New year, new website platform, new products, new workshops.

It’s 2021. I’m working on creating a “new normal.”

(Except that I’ve always been more focused on new than normal.)

The website looks different because of the new platform

First up, the new and improved website. We couldn’t get our previous web platform company to fix the glitches in the checkout process that frustrated so many of you (and us!), so we started from scratch with a new platform. Valerie says Squarespace is easier to use and the customer service seems much better. Of course, the real test will come when we see how it works for everyone.

We’d love your feedback. If you see a problem or have a suggestion, please email us via my Contact Me page. And please check back as we add more content. Thanks for your help!

My shoulder is healing

Now for the new and improved me. It’s been just under six months since my surgery. I’ve regained a greater range of motion than I’ve had in a long time. I haven’t gained strength as quickly but I’ve just been able to get back to throwing a few things a day on the wheel. That’s better PT than all the other exercises put together!

I’ve been playing with clay and developed some new ideas

This winter I’ve been working on slab constructions. Playing around, really. Because it’s fun to try new things.

When in doubt, go large. I’ve recently made a few plush-sized, pillowy rabbits and slab-constructed vessel sets. I’ll post more about my play buddies when they’ve made it through the glaze fire.

While my shoulder has been healing this winter I’ve been trying to “work smarter, not harder.” So I purchased Serif’s Affinity suite of graphic software and have been teaching myself the new software. (I just went to their site to get the URL for this link and they are offering a 50% off sale.)

Valerie jumped into learning the new graphics program, too. She “new and improved” my logo stickers, so I have some fun “little extras” added to my label cache. I like to send a random sticker free with every order, but if there’s a specific one that catches your eye, I added my stickers as store products in case one in particular speaks to you. I love the holographic logo sticker with the website URL inside the border. The fine lettering is crisp and readable even on the reflective background! Sticker Mule does an incredible job of printing my designs and they have great customer service.

I’ve also been developing my own decal designs to put drawings onto my pots. The shoulder surgery amplified my hand tremor for a while. It got me thinking that decal printing is a good long term option instead of the laborious hand-painting I used to do when I was younger. Decal designs will also help me keep my decorated works affordable and available to collectors who would like to buy them.

Online brushmaking workshops are coming soon!

So many of you have contacted me asking about brushmaking workshops. I can’t see doing them in person yet, but I’ve been developing a way to livestream workshops for small groups online. I have a special sign up list just for people who want to be contacted as I roll out these new workshops.

So that’s the “State of my Studios” at this point in time. Just a bit of a catch-up between friends.

I anticipate exciting things in the year ahead. I hope you do, too. Let’s keep in touch.

About the author(s):

Troy and Valerie Bungart live in SW Michigan where Troy makes finely crafted pottery, pottery tools and handmade paintbrushes.

Though Troy runs most of the business himself, when it comes to blog writing Troy tells Valerie what he wants his blog posts to cover and Valerie types it out for him and adds images.

Together they invite you to Connect with Troy and stay in touch. Thank you for your support.