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!

Return to Studio

 Last night, I was able to spend some time in studio, which is something I have not been able to do for quite some time. I was pleasantly surprised to find ceramic pieces that I had made that were just waiting for someone to take the time to finish them.

I have a number of clay pieces that I have created by making impressions of things that I find interesting in nature, leaves, flowers, and such. I use Amaco semi-moist underglazes to paint colors and details. I fire them in a small jewelry kiln, and then I add a coat of clear glaze and fire them again.

One item I am excited to see completed is a small ocarina that I created. I am hoping that I got the walls thin enough and the angle of the mouth piece correct so that it can actually be played. If it works, I would love to make more. I have a lot of ideas of interesting designs that could be a part of the whistle.

I love working with the underglazes because they are very much like painting with watercolor, which I love. I found myself using a triple 000 brush for some of the details.

It was only a couple of hours, but the effects will hopefully last me for several days. Working in studio is my therapy and I hope to go back for another dose very soon! It's good for the soul!