[Nfb-krafters-korner] Hand building with clay

Sat Jul 2 18:26:49 UTC 2011

Hi Georgia,
I can help with your question- use slabs to go around the balloon. Make them 
thinnner than usual, so they can be most flexable - it is NOT easy to get 
them around that darn balloon sometimes -

Yes, I am messy, too. It is messy business working with clay - or actually 
most art is very messy - but that is the fun of it - you can be a child and 
enjoy being messy and it's ok.

Some things you can add to your collection from the kitchen- a wooden spoon 
or paddle...for beating the clay and forming it and removing finger marks 
and things you want to get out of the clay. I use a paddle when working with 
coils, to smooth them out.

I also use nice river stones that are smooth to rub over the surbaces - 
evens them out, and you get a really nice patina finish - this is what the 
Native American potters use. They also use broken pot shards for this 
purpose.

More items you might use:  a wood rular to make straight lines - I like the 
wooden one because you can cut along the edge with a knife - I use one all 
the time when I am working with slabs.

Also, lacy doilies from the dollar store - you can roll the impression into 
your slab surface and get a beautiful effect.

Try anything that comes to your mind.

Happy 4th to all - I am home and must working on my eBay store over the 
weekend as it takes me a LONG time to get my pictures done, edited, and 
posted on the site. It takes me about 3 days from beginning to end, to get 
the photos done before I get them listed. but, that is another topic for 
another day.  Lynda River Woman
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Georgia Kitchen" <gakitchen at gfn.org>
To: "Barb Roland" <barbwire59 at gmail.com>; "List for blind crafters and 
artists" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2011 2:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Hand building with clay

> Hi Barb,
>
> Arkansas is a beautiful state. My sister in Law lives in Jonesboro. I 
> enjoy going down there and last time after visiting my husband's sister I 
> was hoping we could go to Eureka  Springs but there simply was not enough 
> time. We ended up visiting Hannibal Missouri.
> Jonesboro  is growing.
>
> I tried clay at the rehab center for the blind here in Michigan and really 
> didn't plan to go to the class but I went because I was  bored and found 
> out I enjoyed it. The teacher also took us on a couple field trips--we saw 
> the work of some blind children and went to a poetry reading.
>
> I am a beginner. We have a nice art institute here thanks to the Mott 
> Foundation;  the studio where I have the class is large. The other 
> students have taken the class before so they are more advanced. We all 
> seem to get along though. I have this tool box with a wire for slicing the 
> clay, I need to get a little cheap paint bruch for putting on slip. I use 
> a plastic fork for scoring. I have gathered some old household items that 
> I initially thought I would press into the clay. I want to make a  tile 
> since I have a tiny collection.Yes, I like animals and I would like to try 
> one  sometime.
>
> I found a book on bookshare called experiencing Clay. It is alright. I 
> have picked up couple tips. However, I think sharing on the list is the 
> best.
>
> I was given a little brass fish when I was at church while in Georgia when 
> we were studying "how to bring folks  to Christ.
>
> I have been thinking that it would make a nice piece of jewelry or in a 
> larger form perhaps a plaque. It has a Bible verse on it from Luke. I know 
> I am  copying an item in some ways. From what I have seen, this is 
> sometimes the case with a beginner.
> Before I got that tool box, I just used this tote bag  on wheels that I 
> got at a flea market. I never thought I would use it but it has come in 
> handy for this class, Newsline etc.
>
>  , I like the structure of a class. Well, our class you are shown how to 
> do different things but you can pretty much do what you feel most 
> comfortable with. I think I will record some of the little lecture in 
> class because I forget what the teacher said. Like, I cannot remember how 
> to form clay around a balloon. Should I use slabs or a coil.
>
>
>
> Since I  volunteer for NFBNewsline out of my home it is fun to get out a 
> bit and meet others besides church, visiting relatives, neighbors, etc.
> There used to be this woman in the NFB who sold jewelry and some of the 
> large beads she made from clay.  She has passed on and I am lucky to have 
> bought 2 of  her necklaces at convention.
> I guess Linda and some of the other experienced potters should write a 
> book. There is very little about this art available in accessible format.
> I sort of make a mess when I do  my work so we are going to staple a piece 
> of fabric such as an old sheet real tight onto a piece of plywood. Then I 
> can work outside or down in the basement. Some of the people in our class 
> are bothered from the dust the clay produces. Some folks wear a 
> respirator. I haven't yet but I think my husband has some of those cheap 
> ones around.
>
> Have a great 4th. I am mainly sticking around here and visiting my 
> parents. They are getting older so I wanted to spend some time with them 
> over the 4th.
>
> Best,
> Georgia Kitchen
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Barb Roland" <barbwire59 at gmail.com>
> To: "List for blind crafters and artists" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2011 11:41 AM
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Hand building with clay
>
>
>> This is something I've considered attempting, so I've been very 
>> interested in your conversations. Thanks you for sharing.
>> Georgia, what part of Arkansas does your sister in law live? I've very 
>> close to the NW Ark area.
>> Barb R.
>> Z6
>>
>> 'Just living is not enough,' said the butterfly, 'one must have sunshine, 
>> freedom and a little flower.' ~ Hans Christian Anderson
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Georgia Kitchen" <gakitchen at gfn.org>
>> To: "List for blind crafters and artists" 
>> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2011 10:18 AM
>> Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Hand building with clay
>>
>>
>>> Hi Linda and all,
>>>
>>> Thanks for the  encouragement and sharing your experiences. I have 
>>> always appreciated art and I have anscestors who have worked in various 
>>> media.
>>>
>>> My sister in law lives real close to a college in Arkansas and I think 
>>> she would like working in clay if she is up to it health wise.
>>>
>>> I wanted also
>>> to say Hello to Joseli. It is cool that you are working in clay. Do you 
>>> still have your dog guide?
>>>
>>> Have a  Happy Holiday all and if you are at convention I know you will 
>>> have a good time. I will be watching it on the internet.
>>>
>>> Best,
>>> Georgia
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
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>
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