Vermouth Will Work

Tall Flower Basket by Linda Starr
stoneware (green) 11.75 x 5.75 x 3.75 inches

Slowly I am finding more of my ceramic supplies. I've always wanted to use kanthal wire in a piece. Today I decided to give it a try, since I found a package of wire in a box I unpacked. I just finished up this tall flower basket form.


I started making the tall basket and my paint roller just wasn't sturdy enough to hold up the sides till I got them together. I ran to the kitchen pantry looking for something and thought to myself that bottle of vermouth will work. It's heavy and just about the right diameter to temporarily hold up two sides till I get the other two attached.


Once I got the four sides together I pulled out the bottle and set it aside. Later Gary came in and said you aren't dipping into that Vermouth are you? I said no, not while I'm working on this piece. I can't even remember the last time I had a vodka martini, but one of these days I'll make one. I know the last martini I had was before Gary and I were married that's for sure. Besides who would drink vermouth straight?


I set the tall basket aside and made some clay beads to string on the kanthal wire. I also noticed the wire is made in the USA. Then I ran outside to ask Gary for a wire cutter. I have one of my own, but I'm not sure where it is at the moment. After I inserted the kanthal wire handles I decided to strengthen the corners with an corner support on the outside where I inserted the wire. I thought the wire might try to push it's way out. I like the addition of the top corner supports. See the reading glasses in the background; I notice my clay seams are much better now that I use them. I got the strongest magnification I could find and they really help.


I attached a foot to the bottom before I attached it. I used to make vases without feet, but I think feet look much better. This foot is really almost invisible since it is so thin, but it raises the vase up a bit. Of course the seams here will be cleaned up and smoothed out, but I wanted to show you before I attached it to the vase.


Meanwhile in the living room the tile is being laid and I can hear the tile guys remarking that the tile is made in the USA. I chose a simple brick pattern for the 18 inch tiles. Gary has been tied up unloading a few items from the bus and, of course, there's the ever so important "BS-ing" with the tile guys, so his story about the motel is still right around the corner. Comments and suggestions are welcome.