Sunday, August 17, 2014

Variations with Ferns

After painting the upstairs exterior doors yesterday I had time to make a few plates. I decided to see how many variations with ferns I could make. I like making fern plates and platters because they sell well and each is always unique.

After three plates I got stumped for another variation, but this morning I can think of a few more. What about you, what pattern with ferns would you make?

I reconstituted the black slip I had in storage for more than a year. Still usable. Since this slip was made with a different clay body I hope it stays on the plates. We shall see.

Here's a fern platter I made several years ago with red clay. The fern I used was a native Florida fern. The ferns I used yesterday are florist's ferns. I like the red clay showing through better than the white. Maybe with the white clay I should use green slip. Below is brown clay with green slip. So many possible variations.

My long awaited kiln should be delivered tomorrow, can't wait. Then I'll begin a marathon bisque and glaze firing schedule for a couple of weeks. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

15 comments:

  1. Hooray for the kiln. I hope your shoulder is getting better and you won't help lifting it! Lovely fern patterns, by the way.

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  2. Gorgeous platters with slip and ferns...and what Joanne said, take care of yourself, and enjoy your kiln.

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  3. pretty fern plates!

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  4. Hi Joanne, thanks, we actually hired two guys to bring the kiln onto the porch and my arm is much better but still not one hundred percent.

    Hi Barb, thanks, can't wait to get some firing done.

    Hi Gigi, thanks, hope they turn out.

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  5. Hooray for the kiln - and hours of creative, productive joy.
    Bigger hooray for your shoulder's improvement. Take care.
    And I love the fern plates.

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  6. Hi Elephant's Child, thanks, so much to be thankful for that's for sure.

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  7. the ferns pattern is such a classic and always appealing.. Wow a new kiln! you won't know yourself :)

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  8. Hi Anna, thanks, you are right I'm going to have to brush up on my firing schedules and how to apply kiln wash and so much more, been so long since I fired anything.

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  9. Really love these fern designs Linda :)

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  10. You must be so excited to fire your work in your new kiln!
    Love the fern plates. As for new designs... I would overlap some slightly and do some leaves drifting off the edges of the plates.

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  11. Hi Michele, thanks, yes they are on their way right now. Good advice I'll try some of that variation today, thanks.

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  12. Love the ferns plates! I just did a "fern canyon" hike at one of the coastal redwood parks. Did you do any on the bottoms?

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  14. Hi Charlene, thanks, good idea about putting a fern or two on the reverse, will add a few. Oh those coastal mountains are so luscious to walk in.

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