Hands On

Thanks good thinking just checked they don't actually sell the granular feldspar but I will now look further afield

Hello I am looking place to buy Granular Feldspar up to .80mm - I live in the Uk and none of my clay stockist can get hold of any. I have been looking for 3 months to no avail. Could anyone recommend a place a could buy some in the USA so I can ask a friend to bring a small amount for me to play with. Strange we don’t have it here as we mine Feldspar. thanks in anticipation Foster

Thankyou everyone - I did a firing in the same kiln 3 years ago which is an anagama kiln - all the clay I used then was pre mixed and I felt a bit soulless - I have spoken to the owner who has suggested starting with a 50/50 mix of Fireclay and Ball Clay then adding the perlite - I was wondering if anyone had any mixes they like for wood firing and what additional organic matter they put in. Yes I will core out any of the solid areas of clay as much poss but wish to keep the appearance of it looking solid. I have a small old electric kiln which I’ll use for a long slow bisque, Also was thinking if I am worried about it still exploding I might put it in the fire box ? I really appreciate all the in put - I live in the UK so our supplies are different. foster

Thankyou everyone - I did a firing in the same kiln 3 years ago which is an anagama kiln - all the clay I used then was pre mixed and I felt a bit soulless - I have spoken to the owner who has suggested starting with a 50/50 mix of Fireclay and Ball Clay then adding the perlite - I was wondering if anyone had any mixes they like for wood firing and what additional organic matter they put in. Yes I will core out any of the solid areas of clay as much poss but wish to keep the appearance of it looking solid. I have a small old electric kiln which I’ll use for a long slow bisque, Also was thinking if I am worried about it still exploding I might put it in the fire box ? I really appreciate all the in put - I live in the UK so our supplies are different. foster

thanks and good to see some pictures

yes they are happy with me adding granite chips. I do have a clay body I have used at another wood firing but was looking for something different - yes I could add 10% Feldspar and reduce the fire clay

hello I live in the uk so it will be English China Clay. the chicken grit is pure flint so will add texture plus some surprises I hope

Hello I am putting some work into a large wood fired kiln in May for a 4day firing. I am wanting some help with percentages for clay mixes I shall be making some solid cube like sculptures no bigger than 30cm square, but need to add some organic matter to make it lighter and give it some interesting texture. I have been told you can use chicken feed popcorn etc but not sure of how much I can get away with? Also was thinking of a clay mix as follows does anyone have any comments on this.? I am only doing one firing so need to get the clay body right to start with. Any help greatly appreciated Foster from UK of 25% fireclay - 20% Ball Clay - 10% HighFire Stoneware clay - 10% China Clay - 25% Chicken Feed /Popcorn/bird seed - 10% chicken grit Flint

Hello all I am working solely in earthenware and wondered what I could add to my clay body to make it a brighter orange. Thanks

Hello I am looking to make some sculpture out of earthenware firing at 1000 adding chicken grit? to add texture and reduce weight. Any tips very welcome!

Thank you Neil and Madeline good advice I am amazed how the colours change, there seems to be more brightness in the earthenware when fired lower.

Ok thanks When i bought this clay they said it was low fire earthenware,? I am not making any thing to hold liquid just small sculpture pieces, but would still like the bisque to have some strength. perhaps I should then increase the bisque temp,

Hello Thanks Madeleine The firing range is temp is 1080 - 1180

Hello 2 questions I am using a kiln sitter and making small sculpture pieces in earthenware - keeping my cost down wondering when firing at cone 012 if the pieces will have much strength ? and if I choose to glaze cone 04 will there be any problems i should be aware of. Thanks for any tips Foster