Walk away......from the clay

"Walk away ........... from the clay" is something I am told that CeCe Wire tells her students during her classes.  CeCe's book is  the first source I used when I began teaching myself metal clay and I don't remember her saying anything like that in her book.  But, I definitely know what she means.  I often have to tell myself that as I work on a piece and try to perfect it too soon, which often results in damaging the piece.  

   But last week, it took on a different meaning as I struggled with a commission.  The pieces in question were not difficult, but for some reason they were giving me all sorts of grief.  The first step was to make a PPP plate for each of the pieces.   I have now made eight PPPs.  The second step was to create the pieces in clay.  First I did four of them in standard clay and then three more  in PMC+.   Out of those seven there is only one I am pleased with.  Thank goodness nothing is ever wasted.  I know I can reuse and re-fire them with some major changes for new pieces.  

    Thank goodness for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  It forced me to get away..........  from the clay.  It gave me time to think of how I might try to change the already created pieces.   If nothing else, when I get back to work, things might finally go right.