Etching mugs,,,,

Greetings!!

I decided to take a little break from writing about genealogy and show you some pics of mugs I etched not too long ago. These are some of my favorites. And again, this is a process called sgraffito, "the etching or scratching away." I use primarily Duncan underglazes and glazes. This particular underglaze is called Concepts and lends itself well to under glazing on bisque. For those who do not know, bisque is clay that has been fired once. It is called greenware when it is still raw and unfired.

First I put on 3 good coats of the concepts. I used dark blue spruce. Then I traced on a pattern. In this case it is grapevines.

I made a total of 4 but I sell them in sets of 2 in my etsy shop. This is not the color they will look like once glazed and fired again.

A close up of the design which wraps completely around the mug. I love the fine lines that I am able to create by using jeweler's carving tools. I seem to have much better control with those than the usual sgraffito tools. Once completely etched and all the dust is blown off them, I then put on 2 good coats of clear glaze. Then off to the kiln they go for firing a second time.

I think the end result is stunning!! I have also done ceramic wine glasses in this design and have sold several sets.

Until next time,,,,,,,