Techniques

I use a cone 6 white stoneware body and throw my pots on an electric wheel.  After trimming and drying the pots to the greenware stage, I then decorate, using commercially prepared powdered stains that I mix with slip. I do a lot of scratching through the colours to get the clay body to show through.

There are many stains available in the cone 6 range -- the only colours that I don't have are purples and pinks, as they usually burn out at this temperature. However, I have discovered a coral that is bright and beautiful.

I also use a number of different greens, blues, yellows and  -- finally -- black to give the pieces a strong edgy feel.

Colours are applied with sponges or Japanese brushes. I then bisque fire, apply a clear glaze and do a final glaze firing.

All the stains, colourants and glazes are lead free and can be washed in the dishwasher. The larger pieces such as plates may not go in the microwave, but it is fine for cups and 6-inch bowls.