Post Holiday - 2014 Start

Regularly scheduled Open Studio will resume on Th., Jan. 2, 2014. In addition, extended Open Studio hours will begin on Fri., Jan. 3rd and Mon., Jan. 6. Come on in and start potting for the new year!

Happy Holidays! - Expanded Hours

Happy Holidays to all the RAL Studio Potters. Hope this has been a wonderful year for you, and you're looking forward to next year being even better.

Santa has granted the wish of many potters for more studio time. We will be expanding the days for Open Studio on a trial basis in January. The schedule with monitors' names follows. We will be evaluating the new schedule at the end of January to determine the future schedule. Also click this link to access these and other events on the studio calendar.

Thursday, January 2

AM  -  Wes

PM  -  Pam

Friday, January 3

Wes or TBD

Monday, January 6

AM  -  Jane

PM  -  Kate

Tuesday, January 7

AM  -  Brenda

PM  -  Florence

Thursday, January 9

AM  -  Mary Ann 

PM  -  Pam

Friday, January 10

Wes or TBD

Monday, January 13

AM  -  Jeff or TBD

PM  -  Florence

Tuesday, January 14

AM  -  Brenda

PM  -  Wes

Thursday, January 16

AM  -  Jeff

PM  -  Florence

Friday, January 17

Wes or TBD

Monday, January 20

AM  -  Kate

PM  -  Jeff

Tuesday, January 21

AM  -  Wes

PM  -  Florence

Thursday, January 23

AM  -  Mary Ann

PM  -  Jeff

Friday, January 24

Wes or TBD

Monday, January 27

AM  -  Jeff or TBD

PM  -  Florence

Tuesday, January 28

AM  -  Jane

PM  -  Mary Ann

Thursday, January 30

AM  -  Wes

PM  -  Jeff

Studio Firing News and Brown Bag Session 12/17

Kate Lear has asked me to forward the news that all 5 loads that were on the "to be fired" shelf have been completed. Come in and pick up your joy! It is likely that these firings will be the last before Christmas. Keep on working though, we still have shelf space.

Brown Bag session topic for this week is the final sequence of Sandi Pierantozzi's DVD, which was postponed from last week due to the weather.

Brown Bag "iffy" 7.

Open Studio and the Brown Bag session is up in the air at this point in the weather news. As you know, the Art League follows the Cape Henlopen School District schedule in weather related closings.

Since the weather is "iffy" for tomorrow, check the Cape's weather alerts, and we will try to update you early for both Open Studio and the Brown Bag session closings/delays.

The Brown Bag topic (if we are there) is the final sequence of Sandi Pierantozzi's DVD.

Pottery and the Season

Happy holidays everyone! 

The pace is picking up and we hope to keep you up on pottery related events.

Here are three events which our studio potters have passed along.

*RAL Holiday  Open House Sat., 12/7/13 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

*New member Mimi Mathieu's Open Studio and Sale

Underhill Pottery

Open Studio & Sale

Dec. 14, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mimi Galligan Mathieu,                        801 New St., Milford, DE 19963

302-491-6728                                                          mimimathieu@aol.com

This new pottery studio in Milford is celebrating its first Open Studio & Sale.  Come to Underhill Pottery to see what's new in bowls, serving platters, soap dishes, mugs, and much more.

Directions from south:

Drive north on Rt.1 to Milford exit.  From end of exit ramp, drive 1 mile, take left just past Marshalls Pond onto S.E.2nd St. Drive to end of S.E. 2nd St.  Turn left onto S. Walnut St. and drive 0.5 mile.  Turn right onto Seabury St., and in 0.4 mi., turn left onto Elm.  Studio is just after stop sign, on corner of Elm & New Sts.

Directions from north:

Drive south on Rt.1  Take Milford/Georgetown exit.  From exit ramp, drive 2.5 miles on route 113 to a left turn onto Seabury.  From Seabury, turn right 0.2 miles onto Elm St.  Studio is just after sign, on

corner of Elm & New Sts.

 *Susan Gladstone's Happy Rock Pottery Gallery Open House, 2-6 p.m. Sat. 12/7/13 at the Galleries, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE.

 If you know of any other events our members would find of interest, send them along and we'll share.

Brown Bag 12/3/13

Our Brown Bag session tomorrow will again feature Sandi Pieratozzi. The first session last week generated a lot of interest and discussion. She presents so much information and techniques that you need to bring a notebook.

Following up on last week Karen has suggested that we make some bisqued domes to use in the studio to make feet for pieces the way Sandi presented. We'll be making them tomorrow. Check them out after the next bisque firing.

We are actively seeking new DVD's to present at our weekly Brown Bag sessions. If Santa asks you for your list, maybe you could put one or two DVD's on it for future sharing.

Monitoring assignments and open studio schedule for Dec. have been posted on our Studio Calendar. If you haven't visited it before, click this link.

Brown Bag Session 11/27/13

The featured DVD for tomorrow's session will be Sandi Pierantozzi's, "What If?(thank you Florence!). We viewed it several months ago, and if you didn't catch it then, join us tomorrow. Sandi has a unique and useful orientation to handbuilding. She offers many techniques to improve your clay making work. We will hopefully get her to present an in-person workshop at the Art League in the near future.

P.S. Please include pottery DVD's on your Christmas wish list. We have a basic backlog library from several members (thanks Jeff, Carmela, Florence, Brenda, Wes...and anyone else who has contributed), but we could always use an infusion of new informative or instructional inputs.

Thought Food 11/21/13

Check out these links. Loosen up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcpfjw8EmWA (Chris Staley)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKyQmdoGh6M (Bill van Gilder)

As always, if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, let me know.
Wes

Brown Bag Session 11/19/13

In tomorrow's Brown Bag session we will complete the DVD from last week, Martha Grover's "Creating Curves with Clay". In addition we'll discuss members' requests for future Brown Bag topics.

Brown Bag 11/12/13

Martha Grover's DVD, "Creating Curves with Clay", will be featured today.

Brown Bag 11/5/13

Topic for today's Brown Bag session will be a continuation of the RAL Studio Glazes discussion with emphasis on application techniques and glaze problem solving. Join us!

Brown Bag session 10/28/13

Featured DVD for tomorrow's Brown Bag will be a re-run of Martha Grover's DVD. She was extremely well received the first time around, so if you missed it plan to be there. Next week will be the 2nd part of the RAL glazing presentation by Carmela and Wes. if you missed part 1, there are some handouts available. See Wes.

Brown Bag 10/22/13

The topic for our Brown Bag session on Tues. will be "glazing". We will be discussing our RAL glazes with the following tentative outline:


RAL glazes and their application
RAL Studio glazes
   glaze list and characteristics (handout)
   glaze combinations (handout)
Application
   preparation
       cleaning the ware
      waxing and wax resist
   techniques for:
       dipping
       brushing
       pouring
       spraying
Glaze problems
   With the glaze –
       glaze characteristics that can produce problems
       glaze interactions
   With the application –
       glaze thickness
       glaze mixing
       potential contaminents



The format will be a combination of presentation/demonstration and especially discussion, so please bring your questions and experiences with you.




Clay link of the week
Check out the following video by John Britt to get you started thinking about our topic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpQns05RdVU

Glazing in the RAL Studio

New Glaze comment sheet

This is a copy of the new glaze comment sheet that has been posted in the studio. Please use it to post any comments or problems you have with any of our glazes. Please let us know if you have any ideas about improving our studio glazing process. We will use your feedback to try to make glazing in the studio a rewarding experience.

 

Glaze	Maker	Comments
BTBT (BTBT)	Carmela
Byrne (BYR)	Carmela
Byrne Yellow (BYRY)	Carmela
Clear(CLR)	Carmela
Gloria's (GLR)	Carmela
Lido (LID)	Carmela
Lido with Cobalt (LIDCo)	Carmela
Milky Blue (MILB)	Carmela
New Blue (NB)	Carmela
Raspberry (RAS)	Carmela
Bright Sky Blue BSB)	Wes
Jade (JAD)	Wes
Licorice (LIC)	Wes
Monk's Bronze (MB)	Wes
Nutmeg (NUT)	Wes
Red Orange (RO)	Wes
Rutile Green (RG)	Wes
Teal Blue (TB)	Wes
Variegated Slate Blue(VSB)	Wes

Brown Bag 10/15/13

Featured DVD for our brown bag session Tues. will be the final section of "Precision Throwing and Intricate Carving with Adam Field". If we have time remaining, we'll add selected YouTube clips.

Brown Bag Session 10/8/13

Tomorrow's Brown Bag session will again feature the DVD, "Precision Throwing and Intricate Carving with Adam Field" Pt. 2.(courtesy of Florence Wiley). To get a preview, go to http://ceramicartsdaily.org/bookstore/precision-throwing-intricate-carving. 

Join us!

New Glaze Test Results 10/1/13

The following glazes have been replenished and are available for your use (clays are Little Loafers and Standard 112):

Nutmeg

Bright Sky Blue

Jade

Licorice

Byrne

Each test tile was first held in the glaze for a count of 3, left to dry, then partly dipped and held for a count of 2 to show thickness differences.

Note that both Jade and Bright Sky Blue have a slight tendency to run on the white clay .

If you have any comments or problems with these glazes, contact Wes.

Brown Bag and Mayco Sale

The Brown Bag session this week(always Tuesday at 12:00 pm) will feature the DVD, "Precision Throwing and Intricate Carving with Adam Field" (courtesy of Florence Wiley). To get a preview, go to http://ceramicartsdaily.org/bookstore/precision-throwing-intricate-carving/. Hope to see you there.

Big sale on Mayco Stroke and Coat glazes! For information go to www.Clay-King.com/sc.

Brown Bag follow up

Sarah Jaegger's glazing segment provided some good discussion. The following links may provide some further information. If you find other sources, please pass them on to us. I'm thinking this is another whole area for experimenting.

Overglaze links:

http://digitalfire.com/4sight/glossary/glossary_overglaze.html?logout=yes

http://general.utpb.edu/FAC/stanley_c/formulae/glaze/over-under.htm

http://www.claytimes.com/reference-guide/glazing.html#anchorCombo

Brown Bag Session 9.17.13

The Brown Bag session tomorrow will feature Sarah Jaegger's glazing techniques and then move to slab and coil building with Gail Kendall. Hope to see you there.

Brown Bag Session 9/2/13

The featured DVD for tomorrow's session will show Martha Grover's unique methods of throwing and altering functional pots. This is a re-run, but it was well received when we showed it previously.

YouTube leads

We had a YouTube session today for our weekly Brown Bag. We visited these potters for starters:
  Hsinchuen Lin
  Mark Peters
  Youdanxxx
  Simon Leach
  John Britt
  Bill van Gilder

There's certainly a world of information and knowledge out there on the Internet about our favorite osbsession. As the Brits would say, "Give it a go!"...and let us know what you find.

p.s. setting up the links is a tricky bit. If they don't take you where you want to go, just do a search in the YouTube search box.

Brown Bag Session - 8/27/13

This session will be a little different in format. We'll finish the Lorna Meadon DVD series, then view selected throwing and handbuilding projects on YouTube.
See you there.

Brown Bag 8/20/13

We will resume our Brown Bag sessions tomorrow. Featured will be the conclusion of Lorna Meadon's, "Integrating Form and Surface", and Mitch Lyon's handbuilding DVD.

Remember, Mitch will be at the Art League this weekend to present his workshop, "Printing with
Colored Clay". It's not too late to register.

Karen Schaub - RAL Potter

Although relatively new to pottery and the RAL Potters group, Karen has begun to find her own personal way with clay. Here's an example:

 What a nice piece! Congratulations Karen. Keep it coming. You've set a high standard for yourself.

Brown Baf Session 8/6/13

The featured DVD for the 8/6 session will be a continuation of Lorna Meadon's "Integrating Form and Surface with Porcelain". If you were in the 1st session last week I think you will agree that she has much to offer in terms of forming and decorating, and not just in porcelain. Join us to view Lorna's demonstrations of unique and skillful techniques...and thanks to Jeff Stickle for providing this resource.

Mitch Lyons - Printing with Colored Clay class

From Kim Klabe:

We currently have 4 people registered for Mitch Lyon’s Printing With Colored Clay class on August 24 and 25.

If you are planning on taking this class, please register asap. We will need to meet the minimum no later than August 15.

Note: I have Mitch's DVD if you would like to preview his work. He also has some clips on Ceramic Arts Daily.

Brown Bag session 7/30/13

New DVD for the next two sessions (courtesy of Jeff Stickle), “Integrating Form and Surface with Porcelain” by Lorna Meaden. You may have seen Lorna's demonstration on YouTube or Ceramic Arts Daily, but this is the whole thing. Although she works in porcelain, her techniques are applicable to stoneware. Join us!

Show opportunity in Georgetown, DE

Georgetown Arts and Flowers invites artists, photographers and crafters to apply for their October Fine Arts and Crafts Show.
Date: Saturnday, Oct. 26, 2013. Time 10a.m. to 4 p.m.
Locaton: Georgetown Fire Hall
Entry fees: 6'x9' - $35 10'x10' - $45
Contact for details: jaysikora@comcast.net

Show opportunity from the Dover Art League

Call for Artists! Forwarded from Florence Wiley

Cecil County Art and Music Festival at Dove Valley Winery Dove Valley Winery is seeking artists for this event on August 3rd and 4th.  Registration covering both days of this event is only $25.00. The event includes wine tasting, fine quality artisans, musicians, good food, activities, and vineyard tours.  For more information call Janelle at Dove Valley Winery (410) 658-8388 or view their website at dovevalleywine.com

Brpwm Bag - Tues., 7/23/13

The featured DVD for the Brown Bag session tomorrow will be "Put a Handle on It", with Tony Clennell. Tony will demonstrate making and applying a variety of handles for pitchers, casseroles, and other pieces. Join us!

Brent Wheel for Sale

For Sale, Used Brent Electric Potters Wheel, $600.

Washington, DC

Contact: Larz Kremer ( pronounced like the word, creamer )

202/ 726-4189 larz.kremer@.verizon.net

This wheel was purchased used. It has had its wheel head, wheel head shaft, motor, pedal and control panel have all been replaced. The wheel head is 14" and the motor is a CXC (1 hp), reversible. The only things original to the wheel, which was purchased used are the deck and legs. Mostly the wheel has lived at the end of a work table and its deck has held glaze buckets while we've glazed pots.

If you have serious interest, contact Lars and he will bring it over for you to see and try.

Brown Bag Cancelled on Tues., 7/16/13

The Clay Studio is occupied until 12:30 tomorrow and the Chambers Studio has classes in the morning and afternoon. We'll resume the Brown Bag sessions next Tues. at 12:00 p.m. Keep cool in coming heat spell.

OPEN STUDIO SCHEDULE FOR WEEK OF JULY 14, 2013

RE: OPEN STUDIO SCHEDULE FOR WEEK OF JULY 14 (TUESDAY 7/16 & THURSDAY 7/18)

Hello all,

Please remember that next week Mazie will be teaching a class in both rooms so Open Studio will not start until 12:30 PM.

I know that it is inconvenient to have to adjust our schedules but Summer is a busy time for classes/workshops and, of course, the Outdoor Show.  I don't know how the Outdoor Show will affect the open Studio schedule yet. I'll try to keep you posted.

Jeff Stickle

One more week with Simon Leach

We will be showing many clay projects and skill vignettes from  the Simon Leach DVD tomorrow.
Join us! Bring a friend.

Painting on Your Pottery - Workshop Update

 Betsy Curtiss will be offering this "how to" workshop next Sat. (6/29). The class is still open for registrations. If you have already registered, Betsy has sent the following:

 

   "I will be bringing underglazes and some slip to work with.  I also have extra brushes.  If everyone can bring a few pieces 2-4 of greenware (leather hard or bone dry is fine).   This way everyone can get a "hands on" feel for what we are doing.  I will bring some additional pieces as well if someone doesn't have anything.

  If you have a liner brush or small brush please bring it.  I will bring extra's if you don't have one.  

  In addition I will bring some fruit to snack on since it's a full day, but you might want to bring a lunch or drink.

  Looking forward to a wonderful class", 

Looks like a great opportunity to expand your pottery skills.

Brown Bag - Tues., 6/25

We will pick up on the Simon Leach "how to" videos we started a couple of weeks ago. The videos accompany a book by Simon, which we have access to courtesy of Kate, who has signed it out from the ate library system. You may want to consider signing it out in the future to review his projects. You can also access many videos which Simon has uploaded to Youtube. Join us!d

Open Studio/Brown Bag - Tues.6/18

Due to the scheduled children's class this Tues., there will be no morning open studio or brown bag session. There will be open studio in the afternoon starting at 1:00.

Brown Bag 6/11/13

The featured DVD tomorrow will be Simon Leach's pottery throwing demonstrations (thanks, Kate)

Brown Bag - Tues. 6/4

More Bill van Gilder project videos, courtesy of Brenda. Join us. Bill presents how to create functional ware in clay from start to finish.

June Perry

One of the blogs I follow is June Perry's, Shambala Pottery, Over the years she has done extensive glaze testing and shared her results with us on her website. She has also recently dealt with adversity, but has done so with wit and wisdom Her most recent blog entry gives us an idea of how she does it and may be a model for all of us who choose clay and have this common experience.

Finding ones voice

by June Perry

http://www.annvanhoey-ceramics.be/content.aspx?PageId=602

I love, love, love, Ann Van Hoeys work. Ann is a Belgian potter who after years on and off as a hobby potter, at one stage decided to make it her life's work and boy, did she make the right decision. Her large forms are simple and so elegant, and her porcelain mugs are exquisite. You can check out her work at the link above and watch her process on some videos on you tube.

Finding ones voice was on my mind this morning as I was loading my tiny test kiln. Life's circumstances which caused us to move cross country and give up my big studio and soda firing, after finally finding my voice in ceramics, has been huge. Choosing to still work with clay, albeit in a retirement schedule, and opting for earthenware and electric firing out of necessity, it has me wondering if I will live long enough to find my voice again in this new direction.

The test kiln is filled with the final slip tests, which are just tweaks of the many tests I've done in recent months. Tomorrow the tile I dipped this morning should be dry and that little kiln will have the last of these tests only firings. Then I will have to decide on a narrow range to work with.

Right now all the pots I'm in the middle of decorating, only have a white slip. Some pots have simple sgraffito decoration, and some just the slip with some under glazes. Decorating these is agonizing. Lack of confidence in using new materials with no idea of the outcome has me almost frozen at times. I know I could just leave it simple, pick some colored glazes, and that may be a choice at some point if I come up with forms that can stand on their own; but for now I just want to be able to sit down, put those under glazes in front of me, take a brush in a hand that has no experience or talent for drawing and some how find a way to put dabs, dots, and swaths of color on these pots and see what happens. Whatever the outcome, I will continue on this road with its unknown destination, but maybe I will meander a bit slowly and settle for picking up some speed as I go along.

Brown Bag, Tues. 5.28.13

The featured DVD's tomorrow will be from Bill van Gilder's demonstration projects (thanks Brenda!). We are also looking for other DVD's for future Brown Bag sessions. Let us know if you have any to share.

Brown Bag Session 5/21/13

The featured DVD today will be the second part of "Layers of Color: Exploring Form and Surface Pattern in Slip-Cast Pottery” with Andrew Gilliat.
Join us.

Brown Bag Session - Tues. 5/14

The featured DVD for Tues., 5/14 will be:

  Layers of Color: Exploring Form and Surface Pattern in Slip-Cast Pottery” with Andrew Gilliat. Join us.

Jeff Stickle - RAL Potter

Jeff uses commercial glazes for the most part to create visually beautiful surfaces and often uses sprigs for texture.

Cobalt Blue Bowl with Celtic Knots

Small Green Slide Vase with Nautilus Shells

Cobalt - Shino Bottle Vase

 Check with Jeff for his glaze resources.

Saturday Open Studio?

 As aresult in the increased use of the Open Studio by RAL potters, at the last Pottery Studio monitors meeting, extending the Open Studio hours was discussed. We are attempting to find out how much interest  there is in this extension to Saturday hours on the part of the RAL potters. The two questions are:

   1. Are you in favor of this proposal?
   2. If so, how often do you think you would participate on Saturdays?

Please let us know your response by contacting one of the monitors with your input.

Brown Bag Session - Tues. 5/7/13

The featured DVD for this week's Brown Bag will be the final hour of Frank Giorgini's tile making  DVD in which he will demonstrate construction and installation.

Tools and Tips - Bill's new trimming tool

 An old and good friend of the RAL Pottery Studio, Bill van Gilder, has a new tool for sale. I've been using it for a month, and it's a good one.

As you can see, it comes with several interchangeable trimming heads, all of which are useful for certain trimming tasks. My favorites so far at the two you see on the tool.

 To see the tool in use,  check Bill's youtube demo for trimming plates at:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QObxgnXvTZQ

 The tool is available as a set or as a handle with the various head options at Bill's website:

http://vangilde.ipower.com/gallerystore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=38&zenid=5ded597eef73050d0d831ddb49a999c3

Tools and Tips - The pressurized pot soaker

Ever let a set of cups or a bowl get too dry to trim and dipping just won't get it right?  Here's a tool to help you out of this problem.

The Garden Sprayer

This handy little tool uses a plunger to pressurize the liquid and will deliver a fine, controllable mist or spray that will evenly re-wet your pieces and make them suitable for trimming. I set up my cups or bowl on a piece of plastic, spray, then enclose them. I allow them to sit for a day or overnight and they are ready for trimming.

The Garden Sprayer is available at Lowe's for about$7.50. (Great for starting seedlings too!)

Have any favorite tips or tools? Send them along to share.

Brown Bag Session 4/30/13

The Brown Bag session for this Tues. will feature the 3rd part of Frank Giorgini's DVD, "Handmade Tiles". In this segment Frank will describe and demonstrate the use of his innovative tile making hand tools and devices.
Join us!

Brenda Butterfield - RAL Potter

Brenda is our featured potter this week. Here is some of her recent work. Each of the following is made from Little Loafers. She used the following glazes and a slow firing schedule:

"Gloria base coat.

Licorice one dip.

Running Hot Chowder (from Spectrum) poured around the edge to create a run. (Chowder changes where placed in a kiln)."

Brenda also commented that the Hot Chowder had different effects depending on where the piece was placed in the kiln.

 Nice work Brenda. Anyone for Hot Chowder?

Brown Bag - Tues. 4/23/13

We'll be viewing part two of Frank Giorgini's tile making DVD, "Firing and Glazing". Join us!

Great tip-from Florence Wiley

Florence shared the following:

Hi!  Sharing a great potter web site with you.  JeffCampana (dot) com  He is a ceramics teacher at university level.  He has compared various white clays that fire to cone 6, interesting read about Little Loafers…

Also look at this part…  http://jeffcampana.com/self-leveling-kiln-wash/   Cheers!  Florence

Haven't used it yet, but plan to give it a try.

Brown Bag Session - Tues. 4/16

The Brown Bag session this week will feature Frank Giorgini's, "Handmade Tiles" (thanks Jeff). Follow this link for a preview.
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/author/frank-giorgini/

Painting on Clay Workshop- more information

Here's a flyer with more information on Betsy's workshop. RAL online registration is working. You can also register in the RAL office.

 

(Click or double click to make larger.)

Painting on Pottery Workshop

Betsy Curtis’ Workshop, "Painiting on Clay" will be on June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $55 for members, $90 non members. Registration is open on the RAL website. Here's a sampler:

 

Workshop size is limited. Register soon!

Barbara Crowl - RAL Potter

Barbara had the misfortune of spending the winter in Arizona in a place with a great ceramics studio. Here are a few of the pieces resulting from her work out there. Check in with her to get the glazing and forming details.

Brown Bag session 4/9/13

The DVD for the Brown Bag session tomorrow will be "Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons. Mitch will share many techniques including appplication of texturesclays and colored slips and his unique 'Broomstick' method of forming pieces.

This will be a good preview of Mitch's workshop he will conduct at the Art League this August.

Carmela Coleman - RAL Potter

Carmela has been working in clay for almost 15 years. Her work not only shows her highly developed skills, but also her aesthetic inclinations.

You can find Carmela's work in the Art League Members' Gallery and at Gallery One in Ocean View, DE

More Great Student Work!

John Flournoy's first attempts at working with clay came recently when he enrolled in the Spring Osher class. I think you will agree that his entry into our world is impressive.

Great work John. Looking forward to your future endeavors.

Martha Grover's Quick Slip

The Brown Bag sessions have featured Martha Gtover's DVD, "Creating Curves with Clay" for the past two weeks and will complete it in our session this Tues., 4/2 at 12:00. Martha has provided many useful techniques and tips, including her recipe for joining slip, which we published previously on a tip from John Wear. It is so useful that's it's worth repeating again (with a slight adjustment).

Martha Grover's Joining Slip recipe:
   1. Soak and blend  4 sheets of double ply bath tissue in 1 and 1/2 cups of white vinegar.
   2. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of your bone dry clay body broken into 1/4" pieces.
   3. Mix into a paste and let sit overnight.
   4. Save and use with "slip and score" whenever you are joining slabs.

Martha also suggests that you can do crack repair with this slip. Good luck!

Brown Bag - Mar.26

Brown Bag sesssion on Tues., Mar. 26 will feature the 2nd hour of Martha Grover's DVD. The first was very well received and we're looking forward to learning some other great techniques.

Here's a sample of her work.

Join us!

Betsy Curtiss-RAL Potter

Betsy joined our group recently, but brings a great deal of pottery experience with her as you can see from some samples of her work below. Betsy will be doing a brush painting for potters workshop for the Art League in June. Stay tuned for details.

From Out of the Kiln!

Isn't it great when you open the kiln and get some really nice pieces? Here's two good examples from students, Diane Issel and Kelly Hobbs, in Kate Lear's class.

Diane

 

 

Kelly

 

 

 

Congratulations. Now you have to measure up to some very high standards.

Brown Bag Tues., 3/19

The Art League studios are finally back up and running as of last Friday, so we will resume our Brown Bag sessions this Tues., 3/19 with the DVD by Martha Grover. Martha produces interesting functional pottery with a flare with throwing and handbuilding techniques. Thanks to Carmela for providing this DVD. (for a preview go to the following address to see Martha demonstrate throwing and building a serving bowl http://ceramicartsdaily.org/daily/features-archive/0

Betsy and Carmela have agreed to have us showcase some of their work on the blog. We will be taking photos of their pieces on Thurs. at 1:30 in the studio. If you have pieces you would like to share with our members on the blog, please bring them in at that time.

Recent Glaze Tests

Several tests were conducted using Licorice as the base (1st coat) and other studio glazes as modifiers (2nd coat). All applications were dipped. The first coat was held for a count of 3 and the second for a count of 2. Some of the results may have been different if the second coat was held also for a count of 3, although this might have produced more running of the glazes. The complete set of tests is available for you to check in the glaze room.

Rutile Green over Licorice

Red Orange over Licorice

Byrne over Licorice

Jade over Licorice

Nutmeg over Licorice

Milky Blue over Licorice

Bright Sky Blue over Licorice

BTBT over Licorice

Milky Blue

Licorice

Nutmeg

Variegated Slate Blue

Lido

Kate's Berry

Gloria's