Celia UK

Silly question, I know Evelyne, but how do you apply the sand etc. to the greenware?

Yay! My favourite so far Evelyne oops! it's NOT a competition is it? I love the surface. What do you do with the sand?

You must be thrilled to have such a batch of successes! I have several shelves full of early pieces - more failures than successes. I love your slip trailed designs, I had a go once, but I coloured the slip and didn't like the results at all. I am going to try this again with white slip this time! I've certainly improved my throwing in the last 2 1/2 years, but am still struggling to come up with decorating techniques that I enjoy. You've helped me on the way. I applaud your move to sell on Etsy - I'm sure it will be a great motivator, not that you sound as if you need it. Despite encouragement from friends who have bought my work, I've hesitated to commit to a craft show, even though I know it will really make me focus. Now I'm thinking - Christmas 2015.......perhaps!?

Thanks rakuku, never thought of it in those terms! Not sure I like the cobalt myself - I prefer the copper carbonate ones I've made - a bit more subtle.

Thanks for your comments Guinea - it's great to get feedback. You''re so right about being delicate. I have to be very careful drying these out as the stencil bits are so thin - c. 1/16" they easily snap if they dry quicker than the rim of the bowl. At the greenware stage, I've broken one just by knocking it as I worked at my table. Should have moved it!!! But my usual mistake is to fiddle about too much, removing joining slip, smoothing edges etc. when I'd be better leaving it and doing it after the bisque. Even transporting it to, and loading into the kiln is hazardous. Very satisfying when they make it through to the end! This stencil was taken from a laser cut birthday card, not sure if it's a bit twee? I prefer my other design - part of a landscape sketch - I feel I own it more because it's my own through and through.

It's like a trip down Watership Down memory lane. Beautiful images!