Ordinary Beauty

One of my favorite forms to make is the colander.  It's a simple bowl with distinct alterations to add functionality but also beauty.

These are great for a variety of things- the smaller versions are berry bowls- for rinsing and displaying grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc.  The medium to large ones are great for veggies, noodles, apples, anything really.  The bonus about a ceramic colander versus a plastic one is the noodles slide right off the smooth glazed surface rather than sticking and making a mess of a plastic one. (I mean really... who wants to do more dishes!  And yes, you can pop these in the dishwasher.)

I spent a good bit of my day yesterday making holes in my bowls.  There are so many designs you can make with just removing the small circles of clay.  From simple to very elaborate, the holes define the style and look of the piece.

The handles are the accent that finish off these pieces.  I do lots of different kinds of these for various looks and effects.  Handles can take any form really- they are functional but largely decorative.  I love these little additions because they take your piece to the next level from ordinary to beautiful.

These bowls will be dried, sanded, fired and glazed to turn into a piece similar to the one below.

I use mine all the time and look forward to these going into new homes where they can be enjoyed and depended upon day in and out.  And when you think about it, the beauty lining ordinary is what makes all the difference in the end.

Love, 

Lisa