Decal Dreamin'

I've been busy throwing more mugs this week. My last set with decals (only 2) was so satisfying when I pulled them out of the kiln, that all I can think about is decals. How to incorporate them into my work, what should I make to put them on, what other types of clipart can I find to utilize?

Unfortunately decals aren't cheap to print, I ordered mine from Trinity Decal and come to find out, they have them printed in the UK! 1 sheet was incredibly expensive with the shipping almost doubling the price. I still have quite a few left on the one sheet I ordered but I can already think of half a dozen other types of designs I wish I had ordered!

So now I'm trying to get enough stuff made to utilize the decals I have left and I can't seem to get into the studio fast enough...it seems my 1 yr old isn't crazy about the idea of me paying attention to something other than her. Here are some mugs and bowls I've been working on:

I have been playing in photoshop a bit to get ideas for my next designs. Here are some of the results. We'll see how they turn out.

Three cheers for decals -  my new obsession!

Owl Bud Vases

I have been working on these new bud vases. Little owls with eyes that hint at their personalities.
This is the very first batch and I'm still not decided which shapes I like best...a few of them are hand-built and the rest are thrown on a wheel. Some are pushed out to form volume for wings or faces and others are left smooth.
This is also new territory for me on the wheel. My mother brought her old brent wheel to me and I'm trying to reintroduce myself to it. Reintroduction from a very short and informal class some 8 years ago mind you, so I'm kind of teaching myself blindly. I suppose I should watch some youtube videos to jog my memory on how to throw clay.
Glazing is another area where I'm pretty incompetent. I'm not sure what I'm doing but am trying to have fun. Hopefully if I keep experimenting I'll discover the look I am going for.
Happy Friday!