Teapot

I had a fairly successful firing this time.  It was sort of a catch-up load.  I'll be posting various items as I photograph them.

I handbuilt this teapot based on a CAD post on quickly building teapots over a form.  I got a little more complicated because I pulled the handles and spout.  I also punched holes instead of cutting a hole for the spout attachment.  I generally use a tea basket when I brew tea, but I still can't bring myself to cut a hole when I am making a teapot.

This is terra cotta glazed in Spectrum #251 Satin White.  This is not an easy glaze to paint on.  Spraying with hairspray gives the glaze enough tooth so colors go on without rubbing off.  The colors are all Mason Stains.

The base is glazed in one of Spectrum's low fire metallic glazes.  Of course I did not make a note of which glaze.  It could be wrought iron or a misfire.  I need to work on these!    

Here is the kitty whistle with his mended ear.  If I had been willing to take the glaze off the broken area and done a refire it would probably be an invisible mend.

I have been looking for a substitute for my favorite Mason Cobalt  CORRECTION!  I MEANT TO WRITE CERULEAN 6379 which is no longer available. (Cobalt is another story.  It's a very dense dark blue that I use in very, very small amounts!) I can't even find a formula so I can mix my own.  I guess at some point I can call Mason.  This is Mason 6738 Zirconium Vanadium.  I don't particularly like it as a background color.  It's too dense and almost metallic.  I just need to keep testing; white may do a lot for it.

I was going to rant about how the Forest Tent Caterpillars are destroying my white oaks and making it extremely unpleasant to be outside.  However, I decided that ugly caterpillars and stripped white oaks do not belong with the happiness of my firing!  The rant will have to wait!

The weather is beautiful if a little windy.  It's nice on the deck under the umbrella.

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

Bugs and Winter

Ah box elder beetles, or as we used to call them Halloween Bugs!  Thanks to Gary and the bugs at his house, and hopefully not mine, for the reminder.  I made these little whistles as my version of the bug.  The neat thing about making whistles is that they can be little projects that can be done in a few minutes.  By using commercial glazes I can once fire  and get fast results.  Pottery is not something that lends itself to instant gratification, but this comes close.  

I've been looking at more bugs, scarabs in particular.  Tomato hornworms are disgusting on plants but they have a lot of the dragon in them.....actually, I think they are closer to Godzilla.....Godzilla Bugs......how appropriate!

Winter came outside with us yesterday when we were working in the yard.  At first she didn't quite know what to do.  Then she started finding all sorts of good smells.  She probably has not been outside much, so there is a lot to explore.  One wonderful thing is that she asks to go out when she needs to go.  She had one accident in the house and that was due more to our not understanding her signals, than her misbehavior.

Winter in the daffodils

I've been experimenting with slow rise breads.  I use 1/4 tsp. dry yeast to make a starter and let it ferment, then add flour to make a soft dough.  It ends with being baked in a hot cast iron dutch over.  Generally it makes a wonderful, chewy loaf.

This time I had way too much dough so I took some of it and made it into a cross between pizza and foccacio.  Topped it with caramalized onions, mushrooms and, at the end, a Kerrygold gouda type cheese.  It was delicious.  Next time I may add anchovies.  Yes, I know many people gag at the thought of anchovies.  But I love the salty, fishy undertones they give to a dish.  

Found this poem on NPR.  It may insult some lovers of the green, but I find it appropriate.

Drowning the Shamrock by Frank Delaney


Thanks for stopping by...........~s~