Slip testing

This week I've been experimenting with Slip Testing.

To create a standard ceramic slip I blend up some of the same clay body the slip is going to be applied to with lots of added water to a thick creamy consistency; which then gets sieved.

*Another way to create slip is to dry out clay then add water to turn it into a liquid.

 I measure out the slip into litre's (1000ml)then add the percentage of coloured stain / oxide to the slip. This particular clay is a sandy coloured buff stoneware, to get a strong colour I add 10% to the slip. 

You can use less stain to achieve lighter colours, the percentage you use depends on the clay body you're applying it to and the finish you wish to achieve. If your using oxides, they are much stronger than stains so the percentage is likely to be less.

As you can see I have done 2 tiles of each colour, this is because I shall glaze 1 tile of each colour so I have reference to the colour without glaze. When you apply glaze it enhances the slip's colour and it becomes much brighter. The colour difference would be from a pastel shade to a bright strong colour.

 The remains of the tiles I made are left on the fabric, I love seeing this as it reminds me of the tiling that can be created with the pieces I've cut out.

Which do you prefer to add colour to your slips, oxides or stains?

New Workshop is finished!

The new extended workshop is now finished! ...on the outside at least!

I've given it a few coats of paint so it matched all over, you'd never know they were two separate!

I absolutely love seeing solar lights in gardens they are so pretty and make any garden more homely and welcoming, so I brought 30ft long solar lights to reach the length of my workshop. I think it looks quite pretty during the day as well!

As a little finishing touch I got a path joining from the patio to my workshop. Its a lot more practical than walking over the grass; especially if its raining! 

My Nanna calls it the yellow brick road!

New extended Ceramics Workshop

My current workshop was very cosy but it was quite small, which is quite a big problem for a hoarder! My workshop is for my ceramics only but my collection of tools, various clay's; continues to get bigger every day! Plus as most creatives do, they spread! A 20ft table would still be insufficient!

So here it is, the beginnings of my new large workshop, I extended my current workshop, it came delivered very handy in flat packed form ready to join onto my current workshop.

My lovely dad and brother were kind enough to construct my workshop for me.

Below images show the end of my old workshop has been taken off so the new part of the workshop can be joined on the end.

(The pole in the middle is holding up the ceiling so it doesn't collapse whilst being put together)

Side views of the construction. You can see the old and new sections from the colour difference.

The end is now being added on after the sides were put up. I was so excited, seeing the size of my new workshop, I knew I was going to be in heaven working away in my (not so little) workshop! 

Just a coat of paint so it matches the other side and a lot of work on the inside to go!

*Next post I'll show you the finished studio!*

*So keep posted!*

Meet Katherine Fortnum Ceramics Workshop ...in the beginning

My workshop is like my second home, I love it! My own little get away where I can create and indulge myself in clay! I first started planning my own studio whilst I was at uni, saving little by little out of my student loan; eventually that added to a bit of savings came my workshop. I had a lot of help my wonderful dad putting it together, insulating, making me shelves and other bits n bobs.

I started to add little touches like adding solar lights to the roof, they lit up lovely all multicolored at night time, lighting up like a fairy house! I take a lot of pride in my little workshop, saving up and planning it for so long, I loved organising...well at least trying to organise all my tools and glazes, it hard when you end up accumulating so much!

This is how my little workshop started out, there's a long bench down the other side that fits 3 chairs for making. As I'm only just starting my blog, I'm showing how I initially set my studio up and all the bits along the way. So keep popping back for more, I cant wait to show you my new workshop!

Hello! Welcome to my blog!

Hello!

This is my first ever blog post, I'm not sure how this works yet so bear with me!

My names Katherine I'm a ceramicist based in Leicestershire, England. 

I create functional and sculptural ceramics inspired by delicate structures in nature. I run fun ceramics workshops for both adults & children teaching a wide variety of items & techniques!

In my blog I aim to share my knowledge of ceramics, making techniques, getting to know my studio, hints & tips and share my work with the world :) 

Thanks for reading my blog!

Keep popping back for exciting updates!

Katherine

http://www.katherinefortnumceramics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KatherineFortnumCeramics

https://twitter.com/KFortnumCeramic