Bringing the Garden to Studio

I started working on a new project in clay. In addition to working in studio, I love working in my garden. One of my frustrations with my garden has been finding garden tags that I like. I like form as much as function in my garden! So, I decided to try some of the techniques I use to make ceramic jewelry to create some garden tags.

I roll out the clay on a large stamp I use for impressions in clay. Then, using a circle cutter that I bent into an oval, I cut out the clay discs that will become the garden tags. Once I have the clay discs cut out, I use a small square punch cutter to cut the hole that will be used to hang them on a metal stake.


I like to use underglazes with my clay pieces  and I think they will work well for the garden tags as well. Once the clay has dried completely, I use pan underglazes to paint with a watercolor feel on the clay. I often paint the color over the clay and then wipe off the glaze from the raised areas. I like the effect.

I'm not sure that my handwriting with a brush is up to the task, but we'll see how it goes. I will probably add a clear glaze and do a 2nd firing of the discs before they are complete.

I'll keep you posted on how they turn out!