Today I am delving into my vast ceramic book collection and selected some glaze books. I thought it would be helpful to give a brief overview of each book.

• 1. First up (in order of my pile) is The Glaze Book by Thames & Hudson
  This book is divided up into 3 main sections, the first being earthenware, that is divided up further within into majolica, raku and lustres. The second half of the book is stoneware and porcelain glazes. What I really like is that the glazes are categorised within colours, both reduction and oxidised glazes are given. Each glaze has its firing range, use and a brief description. Personally I have tried about 6 glazes and had mixed results.
  
  2. Next up is Dry Glazes by Jernegan.
  This book does not display the glaze colours very effectively, all the glaze tests are butted up against one another, and knowing that colour is relative it can be hard to envision what the glaze will look like. This is probably why I have probably never mixed a glaze from its catalogue. However it does share some really good information about glazes, It gives an analysis of what makes a dry glaze dry and shares examples of ceramic artists works. The book goes into detail about slips and engobes, alkaline glazes, boron and lead, magnesium glazes, barium glazes, oxides and raku. It is a good book for understanding what material’s impact the appearance of a glaze and would be helpful to the non functional pottery maker.
  
  3. The Potters Book of Glazes Recipes by the late and well renowned potter Emmanuel Cooper
  Another beautifully laid out book. The glaze pictures are a little small, but all very clear. The glazes are divided up into their firing temperatures. And a valuable addition to some glazes is that it gives variations with some slight tweaking. I have tested a couple of the recipes and they had similar results to the ones in the book.

• 4. The Potters Palette by Christine Constant and Steve Ogden
  This is one of my oldest glaze books and a favourite. The book gives a selection of glaze bases; 4 at earthenware and 2 at stoneware temperatures and then each section is divided by the main ceramic oxides and shows you the results the oxides have on each of the base glazes. It also gives examples of these glazes with opacifiers added. The final section of the book includes some stain suggestions and cross blends. I have some of the best glazes from this book, highly recommend.
  
• 5. Colour in Glazes by Linda Bloomfield
  From the oldest to my newest addition. Linda has such knowledge about glazes and explains it in a really easy to understandable way. She works with porcelain so I knew her glazes would be good for porcelain application. The book is divided by colour and also gives examples of current ceramic artists work, which is really helpful to see compared to small test tiles. I have had 100% success with the glazes I have trialled and look forward to testing more as the colours she creates, or has referenced from other ceramic artists, are really beautiful.

All of these books have their own area’s of expertise, finding the one that fits with your style and type of ceramic work is important. Its great testing out new glazes and having some expert guidance to start you on a glaze test journey gives you the confidence to get started. Do think of them as a starting point, as often the results may be different due to other factors, such as your firing cycle, different sources of raw materials etc. Tweak the glazes, change the ratio’s of the ingredients and this way you find your very own glaze catalogue.

This year I developed a porcelain jewellery collection responding to requests for an alternative to precious metals. The theme was the coast. Click below to view the short video capturing how I made a shell pendant.

Jewellery Making Video

If you would like to see more how to video’s just message me with your requests.

“In order to do something well we must first be willing to do it badly” Julia Cameron, The Artists Way
This is so true, no-one ever picks up a paintbrush and can paint, or sits at a potter wheel and can master making a pot. Practice, practice and a bit more practice is needed to master skills. Experts are not created overnight.

Today I have spent most of my day in the studio making. The run up to the holiday season is always a hectic time. I am making some incense houses and spoons. I have been making the houses now for 5 years and each batch is different, using different clays, decorating techniques and glazes. The ones shown here are the originals, made from porcelain that I smoke fired. They were not for incense cones either, this design developed over the years. Nowadays I wouldn’t attempt it in porcelain, they are much better suited to stoneware clays as I make them from slabs.

Handmade pottery offers a range of benefits, both aesthetic and practical. Here are some of the advantages of using handmade pottery:

Unique and One-of-a-Kind: Each handmade pottery piece is unique, as it is crafted by hand, making it stand out from mass-produced items. This uniqueness adds character and charm to your collection.

Artistic Expression: Handmade pottery allows artisans to express their creativity and artistry, resulting in pieces that often feature intricate designs, textures, and shapes.

High Quality: Skilled potters take pride in their craft, ensuring that each piece is carefully crafted with attention to detail, resulting in higher quality and durability compared to factory-made ceramics.

• Sustainability: Supporting local artisans and purchasing handmade pottery can be more environmentally friendly than buying mass-produced ceramics, as it often involves fewer resources and energy.

Connection to the Maker: When you purchase handmade pottery, you often have the opportunity to connect with the artisan, learn about their process, and gain a deeper appreciation for their work.

Functional Art: Handmade pottery is not just for display; it’s also functional. You can use it for cooking, serving, and storing food or beverages, enhancing your dining experience.

Durability: Handmade pottery is typically fired at high temperatures, making it more durable and resistant to chipping and cracking than some commercial ceramics.

Heirloom Quality: Handmade pottery can become cherished family heirlooms, passed down through generations due to its quality and sentimental value.

Supporting Local Economies: Purchasing handmade pottery supports local artisans and small businesses, contributing to the local economy and preserving traditional craft techniques.

Cultural and Historical Value: Handmade pottery often reflects the cultural and historical traditions of a region, offering a connection to the past and a sense of heritage.

• Personal Connection: Using handmade pottery in your daily life can create a personal connection between you and the artist, enhancing the enjoyment of your pieces.

Collectible: Handmade pottery can be a collectible hobby, as collectors often seek out unique and rare pieces created by renowned potters.

Unique Gifts: Handmade pottery makes for thoughtful and unique gifts for special occasions, as recipients can appreciate the craftsmanship and individuality of the item.

Local Sourcing: Many people prefer to source their everyday items locally, and handmade pottery provides an opportunity to support local businesses and reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping.

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  Overall, handmade pottery offers a blend of artistry, functionality, and sustainability, making it a valuable addition to your home and lifestyle.