Test tiles, why I make so many.

 

I've been making test tiles with layers of slips brushed, printed and sponged with combinations of texture and pattern. I always start with test tiles experimenting with different processes and combinations of materials. Here are some I did last year before making the space rovers.

When I went to look for them I found some old stoneware volcanic glaze tests, which have started to give me ideas .. ... ... ... 

Starting and finishing

I like to start a new phase of work by trying out new combinations of techniques. Here I have made clay stamps from some favourite bits and pieces. When they have been fired I will use them to make ceramic sprigs for decoration.

And here are some finished mugs - they have been glazed, fired and finished off with just a touch of gold lustre. I've been drinking spiced tea out of them. The flavour matches the mug.

A strange meeting

I was waiting for my pots to be fired, and whilst  looking through 

some treasure and wondering what I could do with it,

   a small gentleman walked across my table.

 He stopped and looked at me,

 turned away, and

disappeared amongst all the bits and pieces. 

How very strange.

A decorated pot & visiting friends

Here it is - the little pot that I decorated in the last post - glazed and fired. Looking good & I'm thinking of adding more decoration to it, perhaps some gold lustre or enamel . I'll wait until I have my mugs glazed so I can try a few different ideas together. 

This weekend is  Bradford Open for Art  , I've spent a lovely afternoon with  Claire Wellesley-Smith and Hannah Lamb  and have come away full of inspiration.