Making a Butter Bell

Making a Butter Bell

Anyone out here self medicating with food?

Puts hand down.

I’m pretty sure this isn’t a healthy practice, but man does it work. There is nothing quite like the relaxation that happens the instant a carb touches your tongue. I have no idea where I go, but I can assure you I'm no longer a part of this dimension. I’m transported somewhere to a state of pure bliss, up until that very last bite. This month I got to experience quite a few of these moments as I attempted to bake a loaf of sourdough bread. For some reason I just couldn’t get it together, it took me three tries to get something in the oven.

Though I did somehow accomplish it. You can see my handiwork here. Also if you are in dire need of a food prescription, some warm bread out of the oven, lathered in butter, with a sprinkle of salt on top has got some major transportation abilities.

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Okay, it’s officially time to move on and talk about making these butter bells, which have turned out to be one of my favorite things I have ever made. They are so clean and simple, and most importantly they look great on my dining room table. The contrast of the satin white glaze with raw clay is just what I've been looking for. I am so excited to keep one for myself, and maybe finally make my own set of dishes to match it.

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I actually recently stumbled upon the satin white glaze that I used for them. I have a batch of base glaze that I have been experimenting with. Each time I fire my kiln I dip a few test tiles with added percentages of colorants into the base glaze to see if I happen upon anything good. Well one of the tiles turned out beautifully over a white stoneware, so I decided to paint some white slip onto the butter bells to get that same desired look. It gives it a subtle painterly feel, since you can see the brush strokes underneath the glaze.

Here is a sneak peak at one of the other test tiles that worked out, a beautiful satin pink!

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Just Stomping and Stamping Around

Just Stomping and Stamping Around

Sourdough

Sourdough