Listing my first stoneware item

[Former_Member]

After more than 15 years of earthenware pottery, I decided to try something new this year.
Made some experiments during winter, and today listing the first items from my new stoneware collection!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98060742/breakfast-set-stoneware-teacup-and-bowl

[ThistleBeePottery]

Very pretty! I've only worked in stoneware. How do they compare to work with and how high do you fire?

[Former_Member]

Thanks Carolyn!
I fire my stoneware to 1275 degrees C (that will be about 2325 F)
Well, the earthenware requires more careful timing when it comes to the slipdecoration. Too dry and it will peel off, too moist and the item will fall apart. I still use slips, but find it easier with the new clay.
On the other hand the colors can be more vivid in the lower temp.
The stoneware clay will move more during the glazefiring (as you probably know) and that may cause some other problems.
That's some of the differences -feel welcome to fill in more in the thread!

[Former_Member]

Changing production methods is a great way to give your creativity a boost! A couple of years ago we switched to electric firing, and I got a whole new pallette of colors to work with (having formerly fired with wood.) I am still experimenting with all of the possibilities.

[GoldhawkPotteryEtc]

This is great to hear! I've only used stoneware myself - though a few different types. But I started out at a studio with a gas kiln (cone 10) and after a major fire destroyed the place, we had to use an electric kiln. I now have my own kiln (cone 6 firing) but always wonder what its like using other types of clay. I see so many interesting pieces at shows made from different clays and different cone glazes. Wish I knew more...

[Former_Member]

I've really experienced that creativity boost Morris Pottery is talking about. Working in the studio is more fun than in many years!
And changing production was easier than I imagined! I was afraid I would have no pots good enough to sell this spring -but the opposite happened and the easter-customers bought more of the new stoneware items than of my earlier production :)

[damsontreepottery]

Fabulous!
I used to do reduction stoneware before I had my kids - since I've returned to ceramics I've only ventured as far as earthenware - my kiln is gas fired and manually operated - I just remember staying up many hours till it reached the high temperatures!
I would love to try porcelain and Raku!
There seems to me so much investment in clay and glazes - that puts me off a bit - then starting again with testing - most of my small pieces are tests which I sell! One day I will try!

[hbceramics]

Love that breakfast set ...I used to make earthenware and changed to stoneware some years ago. I have just got some porcelain to experiment with, I have wanted to try it for ages and was a bit nervous to have a go but have thrown caution to the wind and gone and bought some!

[Former_Member]

Good luck with your porcelain Helen!

[MostlyStoneware]

I really like your new listing. I work in earthenware in the winter and stoneware and porcelain in the summer. My gas kiln is usually frozen all winter.

Nice to have both mediums, one feeds the other.

[KilnMasterPottery]

I had just went the other way. I have been working with cone 10 stoneware and a friend just gave me a box of red earthenware and I realized that using it I could do the whole process at home. I am still getting used to the clay and trying to figure the technical aspects since the clay is described ac cone 04-cone 2 and I am trying to figure the bisque and glaze temps. But as was said before rethinking materials helps one to rethink designs and restart the creative juices. I have been making sketches of new designs rather intensely the past few days.
(typo correction)