tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66132961559091138662024-03-19T14:43:22.779-04:00Mike's PotsMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-657840876473789772015-02-02T10:03:00.001-05:002015-02-02T10:03:47.723-05:00New Blog SiteI have a new blog (and website) that can be found <a href="http://www.chappellpottery.com/blog">HERE</a>. Please check it out! Have a great day!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-72733863245165722772010-07-18T14:46:00.005-04:002010-07-18T15:56:43.312-04:00Bad Blogger<div style="text-align: left;">It's been a while since I've posted anything. It's been a busy time here...mostly due to my 'real job'. Periods like this make me appreciate even more the bloggers that seem to post every day or so. That's dedication!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have wanted to buy a new extruder for some time now. The hard part was deciding which extruder to buy. I looked at several smaller ones including the four inch Northstar extruders. I have a friend who has a Big Blue. She's very happy with it and never worries about needing a larger extruder. Big Blues are quite expensive and I don't use an extruder that much. After thinking about it for months I decided to go ahead and get the Big Blue. It's....uh....big! </div><div><br /></div><div>It arrived in two boxes:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7plzxy0ru2KxqTjx6e_aZbo-nq6PwmnSizmkEjyRzKzV1J7XKdBghoTtVb5QgyOaSLt_c20XkcAafFXGRLl5jSzPxXXz0nzqQzE0yKqRkRHrMPbLkmWAK8G4slxF4KTBQnVgx1Qs944/s320/IMG_0323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495333654074993698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>I knew this thing was solid the minute I picked up the boxes. The larger box weighed over fifty pounds. As I unpacked it I could see the quality workmanship in this device. It's really put together well. I went to Lowes and got a small sheet of thick plywood and some lag screws. I mounted the wood to the wall studs in the studio and then mounted the Big Blue on the plywood. It's very sturdy and I should have no problems with stability. Here's what it looks like all setup:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpvnRpsnIytOv4JcdQCqbOFekApDN9_BVrIuYineE3hefmR1eEmelvsIwUDQ6j8ma186YFbg_QBIOaoxBfsH4mFWyXUKIYQyFQnQtUeBxaticRgwPHTDFlnPdtxdRFj6c2J4oKxCaQxk/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495334478912203314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>It's a beast but I've used many different extruders before, including the Big Blue. No extruder out there allows a user to extrude clay as effortlessly as the Big Blue. Besides, if you're doing a lot of work it's the only one I know that holds an entire twenty-five pound pug of clay. While shopping around online I was amazed at the differences in price for the Big Blue. Some retailers were selling them for nearly $1000 plus shipping! I ended up getting mine for around $825 with no tax and shipping included. I was happy with that price.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was in Orlando a couple of weeks ago and stopped by Axner. There were some new Mudtools plastic ribs there and I decided to buy a set.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e0_3eHxP07VeNDnD_6QfR_5y6g8nCozyqKTpNU6BS1mq3_EeN5PKFsMXD58xkVXRqShPxtv3FtVIyiRbXiL-9Zw0kt9bNLSRTGVdG5lDZpnNpHEKJsOgKafDRzVpAi90UI_Kh2f8w5g/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495336284632183186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>I haven't used them yet but I'm sure I will in the near future.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm attending a workshop on 'spraying glazes' at the <a href="http://jacksonvillecenter.org/">Jacksonville Art Center</a> in Floyd, Virginia next week. It's being taught by Chris Lively. You can check out his website <a href="http://chrislivelypottery.com/home.html">here</a>. The workshop takes place Monday through Wednesday. I'm going to fly from Orlando to Charlotte on Saturday and spend Sunday in Seagrove. Then it's a flight back Wednesday night and work Thursday morning! Quick trip but I hope it's worth it. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now...I have bisqued pots in the kiln that need to be removed. I will post pictures from the workshop next week. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-54938369288913746632010-06-06T21:11:00.005-04:002010-06-06T21:34:35.218-04:00New Cups, Tumblers, and Glazes<div style="text-align: left;">I spent yesterday making a few more mugs. Today was spent adding handles. I have been struggling for some time now with trying to come up with a mug that I'm happy with. When I say 'happy' I'm referring, specifically, to it's shape. I've thrown mugs of all shapes and sizes and never seem to be happy with their structure. I don't want one with vertical straight walls. Nor do I want too much of a curve to the wall. I also don't want one too tall or too short. It's been very difficult to come up with 'my shape'. I think I've finally found one I like:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZT6GJXPjCLf-dRkUZ4NzijDLKXzcCq5EAIvf9Fu2wRbQSnsjTrTAEzr0W4OHuVm8TOGYIGkoO2WKGIQ9GXcEU1QD7Rs3p_MhDKa60qSwdYhyphenhyphen5M8JnpZMSafOoSw3JEdyPeON-hliUodw/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZT6GJXPjCLf-dRkUZ4NzijDLKXzcCq5EAIvf9Fu2wRbQSnsjTrTAEzr0W4OHuVm8TOGYIGkoO2WKGIQ9GXcEU1QD7Rs3p_MhDKa60qSwdYhyphenhyphen5M8JnpZMSafOoSw3JEdyPeON-hliUodw/s320/IMG_2452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479834242434830290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></span></div>It has just enough curve in the walls to keep it interesting. By adding the slight bulge toward the rim it adds additional perspective while also giving me a great place to attach the handle. The curve at the bottom, just above the foot, makes a natural fit for the end of the handle. The rim of the mug flares out just slightly making it a better fit to the mouth and wide enough so the user doesn't feel any 'oral claustrophobia'. I can't stand mugs/cups with narrow openings at the top! <div><br /></div><div>I know non-potters reading this will think, "That's a lot of thought for a simple mug." True, but you can learn a lot from a mug. Click <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=302550256698394321#">HERE</a> to hear Pete Pinnell's thoughts on the mug. Very inspiring and educational...<div><br /></div><div>I also played around with making large tumblers. These were a lot of fun to make. Not very difficult - just pulling a tall cylinder and widening it a little toward the top. The simplicity, in my opinion, can also be very deceiving. The devil is in the details - the throwing lines, the way the foot and rim is constructed, the alterations made to the otherwise vertical sides. I see lots of tumblers that I do not like at all. The tumbler is one of those forms that I find very challenging to throw - from a like/dislike perspective. I can love a simple looking tumbler and dislike a more complex one....and vice versa. Here are a few I threw yesterday:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXhTKUA83S9ksehB5nDSCRj8V51B41zdOa8JmIeZXMqWWgtOR7lHG0WCj294S5Fka_tdZQN6bPj_e-XZgv4SDZW0tKXK1Rd7d96xRdEIdtB7RPD4jju4cHv8tn-L-ZGy6HYoTwad3sgM/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXhTKUA83S9ksehB5nDSCRj8V51B41zdOa8JmIeZXMqWWgtOR7lHG0WCj294S5Fka_tdZQN6bPj_e-XZgv4SDZW0tKXK1Rd7d96xRdEIdtB7RPD4jju4cHv8tn-L-ZGy6HYoTwad3sgM/s320/IMG_2451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479837619784191938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a></div><div>I think the next time I'm inspired to throw tumblers I'm going to play around with the foot a little. Perhaps flare it out some to add width to the base.</div><div><br /></div><div>On to glazes...I'm in the process of mixing up batches of text glazes for the reduction kiln. Over the winter my father collected a large amount of ash from their fireplace (oak). I have several wood ash glazes I plan to try. Anyone have any favorite wood ash glaze formulas they would like to share?</div></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-62449475158604690102010-05-30T12:55:00.009-04:002010-05-31T16:03:09.778-04:00Foam Trimming Bat<div style="text-align: left;">During a recent workshop in Atlanta the topic of the Giffin Grip and trimming came up during lunch. Several attendees expressed their love for the Giffen Grip. I have a Giffin Grip and I too find it very useful. However, if the pot is not perfectly centered I find that trimming can be a little challenging. I explained that I sometimes use the Giffin Grip but that most times I use my foam bat for trimming. I received an email asking me how I made the foam bat. In case anyone else is looking for an alternative for trimming I'm posting the information here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went to a local cloth store and bought a couple of square yards of green half-inch this foam:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmBW9Z8u6JBpdW9XvGarVdrn7rwnq1xzRUddwuZv8unvwrHEKORMa_atbfQUz67EgEI_R7-6vx4fqtmg9tYKGNGznKXfu6LFUqjdZ3P03odrIjVPREmZHaVtiGWbnxTwEZRJDO9AVcEc/s1600/pic1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmBW9Z8u6JBpdW9XvGarVdrn7rwnq1xzRUddwuZv8unvwrHEKORMa_atbfQUz67EgEI_R7-6vx4fqtmg9tYKGNGznKXfu6LFUqjdZ3P03odrIjVPREmZHaVtiGWbnxTwEZRJDO9AVcEc/s320/pic1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477110224824123074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>I cut the foam in the approximate shape of the bat - being careful to make it about an inch or two bigger than the bat. **You do NOT want to cut it too small**. I used a pressboard bat since I stopped using them some time ago for throwing (I found they warped when wet).</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBHK9746MmqO-rf54FZGPNAg8VtkWLPqX8G1_XnRQCwDnUa89kvbExUaz6d6lhrsYbjfRVYTdWK9JVOzZ7DrgSFDglf-_Jbh5Av9C5MSuNqwcMEf1B697pdet69JEVBv1JNkxIiheNoA/s1600/pic2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBHK9746MmqO-rf54FZGPNAg8VtkWLPqX8G1_XnRQCwDnUa89kvbExUaz6d6lhrsYbjfRVYTdWK9JVOzZ7DrgSFDglf-_Jbh5Av9C5MSuNqwcMEf1B697pdet69JEVBv1JNkxIiheNoA/s320/pic2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477110557559564114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>I sprayed a heavy coating of adhesive on the surface of the bat. I used standard adhesive that comes in a spray can (like spray paint) that you can get at Lowe's or Home Depot. I placed the cut-out foam on top of the bat and pressed down to ensure the entire surface of the foam mat was in contact with adhesive. I let that sit overnight. The next day I cut the foam with scissors to match the shape of the bat.</div><div><br /></div><div>View from underneath:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisteDGonr8SLZPt_vOzb9B-D2DfEPYApY1CH400CxMAXLni7cjLrIE914OSrICKyT8BxtGUtl8mRPWwVhnnYtmQ-lp4V0ygLWUPtJBHxpWrq1mKJtMuQIZJ_fDhOOnJUpfALU6UpQUnYg/s1600/pic4.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisteDGonr8SLZPt_vOzb9B-D2DfEPYApY1CH400CxMAXLni7cjLrIE914OSrICKyT8BxtGUtl8mRPWwVhnnYtmQ-lp4V0ygLWUPtJBHxpWrq1mKJtMuQIZJ_fDhOOnJUpfALU6UpQUnYg/s320/pic4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477112462769101618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>View from above:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21RssELgfbLxCZoEp7LcoaOdtNfqw6SlUQbJeOfoATOFllJmy6UwZVohwGamdyOIDG7ndi0gtViAbhobqccQmdFW2evvu6Fif6rwcyPbAAgUPpQI8xpPldyi7wphjS2qYhjFl7_CECGY/s1600/pic3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21RssELgfbLxCZoEp7LcoaOdtNfqw6SlUQbJeOfoATOFllJmy6UwZVohwGamdyOIDG7ndi0gtViAbhobqccQmdFW2evvu6Fif6rwcyPbAAgUPpQI8xpPldyi7wphjS2qYhjFl7_CECGY/s320/pic3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477111299741318418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>The lines you see on the foam are guides to help center. I used a Sharpie pen to do this. The bat was place on my wheel and I started it spinning at about the speed I use to center clay. I held my hand very steady (using my leg as a brace) and placed the pen on the foam bat near the center. After the first circle was complete I lifted the pen, moved it out approximately one-half inch and repeated the process until I reached the end of the foam. The centering lines have really helped and I highly recommend them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I quickly discovered that I needed to trim pieces that were larger than the bat pictured above. While in St. Petersburg I stopped by The Highwater Clay store at St. Pete Clay and bought a large bat (3/4" thick by 22" wide). I used this bat to make a larger foam bat to trim. Here it is:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZbkweWdVtkalgC0xXvkMPK4Kqa8iU8jmGErrptJM_hGG8Z-3FSRETFnk6qnDH8OoiXA_KvKkt4szbVSLttZ_rmK1_pjUO-QsDxM6vZJ8Y5up6IfRVA1N2MHUuJXVm_DtU7uCF_4vXo/s1600/pic5.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZbkweWdVtkalgC0xXvkMPK4Kqa8iU8jmGErrptJM_hGG8Z-3FSRETFnk6qnDH8OoiXA_KvKkt4szbVSLttZ_rmK1_pjUO-QsDxM6vZJ8Y5up6IfRVA1N2MHUuJXVm_DtU7uCF_4vXo/s320/pic5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477518267938218322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>From the side showing the thickness...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO38yxJELgeqYVDxxf7vnDIhy0z9UWB20lwfw6sAAaGJzmAfHdHpCcwPQKUQltNwKxKwtxKa1bxj7SUq4iRKNSk169kGI1SnrTFgtRupLORtXm5O0eZZrEwMTw4Cl7v8zKIheV3bmW4q0/s1600/pic6.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO38yxJELgeqYVDxxf7vnDIhy0z9UWB20lwfw6sAAaGJzmAfHdHpCcwPQKUQltNwKxKwtxKa1bxj7SUq4iRKNSk169kGI1SnrTFgtRupLORtXm5O0eZZrEwMTw4Cl7v8zKIheV3bmW4q0/s320/pic6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477518550710700866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>Tips for centering your pot: </div><div><ol><li>I place the pot in the center of the bat and get it as close to the nearest marking as possible. </li><li>I start the wheel turning very slowly and place my finger near the bottom of the pot.</li><li>As the wheel head turns you will be able to judge how centered it is. Stop the wheel and adjust accordingly.</li><li>Once centered push down on the pot to help stabilize it.</li></ol><div>I can usually center a pot on the foam board in about 30 seconds. I like using it so much for trimming that I only use the Giffin Grip when I have to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck and I hope this explanation has helped!</div></div><div><br /></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-19831402498482971922010-05-27T14:56:00.004-04:002010-05-27T15:06:34.636-04:00New Tumblers<div style="text-align: left;">I've made a lot of mugs throughout the years but never tumblers. I've always liked tumblers, but never made the time to try throwing the form. Yesterday I decided it was time to make a few:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbU_peu-0qmfGrLEAhCYZwVf2ScM-K5wiE3rHx1YCItPf90W5Tgkh2dmHbHq0luYE4W9Hw5eVtkrdtBxtUp0fGgDs9Ck1Ub1STxvtgYdR08GlRoWuFkk4yp0xtZxDelF2IwmMyFh5BNc/s1600/tumblers.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbU_peu-0qmfGrLEAhCYZwVf2ScM-K5wiE3rHx1YCItPf90W5Tgkh2dmHbHq0luYE4W9Hw5eVtkrdtBxtUp0fGgDs9Ck1Ub1STxvtgYdR08GlRoWuFkk4yp0xtZxDelF2IwmMyFh5BNc/s320/tumblers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476028195551891234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you think? I'm happy with them. Now I'm thinking about what glaze(s) to use. I might try the same glaze combination I use on mugs: a liner glaze that turns out a very light blue and a fake ash glaze on the outside that is applied thicket toward the top so there's a small amount of running. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Any suggestions?</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-71212486895429012482010-05-24T10:07:00.004-04:002010-05-24T10:17:09.246-04:00Getting Ready to Fire<div style="text-align: left;">For months I have been promising myself that I would take a day to make a bunch of mugs. I always found that I had other things on the agenda and the mugs got pushed to the end of the list. This weekend I stopped procrastinating and Saturday was 'Mug Day'. I threw about three dozen of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I found that setting them out back on the kiln in full sunlight drastically cut down the time I had to wait until they were ready for handles. No more covering them overnight with plastic, checking every few hours, etc. About an hour or so in the Florida sun and they're ready to go...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiWtYAz1P-wm9ifPTZDLQjOewlhbTUsRtJaqnbYh6DbvkcAVtTxEBwMtoP4BoFUWIKkIIIVvEH6S_Dws5ur-FyyIWNVtrrkwVrahyVsstoSqR7kNmxwjzLseyt7ObXfpBiD29TQJhA20/s1600/row_of_cups.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiWtYAz1P-wm9ifPTZDLQjOewlhbTUsRtJaqnbYh6DbvkcAVtTxEBwMtoP4BoFUWIKkIIIVvEH6S_Dws5ur-FyyIWNVtrrkwVrahyVsstoSqR7kNmxwjzLseyt7ObXfpBiD29TQJhA20/s320/row_of_cups.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474838854832131122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>It's much less time consuming for me to throw a few dozen mugs, set them outside, and start putting handles on them an hour or so later. </div><div><br /></div><div>This coming weekend I will be bisquing a full load in the electric kiln. Finding the time to bisque fire is tough for me. I will not leave the electric kiln on while I'm away. Also, I like to monitor it just in case something goes wrong (see my earlier post). I'm paranoid about the possibility of a fire. I might be too paranoid, but I usually play it safe when it comes to having something at 2000 degrees that's pulling 40+ amps. Due to all of this, I have to be home during the firings. This mean I have to find a weekend where I will be at home during the entire firing. That's easier said that done. This weekend my band is playing Friday night and Sunday night...so it's Saturday or bust. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next weekend I plan on doing a raku firing. Michael Nagy, someone I met at the Charlie and Linda Riggs Workshop, lives in Tampa. He is going to drive up and do the firing with me. He is considering purchasing a clamshell raku kiln (like I have) and wants to see how it performs. I plan to try out the one-step naked raku technique I learned at the Riggs Workshop. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now. Enjoy your day!</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-91075961484230609832010-05-20T22:58:00.003-04:002010-05-20T23:07:42.408-04:00Vases, Vases, and More Vases<div style="text-align: left;">I've been throwing a ton of vases lately. I have a commission (my first) to produce a vase. Here's the latest batch:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD0a-opnpIbSwj6IcSnVj6cpVmqIcHVEjVbVpSWosOgf5wt7Q-4ylzmNsMXnksJUWYK2lZhDxwCkfqfGUtBy7GRYDknMyey0j-iB8JksD63Wx-CGi7ZxOwicjmy0EM7m_yGHYgCX4rXY/s1600/vases1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD0a-opnpIbSwj6IcSnVj6cpVmqIcHVEjVbVpSWosOgf5wt7Q-4ylzmNsMXnksJUWYK2lZhDxwCkfqfGUtBy7GRYDknMyey0j-iB8JksD63Wx-CGi7ZxOwicjmy0EM7m_yGHYgCX4rXY/s320/vases1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473553314869232914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>I plan on using the one-step raku process on these vases that I learned at the Riggs' Workshop earlier this month in Atlanta. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/mikespots">HERE</a> to see videos I took during the workshop.</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-71546441046629805192010-05-13T10:33:00.004-04:002010-05-13T10:59:02.504-04:00More Kiln Repair<div style="text-align: left;">Not only did my electric kiln require repair but I discovered that my Olympic Torchbearer gas kiln wasn't working properly either. They way the Torchbearers work is that you ignite the pilot ring located below the kiln. This keeps the four main burners firing should one go out. This is accomplished by holding down a red button on the baso-magnetic value. After 30 seconds or so a magnetic value causes the gas supply to the ring to be continuous. This also enables the firing of the main burners. After some troubleshoot I discovered the baso-magnetic valve was no longer functioning properly. Here's a picture of the baso-magnetic valve:</div><div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ApmxkYQe4Am249EvBRL41LGGYS-GfjMbZQrArsCQeATYtaPF7gbvXp6D3JX3Y2gAHnuYB7DfKO5WIYcQquczXmZ99lA47_dVeK-sRiUadM-QnLHnJKPrTMbI6SSr7At7kaPvowRf2KE/s1600/IMG_2446.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ApmxkYQe4Am249EvBRL41LGGYS-GfjMbZQrArsCQeATYtaPF7gbvXp6D3JX3Y2gAHnuYB7DfKO5WIYcQquczXmZ99lA47_dVeK-sRiUadM-QnLHnJKPrTMbI6SSr7At7kaPvowRf2KE/s320/IMG_2446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470768065553067890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>I called Olympic Kilns and the technician I spoke with was very helpful. He said, if not covered properly, water can get down into the valve through the button assembly. I had not been covering my kiln well enough and I'm positive this is what happened. I had to order a new bas0-magnetic valve ($105.00). It arrived within a few days and installation took about five minutes. The kiln is now working properly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since this event I cover the kiln much better than before to assure this problem doesn't occur in the future. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBk6tUUJYY5-x_F4RJmgguSW4EGJ19ZLJpjgnbKfi7IvWfVRcfmPJSNUHTRzJPKBp1kJyD4N0FE-Dtb5YdgOu5q5A0gKOXIwdJEGNOrd6RCqC2yk-5RuWyKbOKMRX6Mb_a0lzlgUBog0/s1600/IMG_2444.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBk6tUUJYY5-x_F4RJmgguSW4EGJ19ZLJpjgnbKfi7IvWfVRcfmPJSNUHTRzJPKBp1kJyD4N0FE-Dtb5YdgOu5q5A0gKOXIwdJEGNOrd6RCqC2yk-5RuWyKbOKMRX6Mb_a0lzlgUBog0/s320/IMG_2444.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470768960338159362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>I have wrapped the baso-magnetic valve especially well:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0V997rEYuCkqaX347dLr9-utLI0ry__zKUOhwYvWE4mz_3IccCkWCsnfXclN5a_4Uj8tHShkPrBL_-LCbL7bElPVzXubI2XnSsiScxR7Fkn6gJNu3KHLz_AVyn26VhS1_uYLeSHTu0o/s1600/IMG_2445.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0V997rEYuCkqaX347dLr9-utLI0ry__zKUOhwYvWE4mz_3IccCkWCsnfXclN5a_4Uj8tHShkPrBL_-LCbL7bElPVzXubI2XnSsiScxR7Fkn6gJNu3KHLz_AVyn26VhS1_uYLeSHTu0o/s320/IMG_2445.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470769094370679538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>I hope this information helps anyone with a Torchbearer kiln. Keep it covered well!</div></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-30000054232860119132010-05-12T09:19:00.006-04:002010-05-12T10:20:06.196-04:00Kiln Repair<div style="text-align: left;">Last week I started a bisque firing in my electric kiln. I have an L&L Jupiter kiln and I've been very happy with it. I typically use the 'easy fire - slow bisque' program to cone 08. I checked on the kiln periodically and things seemed to be going normally. Then, after several hours, I noticed the temperature was rising too quickly. I turned the kiln off (using the switch on the control panel). I continued to hear the elements heating up even though the kiln was 'off'. I pulled the plug from the wall and heard the elements stop heating. Once the kiln cooled down I began the investigation.</div><div><br /></div><div>First I unplugged the power cables to each element set from the controller. I immediately noticed a problem with the zone 1 outlet (that controls the top two levels of elements). This is what I found:</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVdnddclgS8E8FK1AtrBivsBp0nC3gmoA9mHZ15IO3GF2uUyfHC9pckwJl4II4lPV5OS_19euzeKODMfN5E-_kRwgLfaOi9FKGsFsDfs7WWq1GPOqU_odRSHk4Rdp2Z8IOjP0ipl-OaU/s1600/IMG_2439.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVdnddclgS8E8FK1AtrBivsBp0nC3gmoA9mHZ15IO3GF2uUyfHC9pckwJl4II4lPV5OS_19euzeKODMfN5E-_kRwgLfaOi9FKGsFsDfs7WWq1GPOqU_odRSHk4Rdp2Z8IOjP0ipl-OaU/s320/IMG_2439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470386157677004194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a></div><div>The cord to the controller was also damaged at the plug:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd2Q8-TpPSJDMWQoqc55sONQCAHnqoH-UI_unZjHA6PEtDDHlZUa1t9j4_s1TxJVHExggwWwuyzKWu0vqNq37v-_zTmfs8TtRZGjRa_KbbdLxLy3euLPcCLsX3p-LCw1_GQegRJE06XE/s1600/IMG_2443.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd2Q8-TpPSJDMWQoqc55sONQCAHnqoH-UI_unZjHA6PEtDDHlZUa1t9j4_s1TxJVHExggwWwuyzKWu0vqNq37v-_zTmfs8TtRZGjRa_KbbdLxLy3euLPcCLsX3p-LCw1_GQegRJE06XE/s320/IMG_2443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470386589155174530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a></div><div>I replaced the outlet as well as the cable. L&L was great to work with. I phoned in the order and the items were delivered just a few days later. After replacing these items I plugged the kiln into the wall and immediately heard the elements start to heat up...even though the kiln was turned off at the controller. Therefore, I had replace the damaged items but the problem wasn't resolved. I determined the only other thing it could be was the relay. I called L&L and ordered a new relay:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmKEriYkoR8SSiRp7l0I3ylSZGBAFUlcGQqYQcJqJmyMJV6pHwd4ulUsQ6bnXUeQWiJlJEes_Cu8jOgCXq1SdPXZjK4-J7dH7nC6F9IfTxwQyU_STqqi2VTpyc-h_ZYRr-rYjPovTnpU/s1600/IMG_2440.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmKEriYkoR8SSiRp7l0I3ylSZGBAFUlcGQqYQcJqJmyMJV6pHwd4ulUsQ6bnXUeQWiJlJEes_Cu8jOgCXq1SdPXZjK4-J7dH7nC6F9IfTxwQyU_STqqi2VTpyc-h_ZYRr-rYjPovTnpU/s320/IMG_2440.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470387425602583986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a></div><div>I installed the new relay and then tested the kiln once more. Everything worked perfectly. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was my first experience with kiln repair...other than replacing elements. It wasn't too bad. I've got lots of greenware to fire. Time to get busy!</div></div></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-14531482157439123952009-11-28T23:52:00.003-05:002009-11-29T00:32:29.923-05:00Go GatorsI know this is a pottery blog but tonight I watched the number one ranked Florida Gators defeat the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Grifin Stadium. It was a beatdown...37-10. Beating your rival is always enjoyable!<div><br /></div><div>It was Tim Tebow's last game at home and I was there to see it. After the game he walked around the field shaking hands with fans. 30 minutes after the game ended 90% of the crowd was still there. He is the greatest college football player in history and makes me extra proud that I'm a Gator. Not only is he amazing on the field but he is just as special off the field. <div><br /></div><div>It's great to be a Florida Gator. It's the SEC Championship game next Saturday against Alabama and then, after beating the Tide, the National Championship game! Go Gators! <div><br /></div><div><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs072.snc3/13968_1252833011304_1543913656_668797_6534581_n.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Tim Tebow, #15. Resume includes: one Heisman Trophy, two SEC Championships, two National Championships, and playing for thirds! Oh yeah baby!</div></div></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-42123500022342682302009-11-24T23:34:00.006-05:002009-11-25T08:02:17.543-05:00Reduction Firing VideoHere is a video I made while firing my kiln for the first time. I will post more pictures as soon as I have time. Enjoy!<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8dvEVHy_k3hatbj2fRem9IKbUGEXmLB2aEgHWMyv2d9mEtR97J2SSZsYQz8yorTPB-8DCVU-hK1-6m0gcbA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-2167701205965318492009-11-23T17:01:00.020-05:002009-11-23T22:07:07.670-05:00Celebration of Seagrove Potters<div style="text-align: left;">This past weekend was spent attending the Celebration of Seagrove Potters festival in Seagrove, North Carolina. This is the fifth year in a row I've attended and the quality of pottery (and people) is unequaled. The first year I attended I found a bed and breakfast in nearby Siler City named <a href="http://www.celebritydairy.com/">Celebrity Inn Dairy</a>. It's a working goat dairy farm that is also a bed and breakfast. The place is great - super nice people and wonderful animals. Here are few pictures I took while there:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUlKsYiDBD1AHO4rEwCDgvsnGDKaMpAJ3jWolonvZZaQTEruyrH-1VldC9HATHlKRXBDaKMLLPTnLGFMxhzqy-bF2Gap1KU2Abk_A4dGNsIDVMph_er9CklMmiaWR8Z7ngLYMWolTnk/s320/IMG_2172.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUlKsYiDBD1AHO4rEwCDgvsnGDKaMpAJ3jWolonvZZaQTEruyrH-1VldC9HATHlKRXBDaKMLLPTnLGFMxhzqy-bF2Gap1KU2Abk_A4dGNsIDVMph_er9CklMmiaWR8Z7ngLYMWolTnk/s320/IMG_2172.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz62bUOl31RVO52KwP5UblRg3xo_Ufq8xZIWAqw2WBAkLJ07ymEcV7IJcPZAtX5WztrXKJHXpWCszQ2Mm5nEtxCC3r34j0gSINbvB5D5EvOK8lFf5APGZbidxZi2dnzxVuCaAUUiioic/s320/IMG_2173.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbYFW_qzWv4iUNxjBNb-NyzXmtKJ_ZKyqymgRz21EcadxxvvG2uaJNoLrNfLPAF9_Vk47wqkfY7OmVE_v4kdgFLFpRZ5T-a9maED1VtIK6187XiuIfMG3DnWNOvRjP5S5aCKXqExH4Zk/s320/IMG_2168.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdL695PP5EWUE2cOAq-oOUfFUGkeR7KVPqW4emfc6PKtME22LX7MwDibcvBuS3tPJHb2IBsaWB-_xqUvL5YeAJ-JjOmVBOH2pDEgzyewkCHRJIsAA4WJDwvgR58mMTsYKI8xQiunzYEA/s320/IMG_2165.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We attended the Gala on Friday night at Luck's Cannery. This was an opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy some food, listen to the band, and be the first to preview and buy pots. It was well attended!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabIggSO3kaeXz8pe9lRfCNSuvtypaSAL597J5QLCpAA1vmxYAMnF-SEThvjgcMuqCxeIwR3_OWnvkmX3kcFGnDZcfikdK0x3Fpf4fPJ29McdO75qHdNdUHMokSiLtCW4HR7zJpyzVZ0k/s320/IMG_2164.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We returned Saturday and walked through again. I bought a few more pots but was quite content with what I purchased Friday evening.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAQaUaHCcOQsVywG6GQTwLnCNXOoh2KKwyDekSRlSmBTzj91dHTJzR6CMXN-2rmTG3rJmWguSOQ98PRJ0Jk0ia7wCA__-cZNfa73x4MbEZomBHr1C2sB1L5L5nscTzjGl-OJgGTeVeoo/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2z_f50tUrtcQ-EdEB2wN8LYcESOvQbTzsHnAz5ElwytR5gyM1ZAEivnPjh8hKegNH5HZOdb-Y3-KScMWgwwaqfk5yLgGNh3ubr2ajuPk0KIln9tC_XxK8uQEtTlAvGls3iE8EigYkv8/s320/IMG_2162.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday night was spent in nearby Pittsboro having dinner at the General Store Cafe. This place is amazing and it was quite a find. The atmosphere is great and the food is amazing. <a href="http://www.gravyboys.com/">The Gravy Boys</a> rocked the house for over three hours. The Gravy Boys are a semi-local band that plays Americana music (like that in the movie 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou?'). These are some of the finest musicians I've had the pleasure of hearing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a great breakfast at Celebrity Dairy on Sunday morning we headed over to Mark Hewitt's. Mark is such a nice person and we spent about an hour chatting with him and looking over his pots. I bought a few and will upload pictures of them soon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuF8Hn_xVRaS5u-7fKEgVefOA6ekMKC0zlj2ZO5yGPLMI5jAzGqYVIV7xIvcV442OFYcfGAr6LQ2GkRDap58p2UDqXQla1ndgJMC8QOn_PlQpoXShGQNmsn8hiGEoZqpE6zUGhDGfnpE/s320/IMG_2188.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61uJhfY-ewK05A8F9Fn58csTIQrj2dAcQt2bMk_x9oY2X1Xtd_ghZx78H3C4yahh76gz7iTrmM5R6uTsHSEROty7RpRvOqsKHcvb3S-MMzo2K04EoNkhfYsxg_Lrzvk5GyOeryRKcIoc/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkY5Yn3xKPRWHJdqHshf797Niri1ww_1NWSfGtd1s-aqMH6eB7Lzo5x-8KVYRbLn2OOCBS5EreLm9LLLEXYdke_H3l4UCajoJzamFAOSyvvlZQRPEMt7Qy4_UuKYCXQZBK8K4GLMWIqI/s320/IMG_2186.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDo-gKA0h3SqYhaEiOEd1FziipPC14-zAZ8Bs05b9Y2XIDYVnFW80HpVf2_LGw7kE3sdrZJigNcCYsLo3LQ0diAO4fr5CJzmeEnA5U0ATsDQ7STcPL-zCdHXR8-TeVLb0kBbrZAdkAvec/s320/IMG_2190.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After leaving Mark's we drove up to Creedmoor, NC to the Cedar Creek. While strolling through the gallery I spotted a Melon Pitcher by Steven Hill. I couldn't leave without it. The picture I took (with my cell phone) isn't that great. Here it is:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw83aI7f1ciGWFTDvv2KqcwCLLytQHPIR2JUI1OndDSIKcELbsao1Wm1d5wxQDOywL0cBXpvp2omkvqrMTZiUY6QRZOZ1iIx_PZ95RUIarqjzPBX-tY2E3SjxKOpXpIwkZaWUWbrcbW9Y/s320/IMG_2192.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's blurry and this photo doesn't do it justice. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a great four-day weekend of pottery! Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Well, that's it for now. I will post more pictures of new pots I bought once I photograph them. I also finished firing my gas kiln last weekend (firing #1). I will be posting photos and a video of that adventure soon. Thanks for visiting!</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-83526116518421166012009-10-26T14:50:00.002-04:002009-10-26T14:57:07.843-04:00New Trimming ToolYesterday I received my new Bison trimming tool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_I1ti-QzjCHkw1rmtOyNxBMqzknhSU701zXkBNcU5EiEJzML8HqTofScVTDjN6RGF4zC82maGVEEQPUiogGjKcI4qrDBw_H6ZO4sOPcDqtZ_SDwoWQicdqCY7DJ00DNcpzW8tHI_S5A/s1600-h/IMG_0106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_I1ti-QzjCHkw1rmtOyNxBMqzknhSU701zXkBNcU5EiEJzML8HqTofScVTDjN6RGF4zC82maGVEEQPUiogGjKcI4qrDBw_H6ZO4sOPcDqtZ_SDwoWQicdqCY7DJ00DNcpzW8tHI_S5A/s320/IMG_0106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396984536417834642" border="0" /></a><br />My friend <a href="http://www.tiltonpottery.com/">John Tilton</a> has used them for years and has nothing but great things to say about them. The tools are made by Philip Poburka in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are made from tungsten carbide and stay very sharp. I love the rounded wooden handle. The shape keeps the tool firmly in your hand as you trim. The Bison tools website is located <a href="http://bisonstudios.com/index.html#material">here</a>.<br /><br />If you have used these tools please share your feedback.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-56930876116880032262009-10-13T21:57:00.004-04:002009-10-13T22:16:09.222-04:00Getting CenteredThis evening was spent throwing a couple of new forms. I have never made 'chips and salsa' platters before and decided to give it a try. I was happy with the outcome:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVG3drSGuFi0ZG3ibOw4o_55l2hDsTNzifJbkVm3ZqAsPTATpxuA3xgTIra470CDs6rNHXFC4yGmM56M_ZIy0_XX2yMAvJNP47SAthrhq2y7K_k6jpW-dojG1OkWdmStQCKGbVqgidCU/s1600-h/IMG_0092.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVG3drSGuFi0ZG3ibOw4o_55l2hDsTNzifJbkVm3ZqAsPTATpxuA3xgTIra470CDs6rNHXFC4yGmM56M_ZIy0_XX2yMAvJNP47SAthrhq2y7K_k6jpW-dojG1OkWdmStQCKGbVqgidCU/s320/IMG_0092.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392269367649887074" border="0" /></a><br />The walls of the bowl in the middle is higher than the walls on the rim of the platter. After throwing them I stood there trying to determine the best way to trim the bottom. Any suggestions?<br /><br />Over the past couple of months I have been working with larger amounts of clay on the wheel. As I increase the amount of clay I have found that centering can be quite challenging. As part of this process I have spent considerable time thinking about my technique and paying very close attention to every movement I make (in preparing the clay as well as centering it). This has helped me learn a valuable lesson - DON'T HURRY, TAKE YOUR TIME. I used to try and get the clay centered quickly and had a lot of trouble. It works on two pounds of clay but not on ten. Once I slowed everything down I found that clay is much easier to center on a wheel. Another lesson I learned - PREPARE THE CLAY PROPERLY BEFORE PUTTING IT ON THE WHEEL. After kneading the clay I spend some extra time shaping it into a nice cone. A nice cone shape does so much to simplify centering. <br /><br />Tonight I felt like I reached a milestone. I was able to center twenty pounds of clay - by far the largest amount I have ever attempted to center. Now when I look at ten pounds, which used to be very intimidating, I have the confidence to know I can handle it without a problem.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-12947859933724864502009-10-12T22:13:00.005-04:002009-10-12T22:25:41.862-04:00Test GlazesAfter months of procrastinating I finally made up batches of test glaze. All glazes are cone 10 reduction glazes and are best fired using the R1 firing profile in John Britt's book The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes. The glazes I will be testing are:<br /><br /><ol><li>Malcolm's Shino</li><li>John's Red</li><li>Rutile Blue 1</li><li>Winnie Blue</li><li>Choy Celedon</li><li>Penn State Shino</li><li>Leach Clear</li><li>Ice Trap Celedon</li><li>Hamada Temmoku</li><li>St. John's Black</li><li>Tilton Gator Skin</li><li>Hanna's Fake Ash</li><li>Haynes White</li></ol>Here is a picture of my scale and empty cups on the new table:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gJzJ5FUDaFGzW8luoBPMnaAvQjThrlymE0EMA1dBwHgP5KYSObc3lj4qQJj4oOxmphikx9eZd8fhxc0tpcfe7ka10M5Jnv41y0QBpjArbdA7KUnawH7qgksnA1mhSh5acY2SXUcj8Hg/s1600-h/IMG_1921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gJzJ5FUDaFGzW8luoBPMnaAvQjThrlymE0EMA1dBwHgP5KYSObc3lj4qQJj4oOxmphikx9eZd8fhxc0tpcfe7ka10M5Jnv41y0QBpjArbdA7KUnawH7qgksnA1mhSh5acY2SXUcj8Hg/s320/IMG_1921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391903103380423522" border="0" /></a><br />The scale at work:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6G5T0dsbG3FQdUi2fnnxgI7j1LqB_AwYSBaoSeR2ZZJMKAz5-D0Lg2grq7WmNouel2EUApT_1uPRCAsMQY5GVpid6DMxn7G0pXETADPqfzadkJfv6uETh-dp7OQM6mgl3zen1syoudA/s1600-h/IMG_1922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6G5T0dsbG3FQdUi2fnnxgI7j1LqB_AwYSBaoSeR2ZZJMKAz5-D0Lg2grq7WmNouel2EUApT_1uPRCAsMQY5GVpid6DMxn7G0pXETADPqfzadkJfv6uETh-dp7OQM6mgl3zen1syoudA/s320/IMG_1922.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391903313946448962" border="0" /></a><br />All the glazes have been mixed and the cups sealed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBlKx5vF4eLExmzdFBNdxJcJD8scsP4Hh6fwOpQpurJxSLJ2AweQ2MQKFHxt2FWRp8vAupJWL9hQYf-SDXXj83vdToxBAeP6Eh9lvp3H8PZ13US_yUqXL3tvvldKSPfwcyWBL11pezVM/s1600-h/IMG_1923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBlKx5vF4eLExmzdFBNdxJcJD8scsP4Hh6fwOpQpurJxSLJ2AweQ2MQKFHxt2FWRp8vAupJWL9hQYf-SDXXj83vdToxBAeP6Eh9lvp3H8PZ13US_yUqXL3tvvldKSPfwcyWBL11pezVM/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391903542268726738" border="0" /></a><br />I need to fire at least one more bisque load (in the electric kiln) before I'm ready to fire the gas kiln. Trying to find a day on the weekend to fire it has been challenging. This weekend I will be attending a workshop at <a href="http://www.stpeteclay.com/">St. Pete Clay</a> with <span class="text5">Elmer Taylor. The workshop is a throwing and trimming workshop with concentration on lids, spouts, and handles. I'm missing the Florida Gators football game vs. Arkansas to attend this workshop. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I must love throwing pots...because I don't miss Gator football games!!!<br /><br />Just a quick note before I sign off - I've been captivated lately by soda firing. I've looked at a lot of soda fired pots online and I find myself amazed by the colores and textures. I'm starting to educate myself on the soda firing process. In addition to testing the glazes above I am contemplating mixing some slips and having them fired in the soda kiln at <a href="http://www.atlanticpotterysupply.com/productcart/pc/home.asp">Atlantic Pottery Supply</a> in Jacksonville (about an hour and a half away). More to come...<br /><br />Goodnight!<br /></span>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-40127927586881604432009-09-29T23:00:00.005-04:002009-09-29T23:07:18.681-04:00New TableThis past weekend I constructed a new table for the studio. The old table, built mainly as a wedging and kneading table, was just too small. I needed some table space upon which to work. I lowered the height of the new table (compared to the old one) to make it more comfortable to knead clay. It's now less stressful on the arms and lower back. I bought a wooden stool to sit on which puts me just where I want to be (height-wise) when sitting at the table. I added two sheets of white, thick canvas on the top. Here are a couple of pictures:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM75rIoLLoTVd-9DTUt6vh8HMhW3lNNiR_cDgtipo3nbQSl3r4iA5WgNPOD4VdV8_uGixnftcVHkXHp2aWdHwkGnOwRJ8nbOn1IYxPx_8p8Z1mQQUlGPbvCDjD9VAMtFP1U2RylC6rio/s1600-h/IMG_1910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM75rIoLLoTVd-9DTUt6vh8HMhW3lNNiR_cDgtipo3nbQSl3r4iA5WgNPOD4VdV8_uGixnftcVHkXHp2aWdHwkGnOwRJ8nbOn1IYxPx_8p8Z1mQQUlGPbvCDjD9VAMtFP1U2RylC6rio/s320/IMG_1910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387090960781282658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR6VpYMroUTTZNvVqc-dxB50Z6qICmtCW8WiVbUaFbF_nG7zhG3EDPXIIgkkPHieJEVGvJFvoB-mtWATbqY2sUeGnuxbqRLmf0YqFvmEOapyYHujAXB9XgytAXQQe8rlfXMWPYQympFk/s1600-h/IMG_1911.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR6VpYMroUTTZNvVqc-dxB50Z6qICmtCW8WiVbUaFbF_nG7zhG3EDPXIIgkkPHieJEVGvJFvoB-mtWATbqY2sUeGnuxbqRLmf0YqFvmEOapyYHujAXB9XgytAXQQe8rlfXMWPYQympFk/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387091106425030290" border="0" /></a><br />I've been throwing lots of porcelain cups and mugs lately. I haven't thrown with porcelain for some time but lately I've been really enjoying working with it. I will post some pictures soon! Thanks for visiting.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-32683354945722994412009-09-08T20:47:00.003-04:002009-09-08T20:48:35.870-04:00Raku FiringHere's a photo of a piece from todays raku firing. The glaze is called Holly Red.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVJ1qoEgZ2wF3vrGD-sel8fsmQrsomV6zhiiq6trDd2DSGWH12zIPU0KQye8XrVC9UByJ6Mb9cor58Uss84F9ezlPexPP0Yc05TPdbvWqbMWm8n0Z33vOXjfWekZN6TsZeyVtPfNKvUE/s1600-h/IMG_0038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVJ1qoEgZ2wF3vrGD-sel8fsmQrsomV6zhiiq6trDd2DSGWH12zIPU0KQye8XrVC9UByJ6Mb9cor58Uss84F9ezlPexPP0Yc05TPdbvWqbMWm8n0Z33vOXjfWekZN6TsZeyVtPfNKvUE/s320/IMG_0038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379263130416166866" border="0" /></a><br />I will post more photos in the next couple of days.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-4742878436579065832009-08-30T20:06:00.002-04:002009-08-30T20:10:56.716-04:00Why Are My Plates Exploding???I bisqued a load of pots a couple of days ago. When I opened the kiln this afternoon I noticed several of the plates had literally exploded. These plates were ones to which I applied slip. I threw the plates using Highwater Raku clay and then put Highwater Helios porcelain slip on the inside of the plates. I'm 99.99% sure the plates were completely dry at the time of firing. They had been sitting on a shelf in the studio for over a week (in Florida with no central AC). <br /><br />Has anyone experienced such a problem? Could it be a difference in shrinkage rate? Could it be that some moisture was still present?<br /><br />Any help is greatly appreciated!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-636626053568948182009-08-24T22:43:00.010-04:002009-08-24T23:05:26.756-04:00New StuffI finally got the studio organized the way I want it. To be more specific, after lots of trial and error, I have discovered how much stuff I can get in there and still have space to work. I now have most of my tools located within 'reaching distance' of my wheel. No more walking across the studio with clay-covered hands to get something<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkddPD9sP9KL0XWxZV6wyM5f7TWySJp6d5JZn13BWPBp8dBqtxLuxavKQJ3OMWXXCJ-KyTY4IGr0y9KbGrfi81gEBSbRdKLqgOgrLxPcO-5Q688TrFz9U31Jw3peVzyC98CAbzD_9mdCc/s1600-h/IMG_1893.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkddPD9sP9KL0XWxZV6wyM5f7TWySJp6d5JZn13BWPBp8dBqtxLuxavKQJ3OMWXXCJ-KyTY4IGr0y9KbGrfi81gEBSbRdKLqgOgrLxPcO-5Q688TrFz9U31Jw3peVzyC98CAbzD_9mdCc/s320/IMG_1893.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373730654464396898" border="0" /></a><br />I recently bought a large metal shelf with wheels. Very useful:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZs0CL7JAFO0GXaV0KbX5rpDVHn5qK5hXNWSnl2C8lwxOxvgudDWp_jyoF0Qc9c3OcrswLLgPVrpXklapzpth4ZfJ-i78lBaIZ9rajgHeaadIM2R8hN6sZG7F7dqZX0DOLtASAS_4vbA/s1600-h/IMG_1889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZs0CL7JAFO0GXaV0KbX5rpDVHn5qK5hXNWSnl2C8lwxOxvgudDWp_jyoF0Qc9c3OcrswLLgPVrpXklapzpth4ZfJ-i78lBaIZ9rajgHeaadIM2R8hN6sZG7F7dqZX0DOLtASAS_4vbA/s320/IMG_1889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373727385918810258" border="0" /></a><br />I liked the large cart so much i bought another, smaller metal cart to hold slip, terra sig, and miscellaneous other items:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWrkhwwnWyl34NvY2vAbZAB_H1G_PBhT2GZhCIJNxCB5ZCblFZQoZHR31GFbqLHBAVgVO0busF9cgBuqnU_jYCyjozmbfsWHgHtX0P_ZTZH_MR9IxkH6-4RSC2od6NY6CE9hJmhxcuxo/s1600-h/IMG_1891.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWrkhwwnWyl34NvY2vAbZAB_H1G_PBhT2GZhCIJNxCB5ZCblFZQoZHR31GFbqLHBAVgVO0busF9cgBuqnU_jYCyjozmbfsWHgHtX0P_ZTZH_MR9IxkH6-4RSC2od6NY6CE9hJmhxcuxo/s320/IMG_1891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373727720528701266" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a closeup shot of the small cart. It holds slip I made for each type of clay I use: Zella Stone, Loafers Glory, Raku, and Helios (all Highwater Clays). Additionally, I created a mixture of Helios porcelain with red iron oxide (8% RIO). On the bottom shelf is terra sigillata as well as some Magic Water I use to connect clay (mainly for handles).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAlTuTR72SryWQXumGUHXesoRJH24KBZmCuk7uLjrojzuPdBxGlJZGxKKX4EndF2C_LzTXjGhgHPfnU8dNmGZlvv4zED3p_qjdYmkXKtwwk8J6rnFljUGbZ-F7jwKBMz0sBgpiH81ANs/s1600-h/IMG_1901.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAlTuTR72SryWQXumGUHXesoRJH24KBZmCuk7uLjrojzuPdBxGlJZGxKKX4EndF2C_LzTXjGhgHPfnU8dNmGZlvv4zED3p_qjdYmkXKtwwk8J6rnFljUGbZ-F7jwKBMz0sBgpiH81ANs/s320/IMG_1901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373727978469651122" border="0" /></a><br />I recently ordered some new tools from <a href="http://www.kentuckymudworks.com/">Kentucky Mudworks</a>. They carry a line of tools made by 'Dirty Girls Pottery Tools'. I have found them to be very well made. I bought two sling shot tools, one is a straight wire and the other a wiggle wire:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxK1mWTvSLIvhNVYxEUj_wQe1UU3-pzFyI_OIOCBJbcw3HqnlxX95fx5KJnqJquoyV3oA4iYtsmQhAeWq_J5p0iLvo_Rtjw9aEcPjIni-hxbVnLhswxBnTD6VGFflJlIx_7MAiJqXvo/s1600-h/IMG_1899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxK1mWTvSLIvhNVYxEUj_wQe1UU3-pzFyI_OIOCBJbcw3HqnlxX95fx5KJnqJquoyV3oA4iYtsmQhAeWq_J5p0iLvo_Rtjw9aEcPjIni-hxbVnLhswxBnTD6VGFflJlIx_7MAiJqXvo/s320/IMG_1899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373729578726498978" border="0" /></a><br />The other tools I ordered were the 'Great Big Facet Tools'. Again, one straight wire and one wiggle wire:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5ONZjEEis0_gRX3tnO4VUl75TwcufOXv1mQt-YLMlJI4DM5ZVwmG-zTohc-O0a-HdLOf0DJy6rfAsyzVxEmTI2L4oYqmt7Nc1fD9rwIkjwZOLS4fXnviz4gZkdEC0o36yYNdSN60Yh8/s1600-h/IMG_1888.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5ONZjEEis0_gRX3tnO4VUl75TwcufOXv1mQt-YLMlJI4DM5ZVwmG-zTohc-O0a-HdLOf0DJy6rfAsyzVxEmTI2L4oYqmt7Nc1fD9rwIkjwZOLS4fXnviz4gZkdEC0o36yYNdSN60Yh8/s320/IMG_1888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373729726345076114" border="0" /></a><br />I love the roller on these facet tools. I can't wait to use them.<br /><br />I have some more things to post, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. It's getting late and I can barely keep my eyes open. Goodnight!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-70819072453353197692009-08-02T18:50:00.008-04:002009-08-02T19:03:49.743-04:00Terra SigillataToday I made a batch of Terra Sigillata. To be accurate, I made it yesterday and harvested it today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLLUQunhRxzaQKFS8DuRqlasGzELAvGtwBIsgnnhNzwrtQeKJxzDqY2_hUWtRT31N2j0zdwvuJkoUzBmsT8yTKPOvDXZh4ZT7oQYOqy_RxpVU4hl3BCi9MLEn6qBlqq8OhHZf5Mv8N0E/s1600-h/IMG_1877.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLLUQunhRxzaQKFS8DuRqlasGzELAvGtwBIsgnnhNzwrtQeKJxzDqY2_hUWtRT31N2j0zdwvuJkoUzBmsT8yTKPOvDXZh4ZT7oQYOqy_RxpVU4hl3BCi9MLEn6qBlqq8OhHZf5Mv8N0E/s320/IMG_1877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365503469828870002" border="0" /></a><br />I've been wanting to test some slip on raku ware. I made some small test plates with slip in the middle. My plan is to cover the slip with a copper black glaze and put a copper/green glaze on the remainder of the plate. I hope to fire this in the next couple of weeks. I will post my results.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LOzzbT0D1rzO2rZsWurt7fO-FFk4-Zqo0bh7EoT1Tz8_xa31eC4tt_gsWf7_JopoerOfznj7a3exdidZXlYWs8TC3901Ty23CxV2tKHZfKw6pcJjZeP1GG5WHWazjGoRmVruVoFa5Yg/s1600-h/IMG_1881.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LOzzbT0D1rzO2rZsWurt7fO-FFk4-Zqo0bh7EoT1Tz8_xa31eC4tt_gsWf7_JopoerOfznj7a3exdidZXlYWs8TC3901Ty23CxV2tKHZfKw6pcJjZeP1GG5WHWazjGoRmVruVoFa5Yg/s320/IMG_1881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365503949598612706" border="0" /></a><br />I threw a stoneware plate and once again put some slip in the middle. This time I put a layer of helios (porcelain) slip with red iron oxide around the remainder of the plate. Not sure which glazes I will use on this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChroGvNJgDzUfD0BEFPTaOlE8hYWlTTWXLNJRBMozNEHYvlq185LgChtQAMNmojkcLw7p8JQbChHLlS0rV-cKvZJK59rx8trh0gcZxAd23bsNRfUPEdpriacsc_nl9FMLkJp1onz3jVs/s1600-h/IMG_1882.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChroGvNJgDzUfD0BEFPTaOlE8hYWlTTWXLNJRBMozNEHYvlq185LgChtQAMNmojkcLw7p8JQbChHLlS0rV-cKvZJK59rx8trh0gcZxAd23bsNRfUPEdpriacsc_nl9FMLkJp1onz3jVs/s320/IMG_1882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365504499704201106" border="0" /></a><br />I've discovered when applying slip a little thick (as in the photos above), you must do the following:<br /><br />1. The slip must not be too watery, and<br />2. You must dry them very slowly<br /><br />Otherwise the slip will crack.<br /><br />I recently purchased a couple of paint sprayers and I am about to get into spraying glaze. Until now I have only dipped and brushed. My friend <a href="http://www.tiltonpottery.com/">John Tilton</a> is going to give me a few tips this week at his studio. I'm looking forward to it!<br /><br />That's it for now but there are currently a lot of things taking place in the stuido. There should be more postings very soon. Thanks for reading!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-79622726020952361802009-06-22T22:08:00.007-04:002009-06-22T22:43:53.919-04:00Upgrading the Command CenterI decided it was time to alter the setup around the wheel. I need tools to be closer while I'm throwing. Until today, if I needed a tool while throwing, I would have to get up and walk over to the shelves on the north wall of the studio. Well, no longer! I added space for tools:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnJ5qy1r2ioEn7DKIjW0p5Pqi_IWi7xXOq7m4fEdhJ_8uiWdnGHrNDdh6fNq3Cx2NNxJH-nKeiid4ICrHqR3VIFYTSOwhhXF4G8ytLUtMgcn8yeeyfdwe1ucVKI3MKReX9AxxQogUxHo/s1600-h/IMG_1853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnJ5qy1r2ioEn7DKIjW0p5Pqi_IWi7xXOq7m4fEdhJ_8uiWdnGHrNDdh6fNq3Cx2NNxJH-nKeiid4ICrHqR3VIFYTSOwhhXF4G8ytLUtMgcn8yeeyfdwe1ucVKI3MKReX9AxxQogUxHo/s320/IMG_1853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350344932927942994" border="0" /></a><br />I have various tools on the left<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFz96gKdu2AimHf8rzoPKDKDVqPWH1FLtNG8r6ylEY36YCbEB_75naGGNWT2oL-5m5sXg8ACBxywMlSKqq0V_ipZVr9typlq6cK-KU0fMCe6725J-m-YGDYT7momYoEGIIykLq16LGvE/s1600-h/IMG_1854.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFz96gKdu2AimHf8rzoPKDKDVqPWH1FLtNG8r6ylEY36YCbEB_75naGGNWT2oL-5m5sXg8ACBxywMlSKqq0V_ipZVr9typlq6cK-KU0fMCe6725J-m-YGDYT7momYoEGIIykLq16LGvE/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350346341841200386" border="0" /></a><br />...and wooden, metal, and plastic ribs, as well as sponges on the right<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQLCHEXKi8Ig69F5NpdBX5gcd0mkwdrjP-VwpYv_oTaRGZRDipe5EJGnW2ZxqQtJPxI5F7SoFLXkvAcFK7rHvSfu9MfFGPkQY3fXwFWXEGkiBoQ29jtF3yKuoT_Unr3NxSOclVBW6df0/s1600-h/IMG_1855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQLCHEXKi8Ig69F5NpdBX5gcd0mkwdrjP-VwpYv_oTaRGZRDipe5EJGnW2ZxqQtJPxI5F7SoFLXkvAcFK7rHvSfu9MfFGPkQY3fXwFWXEGkiBoQ29jtF3yKuoT_Unr3NxSOclVBW6df0/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350346532362187282" border="0" /></a><br />For the past eight weeks I have been taking an Advanced Throwing course at <a href="http://www.atlanticpotterysupply.com/productcart/pc/home.asp">Atlantic Pottery</a> in Jacksonville. It's been a great experience. This Wednesday is the 'Pickup Party'. The last regular class was two weeks ago and we glazed all the pieces we made in class. They have been fired and we get to take them home this week. <br /><br />I have one more load to bisque in the electric kiln before the inaugural firing of the new gas kiln. I plan to bisque fire mid-next week and then fire the gas kiln a week from this Sunday.<br /><br />It's been a while since I've posted and I apologize. Things have been busy lately but I promise to do a better job in the future.<br /><br />Thanks for visiting!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-13991621868855575452009-04-25T23:02:00.004-04:002009-04-25T23:07:12.947-04:00Tile ResultsI fired the tiles to 1580 degrees F. It was a good opportunity for me to test out my new Oxyprobe. At the end of the firing I decided to do some reduction. The reading on the Oxyprobe was between 0.01 and 0.1 indicating an oxidizing atmosphere in the kiln. I reduced this to 0.65. I didn't do enough to drastically affect the tiles. It was more to see how the Oxyprobe worked before firing my new gas kiln. Here are all the tiles:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL7coMiCG1-nenLmp-M_rtwiCtNhASH0-T1aed2rJcyImOdv8ex8ON5RpPuoGC785DnbiFuKY3N95US_4FY5EhPe68quRn3iM7FCb_i656BYqr4ZyXz_0i1g6Blo1XKChP676yGsUr8Q/s1600-h/IMG_1588.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL7coMiCG1-nenLmp-M_rtwiCtNhASH0-T1aed2rJcyImOdv8ex8ON5RpPuoGC785DnbiFuKY3N95US_4FY5EhPe68quRn3iM7FCb_i656BYqr4ZyXz_0i1g6Blo1XKChP676yGsUr8Q/s320/IMG_1588.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328830939609007650" border="0" /></a>Here's a closeup of a few...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnVpN_GfbmZf8_qbXhd1mJQu9KCS52yGZA2rIW_ZVQo18WK-N4-DLJbeTUKILd3y7AthgEcc_H5W25RkccGCvkETna0qbBsn_zUeSByMuEbGYHR0JcjRP0TRIyEFhR_6Z6ahuokX2uu0/s1600-h/IMG_1597.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnVpN_GfbmZf8_qbXhd1mJQu9KCS52yGZA2rIW_ZVQo18WK-N4-DLJbeTUKILd3y7AthgEcc_H5W25RkccGCvkETna0qbBsn_zUeSByMuEbGYHR0JcjRP0TRIyEFhR_6Z6ahuokX2uu0/s320/IMG_1597.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328831093976450018" border="0" /></a>That's all for now.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-66268094952708920172009-04-24T17:00:00.005-04:002009-04-24T17:15:47.976-04:00Tile TestingFor some time now I have wanted to experiment with various chemicals applied to tiles and wrapping them in aluminum foil (fuming). Today I made the time and prepared the tiles for firing. In addition to ferric chloride, I applied the following substances to the tiles:<br /><br />Cobalt Oxide<br />Copper Sulfate<br />Copper Oxide<br />Copper Sulfate Solution<br />Chrome Oxide Green<br />Red Copper Oxide Solution<br />Cobalt Oxide Solution<br />Copper Carbonate Solution<br />Cobalt Sulfate Solution<br /><br />In total I prepared twelve tiles. I grouped the tiles into sets of three. Set one contained one coating of ferric chloride, set two was given two coats, and so on. Each tile was divided into nine sections (like a tick-tack-toe pattern). I put a substance in eight of the sections and left one with only ferric chloride. Here's a picture of the entire group of tiles:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3Myi83MCyl_nPVwGTr4X2J-TfOxSt6L6W9szhnd7Au_7gdkQxcGJaG6Un11S-SGw0iFmcReusOX5X2ptibHrfAV2Jf2Kq37xAd7BJaY38_Wfhv4hEd9109mh1eV0tTcfoeFdebuPf4Q/s1600-h/IMG_1583.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3Myi83MCyl_nPVwGTr4X2J-TfOxSt6L6W9szhnd7Au_7gdkQxcGJaG6Un11S-SGw0iFmcReusOX5X2ptibHrfAV2Jf2Kq37xAd7BJaY38_Wfhv4hEd9109mh1eV0tTcfoeFdebuPf4Q/s320/IMG_1583.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328367556772592018" border="0" /></a>I had two tiles left over so I coated them completely with some solution. Here's a closeup of one tile...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrd4NjB7ZhsBzB_iEEk-yen5_RUtzmMjRLOdzzitnlsZWbZiJckedgqzCfcrdHEvg3_DeG5ckC56RphCCv6foT_33nbwg5aVJs8dmsYAuhHEjsn13frZ3gTrQnFRXnqfIQK0jfsrJ3I0/s1600-h/IMG_1585.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrd4NjB7ZhsBzB_iEEk-yen5_RUtzmMjRLOdzzitnlsZWbZiJckedgqzCfcrdHEvg3_DeG5ckC56RphCCv6foT_33nbwg5aVJs8dmsYAuhHEjsn13frZ3gTrQnFRXnqfIQK0jfsrJ3I0/s320/IMG_1585.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328367815921543922" border="0" /></a>Each tile also has a few sprinkles of sugar and rock salt.<br /><br />I will be firing it to approximately 1500 degrees Fahrenheit later today. I will post my results whether they are great or horrible!<br /><br />Talk with you soon.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-90756189776157226882009-04-19T18:20:00.008-04:002009-04-19T18:44:10.751-04:00Studio DayI spent most of today in the studio. It's been a busy weekend. Friday I took the day off and spent a good part of the day in the studio. Saturday it was the <a href="http://www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com/">Cedar Key Arts Festival</a> and then dinner with friends, and today it was an 'all day studio day'!<br /><br />Lately I've been going through a sponge phase. I've been trying to find sponges that I like to use while throwing. I've tried several types and still not totally satisfied with any particular type. While in Cedar Key yesterday I noticed a guy selling bags of sponges on Dock Street. They were sea sponges that were harvested right off the coast of Cedar Key. I bought two bags and tried them out today. I have found my sponges!!! I love the way they feel while throwing. Furthermore, they seem to hold just the right amount of water! Here's a picture of two of them:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1ZJ-GDVDGyt-Fdk79gHZMBl7SyUurjPj88SwGXuFEM-xepJGKSBIVpuTE4B1eDo4BeZLiMVykn3IYZx2iEwRMgKWE32Wde-VRVpIow-rcZ5ynJwRJgDBqg9ge1a-ObPFgHkh3jvzOp4/s1600-h/IMG_1581.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1ZJ-GDVDGyt-Fdk79gHZMBl7SyUurjPj88SwGXuFEM-xepJGKSBIVpuTE4B1eDo4BeZLiMVykn3IYZx2iEwRMgKWE32Wde-VRVpIow-rcZ5ynJwRJgDBqg9ge1a-ObPFgHkh3jvzOp4/s320/IMG_1581.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326532319373694226" border="0" /></a><br />My cat, Moose, has been hanging around the studio a lot lately. I'm not sure if he wants to spend time with me or he's bored and has nothing else to do (probably the later). He was hanging around today so I put one of his beds in the studio. He immediately got in it and stayed there for hours...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMgXFcvsgZdP-3ePr9tKTXhFc-pKmpD0PMjqMX2GioviODhLkEY58_fL9vm2esjuNv5Myi9Klez2eWHf6NifT9luNfW2QPpDn6ZL0VB9wx4aHbR_BCTPYIqVs7kwj22iwwoono-_prxs/s1600-h/IMG_1560.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMgXFcvsgZdP-3ePr9tKTXhFc-pKmpD0PMjqMX2GioviODhLkEY58_fL9vm2esjuNv5Myi9Klez2eWHf6NifT9luNfW2QPpDn6ZL0VB9wx4aHbR_BCTPYIqVs7kwj22iwwoono-_prxs/s320/IMG_1560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326533409179974178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sAzBlA1adCc7_N_HWUtY72x4tFluoWFYs4npgQYrThTCdFL0Hj4ulzSW4apOpmnrSr9RVLH2bij5xBHG3uOf4ZcfQVwZyDCYXq0Rqo94mX3vgvtI3dTgVFh2lUnHMtkpyysbQLcttCw/s1600-h/IMG_1562.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sAzBlA1adCc7_N_HWUtY72x4tFluoWFYs4npgQYrThTCdFL0Hj4ulzSW4apOpmnrSr9RVLH2bij5xBHG3uOf4ZcfQVwZyDCYXq0Rqo94mX3vgvtI3dTgVFh2lUnHMtkpyysbQLcttCw/s320/IMG_1562.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326533574628410210" border="0" /></a>When I was done working I started to close up the studio. He wouldn't get off the bed. I picked him up and set him down outside. As I closed the door he shot back in the studio and got in the bed. So I left the door open and I'll go out later tonight and lock up. I just looked out the window and he's still lying on his bed.<br /><br />Today I put handles on some cups I made Friday. Even though I had them covered a few got a little dry. Hopefully the handles will stay on. I have them heavily covered now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVtbK-2dIj7Rc65guGGVv3QklTz0BPReL1DLXKncohTLl0V1xBZbQ56Zd9mT2sKGrs05tDphGYE9wwz9PtWzMz_aTNNbtTtg_4BgiaTqDMo39QfeTtZe28wwCyU5Z__NyFDNnzYFJsmU/s1600-h/IMG_1579.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVtbK-2dIj7Rc65guGGVv3QklTz0BPReL1DLXKncohTLl0V1xBZbQ56Zd9mT2sKGrs05tDphGYE9wwz9PtWzMz_aTNNbtTtg_4BgiaTqDMo39QfeTtZe28wwCyU5Z__NyFDNnzYFJsmU/s320/IMG_1579.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326534277632412066" border="0" /></a><br />I threw a bowl and wrapped the edges back underneath and attached it to the walls. This is an experiment. Not sure if I like it but it's something different...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMHr9h4y2DJNF6EOsjxxl7gMqrbF2P-A5fDn5cKHO9oKMI3hrsPWoQxEHrte_ha9j_EmcxOaugu9i5ZmOcutqNpcz8BGWIt-wL0lYfx2ieVrKc8iWxit9JQQFoAdAhNenyyH_DGG8MBM/s1600-h/IMG_1577.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMHr9h4y2DJNF6EOsjxxl7gMqrbF2P-A5fDn5cKHO9oKMI3hrsPWoQxEHrte_ha9j_EmcxOaugu9i5ZmOcutqNpcz8BGWIt-wL0lYfx2ieVrKc8iWxit9JQQFoAdAhNenyyH_DGG8MBM/s320/IMG_1577.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326534741640063858" border="0" /></a><br />I finished the day by making a vase. It stands about 12 or 13 inches tall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwYJP4dCb3A8hdQU_x6laxJKLh0mUt-rr22KqGIUmd6qPO48ilTeOFoK6M2RYWPbu5UmsFH7X3K_13Lm4UlAFXd9qj3ImF6D6Y4zQF16XCFFdhJZHJkXUpBDRA09jYuqvDI1XtoKVKTI/s1600-h/IMG_1574.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwYJP4dCb3A8hdQU_x6laxJKLh0mUt-rr22KqGIUmd6qPO48ilTeOFoK6M2RYWPbu5UmsFH7X3K_13Lm4UlAFXd9qj3ImF6D6Y4zQF16XCFFdhJZHJkXUpBDRA09jYuqvDI1XtoKVKTI/s320/IMG_1574.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326535238420590306" border="0" /></a>I hope to have enough pots to do a bisque firing next weekend. I would like to fire the new (gas) kiln within the next couple of weeks. I should have enough to fill it soon. I have a bunch of test tiles ready to go for the firing. Now I need to select some test glazes and make small batches of glaze. I've been procrastinating because I hate mixing glaze. But, it's something that has to be done. Perhaps I'll get to it this week.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6613296155909113866.post-50046666749473863962009-04-18T17:31:00.006-04:002009-04-21T17:01:57.872-04:00Cedar Key Art FestivalI intended to get up early this morning and drive out to Cedar Key. I didn't get up until later in the morning, however, thanks to Naked Ed! Before you start getting crazy with your thoughts I will explain. Last night Tina and I went to the <a href="http://www.greatoutdoorsdining.com/">Great Outdoors Restaurant</a> in High Springs. My friend Mike Gianikas' band <a href="http://www.myspace.com/countyroadband">County Road</a> was playing on the patio. We sat outside, had an appetizer, dinner, and I had a few Naked Ed's Pale Ales! I had just a few too many! It made the morning come around earlier than I expected.<br /><br />This afternoon was spent strolling through the <a href="http://www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com/">Cedar Key Art Festival</a>. I have been enjoying this festival more and more over the past few years. During the past decade or so there tended to be more and more 'crafty' people there and less and less 'art'. A few years ago the committee that oversees the Festival decided to focus more on artists. They did this by no longer allowing 'crafties' in the Show. The first couple of years after that decision was made the number of participants dropped significantly due to the 'crafties' no longer showing their work. I'm glad to say that the number of artists participating has risen and exhibitor levels are approaching what it was before the change.<br /><br />Today I purchased a platter from Bill Colby and I've already hung it in my foyer<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-95jgFbB_XJKxZK3Q_E9vEmeTaamtGAfQDvqrFPf7aL_Zkm88Vy1BvwlLQeooMD2QdbdRcvoILb4kzqWdpHhX_DInnNm6sUn33U3AVPhMEU1hB9jsqpwUE18Ky6pc7uCKFY-ifAltNbc/s1600-h/IMG_1567.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-95jgFbB_XJKxZK3Q_E9vEmeTaamtGAfQDvqrFPf7aL_Zkm88Vy1BvwlLQeooMD2QdbdRcvoILb4kzqWdpHhX_DInnNm6sUn33U3AVPhMEU1hB9jsqpwUE18Ky6pc7uCKFY-ifAltNbc/s320/IMG_1567.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326151782610020402" border="0" /></a><br />I also purchased one of his bowls<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHzT7si6AP7IP0KSuVE4PfiqvLspnQn6QUQSKkJ7V8V1sazsr1fXm9VT09iyhDOyhYkulFcBAu0kie_ZhRnutVXh802xtGXY4sMfKD2arS56Y2Vcmx2ZnuA-fF3pNIbiGVUCEMR9Y6nU/s1600-h/IMG_1572.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHzT7si6AP7IP0KSuVE4PfiqvLspnQn6QUQSKkJ7V8V1sazsr1fXm9VT09iyhDOyhYkulFcBAu0kie_ZhRnutVXh802xtGXY4sMfKD2arS56Y2Vcmx2ZnuA-fF3pNIbiGVUCEMR9Y6nU/s320/IMG_1572.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326152054549754194" border="0" /></a><br />It was nice to chat with my friend <a href="http://www.brendamcmahonceramics.com/">Brenda McMahon</a>. Her booth was located near the main entrance to the Festival. I attended a saggar workshop last year in Sarasota that was taught by Brenda. I encourge you to checkout her <a href="http://www.brendamcmahonceramics.com/">website</a>.<br /><br />Enjoy the remainder of the weekend!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05216789084866135183noreply@blogger.com0