Praying to the kiln gods....

...did work!  We all know that feeling... The anticipation... That first glimps into the kiln! That sigh when everything is out, and there are no disasters on your kiln shelf.. and you have that big smile like you've won a prize! (People think you've lost your mind!)   Here's why I'm smiling today! :)

 

                                                                                                          

Now for some experiments with Mayco washes.... I will first discuss the wall tile. Variation between the glaze over the iron washed sections and the unwashed sections aren't quite as defined as I anticipated. I do know that the glazes I chose to use made that difference. I used Cinnabar and Pam's Blue.   I was trying to get the appearance of a sunset,  something I get to see quite frequently over Lake Superior at our summer cottage.  Transparent glaze would have done this piece more justice. I'm still pleased with it, and it is something I would do again, using different glazes. Here is a closeup of the completed tile...

 

 

Now I did try Manganese Wash as well.  Here are two pendants... the large one I applied the wash while it was greenware, then went over it with a clear after the bisque.   On the smaller one I applied the wash and the clear after bisque.  It looks like it doesn't really make a difference.  Your only advantage to applying at greenware would be not smudging the wash if you were brushing glaze over top.  I used burlap to make the impression on the large piece, and I used a self-made stamp to make the tree.  Next time I will try to not wash off as much as well. I appologize, for my pic.. it's a little blurry.

Now this was my wonderful surprise on the bottom shelf.  The piece had iron red under gun metal green along the top below the stamped pattern and the swirl, then creme only along the top below the stamped pattern on top of the gun metal green and iron red.  Very pleased!!! :). ...now back to glazing, I have another load to do! 

Trying out Mayco washes...

I really like the idea of using these washes for different things, ie. under/over other glazes, staining, etc.  so I really wanted to give them a try.  I loved the look of the artist (can't remember her name) who does Sgraffito with slips for wall art.  They are absolutely stunning.  So I thought why not try this with Mayco's Iron Wash.   Good way of experimenting.  Not sure what will happen, may be good, may be not so good.  Hard to say.   So here are a couple of shots when it was leather hard.

Here is a pic of it after the bisque firing. (Not that anyone else would know, but it's upside down!) 

As you can see from the next pics, I have some glazing to do! Then I will be firing up that kiln again. So I'll be updating the results of this experiment as well as a few other tests with washes soon!