Slow Drying Teapots

As I have said in previous posts I am making teapots for the Sydney Teapot Show again this year.
Fingers crossed.

This year it is at a new venue.  It will be at the Kerrie Lowe Gallery in Newtown.  This gallery specializes in pottery and has a great reputation.

I know many potters have already completed their pots for the show and yet mine are not fired yet.

After putting them together and decorating two of the four I found they were not drying due to the cold weather and a cold studio.

The two porcelain ones had a stint inside and are fine.

The two stoneware ones that I left outside to be dry enough to trim seemed to be a little uneven so once they were assembled I wrapped them in dry-cleaning plastic and left them for a day.

Fortunately this evened them up and the slow process of drying could begin.  Once they were dry enough I brought them into the house where the air is dryer and warmer.

I still found the bases were not fully dry and with attachments I couldn't turn them upside down so out came the cake cooling rack and one more day and they were ready.

Bisque firing on tomorrow... a slow firing just in case..

Marking time

Preparation for my exhibition is ongoing with all my sculptures now fired.

Now to smooth off any rough edges and take photos...

In the meantime I am waiting for teapots to dry so I can get those fired for the Sydney Teapot Show.

The Teapot Show used to be held at a co-operative gallery in Glebe but this year will be held at a commercial gallery in Newtown...

More on those once I know I have managed to fire them successfully... I have some made in porcelain and some made in a new to me clay by Keane Ceramic Suppliers called Stoneware 9.  I'm hoping to get a nice warm colour once fired.

wedged ready to start throwing...

Put outside to encourage drying before being able to trim

Have a good week

Busy weekend coming up

This Sunday I will be with others from the Port Hacking Potters Group at the Collectors market at Gymea.

Collectors of Australian Pottery will be arriving from all over the state to buy and sell. 

Many have a particular period or pottery that they collect but we are hoping to inspire them to buy from current makers like us.

Do call by if you are in the area... It runs from 9am to 2pm.. 

Good market and now to glaze

Last week was a good market day with quite a few pieces finding new homes... The pieces in the foreground of these images are mine with those of my friends in the background.




This afternoon I'll be back in the studio doing some glazing and hope to fire up the kiln tomorrow.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Hoping for good weather for next market

This coming Saturday I will be at the Ramsgate Farmers Market with friends from the Port Hacking Potters Group.

I'm hoping for nice weather as we have had some very cold mornings recently.

These are from my latest firing...

Keep warm folks..