Weaving on Clay

well, weaving on fired clay.....

For those who followed my posts, know that I started teaching adult ceramics classes this year. Most of the class members had worked in clay for many years so I wanted to introduce something that they had not already done. Adding fiber to work was a natural choice for me, but most in the class were not sewers or quilters so adding how I usually add was not the best choice. I did start many years back though by weaving rims on my thrown bowls so thought this might be something a few members of the class may be interested in and they could take it to where ever they like and as far they can imagine.

     I refreshed my memory on how I had woven a traditional rim but decided there should be an easier way as managing all those reeds could be overwhelming..... 

So in brainstorming in what could be used instead of reed for the 'stakes' I decided to try out wire as it would stay where you put it and it is flexible. I did a few small pieces to try it out and it seemed like the way to go. Then I decided to try a larger piece and I remembered to take some photos before I finished....

 For those who like this idea I found a number 20 wire worked. The usual helpful tools from basket weaving 101 are helpful too, like clothes pins/pegs to hold your weaving in place when you need a third hand.

 To finish off the rim I found I could simply twist the wires back down over the reed, bury it and cut it off. Or for this one I took two of the wire spokes, pulled them together tightly and twisted them. I liked the scalloped edge it gave if I pulled them taut.

 I could have left it at that but I liked the idea of adding one more element so did a test of various clay buttons and beads I had.

  Finally I settled on these.....

 The bowl is wheel thrown and carved on the wheel, finished with red iron oxide and left unglazed.

 I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone does this summer as the studio remains open for members to work. They've made some beautiful pieces this year!!!

What's Been Happening in the Clay Studio

There really is truth to the saying that time goes by quicker each year as this year is already flying by. But I have been in the clay a bit ..... this isn't my usual bowl shape but I wanted to experiment with my new wiggle wire and I am very happy with this bottom. I love turning over a pot to find a nice surprise.



I also returned to one of my glazes that I found using Ron and John's Glossy Base from Mastering Cone Six Glazes. A few years ago I decided I wanted something minty green but brighter than the one in their book. I wanted to stick to a couple bases so chose one of their bases to work with as I was already using it in their Variegated Blue. From several different test tiles I chose this one and have been very happy with how it looks and works on my clay.

Here's another little dish with a surprise bottom or maybe not-so-surprise as you can see it peeking up on the edges.

 Below is a much larger serving platter that I made using Gail Kendall's faux foot technique. A clip from her video is available at Ceramic Arts Daily, here.

Here's another little dish, great for olives, using Gail's faux foot.

 

I dug out my old basket weaving supplies to try some rim weaving on some bowls. I made several of these years ago but discovered I didn't have a single one left so searched through old photos to see if I could find one to remind me how I had done it. I discovered it was like riding a bike, but with the help of some old basket patterns to help me with the rim pattern.

 

Here's my bowl with the round reed waiting for it's weaving..... and here I go....

And finally finished .... 

 I've also had some fun making a few new beer vessels. I dug out my stamps to announce 'BEER TIME' which it is almost that now.......

 Happy creating... in the clay, the fiber, the kitchen or where ever you create!