Yesterday we did a glaze firing in our gas kiln. Unloading a glaze firing is always a highlight for me. I love to see how the colors come out and to see all of our hard work pay off in a beautiful finished product. This firing went up to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit and takes a full 24 hours to reach that and then cool back down. Because I am too impatient to allow it to cool all the way, we usually open it at 375 degrees. This is OK to do and does not affect the glazes, but you do have to be careful when unloading at this temperature. The pieces are very hot! I wanted to share the experience with you, so below you will see a gallery of me unloading the kiln and the pieces as they come out.
Just use a fine point Sharpie to write your personalized note on the back. It can be anything from a simple “to/from” note to a short message for your loved one. More ideas:
Use them as gift tags to top presents
Give them as gifts to teachers, students, employees, and other friends
Give them as your yearly Christmas ornament to your children
Around this time of year, Jean Elton receives some orders for Christmas gifts from busy professionals looking to purchase gifts for their employees, clients, or customers. One such professional said the following, after placing an order for the Jean Elton tri-oval dishes:
I’m excited about the plate also, but then again, I’ve been happy with everything else you’ve done. I love the fact that I can give my clients a piece of art by a local artisan. I believe in buying things close to home and supporting my neighbors.
In the following video, you will see Lois Barker starting the process of making a mug. You will see a piece of clay pressed almost instantly into the mug’s shape. At the end of the video, you will see a mug that has already had the handle attached and is ready for a bisque firing. Enjoy!
If you’re interested in learning more about the RAM press, keep checking back on this blog for a behind-the-scenes look at all the various machines and equipment used at Jean Elton Studio.
Saturday, December 5th – 10-4pm
Sunday, December 6th – 12-3pm
Email here for location
~
Presented by Jean Elton Studio and Gallery
Lois Barker
Kathy Sackett
Amy Willers
~
Hand Made Ornaments
Specialty Table Top Items
Hand Painted Glassware
Table Linens
Handcrafted Jewelry
Holiday Sweets and Treats
Tablescape designs and decorating ideas
~
Sip some cider or have a glass of wine
Browse one of a kind beautifully designed pieces
As you check off your Christmas Gift List.
I have had so much fun with the Christmas ornaments, from finding all the fun cookie cutter shapes to adding the color and the glitter at the end! All the Jean Elton artists have been involved in the painting, so we have a variety of personalities showing through in all the ornaments. Some are very precise and well measured, some are whimsical, and some are very modern.
In the pictures below you will see the final steps of making the ornaments as well as the finished product. ( Just to warn you, you will be tempted to eat some decorated sugar cookies after viewing!) You will see the painting of each individual ornament, the glaze firing, the spraying (which adds a bit of a sheen), and finally adding just a touch of glitter.
Thank you for keeping up with us here at Jean Elton! Please check back in a week or so for information on where the Christmas ornaments will be sold.
Comments Off | 
Behind the Scenes
| 
Permalink
Posted by admin
