Setting Up
This weekend, my parents came down to visit. And what better thing to do with your dad, than install a 220 line, by splitting the oven-range line into its own box!
After a trip to Home Depot (and then Lowe’s for the wire with HD didn’t have), we measures thrice, shut off power, split the line, installed a box, stripped lots of heavy wires, and ran and installed a new 220 box. Apparently there’s lots of shapes your 220 plug can be. Outs, its the a straight top, and two angled bottom plugs. Mines, the highest amperage plug, 40 amps. Our line is rated up to 60 amps, so no running the oven while I’m firing!
Apparently, it depends on your amperage. Most kilns say “Don’t change your plug,” but as long as it can handle the amperage, and your box is suited accordingly, change those plugs away! Overprotect, don’t underamp.
My kilns are a Cress, and a Paragon. Don’t get too excited though–mine are older than me probably, and got each one for $100. So far, we’ve invested $200 into kilns and $150 into wiring, making my current up-start total equalling $250.
Check out the space! I’m hoping to add a wedging table on top of the cement divider, as well as some actual furniture (non-kiln) to make the space by the fireplace a man-cave–dividing the basement into both a studio space AND a man-cave, but that’s another project. You can clearly see the separate areas.
I’m looking for:
- a woodstove
- carpet tiles
- and an old washtub-style sink.
That’s most of it for now. Check it out!
I Love This Glaze!
If you know me, I love the color orange. So much so, that as a child, I even turned orange and earned the nickname “pumkinpuss” for a short time. Well, nothing much has changed. Except, I don’t get called pumkinpuss…
In setting up my own studio, I’ve been thinking about what my first glazes are going to be. Should I just get one, and learn the kiln first? Should I make a whole bunch of really basic forms just to learn how to throw better?
Well, regardless, I’ve decided that I’m going to use glazes that I like, and do batches–to explore thin applications, thicker applications, and how the kiln reacts with my work.
I came across Amaco’s Potter’s Choice Glazes. And I have to say, that I’m in love–with all of them. Its absolutely going to be the hardest thing to figure out which ones I want to use first!
So, naturally, I gravitate towards one specific one–you guessed it–the orangey one. Called Albany Slip Brown, its a creamsicle-style glazes, that breaks cream-colored over edges, and is an absolute dream. Do I want a whole set of dinner ware? No. Do I want to make awesome stuff and slather it on there? Yes, yes please.
My To-Go Mug
It fits. My hand. My car. I guess that I’m a potter through and through.
TONIGHT, TONIGHT
TONIGHT, TONIGHT.
Sorry Maria, this is who I’m spending my east side story with tonight. Buying a kiln!!
