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What is Silicosis – Hidden Dangers of Working with Clay at Home   Pottery can be a relaxing, enjoyable pastime for many artists and hobbyists, but what if they were to know that this activity could potentially put them in danger? It is valuable for potters of all skill levels to educate themselves on Silicosis, a chronic illness commonly known as Potter’s Lung or Potter’s Rot to the pottery community. This damaging disease can easily be prevented with safe practices in the pottery studio, and these precautions will also save the quality of pottery projects. Continue reading to learn more about causes and symptoms of Silicosis, how silica dust can affect your pottery work, and simple preventative solutions to implement in your studio.   What Is Silicosis? Silicosis is simple in concept, but this illness can pack a punch on a potter’s lungs. The lung disease is caused by continuous breathing in of silica dust found in clay. The silica dust particles en...

What Do I Need For a Pottery Studio At Home?   Any artist knows that a little private time can do just the trick for creating a masterpiece. This goes for pottery and ceramics creators, as many create their work in public studios or schools but may desire to get their hands dirty with clay in a more personal studio setting. If this applies to you and your pottery needs, have you ever considered creating your own pottery studio at home? If so, it may be a bit intimating to think of where to begin with this venture. It is helpful to consider the space you have available, supplies needed, costs to create, and present conditions for lighting, ventilation, and electricity to ensure that your studio will be a healthy, safe environment to work in. Continue reading for more details on creating pottery at home, and tips for organizing your own pottery studio. Getting Started With Pottery If you are new to the pottery world or strictly familiar with attending a pub...

How to Cope with Spring Allergies   Spring is in the air! And consequentially, so is pollen. Allergy season is kickstarted by pollenating trees and flowering plants in the spring, prompting scratchy throats, itchy eyes, running noses, and congestion to name some common symptoms. These symptoms can really take the fun out of warmer weather and blooming nature as we shift from winter to spring. Believe it or not, the quality of your indoor air can contribute greatly to your health and the degree of risk you are at in terms of allergy triggers. Knowing the quality of your indoor air, and recognizing ways to keep it in proper condition, can reduce these risks and promote a more symptom-free environment. Find out more about common causes of spring allergies, their impact on your indoor air quality, and how to reduce their risks inside your home. Common Causes of Spring Allergies With the start of spring comes new blooms of trees, flowers, and grasses; their po...

4 Important (But Often Overlooked) Things To Look For When Booking a Vacation Rental   Ready for a change of scenery? If you’re planning to hit the road and will be  choosing a vacation rental such as an Airbnb or VRBO, there are many important factors to consider. Number of bedrooms and property location tend to be the most popular search criteria, but that’s not all you should consider when looking for the right place to stay.   When planning a vacation or any type of getaway using a vacation rental, these four important (but often overlooked) factors will help make your travels safer, healthier, more enjoyable and free from stress. What types of features should you look for? 1. Space and Accessibility The next thing to consider when choosing a vacation rental are home features. What home features are a priority for you for the duration of your stay? Do you want a big kitchen? An outdoor space? Is it a clean modern home with laundry, ...

3 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Your Indoor Air Quality Before Thanksgiving   One of the things that many Americans enjoy about fall is the fresh and crisp, clean air. And as we get closer to Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday, we start to think of the smells of turkey in the fryer, of gingerbread baking in the oven, and pine-scented candles burning throughout the house. These smells and experiences are par for the course during the holidays. But nothing can kill an excellent scent memory more than low air quality. As air is always moving, air quality is ever-changing. Though we might associate air quality with the outdoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within structures, buildings, and homes. Low indoor air quality can create health risks for inhabitants and occupants.  This year, more than ever, homeowners should take the time to assess their indoor air quality situation, and doing it before Thanksgiving will be well worth it. ...