Taking a Working Rest

This is the last message for a couple of weeks, as tomorrow I am off to Corfe Castle with the Ancient Wessex Network until 28th July.
I have been going there for many years for a working holiday. We camp in the castle and demonstrate our skills and attempt to sell all manner of things to the thousands of tourists.
I'll miss my family and some of the comforts of modern life, but happily leave most of them behind.

Check out details of the event at
www.ancientwessex.net/venue.php?venue_id=253

Mud Pies

I have been playing Mud Pies again over the last few days. Trying different methods of preparing clay dug locally - in particular removing the larger bits of grit which damage the pots by expanding as they break down, strangely after the firing is over and they take in water from the air.
Anyway - in the spirit of experimental archaeology I put some of the wet clay in a sacking bag and squeezed it so the clay oozed through the weaving, hopefully leaving the grit trapped in the bag. Then the clay is spread out in the sun to dry out a bit before being wrapped up ready for use after a bit of wedging to mix the hard and soft lumps together, plus adding some sand, grog and maybe other clays.

A busy few days now, the last pottery classes of the term are an excuse for Raku firings with a party atmosphere.

Back Inspired

Back from the International Ceramics Festival. A brilliant event to recharge the enthusiasm and get inspired.
I have got to keep some of the ideas ticking over and try my own take on some of the processes demonstrated.
Need more sleep after the long drives.
See stuff on the Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/ICFAberystwyth