Clay Play 102

Previously I promised progress. Well, I'm not sure everyone will agree, but I see progress, and I learned from even the mistakes in said progress. Take this vase, for instance. It's a wee bit taller than previous works. I imprinted leaves from various plants in the yard, and I had hoped to use various glazes to create fall colors. Even though I inquired on the use of different glazes to achieve my purpose, I didn't express myself clearly. I used iron oxide red in the veining and imprint lines of the leaves, and then I added an underglaze in burgundy, yellow orange, and tan to the leaf outlines. Later I learned that the glazes only stay in the imprint, thereby eliminating the effect of the iron oxide and having no effect on the coloring of the leaves themselves. I also learned that not all leaves are created equal when it comes to veining. The best leaves for this came from my dogwood tree. Though not an entire success, I'm pleased (generally) with this vase because of the shape, mainly, and what I've learned through my mishaps.

This vase is a lovely mistake. Though perhaps too short, I like the shape. The ragged edges around the top were the result of not knowing how to use the needle tool effectively to cut away a mistake. But, I decided to try and make them look like petals. I'll concede that they don't exactly look like petals, but I like the effect. My greatest disappointment is that it is too short, but it may make a good bud vase. I dipped this in a raspberry glaze that was rather glumpy, but I lightly sanded down the "glumps" hoping that would prevent them from bursting and leaving gaping holes. It worked, so I count some measure of success. I glazed the rim and painted trios of dots on the with circumference an antique white glaze. Thankfully, I refrained from using a band of antique white below the bulge. Not a grand little vase but "interesting."

And here I have saved the best for last. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with this bowl, though some may think, "Big deal." You've never thrown on a wheel, then. I really like the shape of this. I dipped half of the bowl in Falls Creek Sand glaze and half in Turquoise. This is my favorite glaze combo/treatment yet. You'll see more of this in the future, I promise. This is probably the first sellable piece I've produce, but I plan to give it to a special friend next week. I can always make more, right?!

Next week, I have a raku mug that I've rather pleased with and perhaps a different shaped bowl and mug, if I can get them fired, glazed, and re-fired again in time for posting. Keep checking back for more poetry and pottery.