Today's goal was to produce an organic dinnerware design utilizing texture materials from nature. I wanted the botanicals to have a watercolor effect different from my usual engobe paintings on raw clay.
Starting with mason stains and frit I mixed up three samples to test as colorants, leaf green, sage green, and hazelnut brown. I measured 1/2 cup of water in mason jars and added 1/4 teaspoon each of mason stain and frit 3134.
Botanical samples were gathered from my landscape: dried leaves, grasses, weeds, and evergreens The botanicals were impressed onto the slab of clay.
The three stains were brushed onto the botanical impressions. Then the slab was slumped onto the plate form to dry slowly.
My plan is to glaze this test plate with a transparent glaze after the bisque. Hopefully I'll end up with a dinnerware set for myself and perhaps others. We shall see how the fritted stains turn out after bisque and glaze firings. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
I forget what temp you fire to, but at low fire this is how I get wash effect. Toes crossed!
ReplyDeleteHi Suzi, thanks, I fire to cone 5/6, I hope the colors darken up a big, if not I can always add more stain after the bisque which I didn't even think of till now. Ha.
DeleteThat's great Linda. Can't wait to see your results. Looks like a winner to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Barb, thanks, it will be a while since it has to dry and I have several loads to fire before then.
DeleteI hope they come out as planned... that will make beautiful dinnerware pattern. Then there will be no more corelle in your food photos! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, I have to get something to show my food on that I make, two of the fern plates warped and all the other plates I've made I have sold, ha, kind of embarrassing being a potter not showing my food on my own work, missed opportunities I am famous for I guess
DeleteLooking GOOD. Very good.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, thanks, we shall see how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great start to me. Looking forward to the finish!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, thanks, firing a bisque load now and hope to get more firing done soon and then hopefully send off some packages after the holiday rush
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching the progress with interest. Years ago I did pottery and I loved it, but that was back in the early 90s and I've not revisited doing so.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, thanks, I am surprised you could give up pottery, I would find it very difficult indeed.
DeleteWork and life took over and got in the way, Linda. I started cooking professionally, in restaurants etc. Long, long hours and a long story! :)
DeleteHi Lee, thanks, oh I know what you mean, long hours for sure and very hard work. I love to cook but only for dh and myself and a few friends to have to do it day and day out I'd go stir crazy, clay relaxes me.
DeleteYes, a potter should have her own dinner plates. Square designs look nice.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, the square fit in a kitchen cabinet so nicely as wel
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