Currently on my desk

When you don't know what to call a post ;) - though it's not far off; these ceramics are currently on my desk. Undergoing 'quality control' so to say. Basically keeping an eye on them to see if the glaze/clay combo and firing schedule seems to be a match. Crossing my fingers though - can't wait to use them.

One of the new additions are the little flower shaped dishes - they were actually inspired by some plates/bowls I saw on one of the many food-instagram accounts - I'll try to find it and add the name. I did change up the design a bit, but I thought the shape would look gorgeous with some berries or even just on their own. I used my usual combo of the colored inside with the brown glaze on the outside - my favorite combo for ceramics. Just so beautifully rustic.

I would love to be able to sell more ceramics on Etsy - especially since I'll be using them frequently on 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet'. I just need to be fairly certain there won't be any problems with them,.. and I say 'fairly certain' because if there's one thing I've learned by now, is that ceramics is a science.

I'd also love to list some sculpting bases, since I get questions about those daily. But it does require some more testing

If everything goes well though, I'm counting on being able to list some this summer! ^^

Oh - quick note; Next tutorial on SugarCharmShop Gourmet will be up tomorrow :) Promised you 2 uploads this week ^^

Spring! (More ceramics)

I need to remember updating on here once in a while - even more than usual as I've been kept busy with the patron blog.

I made some more ceramics as a test firing and picked out most of the pastels for a picture - reminds me of spring.

I got some new clay - hence the 'test' firing. My old clay had gotten pretty stiff (have had it for probably more than half a year) and so I decided to buy a new pack as I'm too lazy to spend THAT much time reviving and kneading it... Problem is, that the store I used to get it from went bankrupt last year and I couldn't find any other danish sellers offering that particular brand/type of clay *sigh*

So I got a new one - recommended to me by a lady at a different shop after I explained what I was going to use it for, the firing temperature I usually use etc.. Good news is; it is SO much better to work with! - SO much easier to make handles and mold things without small pieces drying out in a matter of seconds AND I can even use it with my silicone molds to be able to make a larger variety of pieces (the rectangular dishes, squared plates, heart shaped plates, pie dish and ramekins were some I originally made from polymer clay and I then made molds from them).

The problem (which may not even turn out to be a problem) is that I'm scared the glaze will crackle. I had that happen to a lot of pieces after a few days/weeks with the old clay, although I didn't have any problems since I changed to a different clear glaze and switched to a higher firing temperature.. Yet I'm still worried that something similar will happen to these, so I'll be keeping an eye on them before making more and before using these for anything.

I'm thinking that 1-2 months should be an okay time frame to judge? - you see, the next fair is in the last weekend of April (I think), and I would love to bring ceramics to sell. If there are any experienced ceramists out there, I'd much appreciate a second opinion as to whether or not I need to wait longer than that before selling any of the pieces made from this new brand of clay.

Ceramics, cockatoo, food & more

Lately I haven't been taking pictures every time I've fired a batch of ceramics - not that I've fired thaaat many times, but I haven't been taking the 'bundled up' pictures I did after the first 4 firings or so. Probably because plates don't change too much, haha.

However, I have improved since the last pictures were taken so I decided to take pictures of some of my more recent ceramics :)

I definitely need to do some more of the handpainted ones (they were decorated using the amaco semi moist underglazes). And I can't wait to use some of those cake stands!

Most of the colors I'm using at the moment (for the base) are the amaco velvet underglazes - love them. They come in a great variety of colors and shades, and you can get them in convenient little 2oz containers which is perfect for those who are making miniatures or only need a small amount of one color :)

I also decided to make a cockatoo (tutorial is being uploaded as I'm typing). Lots of fun and I'm already working on the next 'feathered fellow'.

And because I've been gone from the blog for a while... again... here are a couple of the other minis I've made;

Ceramics, bundt cake & peaches

Fired my (not counting the very first test firing with 7-8 first attempt plates/bowls) my third 'set' of ceramics yesterday!... well, the night before yesterday - when glaze firing I let the kiln run throughout the night.

Anyway - My best ceramics yet, if I do say so myself haha :) I decided to focus on making plates, as that is what I use most often - but I also adelots of little bowls.

Even made my first tea-cups, which I think turnd out really cute. The blue and white set in the foreground is a gift for a friend, and the Olive oil bottle and semi-matching bowl is s birthday gift for another friend... which, if you're watching, please tell me you saw it! ;) - though I don't expect either of them to see this blog post.

Had so much fun painting the details on the olive oil bottle. Used my Amaco semi-moist underglaze palettes. Although they have their cons but I do really love them! Might have to add handpainted details to more pieces next time I make a batch :)

Finished this simple little bundt cake yesterday, and the peaches are from the day before.

And finally another bundt cake from today :)

Lychee & more ceramics

Feels like I haven't made that much the past few days, though I've made something every day.. - I made these miniature lychee (lychees?) which I think came out cute :) I feel like I need to record something to go with them before uploading the tutorial though.

Also fired some more ceramics, which I'm just as excited about as last time haha - The suspense when opening the kiln door after the final firing... love it! - now I just need to make some food for each one.

Now sure whether or not the colors are true to real life - I fixed it in photoshop,. but as soon as I post the pictures on blogspot it seems like the colors are more saturated? Not just in this picture, it's a general problem I've noticed. Might just be me or my browser/computer/whatever.. 

Ceramics, English Breakfast & Roast

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am, being able to make my own ceramics. They may not be perfect, but hey, I'm a newbie - so it's okay. I used the underglazes I ordered to color some of these. Love how easy it was to make the dishes look rustic by only applying a thin coat.

My main problem now is, that I really want the other palettes as well,. And some more 'normal glazes'. I'd like a crackle glaze and maybe even a metallic one... Will try my best to wait a little while though.

Used a couple of them already;

English breakfast (not enough room for mushrooms).

And I put the second roast in a cooking dish/tray :)