Swamp Lily's more about crystalline

MORE ABOUT CRYSTALLINE GLAZE

Most potters who work with crystalline glazes have unique methods of glaze development and firing processes. The unglazed pieces are glued to a catch pedestal because the glazes are very fluid when melted and run off the pot. Our glaze is a super-saturated zinc mixture that is applied very thick onto the pot. A series of temperature ramps and holds are completed and the temperature is dropped to 1999 F° and held for several hours. This allows the crystal to grow in the glaze much like crystals in igneous rocks. After cooling, the pot is broken off from the glaze catch pedestal and the base is ground to a smooth finish.

Many potters choose not to work with crystalline glazes because of the complexity of the process. The failure rate is high and many pieces break. The potter has very little control over the placement of the crystals and there can be color variations from one firing to the next. The rewards are worthwhile. Each piece is unique, captivates the eye, and stimulates the beholder's imagination.

Vase is glued to a pedestal

After firing, the piece is scored at the seam and tapped with a hammer to separate.

The bottom of the piece is ground to a smooth finish.

Broken pots make great toad houses.