We’ve been chatting up our Black Friday vendors, and today I caught up with Machiko Erhard of Floating Cloud Pottery. She has some lovely ceramic pieces that she’s ready to share on Friday (YES, FRIDAY IS THE BIG DAY), and I talked with her about prepping for the holiday season and (spoiler) discounts at her Black Friday booth. Take it away, Machiko!

Hi! Nice to chat with you. How are you preparing for the holiday season — both personally and in your handmade business?
I personally have not started preparing for the holiday season yet :0 I guess I am going to a grocery shopping today for the Thanksgiving dinner.

For my business, I have several show and sales this fall/ winter. I have two more left (Market Day's Black Friday and Holiday Art Fair in Lawrence KS). I made some holiday theme pieces, such as ghost mugs and ornaments for Halloween and snowman mugs and ornaments for Christmas. So, my preparation is making, pricing and packing for sales!

Are you making gifts this year for your family and friends? Buying? What do you like to give during the holidays?
I am planning to give my family something I made... I will either choose from what I have or make something specific. Just all depends on how much time I have. I asked most of my family what they want to get for Christmas last year and see if that's something I could afford, but this year my husband and I are going for handmade-by-me.

Very cool! Best of luck with gifts. What are you looking forward to most in the next few months?
I hope the rest of my sales will go well and just looking forward to some family time and great food!!! Some relaxing time and just hanging out with my family for the holiday will be a big treat for me!

What can we expect to find at your booth at Market Day's Black Friday event?
Discounts!!! It's Black Friday and I need some space in my storage for new work in the next year. A lot of my pieces from early this year will have great discount prices! Pottery with cloud, plants, raindrops, skulls and snowman designs will be there!

And anything else you want to talk about?
2012 is a big year for me and my husband. I finally jumped into the business, going to fairs and sales to sell my pottery, besides selling on Etsy. I got to participate in Market Day in August, and since then I have done several fairs and my husband joined me with his pottery along the way. I have sent some work to a few galleries as well. This winter, my husband and I are working on our website, business logo design, booth set-up for shows, and finding more shows to go in the spring. We are running business together as "Earth and Cloud Pottery" now, so there will be some changes and new things coming soon!

Wow! How exciting! Thanks Machiko.

Be sure to check out Floating Cloud Pottery on Facebook and at Market Day this Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kirkwood. See you there!