let's try this again

Slump molded plates. I have only made these a few times and have had issues with cracking, warping etc...

and yes the picture above is sideways... I rotated it before uploading it but blogger seems to like it this way. I also did a few small slab pieces with some extra clay. 

These plates are thicker than the last go around. I only made three of the large plates because if this doesn't solve the issues I am abandoning these slump forms. Part of the problem is that the mold is too shallow, which once fire, makes them a little flatter than I would like and then there is the humping up in the center issue. The square dish above should be fine. My friend Steve made those molds and I haven't had a problem with them. This one has little feet underneath as well. I enjoyed making these but throwing on the wheel goes so much faster!

rim detail on large square plate

So along with taking photos, and listing pots on Etsy, that's what I have been up too. 

Linda left a comment about slump molds on my last post so i decided to snap some pictures of the ones i have been using.

in the background are two of the molds i have... one is a square the other hexagonal.  i can't remember where i purchased them from but i do know they were made in Canada.  i also have two square dish shapes that my friend steve made for john.  i wish i had multiples of each shape, it would be much more efficient.

when the weather is dry i can form them in the morning and pop them out by late afternoon/early evening... but when it is humid they need to sit about 24 hours.  i believe these molds are made of pine.

here are some of the plates that i have finished and textured...sometimes i add little feet underneath, but these i have decided to leave flat.  the lower left dish was made using a kiln post for a form... i think i am going to like how that one turns out.
jeff has a slab roller that is missing some parts... some day we will order what's needed and these will go together much more quickly. for i now i use a combination of a rolling pin and throwing the slabs by hand... i suppose it's a good skill to master but i have to admit that i am always looking for an easier way to work!

a new direction

i have been working on some slump molded plates/platters this week.  this is sort of new to me... john and i bought these wood forms while he was going through cancer treatments with the promise of him returning to work... two and one half years later and i am finally able to bring myself to use them.  they were still in the box they were shipped in.  

i incorporated some stamps i bought at the NCECA conference as well as some that were made by john. i am sure they will evolve as i work with them further.