Is It Microwavable?
Occasionally I get a phone call from someone who purchased one of my coffee mugs from a shop or gallery or even a sales clerk at one of those shops, and they want to know if my coffee mugs are microwave safe. Most stoneware and porcelain will be safe to use in the microwave. But I have had some pots get hot when exposed to the microwave. I suppose there is some metal in the glaze that is attracting the waves. But there is a simple test to discover if your pieces are microwavable. A microwave ... continue reading...
What’s the Difference Between Ceramics and Pottery?
The general public tends to think of ceramics as one thing and pottery as another. I believe this idea comes from the ceramic shops that used to be common, where one could purchase a greenware figurine, sand it, have it bisque fired, and the brush glazes on it and have it glaze fired. Actually, what the ceramic shops were providing was technically slipware. Slip is liquid clay... clay that has been watered down to the point it is like a very thick cream. This slip was then poured into ... continue reading...
Common Questions About Pottery…. Let’s Look at Those
I now have this blogging feature on my website, and I've been deliberating for weeks on just what to do with it. I've decided I would best serve those who come to my website if I used this blog to clarify and explain many of the terms, concepts and processes used in making pottery. I can see future entries covering such issues as: Is It Microwavable?, Lead In Glazes. What's the Difference Between Pottery, Stoneware, and Porcelain? But let's start with, "What's the Difference Between ... continue reading...
Complete Custom Alter Set for Alabama Church
I recently completed a complete custom alter set for a church in Alabama. The set included a chalice, paten, alter cross, cruets with tray, lavabo, candle holders and collection plates. They kindly sent me photos of the set in place on the alter. ... continue reading...