Create Mesmerizing Bubble Designs on Pottery with a New Blowing Technique

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Experiment 1: Blowing Bubbles on Pottery
   • 2.1 Materials Needed
   • 2.2 Mixing the Underglaze Solution
   • 2.3 Preparing the Surface
   • 2.4 Blowing Bubbles onto the Pottery
   • 2.5 Enhancing the Bubble Design
   • 2.6 Firing the Pottery
3. Experiment 2: Controlling Bubbles with Slip Trail Bottle and Turkey Baster
   • 3.1 Using a Slip Trail Bottle
   • 3.2 Using a Turkey Baster
4. Experiment 3: Bubbles on Bisque-Fired Pieces
   • 4.1 Applying the Base Glaze
   • 4.2 Adding Bubbles to the Glazed Surface
   • 4.3 Firing the Bisque-Fired Pottery
5. Experiment 4: Controlling Bubbles on Bisque-Fired Pieces with Actual Glazes
   • 5.1 Preparing the Glazes
   • 5.2 Applying Glazes and Creating Bubbles
   • 5.3 The Firing Process
6. Conclusion

Blowing Bubbles on Pottery: An Exploration of Surface Design Techniques

Pottery enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and interesting ways to create captivating designs on their clay creations. One technique that has gained popularity in recent years is blowing bubbles onto the surface of pottery. While it may seem unusual at first, the results can be truly mesmerizing. In this article, we will explore the process of blowing bubbles on pottery and uncover the various ways to experiment with this technique.

Experiment 1: Blowing Bubbles on Pottery

2.1 Materials Needed

To get started with this technique, you will need the following materials:

• Bone dry piece of greenware
• Dishwashing liquid
• Contrasting colored underglaze
• Paper towels
• Water
• Straw

2.2 Mixing the Underglaze Solution

Begin by mixing one part water to two parts underglaze. The consistency should be neither too thin nor too thick. Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture to help create bubbles.

2.3 Preparing the Surface

To prevent any drips from spoiling the design, fold a paper towel and wrap it around the rim of the bubble cup. Elevating the piece from the excess liquid by placing it on a jar lid can also be helpful. Running the piece quickly under a faucet before adding bubbles will aid in better adherence to the clay.

2.4 Blowing Bubbles onto the Pottery

Use the straw to blow bubbles onto the pottery. Let them cascade down and around the mug, keeping a slight distance from the surface to prevent excessive dripping. If you miss any spots, simply blow a few more bubbles to fill them in. The longer the bubbles sit on the clay surface, the more intense the resulting collar will be.

2.5 Enhancing the Bubble Design

Once you are satisfied with the arrangement of bubbles, glaze the piece with a clear glaze and fire it to Cone 5. The final result will be a beautiful marbled look on your pottery, with a unique and captivating design.

Experiment 2: Controlling Bubbles with Slip Trail Bottle and Turkey Baster

3.1 Using a Slip Trail Bottle

In this next experiment, we will explore the use of a slip trail bottle to control the formation and placement of bubbles. Mix the underglaze solution as done in Experiment 1 and fill the slip trail bottle with the mixture. By gently squeezing the bottle, you can extend the bubble out and place it precisely where you want it. This technique allows for greater control and precision in creating bubble designs.

3.2 Using a Turkey Baster

Another tool that can be used to manipulate bubbles is a turkey baster. This method typically creates larger bubbles and can result in unique ring effects on the pottery's surface. Experiment with different sizes and arrangements of bubbles to achieve various designs.

Experiment 3: Bubbles on Bisque-Fired Pieces

4.1 Applying the Base Glaze

To work with bisque-fired pieces, begin by brushing on a white liner glaze over the entire surface of the pottery. Several other white glazes can also be tested for different effects. It is important to use a relatively stiff glaze for this experiment.

4.2 Adding Bubbles to the Glazed Surface

Once the base glaze is applied, mix the contrasting colored glaze with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Hold a paper towel around the rim of the cup and blow random bubbles onto the glazed surface. Allow the bubbles to adhere to the clay, creating a marbled look.

4.3 Firing the Bisque-Fired Pottery

Fire the pottery as per the recommended firing temperature for the glazes used. The bubbles will dry and give the glaze a pale appearance. However, upon firing, the glaze will reveal its true colors, creating a stunning and unique finish.

Experiment 4: Controlling Bubbles on Bisque-Fired Pieces with Actual Glazes

5.1 Preparing the Glazes

For this experiment, prepare two glazes - ocher and weeping plum. Mix the glazes to be slightly more on the wet side to ensure the bubbles stick to the pottery's surface.

5.2 Applying Glazes and Creating Bubbles

Use the same technique as Experiment 3, but this time, apply the actual glazes instead of underglazes. Create bubbles with both glazes, observing how they interact and settle on the pottery's surface. Overlapping and manipulating the bubbles can result in intriguing designs.

5.3 The Firing Process

After applying the glazes and bubbles, fire the bisque-fired pottery according to the recommended firing temperature for the glazes used. The final result will be a masterpiece of controlled bubble designs on pottery.

Conclusion

Blowing bubbles onto the surface of pottery is a captivating technique that offers endless possibilities for creating unique and mesmerizing designs. Whether you prefer a random marbled look or want to exercise greater control over the bubbles' placement, this technique promises a fun and exciting journey in pottery surface design.

Note: This article is a comprehensive guide to blowing bubbles on pottery and experimenting with different techniques. It is advised to conduct these experiments with caution and follow proper safety guidelines when working with pottery materials and firing processes.

Highlights

• The technique of blowing bubbles on pottery offers a unique and mesmerizing design element.
• Experimenting with different materials, tools, and glazes allows for creative exploration.
• Blowing bubbles onto bisque-fired pieces yields stunning results after firing.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of glazes for creating bubble designs? A: Yes, you can use various glazes to achieve different effects. It is recommended to test different options to find the best results.

Q: Can I control the placement of bubbles on the pottery? A: Yes, by using tools like slip trail bottles and turkey basters, you can have more control over the placement and size of the bubbles.

Q: Is it safe to blow bubbles onto pottery during the firing process? A: Yes, as long as you follow proper safety guidelines and use appropriate materials, blowing bubbles onto pottery can be done safely.

Q: Can I achieve a marbled look on my pottery using this technique? A: Yes, by allowing the bubbles to sit on the clay surface for a longer period before firing, you can achieve a beautiful marbled effect.

Q: Is blowing bubbles on pottery suitable for beginners? A: Yes, this technique can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced potters alike. It offers a fun and creative way to enhance pottery designs.