Here Patrick and I are cleaning the glaze off the bottom of our pieces. This is done so they won't meld to the floor of the kiln when they are fired. This was actually the last step we did.
These are the two pieces that we dipped in Woo Blue, a high heat glaze. They look red now, but once they are fired again they will be a really pretty blue.
Jade, who instructed us in the glazing process, was very knowledgeable. She's telling Pat that normally you don't want the tongs to hit the pottery like that, but because the opening is so small it can't be helped. So, after he's done dipping he will dab some glaze where it missed.
Here Patrick is dipping one of his pieces in the Woo Blue.
Who knew Woo Blue would start out red before firing? Not me!
Here I am trying my hand at dipping in the Woo Blue. (Gee I like saying that color!)
This is what our pottery looked like after the first firing and before we put the glaze on it. I was very conservative with my wheel work because I was afraid I'd ruin another pot. I used too much pressure on my first one and it flew to pieces and off the wheel! Patrick, on the other hand, seemed like a natural (our wheel instructor, Casey, said he was
"golden" ) and his 2 pieces have much more character than mine. Can you guess which ones were made by whom?
Don't know how many of you are familiar with Groupon, but I have become a Groupon addict since returning to Phoenix. I have always loved a deal, and there are some excellent deals with Groupon. Thus far I've gotten:
- Steaks for Patrick for half price at fab Phx. butcher, Hobe Meats.
- Half price therapeutic massage at Movement Restoration.
- Half price coupon for Nutty Guys. (haven't used this one yet)
- Half price frozen yogurt at Yogurtology.
- Half price classes at Desert Dragon Pottery for Pat & me.
Anywhooo,we took our pottery class a little over 3 weeks ago. (I was kicking myself that I forgot to take Patrick's camera.) It was so cool. I always wanted to try my hand at the pottery wheel. It is not near as easy as it looks folks. I envisioned making this fabulous creation, and in reality I turned out 2 canned shaped pots! It was lots of fun though and in about a month Patrick will pick up our finished products. If anyone out there is a ceramic artist my hat is off to you.
It's Wednesday, Humpday, so the week is half over! Blessings to all who pass this way.
love, Cassie
