The other day, I was cruising through the blogs that I’ve linked to on my right hand side bar –> and came across a really helpful article on Emily Murphy’s Pottery Blog on how to make a textured rolling pin using a sharpie, a hot glue gun and a rolling pin. It clicked with me and I knew I had to give it a try - since I have been meaning to make some larger plaster texture plates. This is so much easier and less labor intensive. Check out her blog if you want to see the step by step instructions on how to make one yourself.
Just the day before, I had pulled out an older lino-cut relief plate to use to imprint texture on a slab that I really liked. Unfortunately, I don’t currently have a photograph of that bowl. This is a technique that hearkens back to some of my experiments of printing on clay after reading Paul Wandless’ book, Image transfer on Clay. I’ll have to share the results of my relief printed bowl with you at a later date.
In the new issue of Pottery Making Illustrated, local artist Annie Chrieztberg has a feature article on slab construction using texture plates that’s right up my alley too. She’s offering a workshop early next year that I just might have to sign up for.
It just seems like the possibilities are endless when working with clay if you ask me! Meanwhile, I’ve switched clay bodies. I purchased 300 lbs of Laguna’s B-mix ^5 from a potter who is moving - let’s just say the price was right and I wanted to try a new white stoneware. It seems like every time I go into Mile Hi Ceramics they’re out of stock of one of my favorite clays. I really like it. I’ve thrown with it, and now have done some handbuilding and it’s really a nice clay. The truth will be told when I fire and glaze my pieces.
Voilà ! My slab texture imprinted bowl! Fini - c’est tout for aujourd’hui.
I’m subbing for 1/2 day kindergarten today, so I’m off.
Be well everyone,
~Cynthia
Tags: annie chrietzberg, emily murphy, hand building, pottery, slab bowls, texture on clay
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Wow, don’t you just love finding out some little something that is cool like that? Your bowl is awesome. I see a lot of new stuff coming from your studio … you’ve been one busy girl.
This is brilliant but you really hooked me in when you chose spirals for the design!
I like the spirals. I recall seeing something about hot glue being used for something unconventional like that. Now I will be wondering what it was the rest of the day.
Wow, that’s just too freaking cool! Nice bowl, love the design.
Is your studio staying warm enough for you? Have a great weekend.
That rolling pin trick is brilliant!!
I’d heard of making Christmas card for packages and for sending this way, but I never thought about it for the glue gun! What a great idea. Can’t wait to see the new stuff when you’ve fired and glazed it.
Do you call Mile-Hi before you go there? I would. But, then, that’s who I am. Anal.
I do Nancy, it seems so obvious, yet I had never tried it myself.
Thanks Andrea - Now I have to scour the thrift stores for more rolling pins - though she showed how to make it with pvc pipe.
You gotta love hot glue, Janet - it’s not something I need very often, but when you need it, you need it. I rarely glue stuff together with it.
Thanks Heather, we’ve been experiencing unseasonably warm weather the past few weeks, so I’ve been warm. Though, by the end of the week, it’s supposed to be in the 30’s. I had better get my portable heater soon!
Isn’t it, Diana? Another benefit of blogging if you ask me.
I don’t call before, Mary - because I always find something to buy :D. Though I should when I start running low on clay. There’s another ceramic supplier but it’s up in Arvada called Stoneleaf - but Arvada might as well be Kansas for me. It takes a lot for me to leave the city. Call me lazy…
Cynthia,
You make me want to be a sculptor!
Chris Bolmeier
Ohhh WOW! What a wonder job!!!!! Thank you for sharing such wonderful talent with us! *HUGS*
thank you for the link! I have been making my own rubber stamps to imoress clay, but i love this method! I am also going to use my print gocco and try that out with shellac to see if I can make relief images….we will see!
Love the new piece Cynthia. It is always fun seeing how things are made(being a non potter and all). Definitely makes a person feel like taking it up!
Go ahead, Chris - I dare you!
Thanks Angela!
Oh - I’m tempted by the print gocco, Michelle and would love to see your work.
One word of warning, Shawn - it’s addictive!
Hey Cynthia - I’d love to make cups with you - I hope you can make it over for my workshop!
best,
Annie
Welcome Annie - I just might take you up on your workshop - I think we might have a friend in common… Jane who moved down from Steamboat last year.
no WAY! Jane’s been on my mind the past few days(cue eerie music here)…
Thanks for putting a link to my website in your post!
Hi Annie,
It’s sort of a small world sometimes. Jane and I took a class together at the Art Student’s League last spring and she told us about you and your partner and how you moved to Denver. Somehow, when I saw your article and visited your website - I put 2 and 2 together.
I have Jane’s email, in case you don’t have it, just shoot me an email. I hear through the grape vine that she has a new beau :D.
I’d love to take your workshop - will have to check my calendar.
Brilliant! I love this idea. I will be trying it out soon! I have some little rolling pins for children’s playdough that might work well.