Ep.14 I found a vintage pottery mould from 1976?! | Would you own it?

Let me explain a bit more about this video:
Welcome to the game of Smash or Pass the Mystery Mould edition!
Smash or Pass is a game where you make a yes or no decision on an object, person, or thing by using the word 'smash' or 'pass'. The game is typically played with 'smash' meaning yeah that's good and 'pass' meaning I will pass on that. However, as we smash the things we don't like in pottery and pass the things on that we do, I will be playing it the other way.
SMASH= The piece is not good and will not be going to the next stages. The piece will be smashed hehe not like the usual way.
CAST= it's good and I will take it to the next steps.
If you have been a long time follower you will know that I have my Mystery Mould series where I unveil these moulds one at a time and decorate them. The pieces that pass this game will feature in the series when I start it up again. The smashes will not but this video series gives me an opportunity to clear out some moulds that won't fit in my new studio or maybe aren't the best for the series. Some are seriously cursed!
But wait, won't it spoil the mystery?
Yes and No! The mystery mould series will return but will have a mix of pieces from this series as well as some picked randomly like normal. By the time I get to them, I think you will either have forgotten about the piece or be super eager to see how it comes to life in the series. I am actually excited to hear your ideas on the ones we do pass on to the series as I may be able to implement them into the video and the design of the artwork. I am excited for the debates and discussions about whether I made the right decision for each mould. I am also excited to cull some moulds so I have less to move when I get the shelves for my new space.
Wait, are you smashing the moulds??
Ok, not smashing the moulds! I am smashing the cast it makes inside. I will clean the moulds up and find new homes for them that will appreciate them. AS much as I can see potential in all the moulds, I do want to focus on the ones that spark the most inspiration, have the grooviest of ideas and can be shaped and crafted in new ways. The smashed moulds are great but great for someone else who they are a better fit for. I will share details where you can get these moulds very soon.
Are you ready to play?
I will be sharing a poll after each episode over on Instagram. If you think I made the wrong decision on the pieces, come over and vote. I may bring something back if you vote for it back!

[@dawnchesbro4189]

I saw the 👊 and thought about how it seems to be holding a test tube. I propogate plants in my spare time, so having a fun set of fist mounted propogation tubes on the wall, I could see someone having that in their home

[@laurawilke2617]

That's what I thought. A tiny vase would be cute.

[@lynnejamieson2063]

That sounds like a great idea, especially as there are many people who buy test tube style bud vases. Though it could even maybe be used as a toothbrush holder too.

[@AK00777]

Oh that would be really cool!!

[@DarthAlv]

Or candles! 😀

[@kandrvd2010]

That was my first thought also

[@AmberfoxCM]

This series should be called "Smash, Cast or Pass". Pass as in to pass to other to others to paint/make.😄

[@Kera.S.]

Definitely! Love this idea... Nothing wrong with changing things as Shelby changes her creative avenues! ❣️👍🤩

[@vickipetersen3578]

Was going to say the same! 😊

[@Siriuslyyy]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@jpendowski7503]

I like that distinction.

[@SwirlingSoul]

Or as in "maybe later"

[@sylviakelly4943]

When I saw them dragon, I thought about the cone incense. Place a small disc under it to hold the incense and the smoke could come out it's nostrils. Love watching your videos. ❤❤

[@karenwade6200]

I am pretty sure I had this exact statuette and it worked just like that - with an incense cone underneath so that it could breathe smoke from its nostrils! Lovely to see its origins!

[@BSWVI]

I love the dragon 🐉🐲🐉🐲

[@YallAintRight]

Hearing impairment comment: your microphone/recording quality is so good that I don’t need to use closed captions with you. I know that wasn’t necessarily your intention but I actually really appreciate it.

[@margieburgesser5048]

I liked the hand. If you put a hole in it, you could put a candle in it. On the plant tenders, you can punch small holes in the spikes so they still water.

[@tinaogle]

This is true about the plant tenders.

[@markmajka1877]

Hold a flag or sign.

[@MermaidMakes]

Ah I just left the same comment about putting a hole in the bottom, before I saw your comment! Yes, I’ve even used upside down plastic soda bottles before that I filled with water, when my husband and I leave for a few days and I can’t water my potted plants. They also sell plastic and glass versions in stores with a hole in the bottom. They would absolutely work perfectly fine!

[@lev21n01]

I have that dragon statue! He's purple with green and gold details and sits on the edge of my shelves. I'm sure a lot of people would love to paint one up!

[@vee_tinymoose]

The fist feels like it should be holding a bunch of flowers

[@amandahodgin9316]

Or one of those air plants.

[@Amy-iq7dd]

Exactly!

[@mememebeth]

Yes, that's exactly what I thought! Like make it a mini bouquet vase or bud vase.

[@MarissaHolley]

I was thinking of a spoon holder.

[@Chhesterification]

It's supposed to be holding a small flag. That's what the hole is for.

[@kewheeler4573]

This is my Dragon!! I have two of them from 30 years ago!! I want more!! They are different colours. Gorgeous

[@belindawallace5203]

I’m a big fan of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series and I think the dragon is stunning ❤

[@noneofbizorjuliejt6466]

me too

[@dtulip1]

me too

[@sweeptheleg7276]

I have one of these dragons that my mum painted for me in the 90s when i was a kid. I still have it and love it. Mines iridescent pink with a white belly and green gem eyes

[@BSWVI]

We still have some pieces my Mom made in the early 70s. Including Christmas trees 🎄🎄

[@jenmoore1545]

Just me sitting here, watching this video surrounded by my dragons, wizards and fairy statues. 🤣🐲 I would LOVE to have that dragon mold!

[@brinawitch]

I like the fist as coat hangers. I was thinking seven fist painted a solidarity rainbow on a wood board would be Uber cool

[@callabeth258]

Im not mad you smashed the dragon if that means it will go to the pottage, i would paint it blue like Saphira in Eragon

[@Loosay]

#1 is definitely a personal piece with not too many uses. #2 to me is a Leprechaun. #3 the plant tenders are soo cute, bummer you don't use the clay that works with them, but they would still be a cute edition to a garden is beautiful colours, especially the mushrooms. #4 is beautiful! I love dragons, mythical creatures have been something I've loved since I was a kid. I am so glad you're keeping it for paint your own pottery.

[@lynnejamieson2063]

Definitely nothing wrong with ‘mythical’ creatures. The country of my birth (Scotland) has the unicorn as its national animal and of course Wales has the dragon as its national animal…though I believe England at one time had a dragon as its national animal too (a different type than the Welsh one) but changed it to the lion.

[@deborahlaws3651]

#3 planter tenders. Close solid and still use them for garden or pot decorations.

[@SuesOriginals]

If you just bisque the plant tenders and use a low fire glaze on the top part they should be fine as plant tenders. As for the dragon…remember that this is the year of the dragon in the Chinese zodiac. It is the only sign that is a mythical creature. I would love the make one of those!

[@jefbowles7745]

How could someone buy a dragon and how much to buy and ship?

[@kriskossack7231]

Anyone else think of ‘Thing’ from the Addams’ Family when they saw the fist. The fist could be a really cool candle holder. If you open both end of the fist, it could be a napkin holder. You could really have a lot of fun with the fist. I love the Dragon!

[@DianeGraft]

If you poked a hole in the top of the fist piece, and then wall mounted it, it could be a holder for lots of cool things. Or poke the hole all the way through, and it's a flag holder. For the plant tenders, I remember that one of the other molds from the shed had remnants of terra cotta clay in it, so maybe that potter was doing a lot with porous clay. If you wind up with a bunch of other flowerpot type molds, might be worth getting a batch of porous clay and a few low-fire glazes, for the paint-your-own pottery. Perhaps have some dedicated terra-cotta sessions, to keep the firing schedule from getting too complicated.

[@maryrottman1530]

I have to say that watching you squash the Elf and the Dragon caused me actual pain. That was weird, Never had that happen before. Love your channel. Take care.

[@amyg.333]

Oh! When I was little, my grandma had that gnome in her living room. It’s part of a series. I 💖him!!!

[@Kitara31]

The plant tenders would make wonderful vases that you can poke in to florist foam. The dragon is gorgeous!

[@joanspragg9395]

Hi Shelby, perhaps this little pixie should be laying down on top of this fist bump lol, that’s why you got to open the hand first 🤣🤣🤣. My jaw dropped when I saw the Beautiful dragon, I can see it in a gorgeous pearlescent green and blue. Omg it really is so detailed, I would love to buy a finished one of these for my fairy & dragon collection. Have a great week everyone 🥳 🐝🐝💐

[@LadyBama]

The dragon is wonderful! 🐉

[@cindygonnella2179]

LOVE the dragon!

[@vee_tinymoose]

Me too!

[@katehirst6046]

LOVE the dragon! I think you could do your own one offs with tiny flowers, a kind of environment-saving dragon! ❤

[@ellinorsilwer]

12:29 you can make small holes in the bottom of them so they still can be used to watering plants.

[@KnittingBetsy]

Oh My Gawwwwd!! I want one of your dragons!!! He/She is incredible. I could see her sitting on a shelf, with some Swarovski crystals in the eyes. Gorgeous! Betsy in the Seattle area P.S. I’m a newer fan, but I love your style and wait for every video. Big fan…!!

[@shawnmcpeak6184]

It’s a garden (flower Pot) Nome. The dragon could be made into Christmas stocking holder for those inclined.

[@Erin_Wilson_Studios]

I think the second one is a garden gnome. He'd be laying under a plant.

[@Feraloidies]

sometime in the early 2000s, my mum and dad BOTH bought each other a version of that dragon! one had the nostrils open and air holes in the back and you put a candle in it, the smoke came out the nose. both my parents showed me what they were giving each other and MY ACTING SKILLS WERE AMAZING because i did NOT let on. I was probably in my early teens and i'm very impressed with young myself, hahaha.

[@khills]

😂 That’s really cute. How did your parents react?

[@debbiekappelhoff4998]

Oh oh oh - I have that very plant tender set - and they are great sellers! Last year I found a lady offering up her mother's studio's worth of molds - for free - they just all needed to be removed from the house! There were over a 1500 - but my husband and I brought them all home - over 2 days and a Uhaul rental! There were many that were so ancient that they weren't usable, and at least 300 angel/cherub molds that are not my thing - but the discovery of what all there was was so much fun!!! It is finally warm enough here in the Pacific Northwest (of the US) to start pouring again (my studio isn't big enough to pour inside - your studio is awesome!) looking forward to more creating! Love the idea of turning them into insect waterers!!

[@totalH20]

What about the fist being sideways and holding a candle stick?

[@Beauvaissbb]

The plant tenders! Can't believe you found them! 😍

[@janellehein6700]

The fist reminds me of " power to the people " movement from America .

[@WellWoopdidoo]

The fist, I’m thinking you could use it as a base for a wall sconce. Imagine it holding a lamp, a with a weird goth lampshade or something? If not that, a big hook for holding curtains back.

[@donnacullman4103]

That elf could also be a leprechaun. Then his devious smile would fit in!

[@chanaheszter168]

For the plant tenders, maybe paint/glaze only the tops, add pinholes to bottom?

[@sarahschaeffer1247]

That dragon looks awesome!!

[@francescabourne1611]

The fist would be a brilliant hand-le 😅😅 and I would love to see a video of you painting the dragon just for fun 😊

[@Hope-rs1eb]

The 🤜 to hold flowers

[@snootygoose7139]

Love the idea of making bee drinkers out of the tenders. For the dragon, there are sooo many options. Floral Dragons, using decals. Especially a cherry blossom one. A tattooed one.

[@annaromero6312]

I love how excited you get when you find something you really like. 🥰💕

[@noneofbizorjuliejt6466]

smashing that Dragon was incredibly painfull to watch! I felt kicked in the gut!

[@ninirossau2304]

I jumped over that part. I want one to sit in my garden!

[@MrsMedicate]

The fist painted in pride colors would be cool. 🤔

[@MrsMedicate]

Or cut out the circles and Put a Tube in there for plant propogation

[@gaynortrower7157]

You could make a hole in the hand so it could hold a wand to display ❤

[@kanadra]

Yes! When she said "stick" I thought "wand" too! Even though I am a fan of sticks and would totally display one, haha.

[@kristyjoyschoyen1421]

I am getting so many 1980’s vibes from these…The plant tender snail looks like a Keypers Snail toy that I adored as a child - mine was pink with silky hair. Do any of my elder millennial peers remember Keypers? The dragon made me think immediately of the Serendipity book series. WOW - i am getting such vivid childhood flashbacks of the school book fairs. ❤

[@darlouthia5153]

The immediate reaction on piece #2 was hilarious 😂

[@Black_Lady87]

I love Dragons

[@arielsmith-essers3079]

I agree about the dragon, so beautiful and definitely something that would be fun as a paint your own. I’m picturing purple and blue iridescent! As others have said, you can poke some small holes in the bottom of the plant tenders and they will still work as intended! I actually love the little leprechaun/elf man. Would be great in your pottage to paint all year round!

[@rosemcdonald6885]

I adore that dragon! I picture it in mottled blue and purple with a pearlescent sheen over top.

[@nfcapps]

I really liked your coat hanger idea for the fist. That was very inventive.

[@brissygirl4997]

Shelby didn't you try some clay additive pigments a few months ago? Could they work with the plant tenders, then you wouldn't need to glaze them?

[@chrissybeavers8347]

I love the dragon! Awesome, always enjoy watching.

[@kanadra]

Oh, I adore that dragon!! If I ever visit Aus again I'll come to your shop and paint it. 💜 I'm seeing a metallic or opalescent black with deep blue and purple. I also thought that first would be perfect for a flower holder, and I love your idea about bee waters for the garden helpers! So cute.

[@elliegreen872]

I loved the dragon and could see it with all sorts of finishes including flowers, very whimsical, I hope you cast it for you new business.

[@FaenumVena]

Those plant tenders would also make for cute markers. Add a flat peice to the top and use a matte glaze on them so they can be written on in marker to indicate whats in the pot.

[@stephanieruggles7360]

Omg what a beautiful dragon. I would paint it in pearly colors and accentuate some parts with gold.

[@IOSALive]

Shelby Sherritt, I subscribed because your videos are super cool!

[@ShinySarah44]

The plant tenders are so cute; I love the idea of other purposes while still being for in the garden spaces.

[@valerieellison2483]

That dragon would be such a cool piggy bank!

[@KiwiCoffeeKing]

Years ago my mother made ceramics and she made the exact same dragon

[@nicolethijs5428]

First piece is single flower vase. I have a beautiful victorian porcelain little vase that is a hand holding een little vase. Its a hand holding a flower!

[@OzzyFrogs]

I adore the dragon so much. I was deeply involved in collecting dragon statues in the early 2000s. If you ever did paint the dragon I'd be so happy to buy one 💜 I do respect your choice either way. 😁 Best wishes and happy to see you still enjoying your craft.

[@kmart1396]

We did plaster hands in middle school without issue!! The way we did it is those strips of tbh i cant remember but you can dip in water and they harden (used in like broken bone casts), put those on yourself each side but youve vaselined up first, secure them together and then you have a mold to pour the plaster into!!

[@ShelbySherritt]

That is a different kind of plaster!! The one to make slip cast moulds like this fist was made from you should not put your body parts in. Sorry I should have clarified that slip casting plaster or casting plaster should not be used but the bandage plasters that was designed for use on limbs is a totally different story!

[@kmart1396]

@@ShelbySherritt Oh nono you're the expert in this situation so warnings are very good. I just wanted to share that story cuz silicone can get pricey in big quantities and just assumed that my art teacher wasn't trying to put a bunch of 11 year olds in harms way hahaha!

[@o0obEaKeRo0o]

When I was a baby my parents had a wall decoration for my brother's room that included a hand just like the one you've got. It also included 3 ceramic balloons of varying sizes that would all hang together with strings connecting the balloons to the hand. When hung, it looked like a bunch of floating balloons. I'm thinking that hand is part of a similar set.

[@chloethrower9511]

This video, your creativity and choice to upload and post this has made a positive impact on my day!! Thank you 💜💚💜💚

[@darlenejackman512]

You could poke a tiny hole in the bottom of the cone’s so that the water could still slowly leak into the soil, too many holes and it will run through to fast or use them as posey holders to hang on your wall. You can put water in it with small flower cuttings or use it with died flowers or even air plants. I make fused glass art and we often make glass posey holders in the glass kiln to hang on the wall. The dragon mold is amazing and would make an amazing addition to your pottery. I wish that I was able to make it to Australia to paint a piece or two. Good luck with the new venture. I love all of your series

[@jenlefevre]

I think you should reconsider the dragon! I think it few would be adorable done up in your Australian florals and hills!

[@kaytiej8311]

I'm internally squealing because you've brought this joyful vibe to us all!

[@hannahwilkerson9904]

Your videos are so peaceful and happy. I find them really helpful to wind down for the day or calm down when I’m running a little hot. Thank you ❤

[@lynncombel1106]

Raya!!!

[@intrepidabsurdist]

I’m so glad you said ‘elf: paint me like one of your French girls’ because that is the first thing I thought of. 😂

[@LycorisAcissejDur]

Great pieces! Love that dragon, what was going on with the instructions for the eyes? Are you supposed to cut them out or put lights in them or something? Can't wait to see the vlogs about the paint your own pottery house. :)

[@vee_tinymoose]

I would also really like to know about the eyes

[@Annie_Annie__]

I think it probably originally came with glass eyes and you had to cut a slit to make the eyes fit behind the eyelids. Someone could probably replicate a similar look by painting glass cabochons that are the right size.

[@christinasmith9109]

im pretty sure my mum did ALL the dragons that she could her hands on in the 90s and i think ive still got some here somewhere

[@MermaidMakes]

The fist would be an awesome bud vase for a single or a few flowers if you cover the bottom hole and cut out a hole made by the thumb and pointer finger. And as a gardener I want to let you know that you can use those plant tenders even if it isn’t porous, as long as you poke a smallish hole in the bottom/ tip of the cone. I’ve used a darn plastic soda bottle before and it still works and I’ve seen plastic versions in the stores before. It might not drain as slowly as one made with terra cotta and no bottom hole, but it will still work!!

[@rosemcdonald6885]

I love those watering stakes! Adorable! I invert a wine bottle full of water in mine.

[@khowler]

Maybe you could re-name the series. "Smash, Cast, or Studio!" That way you could be like, for me, it's a smash, but I think others would love to paint this, so I am now going to keep it for the Studio! :)

[@ChantelleArts]

I am in *LOVE* with this series ☺☺

[@julyapril729]

My grandmother used to have wallhangings of hands like that fist that held onto a string connected to ceramic balloons! Which could be a cute idea still I think 😚

[@jpendowski7503]

What a fun variety of figural elements, pretty sure the hand holds something, a candleholder, a ring for towels, or a staff. Was sad to see you smash the dragon as I’d love to see it in your personal style. Cheers from the Midwest USA.

[@kellywrighthappybeingartsy7444]

The fist looks like it could be a vase. Like a child holding out a flower.

[@michelleh9685]

Definitely agree with the test tube holding idea for plants or cuttings even the small flower's that little people give us

[@debrascott8775]

I enjoy having the added dimension of selecting for the shoppe!

[@thecreativebohemian4927]

A fist in the60s and 70s was a motion of power.

[@rendragyn]

plant tenders with little solar lights in them scattered around the garden **chef kiss**

[@catfeatherss]

The hand is probably from the 80s. Used to be cool to have a hand sticking out of the wall holding ribbons, the other end of which was attached to ceramic balloons which hung above the hand....because we all loved a disembodied clown hand. For today's aesthetic, I think it would be cool to have it hold a tiny bud vase...sort of like a disembodied admirer's hand perpetually courting you and your fabulousness. Much better than a clown hand where you half expect that as you are falling asleep you'll hear a voice whisper "We all float down here Georgie..."

[@SilverNox]

Ooh I'd want to paint that dragon like space with the spikes being gold

[@amiedavis5257]

Shelby, you could completely hollow the eyes of that dragon and turn it into a night light. All you'd need is a light adapter kit.

[@nancyjackson6775]

I think he is a garden elf or gnome. I actually have that very one in my flower bed. I think your customers will love him

[@SwirlingSoul]

Fist, for candle or flowers, or a jewelers stick. Edit to add: The elf looks grumpy. No joy radiating from it, it doesn't look happy or content. Or even very angry... it's just... meh. And I think your "feels" about a piece are spot on. Trust your feelings. You're not mean, you are SPOT ON, for YOU. (and me too. It's an intuitive thing, like or dislike) And Girl, if you like something, squeel away, we're jumping up and down WITH You. ;-)) At least I am. I DO like seeing you happy! Never be ashamed of who you are, nor your feelings. You are such a sunny person, and you radiate joy. And if you find a piece that irritates you, we are just happily enjoy moaping about a piece WITH you. 🥰😃😃 Loving the Dragon! Can you do gradients in color? oh...greens and blues...and little gold specks ? Or rich red with a touch of yellow here and there... And even your own flower designs. How would you paint a dragon when it has to specifically be Australian? (that beautiful red earth comes to mind, and the okers, and other sand colors... bit of flaming sunset... But I'm not Australian, so that's just what comes to mind for me. I'd put Tulips on my Dutch dragon ;-))

[@aksuze1751]

“It holds your favorite stick” you are too funny😂

[@DawnDavidson]

I totally think you should offer the fist at The Pottage. I agree with those who suggest cutting a hole in the top of the fist. I could imagine selling them with a test tube insert, so you could use it as a wall-mounted vase. People could opt to hang coats on it without the tube, OR they could put the tube in and have it hold flowers. With a hole but with or without the tube, it could hold wands, or pencils, or a small flag, or whatever. I think it’s a great piece for the Pottage, and would likely appeal to the occasional guy that gets dragged along to the birthday party or whatever. 😂 The dragon and the elf/gnome will be GREAT for The Pottage. Not for you, but great for other people! (And it HURT to see you smash the dragon! 😂😭

[@KathleenHoban]

I love the idea of using the cones as bee waters!

[@robertsheetz3563]

When we did the plant tenders back in the 80's we didn't glaze the cone part, only above the cone. Love the dragon, would be neat to also cut out the scales and fill with the plastic stained glass and make a night light.

[@riyuilee295]

I saw a fist like that at a mausoleum once, it was on one of the crypts and was intended to hold flowers. Admittedly I was confused at first and gave it a fist bump.

[@alisambrano]

My friends mom had a hand like that. The holes were carved out and it held a glass bud vase. Her husband was terminally ill, so he bought it and told my friend to put a fresh flower in it when it needed to be changed. Then he told his wife it was like he was handing her a rose every day. He passed away, his wife passed about 2 yrs later. She always had a fresh flower in her bud vase. Now that hand is in my friends house and he still puts a flower in it when it needs one. This was in the 80s when we were in college.

[@AgentLane13]

The fist definitely looks like a Black Power salute to me; it feels very symbolic

[@TomBydand]

the elf thing, i'm not a woman, but can see a hen/bachelorette party having fun painting those. i have no idea why my brain went there but it did.

[@amarsayshaii]

Number 1 could hold a candle!!! You could even do a skeleton theme for Halloween. Black hand with the bones painted on 😍 I'd buy the crap out of those lol

[@TheYellowsun76]

The garden/plant tenders could be made into small hanging vases, with a couple of small holes to use some wire or cord to hang them :)

[@Jana-sv9sp]

I think the hand could be a candle stick holder.

[@Dexy83]

The gnome troll thing looks like one that my mom has a set of three in different poses that she got in the 70s. They're painted in Christmas colors.