This summer, I tested many glazes to narrow options down to three colourways for upcoming serveware and bakeware.
How do potters test glazes? Do we make a bowl, fire it, glaze it and hope for the best? That's one way. Another method is to create test tiles first. They can be used kind of like fabric swatches.
To make test tiles, I throw a straight-sided bowl with a foot extending well outside the lower edge. Next, I cut a large circle of clay out of the bottom of the bowl, leaving an edge on the inside that's similar foot on the exterior. Then, I cut the ring into wedges.
The feet on either side of the bowl's wall support the wedges to allow them to stand in the kiln. They have to stand partly so that I can see how the glaze performs on a vertical surface, and also to prevent the glaze from touching the kiln shelf. Once the wedges are made, they get bisque fired as usual.
Next step: glaze your heart out!
Glaze-and-clay possible combos seem almost infinite. But I managed to choose some favourites. Meet cream and nutmeg, blueberry and pistachio.
Here's looking forward to seeing some yummy results from the kiln!
Do you have favourite shades for ceramics? Share below in the comments!