This is a continuation of a theme of platters and bowls with a rustic rope trim and a netting imprint. I used a speckled brown clay body and a Waterfall Brown high fire glaze that was applied with a large brush.

These two platters are an example of what can go wrong, even at the last minute--both failed during the final firing--as reflected in the cracks that developed in the cooling process. Always a disappointment, esp. after spending 5 to 6 hours building and glazing them. No worries, just more experience--and the next ones will be easier and faster to build. By the way, the Key West Lighthouse was a second try...now on to #3!

This centerpiece was custom designed as a wedding gift for my boss Keith and his beautiful bride, Renee. They chose a shell motif design for their invitation, which made my design choice easy. A slump mold was utilized to form the vessel. I started the project by rolling a good-sized slab of speckled brown clay and laid it inside the mold, working the slab into the bottom of the mold and leaving a raw, fluted edge. Next I rolled and formed the decorative shells and attached them with clay slip. This piece dried fairly quickly because the slump mold is made of plaster of Paris which draws the moisture out of the clay. Once the piece was bisque fired, I used a wide, thick, thirsty brush to apply a Mint Mist high-fire glaze, and then used a smaller brush to apply a Pearl high fire glaze on each of the shells. This project started with great skepticism, as it really looked "ugly" in the beginning. I would have never guessed it would turn out so graceful! I liked this design so much that I am now building another!