-
Handbuilt Gardenware – Leaf Imprints in Clay
Over the past year or two, I’ve been using vintage lace doilies to make handbuilt pieces. Before this, I used some garden herbs to make spoon rests, but had not used them in a few years and had never used them with an underglaze on white clay. With the garden booming, I’ve tried different foliage to see what turns out well. Some leaves like pumpkin and okra are huge, which is why I need a slab roller or at least a day at Pullen Art Center with one. Two weeks ago, I took in a bucket of garden clippings, a bag of clay and tools, and made 6 platters and…
-
Progression of a Mug
-
Why Did My Bowls Bust?
Today I opened the kiln after a bisque firing and saw an exploded 12″ bowl. It was a gorgeous piece, and it was disappointing to see it shattered on the top shelf. As I unloaded the rest of the kiln, I found the other large bowl and 17″ plate also shattered. A few years ago I might have cried at such an infortuitous firing, but I just inspected each piece to try and understand what caused each one’s failure. The only thing better than getting a perfect firing is learning important lessons, as painful as those may be. Usually my lesson is PATIENCE — as in get more of it.…
-
Throwing Big
Last week I drove to Durham and returned with supplies and 150 pounds of clay in three different shades. I have torn through two bags of Little Loafers and have been making large 12″ and up bowls. I’ve scrapped some of the work and have been reusing the clay for plates. I don’t have the best plate skills. It seems that maybe 30% of the ones I throw make it through the whole process. My biggest struggle is getting the thickness right so that they can be cut off the bat. The second biggest struggle is letting them dry slowly enough so that they don’t crack in the middle. There…
-
Out of clay!
Oh no! I’m out of clay. I used up my bag at Pullen, and the last of my bag at home. While cleaning out the garage this weekend, I found several bags of moldy and rock hard clay. It’s a sign of having taken some time off. I need to drive out to Durham for more clay, but I’m not about to make that drive in rush hour traffic. Besides, with as low as the temperature will be dropping tomorrow, I doubt my trusty little space heater will get the garage warmed up. Last night I joined the Triangle Potters Guild. I’ve been eyeing this group since taking classes at…
-
Handbuilding in the Kitchen
With only two or so weeks until Christmas, I wanted to get in one more batch of pottery for the year. Since the pottery wheel is currently covered in Speckled Brownstone clay, and all I have left to use is Little Loafers, which is a white clay, I’ve moved back to handbuilding inside. I know I could just clean the studio, but baby, it’s cold outside! After glazing 75 ornaments in the last batch, I wanted quick, less tedious work for my hands. Nothing will crowd the kiln shelves quicker than making a batch of serving trays and casserole dishes! I’ve really been enjoying working at the kitchen table on…
