual construction of it was.But I wasn't really in touch with my idea of satisfactory. I sanded and filled and fiddled and fixed all the elements ad infinitum until I was relatively happy. It has taken me two and a half days to make something that students are expected to do in one. Oh dear. I wasn't really working every single minute though (gotta break for Oprah) so, maybe it didn't take me as long as I think it did..... Yeah, sure.

I had to cover some hair sized cracks with PMC Paper. Nice detail though.

I'm thrilled with the way it turned out though. I call it "Dirty Laundry". And I promise I'll do a really simple one for a sample when I'm ready to teach the class. This can be the fantasy version. Do you ever get carried away with your designs? 

Patinated and put together!