I know, I know we could mix our own but this is one of those steps I like to jump over. I don't mind not doing the processing.
We talk about it all the time, but at this stage of the game I am going to stay with a commercial clay.
We use to buy a ton or more at a time but after having some batches that were not up to snuff and the bonus of two supplies 10 minutes down the road we now buy in smaller quanities.
Yes, it cost more per pound, but if there is a problem we have less to deal with.
And if it is a great batch we just go buy more.
Plus it means we are not trying to store a ton of clay.
It gives us a ton of more room in the studio!
Sometimes when it has been really cold the clay will become stiffer then we like.
In that case we cut it up, cut some lines in and lay it out on plastic.
We then we spray it down well with water cover overnight with plastic and towels. The next day it is ready to run through the pug mill.
Soft clay for old potters.....
Did I hear somene say pie!??
On Friday night we went to Poe/Pie night over at Starworks.
We both made a pie.
Mark's was Shoofly pie.
While mine was a Quiche made with mushrooms, spinach and onions on a Couscous crust.
A bit of pie and some Poe made for a bit of fun.
18 comments:
couscous crust, how interesting, both those pies sound so wonderful, makes me hungry. I like commercial clay I can use it right out of the bag and for someone with a bad back it takes the strain off. I like it soft (fresh)too, I can always let it harden up a bit if it's too stiff.
Mmmmm pie.
Soft clay isn't just for old potters :) I hate me some hard clay!!
I ♥ soft clay too, and I think I have a few years before I can complain about my age. It's no fun trying to throw any amount of clay when it's halfway to leather hard.
Those pies are makin' me hungry!
I have a silent auction meeting Wednesday night. I'm taking this quiche!!! Looks so yummy, we love couscous in this house. Poe and Pie, sounds like a good suggestion for Wesley's English teacher :)
couscous crust, yeow! Man, I hate mixing clay--what a nasty mess. Killer powder flying all over trying to get into my lungs, NO WAY!
I would like some of the Quiche please!!
Sorry we missed that! I'm gonna have to try that couscous crust. Yum!
Is your couscous crust in your recipe file?
I so totally want to come over to your house for dinner!
ooh quiche haven't had any for ages....mmmm still working my way around the no wheat and it's alternatives..
First I'd like some couscous quiche and shoofly pie for dessert.
Just thinking about what would go into a Poe pie. Big black birds?
The pies were good and I like the Couscous instead of the pie crust.
Although there were some killer pies there!
The chicken, maybe blackbird, was great!
i'm a soft clay kinda guy too. i do, however, get a ton and have to live with what i have... no really major problems so far but i'd be pissed if i humped a ton around the house and into the basement and then had to deal with something wrong til it was gone. that pie and quiche are making my mouth water
Jeff Zmaek says in the Potters Handbook that it is not to the potters advantage these days to spend the time and effort to mix your own clay, unless your local clay has some characteristics you can't get elsewhere.
He also says it is to your advantage to make couscous crust whenever you can!
-Alfonse Nose
that couscous quiche idea is great! i tried it tonight, only didn't quite have enough couscous, so i also threw in quinoa to the couscous mixture. it was great! thanks!!
The pies were good! Poe was scary...
I think Blane suggested to have a Pooh -Pie day next time:) for the little ones.
I'm there with you with mixing clay... not my cup of tea. don't mind spinning my own yarn though - that somehow seems a creative activity compared to mixing clay... or... maybe just cleaner...
I buy commercial clay because I know it works for production, but also still enjoy digging & processing my own clay. However, I secretly believe that the entire state of Utah is one giant clay pit surrounded by mountains LOL...everytime we camp I dig clay - I take 5 gallon buckets with me just for that very purpose. I got some absolutely amazing bright red clay from the red rocks area last fall. I'm saving it for a special occasion...better figure out what that is before it's all too hard to throw.
Pooh Pie Day! I'll be there.
Although Judson did miss
"pigs in space", which made me sleep better!
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