Simple Technique: Sponging

We're starting up regular technique posts with a simple, but very effective option. Sponging.

Sponging gives the illusion of three dimensional texture, while allowing for a nice smooth finish to any fired piece. Sponging can be subtle or pronounced, depending on the technique, the amount of paint/glaze and the colors used.

There are two very simple ways to sponge. They are sponging on and sponging off.

Sponging on means you apply color to your piece with a sponge. Sponging off means you paint on glaze, and remove some of it with the sponge.

Sponging on gives a more dense, fibrous, rough look, while sponging off is more delicate, a more subtle overall texture.

There's really no right or wrong way to sponge paint. A light hand is always better than a heavy hand. Remember you can always add more when sponging on. It's easy enough to do a practice run with your chosen sponge on a piece of paper or paper towel.

Sponging, on or off, is a great way to create a beautiful, unique piece without a lot of precision technique. It's great for kids and adults. Give it a try the next time you visit Amphora.

Check back here for more on sponging and other tips and techniques. Have a great weekend and beat the heat with a little air conditioned pottery painting fun!

A Firm Foundation For Your Creation

That's right, we're talking about the first and foremost step in creating your beautiful painted pottery masterpiece. You've got to start off right in order to finish with a bang, so let's talk base coat.

Before you even dip your brush into your selected color, you've got to prep your piece. So grab that sponge, dip it in your water bowl, wring it out and wipe down your piece. Rinse and repeat as often as you feel necessary to get rid of any and all dust and minute imperfections. A slightly damp piece will also take that first coat of glaze with less pulling.

OK...load up your brush, but take it a little easy. Less is more, so to speak. Three even, not too heavy coats will get you the best base, with luster and nice shine when the piece is fired. Applying too much glaze at once could cause the glaze to dry with a ridged effect.

Try to apply your glaze in the same direction on each coat, to minimize brush strokes and to create the most smooth starting point for your intended decoration. Be patient...let the piece dry a bit between coats so you can ensure you get even coverage.

Make sure you get glaze into the nooks and crannies of figurines and more detailed pieces. Don't forget to get the glaze all around handles and lipped edges.

Once three even coats have been applied and allowed to dry a bit, you're ready to get busy and create that unique and gorgeous potter piece. Might we suggest you decorate your beautiful base with some polka dots, since they happen to be part of the July theme?

July Theme: Polka Dots & Pendants

Welcome back to the Amphora Pottery blog...we're making all sorts of revisions to our social media scheme, and this blog will play a big role. Look for a redesign, lots of great posts, technique videos and much, much more!

Let's start with our first monthly theme. For July 2010, the theme is Polka Dots & Pendants! Polka dots, while easy, can create dynamic design opportunities and are a great way to mix colors and contrast in your painted pieces. Plus, there are numerous ways to create the dots. Shocked? We'll be showcasing different ways right here as the month continues!

Why pendants? Well, school will be starting back up before we know it, and with so many schools going the dress code route, it can often make it hard for your young ladies to individualize and show their personal style. So...bring your girls in and let them create a sweet piece of custom jewelry that suits their specific style!

We'll be showcasing your Polka Dots & Pendants creations in our galleries and in other unique ways. Why are you waiting? Get on in and create some polka dot, pendant or even polka dot pendant magic!