The Ceramics Insider

Issue Index | 2002

April 19, 2002

The Ceramics Insider sponsored by Creative Glazes.
http://www.creativeglazes.com/
Contents:
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* Ceramics Insider Tip ~ Spritzing with Courtyard Art Glazes
* SALE Items
* Submit Your Tip and Get a Gift Certificate
* Weblinks
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* Ceramics Insider Tip ~ Using Courtyard Art Glazes

Courtyard Art Glazes are not your ordinary ceramic glazes. They are not all bright, smooth and shiny. Instead, they are self-antiquing, unique and often matte! They can be brushed, sponged, spritzed, butted against other glazes, and used over or under underglazes.

Courtyard Art Glazes are formulated with texture and specks. For best results, use an inexpensive, soft bristle glaze brush to apply the glaze to detailed bisque. When working on a smooth surfaced piece, sponge the glaze on for the first coat. This will eliminate brushstrokes, especially on pastel colors.

Try one of these Spritzing techniques ~

You will need an industrial type spray bottle, which is available at most home improvement stores. Buy several so you can mix two kinds of Courtyard glazes at the same time, and mix Concepts Underglaze in a third. That way, all your paints will be ready for use when you get started and you won't waste time emptying and cleaning your bottle to spritz the next color.

Start by 'seasoning' the nozzle by filling your spray bottle with water and spraying for about 10 seconds. Empty and fill with glaze mixture - half water, half Courtyard glaze. Mix well. Use the spray or mist setting for base coating your bisque piece. For full coverage, spritz on 3-4 coats of Courtyard mixture depending on the color of glaze; lighter colors require more coats. Remember, you can apply the next coat when the last coat loses its gloss or shine.

For an interesting effect, apply Concepts Underglaze to your bisque piece first. Use the stream setting on your spray bottle for thin lines of color, spots or drip effects. To create these effects mix 1/2 Concepts color and 1/2 water, shake well. Then spritz streams, spots and drips onto your bisque. When dry, spritz 3 - 4 coats of your choice of Courtyards base color over the Concepts. When the piece is fired the Concepts will 'magically' show through!

Or ~ Paint a design onto bisque using Concepts. Then spritz 3-4 coats of Courtyard Art Glazes over this design. Remember, Concepts are shiny and Courtyards are not. This is what makes the use of these two paints so exciting. You never know how they will turn out and each firing will produce completely different results!

Courtyard Art Glazes are available in 4oz, 8oz and pint sizes.

Check out the Duncan website to see this fun project using Envision glazes, French Dimensions, Concepts and Courtyard Art Glazes on the same piece of bisque!

http://www.duncanceramics.com/ceramics/projects/project.asp?ID=5194&SID=7

Other Duncan Courtyard projects are: Courtyard Spritzing and Hollyhock Plate These techniques can be found under the heading "Hobby Ceramists"
Have Fun!!
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* SALE Items (limited time offer) ~

IN1055 Grape - Envision Glaze 4oz - $3.08 (normally $3.85)
CY101 Rose Dawn - Courtyard Art Glaze - 8oz - $4.15 (normally $5.15)
CN271 Light Jade - Concepts Underglaze - 2oz - $2.30 (normally - $2.85)
20086 Emerald Clouds - Crystal Glaze - PINT! - $12.65 (normally - $14.85)
TL405 Double Drill $1.48 (normally $1.85)

1 FREE Sponge with each glaze purchase. NOTE: You must click the 'Add to My Order' button on the sale page to get this item.

http://www.creativeglazes.com/sale.htm
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* Submit Your Tip and Get a Gift Certificate ~
If you have a helpful hint, tip, or trick you would like to share, send it to theceramicsinsider@creativeglazes.com. If we use your tip in The Ceramics Insider, you will receive a $15 gift certificate at our sponsor, Creative Glazes and get your name in print! (or remain anonymous if you prefer)

Couldn't you use $15.00 worth of free glazes, brushes, etc.? Send us your tip today!
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* Web Links ~
Do you have a ceramics related website? Would you like to trade links? If so, e-mail us for details - glazes@creativeglazes.com
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* It's not too early to think about Mother's Day!

Issue Index | 2002




Copyright 2001-2002, Creative Connections, Inc.
Creative Glazes is a trademark of Creative Connections, Inc.