I've been trying to focus a little more on exploring my platters, and to see what various things I can do to design and decorate them... and with every step forward, it feels more and more like I'm just starting to scratch the surface (pun pun) of what can be done.
The spiral rolling stamp design seems pretty popular, so I may work on making a few more rolling stamps to use, as I've only made three rolling stamps and one cylinder stamp so far. I would like to have ten stamps from which to choose eventually (or more if I get real ambitious).
I'm starting to use some other colors for clay, including a Raku clay body that I used to make another wine chiller. You can see in the photo that I've carved the wine glass, and have yet to add the grape bunch. I'm not yet sure if I'll fire this piece in the Raku kiln, or just fire it along with my other stoneware in the electric kiln. Will have to see what time permits.
Mixing several types of clay also has been yielding some interesting pieces, although it also can give its own set of problems for drying and clay shrinkage rates. I like the swirl effect when throwing the verigated clay on the wheel.
But still have to be careful to avoid the stresses and cracking that can happen more easily when using two different clay bodies, as seen on the platter. Ouch! Looks like that one is headed for the scrap heap. Guess they can't all be winners... LOL.
