Using natural glazes

I just love the different effects of natural glazes in particular those given by sea glass (although some would say that sea glass is not a ‘natural material’) when melted at 1260C as it becomes clear and glossy, sometimes the colours change giving lovely unexpected results, melted 1140C some pieces melt whereas others only soften giving a frosty finish alongside the glossy. Next step after this was to add some copper oxide or cobalt carbonate to the white or clear glass….turquoise and royal blue appeared. I just love the outcomes, especially the effect at the lower temp.

From sea glass to crab and scallop shells

Now it is time to try something new, creating totally new and different. Natural glazes using crab shells that have been heated to 300C  and crushed, some to a fine powder some to a coarse consistancy, and scallop shells heated in a bisque firing of 1000C, they haven’t been crushed as they crumbled into a coarse powder. I shall make little pots and sample each of these natural materials on their own and then with a piece of sea glass some will be taken up to 1260C and others to 1140C

The results will be shared……