The ceramics class at the Colley Senior Complex is all fired up for the Christmas season. Each member is busily working to fill the many requests for holiday giving.

“The ceramics class is a popular place year around but especially during the Christmas season,” said Catherine Jordan, complex director. “The class members try to fill the requests they have for their pieces and then make special gifts for their family members and friends.”

Jordan said since the University of Alabama Crimson Tide won the SEC Championship and is in the 2017 College Football Playoffs, the ceramicists have been flooded with requests for ceramic red elephants.

“We have already had to order more molds for the elephants,” Jordan said. “But ceramics are always popular and the members of our class enjoy making requested items.”

The shelves of the ceramics studio are lined with pottery pieces from corn-on-the-cob “butter” trays to water pitchers and from ring dishes to dinner plates.

Christmas time is a busy time for ceramicists as they put aside their personal interests in clay to create something special for family members and friends.

“They like to create something unique to give as gifts and something that will be a treasure for their loved ones,” Jordan said. “A handmade gift is one that will be treasured because it was made with love. Anyone can go to a store and buy a gift but, when someone takes the time to make something especially for someone, then that is a special Christmas gift – a real treasure.”

Jordan said the complex’s kiln is running almost non-stop as the class members are working almost non-stop.

Faith Newsome was making another ceramic Christmas tree for a family member.

“I made one for myself and now everybody wants one,” she said with a smile. “I enjoy ceramics. You don’t know how thing turn out until they are fired.”

Jordan said the ceramicists can hardly wait until their pieces are fired and the kiln is opened. Then, it almost like kids at Christmastime.

The pottery room at the Colley Senior Complex is always a busy place. Visitors are welcomed to stop by and see the great work that is being done.

“We always welcome new members to the ceramics class as well as all the other classes at the Colley Senior Complex,” Jordan said. “We have classes, activities and events for most every interest so we invite all seniors be a part of all the good things at the Colley Senior Complex in the New Year.”