Sunday, April 24, 2016

Clay, clay, clay

Just a quick post today.

I bought myself a whole whack of clay a short while ago. Last night I tossed a few pieces into a pit fire and then ran out in my pyjamas this morning to dig them up. These are my favourite bits that came out, some pendant types pieces and some holed stones. 


I really like primitive pit firing. I'm terrible at it... but it's fun. It reminds me a lot of darkroom photography. There's a sort of magic that happens when you submerge your paper in the developing solution and the image just kind of comes alive. The same thing happens when you dig up your pieces. You ave no idea what's going to come out.

I also bought some air dry clay by Laguna. $25 for a 25lb bag... which is an outstanding price if you consider the price of the tiny blocks of air dry clay you get from most craft stores. AND this stuff dries so hard! It's not crumbly and brittle like some others I've used. You DO have to seal it to protect it from moisture/waterproof, and I don't think it's suitable for foodstuffs, but if you want to fart around with some clay it's an option.


Here are some teeny bits of pottery I created with it.

Finally, I've been working on two new tutorials and my camera has not been cooperating. Have I ever told you that my camera is so noisy when it focuses that you can hear it on the recording? Seriously, that's why I changed my format to voice overs! Anyway, I think it might be time to invest in something a little more reliable.

What have you been up to?

10 comments:

  1. Love those little clay things. I've been working on a little flower garden especially for my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter. There will be bunnies, turtles and faeries in amongst the flowers and stepping stones.

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    1. Sounds delightful! I'm sure she'll love it :)

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  2. Love that red clay! Actually I love clay! Such a relaxing thing to get my fingers into. I will have to try some of this. Those stones are so magical. Is a fire pit a difficult thing to make or is it like burying something under a campfire? I would love to try this 😍

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    1. It's literally a fire in a pit. (Which doesn't sound very magical at all!) The results are unexpected and there is a very high loss rate because there's no control over the temperature... but it's a fun thing to do.

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  3. Didnt know Laguna made an air dry clay... Must find it!

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    1. I've used a lot of air dry clay and I can say that this is by far the hardiest stuff I've used.

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  4. More magical creations - love the tiny pots, perfect for the fairies to work with:)

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  5. This sounds a little bit like Raku firing, you never really know how your piece will look. What fun!
    I love your expression "if you want to just fart around". I have said that so many times in my life, but never heard somebody else say it, It made my day with a huge smile...Bonnie in WI

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