37. My favourite Kiln Opening to date...by a mile!!!! Glaze chips, peacock effect and more.....

After 4 weeks I finally get to open the kiln on a variety of new experiments!
Not for the faint hearted...I do tend to get a little animated!
With a full time career and this being my hobby I grab evenings and weekends to work through the various stages of this process, so it does take some time...patience is not my strongest forte!
4 weeks ago I decided to try an alternative way to use my Hartley and Noble star drape moulds, with no idea how I would develop these pieces. They evolved in design over the weeks and today saw the results of my experiments. Plus another try out of the Hartley and Noble half moons, this time with a rim and peacock effect using a standard mayco glaze, not stroke and coat. My obsession with Glaze chips continues and its not going to end soon LOL!
I need to mention...my love of Hartley and Noble products and the amount of times I mention them in my posts and You Tube posts are just my pure honest views on some quality products I thoroughly enjoy using. Anyone would think I'm doing a promo for them, or paid advertising.. but no... just me loving these products and the versatility of them!
Hope you enjoyed this opening as much as I did. Thanks for the support and encouragement, thoroughly enjoying this journey of discovery and meeting so many wonderful potters around the world virtually! Love this community!
Hope to see you again soon :)
#HartleyandNoble #mayco #maycocolors #peacockeffect ‪@hartleyandnoble‬ #farforestceramics #kilnopening #kiln #kilnfiring #stoneware #glazechips #confettiglaze #pottery

[@mleaist]

I absolutely adore you and your genuine enthusiasm for your pottery. Your videos always make me smile! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work and lovely personality with us!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Oh thankyou Melissa, I do tend to chat a lot, and get a bit excited lol. Thanks for the lovely kind feedback, it's much appreciated.

[@hartleyandnoble]

I love watching your videos Jeanette. Your excitement is contagious. That idea to leave a circle rim around the star was genius! It came out so beautifully! It’s all so so good. Thank you for sharing @farforestceramics ❤

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou. Have to be honest I had no forward vision of what I was going to make with the stars when I first started, it all just evolved, but what a crazy fun experiment. I simply ADORE them! Definitely want to try the concept again with other drape moulds too. So much fun! 😍

[@OldSargePottery-Music]

Your happiness is justified. Those are some awesome looking pieces of pottery.

[@FarForestCeramics]

LOl, thankyou. I cant believe I'd made them myself LOL

[@sylviefeys744]

You just made my day. Your enthousiasm is so lovely. I get the feeling! Your pieces are amazing. I will follow your channel.

[@FarForestCeramics]

I really appreciate that Sylvie, thankyou so much! I do tend to get a little excited 😊

[@WhiteStoneCottagePottery]

Fantastic pieces! Love your enthusiasm. If you make your own cone packs, twist them slightly so they fall forward and not onto the next one. I think your star bowls compliment each other and look better than if they were identical. 😊

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks so much. Thats a great tip, I'll try that. I'm due to make some more so perfect time for the tip, very much appreciated :)

[@cindypope6122]

I love that you included the process shots too❣️the bowls and platters are just beautiful.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks Cindy, first time I tried that - took me a few attempts, but I know not everyone is on Instagram so may not see my reels of the process leading up to the kiln opening. May try that again in future if I have any :)

[@erincampbell1515]

Congratulations on the stunning pieces!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou. Definately one of my favourite kiln openings ;)

[@pammartin7160]

I love your pieces! It was so much fun watching you open this kiln.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks so much, was a very exciting opening for me!

[@epopd]

I think the star plates look good together! They are handmade and have character!

[@FarForestCeramics]

I'm going to try them on our large table and see how they look, hopefully not too noticeable LOL. Like you say handmade and have character LOL. Thank you :)

[@ceramicsbyjulia8552]

OOOOOOHHHHH MYYYYY GOOOODNESSS😯 my eyes nearly popped out of my head Jeanette!!! Wowzers!!! I am totally in awe and in love with the star bowls, well done! What a triumph😁 and OMG the chips platter is amazing too, love love love how your set is coming along 😍 and those moon dishes I love those colours together, oh man more things to go ony wish list 😅 . I never thought I'd see the day you were speechless Jeanette🤣 totally understand why! You work so hard and put so much thought into your glazing. You are offically my Queen of glaze! I am soooo super thrilled, what a wonderful video. How on earth does it get any better than that! Best video ever!!! ❤❤❤

[@FarForestCeramics]

Awhh Julia, what an amazing comment to read! Thankyou so much. That really means so much 😍 I am heading off to bed now a very happy girl, so relieved and thrilled with the outcome. 😍

[@lauriegagnon2614]

Love your excitment and your passion.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou Laurie, that's appreciated :)

[@susanfox4263]

Just love your kiln openings. Wonderful glazes. I have had the same issue with my underglazes sometimes having the orange peel look. I came to the conclusion either the clear was too thick , also too many coats of underglaze can do this as well, Lol, so in other words I haven’t figured it out yet. Different firings different results. Underglazes like zinc free glaze, which I’m sure you know this already. Stroke and coats are glazes and can be used without clear on top. I’ve just thrown away a couple of gnomes as their noses had the same problem, and had started to peel away. All the rest were fine, go figure. As potters we are resilient and learn to shrug our shoulders and carry on, however many set backs there are. But when we get it right, we all do that happy dance. Love following you. I’m 21 years in and you are 18 months, you are amazing.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Hi Susan, thanks for all the feedback. I didn't know that underglaze like zinc free, this is my first time using them so will do a test with zinc free clear. I only added one coat which was quite thin too so I'll try 2 and 2 coats on a test strip. Definitely worth a try. Thanks so much. I love the stroke and coat but for sgraffito I prefer the crisper results after firing of the underglaze. Still in the learning learning and experimentation stages so very early days lol. Thanks for the warm comments, very much appreciated ;)

[@micheledickey4066]

You don’t have to use gloss on the bottom for midfire clay as long as it’s fully vitrified. You honestly don’t have to put ANY glaze at all on a functional piece if you don’t want to. Low fire clay has to be completely glazed because it never vitrified!! I absolutely LOVE the idea you have for test tiles on your jars! You are so dang creative!!!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Love my little indicator tiles on the glaze bottles, really helps me find a glaze quickly :) my brain just works overtime lol

[@barbarac4138]

What a great kiln load!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou Barbara :)

[@LaurieParkhurst]

I love watching your excitement!!!!

[@FarForestCeramics]

I really appreciate that thanks. Even as I've done more kiln openings I still can't contain my excitement when something turns out better than anticipated. I do try to control myself, would you believe it ? Lol

[@tnlpottery4294]

Wow!! I always enjoy watching your glaze fires. You are amazing and have such a talent for your colors.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks, this opening was definitely a real treat! They dont always work out, but when they do...wow, its a real buzz!

[@starsareallaligned]

Hi, i'm new here on your channel and I have to say I loved your excitement and little jumps of joy when you saw the results, it made me happy 😅 I would have reacted the exact same way, opening a kiln and see the magic is a priceless feeling. Beautiful pieces! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷🤗

[@FarForestCeramics]

Wow, hello Daniela in Argentina, thanks for taking the time to message and for watching my video. Its a wonderful feeling isn't it, the best ever. Lovely to connect with you :)

[@nimiamiller5578]

You always amaze me. Your pieces look very professional no matter what you say. When using stroke & coat you do not need to put clear glaze over the top which is why you got the bumpy texture. It will come out glossy so no worries. Thanks again for sharing.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Still learning and I will still be learning in 50 years time lol. I havnt put a clear over the stroke and coat, it was on underglaze. I added an extra coat of clear and used the zinc or lead free, refired and they came out super glossy :)

[@micheledickey4066]

OMG WOMAN!!! I gasped when I saw it too!! We both scared my poor dog! Haha thanks soo much for sharing your process in this video!!! I LOVE THEM SOOO MUCH. That “chip tray” is gorgeous! My gosh rose stars are BRILLLIANT! I do like the bottom one more but they obviously go together! Yes of course you can put them on the table together!!! Definitely need to place the cones in the pack so they go to the sides more. I know you just made a bunch of cone packs but you definitely need the cones turned more so they don’t touch. With the clear over the underglazes you definitely need 2 to 3 coats over them but why did you put the clear over? Your moons are sooo incredible too!! I just had a kiln opening where I used copper jade with flux and it is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! I am definitely buying more copper jade!!! Hahaha! Your wall art fell apart! Lol. Definitely sand it a bit and fire again. It may come out a bit different becasue it will melt more but it will at least be useable. I saw the handle on heartily and noble but I don’t know how to use it.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Lmao!!! Sorry for scaring the dog 🐕 I'm so excited about this opening, loved it so much! Was ridiculously pleased with the results....if you hadn't guessed lol Maybe I'll try the stars on the table together and see how they look, excited to see them in the rustic environment. Good point about the come packs. I've got through them quite quickly so need to make some more soon...I hope to get the hang of them eventually lol Thanks for tip on clear glaze over underglaze. I like the matt on the base of pieces, and it's on Stoneware that's vitrified so think that's OK. Would like to try monoprinting and know I will need to have a clear glaze. Don't know why but I didn't think I needed more than one coat 🤦‍♀️ I'll try more coats next time :)

[@micheledickey4066]

@@FarForestCeramics I’m glad I could help!! I used to have that issue with my cone packs too and it was soo hard to tell what cone anything got to because I have a kiln sitter kiln so no electronics! There is a plastic card that Orton makes, they make the pyrometric cones for us here in the US, and it’s a chart that you hold your cone up to to see what exact % your cone got to. Please look it up online. It helps sooo much! I ordered a bunch of them so I won’t lose them! I punched a hole in the corner of one of them and hung it by a chain where my stilts are so I can’t take it anywhere and misplace it!!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Oh I'm on it now, trying to see where I can find some! Thankyou!

[@FarForestCeramics]

My poor wall art 🎨 🤣🤣🤣 I'll have a go at sanding for sure. Nothing to lose with refining too. I'm going to try the Hartley and Noble Handle next weekend and will most likely do a reel. Its makes removing the moulds so much easier. Harder on the bigger ones because of the weight of wet clay but the opportunity to get your fingers under the edge of the handle should make a big difference ;)

[@patspotpage]

What a great load, congratulations! I don't know which I enjoyed more, the results or your reactions! For the cone packs, I face my cones at an angle to the pack so that they fall on the shelf next to the pack. Not at a right angle, but at a slight angle, so they're laying just along side. I'm not sure if I'm explaining that right. That cone piece should sand off, but don't cut yourself on the nib! I love the idea about the underglaze "labels" you made! Thanks for sharing!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Apologies for the late reply, but thankyou so much for your message. Great suggestion with the cone packs, I'll try that next time I make some. Makes total sense. Love having labels attached to all my glaze pots to show the fired finish, find it helpful in the glaze selection process so much, Thanks for the support :)

[@deniseyoung5385]

If you are putting underglaze on the bottom of a pot, you do not need to put a glaze over it. In fact, you would want to be extremely careful not to put glaze where it could run and fuse to the kiln shelf. Lots of potters use underglaze to decorate the bottoms of pots, though. The way you did it is just fine and the same method that lots of professional potters would typically do. Great job! I love your enthusiasm and good for you doing those test tiles! Great way to learn.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks for that, I was thinking that adding a clear glaze underneath would only add to possible problems. I do love a test tile, and excuse for me LOL

[@deniseyoung5385]

@@FarForestCeramics no problem! I’m always glad to share what I have learned. That’s what I love about the potters community. We are all constantly teaching each other. It’s great to see you learning and sharing and your excitement every time you get something out of the kiln is just awesome! Keep up the great work!

[@marilynhiggins2785]

Beautiful! And such fun.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou Marilyn 🙂

[@jeanneshirk720]

Love the stars !! Great job

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou, loved this opening ❤

[@judydell6224]

I don't think you can call yourself a beginner anymore! That star dish is out of this world! Great job! I love and understand your excitement!

[@FarForestCeramics]

LOL, I still think of myself as a beginner as I've barely scratched the surface, there seems to be endless possibilities, techniques and so much to learn, which is part of the attraction. I think it will be a never ending journey of discovery. The Star dish still has me mesmerised with the , such a shock! Thankyou for the lovely comment :)

[@katlady5000]

I've been following the process on Instagram and those turned out lovely. That glaze combo on the moon bowls is stunning. I also love the star bowls. The smaller one is my favorite. Nice job. I think it's adorable how excited you get. I feel the same way when I open the glaze kiln.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou! Its crazy how many different processes there are that take so many days and weeks before you get to the glaze firing. It reminds you of the love and attention to detail youve been adding and that in turn adds to the anticipation and excitement lol. I wish everyone got to experience that feeling, its wonderful isnt it :)

[@jo.c.sunshine4611]

It’s all soooooo beautiful! So fun and I love how excited you get! To feel that joy about a passion you have is wonderful.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou so much, just wish I'd found this hobby years ago! I try to calm down too LOL!

[@heididerksen8227]

They're both gorgeous you do amazing work. I'm just learning myself. Self teaching

[@FarForestCeramics]

That's exactly what I did. Just wish I had more spare hours in the week to play clay more 😀

[@bbjo787]

I love your enthusiasm!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou so much. I do tend to get a little over excited lol

[@kathygodfrey3158]

BEAUTIFUL results. I really enjoy watching your videos. Such excitement 😲 makes my day.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks YOU Kathy, these lovey comments make my day!

[@walkerpottery9296-Natalie]

Oh. My. Goodness! Jeanette, you are certainly mastering those glazes! Wow! I just adore you and your kiln openings! I think the platter was my favorite piece, but they’re all gorgeous! Underglaze needs a clear coat but it won’t rub off on the bottoms of your pieces without a clear glaze. The clear glaze will make the underglazes brighter and smooth. Mayco Stroke & Coats don’t need a clear glaze because they already come out glossy on their own. Congrats on an amazing kiln opening! 🎉💜

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks Natalie, I feel I've just been exceptionally lucky with my glazes, some I feel I'm getting to understand and then others completely puzzle me! LOL Underglazes are my latest chapter of testing and discovery....not cracked that one yet. Thanks for the advice, all very helpful. Thanks for the encouragement and taking the time to comment, appreciated :)

[@valcolclough711]

Morning Jeanette, love the video, all great results, love it, as far as I know___ Under-glaze you put clear glaze over, Stroke and coat already has flux so no need to, . also your cones... I have bought some cone holders which align the cones at an angle so they don't fall on each other which are brilliant , love your journey, love your kiln openings!!!! 😊

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks Val, I'm puzzled why I got the orange peel effect over the underglaze but I didn't use zinc free so not sure of that would be one reason. I'd always add a clear over an underglaze on the top and sides of a piece but I'm curious about the base. I don't want to add a clear over the sgraffito on the base a then I'm back to the problem of a glaze risking sticking to the kiln shelf. I think j need more experimentation lol

[@kirstinh3650]

I love how at the end of the video, your kiln is actually smiling too! 😄

[@FarForestCeramics]

Lol x

[@aprilowens160]

I love your enthusiasm! I know I will be the same way when I get my kiln. Beautiful pieces!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thank you, hopefully not long before you get your kiln and experience it too. You'll have to share it with us, would love to see. That first opening is so memorable.

[@katedunkley2353]

Fabulous kiln opening Jeanette. And love the star bowls. Clever lady ❤

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thank you Kate, starting to enjoy the handbuilding the more I try some. The glaze on the stars 🌟 far exceeded my expectations!

[@belgske]

I like your happiness

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou, this hobby bring me so much happiness 😊

[@LindaGisla]

Hi Jeanette. Beautiful star bowls! I love the glaze on them. BTW, you have come so far since I saw your instagram first. You have been prolific and made a LOT of beautiful things.

[@FarForestCeramics]

That so kind of you to say. I feel I'm still very much at the beginning and still sooooo much to learn but that's all the fun! It's the unexpected, the testing and the surprise. Never fails to bring me so much joy, even the failures lol. Thanks so kuchen for the kind words. Really means a lot. Hope you've had a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@EMarleene]

Lovely pieces from this kiln load. Adore those star bowls, the glaze combination there turned out amazing!! ❣

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thank you, I was so thrilled how they turned out. Way better than I anticipated!

[@corrystorm4503]

Super!🥰

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou :)

[@pamalamadingdong]

I just love how excited you get and I’m so happy you are sharing your process. Launching my own business finally and can’t wait to dig in!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Its so addictive isnt it, I just love time in my studio. Congrats on launching your own business, exciting times! Wishing you loads of luck :)

[@corrystorm4503]

Thank you 🙂 t works well

[@FarForestCeramics]

Definately a favourite kiln opening to date

[@WhistlingDixiePottery]

I love your reactions :) it warms my heart ty for sharing

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thats so kind, thankyou. I do tend to get a little animated lol

[@ladeefire]

Yes yes yes🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@FarForestCeramics]

Party at the kiln LOL

[@karen-mariemondrup4969]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou

[@cynthiarichert6226]

You probably know already, your test tiles may have bubbled because your kiln fired a bit hot.

[@FarForestCeramics]

You're spot on. But it took a while to find that out. ;( I've lowered programme now slightly as I think my kiln is firing hot. Seems to have done the trick. But thanks for the advice. Appreciate you taking the time to message.

[@mugnificentpottery]

Love your excitement! do you think it may be the silica sand that travelled over the test tiles while firing...just a thought. I'm fairly new at this too

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thats a thought, I hoovered the kiln before next firing and it definately seemed to improve, so I think you could be right!

[@kateneville2917]

I LOVE your enthusiasm!!!!!! ❤ Can you tell me what glaze did you rim the oval platter with?

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou 🙂 I added Cordovan on the rim, with a touch of Mayco Colbalt Wash.

[@ladeefire]

I cannot tell you how many times I have attached my cones to my pottery lol! P.s. turn your cones so they flip out instead of on top of eachother

[@FarForestCeramics]

I'm so glad I'm not alone! Thats my first time and hopefully my last. Will definitely be adapting my cone packs and where I position them in the kiln in future! LOL

[@ladeefire]

@@FarForestCeramics haha noooo you’re not alone. I also made the most amazing pair of mugs. I knew they’d drip so I stilted them of course. Then… one tipped over and smooched the other… they are forever attached

[@mandyjane3750]

Hi Janette, just was wondering how you make your glaze chips?

[@FarForestCeramics]

Hi, I make mystery chips with glaze water remnants but for this platter I made my own Mayco Cordovan and birch chips. I have posted a reel of how I make them on my instagram page - instagram.com/farforestceramics/ Thats the easiest way to explain :)

[@raygeorge4553]

WOW WOW WOW Jeanette bloody fantastic!!!!! I'm squealing too! Just a quick question as you may have got a cone 7 ......what was your top temp set on the kiln? cheers and well done again the BEST YET, JUST BRILLIANT!!!!!!!

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou! Love how you were squeeling too LOL Sorry for delay in replying, had to check my programme. I set to 1190C with a 30min soak :) Does look close to a cone 7 doesn't it!! Love this opening SO much!!

[@cindypope6122]

Mayco has a great video showing their different clears on lots of their glazes . I chose my brushing clear base on the results they showed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoSUXmWjm62ia8k

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thanks so much for that, I'll definitely check it out and do some more testing I think :)

[@corrystorm4503]

How do you make de chips I hef do it on plastic to day en make drops en dray them houw dow you it.

[@FarForestCeramics]

Hi, I experimented on a few surfaces and found that plastic wallets for paper worked best for me, I lightly sanded them to rough the surface slightly. I reuse the same plastic sheets and it sticks a lot easier the 2nd time. I have a reel on my instagram account which shows how I make them if thats of help? instagram.com/reel/CkblVrCDsgA/?

[@peggyshaughnessy1575]

You don’t put clear over stroke and coat

[@FarForestCeramics]

I think I meant to say underglaze not stroke and coat - whoops. Ive been using stroke and coat to sgraffito in, but it wasnt giving sharp lines hence it was suggested I try underglaze instead :)

[@thepotterycorner]

Hi Jeanette. Another great load. Thanks for the shout out - much appreciated. DM me via Instagram with your email address and I'll send you my thoughts on underglaze and transparent glaze etc. Peacock effect worked out incredibly. Well done you 👏 👍

[@FarForestCeramics]

Thankyou Sarah, definitely my favourite opening so far and both delighted but also shocked at the beauty of the peacock effect. I'll send a message now, thanks so much. Really appreciate it. I was re-watching your you tubes last night on slip, glaze and underglaze...always so much to learn, love that!