Bricks ....

I have finally decided, after a long discussion with Hannah, that in order to build a kiln I may have to put together some forms and make my own bricks. Talk about starting from scratch ...


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Bold Decor

I figured that a large pot needed bold decor.
So I started with a wide triple line all the way around the top and bottom edges,


followed with a nice large swirl design, repeated above and below the center line.


Next I decided on something a little more subtle along the top lip.


It's amazing what you can do with three little girl's bracelets glued together, a broken shell, and a piece of worn coral found in a gravel pile.


Enjoy! And Happy Mudding!
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I Think it's time ...

I have been thinking this last few months about starting a new blog just for TropiClay Studio. This would leave the current blog just for the classes I teach, with just student work displayed. I realize that would mean another blog to follow ( for those of you who follow now), but would give me a more professional venue for my work to stand alone. Any and all
comments, feelings, etc., on this move would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Robert
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Another new form ...

I kinda like this one:






but this evening it dawned on me that this would be a great starter form for a teapot! (smaller in size though) This one is about 6-7 inches high, and about 7 lbs.

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Templates

I started thinking yesterday about making more templates for some new pieces, new forms. So I pulled out the posters, and proceeded to come up with things I thought might work.


Like putting a base on this form to make it more like a punch bowl or centerpiece for the table.
I finished cutting out several forms


when a neighbor came by with a box of undeveloped X-ray film! He said I could have their whole remaining stock of undeveloped film from the hospital if I want, as they have gone completely digital with their imaging. What a find! I can cut out stencils, OR templates!
I have decided to number the templates to keep track of which one works with the others. For instance, I originally cut the #5 template as a base for the punch bowl idea, but the angles are too sharp, and it won't stand up by itself. So I cut #2 instead.(which works much better). Numbers 5 & 6 will work great with 4 sides, but not with 5 sides. Etc., etc., etc.
Have a good day!
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Two Down ... ? To Go

Finished the second one today with a shell theme.












Can't wait to get these fired and sold! Don't know how many I will make.


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Round Two!

Had so much fun with the last one, I decided to make more!







Several teachers want one already...so I'll make a half dozen or so.
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Almost done...

Ready to bisque!












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Fun lunchtime activity!

Start with about 8 lbs of terra cotta clay, add one template cut from a heavy poster stock.



Roll out a half inch thick slab, use the template to cut a few pieces
( the number here is up to you), and scratch and slip them together. Let them firm up while you smooth them out and shape them.



Roll another smaller slab, set the firm form on it to mark your bottom, then scratch and slip again, smoothing the bottom to the sides. Ta-da! A nice serving bowl/flowerpot/conversation piece! About 9" on a side ( point-to-point), and about 6-7" tall.
Someone at school asked me to post on how to do this...





I'm thinking of stamping the inside rim (about a 1.5" band) all the way 'round.

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Wedding Jug

Just a quick video of the finished product ... well ... almost - still needs glaze!

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Finished!

Finally finished trimming all the pieces...









and did a little decorating.



Love this little button I bought in California last summer, it does a nice impression.











Just got this thing about feet!
Here's the overall look. It will look sooo much better glazed...
Enjoy your day!


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From chuck to what?

Managed to trim the bottle (most of it any way), thought about using the cheese slicer on the upper half.


Then I wanted to do something productive with the chuck - couldn't see wasting that 7-8 lb column - so I tried something I've never managed before. I came up with my biggest piece ever.



Now to get this one trimmed...

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Trimming

Well ... trimmed some yesterday, tried a more decorative approach with several, but dreading the trimming of the bottle today. I've used a chuck once or twice, but never had to make one for my work. I will get some pics up later, but here's a couple of bowls to hold you over.





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