Friday, February 19th, 2010 It is not too early to make summer plans. I always operate on the premise that a business person, especially one in retail, needs to plan a year ahead. Well it’s not a year ahead, but if you have not already done so, it is definitely time to make plans and […]
CAG has come to your computer. This is really exciting news. A well reputed company is starting a new website which promises to be a panacea of information and education for ceramists of all levels. The CAG or Ceramic Artist Guild will be offering their first internet newsletter to be published on May 1, 2009. […]
As you know, I went to the recent Atlanta Show. While there, I had the opportunity to add a few more molds to my already bulging storehouse of items. Yes, it is an addiction, what can I say? However, who can really blame me? All of the Doc Holliday molds I picked up have been […]
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 This past week, I was selected by Ceramic Artist Guild to be their Ambassador for Home Studios and Small Businesses. I’m really excited and a little bit scared; but I really look forward to being part of the effort to revitalize the ceramics industry. I believe that each and everyone of […]
Brushes come in all sort of sizes, shapes and materials. Basically, a brush consists of long fibers attached to a firm shaft by a ferrule. The ferrule on most brushes is made of metal and holds the bristles to the shaft. All brushes are hand made. The parts may come off a production line, but […]
About 25 years ago, I always mixed up my own earthenware slip. It is not difficult, just takes patience and some time and a strong back; however when I moved to the South, there were no sources (that I could find – this was before the internet) to buy the raw materials. The only slip […]
A Brief History Making things from molds has dated back thousands of years. Historians have found evidence of the use of molds dating prior to 3000 BC. Among the earliest forms of mold use was evidenced by the finest pottery of the time crafted in Babylonia. So what is a mold? Quite simply it is […]
Monday, January 18th, 2010 The Plan Regardless of what kind of ceramic endeavor you choose to pursue, you need to start with a plan. You need to have an idea of what kind of business you want to set up and then follow a design to achieve that goal. Some of the things you will […]
Thursday, April 1st, 2010 Training seminars have been scheduled all across the country over the next few months. Slots are filling fast. This certification is by the Ceramics Artist Guild (CAG). If you are interested in becoming a certified judge for ceramics competitions, contact the Cag at www.ceramicartistguild.com Here is the current schedule: Vallejo, CA […]
About 25 years ago, I always mixed up my own earthenware slip. It is not difficult, just takes patience and some time and a strong back; however when I moved to the South, there were no sources (that I could find – this was before the internet) to buy the raw materials. The only slip […]
Friday, March 12th, 2010 The CAG (Ceramic Artist Guild) will be presenting a series of workshop/seminars to train experienced Ceramists to become certified judges for sanctioned ceramic competitions. If you have a background in ceramics and would like to participate and expand your own horizons, you may want to consider becoming a judge. Some of […]
The process of pouring ceramic molds is called casting or slip casting. Before you begin, it is a good idea that you know how the mold works. Ceramic molds are made of plaster as opposed to other molds being rubber, sponge, metal or plastic. The reason is that plaster absorbs water. Slip is liquid clay, […]
13.5 gallons water 2 dry ounces Soda Ash 1.5 dry ounces Barium Carbonate (optional) 50 pounds KT OM 4 or 2 bags of KT-1-4 50 pounds of KT #1 SGP 150 pounds of TALC 2882 6-9 liquid ounces of Sodium Silicate and One Heavy Duty Mixer I strongly encourage you to read parts One and […]
Nichrome wire 1/4″ rod or brush handle small needle nose pliers/cutters suitable wetware Christmas ornaments. There are many ways to hang ceramic Christmas ornaments but they all start in preparing the wetware. When casting Christmas ornaments you have some options in determining how those ornaments will hang. Some molds have holes or loops in the […]
