Catherine Daniel Ceramics

Hello and welcome to my blog where I share some of the thought processes and textile/quilting inspirations behind my ceramic art, and occasionally other random topics!
For more details and pictures of my ceramic creations, please see my website -

catherinedanielceramics.com



Tuesday 17 September 2013

Autumn Colours

Today I went for a long drizzly cold walk which was cheered up by the sight of all these Autumn colours. It reminded me of a few months ago - in the middle of a very hot summer - when a gentleman contacted me to request a birthday bowl for his wife, who loved "Autumn colours".


He explained that his wife was an avid quilter who loved working with purples and browns and that one of her favourite patterns was the 'Bear Tracks' block.  So I got to work mapping out the pattern onto the wet clay,


and eventually used purple and amber as the main colours.  These are not two colours I regularly put together and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked them.


As the recipient was a needlewoman, I added all the little touches, such as the thread detail, in toning colours,


and attached a handmade button whose surface pattern was made by impressing this metal bobbin into the clay (blurry photo, but you can see what I mean, I hope).


I then dispatched the finished piece which arrived on the lady's birthday and she was apparently absolutely delighted with her surprise present.


Funny how some colour combinations just speak of specific seasons of the year.  We'll all be in the midst of red/green/silver/gold before you can even say the word 'Christmas'!!  Oooops, I said it!

x Cathy


23 comments:

  1. It's a beautiful bowl, I can see why she was delighted. It's been grey and drizzly all day here and apart from the blackberries and sloes there doesn't seem to be much sign of autumn colour - yet!

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  2. It's delightful, Cathy - and isn't it so helpful when the people commissioning a piece can give you some workable details.

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  3. That is beautiful.I love the colours and the detail.I am going to be dropping some hints to my family for a special birthday I have coming up in just over a years time!

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  4. Oh yes, the C word- I was planning and stitching festive projects during the hottest week of the year so they would be ready for magazine deadlines. Really wasn't in the mood!

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  5. this is a delightful piece and I'm sure the recipient will treasure it!

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  6. You do such lovely work! The bowl is wonderful. I've been telling my quilty friends about your work and your blog. I like autumn: it means staying in more and stitching!

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  7. You do such lovely work! The bowl is wonderful. I've been telling my quilty friends about your work and your blog. I like autumn: it means staying in more and stitching!

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  8. Wonderful inspiration mosaic, Not just beautiful colours but textures as well. The recipient of this amazing bowl will be over the moon. You've included so many special, thoughtful touches. I'm impressed that her husband knew what his wife's favourite block was, what a guy!!

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  9. Beautiful bowl as usual. I like the addition of the button, great idea to use a bobbin to do the impression.

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  10. You are clever. Love how you put a button into the design.

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  11. It's gorgeous Kathy. And your style is so distinctive! Lucky lady :)

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    1. Eek, I inadvertantly gave you a K, sorry Cathy.

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  12. I love your inspiring walks posts. I was just re-reading my crabapple jelly post which was inspired by one of yours. Then I pop over and here is another one. I love the dish, especially the thread detail.

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  13. What a lovely, unique gift! You do such a great job interpreting quilting patterns into your work. I bet that he knows that he did well in choosing the birthday gift.

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  14. ah, that is one smart man- lovely piece.

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  15. I bet she was absolutely delighted to receive something so personal to her, and especailly made for her. What a thoughtful hubby! It looks beautiful, so detailed and perfect as usual Cathy. Love the soft colours.
    Now don't you start using the C word on here already...............
    Have a good week!
    Gill xx

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  16. Gorgeous work Cathy ... :0)

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  17. What a beautiful piece, I am very envious of the recipient!

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  18. What a beautiful piece, I am very envious of the recipient!

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  19. Another beautiful bowl Cathy: I am sure the lady must have totally thrilled! You are so talented x

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  20. I am said recipient, and yes the bowl is as beautiful as the photos show. It also shows that my husband does listen to what I say!!!
    Sue....
    Thank you once again

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