3 firing - slump

Manual Firing Schedule
Starting Temp 85
Lo
After 20 min, temp=400, up to L2
30 min, temp=540, up to L3
40 min, temp=685, up to L4
50 min, temp=838, up to L5
60 min, temp=990, turn to HI
1:12, temp=1350 and draped fully.
Flash cooled until temp read 1200 deg.
Put lid back on and turn kiln off.

I didn't keep an eye on the kiln after turning to HI. I was surprised that it got that hot in 12 minutes and that it was draped to where I wanted it to be.

This is a stainless steel tea cup mold. Even the circles seem to end up more square-like.

Liquid Stringer test

I mixed up 2 colors of liquid stringer: BE Red and BE Jade Green. I tried to write with these 2 samples, but the edges softened and spread. I don't know the why it is doing this. Maybe the CMC wasn't thick enough. Or maybe because I added some water when mixing in order to be a smoother consistancy. I didn't add much water, though. If I didn't add the water, the consistancy was like an overly-dry cake mix.

My technique for the leaves is this:
I used the Liquid Stringer I bought as the outline for the leaves. I drew this over a heating pad so it would dry out quicker. One dry (or started to dry out), I filled in the space with the jade green LS I made. I filled it farely heavy-handed, but didn't take it all the way to the edge. I let it bleed over to the outline before adding more.

As for the ladybugs, I drew 3 but only added the head with the black LS to one. I'm planning on firing once to see how it turns out. After it's fired, I'll add the head and dots to the ladybugs.





Here I cut out a gecko with a saw and used the LS I made to add some detail. I didn't let this dry before placing in the kiln. My intention is to fire at a slower pace in the beginning.

Making my own liquid stringer and glass clay - RECIPE for Powder Line Medium

INGREDIENTS:

•1/4 cup CMC
•2 cups water (distilled preferred but not required. NOTE I used reg tap water)
DIRECTIONS:

•Boil water.

•Add CMC, stirring in slowly to minimize clumping.NOTE: I basically dumped the powder in and it formed white, clumps with the powder inside the clumps (see photo). I smashed the clumps on the side of the pot to get rid of them.


•Stir until mixed. There will be lots of lumps at this point - that's okay.


•Allow the mixture to sit and cool for 24 hours.
IMPORTANT:

•CMC is used as a food additive and is non-toxic. This recipe can be safely prepared in your kitchen.
NOTE: The package I picked up at my local ceramic supply place (Laguna Clay) has a warning that there are known carcenogens in the package and should not be used near food preparation. I'm hoping this is just a generic warning, but I did take precautions.
1. I'm using an old pot that will be dedicated to only making this.
2. I'm using a spoon to stir that will only be used for this.
3 I used a dust mask.
4. I prepared this all outdoors since it was a nice day. I can also do this in the glass studio if the weather doesn't permit.

•CMC consistency varies among manufacturers. You may need to experiment if you are not getting the consistency that you want.

•This mixture can be thinned by adding water. It cannot be thickened by adding CMC. This is why many people choose to intentionally mix the PLM extra thick and thin as needed

18 Hours Later

All the undisolved lumps are gone and it has gelled. The consistancy is like gelatin. My best description is like chicken stock that you make at home and cook down for hours. Then you put it into the fridge and the next day it is alot like jello. Well that's my best description for this, except a bit thicker.

Now this is ready to use to make glass clay or liquid stringers.