Ravenna

Hi Jim,

oh, okay, I hadn't realized that the package had been opened. I am relieved to hear that it wasn't my poor packaging that was the problem then though it is still annoying. If you can mend it so that nothing shows that is good. Just remembered: though the clay is in theory stoneware the glaze isn't as the clay throws bubbles at high temperatures due to the manganese so you can't leave those pots outdoor in frost.

What can I say? I am impressed that you showed those pots to someone who gives classes - I am glad you didn't tell beforehand: I would have never dared to send you the pots at all... But obviously I am very pleased to hear that I may have the potential to produce some pots in time worth having. And don't worry: I have any intentions to give up my current job and become a full-time potter. At the moment this is a hobby for me and if I see that there is a demand for the pots I may sell some and if there isn't I won't... But a chop would be very nice thing whichever way things go. Before you get carried away though: don't plan any designs with maple leaves: I don't think that it is a good idea as Bryan Albright uses that... A chop needs to be distinctive and it might be misleading if I use a maple leaf.

@Michel: Just so that you know: I DID see your comment regarding that cuckoo sound and IF I was Swiss you would be in trouble now because those clocks are actually NOT Swiss. They are typical for the Black Forrest... So now you are just in trouble for pulling my leg - not for hurting my national pride.

Michel

Hi,

I await the harsh sentence of Your grim judgement . . .

But it's a sad thing for You as well as for Jim that one of
those lovely pots didn't survive customs' scrutiny;
Shame on them .
Best wrapping should be bubble plastic and then a carton box,
I gather, with a big "FRAGILE" label on it.

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

Ravenna

Well, now I am in trouble: how on earth am I supposed to punish you... I guess you should threaten with something you don't plan to pull through with...

clwagner167

Hi Ravenna,

You are becoming completely self-sufficent. Now all you have to do is develop your own soil?

Are you still attending your bonsai lessons in the summer? I always enjoy reading about your latest adventures.

__________________
~ Cheryl



Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

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_________________________________________

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Michel

Hi,

Studying yet another new language, are we ?

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

Ravenna

Hi Cheryl,

as far as soil is concerned I continue to be very boring: I just use plain akadama or kanuma sometimes with a bit of kiryu. I have a strong suspicion that I will just be too lazy for producing my own soil...

My classes in Italy have been over for some time. The only thing I missed out on is doing the exam. I guess I should check again whether I can do it this year or not. I will have to see whether I will take any more classes there. The annoying thing was that the trees always suffered when I took them down there as they are so unwieldy. For this year I have only planned a couple of workshops with Francois Jeker. One was already which was a course on how to restyle your tree and I got some advice on how to treat the hollow trunk of my lagerstromia. The other will be in autumn where I will be working on another box.

I WAS planning to drastically reduce the amount of trees I get but somehow this evening someone from our bonsai group turned up on my door step with two azaleas saying that apparently I had bought them at the exhibition of the Swiss bonsai club and asked him whether he could bring them as he lives nearby. I have no recollection of buying any trees but because I am nice person I didn't want to upset him and took them off his hands.

I have been repotting some accent plants (mainly my Rhodohypoxis Lilly Jean) - I hope that it wasn't too late in the year for that. But I also transplanted a few orchids. I haven't seen them flower yet but I hope that they might work as accent plants as they are miniature ones.

Another project I am working on is a rose which I have grown from seed and which I have dug up this spring. It has got a fairly hefty trunk of about 7cm and I am looking for ideas on how to style it so if any of you have nice pics of rose bonsai... show them away.

So, as you can see Cheryl: things are rather quiet on my bonsai front as far as classes are concerned. This year I have been going to exhibitions more than I used to (Noelanders, British Bonsai Award and today the Swiss exhibition). I feel that I need to develop more what I have and I must admit I don't really like the concept of workshops where you draw the lot for trees and you then tend to end up with trees which you don't really fancy given my limited space. What are you up to?

@ Michel: Sorry I forgot the n't after "should" you should be glad that I wrote at all young man, given that I had to get up early on Sunday because I was helping at the exhibition. And now I have found my "threat" btw. if you don't behave I won't talk to you anymore... in ANY language...

JLDoggett

Isan't blacking-out while partaking in something a major symptom of complete addiction and the reason for an intervention?

__________________
"Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and wrong....because sometime in your life you will have been all of these"

And I further resolve to click on an ad, each time I visit, to help support the site and to be welcoming to lurking guests when you join! After all, you're already here.

clwagner167

Hi Ravenna,

I have very few trees left, along with some material that I'm growing. Due to economics, I had to move to a very small place and I gave away so much. But, I still have my books, tools, some pots, and this site etc...

I will keep the faith that I will soon have a place that will once again be over ran with greenery!

As for you! Seems like you are as busy as ever? Some day you will be a bonsai master and you will be conducting your own classes.

I have seen the minature rose bushes turned into a Bonsai. (basically just thrown into a pot) Your best bet would be to use common sense, and also talk to your instructor.

JL is right, pretty soon we will have to do an intervention because of your addiction.

__________________
~ Cheryl



Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

Please support "your" site and click on the ads.
_________________________________________

In memory of my dear friend....
"Prowler" Victor Gray 1943-2008

Tanuki Mario

Beautiful pots. I wanted to try my hand at pottery but the wife wouldnt let me build a kiln in the back yard :P

My selection of pots from the local Bonsai nursery leaves something to be desired (generic mass produce). So to make your own pots and to be creative with them...im so jealous.

Love the pics please keep them coming.

__________________
Some of my trees Bonsai Area Construction

clwagner167

TM,

Take a look here, I have read from other member's that their prices are reasonable.

They really are Monks...

Bonsaimonk.com - bonsai pots, bonsai tools, bonsai supplies

__________________
~ Cheryl



Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

Please support "your" site and click on the ads.
_________________________________________

In memory of my dear friend....
"Prowler" Victor Gray 1943-2008