Egyptian Paste (aka Faience)

Experimenting in all facets of Egyptian paste, mixing clay, construction techniques, firing solutions, and finishing ie. cold working is in the scope of our discussion. Perhaps we will have time to get around to some practical uses of Egyptian paste, but mostly research into what works will with this media and what does not.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Simplest Mould, Drop Out Mold

The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Technique by Frank and Janet Hamer recently came into my possession. It's a British publica...

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Twice-cooked travellers Thanks Anitra, for the invitation to contribute. I have already learned a lot from you, and now Kriket as well - tha...

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Some results

Above are the results of the firing (following on from my last post). I was predominantly making a batch of dark blue beads as I knew the...

Thursday, August 12, 2010

function over beauty

4 section bead rack to hold wires of different lengths and to maximise kiln space standard 3 tiered rack - holds about 20 wires ...

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Matt and Gloss Surfaces

Matt surface is fully mature and smooth in Egyptian Paste without any gloss. An increase in alumina makes the surface more refractory creat...

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

A curious effect

Hi Anitra, I have a noticed in my last 2 firings that quite a few of the beads have an unusual, yellow, fluorescent sheen to parts of their...

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Firing Egyptian paste cone 04, 1940°F/1060°C

Opening a kiln is a kin to payday. Open that envelope, there in find exactly what you've work for. Every now and then it's short or ...

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Here is Proof that Thicker Paste forms Thicker Glaze

Make a ball of Egyptian paste then cut it into two equal halfs; take one of your halfs and divided it in half again. So now you have one ha...

Monday, June 21, 2010

Small Hole Beads

Looking at the faience from ancient Egypt, one has to wonder how they crafted such little beads. All of my attempts at piercing tiny beads,...

Monday, June 14, 2010

The Thicker, The Glossier

Stands to reason that larger/thicker pieces have a Glossier finish, than smaller ones. Does it not? A thicker piece takes longer to dry, ye...

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Well, That Did Not Work So Hot

When you're experimenting not everything works. In fact very few things are successful the first second or even a third try. But there...

Monday, June 07, 2010

Bluetooth Beads!

Continuing with the excitement from the last kiln firing here's an image of something that went right. Turned out well both front and ba...

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Silica Sand in the Mix: remarkable results

Anitra I'm not sure that I can post a picture with a comment on your blog... but here are some my first fired attempts (size of small d...

Friday, June 04, 2010

Firing Egyptian Paste, Houston We have FAIENCE!!

Opening a fired Egyptian paste kiln is one of the more exciting occasions in the studio. You always know you will get some little gifts. If...

Friday, May 28, 2010

A Bead Making Technique For Egyptian Paste

May I present a one minute video showing how I fabricate a bead of Egyptian paste. As you recall, Egyptian paste is a self glazing clay, the...

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Egyptian Paste Bead Firing

Here is what I use to fire Egyptian paste beads in my electric kiln. This apparatus, a "bead island", is made of porcelain or any ...

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Back to Paste!

This little Guy on our left here was supposed to remind me to do some experimenting with Egyptian paste and report back to the world on my f...

Thursday, August 18, 2005

The Tried-and-true Recipe

There are dozens of Egyptian paste recipes and where to start is not always apparent. Add to this the fact that you can buy premixed; howeve...

Thursday, August 11, 2005

How can clay self-glaze? Efflorescence, that's how!

Every week I will introduce one little nuance on Egyptian paste. At this rate, we will acquire 52 characteristics of Egyptian paste in a yea...

Monday, August 08, 2005

Working in Egyptian Paste

If Egyptian Paste is defined as self-glazing clay then this blog will consist of my adventures of trying to create with it. More than likely...

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