May 2012

Our May 2012 meeting was held at Vina’s house.

The success of our 4^th Annual Ceramics in the Garden Show was our hot topic of discussion. The Network greatly appreciates all members who participated with a special Thank you to Rob, Christie, Jerry, Marsha and Mary for their above and beyond contributions. We learned many things at this years show that will make future shows even better. Our next Garden in the Ceramics Show is scheduled for December 8, 2012. Mark you calendars now!

The Network continues to display at various Libraries around Northeast Florida. So look for these displays at the following libraries this year:

June - The Beaches

August - St. Augustine

October - Mandarin

Additionally, we are hoping to add more Libraries as the year progresses.

No specific Tips, Tools, Techniques or Tidbits were brought to the meeting today. However, Christie shared pictures of a fascinating display of pottery and glass which she admired at a Museum in Arizona.

Program

Our presentation was by Vina who presented a program entitled “Colored Slip Decoration on Clay Tiles”.

Vina made her colored slip by crushing old clay with a rolling pin. The old dry clay in the instance was Phoenix “buff”. She used 100 grams of this clay and added 10-15% /grams of mason stain to achieve color. These dry materials were mixed together than sieved. Water was then added to a consistency that would allow flow through a bottle with a tip applicator. (Vina recycle’s hair color bottles for this purpose.) The slip is then applied to absorbent paper in the desired design. (Newspaper with or without the print as well as coloring books complete with designs work great for this purpose.) One must be remember that you need to work in reverse while putting on your different layers of colored slip. The paper with the slip design is then placed on clay that is a little softer than leather hard if the piece is finished or possibly softer if the piece is still yet to be formed. Once the paper has been place on the clay, the paper is then rolled onto the clay. After the clay has had time to absorb the slip, the paper can then be carefully removed. Be sure to check for adequate adhesion as you are slowly peeling away the paper. The advantage to placing the slip on paper and not directly on the clay is that the slip design is flat as opposed to dimensional. The ware is then bisque fired. Clear glaze, colored glazes or their combination are then painted on to coordinate with the colored slip. Vina used Amaco’s Potter’s Choice Glazes for her and her student’s samples. Vina then provided tiles and various colors of slip for everyone to try their hand at this technique which could then be taken home. Thank you Vina for not only sharing your expertise but for also hosting the meeting. Everyone enjoyed seeing your fabulous art collections!