After my last post, I was hoping for some really juicy confessions, but alas, not many unburdened themselves in a public forum. I understand, really.
Meanwhile, yesterday was a terrifically productive day for me in the studio. A few months ago, I wrote about making some ceramic wine glasses after sharing a bottle of wine with my good friend, Mary Cay and some other ceramic cohorts at Mary Cay’s home. She served the wine in some of the ceramic cups she’s collected over the years from other artists and I remember how much better it tasted in a beautifully crafted and glazed cup. I made a few attempts, but they weren’t what I had in mind. So, yesterday I rolled out some slabs of porcelain and got to work.
The ginkgo stamped glasses above, are really tumbler sized, and not really the right size for wine, unless of course you like BIG glasses of wine. I need to figure out the volume that these should be able to hold, though I haven’t done that yet. That would involve math, and it’s too early for that right now, nor have I had enough coffee!
Then I decided the glasses needed to be smaller, so I cut a new template and voila, these are the results. They’re super light and just the right size. They remind me of another friend’s Italian wine glasses that look more like juice glasses. They’re deceiving, however, because you think you’re just drinking a little glass of wine and not a big one. Now, before you think I’m an alcoholic, let me put your concerns to rest. I’m not, I’ve broken all but 2 of my wine glasses so I need a new set and I’ve got my heart set on making them. If all turns out well, I will be making more to sell - and they could be used for a number of different uses than wine - maybe juice, tea etc.
I roll my clay the old fashioned way, mainly because I don’t have a slab roller - though it’s on my wish list. It’s a bit like making a pie crust.
To get the slabs extra thin, I downsize my 1/4″ wood guides to 1/8″ faux wood slats. At this thickness, I have to work fast, since the slabs will start to dry fast. Drying means cracking which will make the slabs less workable.
That’s it for today…. Have a good weekend everyone,
~Cynthia
Tags: porcelain glass, porcelain wine glasses, rolling porcelain slabs of clay
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Wine glasses without stems? I’ve never heard of such a thing, but if they look as good as these then I’m willing to try! I love your use of the ginkgo in your work — and I still haven’t seen the one I bought from you for my friend earlier in the year!
It’s true, Andrea, it’s true… Click here to comparison shop for crystal wine tumblers…
From the reviews I’ve red, stemless glasses are best used for red wine since your hands would warm white wine too much.
And, thanks on the ginkgo comment :D!
The wine glasses are great Cynthia. I can’t wait to see what comes up for sale from these. Great pics of the process as well. As a person who is not familiar too much with the world of clay, It is always fun to see how you create what you do.
After looking at the pictures I’m getting this urge to get out my biscuit cutter LOL. I love your glasses and I do like big glasses of wine every now and then…I think I just confessed something else!
I like the oneida ones, but I like yours too
I used to drink from porcelain glasses at a friends house (she made them) and I really liked it.
I missed your confession post but really I haven’t anything to confess, I haven’t really, I don’t, no, nothing.
Your stampings look GREAT!
It took me about 3 tries to get one glass. Generally once I figure it out, it’s just a matter of perfecting the technique. The next challenge comes with firing and glazing.
Mmmm, biscuits, Lynette - sounds delicious!
Nothing at all, Jafabrit??
The more wine to drink my dear! Heh! Heh!! Wow, that was a good day, Cyn. Good for you. I like the ginko leaf in them.
ooh, i am digging the new wine glasses, especially the ones with the new ginkgo design. Can’t wait to see them glazed!