Second Saturday Giveaway by Ali Misner: Win Tea Cup from Chuber Pottery!

Posted by Crystal Pepperdine, Founder and Executive Director of Flint Handmade

We are so excited to announce a NEW FORMAT for our regular Second Saturday Giveaway!

Whenever possible, our featured crafter from the same month of the previous year will do the interview and take photos with a new featured crafter!

In November 2010, I interviewed Ali Misner of Alexandria's Soap Garden.

For our November 2011 Second Saturday Giveaway, Ali interviewed her mother-in-law, Carla Gibson of Chuber Pottery (cjanecare@mac.com).

Carla in her workspace.

Ali: Tell us about your workspace.

Carla: I have a two story 24’ by 26’ pole barn. The first floor consists of my work area with my kiln, my wheel, drying racks, a glazing area, shelves with various pottery tools, slab roller, and of course clay. My husband also works in the pole barn, however with only a mere 8’ X 9’ area we’ve dubbed “The Man Square,” (poor hubby J).

Chuber pottery on display.

The second floor is my storage and display area, as well as office space.  The pole barn is conveniently located right in my back yard, just about 10 meters from my back door! 

  

Using the elephant ear sponge.

Ali: What is your favorite craft tool/material?

Carla: I love throwing clay on the wheel and using my elephant ear sponge. This involves centering the clay and a lot of hand control to form the clay. The elephant ear sponge keeps the clay moist. This process of pottery making is very calming and soothing.

Vegetable steamers made by Carla.

Ali: How did you get into crafting?

Carla: When I was young my mom was very creative. We would make paper dolls, and learned how to make things by using household items. During my senior year I received a sewing machine and in 1975 I began working in the costume department at the Whiting Theater. The head seamstress became my mentor and taught me to sew.

Glazes in Carla's studio.

I continued my crafting passion by taking a pottery class at the FIA in 1978 and fell in love! I purchased my own pottery wheel and kiln and began selling my pottery at various craft shows around Michigan until I had children. From 1983 to 1985 I taught pottery classes in different Flint afterschool programs in the fine arts department.

Carla's pottery tools.

It wasn’t until several years later, after 2005, that I purchased the equipment to create my own pottery studio, where I continue to make pottery and sell at various craft shows today!   

Ali: How did you come up with your company name?

Carla: When I took the pottery class at FIA I wrote my name on the back of my work “C. Huber,” because my maiden name was Huber. When my instructor was handing back the pottery, she asked “Who’s Chuber?” It was so funny that the name just stuck and I decided to call my work “Chuber Pottery.”

Ali: What do you listen to/think about/watch while you craft?

Carla: I love listening to upbeat and organic music, like Arlow Xan [Ali's band with her husband, Alan, who is Carla's son], while I’m working on the wheel. In fact, the music has inspired me to start making musical instruments.

Udu drum.

One of my goals is to make an Udu drum, which is almost like a vase that has holes in it. To create musical instruments with clay is definitely something I’d like to work towards in addition to my more functional pieces such as bowls, coffee cups, and vegetable steamers.  I think it’s something that would be really cool.
 

Making art from clay.

 

It always amazes me how you can take clay from the Earth and make art from it. To sit and enjoy your meal or play music using pieces you’ve created is very rewarding and very earthly.

 

Carla's studio.

Ali: What projects would you like to work on in the future?  

Carla: I’d like to continue to pursue making various types of musical instruments out of clay. I think I know a couple of people who would use them. :)

Blue Rutile tea cup wit lid on.

Ali: Provide a description and retail value of the item(s) you are donating for the giveaway.

Carla: Here is a “Blue Rutile” tea cup with a lid you can use to keep your tea warm, or place your teabag on once it’s finished brewing.

Blue Rutile tea cup with lid off.

The cup has been high fired and colored with different layers of lead-free glaze. It is microwave and dishwasher safe and valued at $20. It’s perfect for sipping warm tea on chilly nights! J

For YOUR chance to win the Blue Rutile Tea Cup by Carla Gibson of Chuber Pottery, just complete steps A and B:

A) Follow Flint Handmade via the blog, Twitter, Google Reader or whatever newfangled "following application" tickles your fancy. Or, if you don't do the whole following thing, email us at flinthandmade@hotmail.com and we will add you to our email list.

B) Leave us a comment in response to this blog post by 5pm on Saturday, November 19, 2011 answering the following 2 questions:

1) How do you follow Flint Handmade?

2) If you were to create something out of clay, what would you make?

Please be sure to answer BOTH questions to qualify for the drawing.

The winner will be selected at random and posted on the blog within one week after the deadline. The winner will have 30 days to claim the prize.

We hope to hear from YOU and we hope you enjoyed our November Second Saturday Giveaway by Ali Misner of Alexandria's Soap Garden!