Pottery beginnings

[HorseloverFat]

There are sooo many clay companies here.

Oh man! I bet you could detail a pretty good list of “winners” for a nice, fine-grogged white/buff from varying companies.

Have you, by chance tried “Rocky Mountain Clays”

What is your, “go-to” “white”?

 

[HorseloverFat]

I have no clue on clay across the pond unfortunately. I barely know what I've got here

Sio-2 is Based in Spain.. I like their stuff SO far. Seems “commercially” but It is a pleasure to work with.. whatEVER that company “does” to produce it’s impalpable grog is RIGHT ON the money!

 

[CodeMonkey]

These 2 were fun!
Rock textured pots. One with a contrasting base/feet, the other more natural.




Did I mentioned these were fun? Rock pots; Their creation powered by some Swedish rock. Raised fist, if you're interested)

I should probably think about doing a firing soon!

Oh, and please ignore the un-ironed background cloth!

 

[HorseloverFat]

Very nice!

 

[CodeMonkey]

I was meant to be using up some of my white clay by making simple pots to test glazes on (in addition to test tiles). But, I managed to get carried away with this one.

I can't decide whether to glaze it, stain it, or attempt some kind of underglaze colour combo. It definitely needs something at least. It is white clay after all.
Anyone got suggestions?

 

[penumbra]

I was meant to be using up some of my white clay by making simple pots to test glazes on (in addition to test tiles). But, I managed to get carried away with this one.

I can't decide whether to glaze it, stain it, or attempt some kind of underglaze colour combo. It definitely needs something at least. It is white clay after all.
Anyone got suggestions?

View attachment 407507View attachment 407508View attachment 407509

I would put a clear glaze on it. It is quite lovely.

 

[CodeMonkey]

I would put a clear glaze on it. It is quite lovely.

Thanks penumbra.

Maybe a nice satin finish would look good?
I might have to give it a subtle oxide wash around the relief to accentuate it.

 

[penumbra]

Thanks penumbra.

Maybe a nice satin finish would look good?
I might have to give it a subtle oxide wash around the relief to accentuate it.

Perfect!

 

[sorce]

Anyone got suggestions?

I'd underglaze the wood and leaves with color.
Bisque it if you have to....
Then wax over the underglaze and glaze it.

You came this far.

Sorce

 

[CodeMonkey]

I'd underglaze the wood and leaves with color.

I've just ordered some under glaze colours to play with. I'll do some tests before a make a decision.

I'm likely to make it look like my 4 year old coloured it if I try now

 

[penumbra]

You can't go wrong with it because it is a nice and thoughtfully executed piece.
It looks like an early European porcelain piece which is why I like the idea of finishing it white. A very subtle oxide stain would enhance the effect by making it further resemble an old piece.

 

[sorce]

Hahahah! Slow ass me!

The contrast between my brain on trees and my brain on pots is so seperate, I was going to tell you to have that Potter from the UK make you a pot for that elm...but that Potter is you!

Get to work!

Sorce

 

[CodeMonkey]

Results from a recent glaze fire.
It was almost entirely tests so I decided to refire a few old pots to help with the empty kiln space. It also gave me a chance to learn how to reglaze fired pots.
Not a bad first attempt.

Some of the test glazes are pretty good too. Not convinced on my oxide tests on the textured pieces however...

 

[penumbra]

Love the Leopold spot pot.

 

[sorce]

Leopold is my Hero.

Sorce

 

[CodeMonkey]

Love the Leopold spot pot.

Thanks!
I also tried the same technique with a couple of different colours but they failed spectacularly.

I think the next few weeks are going to see me firing hundreds of test tiles! I can't make them quick enough.

 

[penumbra]

Thanks!
I also tried the same technique with a couple of different colours but they failed spectacularly.

I think the next few weeks are going to see me firing hundreds of test tiles! I can't make them quick enough.

You can buy stoneware tile that are intended for glazing and firing that measure 4 x 4 inches. With a cheap tile cutter you can reduce each of these to four 2x2 or two 2x4 tiles for testing colors. You can also use these tiles uncer pieces that may have a tendency to drip / run. I haven't used any of these in several years but they are out there. Downside is that they have no texture to show off glazes that break over texture.

 

[CodeMonkey]

You can buy stoneware tile that are intended for glazing and firing that measure 4 x 4 inches. With a cheap tile cutter you can reduce each of these to four 2x2 or two 2x4 tiles for testing colors. You can also use these tiles uncer pieces that may have a tendency to drip / run. I haven't used any of these in several years but they are out there. Downside is that they have no texture to show off glazes that break over texture.

You know, I was wondering this morning if there was anything out there that would help speed things up (and stop me using so much clay).
I'll take a look around for something similar over here. Thanks for the idea!

 

[CodeMonkey]

Rock pots and a stone-like cascade fresh out the kiln.

Mostly happy with these. I tried to get a fade going with more oxide at the bottom than the top. I was also hoping for a bit more of a blue hint in the deep recesses but I managed to slightly over fire which I think killed that off.

 

[penumbra]

Very nicely done.