Third Majolica Monday

My First Boot Whistle  

I started making shoe whistles at least ten years ago, probably longer.  This little guy is terra cotta with Linda Arbuckle's white majolica glaze and painted with Mason Stains.

I started out doing a 'tissue paper' stuffing for the tops of my shoes so I could get a good seal for the whistle.  I've since figured out how to seal the boot itself where it doesn't show.  It was all pretty moot in this case as the whistle is in the heel which is a separate structure.  I think at the time I had intentions of doing more than one whistle in the structure, or perhaps an ocarina.  Alas, all is lost in the mists of time, or rather in the jumble of notebooks which I never bother to index!

I like the way western boots are made and enhanced with fancy designs.  I wanted my little whistle to reflect that tradition.

Can you see the little whistle hole down near the base of the heel?

The sole of a shoe whistle is as important as any other part of the show.  I think the glaze is Linda's white with Florentine Green Mason Stain added.  Don't quote me on that!

The air hole is visible on the heel.  I have found that the most important part of getting a whistle to work is to make sure the air from the blow hole splits over the sharp edge of sound hole.

OOPS!  I got so busy yesterday that I forgot to bring my laundry in.  We may get a shower later on so I better get hopping.

Enjoy the day, and, as always, thanks for stopping by............*s*