tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67141907517426592212024-02-20T05:37:30.012+00:00Hints and Tips for the PotterAn experienced potter offers hot tips from her kiln and wheel, and occasionally shares news from her small English town. Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-63273681309873491752017-08-19T13:31:00.000+01:002017-08-19T13:38:42.544+01:0053. I LOVE MY SHIMPO ASPIRE WHEEL.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpVMzj7CP3afymzdFvPykCbOyJiLqMRGtqbMMZNIqhpiEQXdDFKiZZjWfIw-l7RZH_ySHqizuJBM1WxmRXs400zQTYcEgBeuFLE6joMQIGqkSIOIHY7-sAWDiIdRXT9FxIfNqMpVeFEY/s1600/Shimpo+Wheel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpVMzj7CP3afymzdFvPykCbOyJiLqMRGtqbMMZNIqhpiEQXdDFKiZZjWfIw-l7RZH_ySHqizuJBM1WxmRXs400zQTYcEgBeuFLE6joMQIGqkSIOIHY7-sAWDiIdRXT9FxIfNqMpVeFEY/s320/Shimpo+Wheel+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here it is my new throwing wheel! It looks a little more messy at the moment because it has been well used since I bought it. But as it has been a great success for me I wanted to let you know all about it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to say that I was initially in two minds about it as it looked, not just smaller than my big Shimpo Whisper, but it didn't appear to be very robust — I couldn't have been more wrong.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also I can lift it and take it into the garden or place it anywhere I choose provided it stands on a wobble-free table. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has certainly released me from my basement workshop and given me hours of daylight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'll give you a closer look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzRe3opPN5o1G0yCOPk274OnZeA5dsux1U1vM_Apzqk0tsxrRCt2IZX0lwZIgCStqJEcHXHBzKu2yshvz8_iyorRLJkXTlCiGJfAsvvWvrv_MvurzifwjORWQ9Af6BsZodDSxqXnWjk8/s1600/Shimpo+Wheel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzRe3opPN5o1G0yCOPk274OnZeA5dsux1U1vM_Apzqk0tsxrRCt2IZX0lwZIgCStqJEcHXHBzKu2yshvz8_iyorRLJkXTlCiGJfAsvvWvrv_MvurzifwjORWQ9Af6BsZodDSxqXnWjk8/s1600/Shimpo+Wheel+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Firstly, the controls. Red on/off switch and another that lets you choose clockwise or anti-clockwise spin — useful for left-handed throwers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kgsHqr9CNJxcRmD2xvxIqyFz4aIgeRyH3UUdptyXotYy9acub7z7wBeVvFUnlhNyJS4HKAZbumd810qdTibFMacxhtxYtb3Co0fJnyTF-KCb8p_DJ63C5vIWAYmWxIfU1N3F1tdbaso/s1600/Shimpo+Wheel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="516" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kgsHqr9CNJxcRmD2xvxIqyFz4aIgeRyH3UUdptyXotYy9acub7z7wBeVvFUnlhNyJS4HKAZbumd810qdTibFMacxhtxYtb3Co0fJnyTF-KCb8p_DJ63C5vIWAYmWxIfU1N3F1tdbaso/s320/Shimpo+Wheel+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next the batts. These blue batts look a bit flimsy don't they? Be assured they are good and strong and you get two. As you can see they press down on the two bolts on the wheel-head and are quite secure. Sometimes I have to rub a little bit of Vaseline in the holes to help press them in because the holes get a bit clogged up with dry clay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wheel will take up to 9kg (20 lbs) of clay, so considering that I make large mugs with only 1lb of clay I think it's safe to say that it will satisfy most needs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TjgEsBn0ocynjnzPOVPwgaO1GLqSxR6bLvCCVuQklFBHkl3UWW09ccltNZJW6AHjm5dWF7qz1ogSWHCo5CIvMNwOLlE8aYII78_Yah9brG2ULCLteRQSkXZTDWjSw0jLTdUwTSevaPI/s1600/Shimpo+wheel+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="512" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TjgEsBn0ocynjnzPOVPwgaO1GLqSxR6bLvCCVuQklFBHkl3UWW09ccltNZJW6AHjm5dWF7qz1ogSWHCo5CIvMNwOLlE8aYII78_Yah9brG2ULCLteRQSkXZTDWjSw0jLTdUwTSevaPI/s320/Shimpo+wheel+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By having these easily removable batts I can make large or small flat dishes, lift the batt off the wheel and leave the dish untouched until leather-hard. This is brilliant for me as I make lots of flat dishes and plates that remain flat during the firing process. My warping days are gone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvMkt2Y6j7mF7PB-okMWXJhuLoSa0c67fW2K07n_89fe5surUgIjC6ZXBTwngODYc5WurduTX56KIGK40vyiXOZKr-NZMBt8bb34Rhmi1axr_YzYxEc59ervQjg497fq8OSBqE2uM_i8/s1600/IMG_3517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvMkt2Y6j7mF7PB-okMWXJhuLoSa0c67fW2K07n_89fe5surUgIjC6ZXBTwngODYc5WurduTX56KIGK40vyiXOZKr-NZMBt8bb34Rhmi1axr_YzYxEc59ervQjg497fq8OSBqE2uM_i8/s1600/IMG_3517.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I make a lot of butter dishes and garlic keepers and I like them to stand well together without any wobbles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PGIzr649v69kIoBHRx9hRoTaisr0F5Y2JqspLIlHCiBl-RcKP_iO-IhPm2u5FExCwHjZUhE81j-N-aIN7FjlEmT_0jIQ9FZ0UHETaFU4cOk5q8Rmvgle7fDokHYIvln8mAlZMqtuaig/s1600/White+Butter+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PGIzr649v69kIoBHRx9hRoTaisr0F5Y2JqspLIlHCiBl-RcKP_iO-IhPm2u5FExCwHjZUhE81j-N-aIN7FjlEmT_0jIQ9FZ0UHETaFU4cOk5q8Rmvgle7fDokHYIvln8mAlZMqtuaig/s1600/White+Butter+dish.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At my last Open Studio sale, flat plates and dishes lined the front of my table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought my wheel at Potclays in Stoke-on-Trent, UK and the cost was just over £600. This is half of the cost of a normal Shimpo wheel. But not only does it have all the benefits that I have already mentioned but the fact that it is so easily transported meant that I was able to give throwing workshops in the summer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was invited to travel to an artist's studio where some keen would-be potters could try their hand on my wheel as well as learn the art of hand-building.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So this little wheel has opened up something new for me to consider in the future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you'd like to see one in action then go to You Tube and see Simon Leach testing one out for his workshop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-46905329059168300452017-02-05T18:00:00.002+00:002017-02-05T18:01:47.098+00:0052. A COOLING DOWN PERIODHi Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Well, coupled with the temperature here in England well below zero this winter, it's also been a bit chilly in my workshop of late. The controller on my kiln just gave up the ghost and said... I've had enough! I was in the process of firing some commissions at that time but when your tools let you down all you can do is quit.<br />
Here's a peep at the problem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-Ek9Vo2I6LKVMYjOcQum3MdWSlSXPSLbp35Kodt2HTCyzkc105Mdrg4Dq_MfDuL1cw03xhxT80OyHV9bhVqecbWs8KLwdPQab2lcZYZpVd-lFoC3MF0pynnkoA7AgOxUGTMLmUENH98/s1600/Kiln+Controller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-Ek9Vo2I6LKVMYjOcQum3MdWSlSXPSLbp35Kodt2HTCyzkc105Mdrg4Dq_MfDuL1cw03xhxT80OyHV9bhVqecbWs8KLwdPQab2lcZYZpVd-lFoC3MF0pynnkoA7AgOxUGTMLmUENH98/s320/Kiln+Controller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Quite frankly I was terrified. I'm not an electrician and neither is Alan but with the help of Tom from Potclays Supplies who sent us a replacement with coloured tags in the appropriate places, we fumbled our way to success. So with the manual in hand I re-programmed this unfamiliar box, (all programmers had been up-graded about 5 years previously) and with slight fear my commissions were re-packed in the kiln.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84N2prhJZnxIIJQgtd8jNCqx6XmqXYpUVUIARVcbiBBR-8ZvukGS5fhQRUbYl59AwJ2Ape6ffJo4cD15vQPKZ0nrjRNSs3X8iuhm5ygef3_HpLwVeCrICm1PbPjaBwZRI8oM_B6Dlvr0/s1600/Chrome+yellow+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84N2prhJZnxIIJQgtd8jNCqx6XmqXYpUVUIARVcbiBBR-8ZvukGS5fhQRUbYl59AwJ2Ape6ffJo4cD15vQPKZ0nrjRNSs3X8iuhm5ygef3_HpLwVeCrICm1PbPjaBwZRI8oM_B6Dlvr0/s320/Chrome+yellow+pots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pots made for Chrome Yellow Art Supplies, Leamington.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've seen my yellow glaze in previous posts then you can see that these pots came out a lot darker yet brighter than normal. I deduce from this that the kiln is under-firing. Glazes generally pale in higher temperatures. I've yet to test this theory! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what could I do in the meantime..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before all went...cool I experimented with a technique called inlay. If you see the previous post you can see the fabulous inlay work of American potter Michael Kline. This method is about layering one coloured clay onto a contrasting clay, then a lot of scraping back. I threw everything at this test piece and I can honestly say that it is more difficult than I thought.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheleg_51CYy28jTyKyXZs0sHUQxBJ2uF0e5pBNkv0lMrBeT_oHXLGza7Fy8_mIB-uDALXIcZQ1zIWpOdMeDZd3JI_fDEHnI76BBV50gz04bXCwWhF-YY_LtdmJxSuBloHEpkwvaI6IR-g/s1600/Inlay+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheleg_51CYy28jTyKyXZs0sHUQxBJ2uF0e5pBNkv0lMrBeT_oHXLGza7Fy8_mIB-uDALXIcZQ1zIWpOdMeDZd3JI_fDEHnI76BBV50gz04bXCwWhF-YY_LtdmJxSuBloHEpkwvaI6IR-g/s320/Inlay+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, but more work required.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Incidentally, I used a wooden picture frame as a mould. I laid the rolled-out clay on top and then - with a wooden board underneath - I dropped it on the floor. The clay drops into shape straight away. Good trick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehW092WRgo1EYPXW2F4gTHGr7zICn5pIjiiTdFwMLAXoDgPwfzLko-jizM6PmvYMlrl6EqjI0HcU1jDcSojEz2mNBtesqQV54sDR8VZbY_AJQWCPpEgr5Z465VNuxZbFMAigzJdNekNQ/s1600/Frame+mould.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehW092WRgo1EYPXW2F4gTHGr7zICn5pIjiiTdFwMLAXoDgPwfzLko-jizM6PmvYMlrl6EqjI0HcU1jDcSojEz2mNBtesqQV54sDR8VZbY_AJQWCPpEgr5Z465VNuxZbFMAigzJdNekNQ/s320/Frame+mould.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But during my enforced rest I could do other things this winter. I have been painting on more pieces of my WWII ammunition box.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqNe2Nb1H4P9diSb4-V7mgyUhCHfA-Gm4CLR0-RHPqbyRW-Elu4GVv6tPG8y_wSP68PP_cKgp-aUjf9183pgeAl95DZYK9IyBLj-IYiGQKWlT2V0TdDiw-XAnFM5xQKfXlbZZiUe0_yM/s1600/Bee+for+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqNe2Nb1H4P9diSb4-V7mgyUhCHfA-Gm4CLR0-RHPqbyRW-Elu4GVv6tPG8y_wSP68PP_cKgp-aUjf9183pgeAl95DZYK9IyBLj-IYiGQKWlT2V0TdDiw-XAnFM5xQKfXlbZZiUe0_yM/s320/Bee+for+Blog.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've bought some heavily grogged black volcanic clay to try hand-building again. Very satisfying but it rips into your fingers somewhat. So I used the edge of a clam shell to create the grooves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylKc8a0Y3fy_kLRqAqhjbP6fQTZeagUgb-1n3Z4_L4f32oBW_oMG4Ljf4vRLahk-FujkPdTnM9jcQhyQ613du2ja5aCliCnCIAbOI7gCWUEzQN0XDbgpcT7ByuXu8QenNTViSkIwvbpY/s1600/Black+Clay+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylKc8a0Y3fy_kLRqAqhjbP6fQTZeagUgb-1n3Z4_L4f32oBW_oMG4Ljf4vRLahk-FujkPdTnM9jcQhyQ613du2ja5aCliCnCIAbOI7gCWUEzQN0XDbgpcT7ByuXu8QenNTViSkIwvbpY/s320/Black+Clay+Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the most fun is larking about in the park with my grandson, Hector. Can't beat it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjES6yzK8lo6OdzR2GIli7EUdHViajsMWNzYveODUuuOjT9-8BrFKZou0LZyzA7ZXG35h6F6noa9_hm_lZmsgIJpeCZM0Vm_vmDi5CFmm6SZJkhdOWXKBBExxCWjlKJqoPW3wYNTbG5IA/s1600/Me+And+Hector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjES6yzK8lo6OdzR2GIli7EUdHViajsMWNzYveODUuuOjT9-8BrFKZou0LZyzA7ZXG35h6F6noa9_hm_lZmsgIJpeCZM0Vm_vmDi5CFmm6SZJkhdOWXKBBExxCWjlKJqoPW3wYNTbG5IA/s320/Me+And+Hector.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've enjoyed having this time out and I really believe it does you good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
TAKE IT EASY FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-85080197777830695302016-10-01T17:22:00.000+01:002016-10-01T17:22:46.209+01:0051 INLAY WORK AND OTHER THINGS.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I'm sorry not to have written a post for a while, but now that the holiday season has come to an end I'm back up to my elbows in slurried clay and new ideas! Like this.....<br />
<br />
Take a look at this wonderful piece of art from American potter, Michael Kline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULPDQl0xD1vo8Rl2mEdtgEAqXdFOHnEMD6gFe9r7wY46JzPOpmXpEInlVj9r76n_zQT0q6RNLCafRPLhwL20vQp4Iq4uGbTKfYTWehjrJaeNxSVf-PPPva6dPaeSYU8VG_4CmiItQCCA/s1600/Michael+Kline+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULPDQl0xD1vo8Rl2mEdtgEAqXdFOHnEMD6gFe9r7wY46JzPOpmXpEInlVj9r76n_zQT0q6RNLCafRPLhwL20vQp4Iq4uGbTKfYTWehjrJaeNxSVf-PPPva6dPaeSYU8VG_4CmiItQCCA/s320/Michael+Kline+Plate.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a stoneware clay plate inlayed with porcelain. A fantastic piece of work. Michael puts videos up on his Facebook as well as Periscope and I've watched him doing this technique several times in order to give it a go myself. However, my attempt is in the kiln at this moment which is why I've chosen Michael's perfect plate as the finished example. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So this is how he does it....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, stamp a pattern on your leather-hard work making sure you have reasonably deep impressions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5RVzLW0sYy-oUIJAuBjXm9qLug1Unmy4RneGAs0I4-NpbvrCS8-5zVUmnWJem6D3oV4eodWvi0-Wib6L0vmBx-2FaOCI8WIDn4KAazTNIkr6t-7dXpO0UlvmwKn-wo33I3LVmN4bBiw/s1600/Inlay+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5RVzLW0sYy-oUIJAuBjXm9qLug1Unmy4RneGAs0I4-NpbvrCS8-5zVUmnWJem6D3oV4eodWvi0-Wib6L0vmBx-2FaOCI8WIDn4KAazTNIkr6t-7dXpO0UlvmwKn-wo33I3LVmN4bBiw/s320/Inlay+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have very few purpose-made stamps, in fact only one actually, so I used bits of lava from Lanzarote, shells from the Kent coast and even an old cheap ring that was meant to resemble something that Princess Diana got engaged with. This gave me perfect flower shapes. (Must hunt the toy shop for more little girls' trinkets.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we're ready for the porcelain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlG2QoSYF0I2sZGpBxVNcBvcHEUkncXM24DnDR3-znr7j3cG9Hyt7NiZgceRQebr8HtI6RvygL2Lqc-Mb70oSVaA-EO_8EfRjv74IJT5zdRigdKpCyWCwI4S-e0f4gmHy8sdfViTvj0g/s1600/Inlay+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlG2QoSYF0I2sZGpBxVNcBvcHEUkncXM24DnDR3-znr7j3cG9Hyt7NiZgceRQebr8HtI6RvygL2Lqc-Mb70oSVaA-EO_8EfRjv74IJT5zdRigdKpCyWCwI4S-e0f4gmHy8sdfViTvj0g/s320/Inlay+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I added water to some soft porcelain and mixed it until I had quite a smooth, watery consistency. This is important as the first coat needs to soak into all the nooks and crannies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After this you can use a slightly thicker porcelain and keep brushing it on until the pattern almost disappears and the surface looks smoothish. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, let it dry before tackling the exciting bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawZMbnoQh1XvNNXCeCpPsqxVQAg3M6GkQQXJk2w3e2CIfCpdKBVm91zg6VfOXT6_ZysB9lu0fwISzzlNynb22wwG0Imkn4O8VsXAmSa82LAJPvHQ1v-RPMcHl0djSGNGJtn929Ltju6U/s1600/Inlay+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawZMbnoQh1XvNNXCeCpPsqxVQAg3M6GkQQXJk2w3e2CIfCpdKBVm91zg6VfOXT6_ZysB9lu0fwISzzlNynb22wwG0Imkn4O8VsXAmSa82LAJPvHQ1v-RPMcHl0djSGNGJtn929Ltju6U/s320/Inlay+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a sharp tool carefully scrape away at the surface and soon you will see the white pattern emerging. My clay isn't very dark so when this little beauty comes out of the kiln I suspect that the contrast between the two clays will be a tad disappointing, but this is my first attempt, from which I'll learn. Hopefully. Then fire as usual and dip in a transparent glaze. I'll show you this fired cup next time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, what else is new in the workshop? Before the summer I was glazing everything blue. (see the previous post) But since the hot, hot days we enjoyed in August I've found myself mixing up the brightest of yellows. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gTphgDJbYJFMK59mAlBHUvUdBwx1Xc8-08PpLEF37CVrEgcDePlvy53Vz58B8Ov4xIOQopVQrxqNEMMwfnz1ByUi9u98pCrGtobZdgHUWU3-IJg501m2fqAOuno7blPWFgaM8Am87N8/s1600/Yellow+pot+for+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gTphgDJbYJFMK59mAlBHUvUdBwx1Xc8-08PpLEF37CVrEgcDePlvy53Vz58B8Ov4xIOQopVQrxqNEMMwfnz1ByUi9u98pCrGtobZdgHUWU3-IJg501m2fqAOuno7blPWFgaM8Am87N8/s320/Yellow+pot+for+Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And as you can see, I still love working with my wax resist technique.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpr4tbpYThpwc6PzYUX-V-wl92zdlU61MQE67O2ltfkMNRFkZZ895wClq0GJifPIskm9n8C3c615TnS2m5jjGKO7d1BvnPLapmHKawJ5Jvqs3igOllMvhb1HUHeLv8Lxg3otNU3QjX40/s1600/Yellow+JUgs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpr4tbpYThpwc6PzYUX-V-wl92zdlU61MQE67O2ltfkMNRFkZZ895wClq0GJifPIskm9n8C3c615TnS2m5jjGKO7d1BvnPLapmHKawJ5Jvqs3igOllMvhb1HUHeLv8Lxg3otNU3QjX40/s320/Yellow+JUgs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bright colours, and especially yellow, seem to be loved by everyone this year. Lots of sales.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a photo of the bottom of our garden from last autumn. It backs onto a huge field, and beyond that, a water-meadow that slopes down to our River Leam. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRssleBKc3iSmhHyemJmZl864MUsautsKzRsXWnVYxLFJ10vrkBo6RDR4u55a4uhsirSJJV8X1cO6X5NWOd4rp6lOg9dKno4MvGbkCc9Aj2O3fUO-9x0rBqkCdYY5f1D5hWOmJ6JQCaw8/s1600/our+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRssleBKc3iSmhHyemJmZl864MUsautsKzRsXWnVYxLFJ10vrkBo6RDR4u55a4uhsirSJJV8X1cO6X5NWOd4rp6lOg9dKno4MvGbkCc9Aj2O3fUO-9x0rBqkCdYY5f1D5hWOmJ6JQCaw8/s320/our+garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A little bit colourless you may think, but no... from this open space our daughter Rosie has collected blackberries, walnut leaves, wild marjoram, nettles, grasses and sedge. And this is what she has been working at.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPsPCpXEgYuRBKhdy_nqjR2FCoZqOOPF5sIJMnDYov48a7xOtbJzCs-ZWEqo2XjIBQIsrhKZoblUPjWVzKnuVCl6-zTWi9etetZ6x_gNCFURuer-6Macreg8I4RQpiRWUcQRajRSpdLY/s1600/Rosie%2527s+wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPsPCpXEgYuRBKhdy_nqjR2FCoZqOOPF5sIJMnDYov48a7xOtbJzCs-ZWEqo2XjIBQIsrhKZoblUPjWVzKnuVCl6-zTWi9etetZ6x_gNCFURuer-6Macreg8I4RQpiRWUcQRajRSpdLY/s320/Rosie%2527s+wool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Meadowsweet Yarns' by Rosie Bill</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All natural dyes picked from our water-meadow. Stunning colours Rosie, I like the yellows best — but then I would! Her Etsy shop should be up and running this winter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes we like to give ourselves a treat and Alan has just bought himself a wonderful 'F' Irish Whistle. It's red, an unusual colour for an instrument, but he only has 8 or 9 silver ones in the box labeled 'Alan's whistles'. And, as he said, it's really a birthday present to himself. What will I buy him when he celebrates... next March?? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I can't talk because I have just bought a little expensive something this morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX9iII_TwMQQXb-bDYmfXX3FxYZjYKnJZTBq7-1qyOEbx4iqNVYDbRAqqayNO9pmelmH1PDnnDMB5gZBq_W3XHv_xP_wtjWO3qdQHSnU5Io07Cp86n-5AnHrXc-mcZScIaICh-KpQK4s/s1600/My+boxed+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX9iII_TwMQQXb-bDYmfXX3FxYZjYKnJZTBq7-1qyOEbx4iqNVYDbRAqqayNO9pmelmH1PDnnDMB5gZBq_W3XHv_xP_wtjWO3qdQHSnU5Io07Cp86n-5AnHrXc-mcZScIaICh-KpQK4s/s320/My+boxed+wheel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hows about that eh?? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's still in the box but when I get it out tomorrow it is going to transform my working life! You can perhaps see what it is but it's a bit special. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It'll take me out of the darkness and into daylight. Next post will have an in-depth review of this cheeky little piece of equipment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">HAPPY POTTING FOLKS </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-54104202131563349472016-05-22T15:48:00.000+01:002016-05-22T15:49:00.954+01:0050. SINGING THE BLUES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
On reading the title don't think for a minute that this will be a sad post. In fact I couldn't be jollier.<br />
I'm still very much in love with my wax resist technique (described in the previous post). I've been creating new designs and logging them in my sketch book, as it's so easy to forget once a pot has been sold.<br />
But I'm very pleased to have rediscovered some of my older glazes that I'd put the lid on and shoved to the back of the workshop. I thought that I would possibly never use my bright blue glaze again because it was fiercely bright and not to everyone's taste, but after I'd painted on the black designs I thought immediately that blue was an obvious choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawIEhS8SnezHSv5T42atToGtB5wMfSaKEYhjri2a3EPJNNCWyCUHngLn2wuO1OCNkHCC7yohqQoz6QLr-0y3qCsPQEI9AEjnL9OJYnMz8-rKG3P8rFJ-v7_KqHORlEx1um2DXBWKP46g/s1600/Blue+teaset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawIEhS8SnezHSv5T42atToGtB5wMfSaKEYhjri2a3EPJNNCWyCUHngLn2wuO1OCNkHCC7yohqQoz6QLr-0y3qCsPQEI9AEjnL9OJYnMz8-rKG3P8rFJ-v7_KqHORlEx1um2DXBWKP46g/s320/Blue+teaset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also used a heavily speckled stoneware clay to add a bit more interest because the speckles would burn through the glaze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9YIaPiq1_-WpvrKuGgS240oC1lM8Uc06DXJjGciC904ZW6rD9Z9cTH6mx0o0CH57Iy6oursIpOZDlgPw6gaa5ETOxWqCcDrnMrgVwi7DOBwHs81gwWZ2XuV5Nby6twbcXLIGGnI395A/s1600/Blue+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9YIaPiq1_-WpvrKuGgS240oC1lM8Uc06DXJjGciC904ZW6rD9Z9cTH6mx0o0CH57Iy6oursIpOZDlgPw6gaa5ETOxWqCcDrnMrgVwi7DOBwHs81gwWZ2XuV5Nby6twbcXLIGGnI395A/s320/Blue+Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
So the glaze that I thought was too bright for any future use was now transformed to 'just right'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPKPv5KEJqTo-rGC3ZXhGsMhNHlwpBjo5jcINwQTAAXDII6GvUlGfWV8xROdp8yJrYcewZPC7Uf6fTYUZFsxktjJ2rctm7izRehNCoc2F9_vkGsmX68U02J0WBmA8xJsnHM53f75PHmg/s1600/Ginger+Jar+Portait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPKPv5KEJqTo-rGC3ZXhGsMhNHlwpBjo5jcINwQTAAXDII6GvUlGfWV8xROdp8yJrYcewZPC7Uf6fTYUZFsxktjJ2rctm7izRehNCoc2F9_vkGsmX68U02J0WBmA8xJsnHM53f75PHmg/s320/Ginger+Jar+Portait.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here's a thing....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I painted this teapot (below) with a light green underglaze. I intended to wax the pattern as usual and then dip it in a white satin glaze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClauMlhYs_wUvsJMQAF_jkhOOa6UB2FwAMAk6r1iCQiRqrBMLb04_vUHhMrvD6wXoyCr7-wM8f0fMB7aKcefCxDkz7_I84fbf2oHHFKBnB1bhPzCYrUiP9CwuXk70_ThRkJPOSHiXjfE/s1600/Unglazed+tea+pot+MG_3027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClauMlhYs_wUvsJMQAF_jkhOOa6UB2FwAMAk6r1iCQiRqrBMLb04_vUHhMrvD6wXoyCr7-wM8f0fMB7aKcefCxDkz7_I84fbf2oHHFKBnB1bhPzCYrUiP9CwuXk70_ThRkJPOSHiXjfE/s320/Unglazed+tea+pot+MG_3027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, I decided instead to just glaze it, as is, and see what would happen to the pattern. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRaMZnyUqnr5bzsq8iFVC1IlB9VglMXWvgmU15wZKpb2WSal-RCx8OaHq9M5IDaoa3b3txcg7PazGrspG8wZoXSgfZxXeyp4kYSiawAgOpuQhUnwZkJLTfYD16-etSSbJdJZ-s7OAXOA/s1600/Lilac+Leaf+Teapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRaMZnyUqnr5bzsq8iFVC1IlB9VglMXWvgmU15wZKpb2WSal-RCx8OaHq9M5IDaoa3b3txcg7PazGrspG8wZoXSgfZxXeyp4kYSiawAgOpuQhUnwZkJLTfYD16-etSSbJdJZ-s7OAXOA/s320/Lilac+Leaf+Teapot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A very surprising result! A sort of tan colour verging on lilac in places. I'm tempted now to try other underglaze colours. A kiln opening will always produce a few unexpected results. But I'm more amazed these days to take out a pot that looks exactly as I intended it to be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So in about 4 weeks time I'll be opening my doors for the Warwickshire Open Studio Exhibition. On the same weekend, 18th June, we also have the Leamington Peace Festival. It'll be a very busy weekend in Leamington Spa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATQjvrUGwlZLS_uZpnYZYCLgusUDNBc71qz4BPkeZ9KWaVM1XrfeCEzjWJaCiPBquFDkEjW5ZGvHwrx-HZHdyo5cQlsldtjJP-0D-P062mUtFrvUWDM10mrh2L7hVEjTYOYaa3F4L3bw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-22+at+15.32.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATQjvrUGwlZLS_uZpnYZYCLgusUDNBc71qz4BPkeZ9KWaVM1XrfeCEzjWJaCiPBquFDkEjW5ZGvHwrx-HZHdyo5cQlsldtjJP-0D-P062mUtFrvUWDM10mrh2L7hVEjTYOYaa3F4L3bw/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-05-22+at+15.32.52.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-88742369672931074302016-02-20T16:38:00.002+00:002016-02-20T16:55:37.841+00:0049. WAX RESISTHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I was going to entitle this post 'I Can't Resist Wax Resist' but, you know, I managed to <strike>resist</strike>.... No seriously, I have been using this technique a lot recently and I am loving it. This is how it started;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BW2movZxQl3m2vttbLOw400gaiAt6AgBj3-figq-0wuZjHelgsWUPbSZGBvKesUBqiVP1KwFUAtr_CsjzkOQtQv-Qiyo9VB2Fw4hCL1W2-dmx40PEx3XGE5ePPQ5pfhCHy0Ibt3qouM/s1600/Yellow+Hare+Jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BW2movZxQl3m2vttbLOw400gaiAt6AgBj3-figq-0wuZjHelgsWUPbSZGBvKesUBqiVP1KwFUAtr_CsjzkOQtQv-Qiyo9VB2Fw4hCL1W2-dmx40PEx3XGE5ePPQ5pfhCHy0Ibt3qouM/s320/Yellow+Hare+Jug.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Hare over the Moon'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw the fantastic work of stained glass artist <a href="http://www.tamsinabbott.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tamsin Abbott</a> (below) and I wanted to create something of that style on my pots. I finally settled on the wax resist idea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tamsinabbott.co.uk/wpcms/wp-cms-content/uploads/2014/02/Autumn-Bonfire-300x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Autumn Bonfire" border="0" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" src="http://www.tamsinabbott.co.uk/wpcms/wp-cms-content/uploads/2014/02/Autumn-Bonfire-300x400.jpg" height="320" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" srcset="http://www.tamsinabbott.co.uk/wpcms/wp-cms-content/uploads/2014/02/Autumn-Bonfire-300x400.jpg 300x, http://www.tamsinabbott.co.uk/wpcms/wp-cms-content/uploads/2014/02/Autumn-Bonfire.jpg 675x" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A bottle of wax resist can be bought at all pottery suppliers and is applied to bisque ware with a brush. Most potters use it to coat the bottom of pots to resist glaze while dipping. But I've gone a bit crazy with it and will soon be ordering a new bottle!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><u>My Method</u></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what I've been doing is painting my design onto greenware with an underglaze — bisque fire it — paint over the design with wax — let it dry — dip the pot in the glaze and the design should remain unglazed. If some little drops of glaze should stick to the wax then you might be able to just blow them off or soak them up with a dry brush.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's almost impossible to take wax off bisque ware, as it soaks in immediately so be very, very careful. Where it touches is where it stays!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here are some examples from my last kiln opening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrHZtY8Y5XcGwfyQ9_tJt__tmM2tsT3MtLh9rQf-rR6pEeExYSmHvTJDIJujSdYYFBC0m-ziMICdVeYdSZQwa4bAG9H1Ju580eN41-KlFFaWw-JBFm9yo6ru9j1tvr26hMh7wOJtjk04/s1600/Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrHZtY8Y5XcGwfyQ9_tJt__tmM2tsT3MtLh9rQf-rR6pEeExYSmHvTJDIJujSdYYFBC0m-ziMICdVeYdSZQwa4bAG9H1Ju580eN41-KlFFaWw-JBFm9yo6ru9j1tvr26hMh7wOJtjk04/s320/Version+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Blue Hare'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvC91WTQ5_p-hEkD2NNmwJmr__MALIB7M7OidP3SDt5b_mPab45CY6UiAlAw6_Rt1S7QnyLqXmAIRiVjacSNHC2rJ4fQIlNM4GhE1XwM9K7vCjxN8Cppt7lx5Rn-R3o-eP-HBp377ybhg/s1600/IMG_2842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvC91WTQ5_p-hEkD2NNmwJmr__MALIB7M7OidP3SDt5b_mPab45CY6UiAlAw6_Rt1S7QnyLqXmAIRiVjacSNHC2rJ4fQIlNM4GhE1XwM9K7vCjxN8Cppt7lx5Rn-R3o-eP-HBp377ybhg/s320/IMG_2842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used one of my grandson's crayons to dot the cups, then painted over the red flower with wax.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWyLz7rITenJZ6fcv-Qj7caEasPNzCiCNZtrbsTiyozjA4HRfi8X45fQ4TYOe4UT0JmDHJp25BecKRp8EyoDiqF6oy5X6DMq4c4HoeoqmnYUchDSZsvdkKiaElKxNTGEnV_P_CLjLdW8/s1600/Thistle+Dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWyLz7rITenJZ6fcv-Qj7caEasPNzCiCNZtrbsTiyozjA4HRfi8X45fQ4TYOe4UT0JmDHJp25BecKRp8EyoDiqF6oy5X6DMq4c4HoeoqmnYUchDSZsvdkKiaElKxNTGEnV_P_CLjLdW8/s320/Thistle+Dish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Thistle Dish'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No underglaze colour on this one. Just a quick squiggle with the wax brush, then dipped in Tenmoku. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVExJS4f9Y-pTPINVDZzJUppJhp7tSCMQ8XoVqNYM0QskuAsTkwz339tq1IMVC16EhrfWJSmDNELXsgAHqibMeZvD5iHqufu8FYg5v8YI9dADSK1v9zcnLOm7Hbse6jF63HeeT-SFV80/s1600/Red+leaf+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVExJS4f9Y-pTPINVDZzJUppJhp7tSCMQ8XoVqNYM0QskuAsTkwz339tq1IMVC16EhrfWJSmDNELXsgAHqibMeZvD5iHqufu8FYg5v8YI9dADSK1v9zcnLOm7Hbse6jF63HeeT-SFV80/s320/Red+leaf+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Red Leaf Bowl'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love this one. I painted on a red glaze. Then, when bone dry I carefully waxed it, being careful not to disturb the powdery glaze. Then I continued with a black glaze. And couldn't resist (sorry) a couple of dots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Work in progress — the early stages......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a3YURcearwUyRIMLZ-4CPvN99lXBCzMG6VJlXxpHUJH6D4A65G6_3ylGwY4d-wj01bTLEv7kINq5HL19PZxBd-_1mpJnJrOmpD6j4_b-Y9_IIkhFKAdPVVVVU06YCHhht2FXYmjLdsw/s1600/Bisque+Jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6a3YURcearwUyRIMLZ-4CPvN99lXBCzMG6VJlXxpHUJH6D4A65G6_3ylGwY4d-wj01bTLEv7kINq5HL19PZxBd-_1mpJnJrOmpD6j4_b-Y9_IIkhFKAdPVVVVU06YCHhht2FXYmjLdsw/s320/Bisque+Jug.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Painting on greenware before firing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh hell, I might have gone a bit too fancy with this one! I told myself to keep the designs simple. It'll probably take me a whole morning to wax it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMalDvJyC7Zsg6TvZgPo__j07y-WXAYiZzJB11dkrvHgT5rXcNojEAZt0nFNvK2VwOSKiAwfr0qxUrE-fzcj9GyKg1SeFEJBhITzL6jTvsgdPwleF5D6YMG_gZEVaoFR_aLDnT_-n-CPE/s1600/Spoonrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMalDvJyC7Zsg6TvZgPo__j07y-WXAYiZzJB11dkrvHgT5rXcNojEAZt0nFNvK2VwOSKiAwfr0qxUrE-fzcj9GyKg1SeFEJBhITzL6jTvsgdPwleF5D6YMG_gZEVaoFR_aLDnT_-n-CPE/s320/Spoonrest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's more like it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So give it a try and have fun with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cheers !</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAVDYAPHiu0yXKgPI2jhbWm3Aqd3u4mQQpUA0H0NaY2Ese5LxRIy61J0lyxudIS_XSTCcBILWh55YvY6aKzECcSR8uctyWJ6Ep7leAsegxt49I0gDjHJAgyOWoBxZQ1qFFH7jLBBzIBE/s1600/Sheila+with+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAVDYAPHiu0yXKgPI2jhbWm3Aqd3u4mQQpUA0H0NaY2Ese5LxRIy61J0lyxudIS_XSTCcBILWh55YvY6aKzECcSR8uctyWJ6Ep7leAsegxt49I0gDjHJAgyOWoBxZQ1qFFH7jLBBzIBE/s320/Sheila+with+cups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tamsinabbott.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tamsin Abbott</a></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-3372990987906088542015-10-31T16:59:00.000+00:002015-12-13T08:24:37.446+00:0048. MY VISITOR FROM JAPAN.Hello Potters and Friends.<br />
<br />
Yes, can you believe it, I had a visit from Sachiyo Kawabe who is a very well known potter from Mashiko, just north of Tokyo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFpj3aPVzx4mtRWUZ0qj-Xh30zeXkWhuV1H1LOAWd70CE4aLtfQN3d9RT-yKozVwOguMuz6GL8LRbrQuYhdl6G5nTEsrZ99Vl03r9W5LUKDM1ERoZ3v-O6OnppV3b_Rsh-cjjcqnJjQU/s1600/DSCN0705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFpj3aPVzx4mtRWUZ0qj-Xh30zeXkWhuV1H1LOAWd70CE4aLtfQN3d9RT-yKozVwOguMuz6GL8LRbrQuYhdl6G5nTEsrZ99Vl03r9W5LUKDM1ERoZ3v-O6OnppV3b_Rsh-cjjcqnJjQU/s320/DSCN0705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She has family in England which was the real reason for her visit, but I felt very fortunate to have met her. She brought some of her pots to show me and left me with this excellent cup that I use for my tea every morning. And she picked out this painted bowl of mine to take home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mashiko is known as a pottery town and was the home for many years of famous potter Shoji Hamada. It was also here that Bernard Leach was first introduced to Japanese pottery and became life-long friends with Hamada, whom he brought back with him to work in the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sachiyo and her husband built their own kiln - called a climbing kiln - which only gets fired once a year. Fingers must be well and truly crossed at that kiln opening. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLfcjbyehmpq70eWl7kCvaF-6n0fEeBrz-6HIeqTemjt5aGeDfcUFVOA-1DG_iOAY3ui5bRhT8aLFf4yXqf_Qm-ChzqsSu9rdl4iVT9EzYVEGwDuDxbn0IrhSbLqzkjplHuh79eZ4KvA/s1600/climbing+kiln.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLfcjbyehmpq70eWl7kCvaF-6n0fEeBrz-6HIeqTemjt5aGeDfcUFVOA-1DG_iOAY3ui5bRhT8aLFf4yXqf_Qm-ChzqsSu9rdl4iVT9EzYVEGwDuDxbn0IrhSbLqzkjplHuh79eZ4KvA/s320/climbing+kiln.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is an example of a climbing kiln in Mashiko.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately it was destroyed in the Japanese earthquake 2011, along with all her pots for a big exhibition. It is now rebuilt but what an experience. One's livelihood put back months in just a couple of seconds!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Should my small electric disappear into the ground I'm fortunate enough to be able to ring Potclays Ltd to send me a replacement. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But on to my recent making.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have discovered a sort of new technique that I'm rather pleased with. Firstly here is the end result.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimIO7b4T2o4hxvu6BXpAGyzUBMfyHfIvbXg0Jaw_vXxorf8X-4Ub156NkjKs_MWY1UIyOLqUCcaTWI0ftV2xQnEyOl4-UFjYhA_cAjx7Jt7p60KJSimlLUKhiXInOKIgE6HO_k70Omvo/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimIO7b4T2o4hxvu6BXpAGyzUBMfyHfIvbXg0Jaw_vXxorf8X-4Ub156NkjKs_MWY1UIyOLqUCcaTWI0ftV2xQnEyOl4-UFjYhA_cAjx7Jt7p60KJSimlLUKhiXInOKIgE6HO_k70Omvo/s320/IMG_2754.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the mixed glazes but I'm more pleased with the mixed clays.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gVGM93reG0Mi56xcpNUWASeMrsXjN0Eiw0UTSkzpHBC3Jcb-yUMbkWaSBzZI3sgMV8f3JR5zO8bYTtKNhCCeJ3HjrWbVZ0_xPEJTbZMepkzQkU_q4XAawxzAkCbLFoIv14i-AFjWGsY/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gVGM93reG0Mi56xcpNUWASeMrsXjN0Eiw0UTSkzpHBC3Jcb-yUMbkWaSBzZI3sgMV8f3JR5zO8bYTtKNhCCeJ3HjrWbVZ0_xPEJTbZMepkzQkU_q4XAawxzAkCbLFoIv14i-AFjWGsY/s320/IMG_2756.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've never got this banding right before. It has always ended up a bit muddy. So here's the secret.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>No</b> </i>mixing clays beforehand. Centre your one main clay on the wheel first, then add your contrasting clay as in the picture. I've got a bit of a Union Jack thing going on here by the look of it. Not intentional. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FpnCMYHGGCBFSunbNGWyw2-UNUoTSxenE_dDIZBGYS_AGRW5HwyJGPa43hYT-YyUclz_ogsXB1b-PFwMu6FVeuLsb2LgACz4eM3ocWB2rf7N5rj1lC6tnMlWchGdE-ZmkXVocgxIUDY/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FpnCMYHGGCBFSunbNGWyw2-UNUoTSxenE_dDIZBGYS_AGRW5HwyJGPa43hYT-YyUclz_ogsXB1b-PFwMu6FVeuLsb2LgACz4eM3ocWB2rf7N5rj1lC6tnMlWchGdE-ZmkXVocgxIUDY/s320/IMG_2688.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The more times you 'cone up' the more bands of colour you'll create. Now, press down into the centre straight away and pull out to make your pot as usual. Of course, the bands disappear at this point and you can't see much until you scrape away the surface when you 'turn' the pot at leather hard stage. But all becomes clear in the final firing. Have faith, it will happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, just out of the kiln, is the last of my commissions. Japanese teapots (kyusu) and cups (chawans). Sachiyo looked them over just before I glazed them and I'm pleased to say that I took her enthusiastic nod as a double thumbs up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeuNurdl2J42N3R89LuWDg-LpNDxia_K06vr8bet24_QqbmCHEywirna2VGL1_q6Ts_mVNJR1y0xHxQKWGHmh0ghjQpD1oA34ygdp6pgIFVLo73OXESP0Fq8tCwf_l4BYHf92SPaFgcI/s1600/DSCN0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeuNurdl2J42N3R89LuWDg-LpNDxia_K06vr8bet24_QqbmCHEywirna2VGL1_q6Ts_mVNJR1y0xHxQKWGHmh0ghjQpD1oA34ygdp6pgIFVLo73OXESP0Fq8tCwf_l4BYHf92SPaFgcI/s320/DSCN0760.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-82036286066995106142015-08-29T12:52:00.000+01:002015-12-13T08:26:59.227+00:0047. TO COMMISSION OR NOT TO..........Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Couldn't resist the Shakespearian flavour to the title of this post. My son is working with Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Hamlet' at the Barbican at the moment, so it's part of my world right now.<br />
Crazy times, he tells me. 'Sometimes it's been more like being in a rock concert than a play'.<br />
Indeed, as an actor myself, I've never witnessed such hysteria over a piece of Shakespeare. However, Hamlet is now being seen by people who possibly didn't like having to study Shakespeare at school and who firmly believed they would never have to encounter it again. I applaud Mr Cumberbatch for that.<br />
<br />
But on to those commissions.<br />
A successful Open Studio Exhibition always produces requests to re-make the popular pots that have already been sold.<br />
Repeating a piece of work that was a complete one-off, possibly even a result of a mistake, is quite a challenge.<br />
<br />
I know some makers who will not take commissions at any price, but I somehow always find myself saying, 'Yes of course I'll make you another one'. But adding, ' It'll be exactly like that one...... but a bit different'.<br />
<br />
So I've made a start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFBiRrWpEeK0i-C1dtm5ZsSL9URIYtY3Ce-zPHToVXK78FjkUj4npo7fKFmSx58p95GHfExKvzZDf1V2zuM26jtygrlTtpx37_3Mc0ws6KQ3GSoK6fBn3Doq1n7dlG90QoiBZDvf9Ez4/s1600/IMG_2682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFBiRrWpEeK0i-C1dtm5ZsSL9URIYtY3Ce-zPHToVXK78FjkUj4npo7fKFmSx58p95GHfExKvzZDf1V2zuM26jtygrlTtpx37_3Mc0ws6KQ3GSoK6fBn3Doq1n7dlG90QoiBZDvf9Ez4/s320/IMG_2682.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Waiting to be bisque fired.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The painted pots on the shelf at the back were the most popular. Here's the sold one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z_LtUEk3E2AiwvJUhx0DLd0ZBoKCKF1yIFZsoCVVt-HMUkrHO447fgnN4vT1LrMvkc2hEPVhilLzar4diuMvj98r7qXFV2lmTMjpnqgSzLdHJst2LPzC4OpasOTXIm9jieu0yXOBA8U/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Z_LtUEk3E2AiwvJUhx0DLd0ZBoKCKF1yIFZsoCVVt-HMUkrHO447fgnN4vT1LrMvkc2hEPVhilLzar4diuMvj98r7qXFV2lmTMjpnqgSzLdHJst2LPzC4OpasOTXIm9jieu0yXOBA8U/s320/IMG_2624.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hare over the Moon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hares always seem to be very popular, but difficult to make them <i>not </i>look like elongated rabbits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been asked to make a side-handled Japanese teapot for an actor friend. So here's the first one drying out in the workshop. I always make two – just in case.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY64ZBt6OiqD2uPRUbx0x3-dK99BDItkbluJwOCeCJMIMk3dQVKrlBDWhPKMLsC_OfiIxZtfqQ73GTd-3B1pHxVaBZGfouBUKoZR77mKWVZ13lN5K7_iFePlpjttBK3hF0lHfaJp8r3B0/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY64ZBt6OiqD2uPRUbx0x3-dK99BDItkbluJwOCeCJMIMk3dQVKrlBDWhPKMLsC_OfiIxZtfqQ73GTd-3B1pHxVaBZGfouBUKoZR77mKWVZ13lN5K7_iFePlpjttBK3hF0lHfaJp8r3B0/s320/IMG_2685.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When making anything involving adding handles or spouts, I like to be certain that the fix to the pot is as secure as I can make it. So I made a small amount of paper clay for the purpose. This is the strongest and best sure-fire slurry for the job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc-Xt6epMfzXmSwYr4Abdjcw8w_YgZ0Qe-sK2g9kU_-E6QXBHxszYste3I-ioZBPEjeIMI24G70aDzHRBkd5xntkkJ4_gToN7iG8CEqoCPJBuePD4Hdcpg4_VvK8dltRsU5-NkeGVRxo/s1600/IMG_2670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc-Xt6epMfzXmSwYr4Abdjcw8w_YgZ0Qe-sK2g9kU_-E6QXBHxszYste3I-ioZBPEjeIMI24G70aDzHRBkd5xntkkJ4_gToN7iG8CEqoCPJBuePD4Hdcpg4_VvK8dltRsU5-NkeGVRxo/s320/IMG_2670.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rip up newspaper and pour on boiling water. When cool, squeeze it out and add it to some liquid clay from your slurry bucket. Roughly, 30% paper, 70% gooey clay. Then whizz it all together with an electric hand whisk and you have the perfect clay glue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTF6hunXAHkRnJaiR2E2uG82I40v5q7swMSkSkuOfty1m_KpCzoUslvMZv-Cn9u_7BcGifhSkxLj3x35O3QY405m7hlyXrepfzpql4QWcHRyuiy94yRwoc0feA7npG5Fu0xNlgwoN1HI/s1600/IMG_2672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTF6hunXAHkRnJaiR2E2uG82I40v5q7swMSkSkuOfty1m_KpCzoUslvMZv-Cn9u_7BcGifhSkxLj3x35O3QY405m7hlyXrepfzpql4QWcHRyuiy94yRwoc0feA7npG5Fu0xNlgwoN1HI/s320/IMG_2672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now doesn't that look good?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of this I put in a sealed container to keep wet and some I dried out and kneaded into a ball to be kept for other uses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alan and I took on a fun project during the exhibition before my favourite pots disappeared. We took some photographs to be turned into greetings cards by our local printer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJAh-ooq3N1i6Y6iYzCQHPXmlVS9tb_eAPo3lazDZx0W-coprIAb8j-ONiGhPc2fX2uJ8Vne0Z-mdg9WdysfBDzJ3bPn01Fwr0RfU7c8proc4VJXNjuxYwDdEXSM1iDQotVkFbv60HQs/s1600/IMG_2686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJAh-ooq3N1i6Y6iYzCQHPXmlVS9tb_eAPo3lazDZx0W-coprIAb8j-ONiGhPc2fX2uJ8Vne0Z-mdg9WdysfBDzJ3bPn01Fwr0RfU7c8proc4VJXNjuxYwDdEXSM1iDQotVkFbv60HQs/s320/IMG_2686.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are A6 size, blank inside and very colourful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG3S_XQKoWvsD9z4FQZecRI07Fd8ZfmnaDxtfRh7sjUSWvbVEMwF3H2BhyFEHcY0M854RgCAsmqIsMDkcIUMW8p67exIGyEhw-OlnIPQHisgfcQaoCJx9b_G8k2zbrfrloVjECEdF67Q/s1600/DSCN0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG3S_XQKoWvsD9z4FQZecRI07Fd8ZfmnaDxtfRh7sjUSWvbVEMwF3H2BhyFEHcY0M854RgCAsmqIsMDkcIUMW8p67exIGyEhw-OlnIPQHisgfcQaoCJx9b_G8k2zbrfrloVjECEdF67Q/s320/DSCN0403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inside my greenhouse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZM6H1lFWvqmq4JtDgHwPYfeFhYD26ihod14NB9fB0pdymi6ALG3mhX_v-XFPCpCGqDOFp3MjUia5TqYZl06T-I7BpjNPkvy6-ySHdozkaPTwapEr6edV0OSI_Ir6NfcUTbV51DObqb0/s1600/Oyster+Catcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZM6H1lFWvqmq4JtDgHwPYfeFhYD26ihod14NB9fB0pdymi6ALG3mhX_v-XFPCpCGqDOFp3MjUia5TqYZl06T-I7BpjNPkvy6-ySHdozkaPTwapEr6edV0OSI_Ir6NfcUTbV51DObqb0/s320/Oyster+Catcher.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Oystercatcher</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-JUGWz36kas9WiBcUMFtYrI7khZbNTM3fN3PcNzXOD-F4Pmn6LXokQZ__FQPsu7khK6JJvEUDNiedQUzvzT2yLu7KRmBFDPtFTQMv6_p0iMyXFhWo8m-uODUDQ5COfYzZueKgFm0vuQ/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-JUGWz36kas9WiBcUMFtYrI7khZbNTM3fN3PcNzXOD-F4Pmn6LXokQZ__FQPsu7khK6JJvEUDNiedQUzvzT2yLu7KRmBFDPtFTQMv6_p0iMyXFhWo8m-uODUDQ5COfYzZueKgFm0vuQ/s320/IMG_2324.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Goosey Goosey </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They are all for sale at £2 each so if you'd like any, just post me a comment <b>or </b>go through <b>contact</b> <b>me </b>on my website at <a href="http://www.sheilagraham.org.uk/">www.sheilagraham.org.uk</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-9284850822721097872015-05-30T16:42:00.001+01:002015-12-13T08:37:46.212+00:0046. OPEN STUDIOHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Yes, our Warwickshire Open Studio exhibition is very close now; beginning the end of June and running for two weeks into July. And so my, <i>'never been seen before, hand-painted, unglazed collection'</i> is just about ready for the eyes of the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2XdyeLApTxAn1gHq2FBUrw0D9lURv-M4Xm8dVLzrIDpYj2rKu0bZUDOoX-BcR9vy19qfMVwekSu3NpJtSUyjF0e4-T_ZpV6d751bnIzL2RzEy2_taHc602S2g_IkB-MNdQHvSK1_h-0/s1600/IMG_2615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2XdyeLApTxAn1gHq2FBUrw0D9lURv-M4Xm8dVLzrIDpYj2rKu0bZUDOoX-BcR9vy19qfMVwekSu3NpJtSUyjF0e4-T_ZpV6d751bnIzL2RzEy2_taHc602S2g_IkB-MNdQHvSK1_h-0/s320/IMG_2615.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the previous post you can see how I trimmed and turned this pot before firing, and this is the finished piece – unglazed, as I'd said before, but I always like a glaze on the inside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSZeCrGdnnYg1AKEQWHxXvE9W3rBDzppPHFXMBds6fXqHaTPtO9glHlA2c0md_-_1kQ2ub3ljxvjflmew4H6CPeLnfZA419t3z3raXZFo5YszWY0FKyVW71ypUkphAqsiHrKMTSTIMMw/s1600/IMG_2612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSZeCrGdnnYg1AKEQWHxXvE9W3rBDzppPHFXMBds6fXqHaTPtO9glHlA2c0md_-_1kQ2ub3ljxvjflmew4H6CPeLnfZA419t3z3raXZFo5YszWY0FKyVW71ypUkphAqsiHrKMTSTIMMw/s320/IMG_2612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A little fan-shaped pot. Thrown, then the sides were gently pushed in. When glazing I prefer to paint it on to avoid drips on the outside. And I don't go right up to the top of the rim. This is so I can have better control when creating a straight edge. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However....this one, and the one after, contradicts what I've just said!! Oh well, Hey ho!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdVtVDJyzQvN6dxCahfS3UKBUtMWuPPgCuYjaAC08Myfg7v8BFboKLtToTSSH23HiO3-vKRqEulVosTQzIO1MSkwBezUH6c-ibzA_a2zd85P6wbU4wwto9hgIrVR3DBoyAIUk6mzQ9sw/s1600/IMG_2622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdVtVDJyzQvN6dxCahfS3UKBUtMWuPPgCuYjaAC08Myfg7v8BFboKLtToTSSH23HiO3-vKRqEulVosTQzIO1MSkwBezUH6c-ibzA_a2zd85P6wbU4wwto9hgIrVR3DBoyAIUk6mzQ9sw/s320/IMG_2622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not very expert at dipping into a glaze and getting a level edge. I will always be on the slant! So that's why I painted on this glaze too. <i>But that must be tricky when painting the inside of that rounded shoulder, </i>I hear you cry. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, yes it was, but I had an idea....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV4L7CCZRChMCMLegIE0da0GmxLmObC8amzRsyJJB1JaUsr0erq7hrSqMHXWx3RrNAGjUpchY0OCp-AJQAS-McaaHHQxDRPID6rzVpL2UWtu8DxyHkjmimPyERaQePA0xTTZXXVOpZ30/s1600/IMG_2634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV4L7CCZRChMCMLegIE0da0GmxLmObC8amzRsyJJB1JaUsr0erq7hrSqMHXWx3RrNAGjUpchY0OCp-AJQAS-McaaHHQxDRPID6rzVpL2UWtu8DxyHkjmimPyERaQePA0xTTZXXVOpZ30/s320/IMG_2634.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bent a brush. I can't tell you how thrilled I was with this invention. I even interrupted Alan in his study brandishing the bent brush crying, " I've just got to show you this. Isn't it brilliant?" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And looking back, I don't think he asked me what it was for. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm also having a table at my grandson's Nursery Craft and general fun time event. I always like to have small and inexpensive pieces on sale so that everyone can take something away with them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQAavWwUl6MTqNNYT3H5WCq6Xj3i_-r5s4sRPosnoliItBO5oY-T39Mvdo9GOKgT1cNNsV1U5aaaofHcY1FgytAXAlAFwNmo-EQDa7CVGxCGlP-ABnSyDm2Cbrx2X_Cp582PgZ1EhCSo/s1600/IMG_2631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQAavWwUl6MTqNNYT3H5WCq6Xj3i_-r5s4sRPosnoliItBO5oY-T39Mvdo9GOKgT1cNNsV1U5aaaofHcY1FgytAXAlAFwNmo-EQDa7CVGxCGlP-ABnSyDm2Cbrx2X_Cp582PgZ1EhCSo/s320/IMG_2631.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Chinese writing says "MARRIAGE"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am constantly looking at other potters' work, and it surprises me how I am so drawn to artists who produce work that is nothing like mine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> </i><u>MY ARTIST THIS MONTH IS BRITISH POTTER</u><i> </i> <b>JANE MUIR</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWJ-Pw0TRBVoXTZQYJD3y0QG2G5cBC6Zdn9fPRJP0XlB-gmngCJnaxzG8eMAaA5Mu8gkzS6WGvL0JSEZBWOngTaSGIqnAPRiOQ9xTI2uvI1IbEsvvSts5Rad1t5gfCrzL_qH3BxImIsA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-30+at+14.38.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWJ-Pw0TRBVoXTZQYJD3y0QG2G5cBC6Zdn9fPRJP0XlB-gmngCJnaxzG8eMAaA5Mu8gkzS6WGvL0JSEZBWOngTaSGIqnAPRiOQ9xTI2uvI1IbEsvvSts5Rad1t5gfCrzL_qH3BxImIsA/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-05-30+at+14.38.33.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Witty and unsentimental hand-painted figures. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S54bjAx3JIpPVqivxIVAnIo2pMgS8FkJUWkxT5mDSEX-B0PfEU_ktbhlJuaj1Cyc5ZVT98B5Id4X9QmmwE1au73WKyNVHFjg4fe7ii-2op7sV9Ar-RNsoVsEt4bVYVujsC81hrpvCSY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-30+at+14.47.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S54bjAx3JIpPVqivxIVAnIo2pMgS8FkJUWkxT5mDSEX-B0PfEU_ktbhlJuaj1Cyc5ZVT98B5Id4X9QmmwE1au73WKyNVHFjg4fe7ii-2op7sV9Ar-RNsoVsEt4bVYVujsC81hrpvCSY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-30+at+14.47.32.png" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-66464327635870019772015-04-03T15:19:00.000+01:002015-12-13T08:39:14.705+00:0045. THE ARTIST AND THE ROCKHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPxXKt5Rye8lVCPRpYSfleE8840TknKPtu1medP-Gz5fJ2mzo9VwMJK-a307Cy0edPfzJFmHYn5MTCc5jugB8k-obet9ZjmMieRBbt98oIRy_qn-EASyVPP1m2f-JkBL_zt4Bat1tTVM/s1600/Manrique's%2BFish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPxXKt5Rye8lVCPRpYSfleE8840TknKPtu1medP-Gz5fJ2mzo9VwMJK-a307Cy0edPfzJFmHYn5MTCc5jugB8k-obet9ZjmMieRBbt98oIRy_qn-EASyVPP1m2f-JkBL_zt4Bat1tTVM/s1600/Manrique's%2BFish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cesar Manrique – he is the artist that captured my attention last week.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Five of us went on a family holiday to Lanzarote in the Canary islands, and Manrique has had such a big influence over the whole island, it's difficult not to see his artistic presence everywhere. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jiEuaj81_SpEZeiKwuY_qJ0HhLPJ6_g0IbRQ_Cvsbq62oVQeA0bmogLqjodkGWNaa3ZrJbUus-yhFgOuEtf5Mkl-DA8uwopGalNCi1kMroncLqpybsxAgpKtcQS4xghHHZPuOa5nLec/s1600/Manrique+Wind+Toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jiEuaj81_SpEZeiKwuY_qJ0HhLPJ6_g0IbRQ_Cvsbq62oVQeA0bmogLqjodkGWNaa3ZrJbUus-yhFgOuEtf5Mkl-DA8uwopGalNCi1kMroncLqpybsxAgpKtcQS4xghHHZPuOa5nLec/s1600/Manrique+Wind+Toy.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His many kinetic wind toys, as he called them, stand in strategic spots throughout the volcanic island turning and swirling in the perpetual breeze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We visited his house that he built inside and around large volcanic bubbles. In each bubble he created either a living space or an outdoor pool linked by a lava tunnel to a barbecue area. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One large bubble housed some of his sketches for his wind toys as well as some of his ceramics. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62H3d2UHFe6Xwn5lvqSaZMWcMTFbElAq_stsE5e8OReViaerYlHEraSb0viCHnzYP06MIkDUs1qRasLbpgARY_zIJQqwwfuwPc51EyAnijZx-0LdXgC9bMYXw2a5OmtK4fw0U2a_QYM8/s1600/Manrique+Plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62H3d2UHFe6Xwn5lvqSaZMWcMTFbElAq_stsE5e8OReViaerYlHEraSb0viCHnzYP06MIkDUs1qRasLbpgARY_zIJQqwwfuwPc51EyAnijZx-0LdXgC9bMYXw2a5OmtK4fw0U2a_QYM8/s1600/Manrique+Plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Are these bold brush strokes or what......?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2acgkabNffsO8ZRi0S7EPtYssaZcPEbrv0c-SsIkVqYcbfGt_gOmZidMbSeaUEVqP9_QUEkoyGNe1m5bfIGLbhFptVKj2IDY5h9AeThObOm5P8A-ohV7YZgOoZ66q5iJktEai6LWQ2g/s1600/Manrique+ceramics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2acgkabNffsO8ZRi0S7EPtYssaZcPEbrv0c-SsIkVqYcbfGt_gOmZidMbSeaUEVqP9_QUEkoyGNe1m5bfIGLbhFptVKj2IDY5h9AeThObOm5P8A-ohV7YZgOoZ66q5iJktEai6LWQ2g/s1600/Manrique+ceramics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By coincidence I had just made a pot of a similar shape the week before. (Without the ears and the top-knot of course. I'd not thought of that combination!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Getting it out of the damp cupboard I realised that it needed a lot of trimming so I had to create a make-shift chuck in order to work on it upside down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here was my solution....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t0yaz040wblPtzVQeLFu0w2pGa2p0hm4EiLJs0SV9BQJsdwseVZEUG995cZMHiEcQ-yh4zTkbuhb-Q6kJJACoOQrRofVpxycFAubL80_Ga3xLwbiCT9KJRucfSEtCBjjiBkbsz1dwFE/s1600/chuck+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t0yaz040wblPtzVQeLFu0w2pGa2p0hm4EiLJs0SV9BQJsdwseVZEUG995cZMHiEcQ-yh4zTkbuhb-Q6kJJACoOQrRofVpxycFAubL80_Ga3xLwbiCT9KJRucfSEtCBjjiBkbsz1dwFE/s1600/chuck+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a pot to hand with a good flared rim. Centre it and secure it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy11H4UBfFBhfPzVFXX82oq5dJ7fK342PbYksb2Z9o5vIToSPFA4t9zozL-1KKblVjcX62H0b1dqi4TlBvXSWETdp2HwjO1w9lcGb_ICjb98MHwYsrIGCKux5yQt-Q9q4Ej0YpDR73i8/s1600/chuck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy11H4UBfFBhfPzVFXX82oq5dJ7fK342PbYksb2Z9o5vIToSPFA4t9zozL-1KKblVjcX62H0b1dqi4TlBvXSWETdp2HwjO1w9lcGb_ICjb98MHwYsrIGCKux5yQt-Q9q4Ej0YpDR73i8/s1600/chuck2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlPyI0302iugMtSEOc5MDrGxdogs06u_OP1j7Y8aO5Sp7Y1grvE0GWbX1Q6LvrO5lKvsz37912Q2PaxodqDRysDLdfyjP6HcEVb6lkEgUy7WZov1yILnjg_PJrqBpccSN8_48OwqT5AU/s1600/chuck+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlPyI0302iugMtSEOc5MDrGxdogs06u_OP1j7Y8aO5Sp7Y1grvE0GWbX1Q6LvrO5lKvsz37912Q2PaxodqDRysDLdfyjP6HcEVb6lkEgUy7WZov1yILnjg_PJrqBpccSN8_48OwqT5AU/s1600/chuck+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A square of bubble wrap to protect my pot from getting marked and over she goes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMrwXZK9-fBnRBqdV-yPy98h_yQRiDy5ZsZW2fppr4tyVQ5tHgIlUg-4LzCs3zEM4AIMrJnZcwxVKko65NVf-IDnAzvPrr9djvHN3DcMkckiFGk0yL1CaqRSEKmJuxNkhonQmWJ3SmMo/s1600/chuck4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMrwXZK9-fBnRBqdV-yPy98h_yQRiDy5ZsZW2fppr4tyVQ5tHgIlUg-4LzCs3zEM4AIMrJnZcwxVKko65NVf-IDnAzvPrr9djvHN3DcMkckiFGk0yL1CaqRSEKmJuxNkhonQmWJ3SmMo/s1600/chuck4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spirit level to ensure no wonky bottom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzyl8xr7JgdlO_Ue5xOBJWfORLYY6HWlONrHjNUJrrzIucZNb1X_K5pJHVovc60KeBaDBkrDixupBdUV-8dGg6uvw2Bv2FhBMQ2TOzRet9HNe-K5Hw7ciezG8Jgw_ycGQsBZKiRQisZA/s1600/chuck5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzyl8xr7JgdlO_Ue5xOBJWfORLYY6HWlONrHjNUJrrzIucZNb1X_K5pJHVovc60KeBaDBkrDixupBdUV-8dGg6uvw2Bv2FhBMQ2TOzRet9HNe-K5Hw7ciezG8Jgw_ycGQsBZKiRQisZA/s1600/chuck5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then place a finger in the centre to keep it from tilting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40aZMd_5um__t_O5PrTT5rYr8gOs5TYd8rmMX0V0dMxqeIyX7SaPCckVaKg-UCNLzDStqMnRipHT7V0qVz_7AHqIu7neZyMGcGLeNTTykE0cQOnXhw16z-oNRAWe37WOhLuW4Vgdahk0/s1600/Finished+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40aZMd_5um__t_O5PrTT5rYr8gOs5TYd8rmMX0V0dMxqeIyX7SaPCckVaKg-UCNLzDStqMnRipHT7V0qVz_7AHqIu7neZyMGcGLeNTTykE0cQOnXhw16z-oNRAWe37WOhLuW4Vgdahk0/s1600/Finished+pot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few bold strokes of my own and it's ready for the kiln.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-83135131075280747762015-02-21T18:17:00.004+00:002015-02-21T18:27:13.138+00:0044. CAREFUL AS YOU GO.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I've just realised this afternoon that I haven't written a post on this blog since December!<br />
So I've put down my painting brush and sat at the computer.<br />
But, thinking about it, there is a reason why I've been so lax - I've been working very slowly.<br />
<br />
Here's what I'm in the middle of working on right now...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSYUoHKf_KzTLOPjD0NpIuy15J99DARfCX1oi8K1uPKxeJN6ttFZy6Bim1eBS0q26t7BkRWN8_UZ4sRdcddwYEnb25H29trG6ouiplWOg4IOwpo7-HIlxrmuuoSb__wKT4U9tZTGwRQs/s1600/Pot+in+Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSYUoHKf_KzTLOPjD0NpIuy15J99DARfCX1oi8K1uPKxeJN6ttFZy6Bim1eBS0q26t7BkRWN8_UZ4sRdcddwYEnb25H29trG6ouiplWOg4IOwpo7-HIlxrmuuoSb__wKT4U9tZTGwRQs/s1600/Pot+in+Progress.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm using black underglaze and it takes me ages. The pot hasn't been bisque fired yet, and on unfired clay your brush tends to drag making progress very slow. Also this won't be glazed on the outside so I must be accurate with every stroke because I don't want to be scraping off the mistakes, then trying to cover up the scratch marks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was a student I remember rushing to finish a pot. Why? God knows. It wasn't a race. But what I've learned over the years is to pay attention to the detail. Make sure the pot is as you want it <i><b>before</b></i> going into the kiln. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Potter Lucie Rie wisely said that you can never make a bad pot good by covering it in glaze and hoping it will be transformed. It will always be a bad pot and you'll never be happy with it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a smaller one that's been bisque fired and I'm painting a glaze on the inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBC8j-N1IfYYotQ7BoniEpCXt8LLi9QroAtIbieZvwy4-hYdvoAn5a8uzKXC3bwDV8609KCkEEcJFFpTP8ktlSwwcMzV-6frzrLzpKQbCej5PnVMhW3UHmZYsdgI1rpOU5ufkHydhkV8/s1600/Black+rim+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBC8j-N1IfYYotQ7BoniEpCXt8LLi9QroAtIbieZvwy4-hYdvoAn5a8uzKXC3bwDV8609KCkEEcJFFpTP8ktlSwwcMzV-6frzrLzpKQbCej5PnVMhW3UHmZYsdgI1rpOU5ufkHydhkV8/s1600/Black+rim+painting.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't paint right to the top of the rim because I knew that I couldn't guarantee a lovely straight black edge on the rim. But by holding the brush steady against the far side of the pot and then turning the banding wheel, I find I have more control over that straight edge. But be sure to turn it slowly. No spinning and hoping!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But what if you thought you'd made the perfect pot but when it came out of the kiln it looked like this....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzb1Q3k3ZCWB_RtMb482Lom2g0FvhWKnEBwiEq3LiToeVYXDfj-UeJnTf3la0QgXhDGo_pY7jKezcXMvYCGiHUpzsL4TEuG0l8mz4D9687wbuMrNvpHIfH3f_2sF2xvQOe-rnFKcCIvw/s1600/Cracked+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzb1Q3k3ZCWB_RtMb482Lom2g0FvhWKnEBwiEq3LiToeVYXDfj-UeJnTf3la0QgXhDGo_pY7jKezcXMvYCGiHUpzsL4TEuG0l8mz4D9687wbuMrNvpHIfH3f_2sF2xvQOe-rnFKcCIvw/s1600/Cracked+pot.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, yes I could fling it towards the bin... but maybe all may not be lost.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrotrOqYecMKB4rgqx6O3RhtZRW8icJoKhgVaeunI4yK1iWXzZEDxnEMfVXe0dQerOcKikxabA2Gcnlld1jxEAwBt_OuPezLT-fb0zbKl1mnoeIzzV5o-hlN-A1nwTIRpCyaNYzLhFh9E/s1600/Kintsukuroi+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrotrOqYecMKB4rgqx6O3RhtZRW8icJoKhgVaeunI4yK1iWXzZEDxnEMfVXe0dQerOcKikxabA2Gcnlld1jxEAwBt_OuPezLT-fb0zbKl1mnoeIzzV5o-hlN-A1nwTIRpCyaNYzLhFh9E/s1600/Kintsukuroi+pic.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of mending ceramic and making an artistic statement from it. This was a broken pot, put back together and the join exaggerated with gold. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My plan is to fill the crack of my pot with paper clay (which may not shrink so much and is stronger for this job) then re-fire it, and using a porcelain gold pen, mark out the crack. These can be bought in most craft shops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I won't be able to put it for sale but it will join other slightly flawed pots that adorn my kitchen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now finally I must show you this picture of a brilliant piece of carpentry that I found on the Web.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLSe_nxGwX98_s8fsICUWfrLlLfETiBL2UcTFohE3JIq698XgfxTd2cpFtEV0iarN22bdrMxaXz6A12dQlMMdZoQE6_AwcHH549WTlyeu3356ZckeHM0XhX4PCDr_R44Wl80wpwtKLSA/s1600/pottery+wheel+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLSe_nxGwX98_s8fsICUWfrLlLfETiBL2UcTFohE3JIq698XgfxTd2cpFtEV0iarN22bdrMxaXz6A12dQlMMdZoQE6_AwcHH549WTlyeu3356ZckeHM0XhX4PCDr_R44Wl80wpwtKLSA/s1600/pottery+wheel+table.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For all you throwers of pots out there, how's that for simple invention? I showed this to the love of my life who is just now sprawled out on the sofa; eyes glued to a rugby match in HD. "No problem" he said, straining to look round me. I think he just missed Ireland scoring a vital try. But anyway, great, I expect one appearing any day soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
TAKE IT EASY</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-89929414611021714532014-12-29T13:33:00.002+00:002015-12-13T08:42:30.447+00:0043. NEW YEAR - NEW IDEASHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Hope you all had a good festive holiday and are looking forward to the new year.<br />
<br />
I took part in a couple of Christmas Art Fairs, the last being in our town's Art Gallery and Museum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxEqC8pW2YUkNIVtQ20xvtEnW1qIg8wGDsEAtq9hRXzzNU0kVd87VgTDOoXWOFo-XrFjXNG5p2pa4nTFZYdrcQfrTaTVOIvO5iizWx-6ha0PUbK1e5nH_dz63P_YvnL0djlGQKYUwZrM/s1600/Art+Gallery+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxEqC8pW2YUkNIVtQ20xvtEnW1qIg8wGDsEAtq9hRXzzNU0kVd87VgTDOoXWOFo-XrFjXNG5p2pa4nTFZYdrcQfrTaTVOIvO5iizWx-6ha0PUbK1e5nH_dz63P_YvnL0djlGQKYUwZrM/s1600/Art+Gallery+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's known as the Royal Pump Rooms and that is exactly what it was. This rather grand building was built in 1814 to allow townsfolk to partake of the natural spa water that had been discovered 30 years before in 1784. This murky, salt saturated, green, foul water was so popular with the wealthy London set that Queen Victoria, in 1838, changed our town's name from Leamington Priors to Royal Leamington Spa.<br />
They obviously believed the old wives' tale; if it tastes awful, it must be doing you good!<br />
<br />
And so here I am selling my wares in this grand building, as I'm sure many hundreds have done before me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecTk3r_g93m0s3mfQvmSpGti6VV9Omklw_1OKVsQqJXxyfmJZWu47OZ5U3C6YbDbfbE4MeboGpcvDBYeSFwaOsxxmFmIOFtNhA9CkQWex2x2bD4W-V2b1FZIpFybldj-I_mnwgMXODXo/s1600/Selling+in+the+art+gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecTk3r_g93m0s3mfQvmSpGti6VV9Omklw_1OKVsQqJXxyfmJZWu47OZ5U3C6YbDbfbE4MeboGpcvDBYeSFwaOsxxmFmIOFtNhA9CkQWex2x2bD4W-V2b1FZIpFybldj-I_mnwgMXODXo/s1600/Selling+in+the+art+gallery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Top left of the picture are a row of Edmund de Waal's pots. He held an exhibition here a few years ago. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used these Christmas fairs to see what people thought of my new porcelain collection. I was pleased to find a very positive reaction. And I was also pleased to be asked to exhibit and sell a selection of it in the Art Gallery of this historic old building. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I looked up some of my old designs in my sketchbook, tweeked this and that, used a lot more colour and painted with bolder strokes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few pieces that I experimented with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiMbhyphenhyphenEB3sUF5ljgSfMiVnnfH73qmdQWDufS0GVy9mm4UVikzBvxDXpygZ1OXQzUGcdWbQvckEtLWIkpX3NP4VmWIECV9ZCSKTkuvKnaKdps5VzUgTDN93q_EsadsuF2i0shgqUm1-zQ/s1600/geometric+porcelain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiMbhyphenhyphenEB3sUF5ljgSfMiVnnfH73qmdQWDufS0GVy9mm4UVikzBvxDXpygZ1OXQzUGcdWbQvckEtLWIkpX3NP4VmWIECV9ZCSKTkuvKnaKdps5VzUgTDN93q_EsadsuF2i0shgqUm1-zQ/s1600/geometric+porcelain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqf8DvQauECLbvBwW2Ohw9U-eLSWQaxv3QCIiNFe0OlJg6p1miWlEi3TCr-zGeAPc_m9WTHjKuvbeLGNzfWhl4jh9g4mJwrQww4mHE4phQDDeajol-Ih0mav-_xmpEsjCWFrtcZM0VvA/s1600/Black+flower+jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqf8DvQauECLbvBwW2Ohw9U-eLSWQaxv3QCIiNFe0OlJg6p1miWlEi3TCr-zGeAPc_m9WTHjKuvbeLGNzfWhl4jh9g4mJwrQww4mHE4phQDDeajol-Ih0mav-_xmpEsjCWFrtcZM0VvA/s1600/Black+flower+jug.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjbDoceumB_Cd23N2TF-X7M6LQ2dJuGvp3E-DVblcZUb9YoWl0uGY_BJ0hqb1TdyKPwdF5i7QV-8ssbpOinG8eBYeXJfBmxf9iAtDq8Rb_nDFpoeQUR5un9bcnR_2YxX_zKUClqtCWzY/s1600/Black+flower+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjbDoceumB_Cd23N2TF-X7M6LQ2dJuGvp3E-DVblcZUb9YoWl0uGY_BJ0hqb1TdyKPwdF5i7QV-8ssbpOinG8eBYeXJfBmxf9iAtDq8Rb_nDFpoeQUR5un9bcnR_2YxX_zKUClqtCWzY/s1600/Black+flower+pot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLgQPwCEwKJ0U_pY9byAtjyaO_g3KHs7F0H-Jd0pYjTlK0xYZy1Vm31rWbi9FUg4PyZEXMjmevZfFxh5Wwatf1jsDJhJ44_BfcbuqkSdHSV3rn3B5GyBE9EsoJlk4e8xv_JCxBszEXx8/s1600/Blue+petal+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLgQPwCEwKJ0U_pY9byAtjyaO_g3KHs7F0H-Jd0pYjTlK0xYZy1Vm31rWbi9FUg4PyZEXMjmevZfFxh5Wwatf1jsDJhJ44_BfcbuqkSdHSV3rn3B5GyBE9EsoJlk4e8xv_JCxBszEXx8/s1600/Blue+petal+pot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All were painted with underglazes at a bone dry stage before bisque firing. Then all dipped in a transparent stoneware glaze. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg6_DtApYXX8ROM3DRKec5T4LFTGZGPHc2aJG6jX1zPXQZ85iL5rOUfoAQmB4o70RiWQhDH-i5NQcD87uhAIVp2K0AS8aOjxa4-B6w09PHR5BTleLPJZgPSdHv4dKkQtgzPL8cp-ct0Y/s1600/60's%2BGirl%2Bdish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg6_DtApYXX8ROM3DRKec5T4LFTGZGPHc2aJG6jX1zPXQZ85iL5rOUfoAQmB4o70RiWQhDH-i5NQcD87uhAIVp2K0AS8aOjxa4-B6w09PHR5BTleLPJZgPSdHv4dKkQtgzPL8cp-ct0Y/s1600/60's%2BGirl%2Bdish.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Feelin' Groovy"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I must have been when I made this!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took a break in writing this post here because the doorbell rang, and to my great delight the piece of pottery that I have been waiting for has at last arrived. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lwxXvD5C3JVo99D5ZN70MX6trCdvaJX1lUjjlaJHcfSDHekI-wox6p5qdj86cV7tzzHcwRWnvQnqLNotb2kYq7tnQcWFAhzlel_aBPQWg4i_v-SLtCSlfiOV15XKllATFkEarHm3WPA/s1600/red+poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lwxXvD5C3JVo99D5ZN70MX6trCdvaJX1lUjjlaJHcfSDHekI-wox6p5qdj86cV7tzzHcwRWnvQnqLNotb2kYq7tnQcWFAhzlel_aBPQWg4i_v-SLtCSlfiOV15XKllATFkEarHm3WPA/s1600/red+poppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here it is as I took it from its box. The ceramic poppy is one of 888,246 that were made for the art installation 'BLOOD SWEPT LANDS AND SEAS OF RED' at the Tower of London.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is the work of Paul Cummins and it commemorated the centenary of the start of the First World War 1914. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They are individually hand made. No two are the same. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It arrived with it's metal stem, all rusted from the London weather and I love it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just off now to look at it again...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>AND HAVE A VERY HAPPY 2015</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-87760554791341943942014-10-25T16:02:00.000+01:002015-12-13T08:43:40.718+00:0042. 'THOSE AUTUMN LEAVES'Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I think I've been heavily influenced recently by all the autumnal colours that have suddenly appeared across our lovely rural town. As I swept up bright red and yellow leaves from our path the other day I had the urge to save some, and dry them out for Christmas decoration. But I resisted this urge because I do this every year and have bowlfuls in my workshop that I never use at Christmas or at any time!<br />
<br />
But as I opened my kiln this week I really surprised myself. I had aimed at being bolder with colour and experimenting with ornamentation, and considering my favourite glaze is white satin, I'm quite pleased with myself for taking a few risks. So here are some of my favourites;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyXFebc15EkyYPhWPMy9efHa-TSuwEP9YYpDEfmebaoLBsRq8R0vGKokfNrZTbzsTbQp2F5RGMebMSaiTV4fduwIT4vRmq3GRq2KU-khyphenhyphenKC71bUVfm1BRfwN5oKg9mXM_D70sWOmNpec/s1600/Black+and+Red+pot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyXFebc15EkyYPhWPMy9efHa-TSuwEP9YYpDEfmebaoLBsRq8R0vGKokfNrZTbzsTbQp2F5RGMebMSaiTV4fduwIT4vRmq3GRq2KU-khyphenhyphenKC71bUVfm1BRfwN5oKg9mXM_D70sWOmNpec/s1600/Black+and+Red+pot+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This clay was an experiment. It's a new clay produced in Northern Ireland at SCARVA. It has the pure white appearance and the feel of porcelain but is actually stoneware. They say it should be easier than porcelain to handle but I found the two clays very similar to throw on the wheel.<br />
The colours are underglazes with a bit of sgraffito with only the inside glazed.<br />
<br />
Out next came some jugs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5ADGsNt3vKdc9qe5xCoLajnCOVkFhwv1GvCc1IPVKG7xtaK3bt2dxYRiAqV927vXchNfyc3zAsQ71-ydG8ZWGTmd9qjNESWGCIHgom6oI8GT7hs7yFwdi2OQasHdG4eADhrlmPw6pE8/s1600/Yellow+jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5ADGsNt3vKdc9qe5xCoLajnCOVkFhwv1GvCc1IPVKG7xtaK3bt2dxYRiAqV927vXchNfyc3zAsQ71-ydG8ZWGTmd9qjNESWGCIHgom6oI8GT7hs7yFwdi2OQasHdG4eADhrlmPw6pE8/s1600/Yellow+jug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this colour. Talk about vivid!! I only have a small amount of it so when I dipped it in, it didn't quite go to the top, but I think the yellow flower balances it up nicely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRXgMU3PRC6fFmt9a4zF8MwZgkOrhC2jhej48xbIPe51aOY3tUOA0AKydPcy7Q22nv9B_vl3cXCGd1GHuFK0kCX35RChUWhGdOt0hHitFYwm8utbB3Al2_0PTS2CRDczrko5alnsqKhA/s1600/Little+red+jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRXgMU3PRC6fFmt9a4zF8MwZgkOrhC2jhej48xbIPe51aOY3tUOA0AKydPcy7Q22nv9B_vl3cXCGd1GHuFK0kCX35RChUWhGdOt0hHitFYwm8utbB3Al2_0PTS2CRDczrko5alnsqKhA/s1600/Little+red+jug.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now....why put a boat on the handle is a mystery to even me. Sometimes I make little flowers, boats or birds from off-cuts of clay and put them in a sealed plastic container then forget about them. Well, this is what happens when I remember! But, when pouring, my thumb sits comfortably against it and it is as if it was meant to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-p_8mgitHrBNjmDry0Yu0V_2Dw5hu7GzId4qqKueCjWC9wBoTQFGcPDechTrJS0frkFyZglZqcmykqu3rtlkKHeLGUBpHPwXhCXWquEU-OukRp1TiF_S-4sWoXHGbFRWRZbkMlpJpcY/s1600/Acorn+jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-p_8mgitHrBNjmDry0Yu0V_2Dw5hu7GzId4qqKueCjWC9wBoTQFGcPDechTrJS0frkFyZglZqcmykqu3rtlkKHeLGUBpHPwXhCXWquEU-OukRp1TiF_S-4sWoXHGbFRWRZbkMlpJpcY/s1600/Acorn+jug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In case it's not clear there is an oak leaf on the rim and an acorn at the base of the handle. A real autumn jug. And I must photograph it better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmDQqxolu1Sdv333kHTEMrwwo61tFVo9_oxDwP5wMcplpdN7hJsUtLFcSdpq0GRs2BLkuaat1It1rw-_1dRYTu9TT9wKQXyRZa5TAH5tfXQN3oH-a6__vgoupqdKph3hfyKGn_uqcCVs/s1600/Grab+jug+with+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmDQqxolu1Sdv333kHTEMrwwo61tFVo9_oxDwP5wMcplpdN7hJsUtLFcSdpq0GRs2BLkuaat1It1rw-_1dRYTu9TT9wKQXyRZa5TAH5tfXQN3oH-a6__vgoupqdKph3hfyKGn_uqcCVs/s1600/Grab+jug+with+rings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the ever popular Grab Jugs. I made two in my usual white satin glaze, but I went crazy with this one. Some underglazes fire glossy and some fire matt. I quite like the resulting mixture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Painting very fine lines on greenware or bisque is very difficult because the clay in both cases is porous so it absorbs a whole brush load on first contact, leaving you with nothing on the brush. What is needed is the finest of brushes but with the greatest absorbency. Here was my solution.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsz5-BkFiZjBsIN0RFcF_2TImXk24pSUbFoPVOL4vMHSNRRArX4xschQ34qiu8SXFDZMtKDg23uM3l5g3xhyphenhyphenrS4Qgf2LadZgYKjfRNd8JB8UfSgxFu7kxCnpP4PceD8cYZa4KWlAB1QQ/s1600/Hair+in+stick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsz5-BkFiZjBsIN0RFcF_2TImXk24pSUbFoPVOL4vMHSNRRArX4xschQ34qiu8SXFDZMtKDg23uM3l5g3xhyphenhyphenrS4Qgf2LadZgYKjfRNd8JB8UfSgxFu7kxCnpP4PceD8cYZa4KWlAB1QQ/s1600/Hair+in+stick2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
........My daughter's hair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Find someone with lovely fine hair and go at them with some scissors. Then make your brush with sticky tape and a wooden skewer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NhffBt0taZY4XNr5OrrV1ihk7MVGq69MlsRqUz-FbpHjc9GCNQpHICQTuKUj5PkiknVwjwxI1z4pBCUYkmxhctrS-tojWntBwsbvqeJxxMpQNbGJXwVsxMi4Ncx5Y7q-r-pf5VonUzA/s1600/Finished+brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NhffBt0taZY4XNr5OrrV1ihk7MVGq69MlsRqUz-FbpHjc9GCNQpHICQTuKUj5PkiknVwjwxI1z4pBCUYkmxhctrS-tojWntBwsbvqeJxxMpQNbGJXwVsxMi4Ncx5Y7q-r-pf5VonUzA/s1600/Finished+brush.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then wrapped it with wool in order to have something substantial to hold. And look at that fine point. I paint effortlessly with this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTPVBg5F2PsNdDmHuOgbb0SySSffEut181EOB-a1CA-FkODBzs0Dm5j89UWdadqBpNbKGo5MXnyjo__pI4rdJY1MypPbMpky_axfkFIcae1blloCe_TH0tQWKthWqur1yfLX9eOTlTws/s1600/Rosie+and+Hector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTPVBg5F2PsNdDmHuOgbb0SySSffEut181EOB-a1CA-FkODBzs0Dm5j89UWdadqBpNbKGo5MXnyjo__pI4rdJY1MypPbMpky_axfkFIcae1blloCe_TH0tQWKthWqur1yfLX9eOTlTws/s1600/Rosie+and+Hector.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Great hair Rosie......and you too Hector.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then lastly, this little pot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKyuB4zdnpf3oLMC4P1iB144S7Wis9hDIgSugravHNbHF7Z1FNMAWTJ1GL3t8hZNLO-tGfROickENlIlSHmxtCdjkPxRXo-qri0qCBH1B4ZUhI59yag8_BoS81aWAhvf18p-qJMrCOYo/s1600/Black+lidded+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKyuB4zdnpf3oLMC4P1iB144S7Wis9hDIgSugravHNbHF7Z1FNMAWTJ1GL3t8hZNLO-tGfROickENlIlSHmxtCdjkPxRXo-qri0qCBH1B4ZUhI59yag8_BoS81aWAhvf18p-qJMrCOYo/s1600/Black+lidded+pot.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New sort of handle for me. And there's a little porcelain bird added....from the plastic pot, of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now finally a hand-building tip....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JjkldivmdsdKdSLXW0c27WlHTiP92lcsK0qvznx93hN3QLsqANGGFoODLMXVE5gZfAZWyu8ZSBE2We13N-XzMVru_vggVHnPf5hRmCm8xPwUy5fqhx2GkGXXnFIZ3CE7lM-gARonYek/s1600/Cutting+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JjkldivmdsdKdSLXW0c27WlHTiP92lcsK0qvznx93hN3QLsqANGGFoODLMXVE5gZfAZWyu8ZSBE2We13N-XzMVru_vggVHnPf5hRmCm8xPwUy5fqhx2GkGXXnFIZ3CE7lM-gARonYek/s1600/Cutting+fish.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When cutting through leather-hard clay, cut through cling film. It gives the cut a nice rounded edge. I also cover the clay with cling film when smoothing it out with a rib. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">HAPPY POTTING FOLKS </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-85348488501123282712014-10-02T14:33:00.001+01:002015-12-13T08:44:45.572+00:00Tea Bowl with Landscaped- RimHello Potter's and Friends,<br />
<br />
I'm working away at a few new projects at the moment, so will have something to show you in a week or so. But in the meantime I've found some very informative videos that I'd like to post here, so as to keep as a reference for myself and pass on to you.<br />
<br />
Here's a good one if, like me, you like these charwan Japanese tea-cups.<br />
<br />
Keep practicing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DN0lNF8HZ1k?list=UUTEgk-W9ktl3ankNjhQr50g" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-65348624453826394362014-09-14T13:36:00.001+01:002015-12-13T08:45:53.419+00:00Magh Seola - Ger Fahy on Uilleann pipesHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I heard this great player, Gerard Fahy, playing this brilliant tune in Galway, Ireland this week.<br />
<br />
He wrote it at the age of 14 and since then it has been recorded on all instruments and by all the great players.<br />
<br />
So have a listen to Gerard on the Uilleann pipes (uilleann being the Irish for elbow, because this elbow action is how the bellows are filled).<br />
<br />
And the title Magh Seola means the Level Plain - which well describes the landscape around Galway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0oIing0ocLc" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-18682008585986144262014-08-24T16:39:00.001+01:002015-12-13T08:47:18.655+00:0041. SELL THE SIZZLE NOT THE SAUSAGE.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Lots have been going on this summer in our small town. The best fun was the Warwick Folk Festival.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97dlfWXW_Iw1h-fgXRwdHtFF1Rm0mt5Cur9Py8-MPGcmEhuDWWHVRaFiUMVOrBjIHFq4r4P_dUHeCXBGZP6B-5zKeVOIxEMvgH1SjzpA0mLzSOYm06cPnQ9gx6e_K8l8cUeDuZp5GMoQ/s1600/Me+and+Leo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97dlfWXW_Iw1h-fgXRwdHtFF1Rm0mt5Cur9Py8-MPGcmEhuDWWHVRaFiUMVOrBjIHFq4r4P_dUHeCXBGZP6B-5zKeVOIxEMvgH1SjzpA0mLzSOYm06cPnQ9gx6e_K8l8cUeDuZp5GMoQ/s1600/Me+and+Leo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My son Leo came home that weekend and off we went feeling slightly underdressed. (Note the woman to the left of the picture.) And, believe me, she looked quite ordinary compared to some.<br />
<br />
But Alan preferred the Ukulele Festival that took place in the pub gardens on the Campion Hills just a few minutes away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwNy5CBM7pTE-_5F87KpX14Y_wTQN1XoBkjapxFOJGEFdjW-PYbMWp6xlGW8k7uneKNmHlwzZ2NTYdnhukWT4ZmJejDEZ_Oe77tdGpQZQeQct4EVPP5Yp8qEJD5DnUQ4p0mnXOKR5V2E/s1600/Uke+Fest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwNy5CBM7pTE-_5F87KpX14Y_wTQN1XoBkjapxFOJGEFdjW-PYbMWp6xlGW8k7uneKNmHlwzZ2NTYdnhukWT4ZmJejDEZ_Oe77tdGpQZQeQct4EVPP5Yp8qEJD5DnUQ4p0mnXOKR5V2E/s1600/Uke+Fest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I heard it perfectly well by just opening the back door of our house!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But what's all this sausage business, I hear you cry?? Well, I'm trying to make photographs of my work a whole lot more interesting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More and more, our work is being judged initially on a photograph. I was contacted, only this week to take part in an Art Fair in Stratford-upon-Avon. The invitation came after someone looked at the photographs on my website. But I also have photographs on this blog and on my new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SheilaGrahamPottery" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. So they are important and <i>I want to put the sizzle out there</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'm going to show you some of my experimental pics. Some are good, some don't work at all. But I think I'm getting a little bit closer to the sizzle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqn-9RQ8leglLGtYSaPvWSxH7x9qE-6DTsKHt2N9bUm3e09qyUqZxCAett1Jhy-sU69ed_0N9fTcmLO0MugvdONwyCMOoR6_yFWVLDCIhtl1LXrxLy-ZF8M-dsifsmONkJ-gz5XgMhX0g/s1600/2+little+japanese+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqn-9RQ8leglLGtYSaPvWSxH7x9qE-6DTsKHt2N9bUm3e09qyUqZxCAett1Jhy-sU69ed_0N9fTcmLO0MugvdONwyCMOoR6_yFWVLDCIhtl1LXrxLy-ZF8M-dsifsmONkJ-gz5XgMhX0g/s1600/2+little+japanese+pots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this picture. A few years ago I had a passion for making paper bowls and now I have a use for the ones I still have. I displayed my pots at the Open Studio Exhibition like this and the red bowls caught the imagination. So Japanese-style pots against the red sun of Japan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOYrasOdlo-7SlzhlVXqlYJCoYfaUGB7mkIWzSf42NxkOO8JC9AXvYa5lF5bBcQj2pPzwr-tt8tGYpqD5rFEXFLYycB0AjpocIQZa3jocQlRfvfbC9JcNBb8gO3_pU2EmKp1MCBGCKFY/s1600/Charwan+&+red+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOYrasOdlo-7SlzhlVXqlYJCoYfaUGB7mkIWzSf42NxkOO8JC9AXvYa5lF5bBcQj2pPzwr-tt8tGYpqD5rFEXFLYycB0AjpocIQZa3jocQlRfvfbC9JcNBb8gO3_pU2EmKp1MCBGCKFY/s1600/Charwan+&+red+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Charwan teacup got the same treatment. I also deliberately chose a wooden base. Wood, clay and paper all in one small space.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3XXCwn4FucQ0Y-qc8xpIdFNLUeveYUdNPQzMCnJkEMM0Qir64H1eOMwlrTE5gLZBsDxzFtUwF4z1UWb_x75NdfICmDnUjavS7VMeaG2R8Dh2749EILs2NhB8vRsuLUZJXau_hTql_n4/s1600/Bernie's%2BJug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3XXCwn4FucQ0Y-qc8xpIdFNLUeveYUdNPQzMCnJkEMM0Qir64H1eOMwlrTE5gLZBsDxzFtUwF4z1UWb_x75NdfICmDnUjavS7VMeaG2R8Dh2749EILs2NhB8vRsuLUZJXau_hTql_n4/s1600/Bernie's%2BJug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've made my friend Bernie a personalised jug and thought a nice lace cloth would give that tea-time homely look. But I've decided it's altogether too busy and just wrong. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-u8OXWZfEE2lyY4w1B6BWRx_QMWS1Mk-Q8rf8HaHadjzxF4DiK-gN1fMumHVmAYC3u9KnUBPRuGNFAGRiHRIMTyS0qvCyXtFCZKDCojrZWcNFaswehr3Y7x1xWImnA2w_budhNWzO9E/s1600/Blue+cups+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-u8OXWZfEE2lyY4w1B6BWRx_QMWS1Mk-Q8rf8HaHadjzxF4DiK-gN1fMumHVmAYC3u9KnUBPRuGNFAGRiHRIMTyS0qvCyXtFCZKDCojrZWcNFaswehr3Y7x1xWImnA2w_budhNWzO9E/s1600/Blue+cups+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But this I think I got right. Bright blue cups had to be on my white Welsh dresser. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next two photos were taken outside and here's a tip; Natural light is perfect, but don't pick a sunny day. The sun will reflect on the glaze, wash out the colour and create flares. A lovely dull day is what we want. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdz7gU8VzdSw1IygYIehL5tdrf4oPjQXPQT1aPFqPQ3-by70g67YAg9hquu1R8RQVtJdCojYckG3qPsUuQ69V-DcC1O0i4FMCDGhVgLnlc4x8uDTlqen79UZ_qfHxa8XY5zXDr31bwns/s1600/white+cup+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdz7gU8VzdSw1IygYIehL5tdrf4oPjQXPQT1aPFqPQ3-by70g67YAg9hquu1R8RQVtJdCojYckG3qPsUuQ69V-DcC1O0i4FMCDGhVgLnlc4x8uDTlqen79UZ_qfHxa8XY5zXDr31bwns/s1600/white+cup+outside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's not over exposed by sunlight. And good contrast between porcelain and rough wood-chips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27wNAQLT1iCEylJ9KTh-Qqykbb7Gs35i88otAkhDThRe3madlg016c10-2QyY_OoozW7nLa8_-E9Mzs4psJxwAHQmPL01WJTHsV6hhw3zo5M_hZFpDJW6XoiVQHheqvKnQHIJUlFx7Uc/s1600/Jar+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27wNAQLT1iCEylJ9KTh-Qqykbb7Gs35i88otAkhDThRe3madlg016c10-2QyY_OoozW7nLa8_-E9Mzs4psJxwAHQmPL01WJTHsV6hhw3zo5M_hZFpDJW6XoiVQHheqvKnQHIJUlFx7Uc/s1600/Jar+outside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My little painted boats seem to be shipwrecked on the rocks! Both pics get a tick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1dUdmWk9D7uk1mqBRyndnGAxld-0PhZYQi0ounB5q0h9ccvGJlZ_mLd1fOcmUk85gWRlidjroGxQBkOiJxywmaBR35ArqPe9fqVDQfucfpCx5x0Lt9j0VHpSiWSOt5JNc4RdI7IyqsU/s1600/Garlic+grater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1dUdmWk9D7uk1mqBRyndnGAxld-0PhZYQi0ounB5q0h9ccvGJlZ_mLd1fOcmUk85gWRlidjroGxQBkOiJxywmaBR35ArqPe9fqVDQfucfpCx5x0Lt9j0VHpSiWSOt5JNc4RdI7IyqsU/s1600/Garlic+grater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, showing a use for the bowl is always a good idea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6laQUTsRIa7P58m3lRnQEIAeiNOFKCjrMwVQZeiyaTgR5oxoZWA3dlXpNMYxeeXK39HhaF2MwVHzpqSsPIS3GDGT9R-UOucGLLw_Ulpmb-HKoK9Fzvv7vx4uoOVZauEnpb8QR6hpI6I/s1600/3+casseroles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6laQUTsRIa7P58m3lRnQEIAeiNOFKCjrMwVQZeiyaTgR5oxoZWA3dlXpNMYxeeXK39HhaF2MwVHzpqSsPIS3GDGT9R-UOucGLLw_Ulpmb-HKoK9Fzvv7vx4uoOVZauEnpb8QR6hpI6I/s1600/3+casseroles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I was once asked.... what would you put in a casserole dish?? For once I was lost for words.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I photographed these on my oak kitchen table to give the feeling of warmth. If you removed the lid you might find a creamy Irish stew inside. I think I could go further with this idea. Maybe a few veg?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so enjoying setting up the photographs that I haven't put my hands in clay all week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HAPPY SNAPPING FOLKS </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-68415821828302293642014-07-04T17:31:00.000+01:002014-07-04T17:56:46.372+01:0040. KILN OPENING FOR THE OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITIONHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
The Warwickshire Open Studio Exhibition has come round again and, as last year, I have a joint exhibition with my daughter - jeweller <a href="http://rosiebill.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rosie Bill</a> and painter <a href="http://66.147.244.109/~mathsapp/kathy/" target="_blank">Kathy Webster</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EIfGSuKNg4kWL-zK0Y2oZR6aJxhjUOYG5bTDS8kY-NzUZpxr79CIVrinXxV3HVK0dqM9_ELqhJWuCJhGhv55N6WFimbqlJ9yQj-QvsSnuZSU9EzN70OQC-t363lvvR3UMgBEFQyYlVs/s1600/WOS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EIfGSuKNg4kWL-zK0Y2oZR6aJxhjUOYG5bTDS8kY-NzUZpxr79CIVrinXxV3HVK0dqM9_ELqhJWuCJhGhv55N6WFimbqlJ9yQj-QvsSnuZSU9EzN70OQC-t363lvvR3UMgBEFQyYlVs/s1600/WOS1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Turning my studio and Alan's study into a gallery always takes several days of hard dusting, window cleaning and emptying. The rest of the house acts as a warehouse for the unwanted items but, hey, it's a very enjoyable 2 weeks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiMhS-w4a8Ke1E5ZQSQGXCKojhHS9568gGb0AdX38yLbJmESlibDZWP76Ci3DzsGcdNJC3n2CUIClIHXLZZfqs1t1lUUpODI_W_ejHydDFyICcvemOPp9tp73UozMVO8tYWDkkiditV0/s1600/WOS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiMhS-w4a8Ke1E5ZQSQGXCKojhHS9568gGb0AdX38yLbJmESlibDZWP76Ci3DzsGcdNJC3n2CUIClIHXLZZfqs1t1lUUpODI_W_ejHydDFyICcvemOPp9tp73UozMVO8tYWDkkiditV0/s1600/WOS2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So a couple of weeks ago I had a kiln opening and here is a close look at a few of the contents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Continuing the naked clay theme that I talked about in the previous post, I enjoyed experimenting with red iron oxide.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7slwhxn_umxHLDmgBKTO15L32rWmgP_7WW83fZsVMnAPebEkWjeNW1lOCb8EiW7NXi5hnWI8I0s0ZA48O6Tr65fVi8akSvlgyI5GnNCg41jp-U6G5Pm1rA8ojtz84r72O-yEi40Rq-M/s1600/rock+pool+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7slwhxn_umxHLDmgBKTO15L32rWmgP_7WW83fZsVMnAPebEkWjeNW1lOCb8EiW7NXi5hnWI8I0s0ZA48O6Tr65fVi8akSvlgyI5GnNCg41jp-U6G5Pm1rA8ojtz84r72O-yEi40Rq-M/s1600/rock+pool+dish.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">After a bisque firing I painted on a wash of red iron, then removed most of it with a damp sponge. Then when it was bone dry, I rubbed it carefully with sandpaper to bring back some of the white clay. I used a brush-on glaze to confine the pool of glaze to the centre. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The edge was imprinted with various objects including a lump of lava from Lanzarote and red Monopoly houses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKWmkwBRwI_4uYnbVWi_BQCCG0xeonTJn99Sj8dfxzpiXX7ouZBs2XiybHKdEE9CAClUgrmY8TcvUCmuNAPhehFFhPfWbWCEU8Pu9i2rAMilP22ECUZ_dZD4OmpZ9X-CH4Cyi5okfReM/s1600/rock+pool+edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKWmkwBRwI_4uYnbVWi_BQCCG0xeonTJn99Sj8dfxzpiXX7ouZBs2XiybHKdEE9CAClUgrmY8TcvUCmuNAPhehFFhPfWbWCEU8Pu9i2rAMilP22ECUZ_dZD4OmpZ9X-CH4Cyi5okfReM/s1600/rock+pool+edge.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ginger jars have attracted a good deal of attention. The insect decoration was painted with very thick iron oxide.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2zzqnqUb-s9MyKR-3ipDKXaIiP5PNJ1FSPN8Oi3O12RYco1tl3lre3jt2VsTQlffhNPczedMVe4GFpSR58qkcv_T2kSJk4GaBRqRKKcHdFFIk8LUWaYy7336WBBQB6vA7_Xaohkc-CY/s1600/red+iron+ginger+jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2zzqnqUb-s9MyKR-3ipDKXaIiP5PNJ1FSPN8Oi3O12RYco1tl3lre3jt2VsTQlffhNPczedMVe4GFpSR58qkcv_T2kSJk4GaBRqRKKcHdFFIk8LUWaYy7336WBBQB6vA7_Xaohkc-CY/s1600/red+iron+ginger+jar.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here's a wonderfully happy accident.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVmcHvAThfOLYkj-SIlflBr9y7q0AJWOrtRxvPYZkTNORWRACvKtpUjYamaiSUFSUB7qFQnaCENKVF_TBeIMCEjoi_b0b1pGRZeTkAJJI7g08IzYg3Gq8FI_JcfF6iD_6ovEbyst8LAs/s1600/Barnsley+Fern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVmcHvAThfOLYkj-SIlflBr9y7q0AJWOrtRxvPYZkTNORWRACvKtpUjYamaiSUFSUB7qFQnaCENKVF_TBeIMCEjoi_b0b1pGRZeTkAJJI7g08IzYg3Gq8FI_JcfF6iD_6ovEbyst8LAs/s1600/Barnsley+Fern.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I brushed on white slip at leather hard stage, then burnished it with the back of a spoon until I achieved a good shine. Then I painted my fern on top with thick red iron oxide. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It came out of the bisque kiln as I imagined. I glazed the inside and fired it to cone 6 (approximately 1230ºC) and I had, quite by chance created this crackle effect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd35rfWA0V-RJzYMVC05Xm5ZYghyH-xfCtQ1g4-aSiV9LHqWDy6r6bpwwGrPuFA0kiLYvVljH6usoaECt7g3CDGJ5Qq3Q84PfYMbxZRB0UEWkJ6Q14adKbbrEJbEho4d20lZ043QthVcg/s1600/fern+bowl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd35rfWA0V-RJzYMVC05Xm5ZYghyH-xfCtQ1g4-aSiV9LHqWDy6r6bpwwGrPuFA0kiLYvVljH6usoaECt7g3CDGJ5Qq3Q84PfYMbxZRB0UEWkJ6Q14adKbbrEJbEho4d20lZ043QthVcg/s1600/fern+bowl+2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've no idea why this happened. Something shrank, but was it the slip or the oxide? It's a mystery to me, but I will certainly be doing it again. I love it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I haven't abandoned glazes altogether. These Charwan teacups present quite a splash.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqmq_0dSn0CUeEoU4Xza_DjVKDgilK5XHY5Lu8dg2YnjGW8zk1wpatD75lVJORBCKFkX4YfM0C4mP4tGPgj98ZtIvxaM_lbJuSDiOxdfPe6Z6DnwVx9CsAhifwcWt5czhsB0aWAJEIh4/s1600/charwan+proper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqmq_0dSn0CUeEoU4Xza_DjVKDgilK5XHY5Lu8dg2YnjGW8zk1wpatD75lVJORBCKFkX4YfM0C4mP4tGPgj98ZtIvxaM_lbJuSDiOxdfPe6Z6DnwVx9CsAhifwcWt5czhsB0aWAJEIh4/s1600/charwan+proper.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thrown stoneware with a handful of porcelain dragged around the middle (previous post shows me making a Yunomi cup in the same way).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Charwan and Yunomi teacups are made without handles so that the temperature of the tea can be felt when picked up. If the cup is too hot to hold then it's too hot to drink and therefore bad for the digestion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And on this ginger jar is a mixture of glaze and a highly flecked clay surface.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0-qs0WDNs0Jg27mkrwweoZh4Vn36LF70k4I6QXR7zCHJFcTA7qOVKUSls7xBXa-WSug1sJ63wHxdDxdTK0gXD2tUrXFJWEYWaDJm8X73ekFLFBNZrd7pz_GwCknAm0hC6y8hNlMpJdg/s1600/ginger+jar+-no+lid.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But what caused the biggest celebration in our household this week is the birth of another grand-daughter. <i>Welcome to the family, Lana Quinn Kennedy.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-36970380337239234232014-05-03T13:00:00.001+01:002015-12-13T08:35:53.499+00:0039. THE NAKED CLAY ROUTE AND BEYOND.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdcf6CHAR9gQ-ZMju_LBe3-esGNgIHWe_-92ClVeWUTIASvnqeW_WFu5XN09esfTlX3qMbmJ5UL7EnStLOVsov8mzEDxE0ZA9Xt4a-u3A3b-JijBPEUKwHebi7Fuk0iaN9lBKBbWPta4/s1600/Me+in+Chipping+Campden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdcf6CHAR9gQ-ZMju_LBe3-esGNgIHWe_-92ClVeWUTIASvnqeW_WFu5XN09esfTlX3qMbmJ5UL7EnStLOVsov8mzEDxE0ZA9Xt4a-u3A3b-JijBPEUKwHebi7Fuk0iaN9lBKBbWPta4/s1600/Me+in+Chipping+Campden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here I am exhibiting in a mixed art and craft fair in Chipping Campden, in the heart of the picturesque region of the Cotswolds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPTx2WC446cbCIqARKzO-x2ubEdXSpeN_xrum90gzqF4vFUAVQqximNjHNUHBMSCGfbVCZAUdaDujbACkU5G-JA_Ro-NiMV3fTyYKkpZ4LtGYJPfGl2E3e9BKbS8CnYI5G1X_Hr4LYP8/s1600/Cotswolds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPTx2WC446cbCIqARKzO-x2ubEdXSpeN_xrum90gzqF4vFUAVQqximNjHNUHBMSCGfbVCZAUdaDujbACkU5G-JA_Ro-NiMV3fTyYKkpZ4LtGYJPfGl2E3e9BKbS8CnYI5G1X_Hr4LYP8/s1600/Cotswolds3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here we have village after village of stone cottages built beside shallow, fast running streams that reflect all the surrounding beauty. And, of course, a constant crocodile line of tourists.<br />
<div>
So as well as chatting to the visitors about my methods and techniques, I was also looking at my work as a whole and feeling the need for a bit of a change. I'm not unhappy with what I've been making, but sometimes (as my mother would often say) <i><b>'a change is as good as a rest'</b>.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So first off, Alan offered to make significant changes to my website and get all my work bang up to date. I love it, and you can take a look <a href="http://66.147.244.109/~mathsapp/sheila/">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And in the workshop during these past few weeks, this is more of what I'm going for -</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdYMEOxTNjCwH5VBQS-aen5ZFNxfV-5jEb-PUzqWiBgelJKWa0NuhcgIzDMKP5SF2IKnS96102PKAwxi9DoBBqrPPKJpbTCFBRyNmS7qDx2qGtPUy5Xh4O4EageQ9pcXxh3gT6LKodlY/s1600/Tree+mugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdYMEOxTNjCwH5VBQS-aen5ZFNxfV-5jEb-PUzqWiBgelJKWa0NuhcgIzDMKP5SF2IKnS96102PKAwxi9DoBBqrPPKJpbTCFBRyNmS7qDx2qGtPUy5Xh4O4EageQ9pcXxh3gT6LKodlY/s1600/Tree+mugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More naked clay and less glaze. The decoration is a velvet underglaze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I then progressed on to this -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gMnNjdsaV6wbsMSL11S-N6yUc5UFaSQCIikVDvPgQudfkVtxvFMePn4V28NDzrgkvSur2NaUA9EZQ8wC82YDGx9Yz2vblWYgvoOOgpA5bVyLWND1qRGm0apZFBJDNSA2_XeYZD7Ep9c/s1600/Yunomi+on+wheel..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gMnNjdsaV6wbsMSL11S-N6yUc5UFaSQCIikVDvPgQudfkVtxvFMePn4V28NDzrgkvSur2NaUA9EZQ8wC82YDGx9Yz2vblWYgvoOOgpA5bVyLWND1qRGm0apZFBJDNSA2_XeYZD7Ep9c/s1600/Yunomi+on+wheel..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A thrown stoneware cup with great dollops of porcelain smeared on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ecX_p2ZJ2RD6lddBfzmiiYrp5tWOproOfUoHzJmcAYM-0jUevv-aIFoI6l0L01-59kvvxhNUcpQgyey6MbOfgK8hFv2-ega9fPRTkZJLE0t7ybozaAlAH8RlKTIhqgimljWCh1sfeG0/s1600/Yunomi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ecX_p2ZJ2RD6lddBfzmiiYrp5tWOproOfUoHzJmcAYM-0jUevv-aIFoI6l0L01-59kvvxhNUcpQgyey6MbOfgK8hFv2-ega9fPRTkZJLE0t7ybozaAlAH8RlKTIhqgimljWCh1sfeG0/s1600/Yunomi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a Japanese cup called a Yunomi. Although deliberately made misshapen, as if not wheel thrown, it should still give the impression of being made with skilled hands. So I'm prodding and squeezing all over the place and somehow it's really freed me up. It's like going back to that beginner stage again, where everything is new and exciting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnZNHvITMK29x-YG30pdkcpQGcFIfux0ZXarQJjyytNWtOfzLSvOqtdzpzsLL53n0MImiJFTpp84f6NUODqqRd0Dhr64vKKJbSO10joZtczLPYdQ8NIwt4HfseeRqthPw3wHTi-ZKAQU/s1600/stoneware+buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnZNHvITMK29x-YG30pdkcpQGcFIfux0ZXarQJjyytNWtOfzLSvOqtdzpzsLL53n0MImiJFTpp84f6NUODqqRd0Dhr64vKKJbSO10joZtczLPYdQ8NIwt4HfseeRqthPw3wHTi-ZKAQU/s1600/stoneware+buttons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've put aside the glossy glazes for a while and dug out a matt one that I haven't opened up for some time. I applied it with thick and quick brush strokes, as on these stoneware buttons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmAMscO3oniNILJQOOCWvpK1SEfXUw_16e0BIbRzsMa6NSefqcnRdAKEV0H7DxKuB4VRr3ys1Fdl5pk7eWb4IvHQH-ihrCgHEAXk0_sgIZatpXWTbg_9LkdgeHori1T9yEhL0L5kjgyw/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmAMscO3oniNILJQOOCWvpK1SEfXUw_16e0BIbRzsMa6NSefqcnRdAKEV0H7DxKuB4VRr3ys1Fdl5pk7eWb4IvHQH-ihrCgHEAXk0_sgIZatpXWTbg_9LkdgeHori1T9yEhL0L5kjgyw/s1600/bird.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I've dirtied up my pristine white porcelain brooches by mixing in some black clay. The cutter I used for this I bought in the cake-making department of a local store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, from an old ceiling light fitting that I came across in our junk room ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HeZTNUxv7GpJXYDM5_duhGJDaBGuxk6dXiX3X15EUxDsUVw8fQT3zjOc4V6jChYEnoZHMDYgr_ZDgeBpQ_RotdnLVolfdUoxEcNRkg9o184UpiE0aaavZ0gq8MOS29tSlfAWKAjjscE/s1600/Light+fitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HeZTNUxv7GpJXYDM5_duhGJDaBGuxk6dXiX3X15EUxDsUVw8fQT3zjOc4V6jChYEnoZHMDYgr_ZDgeBpQ_RotdnLVolfdUoxEcNRkg9o184UpiE0aaavZ0gq8MOS29tSlfAWKAjjscE/s1600/Light+fitting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I rubbed on a thin coating of Vaseline, lay stoneware clay over it, and I've just put this together with a wheel thrown foot -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuai2oOu0j1NDg1mwnV9vfvkFTw_fdsFNI_VQWs8Nm1Sw-LOuOI4wd1dLiQnmWdnoTxZD6ICwVOwewptw5KVDt7gWCJNFwO-eWX9pb4Q8hcgl-643qmLSmheMOJ_VdqC3MTspc4fw1xw/s1600/Fruit+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuai2oOu0j1NDg1mwnV9vfvkFTw_fdsFNI_VQWs8Nm1Sw-LOuOI4wd1dLiQnmWdnoTxZD6ICwVOwewptw5KVDt7gWCJNFwO-eWX9pb4Q8hcgl-643qmLSmheMOJ_VdqC3MTspc4fw1xw/s1600/Fruit+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I heartily recommend going for some changes to give yourself a rest!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-50982283441297229792014-03-02T17:33:00.000+00:002015-12-13T08:52:21.205+00:0038. BACK TO THE EARTH.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco, and its most notable feature is that it's covered in black volcanic lava. Every house is painted white, by law, thanks to the artist Cesar Manrique who had a major influence on planning regulations and achieved sympathetic development of tourism from the governing body.<br />
The result is a beautiful black and white landscape, and one that Alan and I love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHF7iZqpCy3AjWbdvRa0fzBSuwKLEzNLs3vuZegXT5HxWCAcLzGKz4thQw00-IuzWec5mOZOGwc8Nq2IqdE1TXnGEsW6as-UV8yf4wRaG0VRGPXDtRPuJmOBI3nLOPs1GsJYV5KeI8mc/s1600/Lanzarote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHF7iZqpCy3AjWbdvRa0fzBSuwKLEzNLs3vuZegXT5HxWCAcLzGKz4thQw00-IuzWec5mOZOGwc8Nq2IqdE1TXnGEsW6as-UV8yf4wRaG0VRGPXDtRPuJmOBI3nLOPs1GsJYV5KeI8mc/s1600/Lanzarote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We visited there last month with our daughter Rosie and grandson Hector. And I think it's no coincidence that most of the pots I have just taken out of the kiln have been black or white.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84L7XUAjqqqyqGSwEQ5YDKafUcYQkuOY5I5axlPlavhX6Cdg_ajuEI8Ij6_SSbMrDMvV5FI4LabCaTRgCFr5NziBzLpGEkyd0qul1hvfCX9ckKUCo75BY_HSShyhS9LWhzTn83IAzgVc/s1600/Plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84L7XUAjqqqyqGSwEQ5YDKafUcYQkuOY5I5axlPlavhX6Cdg_ajuEI8Ij6_SSbMrDMvV5FI4LabCaTRgCFr5NziBzLpGEkyd0qul1hvfCX9ckKUCo75BY_HSShyhS9LWhzTn83IAzgVc/s1600/Plates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently saw a photograph of some quite small plates about 5inches in diameter, and they reminded me of the small plates my grandmother served slices of cake on. In fact she called them cake plates. So I thought I would introduce the idea of a plate for this sole purpose into my next exhibition. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YliJY08A3pRMIJj-DB69PIjcHu5X0XMkbTidvRZ3xU2-6ILfeRtvkJ5a4SUrUPhvgUhOb5HIVRxj8E97xE42q_NkP8TrV-C3eq6dX7gYDqpTKhxviSx621oPJUytgjtDjUrT06O2uao/s1600/3Jugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YliJY08A3pRMIJj-DB69PIjcHu5X0XMkbTidvRZ3xU2-6ILfeRtvkJ5a4SUrUPhvgUhOb5HIVRxj8E97xE42q_NkP8TrV-C3eq6dX7gYDqpTKhxviSx621oPJUytgjtDjUrT06O2uao/s1600/3Jugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love making jugs. I used a few brush strokes of oxide to create the pattern on the right-hand jug. It could be a boat or moth or nothing at all, but I liked it so much that you'll see it again, make no mistake. The other two are Grab Jugs (no handles) They are always popular, I can never make too many.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZJEp3U5HPAukljyyVShyphenhyphenWfdW6kAVrhBar2PLpuHtJSkmIgXINafhTQzUYd8a4IHqdld287chxgyx0VRhR2Bb0VBTGwa9KZWQarxz1viO0Kt7PEp6dFldpI9EBy5yreuC_E_mKY7eDxc/s1600/Flat+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZJEp3U5HPAukljyyVShyphenhyphenWfdW6kAVrhBar2PLpuHtJSkmIgXINafhTQzUYd8a4IHqdld287chxgyx0VRhR2Bb0VBTGwa9KZWQarxz1viO0Kt7PEp6dFldpI9EBy5yreuC_E_mKY7eDxc/s1600/Flat+dish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A spot of hand-building. The ends were cut then overlapped. It creates a more oval shape than this photo shows. So here we are.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNiGNgqWSCLzJUZ8z7M-4Vt2uvMRqvHeUcnJmWsHO77vF9l8XV6n_HEZFR2hXEUqEy2ab3_DkoAeLkbu0HoaqSNDrphlZJ0ChnJJWI8E3rhzKNw4SUJqmhK2LYJ_VxQ2U0kADaqtCnCA/s1600/Flat+dish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNiGNgqWSCLzJUZ8z7M-4Vt2uvMRqvHeUcnJmWsHO77vF9l8XV6n_HEZFR2hXEUqEy2ab3_DkoAeLkbu0HoaqSNDrphlZJ0ChnJJWI8E3rhzKNw4SUJqmhK2LYJ_VxQ2U0kADaqtCnCA/s1600/Flat+dish2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The same technique and this one was stamped with two Indian wood blocks that I bought in the old town of Teguise in Lanzarote.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke_v6DwwJS8rgBGOvQQTsBYgV3Rb22BA0Zj3rP_Xvdj8nj0_MeOMfnmdE0baNnoeGML7MMtcTUatvlVft69p7B2b4XB_ZkkXfbPIKb5ot1R5qCvYmT2ZSODIoS9WQuMO55Tz-SkVtroY/s1600/Teguise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke_v6DwwJS8rgBGOvQQTsBYgV3Rb22BA0Zj3rP_Xvdj8nj0_MeOMfnmdE0baNnoeGML7MMtcTUatvlVft69p7B2b4XB_ZkkXfbPIKb5ot1R5qCvYmT2ZSODIoS9WQuMO55Tz-SkVtroY/s1600/Teguise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alan, Rosie and Hector outside the shop</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPmxfbTGehRfkIl-UZQTfCV1cpb1tBQQYV3zPn7gFMS5LzNBreG8y0jsrAuiOBtGLmbDo3jcFm8XqWh_RRjEZJo14vIQMp4cR5iSXb6-Ibryqdd7R2Rdn6EUy1pFTRW4TkOU_djvJR4w/s1600/Sweet+Pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPmxfbTGehRfkIl-UZQTfCV1cpb1tBQQYV3zPn7gFMS5LzNBreG8y0jsrAuiOBtGLmbDo3jcFm8XqWh_RRjEZJo14vIQMp4cR5iSXb6-Ibryqdd7R2Rdn6EUy1pFTRW4TkOU_djvJR4w/s1600/Sweet+Pot.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's that mothy, boaty pattern again. You may have seen my sweet potato mould I made a while ago. I've never found a better, more knobbly vegetable. The top is an added thrown piece. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-lY7d2MFtb5o9NDphzH46a_7YPAeLyFTbRvpG3Ht6UNZp3YB5Csgl9aA1oBgA2HIFMa5mDsLjmAAlexovKFmoJGgdFiAtK_PODUYfSJfTv3XqZI6ognX5h2rK43Ci380xuWlptWiiVw/s1600/Brown+Jugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-lY7d2MFtb5o9NDphzH46a_7YPAeLyFTbRvpG3Ht6UNZp3YB5Csgl9aA1oBgA2HIFMa5mDsLjmAAlexovKFmoJGgdFiAtK_PODUYfSJfTv3XqZI6ognX5h2rK43Ci380xuWlptWiiVw/s1600/Brown+Jugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OH WOW COLOUR ! Wax painted on before glazing gives a very rough and ready effect. I dipped them in Tenmoku when the wax had dried out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2g19xMn_RGWNWAcX442BnhFLN5NPE4MQMHQ7PWv3uPQUHOgwfZzCxQkBSC-H36sDfhHhYMtMQ0lFYclPvZzbgeZc68Cv1fxXisejtpvy_jkWruHm308bLdvXZiy7gby-CVBuoiOACSg/s1600/Streaked+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2g19xMn_RGWNWAcX442BnhFLN5NPE4MQMHQ7PWv3uPQUHOgwfZzCxQkBSC-H36sDfhHhYMtMQ0lFYclPvZzbgeZc68Cv1fxXisejtpvy_jkWruHm308bLdvXZiy7gby-CVBuoiOACSg/s1600/Streaked+pot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a complete surprise, but a welcome one. I had painted on small oxide dots before the bisque firing. (Manganese and copper carbonate) However, when I had dipped it in a glaze called Marguerite and placed it on the bottom shelf of the kiln (the hot spot in my kiln) the dots became streaks. Brilliant. But can I ever achieve this again???</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally......a moment of madness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu1xdSAE0H-NhTJkdNdzXaQY64zpYcfQuOcHwGWW5vlqe0xIX4UPVUG9ccQbE0BIfN8QlgklwiVXw4LIAjhkH4s2ZGIpBxYR8r2H1LT42ktuZaD44equrMTIFUlyzv_wthb-usjGk_g8/s1600/Seaside+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu1xdSAE0H-NhTJkdNdzXaQY64zpYcfQuOcHwGWW5vlqe0xIX4UPVUG9ccQbE0BIfN8QlgklwiVXw4LIAjhkH4s2ZGIpBxYR8r2H1LT42ktuZaD44equrMTIFUlyzv_wthb-usjGk_g8/s1600/Seaside+pot.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The fishing boat, bobbing seaside pot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can only say.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYM4_ZIjHTx8j3iLF6vWRm5eQPPqDUvg7m7IPzlibo_73g479J40U2JAPkWyifi4l40fWqahNshiwgBIZoAVYLdLDkajN4gnfC0_7YXMwTbdPNG2TCj2rzfHsXn5_Pb1W5Km4widcTtE/s1600/Potter+in+Lanzarote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYM4_ZIjHTx8j3iLF6vWRm5eQPPqDUvg7m7IPzlibo_73g479J40U2JAPkWyifi4l40fWqahNshiwgBIZoAVYLdLDkajN4gnfC0_7YXMwTbdPNG2TCj2rzfHsXn5_Pb1W5Km4widcTtE/s1600/Potter+in+Lanzarote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mi amigo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-42954648294363748642014-01-20T15:25:00.000+00:002014-01-20T18:46:48.067+00:0037. GONE COLOUR CRAZYHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I sat at the wheel after the Christmas break with the intention of throwing a couple more teapots and tea bowls. The clay was a tad cold in the workshop but with the help of a little warm water the throwing was going well and to plan. I started with the tea bowls just to get me into a nice rhythm.<br />
<br />
This was my intention.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhS0hjnCgdk7B7RbawHs2LeiLPkuX1ys-5OqEo98EaXJGSXb4Tam-FOumex2kbIClxPWZ_2FZwd3GU5UGNnRTbvU-0qG4908cw9onTXXaGmeThpp8HJi0Ug-ZpZAPFf11GBtwznkDavc/s1600/Tea+Bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhS0hjnCgdk7B7RbawHs2LeiLPkuX1ys-5OqEo98EaXJGSXb4Tam-FOumex2kbIClxPWZ_2FZwd3GU5UGNnRTbvU-0qG4908cw9onTXXaGmeThpp8HJi0Ug-ZpZAPFf11GBtwznkDavc/s1600/Tea+Bowls.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But this was what transpired.........</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByomc7533SnwPeyNDzoN7UUSOpnKQbg-PvvwHSBBsQQzHCuUr32uEFLtTNeEy35g96f5jyegZ8L4xJu65jUaPxCRLGXKOlyatrSufh8_7isyz0o7gbM3p6lRFCZ7x8FK5uiTr_J13SyI/s1600/Bird+pot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByomc7533SnwPeyNDzoN7UUSOpnKQbg-PvvwHSBBsQQzHCuUr32uEFLtTNeEy35g96f5jyegZ8L4xJu65jUaPxCRLGXKOlyatrSufh8_7isyz0o7gbM3p6lRFCZ7x8FK5uiTr_J13SyI/s1600/Bird+pot+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And not just one........</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbyL1KLMSIkqYpXtsRKWkJ87FlNCgdO42kHFmAdtOyzjboymVEu8SluiLRBQexJtGxxiVs_ljD5JId7F49uBtCZbbDpuAVb_wPQIRA1KfrneyrNh9GT799MGz5-OO-wH94f0m2Indefs/s1600/Bird+pot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbyL1KLMSIkqYpXtsRKWkJ87FlNCgdO42kHFmAdtOyzjboymVEu8SluiLRBQexJtGxxiVs_ljD5JId7F49uBtCZbbDpuAVb_wPQIRA1KfrneyrNh9GT799MGz5-OO-wH94f0m2Indefs/s1600/Bird+pot+2.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thrown as a cup, then squashed, pinched on one side, and then adorned with mini birds, teapots etc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before the bisque firing I painted them with underglaze colours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I find these small pots of underglaze colour quite difficult to judge because what is painted on the pot completely changes once a clear glaze is added.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one that changed dramatically after being glazed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before... quite fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnKe6fL9kIBV2QpIGbRK5mhBk-9XcXTQmelMSGLfFIAiQoDNgOBsPXBdynd0xPVM3Obpzd7RB4GiMqhmKd5jiAIZ3MYMgFwapd8Ym468sy6ZKXY3Nf1LONAk0tiq8inIVte04FBYJDb8/s1600/Bird+pot+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnKe6fL9kIBV2QpIGbRK5mhBk-9XcXTQmelMSGLfFIAiQoDNgOBsPXBdynd0xPVM3Obpzd7RB4GiMqhmKd5jiAIZ3MYMgFwapd8Ym468sy6ZKXY3Nf1LONAk0tiq8inIVte04FBYJDb8/s1600/Bird+pot+3.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After....not what I imagined!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDsxQ6pvyLABhQiHNMKfyAwDX04REU66LN3p35kbk3mqWJizdNQDr58QQ1_5Q3jGw1rmeG11l1QYRFWLgAvamcgO0hQOALxXWyI09kiw8jRWZy6xu8SykB791Bgg2E5TAkfMRjCpXmzc/s1600/bird+pot4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDsxQ6pvyLABhQiHNMKfyAwDX04REU66LN3p35kbk3mqWJizdNQDr58QQ1_5Q3jGw1rmeG11l1QYRFWLgAvamcgO0hQOALxXWyI09kiw8jRWZy6xu8SykB791Bgg2E5TAkfMRjCpXmzc/s1600/bird+pot4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I did manage to throw one teapot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQvcEqVhyphenhyphenMBi2u1JCwdNxWpKyQlrwpjvEvN45HyIpa7SnCnASgpYGm3RNOIr7jd4WEb1eyG_DpZyDL2HpNFUH3bmdFl0if1ZtWm9islwGQEhVQIe6MB1wQT5JffttBsto-3L0hIahuBI/s1600/WhiteTeapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQvcEqVhyphenhyphenMBi2u1JCwdNxWpKyQlrwpjvEvN45HyIpa7SnCnASgpYGm3RNOIr7jd4WEb1eyG_DpZyDL2HpNFUH3bmdFl0if1ZtWm9islwGQEhVQIe6MB1wQT5JffttBsto-3L0hIahuBI/s1600/WhiteTeapot.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I mistakenly picked up Lava clay instead of speckled clay which is why it's doubly speckled!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good job my white glaze is very adaptable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I cut the spout a bit too low, so a full pot of tea will result in a little bit of spillage from the spout. As I've said before, the tip of the spout should be on a line with the rim of the pot to prevent this. So why didn't I heed my own advice? This is a question I often ask myself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So from that week's work I found that the only thing I really liked was the outline of two apples that I painted with manganese on the teapot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ah well, you can't win 'em all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But here are a couple of little tricks I played around with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Roll a ball of clay in your hand and then, in a circular movement, roll a piece of flat plastic over it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEqAcGATdrV677SEOmt2nClQLM1tY5vDAvXh7cpih11pH24CfdgrdSCF8-Xux9joyjD_R49MY3Tl7gz9ML0QEuZfyTY1WhhBncSQDpaGwHMWbmwU1YSuc_27xU-R9lDP1kVIQQvPsko4/s1600/Ball1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEqAcGATdrV677SEOmt2nClQLM1tY5vDAvXh7cpih11pH24CfdgrdSCF8-Xux9joyjD_R49MY3Tl7gz9ML0QEuZfyTY1WhhBncSQDpaGwHMWbmwU1YSuc_27xU-R9lDP1kVIQQvPsko4/s1600/Ball1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used the base of a take-away tub.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And this is the result..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOynqyZl1nGpz8giDy3fvaI5qBVoER6lgmT8dnrz25NCQkrZ0wIstBllw58KfIJ8Ur6nD0g9NMWRs8IZtBboMgpCf02U8Kh5bcmyZxzH9Fyj_KdrLTLpBxVA4Qui7VNoIlu1ukyaPvqWk/s1600/Ball2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOynqyZl1nGpz8giDy3fvaI5qBVoER6lgmT8dnrz25NCQkrZ0wIstBllw58KfIJ8Ur6nD0g9NMWRs8IZtBboMgpCf02U8Kh5bcmyZxzH9Fyj_KdrLTLpBxVA4Qui7VNoIlu1ukyaPvqWk/s1600/Ball2.jpg" height="187" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just like that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And as you saw, I stuck it on the nose of my bird vase.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here is a great aid to any hand-builder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQy3BzdKapX1V5mIkG-XooLiCeFiQJkvYABLfoakoiEfUTMx7n2EDmUJQXCxsBSxA7_WQDkyWucOfikDDGzKQaI87i2NLXHHNJT30TJS-C0dsatqpG2F_u1tEFZnj420N7ZXcab4SaEE/s1600/blue+shaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQy3BzdKapX1V5mIkG-XooLiCeFiQJkvYABLfoakoiEfUTMx7n2EDmUJQXCxsBSxA7_WQDkyWucOfikDDGzKQaI87i2NLXHHNJT30TJS-C0dsatqpG2F_u1tEFZnj420N7ZXcab4SaEE/s1600/blue+shaper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is very flexible, but at the same time it will not move from the shape you finally put it in. I believe most art shops sell them. I created these two perfect curves by cutting round it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally, here is my little Russian angel that I made for Christmas. But she'll probably stay out on the shelf for the rest of the year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1VVOERc5IJUbDs7fIygm7E1HD-L47QuxZ972M2j-uvssone1Ue0SHvBXQzPUX_im2HkjTZrropRyNqytVZxK8dSGABMynNu74bWbadLRwC2n7snRg4jVY3g4fy7uJvvxnTSLioXWSzU/s1600/Russian+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1VVOERc5IJUbDs7fIygm7E1HD-L47QuxZ972M2j-uvssone1Ue0SHvBXQzPUX_im2HkjTZrropRyNqytVZxK8dSGABMynNu74bWbadLRwC2n7snRg4jVY3g4fy7uJvvxnTSLioXWSzU/s1600/Russian+angel.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
KEEP PRACTICING AND</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
KEEP "EM COMING</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-3789575084148136682013-11-30T13:47:00.000+00:002013-11-30T13:56:36.426+00:0036. BLACKBIRDS, TEAPOTS AND HOLKEN HALL - BUT NOT IN THAT ORDER.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
While my kiln was working away on a glaze firing, Alan and I went on a trip northwards for a couple of days to the Lake District. Just south of Lake Windermere to be exact. Cold? Oh yes, I should say so, but very beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2mdgT3WcukewbODhWnQzBBZiLpIzndr3Pocqjd_JbpxPEtK5FuetReSpAtFaQgfgq-NLLHQHkOuL7zxADVUudcFgfe6004Copvrym-11asfDDKcuKOsEw7Y0FDBeoa8xW-m1u6_aSzA/s1600/Lake+District+landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2mdgT3WcukewbODhWnQzBBZiLpIzndr3Pocqjd_JbpxPEtK5FuetReSpAtFaQgfgq-NLLHQHkOuL7zxADVUudcFgfe6004Copvrym-11asfDDKcuKOsEw7Y0FDBeoa8xW-m1u6_aSzA/s320/Lake+District+landscape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And we visited Lord and Lady Cavendish at Holken Hall.</div>
<div>
We don't know them personally, of course, but we paid our money and had a good nosey around their castle-like home. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWZAJoaBy-bIMD-xPcIyLtDHAnt-I3mw6-4nSkFErI9QVp1vw1haMtePlcIqkASPjzaqEKYiTiL8C_uM5Kn12WCuAdIs6GVDLoZBU8rTFNmYNBbb43mvIkZc55Z7Ub5uamXgG0it_XB4/s1600/Holker+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWZAJoaBy-bIMD-xPcIyLtDHAnt-I3mw6-4nSkFErI9QVp1vw1haMtePlcIqkASPjzaqEKYiTiL8C_uM5Kn12WCuAdIs6GVDLoZBU8rTFNmYNBbb43mvIkZc55Z7Ub5uamXgG0it_XB4/s320/Holker+Hall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Below is the vast library where Queen Mary spent many hours hiding from the paparazzi after her son, King Edward VIII, announced his love for US divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and expressed his intention to abdicate the throne in the December of 1936. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDx1CVC_QH2EPWGi-lGoa4O9v3SK3cvjDVqvdclj_Ng6s5HrrTg6CyVKimQEjtbc8tPFkIC-V_J1TMuscOyFOihS0A2ceTdWHo9LivknazmpOY05Wz0s1Ym20qnfT1ocOUNPx3FRGyFU/s1600/Library+Holker+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDx1CVC_QH2EPWGi-lGoa4O9v3SK3cvjDVqvdclj_Ng6s5HrrTg6CyVKimQEjtbc8tPFkIC-V_J1TMuscOyFOihS0A2ceTdWHo9LivknazmpOY05Wz0s1Ym20qnfT1ocOUNPx3FRGyFU/s320/Library+Holker+Hall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here is the dining-room where she probably found it hard to enjoy a single mouthful of that year's Christmas lunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUeeIEOPglyR-mD31cm5keZsIIy_NnAkwH2i0mxO36DXjDyFS0zyQEET29UkjyZUNElsy4fbECvWkTG-1hMpSLTGvHK1IKTM5cFVdGD6I4QQsU-3re0pIH1ttRz8Hfrww5LDTWeDKIAM/s1600/Xmas+dinner+at+Holker+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUeeIEOPglyR-mD31cm5keZsIIy_NnAkwH2i0mxO36DXjDyFS0zyQEET29UkjyZUNElsy4fbECvWkTG-1hMpSLTGvHK1IKTM5cFVdGD6I4QQsU-3re0pIH1ttRz8Hfrww5LDTWeDKIAM/s320/Xmas+dinner+at+Holker+Hall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope they remove the enormous floral display before the turkey arrives! Some parts of that could poke your eye out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it was lovely to return to our humble abode and have a look at what was waiting in the kiln.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The two teapots that I made in the previous post came out very well. And I've made some small cups to match them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRzVLIsGUUlKXepqyOcN2SKD2zVGEUcetNQt-uCN_n7MyQl9JhbbxWtKXujtWApLRwgdg-7dYRd1XoHCjtdxTtY2NAZD3AvLhy1MsYy5G7J_HwLHOIXkEsXQ2p9Ur53lRSjPEuSkL5NM/s1600/Teapot+and+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRzVLIsGUUlKXepqyOcN2SKD2zVGEUcetNQt-uCN_n7MyQl9JhbbxWtKXujtWApLRwgdg-7dYRd1XoHCjtdxTtY2NAZD3AvLhy1MsYy5G7J_HwLHOIXkEsXQ2p9Ur53lRSjPEuSkL5NM/s320/Teapot+and+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUNmFNSeaiTCHqxxjUTdT1q3zdgBZB6Yg4GEwJClgYtrGIr7L7NOD9CU7m32XDIvRNc8OWGCGVyKtavBXaOHaEVJc0zTAUlhyphenhyphenFk6-_WmHJ5cvzfJSnZ0HWdlBrebZOXz_tUootmsRnlc/s1600/Teapot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUNmFNSeaiTCHqxxjUTdT1q3zdgBZB6Yg4GEwJClgYtrGIr7L7NOD9CU7m32XDIvRNc8OWGCGVyKtavBXaOHaEVJc0zTAUlhyphenhyphenFk6-_WmHJ5cvzfJSnZ0HWdlBrebZOXz_tUootmsRnlc/s320/Teapot+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been trying out a much darker green glaze called Northern Woods. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Very appropriate to this post, I now realise)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMSeP9xjrjakA1M_CS-7YMaEQleUKQHJNs6-MCspTzc0t9IRbAP3Za9_2UeCktPQtcbhHrHcNIbacRYPn1JeJ5WA_4XgEOEiGiDhToyfth4dPzqJIiS5Pi6-lWuLywKLbZhm3cT_qBgo/s1600/Blackbird+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMSeP9xjrjakA1M_CS-7YMaEQleUKQHJNs6-MCspTzc0t9IRbAP3Za9_2UeCktPQtcbhHrHcNIbacRYPn1JeJ5WA_4XgEOEiGiDhToyfth4dPzqJIiS5Pi6-lWuLywKLbZhm3cT_qBgo/s320/Blackbird+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been making lots of these little blackbirds and putting them in a plastic lidded container to keep damp for when I need them. They'll stay just as I made them for a couple of weeks – maybe even more if well sealed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArRB5XFoxkAaGojg951fUwsHHPATpioeRASli-Vi5flSr_n9T3gnUNeHh4mDC5f-VDmiFoipggZSLUBlHHyzc8hBWwVBgh-3VHod0M4Qi5bn4MIGeyCHuiOtBLIfVFCejbfltjVGalyk/s1600/Detail+Birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArRB5XFoxkAaGojg951fUwsHHPATpioeRASli-Vi5flSr_n9T3gnUNeHh4mDC5f-VDmiFoipggZSLUBlHHyzc8hBWwVBgh-3VHod0M4Qi5bn4MIGeyCHuiOtBLIfVFCejbfltjVGalyk/s320/Detail+Birds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I painted them with manganese to get this bronze/metallic look. And I fixed them on with paperclay slurry. (See previous post for paperclay recipe.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This glaze shows texture really well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC6kPN8Nhhz7Rxxccy2W9oJeEdY3-U6JX5-eg8xfGmg8iIPXzdTezZCNCgL2tDPUW3EkiMMlmm7mRnMDVp0ZMvTO1vrTXsFoPZ2dqHLXCKV0SvzxSkogKs2VYlQEnB3GYN0n_CCQ979Y/s1600/Big+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC6kPN8Nhhz7Rxxccy2W9oJeEdY3-U6JX5-eg8xfGmg8iIPXzdTezZCNCgL2tDPUW3EkiMMlmm7mRnMDVp0ZMvTO1vrTXsFoPZ2dqHLXCKV0SvzxSkogKs2VYlQEnB3GYN0n_CCQ979Y/s320/Big+Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To create the sgraffito markings I used a sharp pencil. This works better for me than a needle or other potters' tools. I feel that I am really drawing by using a pencil and I never feel that with other tools.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eq3jKR-wbamfyz8OA8TVUFsmWBiGaQl_P-tqB6JJJwfU4-UHW7wIPGYQMGOQXy7EDydRLQEsbLXHAS1g3zy6emwu313NZO2Q_1AHoPFWhJkxU3Lytmsi03oNnYzRdyp_sT5E0GHdeOE/s1600/Greenware+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eq3jKR-wbamfyz8OA8TVUFsmWBiGaQl_P-tqB6JJJwfU4-UHW7wIPGYQMGOQXy7EDydRLQEsbLXHAS1g3zy6emwu313NZO2Q_1AHoPFWhJkxU3Lytmsi03oNnYzRdyp_sT5E0GHdeOE/s320/Greenware+Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bits of clay stick in the markings as you make them, but just leave them until the pot dries out a little and then brush them off with a stiff paint brush. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, my obsession with adding beads to everything is still with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf7YJFS2Pp_1civOosDhA9kP2zSd5DHRh82wW4KZtqEXXYJnZdm-IsndYFEi6kCjac5MCh8oKawlniuzMDQquXGD-v_VK3PoMwoa2RElPPelKISXKxLDWvSnDM4gBtQ8MpzSevBI4wm0/s1600/IMG_1442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf7YJFS2Pp_1civOosDhA9kP2zSd5DHRh82wW4KZtqEXXYJnZdm-IsndYFEi6kCjac5MCh8oKawlniuzMDQquXGD-v_VK3PoMwoa2RElPPelKISXKxLDWvSnDM4gBtQ8MpzSevBI4wm0/s200/IMG_1442.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkmj9FgpI2EA3SwsdRkUzaHUC8SAgFCoqsc201ngCc3aJzYHkwABkDTL4lhpNdR6hwetJrbXX0xT5dYQAmxATWt9c-hqtxGDM-SiEgXY-589EqHKedQQC1VfwA-N9TrK88w_XuM6_ync/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkmj9FgpI2EA3SwsdRkUzaHUC8SAgFCoqsc201ngCc3aJzYHkwABkDTL4lhpNdR6hwetJrbXX0xT5dYQAmxATWt9c-hqtxGDM-SiEgXY-589EqHKedQQC1VfwA-N9TrK88w_XuM6_ync/s200/IMG_1599.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-62369525271854579632013-11-03T15:09:00.001+00:002015-12-13T08:32:48.457+00:0035. THE MAKING OF A JAPANESE TEAPOT.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Having done very little work over the summer, I've got my head down and embarked on some new ideas.<br />
First off, I decided to make a collection of teapots, in the Japanese style. Fruit and herb teas are very popular at the moment and it's best to reserve a teapot for this use alone, in order to retain the true flavours. For myself, I want a small one that holds just two cups for Alan and me when we have a mid-afternoon Earl Grey.<br />
<br />
Teapots, quite definitely make the best tea. So here's how I began.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha14OkJni0syIoIRSZum57cNmO2ULGPNoq-tTqcfZ3Ga4shiKnHn0WnaGcDbSjs6x4dN6wJs_N9MfIJD0fOMaoAoNct0irmt4sudspQ1brO3xmh7pWdu5673QmjBh9cddl-rQA1CpJdto/s1600/Teapot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha14OkJni0syIoIRSZum57cNmO2ULGPNoq-tTqcfZ3Ga4shiKnHn0WnaGcDbSjs6x4dN6wJs_N9MfIJD0fOMaoAoNct0irmt4sudspQ1brO3xmh7pWdu5673QmjBh9cddl-rQA1CpJdto/s320/Teapot1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I threw a pot, first as a cylinder then coned in the top just as I would if I was shaping a vase. As you can see I didn't create a gallery for the lid to sit into on this one. This lid will sit inside.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(If you don't have a wheel you can still make a teapot by combining coiling and slab building.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I put it to one side and then threw the lid (upside-down). I added the little knob later at the leather hard stage. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here are the other parts: small spout and a larger one for the handle.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvsofzbXmy-9OU6jf2PXSL_g1Zz4-NjZJ_NmjVJznbbXdqNs-4JARlY_flFMKPX4qasGjP2a-TUxm18fbKDJfp3RkpLaMbPCkv0CbPFMAURMhyy7Wr7JkFnEX2CtHg5yekts0qrOf6f0/s1600/Spouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvsofzbXmy-9OU6jf2PXSL_g1Zz4-NjZJ_NmjVJznbbXdqNs-4JARlY_flFMKPX4qasGjP2a-TUxm18fbKDJfp3RkpLaMbPCkv0CbPFMAURMhyy7Wr7JkFnEX2CtHg5yekts0qrOf6f0/s320/Spouts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here is the pot in its first rough state, when I assembled all the parts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDbNpnajJSbD_WEJ5LXfeNwzVFBlh0fUsaOh1UIBmG1nAihXVdHkTMlKlzuBOynjYizDkiZbkDYgSTc43GVaR2NtJv_1u583b9e1PsWfLhOW1QArarFuFsbzuRonih7d7_iOnEcGoOGw/s1600/Teapot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDbNpnajJSbD_WEJ5LXfeNwzVFBlh0fUsaOh1UIBmG1nAihXVdHkTMlKlzuBOynjYizDkiZbkDYgSTc43GVaR2NtJv_1u583b9e1PsWfLhOW1QArarFuFsbzuRonih7d7_iOnEcGoOGw/s320/Teapot2.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In traditional style the handle is fitted onto the side of the pot. On both the spout and handle I've cut the bases at an angle so that they will point upwards. It is most important for the tip of the spout to be almost level with the top of the pot. This is because as you fill the teapot with water you'll have tea spilling out all over the table if the spout is too low.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my second pot showing quite a steep angle to achieve this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgH8Z6boGmU0-kSF6UnK5slzB4GVj1E8r0VlHtAREusVq3eKNhtc87bZr10VR7UmCFzggc8X6MCL8jIsgvUXWUaF87N0A7e2St8D5vMBslWT9mc23lb_XidZTwIg5D4TYgVxe81EW2f0/s1600/Teapot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgH8Z6boGmU0-kSF6UnK5slzB4GVj1E8r0VlHtAREusVq3eKNhtc87bZr10VR7UmCFzggc8X6MCL8jIsgvUXWUaF87N0A7e2St8D5vMBslWT9mc23lb_XidZTwIg5D4TYgVxe81EW2f0/s320/Teapot3.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a different shaped teapot and this time I did create a gallery for the lid to fit in quite snuggly. I threw this lid the right way up and just coned in the knob. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also notice the hole in the lid. You may think it's there to let the steam out, but actually it's there to let air in. Without it the tea would struggle to creep out of the spout.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And before I leave these pots drying out I want to give you a tip that I use on all pots that have a join somewhere or other. I've taken to using paperclay slurry to join handles, knobs, decorations etc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With this you can join clay at any stage of drying out. Wet to dry, even join dry to dry. It's strong and it works. And as it dries out in your tub you can make the most delicate and fine decorations that tend to stay where you've put them on your work and not drop off or crack in the firing. And what's even more brilliant is that you don't need to buy it, you can easily make it yourself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Here's how.</u></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Take clay from your bucket or new from the bag and soak it in water until it resembles a puree. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Pour boiling water over some ripped up newspaper and leave it to soak, then mash this up (I use an old electric hand whisk) until it is also close to puree. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Add the pureed paper to your clay, but no more paper pulp than around 40%. Give it a good stir and wait for the water to evaporate, then kneed it into balls and bag it up. It's invaluable.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The paper burns away in the kiln and the clay becomes extra strong because of the fine network that remains. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHxMV09ZFKtRO9IEfJ3nFWv_zbvqZMTCoT9ZJpuzMl0A7ZlMRZ4QTCET9fp9u6FxyOVGO95cKfUvfd4dUJsFG3-pzxYZgm-Nwdd2y2nDjJcfmWgdVDTnFsmQxfVpfYoDDifKuJvpb_vs/s1600/birds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHxMV09ZFKtRO9IEfJ3nFWv_zbvqZMTCoT9ZJpuzMl0A7ZlMRZ4QTCET9fp9u6FxyOVGO95cKfUvfd4dUJsFG3-pzxYZgm-Nwdd2y2nDjJcfmWgdVDTnFsmQxfVpfYoDDifKuJvpb_vs/s320/birds2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The little blackbirds here might not have stayed on the rim without it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been testing some new glazes recently and so I've taken to making eggcups instead of test tiles. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xU1dMs7N0hiA30tlAYgqEXTcSnig32uILhdMaYJ7B2aZ3R-_lIapmdW9L6zRLTReJE4GWVmTByzhHa5wiVMhzY9NbOrtOn6a4xLzIl0_7ABNCqTId4SWr6ncppPRsmVqOeNwAzwVzxY/s1600/eggcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xU1dMs7N0hiA30tlAYgqEXTcSnig32uILhdMaYJ7B2aZ3R-_lIapmdW9L6zRLTReJE4GWVmTByzhHa5wiVMhzY9NbOrtOn6a4xLzIl0_7ABNCqTId4SWr6ncppPRsmVqOeNwAzwVzxY/s320/eggcups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once photographed and recorded I can put them up for sale, or make use of them in our kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlLefTc3oMS8pKoub-KmcabwDDMDeGs7eUs5GqqEAs66HOQZr6fhK_IIrccHT1zA7sCHy3pFfRsLQ4d4aqDK4FqkZ0UKISqRbUI5x3roewKVZGaREeoLEipHlL3PQP60qwwxJ7eej8VQ/s1600/Buttons+on+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlLefTc3oMS8pKoub-KmcabwDDMDeGs7eUs5GqqEAs66HOQZr6fhK_IIrccHT1zA7sCHy3pFfRsLQ4d4aqDK4FqkZ0UKISqRbUI5x3roewKVZGaREeoLEipHlL3PQP60qwwxJ7eej8VQ/s320/Buttons+on+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
At my last exhibition I put little heaps of various buttons scattered around the pots, but I'm doing it differently now. Customers get better value buying in batches and I don't get left with odd ones. <br />
Alan found me this lovely picture of tulips that could be printed 8 to a page, and so I'll just sew them on. Fiddly but worth it.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And finally......our grandson Hector experiencing clay for the first time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRi38x6iv8D7mgd7o8ivvl1WOmGFh7cihJCvbs6kNf_-t3rodtyoHG4ZpFMnlPxxf0LSRXT4mS4ZbP8U3dI_Zrhb64BbD9a_k3pPQPu4ZD2xRJ8RwaNC1tpuAqtpfH0xD_E4-IrGJTL8/s1600/Hector+and+Clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRi38x6iv8D7mgd7o8ivvl1WOmGFh7cihJCvbs6kNf_-t3rodtyoHG4ZpFMnlPxxf0LSRXT4mS4ZbP8U3dI_Zrhb64BbD9a_k3pPQPu4ZD2xRJ8RwaNC1tpuAqtpfH0xD_E4-IrGJTL8/s320/Hector+and+Clay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you think that getting a 4 month old to oblige with a hand or foot print is easy......phew!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lovely soft clay, grandma, feels so nice why don't I grab it and dig my nails right in!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We decided to wait another few months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ComCJZIZ_PW2ptunz0mDgtURdEmdQFYgWRVhD83VR-8edFjg4K0Dlz_e5IP36EQmdlvNOj4sRyL4-1u5Z9QGsCxOR4JrAybomFJuDDCCFKQHVT79BvvvYSLFhsBJPy3DpCluNten7fI/s1600/Hector2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ComCJZIZ_PW2ptunz0mDgtURdEmdQFYgWRVhD83VR-8edFjg4K0Dlz_e5IP36EQmdlvNOj4sRyL4-1u5Z9QGsCxOR4JrAybomFJuDDCCFKQHVT79BvvvYSLFhsBJPy3DpCluNten7fI/s320/Hector2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AND SEE YOU LATER HECTOR</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-26822351596573273452013-10-13T18:19:00.000+01:002013-10-13T18:28:38.776+01:0034. PULLING HANDLESHello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
The pulling of handles is a technique that a lot of students resist trying. I myself was just the same while learning and would try any other method rather than tackle this very important technique.<br />
So, I'm now going to set out a tutorial to try and give you all the help that you need to fix a good looking handle to your functional pieces.<br />
<br />
So get ready........ and........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eCzA68Sy95Sydb3OSurY3KyBLyJw4eUThyphenhyphenqG9yfwdFMAUF9jP80Aq60LTlAXnHwDuRPLhAmb-iY4-uwkuX5KTbLW8sqP4XK6qtILyNPLHITakoBQbPs58XN1QLXx9qgACrG_jvvz2EE/s1600/Handle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eCzA68Sy95Sydb3OSurY3KyBLyJw4eUThyphenhyphenqG9yfwdFMAUF9jP80Aq60LTlAXnHwDuRPLhAmb-iY4-uwkuX5KTbLW8sqP4XK6qtILyNPLHITakoBQbPs58XN1QLXx9qgACrG_jvvz2EE/s320/Handle+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the shape that you roll your clay. It's a good sized carrot. Don't think it's too big for your piece because you're not going to use it all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPFbp-Z67yyBESF1-TRL58k0Laclm-OWjt3iod2YaNivL9oPMFsdCFdSxGKouScqBsjQSUPejGlF7Qk6Yx1tiuMr5k2Ael91V22POOwVQ3pA0rsEdrpG8Nn1YcgLwteAcUHDuCn7aCGs/s1600/handle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPFbp-Z67yyBESF1-TRL58k0Laclm-OWjt3iod2YaNivL9oPMFsdCFdSxGKouScqBsjQSUPejGlF7Qk6Yx1tiuMr5k2Ael91V22POOwVQ3pA0rsEdrpG8Nn1YcgLwteAcUHDuCn7aCGs/s320/handle2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hold it (by the thick end) over a bowl of water and begin gently, and I stress the word gently, stroking the clay carrot, with a wet hand, downwards over and over again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My clay is angled for the camera but really the clay would hang down towards the water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't rush this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You're coaxing the clay to elongate. Don't pull!! Even though the title of the technique suggests it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Perhaps it should really be called 'Stroking Handles'. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, note what parts of my fingers are doing the stroking. No finger tips. No knuckles. Just the soft skin between forefinger and thumb.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX651xV1iGE4zSpO0g5qY1jb5FhG0CjDGXrMi_WtZGlVlg5XhdHS7SNyD-MliiYtypXRs7hAat7JnmHugSZvtIwaaI7zKDJ9fhEyYJaHWEHFbrmBOa7MuKtaqJjungxDpadZwhyphenhyphen2CA34/s1600/Handles3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX651xV1iGE4zSpO0g5qY1jb5FhG0CjDGXrMi_WtZGlVlg5XhdHS7SNyD-MliiYtypXRs7hAat7JnmHugSZvtIwaaI7zKDJ9fhEyYJaHWEHFbrmBOa7MuKtaqJjungxDpadZwhyphenhyphen2CA34/s320/Handles3.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So now your carrot is a giant's tongue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's flattened out a bit and it's pretty wet but it's looking good. However, as in the previous post, the secret to good handles is attaching them at the right moment. So the top you've been holding is pressed onto a workbench or board and the tongue is allowed to dry for an hour or so.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg2q7niAIAo-mPsYG6qiw8Ix1xdUoyNl8qzFN5VsbFv7UKs36jmwhu6RpKb5ph2atJGhH7mUz_g9snJL6OP2sOQ0uipTpxUcpXM0IQZVEMb35sU2WsYbA4ontAd4nmB4Q1vwc8dCDu9M/s1600/handle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg2q7niAIAo-mPsYG6qiw8Ix1xdUoyNl8qzFN5VsbFv7UKs36jmwhu6RpKb5ph2atJGhH7mUz_g9snJL6OP2sOQ0uipTpxUcpXM0IQZVEMb35sU2WsYbA4ontAd4nmB4Q1vwc8dCDu9M/s320/handle4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Examine the shape then cut off your handle at your chosen point. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Score and paint slurry on the pot as I described in the previous post, then poke your finger nail into the end of the handle. This serves two purposes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. To take a good blob of slurry. 2. To fan the end a little in order to fit snugly on my rounded pot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NfvPUlknxc6RTa_Uvoj1RROs-vIGckL2WKj4FhHpCkf2zZi4y4oHdAfGVHGhFeGqzc-k6_xq6oNaNi62fLogxwi6QcdqhLIhiR3xu1ThnS_aRcxyadGPTPhdfY12RUCwVJK4C-MKaxo/s1600/Handle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NfvPUlknxc6RTa_Uvoj1RROs-vIGckL2WKj4FhHpCkf2zZi4y4oHdAfGVHGhFeGqzc-k6_xq6oNaNi62fLogxwi6QcdqhLIhiR3xu1ThnS_aRcxyadGPTPhdfY12RUCwVJK4C-MKaxo/s320/Handle5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That end is now pressed onto the pot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just to show how stiff I like my clay to be when I do this, you can see that the handle can stand unaided. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kuAUbXg2MZqG9y3lDSS0bM1dvcxHigbg-uFcbeStCDNL2n6Dq_ILobBVLGQMHhD9gzJ86stVQ_AsnLMi6z2tkoyX18Ab1mZzRB1jaSe4hSsCgOPwA2eO9daO_h8ONTv5kk3elZsNAaw/s1600/Handle6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kuAUbXg2MZqG9y3lDSS0bM1dvcxHigbg-uFcbeStCDNL2n6Dq_ILobBVLGQMHhD9gzJ86stVQ_AsnLMi6z2tkoyX18Ab1mZzRB1jaSe4hSsCgOPwA2eO9daO_h8ONTv5kk3elZsNAaw/s320/Handle6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bend it over to the shape and size that you want then cut off the excess and tidy up all the joins making sure there are no gaps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmuOiFTcLvAA6eO3klBppwvFU75cIXXJxsLzFzr6g76ZnLYduCD_nzonapWt5swu0O7mSUGPd69PpkQzYtUsvK975BaxBvEvP6MxlyOzETwO2gV3RQrINHpNw51JSVTwORTcJwnClo1o/s1600/Finished+handle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmuOiFTcLvAA6eO3klBppwvFU75cIXXJxsLzFzr6g76ZnLYduCD_nzonapWt5swu0O7mSUGPd69PpkQzYtUsvK975BaxBvEvP6MxlyOzETwO2gV3RQrINHpNw51JSVTwORTcJwnClo1o/s320/Finished+handle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here it is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Circles painted with manganese oxide on bare clay (no glaze). But a white glaze on the inside and on the rim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Give it a go. If it fails the first time you can take it off, smooth the marks on the pot, and just start again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Potting Folks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-45470911997933584782013-09-01T17:22:00.000+01:002013-09-01T17:37:49.256+01:0033. GETTING A HANDLE ON IT ALL.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Over the past couple of weeks I've gone from this......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRL8KJELnC91oay_JyPgT-JX9Z9EZQfedBjir5dcOJdamBvWBdmAspLjPiiHtmW1hyBF1G3GAfenXt05az6kg1OltByRGtri7AdwFqr-0l4PoUNP2ziD-usdjJXQYL0Mimbki2C1hZxE/s1600/Boats+Jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRL8KJELnC91oay_JyPgT-JX9Z9EZQfedBjir5dcOJdamBvWBdmAspLjPiiHtmW1hyBF1G3GAfenXt05az6kg1OltByRGtri7AdwFqr-0l4PoUNP2ziD-usdjJXQYL0Mimbki2C1hZxE/s320/Boats+Jersey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The beautiful isle of Jersey, off the French coast.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To this.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqV4537XCCwhjpxdi4TRnFVo2LDuQzDfcwt-bELjfpEuQ1ZxkzRB6VKUWyjbVhNtEdI_WLrooKTZMP7lMV9OJRflScKcYLqpQiHXDUa-QA-iMDhYQRwNPhGsoAOp0Aum0fR7WeeJK7q9w/s1600/My+workshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqV4537XCCwhjpxdi4TRnFVo2LDuQzDfcwt-bELjfpEuQ1ZxkzRB6VKUWyjbVhNtEdI_WLrooKTZMP7lMV9OJRflScKcYLqpQiHXDUa-QA-iMDhYQRwNPhGsoAOp0Aum0fR7WeeJK7q9w/s320/My+workshop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My chaotic workshop – but ready for action!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And as the title of this post says, it's handles that has dominated the workshop all last week, so I thought I'd show you how I tackle them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q7XWoiVPLUZSUmi8SQ2H_BxS1bLW9-fm2IoWiRPPsNeg2wXqaePoc00GR9oJP_kJ134oFRNSFpAmBzsy20UFO5p0R1rTdDkIlQzHHreHgLMoYOctJxAMZfqtx5NW2AfNliNy42uneiw/s1600/Rolled+Clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q7XWoiVPLUZSUmi8SQ2H_BxS1bLW9-fm2IoWiRPPsNeg2wXqaePoc00GR9oJP_kJ134oFRNSFpAmBzsy20UFO5p0R1rTdDkIlQzHHreHgLMoYOctJxAMZfqtx5NW2AfNliNy42uneiw/s320/Rolled+Clay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Having rolled out your fresh clay, resist touching it for at least an hour, maybe even longer. When the clay is soft it will never form a good handle. It's hard to hold back from getting on with it when you've got your cups sitting there, but waiting for the clay to stiffen up is the whole secret of success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eESmNXHr-LlumQJ80PeN9vrCsDbHvXP72v40M-itKIsp5jJzgQcLDvIWFITbDMUwg5e73qbncySQ1yhSYlqeN3bnpxiwN7XIkj4f_6GeEqbL61TbNm9X0vlhFF0hqRea2zNSeMVSnMo/s1600/cup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eESmNXHr-LlumQJ80PeN9vrCsDbHvXP72v40M-itKIsp5jJzgQcLDvIWFITbDMUwg5e73qbncySQ1yhSYlqeN3bnpxiwN7XIkj4f_6GeEqbL61TbNm9X0vlhFF0hqRea2zNSeMVSnMo/s320/cup1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Score marks on your cup or jug where you want your handle to join.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1mHbkeJs_gsvbA3WiBlWg9fAypykK7cOu3ZYl-3A_AkxqkG2qdvzeLCa9CKzwoZj8zU4zXr0hJE_faOwq0HjlFtZBjaZpQr3Z3yqWGkMexCaZ08O0-N6_HqG2wPl4tjZLZ_yHTq5CRU/s1600/cup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1mHbkeJs_gsvbA3WiBlWg9fAypykK7cOu3ZYl-3A_AkxqkG2qdvzeLCa9CKzwoZj8zU4zXr0hJE_faOwq0HjlFtZBjaZpQr3Z3yqWGkMexCaZ08O0-N6_HqG2wPl4tjZLZ_yHTq5CRU/s320/cup2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dab on some wet slurry from your slop bucket.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_fYBTAkbJxsbCG0E5tacyBOfc2Jf5SWJb3jbSxbgoX5yo7JRbEb6TsFGz7_A3H2nfy2WvAQYfH_x1sAjgQcdnTdlN4OY5tWhrSfu_KLkG09yF5vI3PmHTj9XkWAUghT-RRGkU481nrY/s1600/cup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_fYBTAkbJxsbCG0E5tacyBOfc2Jf5SWJb3jbSxbgoX5yo7JRbEb6TsFGz7_A3H2nfy2WvAQYfH_x1sAjgQcdnTdlN4OY5tWhrSfu_KLkG09yF5vI3PmHTj9XkWAUghT-RRGkU481nrY/s320/cup3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Press on your handle and cut off the excess. My handle had been shaped by pressing and running my finger along the length of the roll to form the middle dip. But I did this after the clay had stiffened. If you do it when the clay is freshly rolled, it will be lumpy, bumpy and bendy and you'll have to start all over again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAzrmU_eYj7_dI4TAtfXsxBeB5wFPIlYO2ccvUvQpi8oRaMEl9NS5UmqJUQKqICEJo18jNnLMiRUL1lVccWB-MKvp57eXp2D6X_bEE8TToGM_TqMtUY_LDYQXHHLEqkmXNaae4CJxIkg/s1600/decorated+handle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAzrmU_eYj7_dI4TAtfXsxBeB5wFPIlYO2ccvUvQpi8oRaMEl9NS5UmqJUQKqICEJo18jNnLMiRUL1lVccWB-MKvp57eXp2D6X_bEE8TToGM_TqMtUY_LDYQXHHLEqkmXNaae4CJxIkg/s320/decorated+handle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I sometimes use a tool to create a decoration. This adds an extra press to the join to ensure good adhesion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbOaYPjFx7o9dyPnMYaHeL0ZSJQSvXE1kiqNoXtqMnxQ89U1lpfoVuSuHHNeFJg8xSJnO-5-A93dJ1PBalCwSx4eO9cjb60pNBWUeQMov2Riq90DXd8NY8ZuoNdqWAja7Mir78h14kRA/s1600/two+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbOaYPjFx7o9dyPnMYaHeL0ZSJQSvXE1kiqNoXtqMnxQ89U1lpfoVuSuHHNeFJg8xSJnO-5-A93dJ1PBalCwSx4eO9cjb60pNBWUeQMov2Riq90DXd8NY8ZuoNdqWAja7Mir78h14kRA/s320/two+cups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two of the 'Fine and Dandy' collection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, that isn't the only method.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ5aQr2B1UHIDhAEEFOGKoOgY6v7IypRjxBk9HyP3vl3-BbV90PFpfuS76RaS4bCwTjj2zQcQNpydX1jUnd7Jin5yxyfJ4jkanYl3fImCxRCI-BApVXtDgLogG_JpFduhT6lZX2MixHU/s1600/Jug+Handle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ5aQr2B1UHIDhAEEFOGKoOgY6v7IypRjxBk9HyP3vl3-BbV90PFpfuS76RaS4bCwTjj2zQcQNpydX1jUnd7Jin5yxyfJ4jkanYl3fImCxRCI-BApVXtDgLogG_JpFduhT6lZX2MixHU/s320/Jug+Handle.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next week I'll be 'pulling' some handles for some large mugs. But that's another story!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But now, to go from this pure white porcelain to the opposite end of the spectrum. Not to mention the opposite end of the workshop, because I have bought some black clay. It's incredibly messy and stains everything, including me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLVCAQzWW-DgVQ4r0L5spz1mColDeWOVe3lFp0_L8SyxGfugKmlM5LYROvA9esTfv4IPuWjB_-rIlOMAgiAobPiO4Rema9dZeiEjNEfJUcculzj53ske5qj3VTgE2ay0pFl9DnFbGzzY/s1600/Black+clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLVCAQzWW-DgVQ4r0L5spz1mColDeWOVe3lFp0_L8SyxGfugKmlM5LYROvA9esTfv4IPuWjB_-rIlOMAgiAobPiO4Rema9dZeiEjNEfJUcculzj53ske5qj3VTgE2ay0pFl9DnFbGzzY/s320/Black+clay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It doesn't look too bad in the picture but, if you try some do be careful where you roll it and wash all tools thoroughly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
During the handle-making last week I was desperate to make a couple of different things just for fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMAnRgZRPWOguFx2MMzbV0vl7USxKKfR2HoczhbJ92lj-Qc39mJ5-q56iM_VIcRUZiKxwh5RyqPM2hFdxv1VKYvq7MAem1fJ83UySuYiTBTowCnOAjJcLRTlGNyihtUq1KR_sGQtB8zg/s1600/holders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMAnRgZRPWOguFx2MMzbV0vl7USxKKfR2HoczhbJ92lj-Qc39mJ5-q56iM_VIcRUZiKxwh5RyqPM2hFdxv1VKYvq7MAem1fJ83UySuYiTBTowCnOAjJcLRTlGNyihtUq1KR_sGQtB8zg/s320/holders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of all things, a business card holder and a holder for the kitchen sponge! You can see how much I enjoyed this by how much decoration I lavished on them. Picking out glazes might take some time too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, hopefully, all this work will be in the kiln this week and as our English summer continues I will be out in the garden watering like mad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>WARWICKSHIRE GARDENING NEWS</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've grown two new plants from seed this year that have thrived in our unusual and unexpected heat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidrFCPDdmGowIraXmMr-fugaU4vRv7lBFkkThLinvs6Z4AdLSokuMTiwSHAeOfs2YEySf71e1STJg1Zhr9gO_x7I55bnbGzjqX0wmyILePsb3HidJeD9hUoGdCMaoU1g_UzOzna4Rl3w/s1600/Black+basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidrFCPDdmGowIraXmMr-fugaU4vRv7lBFkkThLinvs6Z4AdLSokuMTiwSHAeOfs2YEySf71e1STJg1Zhr9gO_x7I55bnbGzjqX0wmyILePsb3HidJeD9hUoGdCMaoU1g_UzOzna4Rl3w/s320/Black+basil.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black Basil.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Very large leaves and very aromatic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8IjqhkHzqrCRmqygTgXxVM06Q1VjlrBT8xC4oAjpD8A_Iu7ywO80c3tl-B0uL926rxPRcFYR12K4pYl_zxxvgTASQc0RVfOrEYqJPr0VkvOMXNxeaUE_YBLOgx6oICVEVEmFexm8MOk/s1600/Vietnamese+basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8IjqhkHzqrCRmqygTgXxVM06Q1VjlrBT8xC4oAjpD8A_Iu7ywO80c3tl-B0uL926rxPRcFYR12K4pYl_zxxvgTASQc0RVfOrEYqJPr0VkvOMXNxeaUE_YBLOgx6oICVEVEmFexm8MOk/s320/Vietnamese+basil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vietnamese Basil.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big clusters of purple flowers amongst bushy green leaves that taste of aniseed. Brilliant in salads.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYmEw0kJukjz0A-p5bjOBLtlvWOOrOuxmGZ03cNYxRBnl1hwAQCF4_MHgoHvm9RceX7e14nbj6bfKZhe03IthnxR3D4Pr9ayzkWt9RwHQGKZq8obJAJj2NjMUKFDOHCVLwpUOLJVMeGc/s1600/eye+protector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYmEw0kJukjz0A-p5bjOBLtlvWOOrOuxmGZ03cNYxRBnl1hwAQCF4_MHgoHvm9RceX7e14nbj6bfKZhe03IthnxR3D4Pr9ayzkWt9RwHQGKZq8obJAJj2NjMUKFDOHCVLwpUOLJVMeGc/s320/eye+protector.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Very small Chinese lantern plant but held high by a stately earthenware eye protector on a stick. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWTP2QzQOIHAa5dhx1CwWTHuU0LRvd64ud-f6yBRPEe__goPhoOt12u4zZOWsqyWJoSd3KtwC9J4okQgIchoW6QwDMpUuaIjUiOFDgpyUIPfEMIP5yqnLmLjTELP6GMVLcUV4ee5Ado8/s1600/Bird+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWTP2QzQOIHAa5dhx1CwWTHuU0LRvd64ud-f6yBRPEe__goPhoOt12u4zZOWsqyWJoSd3KtwC9J4okQgIchoW6QwDMpUuaIjUiOFDgpyUIPfEMIP5yqnLmLjTELP6GMVLcUV4ee5Ado8/s320/Bird+table.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally, good use made of our bird-table that was deserted for the free lunch that we call our mixed borders and veg patch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-79617443821150389392013-07-26T10:17:00.000+01:002013-09-01T17:37:34.662+01:0032. THE OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITION.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
Participating in an Open Studio must qualify as one of the most enjoyable exhibitions of the year. There's no packing up and travelling. Everything is to hand and you can (if you so desire) spend weeks setting it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8-NdPXzQoMfNqzwVWqg8hE5sHoqrwexC9TGE1nc7ykfygQlvV3w0EjeL41GUI9by6osyfE4uNTR0H1-fOUiYJwmeU_8DU1SiKo01w06dazrM4INaF1fNvJVPax-1YshqNdymLK_byQk/s1600/WOS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8-NdPXzQoMfNqzwVWqg8hE5sHoqrwexC9TGE1nc7ykfygQlvV3w0EjeL41GUI9by6osyfE4uNTR0H1-fOUiYJwmeU_8DU1SiKo01w06dazrM4INaF1fNvJVPax-1YshqNdymLK_byQk/s320/WOS1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my displays with paintings by <a href="http://www.kathywebster.co.uk/">Kathy Webster</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, I know it looks a bit thrown together this year, but that was my cunning plan. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I recently visited an antique/junk shop near Birmingham and it was one of those wonderful emporia that was so crammed full of bits and pieces that you had to really rummage through. And how pleasing it was to find a little gem that must have been overlooked by everyone else.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And that was the effect I was after for my display, and I spent a lot of hours creating this haphazard chaos. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I filled a table with lots of kitchen ware then scattered amongst it porcelain buttons, gift tags, pot plants and some CV's and business cards. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5761kKlWV1Wff-tvK4vC8jA16g2l7Q3kX0TDNGIze82MXYeNZ7Hwf4INYTw98nYbFLLs6xzC0xAUn7Yv-ltePfU8Sy-UzfoLC09hvwzgm4sdTC19NZXENbU6vpml9E4oa7NBRR1fjQtA/s1600/WOS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5761kKlWV1Wff-tvK4vC8jA16g2l7Q3kX0TDNGIze82MXYeNZ7Hwf4INYTw98nYbFLLs6xzC0xAUn7Yv-ltePfU8Sy-UzfoLC09hvwzgm4sdTC19NZXENbU6vpml9E4oa7NBRR1fjQtA/s320/WOS2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I made good use of my French milking stool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1ND2HcK2MTHt3H5cCWM1I5Wdqi-OW3-QCkY7EkFA3-Hcl-eoZKO61vGFZUeDcBeQ0kYJMOBndcT3PUcWKi_nzonXyNQMhbfz6OEJOYu051VHEtkYqakxdS-jv77uMHiIHZOOoIloNzo/s1600/Deep+Sea+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1ND2HcK2MTHt3H5cCWM1I5Wdqi-OW3-QCkY7EkFA3-Hcl-eoZKO61vGFZUeDcBeQ0kYJMOBndcT3PUcWKi_nzonXyNQMhbfz6OEJOYu051VHEtkYqakxdS-jv77uMHiIHZOOoIloNzo/s320/Deep+Sea+Bowl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">So now's the time I like to make a note of what was popula</span><span style="text-align: left;">r and what was surprisingly not!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Top of the popular list were my porcelain cups.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ6MmgKZbRydCOkDW5tLL4qbDnePYRXpOKuX0i3iIOw7PHufEfpX1sntwOYXJ-Srj9PlCEuxENnAneGB1VhjJt7ZzRojcsxmt406b3QuoMB1cnFJhCAaXJTDJ9vJUoXyw2MpbhNTwy6Y/s1600/suger+bowl+and+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ6MmgKZbRydCOkDW5tLL4qbDnePYRXpOKuX0i3iIOw7PHufEfpX1sntwOYXJ-Srj9PlCEuxENnAneGB1VhjJt7ZzRojcsxmt406b3QuoMB1cnFJhCAaXJTDJ9vJUoXyw2MpbhNTwy6Y/s1600/suger+bowl+and+cups.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">People particularly liked the simple </span>cylinder shape as well as the painted dandelion design.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I called them 'Fine and Dandy Cups' which I think also helped to make them attractive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHmevtsi8_7XtZXlISbXLyzYIPGAjsoP8XOlWm1MvOL5ICmucWMYFJwn-W0a2lzEhYAzjup8vJ6x5oCXHZmTYTFibGpro34UulxHfichyJH9hDQEuiH852rFJik7N_pQW4W10VHxLtWs/s1600/buttons1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHmevtsi8_7XtZXlISbXLyzYIPGAjsoP8XOlWm1MvOL5ICmucWMYFJwn-W0a2lzEhYAzjup8vJ6x5oCXHZmTYTFibGpro34UulxHfichyJH9hDQEuiH852rFJik7N_pQW4W10VHxLtWs/s320/buttons1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The buttons were those surprising little objects that, once discovered, had to be bought.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ujtfVdbdzN5BO7Rqj-yNN19hJU5bDK9ICAdrDnU_OyK8ufzAPcHbXMbpCeYX-zeXaqI6WeIIMq-DcryIP09LWgZZJYNC96DTosH8idUX6vBC0MLwkrnSEPaTkVA3oASrca6eQksb7pg/s1600/abstract+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ujtfVdbdzN5BO7Rqj-yNN19hJU5bDK9ICAdrDnU_OyK8ufzAPcHbXMbpCeYX-zeXaqI6WeIIMq-DcryIP09LWgZZJYNC96DTosH8idUX6vBC0MLwkrnSEPaTkVA3oASrca6eQksb7pg/s320/abstract+bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All of the painted designs caught the eye and were the first of the purchases.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SQcMqB-ZNKFKq9ZL05c8DwwgZMVk5feetJ3K_b0TLNEGdTDbcU4J3RMmH1bNS9bJZMMrQNxc5fWZmgisk7zaILNp8MFUyyBjONR0d8baVQlREioXXAESRdWSi8__722YSfqy69umS8Y/s1600/3+Spotty+Jugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SQcMqB-ZNKFKq9ZL05c8DwwgZMVk5feetJ3K_b0TLNEGdTDbcU4J3RMmH1bNS9bJZMMrQNxc5fWZmgisk7zaILNp8MFUyyBjONR0d8baVQlREioXXAESRdWSi8__722YSfqy69umS8Y/s320/3+Spotty+Jugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the bolder and simpler the better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But when this little chap put in an appearance, he was definitely the most ooo'd and ah'd over!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmsc0S6SerzNw3vcl8yjuj03eVNRau7kjIgwxlj_rQYyacM75bZ9eKPx_TccWAD25kiqiomYdx_okdkRDxv5-H_62b521NkIRmOT40skK6jG3V7hx-mLN6oNQl2hNahbo3MIqnNwVX6E/s1600/Hector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmsc0S6SerzNw3vcl8yjuj03eVNRau7kjIgwxlj_rQYyacM75bZ9eKPx_TccWAD25kiqiomYdx_okdkRDxv5-H_62b521NkIRmOT40skK6jG3V7hx-mLN6oNQl2hNahbo3MIqnNwVX6E/s320/Hector.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My 3 week old grandson, Hector.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And while waiting for Hector to arrive, Rosie knitted me some warmers for our</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Cosy Cups'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCI_6C_-TeuzJOzMKaJeH-ztACYW9NtCtgBxvczY8qDEOsqPgswMCDeAOlzH0xsqd2HQ0PFQaLRseyIde2YrHpDrHp_jaTZIUbgB3IHt4XhnHW9u2wry00tTiYA7HcloupGarcCDmyiQ/s1600/2cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCI_6C_-TeuzJOzMKaJeH-ztACYW9NtCtgBxvczY8qDEOsqPgswMCDeAOlzH0xsqd2HQ0PFQaLRseyIde2YrHpDrHp_jaTZIUbgB3IHt4XhnHW9u2wry00tTiYA7HcloupGarcCDmyiQ/s320/2cups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made the cups with an indent round their middle, and I left the indent unglazed so that the wool wouldn't slip when the cups were picked up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But to my great surprise the bottle pots I made (in varying sizes) were completely ignored. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-y4c7q08PjvwvcatExVkCjUxgD7LimsY8NC8d1JyDNxnhJulHcmvvNXBwqdbGnpMqVrwR_VXr5D64l2DLZO8CNaZHHnYVZCvGciIXiD6hrznxn2qkAbhC-aZQtJ8rd9fjR2i64Yx8Hg/s1600/bottle+collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-y4c7q08PjvwvcatExVkCjUxgD7LimsY8NC8d1JyDNxnhJulHcmvvNXBwqdbGnpMqVrwR_VXr5D64l2DLZO8CNaZHHnYVZCvGciIXiD6hrznxn2qkAbhC-aZQtJ8rd9fjR2i64Yx8Hg/s320/bottle+collection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I've given them a make-over and they now have pride of place on my mantlepiece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W-fmFi8lNEcWpFqChBqO5KaJr0qJFJ5NW_igaCuOwYi-Zvq0nxyXFoywsMqCjRDhmfu6qEdLNzncjsZsMS5M20hHajjKBxGd2QLbDiMhblIxJURVq2ebhZ8AYFInAey5UoqhUnpW-bM/s1600/make-over+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W-fmFi8lNEcWpFqChBqO5KaJr0qJFJ5NW_igaCuOwYi-Zvq0nxyXFoywsMqCjRDhmfu6qEdLNzncjsZsMS5M20hHajjKBxGd2QLbDiMhblIxJURVq2ebhZ8AYFInAey5UoqhUnpW-bM/s320/make-over+pots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally.......yes, another photo of Hector with his mum Rosie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLby5iqcfeC516whLTuAVHp1GQBXHNkg5TQVfG-dA_h_actQXEnUE4uIhZdPkD5rCBL_OmERfGPOqSXHbLdYQxE6R1kVtPB-zYVk3L796b_VQHcpTtD6XLnEgfbeycNLHrY-4NU9wXdo/s1600/Rosie+and+Hector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLby5iqcfeC516whLTuAVHp1GQBXHNkg5TQVfG-dA_h_actQXEnUE4uIhZdPkD5rCBL_OmERfGPOqSXHbLdYQxE6R1kVtPB-zYVk3L796b_VQHcpTtD6XLnEgfbeycNLHrY-4NU9wXdo/s320/Rosie+and+Hector.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY TIMES</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY HOLIDAYS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AND</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY POTTING FOLKS </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714190751742659221.post-63396349927447983982013-05-29T14:28:00.000+01:002013-06-11T09:48:11.060+01:0031. A MONTH AT HOME AND AWAY.Hello Potters and Friends,<br />
<br />
I just love this photograph.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOWifKob2fXqSpvLAa2YtjOZc0lq_w17B5VIYrY01yo_oD2n3xFumq2cunpW_LXR_feOUmeJedWcQS_-DgdqjLQVF2eg1U76KzpbwQf5LufLOMlI9GceEXt89x2QOnEUQsebI6CVVT2s/s1600/Bradley+widows+frontsteps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOWifKob2fXqSpvLAa2YtjOZc0lq_w17B5VIYrY01yo_oD2n3xFumq2cunpW_LXR_feOUmeJedWcQS_-DgdqjLQVF2eg1U76KzpbwQf5LufLOMlI9GceEXt89x2QOnEUQsebI6CVVT2s/s320/Bradley+widows+frontsteps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Widows of India.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Bradley Guest House 1912, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A Miss Madge Bradley bought this large house at the turn of the century not to live in but as a refuge for widows returning from the colonies of the British Empire. The once elegant wives of high society, left almost penniless by the inheritance law at that time, were forced to return to the UK and try to make a new life for themselves. As you can see they were keen on acquiring pets!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alan and I were in Cheltenham to see a performance of the brilliant Scottish band 'Lau', but what a treat it was to stay in this magnificent guest house and be looked after by Madge Bradley's Great Niece and Nephew. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-09-I7VtCCD4znJv8Fh81m83nuNcrrsbZnET-vElGghm2AchKZQxUjJdK9a8nCeFeyydOQMVgqdBt5jtUIsSf2R5lnkTlRf-LQ409G0V6HgcZDzCpPk9o3b4V9aygmPWIHY8_UaQNa7Q/s1600/Alan+on+Bradley+Steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-09-I7VtCCD4znJv8Fh81m83nuNcrrsbZnET-vElGghm2AchKZQxUjJdK9a8nCeFeyydOQMVgqdBt5jtUIsSf2R5lnkTlRf-LQ409G0V6HgcZDzCpPk9o3b4V9aygmPWIHY8_UaQNa7Q/s320/Alan+on+Bradley+Steps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alan, on the same steps, striking a dashing pose!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then a few weeks ago we crossed the channel to France. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhvqIetQjKiMgNWonIv32zcag25s0-WUe94hCLS-2OwrzpS3gognf_5JiFsbSReyqNIqr5g8ogeX_exOuZHhJzn76Qxe_3dq9aYrFofcHQtmqynXOQeNawddnKRmyDcDASguguwHKOTM/s1600/organ+grinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhvqIetQjKiMgNWonIv32zcag25s0-WUe94hCLS-2OwrzpS3gognf_5JiFsbSReyqNIqr5g8ogeX_exOuZHhJzn76Qxe_3dq9aYrFofcHQtmqynXOQeNawddnKRmyDcDASguguwHKOTM/s320/organ+grinder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The French Organ-Grinder of Orbec entertaining in the market.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other people's discarded objects hold a great fascination for me and when in France I am drawn to all the second-hand stalls in the markets. And this month I found a great wee object on which to display my miniature pots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqBlhxnHaQ3Y3h88VTIW3_qETpVzURmS3s_WcTsTjsSXfBFqK5sYUNhtHTOnlJ02B3_ePz3_Wf5GufkEI-N7zWbTsKUlb-Vy7XbIDisDaPbP5LS3M-qaxpaf2TZSlnUWANJWYz9nHP6M/s1600/stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqBlhxnHaQ3Y3h88VTIW3_qETpVzURmS3s_WcTsTjsSXfBFqK5sYUNhtHTOnlJ02B3_ePz3_Wf5GufkEI-N7zWbTsKUlb-Vy7XbIDisDaPbP5LS3M-qaxpaf2TZSlnUWANJWYz9nHP6M/s320/stool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This little oak stool, (costing 5 euro) is only 6 inches high and, I hope, will look more interesting than my usual white block that is traditionally used to add varying height on a table of pots. I've also collected old battered kitchen utensils to add interest to my display of casserole dishes and mixing bowls. I wouldn't be surprised if I first get an offer for the stool or the rolling pins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You might like to see how the finished casserole dishes turned out that you saw me making in the previous post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLXgOrNx8tjlcJC35JmS7ioofk3NpP5OUr-B69sKQ9535TnRUX5CWBfalhmzIynPw92mR9EKacxLjjUXYT_ORBr-6g64V4B4qJIodYVfTcVY4ZMG0nLpD9isUIBexZ8M2NHv6UJde7Ws/s1600/casserole+dishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLXgOrNx8tjlcJC35JmS7ioofk3NpP5OUr-B69sKQ9535TnRUX5CWBfalhmzIynPw92mR9EKacxLjjUXYT_ORBr-6g64V4B4qJIodYVfTcVY4ZMG0nLpD9isUIBexZ8M2NHv6UJde7Ws/s320/casserole+dishes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And my love of porcelain will never wane.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtvDULzLaNRU7QiCy2OW-CvzKa14H9BqKCBDg5LzYuqOsuhJwWQErDbLIpwmIXxRaB40-MRh7aKL0eJVm-IAklUFtphr1tSozjwJoaoE15xHIk9z3ef0JJ-WO4yk4RO6AUKxF8HaqvWg/s1600/suger+bowl+and+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtvDULzLaNRU7QiCy2OW-CvzKa14H9BqKCBDg5LzYuqOsuhJwWQErDbLIpwmIXxRaB40-MRh7aKL0eJVm-IAklUFtphr1tSozjwJoaoE15xHIk9z3ef0JJ-WO4yk4RO6AUKxF8HaqvWg/s320/suger+bowl+and+cups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I pressed a bit too hard when fixing the handles but found it produced a variation on the handle that I really liked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ2IwduWz2pw1qak0y62FFAqRW7v-6BOqOp9VRxifY2wvaCWn1Nqo9BSpg3ajqgS15-TM9xfW5y_xhNDnDQUCGD3m9W37fMbQXxqC9v3xEJQwvn5nOftBPTdEI3S_lRtodYTVKoYYo70/s1600/cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ2IwduWz2pw1qak0y62FFAqRW7v-6BOqOp9VRxifY2wvaCWn1Nqo9BSpg3ajqgS15-TM9xfW5y_xhNDnDQUCGD3m9W37fMbQXxqC9v3xEJQwvn5nOftBPTdEI3S_lRtodYTVKoYYo70/s320/cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I added little bobbles to emphasise the dent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The top of the sugar bowl I made with the 'gallery' on the inside of the lid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbVQyU39ArfOPEZjQwpmhjeRTccSYIoNM80THTJsvQP0F1exdMkJ4tznRO6f9hhcy1qhaF4w8JG1SKtNDao0R_H5u2aEcgrZuwH6xJv0p4rOMGw_s8Iu03DqLY6Uzglc3xf51IiSZDUI/s1600/Sugar+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbVQyU39ArfOPEZjQwpmhjeRTccSYIoNM80THTJsvQP0F1exdMkJ4tznRO6f9hhcy1qhaF4w8JG1SKtNDao0R_H5u2aEcgrZuwH6xJv0p4rOMGw_s8Iu03DqLY6Uzglc3xf51IiSZDUI/s320/Sugar+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's a dumpy little pot so it suits the edge of the lid extending over the rim of the bowl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As opposed to this one.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa3Yrk6pbTT7yw9p7U56WHMaec8YJ7VOy9PyNvmkB9ZEVavnXXo4uQeZzhl4p5Jj1Yxec06DYTFFxi4ia9iQ07oJ09tMcomt8HK26Rdts4kwAgglFyZl7Lfj7SNXNH2eFUVfmDigF7jY/s1600/Japanese+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa3Yrk6pbTT7yw9p7U56WHMaec8YJ7VOy9PyNvmkB9ZEVavnXXo4uQeZzhl4p5Jj1Yxec06DYTFFxi4ia9iQ07oJ09tMcomt8HK26Rdts4kwAgglFyZl7Lfj7SNXNH2eFUVfmDigF7jY/s320/Japanese+pot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But this one is a bit more sophisticated so the lid balances snugly on a 'gallery' built inside the rim of the pot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs7NOTrKsEZkjKDVHR7g7Jx_RaF18jZAv2exxWpOXL24d1qtx44bYdjCxO-JvErhyphenhyphenVwUeMoOEq35WCRo3J_VGXuFECSRWavo61TEZItjtiWQqLalFrGf6dIuB1AwViS8uurn_1k4GdXI/s1600/rim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs7NOTrKsEZkjKDVHR7g7Jx_RaF18jZAv2exxWpOXL24d1qtx44bYdjCxO-JvErhyphenhyphenVwUeMoOEq35WCRo3J_VGXuFECSRWavo61TEZItjtiWQqLalFrGf6dIuB1AwViS8uurn_1k4GdXI/s320/rim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The whole form makes an oval shape that is not broken by an over-lapping rim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently, I was asked to make a jug that gave the appearance of the inside glaze pouring out over the rim. This proved more difficult than I first thought.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWf1Ai9dgXoTNmKS_5kyK-OiryLwVe97osHB1NvAMKJkWsHu9qCVPzEiwq7LEG5WGg5a_0nL86rzTURGHiv6tMGwK_pg9pXFisDFDTrOMVk9wS1i65BHrczf-wchJyYMVuR7OU6HoNm8/s1600/Jugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWf1Ai9dgXoTNmKS_5kyK-OiryLwVe97osHB1NvAMKJkWsHu9qCVPzEiwq7LEG5WGg5a_0nL86rzTURGHiv6tMGwK_pg9pXFisDFDTrOMVk9wS1i65BHrczf-wchJyYMVuR7OU6HoNm8/s320/Jugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pot-bellied custard jugs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Firstly, when making a jug, I would always make sure that the lip is a good pourer. This is done by making the edge of the lip quite sharp as I draw my finger over it to create the shape. It is so annoying to have a good looking jug that drips milk or custard all over your table when in use. I'm sure you can see the problem straight away – as I poured the glaze out, it refused to drip! Therefore I was forced to manufacture the drips by squirting the rim with a syringe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Secondly, I couldn't glaze the outside of the pots because, when the two different glazes meet, the colour of the drip would completely change and not appear to be running out of the jug. So the left-hand jug I painted with manganese oxide circles and the right-hand jug has stoneware clay mixed with purple oxide and porcelain to create a swirly effect as I threw it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you like one of these, Katie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now, with all my bits and pieces, and pots and pans collected together, I look forward to putting them all on display for our Warwickshire Open Studio Event that takes place in the first two weeks of July. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdECqsVJ3rVN3kNSmMkXUaR6_VEYEFXF-9D6RQwM4xH33FUydUOJSGlTpaqErJInyeMe_iJ-TktQm3-O8MEsmcdva63hNA1RdeQzyTmeMNOVUlAcw9bYYBxKXA0uSJXPgoV0wSRTRkUA/s1600/WOS+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdECqsVJ3rVN3kNSmMkXUaR6_VEYEFXF-9D6RQwM4xH33FUydUOJSGlTpaqErJInyeMe_iJ-TktQm3-O8MEsmcdva63hNA1RdeQzyTmeMNOVUlAcw9bYYBxKXA0uSJXPgoV0wSRTRkUA/s320/WOS+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Pots, Paint and Jewellery'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look out for our brochure and come and have a cup of tea with us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And as a rousing chorus of La Marseillaise was sung in our village of Tordouet to celebrate the liberation of that region in May 1945...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhri7UhFSJSZUTBNKujVwrmTIb96Gv0nViOgoriP4TXbDXwXJVUY91pIFEcMZyYaOBIp674Sn1YguqCrO8fWHLPvpObPSvyeCrZ8j0mvaduMhjRep0HSjLpPldVRZLRlLEBV7ihWHWvcG8/s1600/Toudouet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhri7UhFSJSZUTBNKujVwrmTIb96Gv0nViOgoriP4TXbDXwXJVUY91pIFEcMZyYaOBIp674Sn1YguqCrO8fWHLPvpObPSvyeCrZ8j0mvaduMhjRep0HSjLpPldVRZLRlLEBV7ihWHWvcG8/s320/Toudouet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
..... à bientot and happy potting folks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />Sheila Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651640567609642986noreply@blogger.com0