tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20501519235199210422024-03-19T09:09:38.067-07:00Crafters of KhnumCrafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-14280058310142556052009-04-08T07:08:00.000-07:002009-04-08T07:47:06.784-07:00Progress report...I don't have much to show yet, but I thought I would give a progress report. Our last bronze pour was April 1st, and it went very well. It was a pretty large pour relatively, as we needed 3 full crucibles (each holds ~100 lbs of bronze). <br /><br />I have two pieces from this pour, which together set me back a little over $300 for the bronze and the shop supplies. I broke both pieces from them molds last Wednesday, and they both cast beautifully. This is great news, because I'm still using the short cut method of skipping the mother mold process. Usually you sculpt the form you would like to cast, then using silicone you make a rubber cast of the form. Then, you pour hot wax into the mother mold to make a replica of the original. You refine the wax mold, proceed with sprue and gates, then build the plaster mold. The plaster mold is then heated for a day to totally melt and evaporate out all the wax leaving the void where the bronze will pour into. By skipping the mother mold step, I sculpt directly in wax. This results in a faster turn around time, but I have no backup in case something goes wrong in the plaster casting, or bronze pour. If it goes wrong, I've lost that sculpture entirely.<br /><br />The first sculpture I broke open is my dragon head. In the interest of minimizing the mold size, and therefore the cost, this piece was fairly tightly cramped. In order to pour this in one mold, I needed to cut the horns off the head, and gate them as a part of the cast. So, it took nearly 3 hours just to saw off the sprue and gates. I stopped with that, since I really want to finish my "secret" project first. <br /><br />My second sculpture from that pour was good, but there was a void near where the gate attached which I needed to fill with some small scraps and a welder. I removed all the excess gates and sprues, then cleaned up the piece pretty much and did the welding (oxy/acetylene). Most of the weld went well, but there is one spot I need to go back and fill again. I think I will get set up on the MIG welder tonight and weld that one spot, and then also I can work on welding the horns back onto my dragon's head.<br /><br />Tonight I will take some pictures.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-82506775627079290512009-03-20T11:56:00.000-07:002009-03-20T11:59:08.397-07:00Some thing fun for Friday.Help I'm steppin' into the Twilight Zone<br />Place is a madhouse<br />Feels like being cloned<br />My becaons been moved<br />Under moon and star<br />Where am I to go Now that I've gone too far...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g4VRmTXshM0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g4VRmTXshM0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-86766868327674268272009-03-19T05:52:00.000-07:002009-03-19T06:00:12.764-07:00The secret projectThis blog's craft related topics are sparse currently. I'm working on a secret sculpture project as a present (belated birthday) for Angel. I started it about 3 weeks ago, and I've been had to keep it and only work on it at the studio. Also, the number of bisqued and glazed pots has dropped due to the new session, so the studio manager skipped a firing cycle and my work sat on the shelf for an extra week.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-41558936696016251502009-03-12T18:53:00.000-07:002009-03-12T18:55:54.756-07:00Some rock favorites for small boys...... who dance around crazy in their PJ's.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P7NwtjNpl-U&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P7NwtjNpl-U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zrnL4yYSme4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zrnL4yYSme4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-28087091563814558452009-03-12T04:51:00.000-07:002009-03-12T05:22:18.484-07:00Think of me, when you suffer...<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c-B-5bPw36c&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c-B-5bPw36c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I'm a sap for these romantic vocals. I admit it.<br /><br />If you have a deep sorrow<br />Think of me<br />If you want to cry<br />Think of me<br />You see that I worship<br />Your divine image<br />Your nubile lips<br />being so small<br />Taught me to sin.<br /><br />Think about me<br />When you kiss<br />When you cry<br />Also, think about me<br />When you want to take away my life<br />I don’t want it, not at all<br />It serves to nothing, without you.<br /><br />Think about me<br />When you kiss<br />When you cry<br />Also, think about me<br />When you want to take away my life<br />I don’t want it, not at all<br />It serves to nothing, without you.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-28321418836792110912009-03-11T11:12:00.000-07:002009-03-11T11:17:05.069-07:00Placebo.<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AsfcVdEUpDsUs0it6RKGBA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCKzt3jjY25dw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/Sbf_kDLDFII/AAAAAAAAAlw/XPVKGJ5eW6w/s400/IMG_0034-1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I have two questions; A) Why do they make this? B) Why did we buy this?<br /><br />I'm feeling like a second pot today, so it makes sense for an "Afternoon Blend".Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-28267708615220851572009-03-05T19:21:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:01:46.867-08:00Another mask free'd from the kiln...This was the second mask I made from paper clay, this one was 15% paper before bisque firing. The final thickness of this stoneware mask (about 7" high x 4" wide) after firing is a mere 1/8", and it weighs only 6 ounces(175g). After the first bisque firing I decided to cover it with a thin layer of light blue porcelain slip, and then bisque fire it again. The lips are a lavender engove, eyebrows are delphinium stain, cheek designs are done with Rietz Blue/Green, and the chin dot was a glob of Pete's Red. I then covered it with a clear glaze.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/28owh9rTXAqkiTmwnD8gQw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnu2bqcv6-Fbg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SbCWdmzjFmI/AAAAAAAAAj4/OI0jF20nyPU/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LGYR4BC9PjZrRpJ7K-47Kw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLnu2bqcv6-Fbg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SbCflXxDP1I/AAAAAAAAAkg/2RUC03jxj70/s400/IMG_0056.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The photo is a bit deceptive in showing more of the under body, and I'm not sure why. When I look at it, the light blue under the clear seems to lift up off the clay body like a translucent cloud. It looks more light blue, and less of the buff seems to show up to the naked eye.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-16316919893636189182009-02-27T12:54:00.000-08:002009-02-27T13:17:13.887-08:00Soda Kiln and Raku Pieces.Today I was able to retrieve my first two pieces that went through the soda firing process. <br /><br />This first one is a tea bowl that I tried to cover with dark blue porcelain slip before it was bisque fired, but the slip cracked and was coming off. So I decided to scrub it really hard to get as much of the cracked slip off then put it through the soda kiln. The inside is light porcelain with a clear over it.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TRZRM4vEss6MMb7tK_cHKA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLrI7Yzcy-Kf2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahUOoDFvGI/AAAAAAAAAis/mNvwacPi36Q/s400/IMG_0046.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f0rNwldpLDOao3SFDMevyA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLrI7Yzcy-Kf2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahUQTEZ8qI/AAAAAAAAAi8/H8zKg8CboyA/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F8jHDN1jCzo3vcKXRDQnWA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLrI7Yzcy-Kf2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahUPc4fmsI/AAAAAAAAAi0/gIhD7GdPCWM/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This next one was my first pitcher, with a CR yellow on the outside, and cushing black on the inside.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/44ARO5tIwkOOC68PSAXf6g?authkey=Gv1sRgCLrI7Yzcy-Kf2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahUKjG6xTI/AAAAAAAAAiU/uOC0aoxFWnE/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nsHaiY8eJf6YABRAh4bcPg?authkey=Gv1sRgCLrI7Yzcy-Kf2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahUMFq6HwI/AAAAAAAAAic/mt36g-gW4xE/s400/IMG_0044.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eVRCGoS9CsyCE6mBiuw6yQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLrI7Yzcy-Kf2gE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahUNay75JI/AAAAAAAAAik/i4fy9hoBeQE/s400/IMG_0045.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Now, on to the fun for today. I ran over to MCA at 9am and we got the Raku kiln going and set up all the pieces to fire. I had to leave at around 10am to get over to Rane and Christian's school conferences (which went well), and then I returned to MCA at 11:45 to help unload the hot pieces and smother them.<br /><br />First, here is my first mask that I made using paper clay.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2lA5I5-TCdghMQ0bt2sfpQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahSwUGHQuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/_2vWM5sVY74/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Then, a bowl I did with a wavey lip.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qbddepNp58yPAWTvb8hEFw?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahSutO33dI/AAAAAAAAAg8/i6MKl7yyXwA/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yenLKCp-WHY3_-qr9Wv31A?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahS6VR13cI/AAAAAAAAAiI/xCJOxaZWqiE/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mh8G7ReGjtFRh6pdIaGn-Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahS5F8_byI/AAAAAAAAAiA/vawumbp3urI/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here are a set of three small bottles with covers.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-jCHpKCg6kvTPIDOI_ZLWg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahSxxTjZ6I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/mc38htlf7CY/s400/IMG_0035.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-jCHpKCg6kvTPIDOI_ZLWg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahSxxTjZ6I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/mc38htlf7CY/s400/IMG_0035.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JPPu5lKK7zoTowOm1lR0zg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahS0N-h0RI/AAAAAAAAAhg/IrhM2JdSbh4/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZxKSJnhn6XrU2KmlaVg9kQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahS1fosX-I/AAAAAAAAAho/ZHdnWCerVmw/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-Iu7jeXxzMH1bnPWmff_qA?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahS2KwpbLI/AAAAAAAAAhw/ZoTbqIpGVQI/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6wDi0-hyrsP622R7saWU3g?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDUrIesvIOmmAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SahS3ABPZxI/AAAAAAAAAh4/wZtGewNTlcA/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So, a big day for results. I have another mask going through the gas reduction kiln now, and it should be ready Thursday. I still have more than a dozen pieces in my locker at school ready to glaze, and a new batch of green pots in the basement ready to be bisque fired. I really can't wait to get my kilns set up here.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-21476719700882888732009-02-26T19:32:00.000-08:002009-02-26T19:49:05.327-08:00Some new treasures from the kiln...Thursdays are always fun, because that is the day that both kilns at MAC are unloaded. Here are some of my successes from the reduction gas kiln.<br /><br />The teapot that I made so long ago, I painted some delphinium flowers on and glazed with Piepenburg white.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UUHHcrje8YP3p3B5-XttCA?authkey=bgq9-cdWdzk&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SadeUxshWXI/AAAAAAAAAfU/H6wQjWxIskU/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" /></a><br />Here is a 4" diameter bowl, also about 4" high. I painted the inside with blue stain and glazed with a celadon, the outside has blue stain with beach blue over it.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TyDSTyQ5ixPhBhVS-dtWOQ?authkey=zOr4xIR6ZYA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SadbBBWZZwI/AAAAAAAAAdw/KBmBElRA06s/s400/IMG_0034-1.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7GQBP9PSu2lBozXooGzWxg?authkey=zOr4xIR6ZYA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SadecbgPxcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/Yo4RN1JZ2n0/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is a 8" x 3" high bowl. It has CR yellow on the inside, dark celadon on the outside, and a dip of the rim in Cushing Black.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZWSWKQ_gNPOR1TPk2k77HQ?authkey=zOr4xIR6ZYA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SadedwRfxbI/AAAAAAAAAfs/jyOOMsVvmZ4/s400/IMG_0035-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And, finally, here is a 10" diameter plate in celadon, with a streak of Pete's Red.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ak7NxPvEzG4LqH6FpuPlGQ?authkey=bgq9-cdWdzk&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SadiO_pE9FI/AAAAAAAAAgA/KgPhEXmgyMc/s400/IMG_0033-1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow I will publish some things that came from the soda kiln.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-77206910705305308432009-02-22T16:11:00.000-08:002009-02-22T18:17:56.501-08:00Results of my 22 bowl testThis will be a pretty sizable post and I'll try to present all the information I learned from my 22 bowls study. This was done on MB Clay from Minnesota Clay Company. I'm new to this clay, so I wanted to do some testing to see how well it performed with the glazes we have available. These bowls are small, about 3" diameter, and were punched from a slab and slumped on a plaster bowl shaped mold. I trimmed them up a bit, but not much time was spent in trying to make perfect forms.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/obwtTyA-Q1S_NZSNYmhmUQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpPFbJaEI/AAAAAAAAAZs/Ab04dO0pq6E/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'll list the glazes/stains that I had available from the Minnetonka Center for the Arts.<br /><br />First the glazes;<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>1. Robin's Clear<br />2. Rhodes White<br />3. MAC White<br />4. Piepenberg White<br />5. Dark Celadon<br />6. Light Celadon<br />7. Tenmoku<br />8. Denny's Blue/Brown<br />9. Cushing Black<br />10. Mamo Blue<br />11. *none*<br />12. Reitz Green<br />13. Dunham<br />14. Cushing Blue/Green<br />15. Red Shino<br />16. Wirts Shino<br />17. B/B Ash<br />18. Gold Shino<br />19. 3D Matte<br />20. Fake Ash<br />21. Pete's Copper Red<br />22. Frog Belly<br />23. Shanner's Green<br />24. Beach Blue<br />25. Pinell Bronze Green<br />26. Brokema Celadon<br />27. CR's Yellow</blockquote><br /></div><br />Then the extra stains, engoves, Terra Sigillata's<br /><blockquote>A. White Engove<br />B. Black Engove<br />C. Porcelain Slip<br />D. Porcelain Blue Slip<br />E. Dark Blue Slip<br />F. Iron Stain<br />G. Terra Sig. Mustard<br />H. Terra Sig. Newmans Red<br />I. Terra Sig Red Art<br />J. Terra Sig. Blue<br />K. Terra Sig. Black<br />L. Gerstley Rutile<br />M. Black Stain<br />N. Delphinium Blue Stain<br />O. Iron Wash<br />P. Ochre Wash<br />Q. Avacado Engove *new*<br />R. Lavender Engove *new*</blockquote><br /><br />Now, the bowls...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lg5-flTWrpmHNyVRSLYIdw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpQBKDGRI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/EivSwQu_he0/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" /></a>Bowl 1.<br /><br />This bowl was layered with light blue porcelain slip, and dark blue slip before bisque firing. The lizard patern was painted with black stain. Then covered with Robin's Clear glaze. I liked the result of this test.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iF3QuotK447KE2vpQkbvTA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpQ4IEYlI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/GdEZ-AsvSuc/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" /></a>Bowl 2.<br /><br />This bowl was engraved and inlaid with buff stoneware clay, then was glazed with a light coat of CR's yellow. The glaze obscured the inlays, so this is a bad glaze to use with this surface technique. <br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NWbJxmzJ17QtVTY9kMJD-A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpR4DT5BI/AAAAAAAAAaE/gQAs0WOV-_I/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" /></a>Bowl 3. <br /><br />This bowl has 3D Matte around the edge, flowers painted with mustard terra sig. Then sprayed with a light layer of Red Shino. I think this has some potential for a nice yellowish dun type effect.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8jN3A-VY2Of1vm0YW-53gw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpTO39dAI/AAAAAAAAAaM/7-oq1NsJYk0/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" /></a>Bowl 4.<br /><br />This bowl was sprayed with a layer of Pinell Bronze Green, then I painted the leaf with 2 more layers of the same glaze. I liked the green (where it was thick), but I need to do something else around the outside.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ThSN8GJtV4BYodsSKoZewg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpT6J8rHI/AAAAAAAAAaU/9y7anwN5H8A/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" /></a>Bowl 5.<br />The center symbol had delphinium stain in the engraved parts. The larger dots around the exterior were painted with Cushing Black, and the rim was layered with a dip into Fake Ash. The overall effect was not too bad, but I would do something different to the middle in the future.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ipUWtwYsAvZsprcrLqHb_w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpVMiBIqI/AAAAAAAAAac/UDk-9OO7raA/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" /></a>Bowl 6.<br /><br />This bowl had a rubbing of ochre wash in the center figure, dipped in piepenburg white, then the rim was painted with Gerstley Rutile. The mixture of glazes obscured any surface details, so I know not to do this in the future if I want any surface details. The gerstley rutile did add some excitement to the Piepenburg though.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r3K8ON52QVDhKj1meHnQsg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpV4eNYNI/AAAAAAAAAak/eKEv-S0JBww/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" /></a>Bowl 7.<br /><br />This bowl had a butterfly pattern set in light blue porcelain slip, then was dipped in Piepenburg White (top), MAC white (left), and Mamo Blue(right). Ok, so I was disappointed by much of this test. I like how the flower displayed through the glaze on the top. I liked the dark blue triangle at the bottom, so I'll do some further tests to see if I can reproduce that portion.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xR3RsXmHHVb69VT4T4wJDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpXHC-75I/AAAAAAAAAas/cFqz2sm1osw/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" /></a>Bowl 8.<br /><br />This bowl has Rietz Green in the center, with the rim dipped in Tenmoku. I really like how this bowl turned out. There are some really exciting things happening with the interactions of these two glazes. I'll try some further testing with more vertical surfaces.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wEEozQFnyKVs2cuyJFO12w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpYLtkNtI/AAAAAAAAAa0/0vE4TonPt0c/s400/IMG_0044.JPG" /></a>Bowl 9.<br /><br />This bowl has the center painted with 3D Matte, then dipped in Dark Celadon. I think the tan portion is a little dull, so I'll do something different there. I like how the center fluxed between the two glazes.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/73x4-EM3yd1oD6xyykmCeg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpZGyyWnI/AAAAAAAAAa8/LJaEE31Yl3M/s400/IMG_0045.JPG" /></a>Bowl 10.<br /><br />This bowl is a triple dip, with Rhodes White on the top, Denny's on the right side, and Dunham on the left side. The center triangle I painted with Gerstley Rutile. I like the overall effect of these three in complement to each other.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oEGPyz5N-qwiSUSJcN-TWg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpb0ikRiI/AAAAAAAAAbU/qXnGDA9K1qY/s400/IMG_0034-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 11.<br /><br />This bowl had a flower carving, then dipped in Light Celadon, with blobs of Pete's Copper red on the petals. I was thinking the Pete's Red might run more, but it stayed put pretty much. I like this bowl.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rPJjWivyv3JTTOEkWuz3-g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpcyv9zaI/AAAAAAAAAbc/hho85EYjilw/s400/IMG_0035-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 12.<br /><br />The bowl had carving deep around a moth figure. It was just dipped in Cushing Blue green. There was so much that happened to this for just one glaze. Overall, this was a pretty successful bowl which revealed how this glaze will act for different surface thicknesses.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gtWRzG8tsXaCS3iIs8YHwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpg-IlJII/AAAAAAAAAcA/SKwPbnt79tQ/s400/IMG_0039-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 13.<br /><br />This bowl had a slip trailing of white engove before it was bisqued, then I painted the petal with Pete's red, the center had a blob of 3D matte and then the whole thing was dipped in Brokema Celadon. It was interesting how the glazes reacted to the white engove. It was either the Pete's red, or the Brokema that made the white engove crystallize and black. Anyway, it was an interesting result.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8_xvqi_SK6K7kGFhserzkA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpd9pQZMI/AAAAAAAAAbo/sTKzW99ZVzg/s400/IMG_0036-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 14.<br /><br />This bowl had 3 deeply carved butterflies, which were then filled with dark blue porcelain slip before bisque. The entire surface had a light coating of Bleach Blue, then 1/2 was dipped in Robin's clear. You see the side with the clear over the Beach Blue faired better. The side with just the light Beach Blue went yellow.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AZQuMsDlalbHInbsyIL-Eg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpipJE6nI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/JOmng5yQyK8/s400/IMG_0041-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 15.<br /><br />This is my Shino test bowl. The pattern in the surface was rubbed with Iron Wash, then triple dipped into Red Shino(top right), Wirts Shino(bottom), and Gold Shino(top left).<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/slLEUICiSx3SHEWpFo-erQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHph3iDU_I/AAAAAAAAAcI/4r2U9XDRH0U/s400/IMG_0040-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 16.<br /><br />The center of this bowl was painted with Delphinium stain, then it was triple dipped in Mamo Blue (top), Cushing's Blue/Green(left side), and Beach Blue(bottom). The most interesting effect happened at the nine o'clock position on this bowl. I also like what is happening in some of the center area's. I'll do some more tests on the interactions between these three glazes.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hdeBVgJqQGNB9eRSXN9UXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpjnuJ5nI/AAAAAAAAAcY/ZO7J1qa_Kys/s400/IMG_0042-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 17.<br /><br />This bowl had some deeply carved butterflies in it. The whole thing had a dip in Fake Ash, then I painted the butterflies with CR Yellow. The mottling of the Fake ash tends to obscure the surface patterns.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2z-ubrTBX7EqqN-rwcLxNw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpfI6d_oI/AAAAAAAAAbw/yaObKJu_DXA/s400/IMG_0037-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 18.<br /><br />This bowl has a butterfly sculpted and added to the surface. The butterfly was painted with Wirts Shino, and Gold Shino. The rest was painted with Shanners Green, and I added stripes of Frog Belly to try to give a grass effect. Then right by the butterflies head I added a dollop of Pete's Red to make a kind of a flower. This turned out pretty good.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H_XAoOzC2x3bcBaFKsXysw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpgIRUX4I/AAAAAAAAAb4/Nps49efLfss/s400/IMG_0038-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 19.<br /><br />This bowl was dipped in Moshiko, then I painted Cushing's Black on the stamped areas, and a Gerstley Rutile 4 leafed clover in the middle. I like how vivid this bowl turned out.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gFrcTq0_HVeLK9HAV2G-hg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpk-dEuUI/AAAAAAAAAcg/Hojs0IsmLvE/s400/IMG_0043-1.JPG" /></a>Bowl 20.<br /><br />This surface has a carved scene. The butterfly was rubbed with Delphinum blue stain. The grass was lined with a green underglaze. The flowers petals were done with gerstley rutile, and the flower's center was painted with 3D matte. The whole was then sprayed with Robin's Clear. Mostly this worked. I would have liked the grass to turn more green that the brown.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iLwlVOtFJ3vZFjbZ3WUYDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpbLpCu-I/AAAAAAAAAbM/kKU_6rhgNn8/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" /></a>Bowl 21.<br /><br />This bowl has carving around the butterflies. The butterflies were painted with mustard Terra sig., the flower was painted with gerstley rutile, then I did a wax resist over them, and dipped the bowl in Dark Celadon. Then I painted the rim with Shanners Green. This one I quite like.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KtljMtzwQ33_h8GgXdkX_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SaHpaNRUtGI/AAAAAAAAAbE/xHy_uehxVWo/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" /></a>Bowl 22.<br /><br />This bowl I first did a tape pattern and painted with black engove before bisque firing. After it was bisque fired, I made a similiar tape pattern perpendicular to the original and dipped it in MAC white. Then I removed the tape and sprayed the whole surface with Robin's Clear. This was a very successful test. This was the class favorite bowl.<br /><br />Well, that the basic data. I'd be happy to answer any questions about any specific bowl.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-60823766412363522412009-02-19T14:03:00.000-08:002009-02-19T15:33:00.510-08:00Bowling for DollarsHere is a bowl I retrieved from the kiln today. I'm thinking of donating it to my son's school fundraiser "bowling for dollars". It's a silent auction where most of the staff in the school go use the pottery wheel, glaze their bowls, and then offer them at auction. I will need to check with Angel though first. She gets first dibs on my work for her private collection.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jli3QR58LNuEQUiEm-Sylw?authkey=zOr4xIR6ZYA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZ3T6KLuemI/AAAAAAAAAYo/fJNM9oZFato/s400/STB_0037.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UW8at2xkhoNMPsFjZiSxUg?authkey=zOr4xIR6ZYA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZ3UCWgh2XI/AAAAAAAAAYw/z0q2xNcQX9g/s400/STC_0038.JPG" /></a>Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-46246214234062878052009-02-12T13:37:00.000-08:002009-02-12T13:40:31.148-08:00Dragon head... More progress...Here is my progress from yesterday...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oGgFxlMciKkqYByRtd6ocw?authkey=d3I0bjuzhUA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZSWEy8aWcI/AAAAAAAAAWg/JXDGkycGe-I/s400/IMG_0030.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5zr0qn8uqbWVi6RsixomnQ?authkey=d3I0bjuzhUA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZSWHL_3ElI/AAAAAAAAAWo/6w7AIr6GJiQ/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" /></a>Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-6226700610866875862009-02-10T12:26:00.000-08:002009-02-10T12:48:11.890-08:00Some progress on my 2nd sculpture.I've finished the first bronze sculpture, and the patina. I brought it home, but it is Rane's and so now it is at his school in their art room being shown to all the other elementary kids.<br /><br />In the first photo, which is a little dark, you can get a feeling for the size. It's turning out to be about double the size I was thinking about when I started. But, hey, when I'm sculpting things I just trust my hands.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wgeOOzB0X-uvrH8X_V6rCA?authkey=d3I0bjuzhUA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZHiz4i5QyI/AAAAAAAAAVM/S-jLG15y3N8/s400/STA_0029.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This second photo is also too dark, but I liked how it sets the mood for this piece. :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x3n3PIwJCFOtSnPvwfiMXQ?authkey=d3I0bjuzhUA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZHi3gIulnI/AAAAAAAAAVU/KXFREkBOPa4/s400/STB_0030.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So, I turned on the flash to give you more a sense of the details. I've been working on the left side primarily, then trying to reflect that on the right side. It is interesting how in this early phase there is little difference between a dragon and a goat or a sheep. But, when I get to implementing the suface details, the reptilian features will become more pronounced.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sD8ASVurIgbRDHk4s26yjQ?authkey=d3I0bjuzhUA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZHi5Ulv9SI/AAAAAAAAAVc/LrOYUmuXDzI/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And, here is a little more close up. I'm technically still in the rough phase of determining the form, but I like to add a few details to help inspire me about where the form will go next.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ubYqWssB-JrkllIcNF3m5Q?authkey=d3I0bjuzhUA&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SZHi7p-NMaI/AAAAAAAAAVk/Mz8oCBKju_Y/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I figure it will take me about 2 more hours of work to finish the form, 4 or 5 more hours to finish the detailing, and then the fun begins. Gating and spruing, then building the plaster form, then waiting for the next bronze pour. After that, many hours of surface work on the bronze, then adding the patina.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-7712038981075602342009-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:002009-01-28T10:58:00.342-08:00New underglaze techniqueI have acquired four little bottles (flux dispensers) used for putting just a small amount of liquid flux on teeny tiny circuitry. One of my clay teachers, Colleen Riley, showed hers at a recent class. I went to Minnesota Clay last Monday at noon with Angel and I picked up some black, green, and dark blue underglaze to try in these new dispenser bottles. <br /><br />Here is a bowl onto which I just finished adding some tiny dots and also a thematic blue flower.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KRleamjtz_rGtNQcUM4xEA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SYCnemdV_yI/AAAAAAAAAUo/TT5PcFNjaH8/s400/IMG_0029-2.JPG" /></a>Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-12745185238901321342009-01-28T08:28:00.001-08:002009-01-28T08:54:09.409-08:00Fun with Fiber ClaySo, I decided to plunge in and make some fiber clay. We've been saving up some egg carton type packaging from Christmas presents as well as actual egg cartons. I put 300 grams of this paper into a large bowl and added boiling water to help break down the structure. Soon the entire house had that scrumptious odor of wet card board. After it cooled enough for me to work, I started whipping it with an electric egg beater on high speed. Soon enough I had broken down the structure into a raw pulp. I used a sieve to separate the pulp from the water, although the pulp was still very moist. I weighed my paper mass again and it was up to 800g. I took 1600 grams of recycled clay I was keeping and added enough water to make it slippy, then worked the clay until it was consistent. Now, I mixed the paper pulp into the clay slip and again with my hands this time worked the two mixtures together until they were a uniform consistency. The mixture was a bit too wet to work with at this point, so I set it up in 2" thick 4" high walls on a bat to dry out. I have about 2000 grams of fiber clay with what I figure is about 30% paper mass which will burn out during bisque firing.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3CAmFFAxuL7tp7hNdryqjQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SYCHJ3AbRqI/AAAAAAAAATo/by4u0AJggxU/s288/IMG_0031-1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I started working on Christian's moon scape lamp shade. It needs to get a little firmer, but I have the basic shape I wanted. It is very easy to change the shape of fiber clay forms with a little water. I want to make this moon look a little more round by tucking in the bottom edge a bit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RuARksu86eHmLFksJnORVA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SYCHLD_gWOI/AAAAAAAAATw/2AV3rtwVAcs/s288/IMG_0032-1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Then I decided to make a form for making a plaster cast of a face. This is a thin later of paper clay over a blank plastic harlequin mask. After this dries, I will flip it over and use it to make a plaster cast of the inside. Then I can use the plaster mold to slump as many blank masks as I want.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7N1n56V1Xy5FrWHgRUUhMg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SYCHHyO8MTI/AAAAAAAAATY/N3n484OPqyE/s288/IMG_0029-1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />These blanks can be used to make actually interesting and artistic masks from clay, as well as fun masks for the kids from paper, or paper mache'.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-UlpukMj47Be_LtFyoS-Ug?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SYCHInRDK3I/AAAAAAAAATg/z52eYDr8CRU/s288/IMG_0030.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Sculpturally, I can also see that they will be a great starting place for sculpting faces on bronze forms.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-59881328456272810442009-01-21T19:51:00.000-08:002009-01-21T20:11:52.439-08:00First ever bronze sculpture.I went over to school at noon to be in on the pouring of the 10 molds that were ready to go. The forge had blasting away for four hours to get the 100 lb. of bronze in the crucible up to the ~2100 degrees Fahrenheit needed to get a smooth pour. They tested the temperature with a pyrometer and it needed to go up a few hundred degrees still so I went and glazed some pots for awhile. When I came back around 1pm it was getting very close, and the room was getting filled with eager sculptors. At 1:20 they opened the lid on the forge and swung the crucible out, and by 1:30 the pouring was done and the crucible cleaned and empty went back in the forge to cool down. By 1:50 I was able to help pull the molds from the sand pit, and by 2:00pm I was chopping my little dragon from the mold, still blistering hot I quickly brought him to the sink and quenched him in some colder water and worked for the next 45 minutes to remove the last vestiges of plaster from around the bronze. When you make a bronze sculpture, you need to add many extra channels for the bronze and air to flow smoothly to insure you get all your mold filled with no air pockets. This evening I spent 2 and 1/2 hours in the (noisy) cutting and grinding room to get the dragon to the state you see below. I still need to do a little more polishing, carve back in some details that I had to grind off due to imperfections in the mold, then I need to add a patina, and mount it to some kind of craggy rock.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1p-_dOabTw0bluxY3APM3A?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfl_bLOjy-WsZ-E_pW7nGXoeIYq41syymao1QmmO2iBr1p_UGFbNrmQ1YWKpBk-9yEJAypLBK5PbAyI-sf6vXvf5SihguzK36T2pY-OgrporyEMvshXXBxYL4OYueviqlVE-AxL0lo5F2/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CjJtm8HJFEcLyR1PtOPGIA?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwlbgHSEUIhmE6QolJQD13NfMAEn9XgBEYsEZw-2lqXDiL4xTthydXPNbCvwRKQyASVFoE9VD2n702Lrj488ujaq46ETvLORmrMu4kbVBnZ8USiUU7GN35EA_zPZ0Cku3fWUhd0jc7-0a/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4HL8MDUPgmCeTaAL-yh12g?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuRsIDilrW5NeSl53ZY1GOkK5gfd7pEdvyMLIPHQzYVAJ6n2pgvMK8F-v9JpknI8v7sdJVr5wfxrNFeIbBdgNzcr3Y8bdZjlLexeJQ4S946OcXrF8gu-_1w64n2nVSlnPo3CM9SxWk3iB/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kVnqKyOj8XodjWJ3NqO5LA?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR92mJ8eaPK35isL02T6Zcq4aXiWEFWFJbl45k1t6w8g15FukPQ__7dDsGBxWMCLR7WwX3zuDs38r3sy6WfCA6_oc6mhpUKY_EnesmNeyw7BLH5X4ga3JiKdrfN_SqRs7eia1cgRLX6fYP/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/CrafterOfKhnum/CraftersOfKhnum?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite">Crafters of Khnum</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The camera was a bit funny trying to get good shots of this very shiny surface, but you cant get an idea of what it looks like. I'll try to add some better photos latter. I think Rane will like it. I'll show it to him in the morning.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-89649047171457657642009-01-20T10:23:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:24:59.384-08:00For Gary... Ann may haunt your dreams...<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/4976164e85868eff/49732b965f9a25c8/af0c523/-cpid/c9c6b207764e22e" id="W4727a250e66f97234976164e85868eff" width="384" height="283"><param name="movie" value="http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/4976164e85868eff/49732b965f9a25c8/af0c523/-cpid/c9c6b207764e22e" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /></object>... or maybe I'm hungry and should eat some lunch. :)Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-80480506542780959652009-01-20T08:12:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:17:14.452-08:00Puppy from Marshall Pottery painted...<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L9D2iXwnTL2A_xcCoBUoew?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAgBCKBYVi2WceUSOUVfx9jzNjxoQJapqLAwGLwL6MEqobbboPC-GkvdKxL_vpU0vG3wobJedecpDKtnR61EKXUOyXJcXgDvS7NPnhFrEMl5Xa6nqCJk90VLAV7Lgl8WHqQVZuSM54Bp_/s144/IMG_0023-1.JPG" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qVcjYgFDqFxvTFkGlBLVsg?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3b0iYxEgeRahqm6Gqu3ON7Lr3p6JWgkWD5tPmGqJC2Le_tcPRCXF1pf6qD1QhThUrG2S0GRCAXW2hQ0vy6UTSeWCjJtSq_JJDtkDxpvXA0BH5lsNirCZUjaWgA2Hl4fgox_RcoruQ1Nd/s144/IMG_0024.JPG" /></a></td></tr></table>When we stopped at Marshall Pottery on the way home from Houston, Christian wanted to get this earthenware puppy. He wanted it painted white with black spots like his puppy box. This is the result. I need to do some touch ups, but he likes it. The black circle around the puppies eye was all Christian's idea.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-74219379321823054022009-01-18T11:44:00.000-08:002009-01-18T12:11:15.663-08:00My mark revisited, and a petition to bring back Lördag.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C_lbFA7DueZaceCVHG101A?authkey=pIuLVkZMqIE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAFAIAWCsizkc1VgcFEAW7SdaYWuwzq7hO8zb_97kiDerflfi-hgZOBLa0YdMBGHKLK1E4Pe-dbV9ph-JC8nYZCqRzUlpB2SHcmU9DhCJF91gCX5EUIUXVMAWN9kAn4Go2UmZwCf8LPeI/s144/IMG_0023.JPG" /></a></td></tr></table>Awhile back I posted a drawing of my mark. Today I finally took a photo of it (above). It was made with (small and large) paper clip wire pieces super glued to the back of a stray clear cap I found. To the right is an impression I made in leather hard clay. The letters are younger futhark, which was the alphabet of the Scandinavian people from the 9th century until the 15th century when it evolved into a medieval proto-norse runic writing system. Eventually, as the influence of Christianity grew, the medieval runic alphabet came into competition with the Latin systems used by the clergy. It was and is still common to use runes for calendar's in Scandinavia. We still have remnants in our modern daily lives, such as Tuesday (Tyr's day), Wednesday (Woten's day),Thursday (Thor's day), and Friday (Freyja's day). Saturday in Scandinavian tradition was actually called Lördag (which means bath day -- good idea). And, then Sunday (sun) and Monday (moon) we seemed to share with the rest of Europe.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-11099129455230616692009-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:002009-01-17T07:55:49.390-08:00My new mug<table style="width:auto;"><tr><br /><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RtNy7mVwKW-PsPNvJH1rSg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SXHsvL67WgI/AAAAAAAAAK4/nG_WjiVssS4/s144/IMG_0019.JPG" /></a></td><br /><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/byGAHeYZ2ogLTdCbQ_qzZQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_eWI4_dOLw3M/SXHswEmGnJI/AAAAAAAAALA/RO2_QLhlGXY/s144/IMG_0020.JPG" /></a></td><br /></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/CrafterOfKhnum/NewMug?feat=embedwebsite">New Mug</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The inside was glazed with Piepenburg White, and I also painted extra around the top to get the drippy frosting effect breaking over the lip. The outside was sprayed with a thin coat of light green/blue Celadon, then I use a feather brush and whisked a light black glaze from the bottom of the cup upwards. The black over the Celadon must have fluxed some, but I ended up with an interesting effect.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-87876068577181079232009-01-10T18:34:00.000-08:002009-01-10T19:28:26.586-08:00Some projects in the works...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artresourcesgallery.com/images/heidih/IMG_Hoy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://www.artresourcesgallery.com/images/heidih/IMG_Hoy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It's been 3 weeks now since I posted, Christmas has come and gone. We drove to Houston to visit my older sister and her beau. We had an excellent time, and even though my sister's house was stuffed full of people and pets, things went very smoothly. Of note ceramics-wise during the Christmas break is that I received some great presents for my studio, including some great new tools, some slip molding forms, a hefty gift certificate to "Clay World", and some wonderful and very useful books. <br /><br />So here are some new projects I'm diving into; <br /><br />1) A 20" hemispherical moonscape made from fiber clay (craters, rough surface). After bisque firing it will become the form for casting a replica of it in bronze. The bronze version will eventually become my son Christian's bed side lamp shade (his room is done in a space theme). The ceramic version I will eventually glaze and fire as well, and use suspended from his ceiling or mounted on his wall (where it will be less likely to be broken).<br /><br />2) A glaze study of the 30 glazes available at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts on MB clay (new clay for me). I will make a bunch of coffee cups all the same size and shape, then use each glaze as a primary on the exterior, develop a series of surface designs (carving, impressions, stamps, sprigs, etc) then choose a complementary glaze for decoration. I can throw most of these at home and bring them to the Art Center to glaze them. This is akin to doing a tile study, but more interesting than tiles.<br /><br />3) I'm currently making a 12" tall bronze dragon, which is small enough in mass to not need an internal mold. I'm shaping it directly in wax, so again, I can skip some steps in the lost wax casting process. I'm building it as a part of a bronze casting class I'm taking from <a href="http://www.artresourcesgallery.com/heidi_hoy.html">Heidi Hoy</a> at the Minnetonka Center of the Arts. The dragon is almost completed from what I can tell, and when I asked Heidi if it was done she said, "We have a saying around here... We'll let you know when you're done." The photo above is one of Heidi's works.<br /><br />4) We need to replace the tile in our bathroom. I sat down last week to develop a non-square repeating pattern using a computer graphic design tool. Angel wants the bathroom to have a butterfly motif, so some tiles will be butterfly shaped, and then others will form the shapes between the butterflies. There are about 500 tiles roughly 4" tiles needed for this project.<br /><br />5) I want to make 12"x12" tiles for the floor in my studio. Again, I want to (lightly) carve and glaze each tile differently to make it look like one large ancient mosaic pattern. I figure the floor tiles will need to be 1/4" thick. <br /><br />6) I still need to get my kiln's set up and finish the full set up in my basement studio.<br /><br />It seems overwhelming I know, but I'm not the kind of person who gets discouraged with a mountain of work... I get busy.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-88986659148871200102008-12-19T07:07:00.000-08:002008-12-19T07:19:06.319-08:00Small Pitcher with Rooster<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrS9Qb10OnbfY1hQ_wvQQ2LaLiRA8kykudeE5YeiVT6pOkSN-7junpgOqC6rFPBt2r-80DX1NUjShqU6VHk2aGHP3_vIYL0W4ySdlr4H0iBXnlggIMWdEKHD43hk-JDoZySB6UtxJ4nYf/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrS9Qb10OnbfY1hQ_wvQQ2LaLiRA8kykudeE5YeiVT6pOkSN-7junpgOqC6rFPBt2r-80DX1NUjShqU6VHk2aGHP3_vIYL0W4ySdlr4H0iBXnlggIMWdEKHD43hk-JDoZySB6UtxJ4nYf/s400/IMG_0006.JPG' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;' /></a><p> I found this little pitcher at a local garage sale, and I keep it by my wheel for inspiration.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gQ14014fXOYFJTy4_A6mSZ14Eo_sM6az3SmWGJiLiTPKg6L4Rbs8PGm5CZc8AJj8oNCZFeb1f5vLBUAAe9ABJUkoc-A4-5-AtGDXCqLDiCsrnEu6rwfbfWIdSf6SCZ-4U17iCxLzUAyk/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gQ14014fXOYFJTy4_A6mSZ14Eo_sM6az3SmWGJiLiTPKg6L4Rbs8PGm5CZc8AJj8oNCZFeb1f5vLBUAAe9ABJUkoc-A4-5-AtGDXCqLDiCsrnEu6rwfbfWIdSf6SCZ-4U17iCxLzUAyk/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518519173899874" /></a> I'll have to try to duplicate this style at school this next quarter. I believe it is a Majolica style.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-57329997821987177902008-12-18T20:38:00.001-08:002008-12-18T21:26:02.099-08:00Some things finally done from class.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Awacy69yWWupBKgFZegymQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/SUskckGm40I/AAAAAAAAANE/OlzWRqiOMQU/s144/IMG_0015.JPG" /></a> </td><td>Two coffee cups Shaner's green glaze breaking brown on the outside, sea foam blue on the inside. Also, a 5" glossy blue bowl with a dip of something nice on the rim.</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y9r-l01RfPEOJ-n4-J7msQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/SUskedvOQdI/AAAAAAAAANM/jbB5yv9oTWU/s144/IMG_0021.JPG" /></a> </td><td>A nice small 5" bowl.</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3K0HUPgE5IUbXTSM1ctLgw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/SUskfg7Qa2I/AAAAAAAAANU/-8ZgP0uRXWY/s144/IMG_0024.JPG" /></a> </td><td>A 4" x 4" tea bowl with Shaner's Green, and a dip of Tenmoku on the lip</td></tr><br /><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OhKSjBgepOKWM9MlpOWJaA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/SUskiKOejUI/AAAAAAAAANc/Re-DxohJyno/s144/IMG_0027.JPG" /></a> </td><td>A 6" bowl, also with Shaner's Green glaze.</td></tr></table><br /><br />I have more items (a few more coffee cups, a couple large plates, a pitcher, some big bowls, and a vase) that are still in process, but this is some of the stuff I threw in the first three weeks when I was getting a feel for the wheel again.Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-44788348109011802212008-12-08T23:03:00.001-08:002008-12-09T20:05:33.904-08:00My First Teapot.I think it is a success for a first attempt.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z6zqtPFvcUanqHMioOIkcw"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/ST4X2AEgAkI/AAAAAAAAAJM/_y1iH59ToL8/s144/IMG_0004.JPG" /></a></td><td>The front view. I need to fettle a bit to slim down the spout. It should taper better, so I've some work there to do.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A8i8dkL7EXBadvz4l6nkyA"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/ST4X3et3qxI/AAAAAAAAAJU/36PI6Znuqa4/s144/IMG_0005.JPG" /></a></td><td>I like how the lid turned out. You can see the handle drying on the blue glass vase in the background. I'll attach it tomorrow after I finish fettling the bottom of the teapot.</td></tr><tr>><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mBEiOmaaPExuPmllIqcETQ"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_iteKkZhXUMU/ST8tpmF77MI/AAAAAAAAAKk/cUa2HZhSLe0/s144/IMG_0005-2.JPG" /></a></td><td>Here it is all assembled, just some dent and scratch removal and I'm ready to let it dry.</td></tr></table>Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050151923519921042.post-87235386419694524472008-12-07T11:18:00.000-08:002008-12-07T12:18:49.536-08:00Female Front Person Bands. Your favorites? Here's mine.Over the years I've always been entranced by bands (rock, punk, metal et. al.) with female lead singers. Here are some of my favorites over the years in no particular order;<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Garbage</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9AlXffy8tO0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9AlXffy8tO0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AI95BVkiW0&fmt=18">Veruca Salt</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq-ZmAYLeB8&fmt=18">Brandi Carlile</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Runaways</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4RTipAZuMRI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4RTipAZuMRI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Joan Jett</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsayEx01v_c&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsayEx01v_c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXvPU-tfJA&fmt=18">Annie Lennox</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Pretenders</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5pECaW-VMI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5pECaW-VMI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">bond</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U_wCGbh2gRM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U_wCGbh2gRM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Luz Casal</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tqJ9263FA-Y&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tqJ9263FA-Y&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pink covering 4 Non Blondes</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S3DdkywgKVY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S3DdkywgKVY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />So what are some of your favorites?Crafter of Khnumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18119547299439637419noreply@blogger.com6