New work in slip decorated stoneware

These pieces were made during the last couple of weeks and are featured in my Etsy Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ateliermarla

Terracotta Bird House

This bird house is slab built using texture for visual impact rather than color.  I elected to cover in a clear glaze to show off the beautiful warmth of the natural clay color.

New work on Stoneware

Completed some new bowls this week.  These are small vinaigrette bowls with incised garlic grater in the interior.

This is a generous mixing bowl, decorated inside and out.

A lovely wide brimmed display bowl.

A bright and cheerful lemon bowl.

The interior of the lemon bowl.

Soft delicate pink flowers decorate this flat bottomed serving or display bowl.

This is an exotic beautiful display bowl.  All my bowls are decorated inside and out, and are microwave, dishwasher and food safe, so they are completely functional.

A more subdued version of the bowl above.

Majolica

I had some problems with pinholes on my majolica glazed pieces.  On the advice of some experienced potters, I changed my firing schedule.  A very slow bisque, ramping up no more than 125 degrees F per hour and a two hour soak at the end.  It worked!.  Now, I have to work on getting a more even coverage of white majolica glaze over the terracotta clay.  Nearly there.

Back to slip painting on stoneware

I still have some red terracotta earthenware pieces to glaze and decorate, but decided to use up some of my stoneware and return to slip decorating on greenware, which I bisque to cone 08, then cover with a clear glaze. The final firing temperature is cone 6.  I seem to be stuck on a floral pattern that I find very satisfying, and have been incorporating swirls and curves into my bowls that give a really interesting visual effect. Next week I finish up my majolica pieces.

Instructional Videos by Jan Parzybok.

Majolica continued. After Firing

Well, they are fired.  All in all, I am happy.  The white glaze is clear, smooth and luscious. The colors of the designs are brilliant and shiny with no rough spots.  I did get those nasty pinholes that are considered part of the charm of majolica, but frankly I would rather not have them.  What to do?  I have read everything I can get my hands on and next time I will bisque to one cone higher and glaze slightly thinner.