Stoop and update

Here's a pic of a stoop I've been commissioned to make - it's to go on the wall of a chapel at Cardinal Newman School, Luton. It is intended to hold holy water for people to bless themselves as they enter. This was quite a surprise order for me.

So today - I have a batch of egg cups that really need making. And some more plates too. The heaters on in the workshop so hopefully I won't freeze!

Rainy day, dream away

Haven't got much potting done in the last week. Completed a 'stoop' which is my most unusual commission so far, a small half bowl to be placed on the wall of a chapel and filled with holy water. Hope it comes out OK. Also over the weekend had a visit from an Italian gentleman who wanted me to make a sculpture of a horse, I had to decline, not really my line. Also someone commissioned a large dog bowl.
Bought the plates indoors yesterday, even after a week they were not dry. I put up some shelves high in the kitchen the other week for this very job. I think they're dry today and will pack them up ready to take to my kiln.
It's a miserable grey day today, rain falling steady like it's not going to stop any time soon.

Plates progressing

So there's my wheel. I never claimed to be tidy! My wheel was made by Stowe Potters, it's a Patrick Sargeant momentum wheel. It is lovely to use, quiet and powerful, especially at low speeds. Much better than my old cone drive electric one. I'm pleased it was designed with Patrick Sargeant, I remember he visited when I was at college. His throwing style made an impact on me and I regularly recall a couple of points he made. Shame he's no longer around.



Recently I've had a number of plates ordered. This is an item I've always struggled with. I'm finding they tend to warp or crack. I've switched to a grogged porcelain from Valentines, which has helped a lot. Still unsure whether to go with a footring or just a flat base.

Other projects under way at present include a set of eggcups with plates, a set of teaplates, a stoop and a dog bowl.

With the weather as it is (cold and damp - 0 to 14 degrees C over the last few days) things are taking a long time to dry. Late spring and early autumn seem to be best for potting - things dry but not to quick. Oh well, at least nothings freezing. I have the radiator on frost setting in case.

Second post

Well that seemed to work OK too. Here's another picture before I head off to bed.

The first post

Well, setting this up has been pretty easy so far...
Let me begin with a brief introduction while I get used to how this blog thing works. Posts here will centre around my ceramics. I have a small workshop where I produce a range of porcelain ware on a momentum wheel. I sell through the workshop, and have a sign out by the road.
Time for a few pictures.