Slump mold III

I did manage to get a meager amount of work done with some clay today. The second attempt at the slump mold was again a failure, but at least I think I discovered the problem this time. I couldn't get the plate off leather hard, so I decided to let it dry farther. It cracked in several places because as it dries, clay shrinks. Which is something I completely was aware of, but apparently needed a reminder. My third attempt used WD40 in order to keep it from sticking, so I should be able to remove it when the clay is leather hard.

I had never used WD40 before, but I had seen others use it. It apparently works wonders as a release agent. The clay wouldn't stick to the plate even wet, that is a big wow. I was going to try powder, but I am glad I tried this instead. I hope it finally works out. I am going to try a bowl next.

Clay date

My friend the potter came over and we had a "clay date" as she calls it. We played around with clay and hung out. It was nice. I borrowed her stamps and made copies for myself. I need to investigate and find some more of my own to make.

She was excited to see I wanted to do medium fire and talked about setting up her kiln. I can't wait. I am excited. I hope I can make a lot of nice things and sell them.

My bowl slump mold was also a failure as I expected, but my friend suggested using paper, as it will burn off in the kiln, so I am going to give it a try at some point.

Slump mold II

I made another test run on the plate slump piece I am wanting to work. This time, I made the clay a tad bit thicker and wrapped it in plastic so it would dry much, much more slowly. I didn't use release agent as I still can't find it and can't bring myself to buy more on the principle of knowing I have plenty somewhere already. I also made a test piece on a ribbed bowl. I am 75% sure it will not work at all and need to be trashed, but a test was in order. After all, clay is the most forgiving medium I can think of. I also made a name stamp for myself. I had a rubber stamp already, but I don't want to ruin it constantly using it in clay, so I made a clay one. I will need to make another in order to get the same thing, since it is a reverse impression.

I also managed to go to Nashville to the ceramic supply store. I got some new glazes, clay, tools and a shimpo banding wheel, which is basically a very high quality, very smooth turning lazy susan made of cast iron with heavy duty paint coating. It is extremely nice and it was a very nice treat for myself.

I got some stoneware clay and cone 6 glazes. They are gorgeous and I cannot wait to try them. I am super, duper anxious, but I do not have access to a kiln for medium fire. The place I have access to is low fire only. I do have a friend with a kiln, but it is not currently set up or ready to fire anything. I am really feeling like an artist lately now that I have time and a place to do some work. Soon, I will have merchandise to sell and everything.

Slump mold

I checked on the plate slump mold today, it didn't work out. It dried too fast and cracked, which can be remedied, but it also stuck to the plate. I have two options, let it go to bone dry and try to remove it or try a release agent.

Studio II

My motivation is still high. I am so excited to have the room to work! I went to get a lazy susan to help do some carving on the tankard I made. It helped a lot. I am thinking of getting one of those kiddy pottery wheels to do some slow wheel work.

I started a slump mold plate today as an experiment. I found a nifty set of plastic disposable plates in the wedding section today and picked them up. I am not sure how well it will work, but I am giving it a test run. I have to wait for the clay to firm up before I can try and take it off. I think I am getting motivated enough to make an etsy page, but I want to wait until I have some finished items to put on there.

Pottery

The first day in my new studio went pretty well. I finally got things straightened up enough to venture into the land of making something. I have been wanting to do some pottery, so I tried out hand building a tankard using slab style. I have never tried making one before and it seemed to go pretty well. I also made my first pulled handle.