Facebook, Twitter, and Other JE News

Many of you may be reading this blog because we now have a Facebook and Twitter presence.  But for those of you who read and do not know, please check us out on both!  If you are on Facebook, become a fan!  Or follow us on Twitter here.In other news, starting in the new year, Jean Elton's online gallery will become a fully fledged store.  Instead of ordering via email or phone, you will be able to shop online.  Check on the site in January for its new look!Meanwhile, happy holidays and merry Christmas from all of us here at Jean Elton Studio and Gallery.

Corporate Gifts

Around this time of year, the artists at Jean Elton Studio and Gallery are quite busy with a number of corporate gift orders.  You have seen the Making of the Mug, but in addition to pressing mugs, they have been pressing plates and building bowls.  It is not an easy process, especially considering the orders are anywhere from 50 to 150!  But at Jean Elton, they love those kind of orders!It usually starts around September, because in order to complete larger orders, they need plenty of time!  A busy professional will pick the piece that they want (mug, plate, etc.) and then pick an accompanying glaze.  For an extra special touch, they may purchase a stamp with the company's logo to be stamped onto each piece.  Jean Elton will keep the stamp so that each year, the professional can purchase an additional piece to match their previous years' gifts.Over the next several months, the pieces will be pressed or built (depending on the item), trimmed and cleaned up, fired in a bisque firing, glazed, and then fired again.  The items are then packed and ready to be shipped!Keep this in mind next year, as you wonder what to get for your employees, customers, or clients!  And don't forget to order a stamp for that extra special touch.

Jean Elton through the Decades: Introduction

Though this blog is relatively new, Jean Elton Studio and Gallery has been around for decades. It is a business owned and run by William and Lois Barker, and has spanned the length of their 35-year marriage. Dishes that they made over 30 years ago are still in their cabinets and used every day.They began in 1973 in Lawton, Oklahoma when Bill was in the military.  Lois would go to a local rec center and build her signature coiled vases.  Then, in 1974, they moved to Germany, where Lois showed her artwork in military craft shows in Stuttgart.  In 1977, they moved back to Oklahoma and their pieces were in a gallery in Oklahoma City, as well as The Galleria in Dallas, Texas.  In 1979, they moved to VT and continued to work and show their pieces.  Eventually, after moving a few more times, in 1986 they moved back to Connecticut and built a studio. It started with a potter's wheel and a small kiln and evolved into what it is today.  Now, they continue to develop new designs for their artwork and dinnerware, which you have seen and will continue to see on this site, as well as in their store.For a more detailed history, keep checking this blog for the new series "Jean Elton Through the Decades".  You will learn how the business started and see the pottery (and the artists!) evolve through the years.

Out of the Kiln

Yesterday we did a glaze firing in our gas kiln.  Unloading a glaze firing is always a highlight for me.  I love to see how the colors come out and to see all of our hard work pay off in a beautiful finished product.  This firing went up to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit and takes a full 24 hours to reach that and then cool back down.  Because I am too impatient to allow it to cool all the way, we usually open it at 375 degrees.  This is OK to do and does not affect the glazes, but you do have to be careful when unloading at this temperature.  The pieces are very hot!   I wanted to share the experience with you, so below you will see a gallery of me unloading the kiln and the pieces as they come out.signature
Make sure to check back next week when we give you a picture preview of the upcoming Christmas show!  You'll see some familiar art work on display.

Another special feature...

We all know how beautiful the ornaments have turned out to be, but did you know they can also be personalized?

IMG_5479

Just use a fine point Sharpie to write your personalized note on the back.  It can be anything from a simple "to/from" note to a short message for your loved one.  More ideas:

  • Use them as gift tags to top presents
  • Give them as gifts to teachers, students, employees, and other friends
  • Give them as your yearly Christmas ornament to your children
  • They also make great stocking stuffers!

    The prices range from $2.75 to $4.25, so order yours today!

    "I've been happy with everything else you've done."

    Around this time of year, Jean Elton receives some orders for Christmas gifts from busy professionals looking to purchase gifts for their employees, clients, or customers.  One such professional said the following, after placing an order for the Jean Elton tri-oval dishes:

    I'm excited about the plate also, but then again, I've been happy with everything else you've done. I love the fact that I can give my clients a piece of art by a local artisan. I believe in buying things close to home and supporting my neighbors.

    A Corporate Gift: Making of the Mug

    In the following video, you will see Lois Barker starting the process of making a mug.  You will see a piece of clay pressed almost instantly into the mug's shape.  At the end of the video, you will see a mug that has already had the handle attached and is ready for a bisque firing.  Enjoy!If you're interested in learning more about the RAM press, keep checking back on this blog for a behind-the-scenes look at all the various machines and equipment used at Jean Elton Studio.

    2009 Holiday Handcraft Show

    IMG_5394

    Saturday, December 5th - 10-4pmSunday, December 6th - 12-3pmEmail here for location

    ~

    Presented by Jean Elton Studio and GalleryLois BarkerKathy SackettAmy Willers

    ~

    Hand Made OrnamentsSpecialty Table Top ItemsHand Painted GlasswareTable LinensHandcrafted JewelryHoliday Sweets and TreatsTablescape designs and decorating ideas

    ~

    Sip some cider or have a glass of wineBrowse one of a kind beautifully designed piecesAs you check off your Christmas Gift List.