Got a little busy past few days--and then i couldn't find this post again, LOL. Figured that out...but wanted to come back and thank all of you for your thoughtful and helpful responses and suggestions. I'm figuring out everything--reading some books about pipe-smoking, and about to experiment with different tobaccos and pipes, and will take your suggestions to heart. Thanks everyone!
Best,
Kelli Jae Baeli
P.S. I also work with clay a lot, so I'm going to be making some clay pipes as well. But will have to do some research on which type of clay is best, and study some of the old methods for making those. I've made a few long-stemmed ones already, which i have yet to bisque fire.