(no subject)

[anthacat.livejournal.com]

last night, i had such a productive night at pottery. i was really really focused and into it and happy. when i first got there, i glazed a few pieces - the first was a red clay mug that i made by handbuilding. i had pressed into the side using some metal animal toys i got at an antique place in north carolina. when i glazed it, i brushed wax over the sheep prints and the hen. then, i dipped it in a white glaze. the wax resists the glaze, so hopefully (meaning i hope the glaze doesn't drip when it's heated in the kiln), when it's finished, it will be all white except the animals will be the plain red clay. earthy.

the next two pieces were made with red clay and regular stoneware. i rolled out red, rolled out the other, then i put one on top of the other and made a jelly roll, pressing the clay together. then, i cut the roll in half and rolled it out with a rolling pin so it looks marbled. then, i cut a large circle and put it over a round mold, pinching the corners for tautness. i thought this would be neat for a funky kind of serving dish. two of these. i glazed in clear so the marbling would be visible.

then, i decided to try the wheel again - it's been awhile for me on the wheel, so i wasn't expecting much. i only made 2 pieces because i was getting tired, my hands were too. anyway, one is kind of a dessert looking dish. it's not very deep, but it's wide. it's probably the most centered, even piece i've ever made. the instructor really helped me with technique. the other piece is funky. it started to go funky, and i realized that i should just let it be what it is instead of trying to force it to be what it isn't. it's almost mug shaped, but it's got all these fun indentions. (this was with the red clay again, i'm really digging the red clay.)

after the wheel, i made some tiles using two molds (one of which i broke, whoops). i made three tiles: 1 with the tulip mold and two with the fruit mold. i put holes in them to tie together later with a ribbon for hanging in the kitchen. fruit, tulip, fruit. then, i painted them with slips (clay with glaze in it). these will need to be fired, glazed and fired again. but, i think i will not glaze them entirely. i like the idea of the clay showing.

then i cleaned up and raced home for the west wing (which, sadly, was a weird documentary and not an episode. bastards).