Create Stunning Marbled Effects with Pottery Bubbles!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Blowing Bubbles on Pottery: The First Experiment
- Controlling Bubbles: Using a Slip Trail Bottle and Turkey Baster Bulbs
- Bubbles on Bisque Fired Pieces: Testing Different Glazes
- Controlling Bubbles on Bisque: Using Actual Glazes
- Conclusion
🔹Introduction
🔹Blowing Bubbles on Pottery: The First Experiment
🔹Controlling Bubbles: Using a Slip Trail Bottle and Turkey Baster Bulbs
🔹Bubbles on Bisque Fired Pieces: Testing Different Glazes
🔹Controlling Bubbles on Bisque: Using Actual Glazes
🔹Conclusion
Blowing Bubbles on Pottery: The First Experiment
Have you ever seen someone blow bubbles onto the surface of their pottery? At first glance, it may seem strange, but the results can be truly intriguing. In this article, we will explore the art of blowing bubbles on pottery and discover some cool ways to experiment with this technique.
For the first experiment, you will need a bone dry piece of greenware, dishwashing liquid, contrasting colored underglaze, paper towels, water, and a straw. Start by mixing one part water to two parts underglaze. It is crucial to find the right consistency — not too liquidy, as it will run everywhere, but not too thick either, as you will have trouble blowing the bubbles. Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture to create a better bubble solution.
To prevent any dripping, fold a paper towel and wrap it around the rim of the bubble cup. Elevating the piece from the excess liquid can also be helpful. Place a jar lid on your banding wheel and rest the mug on top of it. Running the piece under the faucet quickly before blowing bubbles can help the bubbles adhere to the clay better.
Now, take the straw and begin blowing bubbles. Let them cascade down and around the mug, maintaining some distance from the surface to avoid dripping. If you miss a spot, simply blow a few more bubbles to fill it in. Remember, the longer the underglaze bubble sits on the clay surface, the more intense the color will become. Once you are satisfied with the design, let the piece dry.
After drying, glaze the piece with a clear glaze and fire it to Cone 5. The finished piece will have a mesmerizing marbled look, adding a unique touch to your pottery collection.
Pros:
- Blowing bubbles on pottery creates a stunning marbled effect.
- It is a fun and experimental technique to explore.
Cons:
- It may take some practice to control the bubbles and achieve the desired design.
Controlling Bubbles: Using a Slip Trail Bottle and Turkey Baster Bulbs
While blowing random bubbles can be exciting, what if you want more control over the design? In this section, we will learn how to control the bubbles using a slip trail bottle and turkey baster bulbs on wetted greenware.
To begin, you will need a wetted greenware mug, a slip trail bottle, a turkey baster, underglaze, and some water. Mix the underglaze with water, similar to the first experiment, and add a few drops of dish soap. Ensure the mixture is slightly liquidy to allow the bubbles to stick to the clay.
To avoid excessive dripping, hold a paper towel around the rim of the cup as you work. Now, let's start with the slip trail bottle. Dip the bottle into the underglaze mixture and then squeeze it. As you squeeze, the bubble will extend out. You will notice the excess liquid dripping to the bottom of the bubble. Use the paper towel to catch any excess liquid, but remember to leave a little bit of liquid to stick to the clay.
With the slip trail bottle, you can place the bubbles exactly where you want them. Practice creating different sizes and experiment with overlapping or moving the bubbles around for unique effects.
Next, let's try using a turkey baster. Slightly wet the bulb of the turkey baster, dip it into the underglaze mixture, and squeeze it to blow bigger bubbles. This method can create some fascinating ring effects on the pottery's surface. The longer the bubbles stay on the clay, the more the sediment will travel down and settle, forming distinctive rings.
Pros:
- Using a slip trail bottle and turkey baster bulbs allows for more control over the bubble design.
- The technique offers the opportunity to create unique effects such as ring patterns.
Cons:
- It may take some practice to master controlling the bubbles with these tools.
Bubbles on Bisque Fired Pieces: Testing Different Glazes
Now, let's move on to experimenting with bubbles on bisque fired pottery pieces. This time, we will test different glazes to see how they interact with the bubbles.
Start by brushing a white liner glaze or any relatively stiff glaze over the entire piece as a base. You can also test other white glazes to find the one that works best for you. Choose a darker, contrasting colored glaze for the bubbles to create an eye-catching effect.
Mix the glaze with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Hold a paper towel around the rim of the cup, just like in the previous experiments, and blow random bubbles onto the surface. It may take some time for the bubbles to latch onto the glaze, but once they do, they will create beautiful patterns.
After the piece has dried, fire it according to the specific firing instructions for the glazes used. You will be amazed by the results. The bubbles on the bisque fired clay will have a pale look when dry, but once fired, the glaze will reveal vibrant colors and intriguing textures.
Pros:
- Testing different glazes adds depth and visual interest to the bubbled pottery.
- Bisque firing enhances the colors and textures created by the bubbles.
Cons:
- It may be challenging to find the right glaze consistency to make the bubbles stick effectively.
Controlling Bubbles on Bisque: Using Actual Glazes
Continuing our exploration of controlling bubbles on bisque, this time we will utilize actual glazes to create different effects. Get ready to unleash your creativity!
Prepare two glazes of your choice. In this experiment, we will use ocher and weeping plum glazes as examples. Mix the glaze with water, but make sure it is slightly on the wet side for the bubbles to stick better. The mixture may be a bit runny, but this will contribute to the desired effects.
Similar to the previous experiments, hold a paper towel around the rim of the cup to catch any excess liquid. Start blowing bubbles onto the bisque surface using the glaze mixture and observe the stunning outcomes. The weeping plum glaze, in particular, creates impressive results when controlled with bubbles. Experiment with overlapping or moving the bubbles around to elevate the design.
It is essential to note that different glazes may behave differently. Some glazes may require additional water to make the bubbles adhere, while others may be too runny. Adjust the consistency as necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Pros:
- Using actual glazes provides more color options and effects.
- Overlapping and moving the bubbles allows for creative exploration.
Cons:
- Different glazes may require adjustments in consistency to make the bubbles stick effectively.
🔹Conclusion
Blowing bubbles on pottery is a fascinating technique that can lead to stunning and unique results. While it may be challenging to fully control the outcome, the process itself is joyful and experimental. Whether you prefer the marbled look created by random bubbles or enjoy the creative possibilities of controlling bubbles with tools and glazes, this technique offers endless opportunities for artistic expression.
So go ahead, grab your pottery tools, mix some underglazes or glazes, and let your creativity flow with the mesmerizing world of bubbled pottery. Have fun exploring this technique and unleashing your inner artist!
Highlights:
- Blowing bubbles on pottery creates captivating marbled effects.
- Using a slip trail bottle and turkey baster bulbs allows for control over the bubble design.
- Testing different glazes on bisque fired pottery adds depth and visual interest.
- Controlling bubbles with actual glazes opens up creative possibilities.
- Bubbled pottery is a unique and experimental art form.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use any glaze for creating bubbles on pottery?
A: Yes, you can use any glaze of your choice. However, it is recommended to test different glazes to find the one that works best for creating bubbles.
Q: Can I control the shape and size of the bubbles?
A: While it is challenging to have complete control over the bubbles, using tools like slip trail bottles and turkey baster bulbs can help in creating different shapes and sizes.
Q: What firing temperature should I use for bubbled pottery?
A: The firing temperature will depend on the specific clay and glazes used. It is essential to follow the firing instructions recommended by your clay and glaze providers.
Q: Are the bubbles permanent after firing?
A: Yes, once the pottery is fired, the bubbles become a permanent part of the glaze surface.
Resources:
- [Link to buy me a coffee]
- [URL of pottery research facility website]
- [URL of pottery studio YouTube channel]
