Artisans Collective: Postcards From Home #19 Nancy from White Earth Stu...

Artisans Collective: Postcards From Home #19 Nancy from White Earth Stu...: "Thanks to Nancy for sharing this beautiful part of the U.S. with us! Another AC team member who lives on a National Wildlife land! I am ..."

I am a member of this lovely Artisan Collective Team at etsy.com.  I was the feature "Postcard from Home" this week.  It is really fun to peek into all of the teams homes and studios!  Thank you Sheila for all of the
work you do on this!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS SALE

Until December 25 please enjoy 15% off your entire purchase at my etsy shop!!
Simply enter code HOLIDAY25 in the coupon code area during check out.

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and will go on into  a peaceful Holiday and New Year!

This is the beautiful view from my studio window.  You are looking at the Mississippi river and across to Minnesota!  I feel so very blessed to be able to work in this amazing location everyday!

Kiva Loan 100% Funded!!!

Yes !!!!  The women I have been loaning money to through Kiva now has her Loan of $750 completely funded.  Francisca Quispe lives in an area of Peru where the annual household income is only $6715.  She is a mother of ten and fifty eight years old.  I choose Francisca because like me she is a potter.  She only requested the loan in order to buy pottery supplies to keep her business going.
I have been wanting to get involved with Kiva for a long time.  I finally have and find it to be a really wonderful organization for helping people who live in poor financial situations but want to work and develop their own business.  I like the one on one relationship rather then giving to a large organization.  It works for me ....and now I hope it will work for Francisca
See  how Kiva works at  http://www.kiva.org/about/how

Handmade and Fabulous!: Ceramics!

Handmade and Fabulous!: Ceramics!: "I'm lucky to have been able to experiment with several ways to create art. I've painted, drawn, sewn and carved. I've sculpted with wire, pa..."

I was thrilled to find myself included in these selections at the Handmade and Fabulous blog!

Thank you so much!

Alere Modern

I am so pleased to be invited to participate in this brand new online Gallery.   Caitlin has created a wonderful collection of work inspired by modern line .  The work also very often references nature.  Take a peek by at http://www.aleremodern.com/    Sorry I am not tecky enough to put her new Gallery up here!  But I am trying.

Thank you Alere Modern

KarmaTube: Smiles in Pakistan

KarmaTube: Smiles in Pakistan

Watch this video if you need a little inspiration!

The Spotlight

The Spotlight

Busmans Holiday! Buswomens Holiday!

Wow.  I finally got to go on my Buswomans Holiday!

This is a view out of out hotel room in Port Washington, WI overlooking the Great Lake Michigan.
We are also looking at an art fair in progress on the left and the visiting "Tall Ships" on the right.
We came to see the Tall Ship reproductions but the added bonus was that I got to full fill my
desire of many years to be just a customer and a visitor an art fair. 

The 20 some years that I participated in indoor and outdoor art fairs had its share of rewards.
It has also often been grueling to be out in the elements for hours enduring hot and humid weather, rain, wind and even snow!  The first evening I watched from my hotel room as the poor canopys at this show were blown over and beat down by a storm of very high winds and sheets of rain and hal! Nightmare time!
What amazed me was to wake the next morning and look out at all the canopys and booths set back upright and in business!  What stout stuff us independent makers are made of.

This time I got to be the wandering visitor with the time to go out for lunch, think about what I wanted
to buy and just enjoy the day!  The view from both sides has been quite a trip!

Handmade Spark - White Earth Studio - Vase, Ceramic, Green, Gold, Porcelain, Thousand, Petal,

Handmade Spark - White Earth Studio - Vase, Ceramic, Green, Gold, Porcelain, Thousand, Petal,

Handmade Spark - White Earth Studio - ceramics and pottery

Handmade Spark - White Earth Studio - ceramics and pottery

Guest Post: Loving White Porcelain

Guest Post: Loving White Porcelain

This is a lovely collection of White Porcelain pieces.  My Tulip Vase was included in this group over at the gathering spriggs blog.  If you like  porcelain check out the beautiful work included here!

Handmade Spark - White Earth Studio - ceramics and pottery

Handmade Spark - White Earth Studio - ceramics and pottery

View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult

View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult

This is a great collection of handmade from the Artisans Collective team at etsy.com  I
love being a member of this team.  There is such a feeling of group comradery and good

will.   Wish more of the world worked together in this way!

My Vase on Apartment Therapy!!

I'm thrilled to find out that the wonderful blog "Apartment Therapy" has featured my Thousand Petal Vase
in there Re Nest section, along with four other beautiful ideas for unsusual vases for different spaces!!

see more here
http://www.re-nest-com/re-nest/decorating.unusual-vases-for-different places-125803

la sirène de boston: petal holder

la sirène de boston: petal holder: "love this soft ceramic lotus vase by white earth studio on etsy."

I was just featured on this lovely blog.  It is such a big virtual world out there?  How did she find me
to put on her blog?  It is amazing and befuddling.

Artisans Collective: Featured!

Artisans Collective: Featured!: "Two Artisan Collective members had fabulous features in the blogosphere this week! Check out decor8's feature of Jennifer Atkins of Quenchmetal and Nancy Monsebroten of White Earth Studio.
I am a member of this fantastic team at etsy.com called Artisans Collective.  The idea of team work really is alive here.  The support that the members give each other is invaluable.  Also, it is so wonderful to be part of a team to help advertize ourselves as a group as well as each of us separately.I have never been included in so many treasurys at etsy before we started team treasurys.  We have been featured on the front page!!
Hope everyone can find a team to join and feel this included.

http://.www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/
http://www.whiteearthceramics.com/

Former Googler Adam Freed Takes COO Job at Etsy, As It Crafts More Funding

Former Googler Adam Freed Takes COO Job at Etsy, As It Crafts More Funding
I find this article really amazing but, also overwhelming! The $ numbers are huge!
See what you think?

Handmade and Fabulous!: Ceramics!

Handmade and Fabulous!: Ceramics!:   This is a great blog that just featured ceramics and included me!

Bursts of Bubbles: If only.....

Bursts of Bubbles: If only.....: "In my last post I mentioned that I love ceramic items and would absolutely love some ceramic vases in my house so today I decided to go in s..."

This is a lovely blog that included my Lotus Vase in a great collection of ceramics.

http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/
http://www.whiteearthceramics.com/

Interview at Design Style Guide blog

I am thrilled that Jay at Design Style Guide contacted me to do a feature on my work.  He did alot of work (so did I).  Take a peek if you are interested!

http://designstyleguide.net/community/blog/white-earth-studio-interview/

Gone Fishing!!!!

I should have been packing work for a   re order from my Door. Co. Gallery, I should have been cleaning kiln shelves, I should have been getting work processor to work on our new computer,  I should have been finishing an interview with Design Style Guide!!!  BUT...I went fishing. Y:ipee!  Needed to get out of the studio for a bit even if the week end does not start for another  day!

We live on the beautiful banks of the Mississippi river.  We have a new (used) Pontoon boat.  We were having the first not in the 90's with high humidity day in a long time.  We (my hubster and I) dropped everything and went fishing!  The day was perfection.  Blue skys, puffy clouds, light breeze, no humidity!

We saw great blue herons and little duck families, we caught  Blue Gills, Sunfish and Perch which we will be pan frying up for dinner!

Tommorrow I will start back up on all the "Shoulds".  I suspect they will feel easier after this lovely break we gave ourselves!

Photo Shop

Photographing my ceramics has always driven me crazy.  But now that I am learning Photo Shop I am really going bananas.  I spend SO much time trying to get my photos right.  I did have my professional photographer come out one afternoon and give me some quick tips.  Being a visual learner that was way helpful!

See more at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

But I still feel that I am spinning my wheels!  Ah well, it is a good learning curve that I have embarked upon since deciding to try to market my work online!  One of my customers told me that learning all this new stuff will definitely keep me young! My brain at least!  So, here is a sample of my lastest attempt at Photo Shop.  Any feedback?  Any critques? Please be gentle!

Russian Blog!

I just googled myself to see what I could see!  I was on a Russian Blog!!! Amazing.  They said " Monsebroten is very Modernistic"!   The world is really shrinking.  My nieces boyfriend speaks Russian. I'll have to have him read it to me.

New Color Combo on Lotus Vase.

Experimenting with more color combos on the Lotus Vase!  Think I prefer the pinkish violet!  Any comments?

see more at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

Donations ???

I just donated this Thousand Petal Vase to the Ronald McDonald 2010 Black Tie Gala and Fundraiser.
As Artists we get asked ALOT for donations.  I feel that it is a good thing!  I also donate to my annual local Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity fundraisers  .  I am so busy in the studio being the maker, the bookkeeper , the janitor, the promoter, the repair person etc. etc. that I do not have time to volunteer for local charities. This is a way I feel I can give back to the community!
It is also a great way to do some  advertising! Everywhere I have donated always puts out a stack of my brochures and business cards.
Back to the studio!  See more of my work at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

New color on Lotus Vase

Hope this color will be perfect for someone out there!

See more at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

New color on Lotus Vase

Experimenting with new color on the Lotus Vase.  I really think this works!

Studio Shot

Working on changing the scale of the "Thousand Petal Vases". See the finished work at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

Photographing Pottery!

Trying to photograph my work really is the bane of my existence.  I did not want to be a potter AND a photographer.  I have been trying to photograph my wall pieces and they just do not read well.  They look so much stronger in real life.  I have a professional photographer but with the digital computer age I just cannot afford the money or time to have him shoot everything!!!  It is really a time problem.  I'll let you know it I come up with anything.  Wish I didn't need so much sleep!!!
See more of my work at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

Handmade Wave: Spotlight On: Nancy Monsebroten White Earth Studios

Handmade Wave: Spotlight On: Nancy Monsebroten White Earth Studios Thank you Susan for the wonderful blog!

Sparrow’s Nest: White Earth.

Sparrow’s Nest: White Earth.  A lovely feature of my work at the Sparrow's Nest. Thank you so much for featuring me!  I appreciate your review.

Eye Candy: Refined Serenity

I was included in this great blog!

Eye Candy: Refined SerenityYou can see more of my work at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

Marketing online!!

For the past year I have been attempting to teach myself how to market my work online.  It has been a HUGE learning curve for me. Etsy account, Paypal, Google, Facebook, Twitter, this Blog were all very new to me.  I also had to learn digital photography and photo shop....another big leap!  BUT...I am doing it. Slowly but surely.
Yesterday I met with the Small Business Development Center on the campus here a UWL. I am thrilled with all they told me.  I hired an undergraduate student in Computer Science to go with me to the meeting.  Best idea I have had in a long time.  He was invaluable as he picked up on the tecky stuff that I missed.  He is coming out to the studio to help implement my first emailing list!!!  Yeah!  I'm going to keep hiring him as it will free me up to get back into the studio, a place I have been missing  this last year.
Keeping my fingers crossed and forging on.

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New Thousand Petal Vases

Excited to be working on new Thousand Petal Vases in  three sizes.  My gallery in L.A. says it is all about Scale!!!  We will see. 

My best selling Wedding Gift=Lily Trio Candleholders.

I have continued to make these "Lily Trio Candleholders " from porcelain ceramics for years as they are a very popular gift item, especially when looking for a nuetral Wedding gift.  Since it is June I thought I would put them out there for any new bride to be.

You can see more of my work at http://www.whiteearthstudio.etsy.com/

Camp We Ha Kee

Just got back from teaching the staff at Camp We Ha Kee in northern Wisconsin.  Great fun with college age enthusiastic staff! We did handbuilding in the morning, wheel throwing in the afternoon and then a crash course in kiln firing and glazes!  I wish them the best of luck when all the campers arrive this week!!!!

Teaching my niece to throw on the wheel!

Tired!

I am so tired.  I have been trying to do SEO and learn more marketing tools.  I feel like I am spinning my wheels..  That is why I am going to go make a pizza, watch a movie and start over again tommorrow after a break !!!
Good night all,
Nancy

Ceramic Leaf in Silver frame

Framed Handmade Ceramic table top pieces.

Working on Framed Porcelain Leaf Series today!

Took a shot of one of my pieces on my end table! These are putzy but alot of fun to work on!

New design for burial urns.

I'm working on this new design for my burial urns.  It is similar to my Lotus Vases but has a fitted lid.
This photo is at the leather hard stage.  This size would be for a pet urn.

Niece Gabbi visits the studio all the way from N.D.

Nieces Amanda and Gabbi

Amanda and Gabbi come from North Dakota to visit the studio on their first day of summer vacation.

My Hosta garden

My shade garden is just lush right now.  Must go make some Hosta Vases and plates.

Inspiration

My Hosta garden is so lush right now.  Just wanted to share the beauty.

View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult

View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult

Beachy Keen: White Earth Studio- Etsy Feature

Beachy Keen: White Earth Studio- Etsy Feature Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog!

Beautiful collection of artist from Etsy. Thank you for including me!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=128797

A beautiful and serene Treasury on etsy.

Eye Candy: Refined Serenity

Eye Candy: Refined Serenity

TAB Event - Makiko Hattori "Earth Expressions - Frill Ceramic"

TAB Event - Makiko Hattori "Earth Expressions - Frill Ceramic"

I just found this amazing potter from Japan. Go see her detailed pieces.

Eye Candy: Refined Serenity

Eye Candy: Refined Serenity

Thousand Petal Vase

I am thrilled!!!! I sold my first Thousand Petal Vase this weekend.  My meditation leader who is also my allery doctor fell in love with vase.  She choose the photo on the right except in the pale green color. (see header).  I am so happy that the first Thousand Petal Vase to leave my studio went to such a great home!  Thank you Vanee.

Design Style Guide - Listing Details

Design Style Guide - Listing Details

Kristina from Design Style Guide matched my "Thousand Petal Vase " with a interior style room!
Click here to see what she choose!

Beautiful Botanical Ceramics

Beautiful Botanical Ceramics
Earth Friendly Weddings has recently featured my ceramics as a lovely idea for Wedding Gifts.
I do indeed sell alot of pieces as wedding gifts. Especially my Lily Trio Candleholders.
Thank you Earth Friendly Weddings!

Design Style Guide - Listing Details

Design Style Guide - Listing Details

Design Style Guide has this great new feature. They match a piece of artwork with a room decor style. Check out which style they used to match my Thousand Petal Vase!

Beauty in the Ordinary

I just wanted to share this lovely Artist Profile that Kathy Barlow of HomeWorkshop.com put together to feature my work.  She called me in the studio and did a phone interview .  It was so much better then emailing back and forth to actually have a conversation. Hope you take a look at it and also at Kathys site.

Thank you Kathy.

Beauty in the Ordinary

Beauty in the Ordinary

Beauty in the Ordinary

Thousand Petal Vase: Our Current Favorite Morning Coffee Cups

Thousand Petal Vase: Our Current Favorite Morning Coffee Cups

White Thousand Petal Vase on "Touch of Loveliness" Treasury

Thank you moncy3 for including my in your lovely Etsy Treasury.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=111118

Morning Glory Vines

This piece was just featured in a lovely Silver Grey treasury on etsy curated by shazzabeth. Thank you so much.  http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=85395

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Lotus Treasury

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=108367 This is a beautiful treasury on etsy that featured one of my Lotus Vases. Thank you

Fresh Green Treasury

Go to this lovely fresh, green treasury created by Martha and Eve at twoknit on Etsy. Thank you Martha and Eve for including my Thousand Petal Vase!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=108259

Lotus Vase featured in new Etsy Treasury

This piece was just included in a beautiful Etsy Treasury created by Montezumamudd . Thank you Montezumamudd.  Take a look at this lovely combination of Etsy Artists at
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=108031

Finding Startling Beauty in the most Ordinary Places.

 "A Sensitive plant in a garden grew
  and the young winds fed it with silver dew
  and it opened its fan-like leaves to the light
  and closed them beneath the kissed of night."

"The Sensitive Plant
by Percy Bysshe Shelly,1820

This poem expresses much better then I will ever be able to what I would like to focus my  work and my blog on in the New Year.   Finding amazing beauty in the most ordinary of places.

Handmade Wave: Spotlight On: Nancy Monsebroten White Earth Studios

Handmade Wave: Spotlight On: Nancy Monsebroten White Earth Studios

Our Current Favorite Morning Coffee Cups

My husband and I seem to go to these two cups everymorning.  His is the sailboat cup made at Clay Bay pottery in Door Co. wisconsin.  Mine is a lovely little cup made by a beginning potter, undergraduate student Chistina at the Univ. of Wi, LaCrosse.  I found it in a stall at our local farmers market this last summer.  Did not get to meet Christina, but love the energy I sense in a beginners work.