This week in ceramics I learn a lot of basics to making ceramic objects. I learned how to scratch and attach which I hadn't know before. I also learned a method called pinch pots. You start with a round ball and poke a hole in the center with your thumbs and slowly work the clay till it makes a bowl. This week I created a cupcake with melted icing and a little strawberry on top. At first I wanted to make swirly frosting but I wasnt as skilled to do that yet. 

Photo Link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/358669557815031349/

This week we made coil pots. My coil pot in particular is not at all how I wanted to. It is extremely uneven and looks very sloppy. But hey I tried. I think coils aren't for me but for my second project it still isn't the worst.  In the future I don't think I want to be working with coils but its a good skill to learn in ceramics. I am excited to learn how to glaze and underglaze. For this pot I want to make it a baby pink color because thats my favorite color. In conclusion, this week was challenging but I still had fun. 

This week we made our slab projects. My goal is to make baked goods for the majority of my projects. For my soft slab I made slice of cake. I also glazed my cupcake and I love it so far. The sound it makes when it rubs together makes me cringe but I love the way it looks. I did under glazing and have yet to do regular glazing. I have enjoyed this week so far.

Pic source: https://co.pinterest.com/pin/196539971223963899/?amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID%28_%29&mweb_unauth_id=%7B%7Bdefault.session%7D%7D&amp_url=https%3A%2F%2Fco.pinterest.com%2Famp%2Fpin%2F35677022018200094%2F 

This week I completed my pinch pot project and I am very Satisfied with how it looks. I am glad I decided to do underpainting because I love the little details around the bottom and the sprinkles on the top. I enjoy think for my first ever cermaic project it is not to bad. This week I also finished my slab project and Im also very happy with how it looks. I am waiting for it to bisque in the first firing then will use gloss to get that shiny look. 

This week I finilized my slab project! I decided to use underglaze to make the colors pop and to get a more precise lines for the cake. I had some issues with it such as the tip of the lid broke of and the strawberry also come off. I think that these are easy fixes however but its just frustrating when those things happen. I was absent on Thursday due to taking photos for grandparents day so I am a day late glazing my cake but it shouldnt set me to far behind.  I also started my tray and I am doing seveal expereiments to make sure I get the finished look I have in my mind. 

My top 10 Tips for working with clay

• Always having a cup of water on hand. Clay dries fast so its helpfull for the clay to not get wrinkly

• When making a pinch pot using your thumb to guide the hole in the middle

• Using the wodden tool to help smooth out any creases

• i prefer to do underglazing when I am want a specific design on my ceramic

• Using very wet and gooey clay can help fix holes 

• Having someone to help you if important especially when your doing something intricate

• using a sponge to smooth out the top of a lip

• using a paper template to make sure your design will have the correct dimesnsions

• On the wheel I like to clean by tray with a sponge often to avoid getting the wet clay all over me

• On the wheel using the sponge to help give a  more smooth texture

This week I made a bunch of little sculpirtural pieces. I made a hello kitty statue, shark, turtle, and a 2 trinket trays. I had a lot of fun making whatever little things I wanted to make. we only have a few more days left with clay so I am still thinking about making one last piece. I am going to make something to give to my mum on valentines day but I want to make another functional thing too. 

This week I made several pieces that I plan on glazing soon. I made 2 trinket bowls. I plan on giving one to my mom for mothers day and I am gonna keep the other one I made. I also made a shark that I really love. I am gonna paint it blue with white dots. The tail was defiantly a challenge to make but I am ok with how it turned out. I am very happy with all the pieces I've made this week and hope that everything turns out ok in the kiln. 

Pic: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633459503863921598/

This week Ava and I both made a wall hanging flower holder and a pool shaped trinket bowl. I used little stubs to hold mine while ava used little balls. We both had fun making our things and We enjoyed making the same stuff but also making it a little differnet. One challenge was making the rim around the trinket bowl look seemless. there were some cracks but I used the wodden tool to try and smooth them out. I really hoped they worked and Im excited to see them come out of the kiln. 

Photo credits to Ava. 

This week I made two wall hanging slabs that I saw on pintrest. I really enjoyed making them cause they were super simple and looked like something you would pay a lot of money on etsy. For the sun one I painted the sun yellow and the background purple inspored by tangled. For the eye one I did blue and black with a blue background. I wanted to underglaze more of my projects but I didnt have time since underglaze was due monday. 

Pic: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F353954851953663353%2F&psig=AOvVaw3Xv6sg6N5eIpriWagjJPpu&ust=1715095250217000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCIDRhOyp-YUDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE