Super testing and a book to read

this week I have been testing a new clay from Blackwattle Pottery.  It's a 1200 stoneware which could be very useful if it works with the glazes I have access to at TAFE.

First I made some shrink test bars, then I threw a few little bowls

either I need some lessons from Melanie at  Eucalyptus Homewares or this clay is not so easy to use tissue tranfers on :^)

And I've also been working on a little handbuilt Staffordshire figurine inspired pigs piece

and just to keep me out of mischief I've been helping the Port Hacking Potters with their Wood Firing AND preparing for their 47th National Pottery Competition.  Check their blog for more - Port Hacking Potters Group...

Oh and then I was led to this lovely little book which is a Bio of Dorothy Hope who is the Patron of the Port Hacking Potters Group, titled "Impressions in Clay" it tells of her love of creating in clay back when there were only 2 rough earthenware clays, 1 red, 1 white, available commercially.  Her wonderful supportive husband helped her to set up their pottery near Port Macquarie on the NSW North Coast where they dug their own clay and processed it themselves - a true pioneer.

So that's me for this week.  Remember to drop by Mud Colony or check out my Facebook pages, Anna's Ceramics and Anna's Aussie Ceramics and I love comments, here or there :^)