[Nfb-krafters-korner] Hand building with clay

Georgia Kitchen gakitchen at gfn.org
Sat Jul 2 20:05:09 UTC 2011 

Hi Linda,

Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions. This hot weather has  sort of tired me 
out but I believe I have most of the items and tools you suggested. I  saved 
a real smooth stone when I went biking a couple of summers ago in upper 
Michigan.

Best,

Georgia
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "River Woman" <riverwoman at zoominternet.net>
To: "List for blind crafters and artists" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2011 2:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Hand building with clay


> 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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>
>
>
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