Sunday, October 20, 2013

DIY Bisque Texture Rollers for Pottery


Carved and Slip Trailed Texture Rollers

Texture rollers are a fast and fun way to add decorative details to your pottery creations.     

To make DIY texture rollers, I started out with small extruded tubes.  I let them dry to far leather hard so they wouldn't mis-shape with handling and also they would be perfect for carving.    I did dampen the surface with a sponge prior to applying  the slip trail decorations. 

This batch really wasn't planned out.  My carvings and slip trailing were all spontaneous and freehand.  I usually get my best results just being spontaneous and free to take risks with design.   
When slip trailing a stamp, the slip consistency is very important.  It can't be runny or the trail will flatten out and won't make a good impression when in use.

Creating your own original designs for decorating can be very satisfying.  Give it a try and have fun.

©cindygilliland 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Mark Arthur of Brookfield Pottery ~ We will miss you

Fish Vase by Mark Arthur,
Brookfield Pottery

Last week the Ceramic Community lost a wonderful Artist.   Many of you knew Mark from his series of pottery videos on YouTube.


Mark made all types of pottery.  Barrel fired terra sigillata was his specialty.  He did a lot of  experimentation with glaze and different firing techniques.  Mark was generous in sharing what he had learned.
    
Eventhough Mark was in the UK and I in the US, he was a wonderful friend.   Always supportive and gave straight forward advice.  I will miss him very much.   My heart goes out to Mark's wife Michelle and their family.

Here is a link to Mark's Blog, which further links to his YouTube Channel:  Brookfield Pottery


This is a song Mark wrote for his wife Michelle