#sharethefunofRHS Red Hatters at Clay Time in Alamogordo, New Mexico

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society in Alamogordo, New Mexico had a bisque painting party at Clay Time at 908 New York Avenue. Clay Time boasts of pottery, ceramics, supplies/sales and classes. The owner, Carl "Hank" Hangsleben, was so knowledgeable and helpful to each one of us. Several of us had never painted a piece for firing so his help was deeply appreciated.

We began by choosing and purchasing a bisque figure we wished to paint and we received painting directions and chose the colors we wanted to use. Each place at the table was set up with a paint palette, a cup of water, various sizes of brushes and plenty of paper napkins. It was difficult wrapping my mind around the fact that the colors going on would come out extremely bright and shiny after glazing and firing because they were very opaque in the bottles and when applied to the figures. I did remember to bring all the aprons I had just in case we got messy. Somehow, I wound up with paint on my face. Fortunately, the paint is water based so it washes off easily.

When we finished, Hank took our names and phone numbers/email addresses so that he can let us know when our figure is ready for pick-up. I can't wait to see mine, a baby in a ladybug outfit.

L to R: Margaret, Lu and showing off her tortilla bowl is Jean (not seen)

VQ Donna putting the finishing touches on her Sunflower Faces

Close up of Sunflower Face

Lynne with her Poinsettia (once fired it will be bright red)

Dorothy E. with a turquoise bowl with swirls

Lu with her lovely little bird house

Margaret with her Christmas Angel

L to R: Hank, Lynne and VQ Donna

Queen Ladybird aka Carla with her ladybug baby (photo by Hank Hangsleben)

L to R: Lu, Margie, Flo, Margaret and Jean at Margo's for lunch

Dorothy E. and VQ Donna dressed in reverse colors for her birthday month

Queen Ladybird aka Carla (Photo by Lu Mattson)

We all had a delightful time lunching at Margo's Mexican Restaurant and visiting. Most were in agreement that Clay Time was great fun and they would like to do it again. I will revisit this post with pictures of the fired figures that we painted.

This is all I have to say for now.