So it was a most welcome change to spend a late afternoon at Clayworks. And today was great --- a barrel firing to test the terra sigilattas we made in Jim Whalen's workshop. The idea was to test the various mixtures on different clay bodies: porcelain, loafer's glory, phoenix, and orangestone. Some pieces were dipped, some sprayed and others were brushed with the terra sig.
There were quite a few pieces for this test firing, including a wee flock.
This firing was very different from our previous seven. Because the sole purpose was to test the terra sig, we didn't use the typical additives. The only thing that went into the barrel was the sawdust and the bisqued pieces.
Elaine & I did our first barrel firing in June. It was 100+ degrees.
Not so today for our eighth barrel of fun. Kim & I enjoyed the warmth from "Model T" while peeking inside the barrel as often as smoke and cinders allowed.
The sawdust-only firing went much more quickly than the previous firings.
Barely 2 hours after lighting the sawdust, this is what the barrel revealed. Tempting...tempting. But the sawdust was still smoldering so it was decided to let the pieces cool completely overnight.
Many thanks to Jim Whalen who kindly took no less than three phone calls from us today as we tried this new way of firing. We unload "Model T" tomorrow at noon. Pix to come.
2 comments:
Hey those pieces look good just with the terra sig and no firing. Can't wait to see the results.
I was going to do my barrel firing Saturday, but it was a no burn day. I am doing it today no matter what.
Linda, can 't wait to see your results! *fingers crossed*
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