Roberta12

I have switched clays. I do not use clay with a wide firing temp. There are a lot of choices out there. And while I will be on the search for the perfect clay to the end of my days, it was easier for me to switch clays. However, I have tried a couple of new clays recently and I use clear for a lot of my work, I found I did have crazing issues. And I am now in the process of trying different clear recipes (thanks @Min) Roberta

If I read the website for this clay correctly, it is rated mature up to cone 9. Would that have been an issue?? I have had problems with clays that have that wide maturation. You know, like 5-9 or 5-10? just wondering.

I used to make cute little dishes with glass in the bottom, intended for jewelry use. But when I had someone tell me they were using it for ketchup and a piece of the glass came out, I stopped doing that!!! Once someone buys something from you, you have NO control over how they are going to use that piece. Personally I felt it was a lawsuit waiting to happen. Roberta

I love my Dremel. I bought a really cheap, really really cheap knockoff to begin with and it did not do the trick. I bought a Dremel brand when the local hardware store had some coupons. I like that cone shaped bit to grind off whatever it is that pops up on my porcelain plates. Then I put more glaze on that spot and refire. I like Pres's idea of using them to carve wooden stamps. Great ideas here!

Amaco LUG black will run a bit, but not sure if that is what you are wanting?

Would the prolonged drying time in plastic have an impact on the structure of the clay?? Just wondering.

You could try lowering your bisque temp. And as Mea said, possibly your glaze temp. Clay/glaze seem to be one big research project. I had a glaze that worked well on one clay body and pitted horribly on another. I am going through a bit of crazing right now, because I tried a different clay with the clear glaze that I mix. It's making me crazed! But I don't think it's your kiln. Roberta

I like spraying my glazes. It gives me a more even coverage. I have a Harbor Freight spray gun ($22 I believe) My first one lasted 5 years. I just got a new one this year. I also have a Harbor Freight compressor. I think it is a 20 gal. It uses oil. I haven't had problems with oil getting into my glazes, but I guess I didn't realize that could be an issue. Ignorance is bliss as they say!! Yes it is large, but I am able to have it in one room, close the doors and use the spray booth in the other room. So I don't have to move it. The people I know who have used the small 2-4 gallon compressors seem to wear them out quickly spraying glaze. As far as painting the house....my husband and I have both agreed to hire the local house painter next time!!! Roberta

I am also making a small amount of slip right now for newsprint transfer. My sodium silicate is hardened. But I put a couple of chunks in the slip and it seemed to thicken a bit. Like Jeff, I was hoping for a thicker substance, so I will add more clay. Roberta

When my sister moved she gave me all her foam sleeves for packing dishes. I am a fan. She got them from Amazon, I believe. Lots of sizes. I agree with everyone else as far as packing tight and in stackable tubs. Just make certain you can heft them yourself. So the size of the tub is important.

Just curious, but what clay are you using?

Love your sculpture!!!!

Yes, Colorado requires that out of state businesses pay one of Colorado's numerous sales taxes. But if I ship out of state, I do not have to pay that states sales tax, unless they require it. It's all quite layered. Takes a lot of research to make certain you are compliant. That is one reason that shows are a bit easier. All you have to do is learn that locale's rules and regs and you are ok.