[Soda Ash Question (again)]

Thanks @Min

[Soda Ash Question (again)]

I mixed a small batch of a matte glaze I had used at a workshop this summer.  The recipe called for a small amount of soda Ash.  I couldn't get it to go through the sieve very well.  Thinking if it sat for awhile, the soda ash might dissolve (magical thinking) and it did not.  I remember for a wash, a person needs to dissolve it in hot water.  How do I do that for a mixed glaze with specific amounts?  I used it on 4 testers to see what would happen.  It crazed on the porcelain, not on the 3 stoneware clay bodies.  Here is the recipe for Ayumi Aqua

NC4 Feldspar (minspar 200)   34.74

Strontium                                          19.09

EPK                                                          13.57

Dolomite                                            10.50

Silica                                                          5.27

Whiting                                                   5.25

Gerstley                                                 4.55

Calcined kaolin                                  3.6

Soda Ash                                               3.43

Copper Carb                                       1.0

Roberta

[QotW: How often do you vacuum out your kiln and sieve your glazes?]

I vacuum the kiln every couple of months, I guess.  But I sieve glazes every time I use them.  I just find application is better if I do.  

 

[Latex Loser]

I have used a Laguna latex.  I have had it for a long time and I thought I would have to buy a new container since it was thick and lumpy, but I was in a crunch, added some water and it was great!

[Slump Mold]

It could be the shape of the mold or it could be the thickness or thinness of the clay.  I agree with @Jeff Longtin about the Pam.  Try cloth as he suggested or cornstarch.  

 

 

[Dual toned glaze]

It appears that 2 glazes are layered.  As @neilestrick said, ask the artist.  She may be willing to explain.  

[How does she do this?]

Yes, as @PeterH said, it is Sonja Brough.  Great work!  I had to search to see what she was doing. She casts these pieces for the texture, then has a method for getting the color on which does appear to be the slipcasting  material.  Something like Forestceramico  Sean Forest Roberts   except he carves. Sonja doesn't appear to be carving, but a similar process.  

[Bailey Mini Might 16” Table Top Slab Roller]

I have a Northstar table top slab roller which has been a workhorse for me for 9 years.  16"   Yes, I definitely can get the right thickness each time.  I would assume the Bailey would perform well also.  I use canvas for some things if I want the texture, but one of our members here on the forum told me about using printers blankets.  I like the smooth texture.  I just discovered that you can buy them on Amazon! And I have also used Slab Mat before.   But if you want a nice smooth texture you simply use a rib and smooth out any texture or wrinkles or whatever.  

Roberta

[ANYTHING HAPPENING IN LOS ANGELES AUGUST 22 TO 30?]

Yes, amoca would be great, and my friend suggested  https://www.craftcontemporary.org/  She said they have great exhibits. My friend also said end of August is not a great time for sales but the Museums would be worth your time.

Roberta

[ANYTHING HAPPENING IN LOS ANGELES AUGUST 22 TO 30?]

@oldlady Let me check with my potter friend who lives there.

I will get back to you.

 

[Looking for an artist for custom ceramic plates]

I have worked with a decal company with original logos and script etc.  They usually send a copy to be proofed.  They are also knowledgeable about their product.  Another suggestion for @Joe from Chagrin Falls is to have a potter create the plates and have a painter/watercolorist paint directly on the bisqued plates with underglaze.  Then the potter can clear glaze then fire.  I have a friend who has worked with me before.   Just a thought.

[Where to start with glaze formulation]

Do you have access to a glaze library?  It is helpful for me to look at photos to begin with and then branch out.  John Britt's book for midfire has lots of photos and information.  Linda Bloomfield, Gabriel Kline, Michael Bailey all have lots of information as well as good photos.  Sometimes those books are in library or you can borrow from someone?  If you follow Joe Thompson on instagram @oldforgecreations is a wonderful resource.  If you find something you like, then you can go from there!

Roberta

[Under glaze question]

I have used underglaze both ways.  I agree with @Bill Kielb some clear glazes work better than others over underglaze.  Bisque firing the underglaze first helps with smudging and somehow "setting" the color but I have not really had a bad result putting underglaze on bisque, then clear then firing.  For me, the key seems to be the clear glaze.  

[QotW: What are your non Ceramic plans for the Summer]

Wow @Hulk Lots of home projects for sure!  My husband and mom have had some recent health issues but those are getting sorted out now.  Our camping plans have been delayed so that is probably what we will be doing in July and August as well as going to NM to see kids.  We only have an outdoor pool in town for swimming so I am enjoying swimming laps as much as I can.  I am also leaving in a few days to go to a workshop at Idyllwild Arts.  The presenter will be Ruth Easterbrook.  It should be fun.  They have a great facility there.  Ooops, that is sort of a ceramic plan, isn't it!?  

Roberta

[Precise application of Mayco Gold Lustre]

2 hours ago, Bill Kielb said:

My experience, it’s hard to keep it from flowing under the stencil so depending on size and shape this may prove to have its issues. Precise brushwork is a thing with multiple coats over the top. Real automotive pinstripe masking tape does allow for very precise lines, especially1/8” and will keep the media from flowing beyond its boundary. Gold needs to be fairly thick (else fires ugly) so often multiple coats are the answer for me which often means more freehand work. If it’s tape masked, then no worries for me.

@Bill Kielb Have you found that a certain kind of brush works better than others?

[Slab Warpage]

@Benzine If the slab doesn't flatten out after the glaze firing and you have to remake it, could you make the letters/numbers separately and attach them after all pieces are fired?  Just a thought.

Roberta

[underglaze circles? Help!]

11 hours ago, Min said:

Hi Carol and welcome to the forum!

What I used was computer paper and a circle cutter punch. Cut out the circle and used the surrounding paper with the hole cut out of it as a stencil. Dipped the paper into water, let it sit a couple minutes then applied it to the leatherhard clay with a damp sponge, let the surface water dry off a little bit then brushed the underglaze on.  (porcelain with spectrum underglazes)

@Carol Will I do exactly what @Min does.  Circle punches, different sizes.  I use the square punch as well.  

Roberta

[Custom Single-Page Underglaze Transfer?]

I really like the off register look @neilestrick

r,

[Poor results with Amaco Potter's Choice Blue Spark (PC-11). What can I do to improve next time?]

I have to ask, what is the firing range on the Blick Clay?   Got a bit of pitting there, along with not being blue.

 

[QotW: How does your wife, husband (or significant other) and other family deal with your need to create ceramics?]

My husband has always been supportive of my clay life.  I started my small business after I had retired and he retired a year later.  He takes the clay downstairs for me, helps haul greenware out of the house to the shop where I fire,  has worked some of the larger out of town shows with me (he is a good wrapper of pots).  I have made pots working around a shoulder repair, a hip replacement with a fractured femur, and a knee replacement.  So my husband has been a great help with loading and unloading the kiln.  I had an unexpected kiln repair one November and had the kiln torn apart replacing elements etc,  it was -30 degrees and 10:30 p.m with a show looming.    I was at the end of my last nerve, he came out to check on me and lend a hand.  I said, "don't you wish I had became a knitter and sold hats?"   He said, "no, that wouldn't have been nearly as interesting!"  

r

[Our studios first open house and sale]

20 hours ago, cbjensen said:

thank you all for your responses. it is extremely helpfull. Just had a meeting with my studio members recapping the mothers day sale and planning a sale for the holidays. I brought up, and was pleased to bring up the information you have offered and I think they all understand what needs to happen moving forwards. They have all accepted that they will receive 1099 and I have told them they need to document material and expenses involved in producing what they sell. But that is their problem. 

In terms of commission. So my studio is almost self funded, rent, firing fees etc. But the area where we are having our sales is not included in that calculation, It is actually a space I hope to rent out for workshops. This initial go around I did not charge anything except for $50 from each potter and that was all spent on flyers, street signs, vine, cheese, ballons, other advertising etc. It was enough to cover the basic costs. And I did deduct the fees from square. So moving forward I think it would be fair to say charge the initial fee and the 10% of what any potter sells beyond say $150. No one sold below that by the way. Someone said that a percentage penalized those who sold more. I am not sure I see it that way, we are a community of potters and for some I think they would rather take a low participation fee and hope for the best. If I was to take a realistic fee for the space I would have to charge a month rent which would be $1000 plus expenses which would be a fee of $150 per participant. But I am doing all the work and I would love for my studio to see some upside from a succesfull sale. Is that wrong? I

I really do encourage you to check out the state and local rules for this type of sale.  In Colorado we know that it is a misdemeanor to sell retail without a license and without reporting sales tax.  You may be able to get by for awhile but it is something to keep in mind.....

[Our studios first open house and sale]

We have had some events (Mother's Day, studio sales, etc.)  on a fairly casual basis as you have described and in order to avoid the problem with sales tax, etc, everyone was their own vendor.  Responsible for their own sales and reporting.  In Colorado, if we run all sales through one point, we have to have a special license and are considered a Marketplace Facilitator.  You might want to check into the sales rules and laws in NY. Go to the Dept of Revenue online for NY.    I think @GEP advice is on point for you for now.  And @DirtRoadsis correct that Square will 1099 you at the end of the year.  That will be reported.  You will have to figure that out.   I know lots of people who started out selling their wares out of their trunk!  But when you know better you do better!  Good Luck with all of it.

Roberta

 

[Kiln setup on the balcony?]

Yes, I was thinking about corrosion as well.  You have lovely windows right there and the fumes could cause discoloration and corrosion.  I remember a post a few years ago about someone whose kiln was in the garage and there was a corrosion problem.  But I also know how desperate we can get trying to set up our own studio workspace.  And yes, I carry all my pots from the basement up the stairs, out through the garage, across the driveway to the workshop.  We simply do what we have to, to make things work! 

Roberta 

[detailed book on kiln building]

I inherited a book on kilns by Daniel Rhodes.  Kilns, Design, Construction, and Operation.  Copyright 1968.  I do not plan on building a kiln but it seems to be a good reference and I loved the photos and explanations of the different types of kilns.  Since I know little of kiln building, I do not know if his diagrams are detailed enough.  But it might be a title to look for?

Roberta

[Help! Releasing clay off of cup hump mold.]

Could you send a picture?  You said hump mold but then said you couldn't get the cup out.  Does that mean you put the clay inside a mold or outside on the mold.  Usually my plaster molds dry clay very quickly.  But I live in a dry area.  Were  your plaster molds cured?  I usually wait a few days before using them.  Just throwing out some ideas. 

Roberta