Wednesday 9 November 2011

getting bigger...

The ruler is a 12"/30cm measure. I can't really go over 15 inches dried in this kiln, so I must work out the plastic to ready to fire shrinkage!!

They were quite heavily thrown, as the clay is fairly soft , to support the shape. I think I need the clay a little less soft! Even though it is now ten months old it isn't the easiest to throw with, but it is improving slowly. I reckon it will be fine by the time I've worked through this ton!!
I'm planning a change of clay and having over half a ton left means I have the time to find a clay that suits me better!
I threw these with 4.5 kg each, starting with 1.5kg, centering, adding the next, centering again....so each third is centered and compressed and hopefully I wont have the cracks in the base that appear in the glaze firing. The bowl is still useable as they don't go all the way through, but don't look good.
These are some of yesterday's small pots (250gm)
It has been raining fine steady rain most of today..just the sort of rain you need to replenish the groundwater....just not during the day!!

I did my usual token housework before work- sorting my own things in the kitchen and ironing and drying my own clothes. After working this afternoon I made a large bean and pepper curry, and an almond and carrot nut roast..good freezer food!!

12 comments:

Andrea Ingram said...

Leave it in the freezer till we arrive :-)

gz said...

It is a popular one- I make it whenever I get almonds at a reduced price!!

Sara said...

Sounds delicious! Really enjoyed your messages this morning, it was lovely hearing from you again xx

gz said...

hope we can see you both again soon!

Peter said...

Sometimes I am convinced that it is the kiln that is shrinking, not the work that is being made to go in it!! Wouldn't a flexible kiln be wonderful, that you could make grow a little when you need it to! Well done with the big bowls, I do hope they get through the drying and firing without cracking.

red dirt girl said...

xxx!

yeractual said...

Bean & Pepper Curry sounds fine to me. We must try Carrot with some of the local Almonds here. Hope the firing all goes well - those look like some great sized platters! We bought a load last summer at a vide grenier in SW France, a job lot of used Gien stuff with some huge serving dishes, all for 5 Euros! I love 'em. Must stick a piccy on the blog. They're perfect for an unexpected visit from, say, Noddy Holder or maybe Sweet!

smartcat said...

Nice bowls! The little pots have tremendous sense of scale. Looking forward to the finish.

Peter....flexible kiln...yes, please!

Gary's third pottery blog said...

OH Ook, what gorgeous small pots :)

kjsutcliffe said...

You've been busy, might just turn up for curry later!! yum :)

CATHY DANIEL said...

The pots look great - I sometimes only just get mine in the kiln, but I do love making big platters. Just read your previous post - I could have written it ... what's the answer - I haven't found it!

Sandy Miller said...

threw large platters out of new clay a month ago.... unloaded them out of the glaze kiln they are so heavy I will need a rugby player to serve dinner!

made them to hang on the wall, better live in a castle to find a wall strong enough to support those platters......

new clay is a bit of a learning curve!

rice and beans on the back burner of the stove here :) weather has turned cold and blustery, snow on the way tonight...... not ready!