Frayed and Crackled - Kreetta's Ceramics

Oh, I'm so back from Paris. Wow, that's a place. About my trip to Paris later this week. Some vintage finds of course. Now - ceramics.

I love old and frayed. So when I make ceramics - I like to make things look like they are old and not perfect. I've also noticed that somehow I work in certain period with same way of seeing and when I put things together they might even play well together. Of course not always but this time yes. Do you remember my circus theme ceramics? You can find them here. I decided to move on to different level - still circus but more delicate shades and colors.

 

I've used a lot of raku clay this year because it felt nice to work with. I'm also taking one raku clay course in May. It will be fun! This year I've also worked with paperclay and it's totally different  comparing to raku clay. It's soft and very flexible. Of course I've made paperclay bowl in a rough way and it surprisingly worked quite well.

To make structure I leave my bowls without finishing them too carefully. I paint the glaze and combine different colors.

I have to admit that it's been a little bit difficult process to move on from real rough colors to these light and pastel shades. Of course I use some darker colors to get more drama if you know what I mean. I love crackle!

It's very rewarding when you get something done the way you wanted. I've done a lot of testing before I made bowls that I like. This project needed rethinking and patience. Yes, patience... I've never done one thing so long time. Clay isn't very easy material so many things can make the result not the one you've wished for. But I love to work with clay because you can always start all over again and it feels good - working with hands.

Have you ever tried playing with clay? I think I want to try clay pottery wheel. The course will begin in autumn. I have so so many plans already for autumn. I'm so excited. I promise you hear about them during this spring and summer. 

Have a lovely week!

xo

Kreetta

Slow Living - Never Say Never - Glazing Ceramics

You never know how your pot, bowl, cup or what ever turn out to be when you have glazed it. It's always a little bit surprising. It isn't very easy, I think...and I'm too lazy to make tests. Do you test your glaze before the real one? I don't - yet - so no reason to complain, haha. Any tips for me?

Actually I like the surprise. I actually try to make some glaze combination that I would get different colors what they supposed to be. Few times I've managed to do it. Have you?

I seldom get the result what I have in my mind and I've learned to take it as advantage. I feel making ceramics is very relaxing. Playing with clay and playing with glaze is fun. The last bowl I made succeeded quite well. Or what do you think? 

Ok, I admit I haven't been so happy lately to my glazing but this one I am. I used raku clay and 7 different glaze and made finishing with black ink. It looks a little bit rough and broken. It's a little bit frayed and has some influence from circus that I so love and like, haha.

Dinner making is calling my name. Pizza Sunday. Gluten and dairy free.

Have a relaxing Sunday and let's hope the coming week starts with peace and harmony.

xo

Kreetta