The Ceramics Insider
Issue Index |
2002
October 23, 2002
The Ceramics Insider sponsored by
Creative Glazes.
http://www.creativeglazes.com/
Contents:
------------------------------------------------------------
* Ceramics
Insider Tip ~ Having fun with Crystals
* SALE Items
* Submit Your Tip
and Get a Gift Certificate
* Web Links
------------------------------------------------------------
*
Ceramics Insider Tip ~ Having fun with Crystals
Crystal Glazes create
bright multicolor bursts and specks in the fired glaze. Sometimes the specks
are small, sometimes they are large blobs of color. But, you can rest assured
that every firing is unique! Color crystals move in the glaze firing, creating
distinctive colorful looks every time, depending on the size of the crystal,
slope of the piece and temperature of the fire.
Crystal glazes contain
chunks of frit, which melt in the kiln producing unpredictable flowing results.
Unfired glaze is always the ceramist's "mystery" and Crystals make the mystery
more fun! And now, with the new non-toxic crystal glazes you don't have to
worry about lead any more!
Applying the glaze is simple. Choose one of
these two methods:
1. Open the jar and stir vigorously with a palette knife
to suspend all the crystals evenly through the glaze. Use a glaze brush and
apply three coats, allowing the glaze to dry between coats. Don't worry about
"covering up" the crystal chunks; they will come to the top in firing.
2. Open the jar and stir only the top three-quarters of the jar without
disturbing the crystals on the bottom of the jar. Paint on three coats of the
glaze and pour off any liquid left in the jar. Using a palette knife, scoop up
the crystals and place them where you wish on the wet glaze on your piece.
Don't put the crystals near the foot of your piece; they will flow off onto
your kiln shelf. If you like, you can put the crystals in a band around the
middle of a jar or vase, leaving the remainder of the vase the base-glaze
color.
Here's an idea for what to do with crystals leftover in the
bottom of a jar: Wash them off in clear water and let dry on paper towel. Lay
the crystals on top of other non-toxic glazes before firing. Hold in place with
a dab of clear glaze if necessary. You will love the results!
------------------------------------------------------------
* SALE
Items (limited time offer) ~
FD268 - Wine French Dimensions - $1.95
(regularly $2.45)
CR921 - Parchment Crackle glaze - Pint! - $8.20 (regularly
$9.65)
GL623 - Rose Pink Gloss glaze - $2.85 (regularly $3.55)
GL787 -
Wine Cooler Gloss glaze - $3.35 (regularly $4.15)
S2703 - Mayco! Berryberry
Pie - $3.60 (regularly $4.50)
CN083 - Dark Wine Concepts Underglaze - 8oz!
- $7.25 (regularly $8.95)
VC-1 - Viscosity Cup - $3.20 - (regularly $4.00)
Purchase $25 worth of glazes and get one FREE Fan Brush!! You must
click the 'Add to My Order' button on the sale page to get this item. Limit one
free brush per order.
Our sale of discontinued items continues. Only
two colors left! If you are looking for a discontinued opaque glaze, be sure to
check our sale page.
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
------------------------------------------------------------
* 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!
------------------------------------------------------------
* 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
Issue Index |
2002
Copyright 2001-2002, Creative Connections, Inc.
Creative Glazes is a trademark of Creative Connections, Inc.