It’s been a crazy year, hasn’t it. With all that is going on, I have found it hard to stay artistically motivated and I know I am not alone in that feeling. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been creating! I have just been a tad slower. One thing I did was bring home the mugs and bowls that are waiting patiently for some sgraffito carving.
I have a small “girl cave” that is very comfortable. Having those pieces there allowed me to spend more time at home. Although my studio is a private studio and social distancing is easy (it’s just me), I still felt the need to stay closer to home. My studio is only a 6-minute drive away but still….
Please note this post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you click them and make a purchase. This is, of course, at no cost to you, and I only share products that I use and love myself.
The color of the mugs look grey but that’s just the color of the dry underglaze, which is black. Once its fired and clear glazed, the mugs will be a rich black and the carved areas will be ivory white.
I thought it would be fun to video me Sgraffito carving a mug for you to watch. I sped it up big time so it’s not an hour-long (it’s just under 10 minutes). When the video starts I had already sketched the design in using a white Prismacolor watercolor pencil. The first thing I do is “sketch” the design through the black underglaze using my very favorite tool. The L1 Diamond Stylus from DiamondCore. When I first got this tool I wasn’t sure I would like it but I ADORE IT and use it more than any other tool.
During my experimenting with Sgraffito I tried carving out the hummingbird and flowers and leaving the background black.
I tried adding color.
All of these looked great but I really really like them in just black and white and with the background carved out.
Here is some of my more recent work. What is your preference?
Phone Arm for Overhead Videos
I bought this so that I could record video while I am making stuff. It works great. The arm attaches to the table with a thumb screw. The part that holds your phone is spring loaded and almost too strong of a spring. I pinch my fingers a lot but I know the phone won’t fall out into my clay water!!
View on Amazon
Wire Stylus Kemper Tool for Sgraffito
This tool is also a staple in my sgraffito toolbox. It carves beautifully. It breaks easy so its a good thing its cheap (Should I say “affordable”)
View on Amazon
Amaco Velvet Underglaze Set
I primarily use the Amaco Velvet Underglazes although I have been experimenting with Speedball as well. So far I really do prefer the Amaco! It just seems to flow better.
3 Comments
Submit a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Address
9306 Southshore Dr
Hackett AR
Email Me
© 2022 All Rights Reserved. Dani Montoya ~ Unauthorized use and duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dani Montoya and Yellow Cottage Studios with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Yellow Cottage Studios is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as other Affiliate Advertising programs. This is a way for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
The hummingbird that is black would be my pick!
Really love your work and thank you for sharing how you do it. I am new at pottery so they are great tutorials.
I just got my first kiln so I hope to now be able to get better and really enjoy my hobby 🙂
Thank you Gina. Sgrafitto is a wonderful way to decorate your pottery. Enjoy your new hobby!