You may be sick of this by now, mug test #7

Well it's finally here. My seventh test, what for me is thrilling, and what for you might now be a little old hat. But, see here. My first test was rather disappointing. As was my second and third really. But my last couple of test have been quite inspiring. I pretty much liked all seven of the seven mugs in this last firing. A high success rate for me. Shape of this one-not so great. Design, I like it pretty much.


Gotta compare this next one maybe as well.Like this little guy up here. Really like the black dots against the . . . black. Subtle, but makes it far more interesting I think.
These next two are results using two of the three new white liners I am testing. I am relatively happy with all three, but two give a little pinholing, but I can almost garauntee they won't on this new clay I am testing. so I'm not writing them off yet.



Ahhhh . . . yet another reason why I am looking for another white glaze . . .

I think I have two test firings left for now. One I need to do to test the small batch of white I made up as a result of these last tests. I really don't want to invest an entire kiln load until I know for sure. Also, I made up a larger batch of the new clay I have been testing, and threw about eight mugs and some bowls the other day. I am impressed. So far with the fired color and density, and glaze interaction, and now with its' throwing ability. I can't believe how well it collars in - for five day old clay. Impressive. Well, if you haven't been bored to tears by now, there is still more to come. And if you are bored to tears . . .

Some mugs from test #6

Well hello. Here are just a few cups from my sixth test. Overall I was happy with everything, some more than others. Above is a tumbler that had white slip on the outside. You can see what a difference that makes with my white glaze. Much brighter white and no defects. I wish more of my bisque had slip on it so I wouldn't be having this white issue. I did have three very promising results from my white test the other day however, so hopefully I'll be able to get through my current bisque without any more white issues.

Here is a detail of the blue stripe above. I love what's going on here, and I just love the black, white and blue together.

Here is a cup similar to one I have made before-but that's a good thing. Always good when you know you can repeat something.


Here is the mug that was supposed to have black dots with a black liner, but ended up with stripes. I think the blue is far less overwhelming this way. Well, taking the day off because family is coming, and then tomorrow off because Adam is off on Sundays, so I won't be making much pottery. I do plan on building a new workbench in my studio however as I am badly in need of more counter space, and under-counter storage. Bye for now-