Crowds of friends and neighbors came to the 2015 Yourist Studio Gallery Holiday Sale, where they socialized, enjoyed a bountiful buffet, and selected from the best of our community artists' ceramic works. Here's a photo collage of scenes from the sale:

A tremendous thank you to all the friends who visited the Holiday Sale, to the artists who participated and worked so hard to make the sale a success, and finally to the polar vortex, which stayed away this year. We hope you'll make our sale a regular event in your holiday calendar.

Q. How do I get rid of a wax resist boo-boo on my pot? Is it really necessary to bisque fire the pot again, or is there a quicker method you can suggest?

A. While a second bisque firing is the most reliable way to get rid of unwanted wax resist, you can try microwaving it away. Put your pot in your microwave on high for five minutes. Your pot will be hot, hot, hot, so let it cool off before you touch it or remove it from the microwave.

Put a lid on it: If you find lids a challenge, our next Tool Time class on Sunday, January 18, at 4:30 pm, is tailor-made for you. You'll get the benefit of Kay's experience as she shows and explains how to make lids for pots, including seated and inverted lids. You don't have to register; just drop by the studio at class time. This class is free and open to the public. 

3 Days of Clay reminder: March will be here before you know it, bringing The Jackson Pottery and Clay Guild's "3 Days of Clay" on March 6-8. Sign up by January 30 to get a break on the registration fee! Get more information and register on line here.

Free kiln finds good home: That free kiln we featured in our November issue was snapped up in no time. If you have used pottery-making tools and equipment you would like to sell or give away - or you are in the market for used equipment - let the clay community know. Send us the details so we can include them in a complimentary item in this newsletter.

Part 1