PAULA J. BARRY

  I survived the League of N.H. Craftsmen Fair, with only a few bumps and bruises.  It was wonderful to see familiar faces appear at my booth.  It is just a great feeling to see them, students, fellow potters, family and good friends.  Even a fan from facebook introduced herself. 

  I have been quite busy updating my online store, on 1000 Markets.  You can access this by clicking the link, or by scrolling down the right hand column of my website.  There are new pieces, and update (lower prices) and (lower shipping costs), on most items.  Keep an eye peeled, as there will be new items being added to the store on a regular basis.

  Classes resume in September.  You can access this information on the website under Classes and Workshops.  The Pipeline Pottery (formerly, Out on a Limb Pottery), has been repainted, and renovated in a great way.  The potters wheels look over the Nashua River, where we view some sights.

  6 Days left before set-up  for the League of NH Craftsmen Fair, Aug 7-15.  I have been preparing to packup the two vehicles with booth display items, pottery, bags, a chair, flooring, tools,  lighting and the list goes on.  My sleep has been distrubed as I mull over my to -do list in my head (even though I do have a list written down).  I also have to pack clothing and food for myself.  Even though this is just  for a week considerations for all sorts of weather must be made.  Will the brutal 90 degree and humid days of July, continue into August?  Will it be chilly?  Will it  rain the majority of the time, as it did several years ago?  Frequent fair goers know just what the rain can mean being on the side of the mountain….very wet feet.  Personally I would prefer 72-76 degrees and dry.

  There are other things to consider as well.  I worry about my family.  I will create numerous lists.  Pet care lists, husband care lists, how to keep the house cool and comfortable list.  I know they can think for themselves, but this is something I do and worry about.  Will my husband choose cheese and crackers every night or will he eat something prepared or that has been frozen for him.  Will the dog get what she needs?  Though she certainly will clue the guys in if she has been neglected.  Will the poor dog sit by the door waiting for me, or will she settle down on the couch watching for my return with one eye opened…. I feel really bad about this.  It’s a mom thing.

  Back to me…. I cant wait!  It has been my working vacation for several years.  The energy at the fair is contagious and there is so much to see and do.  Demonstrations are set up by numerous craftsmen.  I do love the demonstrations, seeing and learning to appreciate what goes into the craft.  A lot of years and love go into what each and everyone does.  You can see in the demonstrators faces and hands how much they care about their art.

 Please come by and say hello.  I will be in tent 5, booth 517.

  Attached is a photo of my booth, pottery, and assorted gear waiting to be placed in the truck and car.  It is hard to imagine all of this, and more (still in the garage) will fit in a 10 x 10 booth space.!  I envy jewelers.

The excitement is building. I am doing the last glaze firing today for the League of NH Craftsmen Fair.  AUGUST 7-15.  I have quite a bit of organizing to do yet.  It usually takes us most of a day to set my booth up, and get the pottery  into the booth. The fairgrounds are a bit uneven to say the least, an incredible amount of energy is spent just making the booth and displays level.  But the efforts are worth it.  The energy at the fair is contagious, its wonderful to see old friend.

I will be in tent 5!!!  Booth 517, please come by to say hello.

   It has been a busy few months getting ready for the largest craft fair that I participate in.  The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair, Newbury NH.  It is a wonderful event, and I am quite proud to be a participant.

  I have been busy creating new lines of work as well as expanding on my current lines.  Glazing and firing, packing and other preperations seem to take over my summer.  But it is worth every minute.

I hope you will be able to attend this fair, as I dont think there is anything else like it….at least for me.

When you see my work, I hope you smile.  Inspired by Van Gogh, Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney.

  It has been a crazy month creating work.  I am in the process of making and firing work for the League of NH Craftsmen Fair.  I seem to be creating work faster than I can fire it though…it will all work out in the end.  My hope is to be done “making” work by mid June, finish firing by first week of July.  This would allow me to relax, lol.  I hope to finish the firings for the summer early July, as I find it difficult to fire during the summers thunderstorms and possible power outages. 

Bisque ware piling up

  July will be the month to pull things together for the fair.  Pricing and packing goods, packing my own things for a 9 day working vacation.  The fair is so much fun.

  My youngest daughter took photos yesterday for my slide show.  My oldest daughter is designing my new business cards.  This certainly is a group effort.

  New work has been created this season, and will make it’s debut in August.  There is always room for Ice-cream. 

Ice-cream bowls

Three fall/winter shows down, one to go.  It’s been a busy season.  I have just completed the annual Dunstable Artisans Show, The New Hampshire Potters Guild Show, and a show at the Bedford Village Inn. 

This weekend, on Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5,  I will be at the Fitchburg Art Museum for their annual craft show.  Every year the event gets better, and the art and craft presented for sale is also improving.  The craftsmen are situated within the museum, among the great art…what a fantastic idea.

I love doing shows, though they are exhausting.  The customers are fantastic, and it is nice to get feedback on my work.  The craftsmen and artists are a lot of fun as well.

Classes at my studio , as well as in the Nashua NH location are running.  During the month of December, I am offering 4 “Escape from shopping” events.  2 hour handbuilding classes, designed to help you relax from the hussle and bustle of holiday shopping.  If your curious, check the website for addition info., under Classes and Workshops.