Making a Large Vase

Today I thought that I would show how I make my large vases.

First, I make my base piece. Then I make my neck piece, which has an open bottom. I dry those pieces for a while in the sun.

When the pieces are dry enough to support the weight of the top piece, I score and slip the rim of the base piece.

Next, I score the bottom of the neck piece and place on top of the bottom piece. The two pieces are then pressed and smoothed together using my thumbs on the inside and outside, pushing down. I smooth with a metal rib to finish.

The handles are added next to finish the piece. The piece will dry for 3-4 days, then be bisque fired to cone 05. Then I will glaze it and fire it to cone 5. I hope to have this piece done by the end of next week. Check back to see the finished product.

Experimenting with Cone 6

Well - not sure what to think. I did some new things this load. First of all I raised my kiln temp from cone 5 to cone 6. I was hoping to cause my glazes to run a little more.(They didn't') Most of this load should be shades of blue. My seamist didn't like the raise in temp and turned mustard yellow. My Turquoise turned a faded light green. I was happy with the new dark blue. It turns beautiful shades of blue when overlapped with other colors. I was hoping that at least one piece would come out all blue so that I could photograph it for the Monochromatic Show advertising. I need it by August 1st. I should have another load done by next week, so I will cross my fingers.

I am getting ready for the Myrtle Beach show coming up in a few weeks. I have been photographing, pricing and packing up all the pieces that have been made since my last show in May. I have also been painting my shelves and crates black to go better with the black cloth background that goes behind my display.

Of Earth & Beauty Exhibition

Last night was the Of Earth and Beauty Exhibition at the Mint Hill Arts Center. I had entered 5 pieces in the clay portion of the exhibition. The paintings were all done by Virginia Dauth. There was a raffle for two small paintings of hers, with the money raised going to a new air conditioning unit. The painting I am holding up is the one I won. It was called Wildflowers. I was so excited. It was nice visiting with other local potters, most of whom I know through Carolina Claymatters Guild. The Mint Hill Arts Center had a very nice Gallery, so if you every need a gift for someone special consider checking it out. There are monthly exhibitions, as well as a lovely gift shop. I noticed that one of five bowls placed in the gift shop had already been sold, so I plan on bringing in more pieces periodically. If you would like to be included on my mailing list of events, please email me at jabdelaziz@carolina.rr.com.

Creative Day

I felt very creative today. The above photo shows a sugar and creamer I made. I got the inspiration for the creamer from a blown glass pitcher I saw last weekend in a Highland's gift shop. The tool is new as well and has 4 different attachments. This one is the vine attachment. I also made an extra large bowl with looping handles that I very excited about.

Tonight is the Opening Reception at the Mint Hill Arts Center. I will give an update on how that goes, tomorrow.

New Pots

I unloaded the kiln last night and here is a photo of some of the pots. Later I am going to throw some more pieces for the Monocromatic show in September. I have to think of visually interesting pieces that will all be one color. I will probably use the blue glazes to acheive this. I got some new texture tools yesterday and I am excited to try them out as well.

Waterfalls

Went camping again. This time to Western North Carolina near Franklin. I have posted a photo of Cullusaja Falls, one of the six waterfalls we went to.

I haven't been working much in my studio this month, because my son is doing football conditioning 3 mornings a week, so by the time I finish busing him back and forth it is too hot to work in my studio. But, I will have new pieces out of my kiln tonight and should post some photos by tomorrow morning.

I have entered some pieces into an exhibition at the Mint Hill Art Gallery. The opening reception is this Friday, July 10th, from 7-9pm. Maybe I will see you there. The exhibition runs through August 6th. I have also placed some small bowls in the gift shop and will place new items there periodically.