The SKUTT KilnMaster 1027-3 ceramics kiln at Birch Tree Studio

Ever buy anything top of the line?

How about a pair of glasses with the no line transition bifocals AND blue light protection AND anti-scratch coating? Or a desk chair with adjustable arm rests and lumbar support? So fancy!

I just got a new Vitamix blender, not because the old one had quit, I felt it was time to upgrade from the model gifted to us 28 years ago at our wedding. Well, ok… I MAY have needed an old blender to make pottery slip (which is like glue for sticking clay pieces together).

Being accustomed to the quiet lump-it-together nature of the old blender, my girls and I had a little scare when we first turned the Vitamix on. Holy moly mercy me!! Sounded like it was about to launch into outer space! The power it has is literally SCARY.

But let me tell you about my DREAM MACHINE!

She’s a SKUTT KilnMaster 1027-3 ceramics kiln and she is TOP OF THE LINE, baby! She’s got an electronic motherboard that allows me to program a firing. I can fill her up with semi-damp clay pieces and she dries and bakes them. She’s got a spring-loaded hinge making lifting the heavy lid easy. She’s covered in shiny chrome and red enamel just like a fire engine, though she’s more about making fire than putting it out.

It was a nice mural project commission which allowed me to purchase this little lady. I probably should give her a name. ??? It is a joy and a blessing to be working with such excellent equipment.

This kiln’s been busy a lot this summer. I’m cranking out pieces for my online shop. Quality really matters to me, as does the inspiration behind the pieces I make. I’m hoping that makes them TOP OF THE LINE too.

I love that Scripture also offers some really great “top of the line” stories encouraging us to see our faith and calling in the world as something of the highest value. Here’s one:

Or the kingdom of heaven is like a jeweler on the lookout for the finest pearls. When he found a pearl more beautiful and valuable than any jewel he had ever seen, the jeweler sold all he had and bought that pearl, his pearl of great price.
– Matthew 13:45-46