tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26048580892178944212024-03-12T17:37:32.162-07:00A potters life in paradiseJosh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-55974024903869433072014-12-21T12:17:00.001-08:002014-12-21T12:17:56.661-08:00Falling down the well<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Water Well Crock</div>
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This is the Cadillac of fermentation, no odor, no scum, and no fuss. Closed fermentation makes kraut success almost a guarantee. Plus it is a pretty sight to behold.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HuibvgRiyj8/VJckRr8zLMI/AAAAAAAAA5A/sNtvSjlmvmo/s1600/IMG_4463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HuibvgRiyj8/VJckRr8zLMI/AAAAAAAAA5A/sNtvSjlmvmo/s1600/IMG_4463.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The idea is simple, create an airlock by using a channel of water to stop contaminates from constantly having access to your ferment. This combined with the standard primary follower keeping your ferment under the brine makes it almost too easy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktyr25BK5b0/VJckTcYps1I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/V86sKF0bjic/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktyr25BK5b0/VJckTcYps1I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/V86sKF0bjic/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another advantage of using this fermentation system is the absence of odor commonly associated with fermentation, especially with ferments such as Kimchi. Your house does not need to smell like a foreign land in order to realize the benefits of it's culture.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khRmtRz8vPo/VJckRKTrW9I/AAAAAAAAA44/i8BtvjhBDZM/s1600/IMG_4465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khRmtRz8vPo/VJckRKTrW9I/AAAAAAAAA44/i8BtvjhBDZM/s1600/IMG_4465.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now don't get me wrong, I love open fermentation; nothing like having rows of colorful experiments in glass jars smattered across the kitchen counter. This just adds another layer or option for the fermentation voyage I find myself on these days. </div>
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This one is thrown using 6 pounds of ∆10 Laguna B mx and soda fired to maturity. The liner glaze is a simple tenmoku. The clear is an accumulation of soda introduced into the kiln at ∆9.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR8WPbZSzZk/VJckUQxn3pI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/R4A0AXn0fdc/s1600/IMG_4478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR8WPbZSzZk/VJckUQxn3pI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/R4A0AXn0fdc/s1600/IMG_4478.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is a great way to use some Kimchi:</div>
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Kimcheese, a schmear</div>
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8 oz. or Chevre or cream cheese</div>
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4 table spoons of Kimchee</div>
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1-2 tablespoons of brine from kimchi</div>
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Combine all ingredients in a Cuisinart, blend until smooth.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-43815483562694123502014-06-18T08:26:00.001-07:002014-06-18T08:26:30.405-07:00Another great soda firing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unSZ3m_Dh98/U6GrEwtwO-I/AAAAAAAAA2E/Ai-qRwuY8eg/s1600/IMG_2753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unSZ3m_Dh98/U6GrEwtwO-I/AAAAAAAAA2E/Ai-qRwuY8eg/s1600/IMG_2753.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's been a busy few weeks around here and as the solstice quickly approaches I realize I have not been keeping up with this blog. Oh, I've written a few in my head...lol. I thought I might get back into the swing of things by showing the last loading and unloading of the soda kiln.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffj_48mR7Po/U6GrH7kB2rI/AAAAAAAAA2U/ULF9AQzBSXg/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffj_48mR7Po/U6GrH7kB2rI/AAAAAAAAA2U/ULF9AQzBSXg/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was anxious to get these big bottles into the kiln.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_QeYDzb2k/U6GrG3gIOWI/AAAAAAAAA2M/pCboBz68hbw/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_QeYDzb2k/U6GrG3gIOWI/AAAAAAAAA2M/pCboBz68hbw/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Loading large pieces like this was a first for me. Just figuring out the logistics of stacking was tricky. I decided to put them in the middle with one layer of ware under them.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87N_pj078yI/U6GrO-WmrJI/AAAAAAAAA2o/7seK65S-ZnM/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87N_pj078yI/U6GrO-WmrJI/AAAAAAAAA2o/7seK65S-ZnM/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The front stack went up as normal with some really great tiny ware on the bag wall...that's the wall that buffers the flame from hitting the pottery directly. Here is the front stack ready for action.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYdboF18ZQU/U6GrPhnsKPI/AAAAAAAAA20/fRvxFErkoO4/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYdboF18ZQU/U6GrPhnsKPI/AAAAAAAAA20/fRvxFErkoO4/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is a shot of the top of the bag wall.</div>
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The back stack was similar and as you can see the bottles were nestled between these two stacks.</div>
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The firing went way longer than I had expected as I was having issues with the burners. I finished up at 2 am after a 14 hour firing.....I was tired! But I had the good company of Mike from <a href="http://vesselsofintention.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vessels of Intention</a> keeping me company until the very end! Thank you Mike!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDB9mw_RIsQ/U6GrVIxx_SI/AAAAAAAAA28/ZLNg8IX6fmU/s1600/IMG_2854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDB9mw_RIsQ/U6GrVIxx_SI/AAAAAAAAA28/ZLNg8IX6fmU/s1600/IMG_2854.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We unstacked the kiln the next day and the results were excellent! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByTfqP4XZb0/U6GrVdYdH_I/AAAAAAAAA3A/YXgeY3WiUfM/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByTfqP4XZb0/U6GrVdYdH_I/AAAAAAAAA3A/YXgeY3WiUfM/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope to get dome individual pictures of some of these pieces. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJfvELrbyyU/U6GrWGTzICI/AAAAAAAAA3I/-qWVhzGXRes/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJfvELrbyyU/U6GrWGTzICI/AAAAAAAAA3I/-qWVhzGXRes/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is a shot of the same bag wall......I just love what this kiln does.</div>
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A small vase.</div>
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Here is the large bottle I have been working on for the last month. I'm in love!</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-7478317659445270512014-06-04T06:44:00.000-07:002014-06-04T06:44:04.971-07:00More or less<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pY8YC-PJPc/U48cu6jHUuI/AAAAAAAAA1A/8jO39oaoDhU/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pY8YC-PJPc/U48cu6jHUuI/AAAAAAAAA1A/8jO39oaoDhU/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the glamorous side of etsy. Not familiar with etsy? Go <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TreeBonePottery?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">here</a>, and don't ask me what etsy stands for.....I have no idea. However it has been a great place to sell items to people all over this planet and for that I am very thankful.</div>
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I have a minimalist approach when it comes to shipping, yeah I live by the seat of my pants. Don't get me wrong I want your items to arrive safely but not at the cost of excessive packaging that will most likely end up in a rubbish heap somewhere. So when I make things for etsy I do consider ease of shipping as an important factor as to whether or not I want to make and sell this item online.</div>
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Presentation is also important to me. I want my packaging to represent my sense of thrift and attitude towards life; recycle, re-use, and re-purpose.</div>
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Knowledge comes in a slim package.....not sure who said that but I bet they were important or at least good looking. Paper does feel good in the hands though. Hard to replicate with a digital download, although it would decrease paper usage and shipping costs come to think of it. I suppose one could chase their tail all day long if one wanted to. We do the best we can and then call it good.</div>
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I used to think that minimalism was an excuse to do less and in a way it is. But it is so much more than that. When you really start to understand it you realize it represents more thought and less 'get er done.' Less is more.</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-55955758448279367642014-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:002014-05-28T09:25:04.100-07:0015 hours and 37 minutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is the time of year when everywhere I look and everything I do is part of something fresh and new. I love spring; abundance of fresh goats milk, green grasses a flush with seed heads, open windows, short evening rains, and warm sunny afternoons......it really is magical.</div>
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It's the time of year when I don't think about tomorrow, it's all about today. </div>
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10 points to Gryffindor and a cup of choice from the last soda firing if you can guess what this is. Just post a comment with your answer.</div>
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The sun comes up at 5:17 am and goes down at 8:55 pm. Meanwhile we nap,</div>
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babies sleep,</div>
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and we go for late evening strolls around the lake.</div>
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There are just so many more important things other than pottery.</div>
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Like finding selfies of my son when I download the camera. Time to get out there and enjoy another one!</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-5288854751892452142014-05-22T06:50:00.002-07:002014-05-22T06:51:04.347-07:00Seconds; warped cups, failures, cracked cups, basically unsalable cups. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It can be arbitrary as to what makes a piece of pottery a second, at least for a studio potter. I don't really have design runs or a 'line' so I don't have a consistent bar to check my work against. I basically make stuff I like and sell it. If it doesn't sell it ends up in my home, seconds box, or shard pile (where it probably should have gone in the first place.) Sounds pathetic.</div>
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I don't pretend to understand my market. People (meaning all of us) are fickle. One moment we like this and the next we like that and don't like this. Some designs are great in theory or on paper but end up being too impractical or like this cup........interesting nonetheless no one thought 'this will be my favorite cup ever!'</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EN8tH_4o2Ac/U3zl7EvKgwI/AAAAAAAAAy8/MJRRp_ePBjY/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EN8tH_4o2Ac/U3zl7EvKgwI/AAAAAAAAAy8/MJRRp_ePBjY/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here's a question for you, does form follow function?</div>
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I dunno, I kind of think these succulent holders are pretty awesome!</div>
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Oh wait, is that a cup too?</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-66211060599111841812014-05-18T08:58:00.002-07:002014-05-18T11:20:09.091-07:001st Soda firing of the year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are some photos of this years first soda firing. 13 hour firing, ∆10, 3# of soda ash.</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-6328177294327560052014-05-15T09:06:00.000-07:002014-05-15T09:20:56.043-07:00Burning gas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I sit here and try to recollect all the things that have transpired over the last couple of days I realize how tired I am. Excited to see the results of our labors but exhausted none the less.</div>
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Tuesday in the studio was spent getting the soda kiln ready to fire, mostly wadding the ware and stacking the kiln. </div>
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Most of this pottery has been sitting in boxes waiting for the cost of propane to go down. It is really great to see the work with fresh eyes.</div>
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I have had all these ideas of how I wanted to glaze and stack the kiln for months just floating around my head. It is great to get them out and make space for new ones.</div>
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Stacking the kiln is a bit of guess work on my part. I know that things in the front tend to get more soda than the things in the back but when it comes to flow and shelve height I am an amateur. Also keeping an even temperature in the kiln is another aspect to consider when stacking. Again, I am a complete amateur. </div>
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I scour through books and the internet looking for information about how to do this better and to get the results I want but sometimes you just need to do it to understand it. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfzyXFTW9q8/U3TWENb34bI/AAAAAAAAAtk/yZBpnPB92RY/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfzyXFTW9q8/U3TWENb34bI/AAAAAAAAAtk/yZBpnPB92RY/s1600/IMG_1900.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pyrometric cones measure heat work, I use 5 cone packs located throughout the kiln to give me a sense of what is going on inside the kiln. I still feel like a blind man.</div>
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I am trying a different approach to the top stack of this firing, light in the front and higher in the back. Not sure how it will effect the firing but I am sure I will learn something. </div>
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Wednesday is firing day and the kiln takes about 13 hours to fire. This gives me the opportunity to spend a lot of time making things. I have been working on this particular shape for some workshops that I have scheduled for the summer.</div>
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Experimenting with different sizes, different handles, and different functions.</div>
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These will all end up in the soda kiln.</div>
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Waiting for the cones to come down......</div>
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Watching the fire after a long and exhausting day is really soothing. I always bring my guitar and try to enjoy the process. I will be unstacking the kiln Thursday evening around 4pm if you would like to visit the studio. Of course I will post pictures here as well.</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-44247313281181675932014-05-13T07:11:00.002-07:002014-05-13T07:11:36.782-07:00Math is your friend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I loaded up the bisque kiln yesterday and found that my calculations for dry shrinkage on the large bottle were accurate.</div>
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Very accurate. </div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-5543021526860695942014-05-08T07:22:00.000-07:002014-05-08T07:23:08.979-07:00Supersturctures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the first of a series of large bottles. They are destined for the soda kiln and 'should' fit into the bisque kiln. Here is how it is built:</div>
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I rolled my clay at about 3/8", cleaned off the face, and draped it over my wooden mold.</div>
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After using the heat gun to stiffen up the clay a bit I flipped it over. Here you can see the plywood mold. This one is scaled up from the tall bottle in my previous post but you can cut these at any dimension. You want to make three of these clay slabs and let them sit for a couple of hours before you try to put it all together.</div>
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Now comes the tricky part......assembly. You may want help holding them up so you can get a good bead of clay on the inside seem or you can get handy with whatever is around and prop the sucker up as I have done.</div>
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Once all three sides are together the piece is very stable and you can really work those seems. </div>
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If the piece is going to crack this is where it is going to happen, so compress the crap out of it! I spend about ten to fifteen minutes compressing each of these seems. This also gives me time to give it a crisp and sharp edge, which really adds to the look of the piece.</div>
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Did I mention slip and score everything really well? </div>
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Cut out a triangle piece for the bottom and apply. I use a pony roller to compress the foot and get a nice clean looking foot.</div>
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Before I flip the piece over it is good to go over each of these seems again and get them as good as you can down near the foot.</div>
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The top is similar to the bottom but as you can see there is no definition between the walls and the top. Time to get out your soft rubber rib and compress again.</div>
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The neck is really important. The diameter, the length, and it's relationship to the bottle itself really give your pot it's final character. </div>
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I added this final piece to the top but it could go either way.</div>
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Final height is 29 inches......bisque kiln is 27 inches. It'll fit! I used one bag of Laguna Bmix on this project. After it dries I will bring it to the spray booth and apply a colored flashing slip.</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-78390245528379599952014-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:002014-05-07T08:10:53.461-07:00Prepping the soda kiln<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are the results of my lackadaisical approach to the wood kiln, not bad. For those of you in the 'know' the outsides of these pots were sprayed with a Bauer flashing slip with the addition of 25% Mason Stain. I am treating these as maquettes. How big, you might be thinking......well take a close look at my soda kiln.</div>
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I spent a good part of my day preparing the soda kiln for another voyage. Last year I had an awesome intern who was kind enough to do all this dirty work. This year I had the help of studio elves, aka friends of clay who are as determined as I am to see pots come out of this kiln! </div>
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This is my 20 cubic foot cross draft kiln, it was designed by <a href="http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka/" target="_blank">Vince Pitelka</a> of the Appalachian Center for Craft. For those considering exploring the realm of ∆10 soda or salt firing this is a great starter kiln and Vince will send you a great set of plans if you merely ask.</div>
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Now this is what a truly dedicated friend of clay might look like. Not only dedicated to seeing the kiln getting prepped and readied to be fired but also a big reason why this kiln even got put together. Some folks have tireless energy to bring to these types of endeavors and for that I am very grateful.</div>
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For those of you who might have spent time wielding an angle grinder this picture might make you cringe. For the rest of you, there is still time. </div>
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The white pads on the shelves and bricks is called wadding and is a mixture of clays, sawdust, and alumina hydrate. It is designed to not stick to the surface of whatever it is on. It does work, although from the photo and the recount of many a potter with hammer and chisel in hand that 'stick' is a relative term.</div>
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By the way rock dust has this smell that is very hard to describe.....let's just say you will never forget it. What we are mainly trying to remove from these silicon carbide shelves is the accumulation of soda which has turned into silica and yes, I wear a mask.</div>
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Now this makes me feel much better. Next step is getting the propane tank refilled as it is down to 30% and I never like feeling rushed when firing the kiln. I can only hope that the cost of propane has dropped to a low enough level to not break the bank. </div>
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By the way we are currently accepting donations for all things studio related, including the occasional six pack of fine IPA.</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-81571927387916440492014-04-30T07:48:00.000-07:002014-04-30T07:52:02.702-07:00Voodoo Raku with no clothes on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My day started like all my favorites, go to the studio. I had a special mission for today however, sharing Naked Raku. After getting the thick pancake batter like slip together and cleaning up the studio a bit Nancy got the snacks out and we started to get into the groove with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATATGTJ8TbY" target="_blank">My Baby Loves Voodoo</a>.</div>
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Best thing you can do when you it comes to Raku is to come with an open mind. The process is so littered with chance and serendipity. Expectations are a real ego killer here.</div>
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The sun was shinning with a slight breeze, perfect weather for standing around and listening to the roar of the burner, discussing the possibilities of life. Which is what happens when you are waiting for the kiln to get to temperature.</div>
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Not that there aren't things to do while waiting.....</div>
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Like talking about the style points awarded for cool protective gear.</div>
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So much can go wrong during this process but then again what is wrong? It's one of those questions I ask myself every time I open a kiln or 'finish' a project. Is this my expectations again? Where do they come from and how do I let them go?</div>
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My expectations are influenced by so many things; will it sell, how it came out last time, what others like and dislike, pictures I've seen in trade magazines, etc.</div>
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But when I am trying to find my own way in clay it is important for me to shut those things off. I've built a box where all those things go and I let them slowly filter through before I ever let them come in contact with my core of ideas and inspiration. At least that's how it works in theory. Usually I'm remembering things and sending them back to their rooms because they upset my ego too much. But it gives me pause to reflect on it and think about it before I adopt it. </div>
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I try to enjoy the process and the people involved in the process. If I think about how it's supposed to come out I get stressed and start worrying about things. Things will be the death of me.</div>
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I stay focused on the small bits that give me pleasure along the way. They keep me focused on the process. The here and now. The end results will come zooming into view quickly enough.</div>
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As it always does. Well done class, look at your beautiful work! It's been a pleasure to be your guide along this short journey, I do hope you have enjoyed yourselves and I look forward to another journey with you again soon.</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-21298481697688529592014-04-27T07:50:00.000-07:002014-04-27T09:59:01.097-07:00Gifts from the wood kiln!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The wood kiln opening was well underway by the time I got the two boys fed and dressed. I also had to swing by the village, Noah wanted <a href="http://www.hollybsbakery.com/" target="_blank">Holly B's</a>. </div>
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The first rank was already down and I had to peer over shoulders and in between heads to get a peak. I only had two pieces in the kiln and did absolutely nothing to get this kiln prepped, stacked, or fired. Not my usual participation in this annual event. </div>
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The stacks were coming down and the pots were being delivered to the many waiting hands ready to hold them, appreciate them, and critique them. </div>
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So much information is stored on the surfaces of these pots. For the trained eye there are details and recordings of what happened in the kiln......and other times we can only stare in wonder. </div>
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The scorched bricks, slick ash deposits, broken wadding, even the tiniest pot deserves a gander. </div>
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When you hold these pots everything goes silent, just for a moment. It's like you are transported to someplace where it's only you and this thing. </div>
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The kiln isn't just full of mantle fodder. The coffee cup is the quintessential potters mark, it's the workhorse of the ceramics world. What better way to start your day? What better way to spread the joy and beauty that is found in this kiln? </div>
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Possibly my favorite object that comes out of this kiln is the Unomi or handless cup. It brings to mind the evenings spent clutching some peaty scotch, or watching the sun rise with freshly brewed green tea. These things not only transport us to another plane of existence they ground us to the elements that surround us; fire, earth, water, wood, and air. To consume these elements is inevitable, but to be left with such a record.......</div>
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These firings require many, many hours of back breaking labor, planning, and discussion. Although it takes many hands to accomplish this task it falls on the shoulders of one individual to spearhead this endeavor. Jim is our kiln father, without his generous heart and strong back none of this would be possible.</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-17124047393923218612014-04-25T06:57:00.001-07:002014-04-25T07:00:47.614-07:00A wonderful week of rain, sunshine, and clay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a very busy week. Tuesday was a great day in the studio and I hardly had time to take pictures (due to the fact that I have to wash my hands in order to take a picture.) But I managed to grab a few important moments. First of all Joyce and I went up to see the wood kiln cooling down. It had fired Last weekend and was still quite warm. Not so warm that I couldn't stick my camera inside to grab a few photos! Here is my favorite. It looks so peaceful in there, which is a major contrast from only a few days earlier. Kiln opens this Saturday morning and I have two pieces that I am anxious to see.</div>
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I have a special order I am working on for a small distillery in Seattle who makes Sochu, a fermented and distilled Japanese liquor. It tastes kind of like Sake but it is made with pearled Barley. These little cups have a stamped tag on the front with the companies logo and despite my best efforts occasionally delaminate. I slip and score them and compress the seem with a small plastic tool however due to a curved surface and tension from the tag drying it can curl off like the one pictured. Now I cannot press it back down because the tag is now leather hard. </div>
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These are fixable! I started using paper clay to repair these cups and the results are great. </div>
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Paper clay is simply clay, water, sodium silicate (a teaspoon), and a soft paper such as toilet paper, eco batting, or even newsprint. I mix up about a quart as the rotting paper can smell over a long period of time. I have even used this on broken bisque ware and re bisqued......I know your thinking this is impossible but it does actually work!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWwg4WW9M6s/U1pgFUQ_2VI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/4AGiDSN6Wzs/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWwg4WW9M6s/U1pgFUQ_2VI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/4AGiDSN6Wzs/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got to finish my time in the studio with a small workshop. Teaching one hour workshops to folks with little to no experience is very rewarding. Watching them create and play and see there cup or bowl come to life is hard to put into words. They all have the same expression on their faces, concentration, mixed with joy and wonder. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGS2NbmRKYo/U1pgGVY5HqI/AAAAAAAAAmo/6wnDE6VWe6A/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGS2NbmRKYo/U1pgGVY5HqI/AAAAAAAAAmo/6wnDE6VWe6A/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I finish these projects it is often hard for folks to leave. Who could blame them, after all, I still find it hard to turn off the lights and go home.</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-71612681338850363092014-04-17T05:10:00.000-07:002014-04-17T05:10:36.645-07:00Chilly day, warm studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was another fabulous day in the studio. Slightly crappy weather out but warm in the studio as the bisque kiln was finishing a cycle. I started my day with finishing this hand built tea pot. It's been in a box for ages, patiently waiting for a handle. I finally got it together to try copper wire. This is an old piece of heavy gauge copper wire from our old power lines on the island. After bending it and getting it to fit well on the pot I wrapped the connections for looks and security. I'm happy! I still need to file the wire ends a bit.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szdHbNRaeOs/U0_CrUQ8nGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/qag2XxYsNew/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szdHbNRaeOs/U0_CrUQ8nGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/qag2XxYsNew/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a new cup I designed on Tuesday. I took it out of the damp room and put colored slip and a handle on the cup. Another happy moment to my day. I loved the form so much a made a bunch of little ones for snifters. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqdNrS2AXns/U0_CrXapqFI/AAAAAAAAAls/wdY_GgHsd6s/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqdNrS2AXns/U0_CrXapqFI/AAAAAAAAAls/wdY_GgHsd6s/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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From above.</div>
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It was a busy day in the studio! Joyce made a fabulous salad, we sung happy birthday to Mari (she is 28 again), and had a happy day chatting, creating, and otherwise having the time of our lives.</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-75663885405096984192014-04-16T07:17:00.000-07:002014-04-16T07:17:54.689-07:00Colored slips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WG3eZRIDq8o/U06HAOiseOI/AAAAAAAAAlA/B0bT_Cg4p0U/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WG3eZRIDq8o/U06HAOiseOI/AAAAAAAAAlA/B0bT_Cg4p0U/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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More bottles. Playing with underglazes and the banding wheel. When they come out of the kiln I will be using iron oxide in the spray booth and my Bone glaze which is semi opaque so the colors will not be this bright. No matter the medium; painting, textiles, clay. I've always worked this way. Bright colors masked with dingy layers to give it age and patina. I prefer second hand clothing as well.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPLD0KtDv4w/U06G_33HxFI/AAAAAAAAAk8/rVW2JuHtEbA/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPLD0KtDv4w/U06G_33HxFI/AAAAAAAAAk8/rVW2JuHtEbA/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my Streamline cup. It comes from a one piece mold and is cast usually in porcelain. I'll cast it in recycled clay too but sometimes the rim warps a bit. Again, colored slips. I make all my own slips using a ∆6 vitreous underglaze recipe and then adding about 20% colorant. I am also experimenting with Bauer flashing slip with 20% colorants in the wood kiln and soda kiln. The colorants I use are for the most part Mason stains. For Black I use Black Iron Oxide.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOvT0Nk95cE/U06HALsYH7I/AAAAAAAAAlE/VDW730EsGO4/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOvT0Nk95cE/U06HALsYH7I/AAAAAAAAAlE/VDW730EsGO4/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a break down of the quilted cup. The bottom, as shown in previous posts is a three part slip cast mold. The top is a hand built coil that is rolled out with a pony roller and then cut on the side that adjoins to the cup. That leaves the upper edge a 'live edge' or natural edge. This gives each cup it's distinctive personality and size.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dc29tOCp1Y/U06HEB1hs8I/AAAAAAAAAlU/uq3G8yidnbs/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dc29tOCp1Y/U06HEB1hs8I/AAAAAAAAAlU/uq3G8yidnbs/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a couple of new colors for the alphabet cups. The leathery one in the center is our Bone glaze with Pumpkin on top. The one with the blue ring is our Emerald glaze (Bone glaze with copper oxide) with Bright Sky Blue on top. </div>
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Our Bone glaze is Ron Roys Bone High Calcium Semi Matte base with 5% Titanium and 1% Rutile. For those who do not know who Ron Roy is check out his book <i>Mastering Cone 6 Glazes. </i>Bright Sky Blue recipes are all over the net. </div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-68853124769910014582014-04-15T07:29:00.001-07:002014-04-15T07:29:14.840-07:00Naked Raku workshop. Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1AuFR9X58Q/U009houq3ZI/AAAAAAAAAj0/GoYFdP8U694/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1AuFR9X58Q/U009houq3ZI/AAAAAAAAAj0/GoYFdP8U694/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday we had a Raku workshop at the studio. Here are the demo pots I made on Sunday. Both are made by slumping clay on wooden cutout templates and putting together the parts. We will be firing them in two weeks with process called Naked Raku. I'll post more about this tomorrow.</div>
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This is Mari throwing raku clay on the wheel. Today is her Birthday! Happy Birthday Mari! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfaCo7uo7Ww/U009iNXV_fI/AAAAAAAAAj8/KJdh8e8whBo/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfaCo7uo7Ww/U009iNXV_fI/AAAAAAAAAj8/KJdh8e8whBo/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this is her cute dog Raffi. He's our studio dog.</div>
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Hand building, although a slow process, gives us the ability to build complex forms that you could not make on the wheel. It also offers the opportunity for someone to come into the studio with no clay experience and build something very comparable to what I would build. </div>
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Although it is not for everyone. Some folks are drawn to the wheel like a moth to a light bulb. As I was drawn years ago. The wheel is what got me hooked on clay. I threw for about six or seven years before I ever considered hand building. </div>
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Hand building is often relegated to kids work. True it is easier for them to do as the wheel takes a great understanding of the 'center'. But when mastered hand building shows subtleties that the wheel could never capture.</div>
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Both have a place in my studio.</div>
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My son made a cupcake. I believe it is gluten free.</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-72790854637102903662014-04-13T06:46:00.002-07:002014-04-13T06:46:21.363-07:00100 cups.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is what 100 cups looks like. Processing a few boxes of my alphabet cups for the store. I had to inventory them to see what letters I might be short on, check for any 'seconds', and put them in boxes so they are easy to find (a-z). They are all electric fired to ∆6 with iron oxide sprayed onto the exterior, the letter is wiped with a sponge, and then the liner glaze is poured in and the lip is dipped. </div>
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They are all slip cast from recycled clay scraps. I use 7 molds so they range in size but generally hold 4 oz. Great for all kinds of things but mainly fun. They sell for $12 each.</div>
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I'm off to the studio on a beautiful Sunday morning! Wife does not go into work until 11am and I am not prepared for a class I am giving tomorrow. </div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-32800766492640469662014-04-12T07:56:00.000-07:002014-04-12T07:58:06.660-07:00Isabel's Espresso delivery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I brought some cups down to one of our local coffee shops yesterday. We are a small island, with a small village. We have two coffee shops. I love them both. This particular coffee shop appeals to my organic, hippie, tree hugging side.</div>
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I love seeing pottery out of the studio.</div>
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Julia and Josh are wonderful Baristas! If you are ever on Lopez Island, go here I<a href="http://isabelsespresso.com/" target="_blank">sabel's espresso</a></div>
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Of course no visit to a coffee shop would be complete without an Americano for me and a hot chocolate for my handsome assistant. </div>
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Life is pretty sweet!</div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-16717167395473967552014-04-10T07:21:00.000-07:002014-04-10T07:21:18.021-07:00700 ml. sealable ceramic bottle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finally have a sealable bottle! Ha! This project has taken so many hours of brainstorming and effort. It feels really good to finally have a working prototype. It opens and closes nicely. I have given it to both men and women of several different ages and it seems to perform nicely! It holds 700 ml. and adds to the line of very functional kitchen wares for food storage.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDN6hCRu5QI/U0ajOjuwkoI/AAAAAAAAAhs/NpPS7USIK_8/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDN6hCRu5QI/U0ajOjuwkoI/AAAAAAAAAhs/NpPS7USIK_8/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a raw clay piece from the mold before I made the last bit of modification. Turned out the width of the lower neck piece was too wide to accommodate the lid in the closed position. So I may rework the mold a bit. But until then it just needs a small addition to the neck (perfect place for a bit of texture!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6nIoAvfGag/U0ajTB9wBiI/AAAAAAAAAiM/cO9j8NzHwOc/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6nIoAvfGag/U0ajTB9wBiI/AAAAAAAAAiM/cO9j8NzHwOc/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finished the shelving in the tower. It is now stained a dark brown. I need to touch up the walls here and there to get it ready for stocking! We open Easter weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IfFLnWG20wM/U0ajOayHkvI/AAAAAAAAAho/DyuYRDS_ktY/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IfFLnWG20wM/U0ajOayHkvI/AAAAAAAAAho/DyuYRDS_ktY/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also got out a set of plates yesterday and the results were stunning! Again, this project took soooo many hours but the results were worth it. I will be doing these with the rim in several different colors, blue, green, the turquoise pictured, and maybe grey.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvUc2wrSh2g/U0ajQgiDZBI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Lx1yI6QVxOk/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvUc2wrSh2g/U0ajQgiDZBI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Lx1yI6QVxOk/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Close-up. </div>
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I love the speckling from the iron oxide! Large plate weighs in at 695 grams which is comparable to a Macy's plate I purchased many years ago. I still need to make a small modification to the little plate.</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-84829193789643475532014-04-07T06:58:00.002-07:002014-04-07T06:58:43.088-07:00Shelving in the Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday I spent the morning in the 'Tower' (our retail space) building some shelving upstairs. There used to be an old rack style shelve unit built with 2x4's. it was effective but crude. So I started working on something that has many levels, a must when selling pottery. Our biggest obstacle is that the towers walls are slanted, it's an old water tower.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciP1g4BYRnE/U0Kti3AqT_I/AAAAAAAAAhI/TiXfZGNRNLI/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciP1g4BYRnE/U0Kti3AqT_I/AAAAAAAAAhI/TiXfZGNRNLI/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I still had some more work to do but my wife needed to get to work and the kids wanted to go see the high school sailing team race at the dock. Very light wind. </div>
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The sun came out at some point and the kids and I went for a walk....well I walk and they ride. But it gets us out of the house! </div>
<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-63043464524162773902014-04-04T08:21:00.000-07:002014-04-04T08:25:41.849-07:00Multi part molds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is something I have been working on for a few months. These projects take a while to develop and my efforts are always worth it no matter where I end up. I gain new information that guides me along the journey. </div>
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It all started when I saw an article in Pottery Illustrated that showed a potter who was slip casting by making lots of molds into one mold. I won't go into to many details as the process will make your head spin, at least it does mine. Basically I simplified this process by breaking down my mold into 4 parts, three parts mold one part hand built......oh yeah, and the handle which makes 5 pieces. </div>
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The basic idea is you can paint colored slip onto the plaster surface than assemble the mold, pour in white stoneware slip, and viola! Out comes a piece with the colored slip inlaid into the the clay body. </div>
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In my design I was inspired by seeds or nuts.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2gzluukSzM/Uz7JVPPXazI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/a1ZYiD3TF8c/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2gzluukSzM/Uz7JVPPXazI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/a1ZYiD3TF8c/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the plaster mold with colored slips painted on.</div>
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Mold is assembled.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PIgqHlqH4gI/Uz7JOVg4IUI/AAAAAAAAAfs/8v7dxTFexS0/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PIgqHlqH4gI/Uz7JOVg4IUI/AAAAAAAAAfs/8v7dxTFexS0/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the slip has formed the shell I remove the cup from the mold and start with hand building.</div>
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I wanted a hand built lip for the cup so they would not all be the same size. Some could have texture, some could be plain, some could be taller than others. The cup is a very personal thing.</div>
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After the cup has been built and bisqued I rub iron oxide into the crevices and use my matte bone glaze and fire to ∆6, that's about 2232-2269 f.</div>
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Here is the finished cup. I thought it would look nice on my kitchen table amongst the current mess that lies there this morning ( we do try to keep a clean house but with two young boys....)</div>
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So I'm extremely pleased with the results! Fun cup to use as well. I only have three made so far but I am ramping up production and they will be available locally soon!</div>
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Here is the next stage. A pitcher built in the same process. I learned a few things making the coffee cup and have applied them to the pitcher. The lip and pour spout is very time consuming to make but worth the efforts as It really sets the piece off. I should have a finished pitcher in a couple of weeks.</div>
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Still a little clean up to go but it's almost ready for the kiln.</div>
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I also got out my first cheese mold. Next week it comes out of the kiln and gets a clear glaze. It's coming along nicely.</div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-32499876540016268052014-03-28T07:01:00.003-07:002014-03-28T07:02:46.664-07:00Freedom?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was reminded yesterday of the word 'Freedom'. In particular the idea of not being subject to or affected by a particular undesirable thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get to do what I want for a living, it's what makes me wake up each day with a smile on my face with thoughts cruising through my head about what to make and how to make it. Everything else is.....well it's important too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursdays are a day of payment for me. A day when I re-pay my gracious hostess with labor and often company as we weave through the farm attending to various chores. Yesterday was a particularly nice sunny spring day which made for an enjoyable afternoon. And yet I cannot help wonder what my life would be like if I were only to do what I wanted to do. What if I spent that day in the studio like the previous days? What if I just payed money to sustain my accommodations?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time away from something you love is equally as important to the time you spend with the thing you love. For many reasons this is true.........as much as I might desire it to be false. It gives me pause to reflect on the objects I am making. I think about the curves, the texture, the colors, and it's purpose, all the while I am toiling away with my hands in the ground and the sun (or rain) on my back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I ask myself, what is freedom? Freedom from what? From the things I don't like? What if I was completely free? I couldn't even begin to answer these questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so I settle into my routine. I try to find the pleasure in the things that others may find oppressive. There is good in these things too. There are lessons to be learned wherever I turn my head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remind myself of the things I am free from; city noise, cigarette smoke, traffic lights, crowds of people, concrete, an obnoxious boss, a time clock........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living on Lopez Island is a wonderful experience. I am surrounded by amazing people who look at you in the eye, ask how you are doing, and are truly concerned about your well being. How much more freedom do I need?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It might be good to question our ideas of freedom from time to time. For me it comes every week, on Thursdays.</span></div>
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<br />Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-9995033222784321622014-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:002014-03-27T07:17:43.067-07:00More fermentation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been working on open style fermentation crocks for a couple of years. Here is the results. They are very simple. I have two sizes: 1/2-3/4 gallon and 1- 1 1/2 gallon. Here is the smaller crock. They are hand built from a slab of clay and once assembled a ring for the top is thrown on the wheel and attached to the top. This acts as the handle as well.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUDMfZNLU2M/UzQtSiT4AwI/AAAAAAAAAdM/cCPcmF1N3nA/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUDMfZNLU2M/UzQtSiT4AwI/AAAAAAAAAdM/cCPcmF1N3nA/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The texture I have chosen is from an old carved wooden table, most likely from India. I took a plaster mold of a small section and use it like a stamp on the clay before assembly.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZDsXqx8Qzg/UzQtSko7tTI/AAAAAAAAAdE/k3tYJDAgt84/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZDsXqx8Qzg/UzQtSko7tTI/AAAAAAAAAdE/k3tYJDAgt84/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also make a clay follower for pressing down the ferment. Due to the fact that the walls of the crock are straight I do not need to split the follower.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swCvyatt5n0/UzQtTdwoq4I/AAAAAAAAAdY/dH0aNOzVvC4/s1600/IMG_0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swCvyatt5n0/UzQtTdwoq4I/AAAAAAAAAdY/dH0aNOzVvC4/s1600/IMG_0247.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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One more from the top.</div>
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I love this simple little crock. However I would love to be able to make a nice slip cast fermenting crock with a water ring for the lid. It makes fermenting absolutely fool proof! </div>
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Personally I find nothing wrong with a little mold growing on the top of the water, it's been done this way for many generations. There are those who want a bit more cleanliness with their rotting :) </div>
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Here is a link to a very fine example that a friend forwarded to me yesterday. Prepare yourself for a bit of sticker shock (although quite worth it I might add).</div>
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http://www.quitokeeto.com/products/fermentation-crock-matte-white-fog</div>
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On a different note the sun came out the other day and My boy Noah had a play date. So I mixed up a batch of impromptu industrial strength bubble magic! Here was our recipe:</div>
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1 cup liquid dish soap</div>
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1/2 cup light corn syrup</div>
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2 cups water</div>
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2 tablespoons Glycerin ( I would have added more but thats all we had)</div>
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This recipe worked well enough but I would reduce the syrup slightly or add a bit more water.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDeVM12I9TE/UzQtnzdNMyI/AAAAAAAAAdo/ebGMxLns_ow/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDeVM12I9TE/UzQtnzdNMyI/AAAAAAAAAdo/ebGMxLns_ow/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is our home made bubble wand. Two wooden dowels and some cotton string with a small weight at the end.</div>
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The size of the bubbles will blow your mind! I might add that there are many, many videos on Youtube about this subject. </div>
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Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-29859917724106461022014-03-26T07:33:00.002-07:002014-03-26T07:33:41.840-07:00Mold making for cheeses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday I made a cheese mold, yes, a mold for a mold that makes milk mold. A cheese mold. I thought I might share with you how I made it. The type of cheese mold I was making is a basket mold that can be set on a press for making Tomme style cheeses. You will see from the pictures that it has a slight taper. The dots that you see will be guides for me to put the holes in the finished cheese mold once the plaster mold is removed from the cast piece. </div>
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First things first. I threw an original. It is solid and upside down (When the plaster is cast the clay that is touching the throwing bat on the wheel will be the opening). Allowing for final shrinkage the piece measures 8 1/2" at the top of the mold and 8" at the base with a height of about 4". It's finished dimensions should be about 7 1/2" wide at the top and 7" at the base with a height of 3 1/2". I'm working with about 12.5% shrinkage. Divide any wet dimension by 87.5 to get your final dimensions.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukI03E_itc0/UzLbUoNHXCI/AAAAAAAAAbg/1XACiyhYhO8/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukI03E_itc0/UzLbUoNHXCI/AAAAAAAAAbg/1XACiyhYhO8/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I needed to divide the piece in two for a two part mold. Now the cast pieces coming out of the mold will not be in two parts. I am only doing this to make it easier to get the finished pieces out of the mold earlier in the process before they start to warp. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjbxOGL2LBU/UzLbU8LrGcI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Shz7pjkODR4/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjbxOGL2LBU/UzLbU8LrGcI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Shz7pjkODR4/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used an old plastic lid from a defunct container as a divider. This will keep the plaster from running into the second part.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls8g12CO0pc/UzLbUy6M2FI/AAAAAAAAAbk/OyfT2PHIC8A/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls8g12CO0pc/UzLbUy6M2FI/AAAAAAAAAbk/OyfT2PHIC8A/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I built up a ring of clay around the 1st part and inserted the second part of my mold walls. I use metal roof flashing. It is cheap and flexible. It comes off my molds very easily and clay sticks to it, making for secure mold walls! A blow out when working with 6 or more pounds of plaster is a nightmare to clean up!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaXtTfSemcM/UzLbV_rcyeI/AAAAAAAAAb0/K5beHcJwrTE/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaXtTfSemcM/UzLbV_rcyeI/AAAAAAAAAb0/K5beHcJwrTE/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here you can see the mold ready to be poured with plaster. I use a very simple plaster mixing ratio 3:1 that is 3 pounds of plaster to 1 quart of water. This can be broken down to smaller increments like 1.5 pounds and 1 pint or larger quantities like 9 pounds and 3 quarts, super simple.</div>
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For this mold I started out by mixing 6 pounds of plaster and once I poured it realized I needed a little more so I mixed up an additional 1.5 pounds and poured it in as well. </div>
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I use hot water when I mix up plaster and an immersion blender or a stick blender. This gives me about 5-8 minutes of working time, which is more than enough time to mix more and add it in before it sets. I can usually remove a piece from the mold after about 15-20 minutes.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j76Pp7kpDb4/UzLbW3s82NI/AAAAAAAAAcA/pktYX8TuSRg/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j76Pp7kpDb4/UzLbW3s82NI/AAAAAAAAAcA/pktYX8TuSRg/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the second half being set up for pouring. I put in a key hole on the top and bottom of both sides of the first piece. I usually use a coin for this. Depending on the size of the mold it can be a penny, a dime, a quarter, whatever works! Also, before I pour the second piece of the mold I use mold soap. This is a product I buy. I have tried many other types of soap and find that mold soap is worth the small amount of money and time it takes to track it down.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF0Y6ESnvqc/UzLbXJPXrYI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/R-OFWn_etzs/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF0Y6ESnvqc/UzLbXJPXrYI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/R-OFWn_etzs/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finished mold ready for clean up.</div>
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Here you can see the key's that I put into the mold. This allows for a nice seating of the two pieces.</div>
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On the mold itself I use a metal rib to clean up the joint. This will make it easier to clean each piece coming out of the mold. Remember, the better you make the mold the better the pieces come out and the less time you have to spend working each new piece.</div>
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Here is the final mold. I use a sure form tool to clean all the edges of the mold before it starts to get hard, usually within the hour. Once it set's to its final hardness it is tougher to clean up. As you can see from the mold I try to make the mold with about 1 1/2" of plaster around the mold to get even walls when casting. One other thing to note is that I do not force dry the plaster! It will calcine the plaster and make it a worthless mold. Let it air dry in a warm room for about a week (at least here in the Northwest). At that point you can use it. I will cast these next week with porcelain and show you a finished product. </div>
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Now that the goats are freshening I will be making some awesome Tomme style cheese this spring!</div>
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Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604858089217894421.post-2104865698671676172014-03-24T07:00:00.001-07:002014-03-24T07:01:46.176-07:00Fermentation of an idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fermenting food is one of my hobbies. I love to make cheese and fermented vegetables! I have been at it for only a short time as the process is intimidating to say the least. Here I am rotting food and then eating it. Funny, but that is the basic premise behind all fermented food products! Beer, wine, cheese, vinegar, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, kimchee......the list of foods we eat that fall into this category are endless! </div>
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Now I am not here to convert anyone over to the dark side of foods, eat what you like, but I have found the health benefits from some fermented foods to be beneficial to my happiness. I digress. What I really wanted to talk about was how my two pass times are starting to come together, clay and fermenting. Enter the clay follower or fermentation weight.</div>
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A rather simple contraption. Specially designed to fit our existing 1/2 Gallon or wide mouth Quart canning jars. </div>
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Now the fermenting crocks are nothing new. Open style fermenting crocks for fermenting cabbage have been around for decades in America and this tradition goes back even further in cultures such as Korea or Germany. However the cost of shipping crocks, storage of shipping crocks once they are in your abode, and the filling up of a crock for those who do not have a large garden or direct access to a farmer can be prohibitive. These factors as well as others have led to small scale fermenting. This type of fermenting is on the rise. It allows for freer experimentation with less waste (if you find the finished product to be not to your liking) as well as using a crock you already have, the canning jar. It can be a great way to eat up some of those CSA (community supported agriculture) goodies that are starting to go soft in the fridge.</div>
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Now I must admit before we go any further I cannot take credit for this idea. It was handed to me by a close friend. Some of the best ideas come to us this way. As a crafter you struggle to carve out living in this mechanized world. So when a product like this falls into your lap of course you wrap your lovin' arms around it and embrace it's existence. </div>
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I have been working on these followers for about a year and we now sell them to folks in Australia, Holland, Canada, and just about everywhere in the US. Of course it's a niche market so sales are to a small group of adventurous folks. However this type of DIY thinking spreads like wildfire so I am hopeful and now ready to supply a larger audience with these followers.</div>
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I know it's nothing glamourous like making mugs and platers splashed with color and artful images but it helps keep me in the studio working with the material that I love. So when I go to the studio and think about making new types of cups or teapots I remind myself to keep my nose to the grindstone and embrace what the universe has given me. </div>
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Wide mouth pint followers.</div>
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Josh Ratzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08433096918242238041noreply@blogger.com0