Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Striving for Patina

I'm striving for patina on the surface of this piece, which is about 11 inches tall and 7 inches wide at the top. I dab my finger in red clay slip and rub the slip horizontally around the stacked strips. Next I rubbed some pale blue stain into the crevices. It's about 11 inches tall by 7 inches wide at the top. I plan to leave the exterior natural with a clear glaze on the interior.

After making I squeeze the form with both of my hands which adds undulating dimples around the piece. There are two holes on the side to add a handle after firing. I hope to find a piece of wood to insert or perhaps weave a handle from basket material. Maybe some braided wire. We shall see. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

10 comments:

  1. Hello Linda:
    We are intrigued by this process of ageing a brand new piece and think that you have very successfully created an illusion of a time worn exterior.

    We are reminded of coating new terracotta pots in the garden with layers of yoghurt in order to encourage the ageing process. In a very short time, they looked as if they had been with us for decades!!

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  2. Hi Jane and Lance, thanks, oh I had forgotten about the aging of terra cotta pots with yoghurt, here in Florida the green mold would grow wonderfully. Ha.

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  3. Very nice Linda! Can't wait to see what you do with the handle. I make pieces for the pine needle basketry club here. I'll post some pics soon. The pieces have holes evenly spaced around the top. I would like to do something more freeform for myself.

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  4. I think this will look great with that added handle. Good idea with the stains.

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  5. Your process seems to have worked well. I'm with Barbara, a handle will finish it nicely.

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  6. You've got a good thing going there!

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  7. I hope you perservere on through to the handle; I will like to see it. Like my photography teacher said once, every additional step is another opportunity to ruin the work.

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  8. Very nice, it look old.

    Hugs

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  9. I love the rustic appearance of this piece. I would like to see a wooden or basket material handle - but it is of course your decision. In any case I would be very interested in the final product.

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  10. Hi Gayle, thanks, oh I would love to see your pine needle baskets, I took a pine needle class but never continued with it.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, we shall see about the final color. Ha.

    Hi Lori, thanks, this particular clay will turn brown under the satin glaze so I'll leave this one natural on the outside hoping to keep this red color.

    Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, hope they stay together. Ha.

    Hi Joanne, thanks, boy that is so true about ruining the work, too many times for me. ha.

    Hi Elna, thanks, hope it makes it through the firing.

    Hi Elephant's Child, thanks, the wood or woven handle was my first thought so hope I can find or make something suitable.

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