well the kiln load last week was only partially successful. i had a few issues with both the designs and the firing. some of the glazes did not mix well together - most issues were with how i used the new engobe mayco has put out combined with the clear glaze (amaco HF-9 zinc-free). design-wise i felt the plates were a bit too busy which isn't really my taste.

the new mayco engobes are fabulous! i purchased all four colors; black, brown, red (more like a dark terracotta), and white. i'm primarily using the white so far. i brush it loosely over top of the clay body to give a washed out look. white underglaze can give the same effect but i find the engobe more 'robust'. idk.

while these plates are functionally fine, aesthetically they are not quite there for me. the husband and mother say i should put the in the shop but i'm undecided at this moment.

so, i did another batch and was much happier with the results:

i know the differences are subtle lol. these and a few others will be added to the shop this sunday.

also working a few budvases. these are smaller and simpler in style (and less expensive) than the larger ones (which are really more labor intensive). they are not quite done yet. i will china paint a couple and fire them again to see if i like that look.

oh! and letterpress is making a comeback! not quite as many but there's some newly designed teapots and other items in the works.

and lastly, i have this minor obsession with these squares. i admit i haven't quite figured out what direction i'm going but these are a start - some minimalistic contrasting design and muted colors; letters? words? numbers? just simple sculptures? bud vases? gotta think on it some more.

there's other ideas i'm playing around with but i think that's enough of a showcase for now. ciao!