Friday, November 23, 2012

Faux Extruders & Black Copper

Here's how the copper carbonate stain came out on the ornaments, dark brown/black and not so appealing. I mixed copper carbonate with frit. I didn't get a very even coverage either. Any ideas about that? I glazed them anyway, we shall see how they turn out with glaze over the top.

All is not lost however, because I think this stain would much better on a different piece of pottery like one of my stacked towers. It has an ancient sepia tone look to it.

The other day I drove past a yard sale and stopped and picked up two cookie presses. I hope to use them as a clay extruder. Four dollars for both, not bad. The glaze load is almost ready to unload so stay tuned for some photos real soon. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

10 comments:

  1. I have a large clay gun that I often use to extrude parts for my piggy banks. I have to admit, it's about the only thing I use it for. I will be curious to hear how the gun style cookie press does pressing out the clay... since it's stiffer than dough. Let us know how they work.
    What glaze did you use on your ornaments?

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  2. Hi Michele, thanks, I have a mini extruder I got from a clay store that I have used for springs and thought these might work since they are old and the metal may be stronger than stuff made nowadays out of thin metal or plastic, but not sure when I will use them since I am deep into these towers, we shall see.

    I used a bunch of different glazes on the ornaments, I'm taking photos right now but I want to show the towers first, some yummy pieces in there.

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  3. The brown markings produce a sort of fossil effect.

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  4. The brown markings produce a sort of fossil effect.

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  5. I caution you to try with very soft clay the first time you use the cookie extruder.

    I had the same idea and bought a small cookie extruder made out of aluminium, but it broke almost instantly.

    Good luck.

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  6. Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, yes that's what I was thinking not good on ornaments at least not these but could be good on some other pieces.

    Hi Gabi, thanks, I will make sure the clay is very soft, thanks for the tip.

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  7. I used your curvy bowl for fruit salad yesterday, and people really found it quite attractive.

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  8. I like them, the brown and black. Have a nice weekend.

    Hugs

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  9. If the copper carb is thin it will be greener, where it's thick you get that darker color. You may just need to add water.

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  10. Hi Gigi, thanks every so much, I need to make more of those bowls, so many ideas and so little time.

    Hi Elna, thanks, I will use this treatment on some other pieces.

    Hi Lori, thanks for the tip, I will adjust the mix and see what happens.

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I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment