BLUE VELVET

                                 Classic Blue Velvet with a touch of gold leaf.



This example is what happens when you pour a very thick amount of glaze in the bottom of the bowl. It dries and 'cracks' like a scorched desert, and fires with a fabulous texture.
 
This vase has a red interior (Apple Red by Spectrum)




Again, a heavy pour into the bottom of the bowl and more on the 'butterfly technique' later.


GLAZE RECIPE:

This glaze is measured by VOLUME, not by weight!

Gerstley Borate 12 parts

Jackson Ball clay (or Bell substitute)  2 parts

Copper carb. 1 part

Bone ash  4 parts

Cobalt carb.  1/2 part

METHOD:

Mix the ingredients together,  add water and mix. Sieve twice.

I always applied these glazes with a wide Japanese hake brush. Three substantial coats letting dry between each application. As mentioned beneath the pictures, for the textured effect, glaze the bowl then pour a hefty amount of glaze into the bottom of the bowl and dry completely.

FIRING:

You can see by the recipe there are oxides that will give wonderful effects. Fire to 1750F. for the textured effect and to1800F for a smoother finish. Post fire in buckets lined and stuffed with clean newsprint. Lid on for 30 seconds. Crack the lid, STAND AWAY as fire will flare out, replace lid tightly and let cool completely before removing from the bucket.

CLEANING:

Use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive pad. No solvents or the reduced effect will be washed away.


 

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