I’m calling this Dinnerware…Mansfield Park
Because
#1 My father was born in Mansfield, Massachusetts
#2 I love Jane Austen books and movies
#3 Every time I look at it…it’s all I can think of!
I’m not sure why?
This design was floating around in my head for 2-3 years before I even made it. I’m not sure what took me so long? I guess, I just have too many ideas floating around in there, not to mention book ideas. I think there’s 5 or 6 book ideas in there somewhere. My mind creates designs way faster than my body can keep up with them. They even keep me from sleeping sometimes.
Mansfield Park began when I called the ceramic supply company to order some clay. I had an order to fill, and needed some B-Mix clay. I figured, I might as well get some #50 too, but they didn’t have any. I was told that #60 was similar (it’s the clay with the white leaves on the bag), so I purchased a box. When it arrived, I was like a kid in a candy store. I couldn’t wait to try it, couldn’t wait to touch it, and work with it. I was too impatient to make test tiles first. So, I rolled out a slab, added texture and made some tapas plates. I made six of them, and with the little pieces of clay that was leftover, I made bird ornaments.
The clay was nice and soft…But!
It has a lot of grog, as you can see. Grog is like tiny little rocks, that’s added to clay, it reduces shrinkage and aids in drying. It also prevents defects like cracking and gives it structural strength for hand-building and throwing.
Which normally I don’t like. That’s why I use B-Mix.
Because I didn’t make any test tiles, I went ahead and glazed all six plates, without knowing how they were going to react with my glazes. I had no idea what they would look like, or even if my glazes were compatible with this clay (which probably would have been a really bad idea, if they hadn’t come out good!) Not only that, I had to pick a glaze from the huge glaze inventory I have. I could have used six different colors, but I decided on just one color. Thankfully, I picked the right one!
Duncan…Shino Cream!
I love these glazes! They’re so easy to use. They brush on so nicely, and they always come out great. I love glazes like that! I think I’m getting really spoiled.
Wow! Was I lucky or what? They came out great!
I only have five left. I gave one to my Mom, because the most important reason for naming them Mansfield Park, was to honor my Dad. I wish he could have seen them!
So, what do you think?
Great work!! Mansfield also was the County Seat for Citrus County, Fl. years ago.
I forgot about that! Thanks Jim! 🙂
Might I ask what clay and where you purchased it? I am looking for a nicely speckled stoneware, and this experiment of yours turned out quite lovely.
Thank you Tammy! It’s called #60, cone 4-6. I purchased it at Bennett Pottery, here is they’re phone# 1-800-432-0074 and here is they’re website – http://www.bennettpottery.com