Here Comes Summer

Over the last two weeks, I have run two sessions in our local community hall making table centrepieces. These sessions were really enjoyable and well attended and we created many types of flowers, bugs and creatures from clay which were then attached to rings of pre-prepared clay, making either a table decoration or wall hanging. It was inspiring to see all the different creations!

Sarah x

As we approach the summer months I am hoping to spend some time experimenting with new ideas.

I recently spent a wonderful weekend near Salisbury with potters from the West Dean diploma course. We enjoyed a barrel firing and a printing workshop as well as reconnecting, exchanging ideas and having a meal at a very welcoming local pub.

The brief was to bring a few burnished, bisque fired pots for Raku and some unfurnished but bisque fired pots for printing. The burnished ones were encased in foil and organic matter such as banana skins and seaweed. Salt, copper wire, oxides and other chemicals were added before the foil was wrapped around the pots. Once the incinerator bin was loaded with sawdust, pots and wood, it was ignited and we watched as the flames crackled up through the top. When it was really burning well the lid was put on, the holes covered up and the bin left to burn overnight.

Meanwhile we enjoyed experimenting with printing techniques using gel pads of various sizes and silk screens with ceramic inks. We used a mixture of dried leaves and flowers to create the images as well as the ready made silk screen images.

The following morning we unpacked the incinerator and scrubbed the ash off the pots before polishing them up with wax. Pictures of both experiments are attached.