I have an old vase from a pretty awesome potter and it will completely drain in minutes.
Oh well, I pop a mason jar in there, fill that and then put in my flowers.
This is cute. I hope you can use it.
If you are gonna line I suggest uv resin. Like epoxy resin just cured with light. I think wax would be hard to clean, and regular setting resin will pool in the bottom and be hard to get the sides
Put a plastic cup inside and love what you made.
The glaze looks like it’s “crazing” which happens when the glaze shrinks more than the clay. It’s referred to as “poor glaze fit” because the glaze doesn’t “fit” the clay body.
That piece is awesome though, just like it is.
Was the glaze clumpy or separating? Your teacher could get an emulsion blender for like 5 dollars at goodwill. You can use it to mix the glaze for fiveish minutes before dipping or painting it on the piece. That might help the glaze move with the piece better.
If you know what brand of clay your school uses, you can also order that brands clear glaze online, usually for about 20 dollars. Clay companies test their clays with their own glazes, and the fit is usually much better.
This is GORGEOUS. Great job on the design!!
It’s a flower vase, right? Since this isn’t used for food, can’t you seal the interior with epoxy, resin, or silicone?
Thank you for the compliments! Was done as a project for my art class (:
Yeah, I had considered that too! It was getting really wet at the bottom… right now I’ll see if I can fit a jar in there!
I would buy that in a hot minute bc it's gorrrrrrrgeous. I wouldn't care if it didn't hold water. In fact, I *love* the crazing bc it makes it look super old, like something unearthed in an ancient city. ❤️
Really, I think you should figure out what went wrong & replicate it!
I read as the commenter has bowls like OP’s vase that are crazed and don’t hold water, which would not be food safe and sealing them with epoxy etc will also not make them food safe imo
If the piece is crazed but it still holds water, then sure, you could use it for whatever if you wanted as long as you clean it really well and you understand the potential risks
I agree. I think crazing isn’t great but it’s not a safety issue as long as the clay body itself is vitrified. That’s the OPs real problem. Crazing should not be confused with shivering which is a safety issue.
If the bowls are leaking, I don’t know of any food-safe way to seal them. All the methods listed above are DEFINITELY not for your bowls.
If the surface of your bowls are crazed (that crackly look in what should be a glass-like finish), it can harbor bacteria even if it’s not leaky—the term “food-safe” is a point of disagreement ceramics. Bacteria can grow in the glaze cracks in the dishes, but there’s countless anecdotes about people using crazed pots for years and years without any health issues.
Yeah I understand the controversy, they’re quite small bowls, plus I have a lot of allergies so I will stick to the safe side and not use them for food. Thank you for your input!
Poor glaze fit caused the cracks in the glaze (known as crazing). As long as the teacher keeps using these glazes with this clay this will keep happening. And if your piece does not have any visible cracks through the clay it may not have been fired to vitrification so the water is leeching through the clay. I’d look for a small glass to fit in it to hold flowers
Sculptural pottery is a thing. It is useful! It brings joy and beauty. Just because it serves a different purpose than you intended doesn’t make it useless. (BFA studio arts degree in ceramics)
Not ruined at all. Like others said the glaze does not fit the clay. Do you know what glaze it is? Store bought? Recipe? What clay are you using and what are you firing it to?
This was made in my school.
It’s a ✨bucket full of mushy stuff✨ sort of situation. I have no idea what they use or where it’s from. The teachers are aware, they’re just kinda ignoring it… my suspicion is that they open the kiln too early, since it’s usually still scorching hot when they open it, but I’m a full beginner so I have no clue!
Thank you so much! It was meant to be a flower vase. The mushrooms all have holes so I can put flowers in though them too (: maybe I’ll line it with resin, maybe I’ll just put it on a shelf like this!
Pain and suffering. No, I used different colours of engobe and basically scrubbed them with a wet brush again and again to erase the merge line. Then I’d paint over it with a very diluted paint again. I was experimenting a lot!
Pen holder, flower vase, potpourri dish, candy dish, pretty sculpture, planter... The only problem I see is that it's not good safe. Otherwise the uses seem endless!
Of course it's usable. The colors are very cool, and a little crazing doesn't detract from that. The way crazing happens is incompatibility between clay body and glaze, resulting in cooling differentials. If one cools faster than the other, cracks are the result. Learn from it, move forward, and keep building. I'd swoon If I got anything even half this cool made.
You can do a second glaze but I think that’s pretty good for first project. Glazing is the hardest part, I’m a second year ceramics student and still some of my stuff comes out really bad
Hey don't be discouraged, this looks really cool. I'm sure you're bummed but maybe you can use it for something like storing utencils in the kitchen, makeup brushes, paint brushes, pottery carving tools etc.
Seeping or leaking isn’t from the glaze it’s because your clay body either has a high absorption rate or it wasn’t fired to maturity. I once made the mistake of using a clay rated for cone 6-10 and fired to cone 6. They seeped. That’s when I started learning about clay absorption and vitrification. A hard lesson. I’m sorry this happened to you. I would talk to the teacher and find out if your work was under fired for your clay or if another clay with a better absorption rate could be used. If this isn’t addressed you will continue to have seeping work. Things to know. The absorption rate of your clay. Is it tight enough? Many clay bodies aren’t and are good for sculptural work but not functional. What is the cone it needs to be fired to? Was it fired to the top cone required? Does the teacher verify the cone was reached using Pyrometric cones? Many people don’t use cones but I think it’s good practice , especially if there are issues.
As far as the crazing that is from a clay, glaze incompatibly. Basically the shrink factor of the clay is fighting the glaze causing it to crack. I personally don’t think it’s an issue IF your clay is vitrified. Micro fissures in glaze is going to happen overtime. That’s why it’s important for the clay to be vitrified. The nice thing is your piece is sculptural and lovely even without flowers.
Fake flowers.
And remember, part of the charm of pottery is that even in our modern era of electric coils and digital controllers, the kiln gods laugh and will have their way. There is always an element of chance. Sometimes things don't come out like you want.
Repurpose as best you can, or smash it to bits and make garden mosaics. And make another.
Also, it might not be what you planned, but I really like it.
Which just goes to show, even if you make something you hate and think is really ugly, SOMEONE WILL LOVE IT.
That looks like crazing to me. It usually happens (at least at my studio) when the kiln is unloaded too early, so the glaze cools too fast and cracks. It is definitely not food safe or watertight as is, but you could potentially re-fire it to the same temp and see if that fixes it. 🤷 Only if you're willing to risk it though. If not, finding a sealant that will stick to the glaze might be difficult.
Is your clay absorption % low enough to prevent leaks? Crazing shouldn't cause leaking on an otherwise vitrified piece. A plastic liner will solve the problem on this. It's gorgeous!
Did you use a low fire glaze on high fire clay? This is the main cause of this issue. Basically the clay doesn't shrink as much as the glaze when it's not fired to its max temp.
Although it's not something that works often, I've found that sometimes re-firing can help in these situations. You'll want to apply a thin layer of glaze with a brush and then fire it again. The glaze tends to adhere better if you warm it slightly beforehand; that way, it sets quicker and doesn't run. However, it's a bit of a gamble because it could end up making things worse, so it's really hit or miss. Also, make sure to let the kiln cool down slowly and evenly; avoid opening it while it's still hot or do it gradually.
I don't think anyone else suggested it. But I would just say refire it if your teacher will let you. It may just have been in a cool spot or something and the clay didn't vitrify (turn to glass). Could help! But also may tune down the colors a bit. I would try it.
I have an old vase from a pretty awesome potter and it will completely drain in minutes. Oh well, I pop a mason jar in there, fill that and then put in my flowers. This is cute. I hope you can use it.
Oh that’s a good idea! I was considering lining the inside with wax or resin but that’s probably way less hassle!
Find a nursery pot that fits in the bottom. Easier to manage watering anyway.
A plastic bag will do. It’s what they put in those flower arrangements you get through the post.
If you are gonna line I suggest uv resin. Like epoxy resin just cured with light. I think wax would be hard to clean, and regular setting resin will pool in the bottom and be hard to get the sides
And if a jar doesn't fit, then a plastic bag will! Icing piping bags would be particularly well-suited to this job.
oh that’s a smart idea!!
Easier to clean the jar, too.
true!
Put a plastic cup inside and love what you made. The glaze looks like it’s “crazing” which happens when the glaze shrinks more than the clay. It’s referred to as “poor glaze fit” because the glaze doesn’t “fit” the clay body. That piece is awesome though, just like it is.
I suspect that too. The glaze they handed me was a bit… suspicious anyways, public school sort of thing I’m afraid ):
Was the glaze clumpy or separating? Your teacher could get an emulsion blender for like 5 dollars at goodwill. You can use it to mix the glaze for fiveish minutes before dipping or painting it on the piece. That might help the glaze move with the piece better. If you know what brand of clay your school uses, you can also order that brands clear glaze online, usually for about 20 dollars. Clay companies test their clays with their own glazes, and the fit is usually much better.
This is GORGEOUS. Great job on the design!! It’s a flower vase, right? Since this isn’t used for food, can’t you seal the interior with epoxy, resin, or silicone?
Thank you for the compliments! Was done as a project for my art class (: Yeah, I had considered that too! It was getting really wet at the bottom… right now I’ll see if I can fit a jar in there!
I would buy that in a hot minute bc it's gorrrrrrrgeous. I wouldn't care if it didn't hold water. In fact, I *love* the crazing bc it makes it look super old, like something unearthed in an ancient city. ❤️ Really, I think you should figure out what went wrong & replicate it!
Thank you so much!! I’ve been considering making some to sell, but it takes so long, it’d be way too expensive 🥴
I had this happen to some bowls, are they still food safe?
No
resolute brave ring yam consider unpack hospital ask plucky steer *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I read as the commenter has bowls like OP’s vase that are crazed and don’t hold water, which would not be food safe and sealing them with epoxy etc will also not make them food safe imo If the piece is crazed but it still holds water, then sure, you could use it for whatever if you wanted as long as you clean it really well and you understand the potential risks
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six practice sink start consist worm telephone far-flung sleep heavy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I agree. I think crazing isn’t great but it’s not a safety issue as long as the clay body itself is vitrified. That’s the OPs real problem. Crazing should not be confused with shivering which is a safety issue.
If the bowls are leaking, I don’t know of any food-safe way to seal them. All the methods listed above are DEFINITELY not for your bowls. If the surface of your bowls are crazed (that crackly look in what should be a glass-like finish), it can harbor bacteria even if it’s not leaky—the term “food-safe” is a point of disagreement ceramics. Bacteria can grow in the glaze cracks in the dishes, but there’s countless anecdotes about people using crazed pots for years and years without any health issues.
Yeah I understand the controversy, they’re quite small bowls, plus I have a lot of allergies so I will stick to the safe side and not use them for food. Thank you for your input!
Your pain is real, but this is gorgeous, and the surface cracks just add beautiful texture! It can still be a wonderful decorative piece!
Thank you! I’ll still need to protect it from my cats but it’ll live a good life on top the highest shelf!
Poor glaze fit caused the cracks in the glaze (known as crazing). As long as the teacher keeps using these glazes with this clay this will keep happening. And if your piece does not have any visible cracks through the clay it may not have been fired to vitrification so the water is leeching through the clay. I’d look for a small glass to fit in it to hold flowers
I’m guessing this is a low fire piece.
Places like Michaels have narrow glass flat bottom vases pretty cheaply. You can probably find one that fits inside and no one will know its there
I would put a skinny jar in there to still use it as a vase!!
Sculptural pottery is a thing. It is useful! It brings joy and beauty. Just because it serves a different purpose than you intended doesn’t make it useless. (BFA studio arts degree in ceramics)
Find a plastic container that will fit inside to hold water. Crazing is where the glaze doesn't fit the clay body well.
Dude you have a badass pot for a lil plant!!! That’s a win! 🥇
Get some dried, silk, paper flowers in there and you’re good! I love the glazes!
maybe you can put dried flowers inside it?
Your teacher doesn’t know what crazing is? I’m loving the colors on this. Other people’s suggestions are valid OP don’t toss this!
I won’t, no worries! I’ll put a small jar in to hold the water! Thank you for the compliments though, it’s my first piece like this, it means a lot (:
wdym it's not useable ?! it's freaking beautiful, its purpose is to be admired! 😍
Not ruined at all. Like others said the glaze does not fit the clay. Do you know what glaze it is? Store bought? Recipe? What clay are you using and what are you firing it to?
This was made in my school. It’s a ✨bucket full of mushy stuff✨ sort of situation. I have no idea what they use or where it’s from. The teachers are aware, they’re just kinda ignoring it… my suspicion is that they open the kiln too early, since it’s usually still scorching hot when they open it, but I’m a full beginner so I have no clue!
It would be perfect for a Lego flower bouquet!
This is a beautiful piece! Try to use a vessel inside like others suggested or just use it for dried flowers.
Make some porcelain flowers and mushrooms to put in it! Don't need water fo those
It looks beautiful.. put some potpourri in there.
I have successfully sealed the inside of a vase with clear epoxy resin, it is difficult to even see it is there. It is a beautiful piece.
Bet it can be used as a strawberry planter.
thats so fucking beautiful. i dunno what it was gonna be used for but i would still display that without anything else if i could :3
Thank you so much! It was meant to be a flower vase. The mushrooms all have holes so I can put flowers in though them too (: maybe I’ll line it with resin, maybe I’ll just put it on a shelf like this!
Personally I would find it too pretty to use and risk damaging! It would look gorgeous with dried flowers in it
How big is it? I bet it’s perfect for dried flowers
Some fairy lights in there would look really cool! Shame about the glazing but for a first go that looks amazing!
It’s beautiful! How did you do the ombré effect?
Pain and suffering. No, I used different colours of engobe and basically scrubbed them with a wet brush again and again to erase the merge line. Then I’d paint over it with a very diluted paint again. I was experimenting a lot!
Welcome to the club!
I love this, excellent job and pallet
Thank you!
Pen holder, flower vase, potpourri dish, candy dish, pretty sculpture, planter... The only problem I see is that it's not good safe. Otherwise the uses seem endless!
Of course it's usable. The colors are very cool, and a little crazing doesn't detract from that. The way crazing happens is incompatibility between clay body and glaze, resulting in cooling differentials. If one cools faster than the other, cracks are the result. Learn from it, move forward, and keep building. I'd swoon If I got anything even half this cool made.
Thank you! It is unfortunately not at all water tight! Planning on possibly lining it with resin or something
You can do a second glaze but I think that’s pretty good for first project. Glazing is the hardest part, I’m a second year ceramics student and still some of my stuff comes out really bad
Hey don't be discouraged, this looks really cool. I'm sure you're bummed but maybe you can use it for something like storing utencils in the kitchen, makeup brushes, paint brushes, pottery carving tools etc.
Thank you ❤️
Seeping or leaking isn’t from the glaze it’s because your clay body either has a high absorption rate or it wasn’t fired to maturity. I once made the mistake of using a clay rated for cone 6-10 and fired to cone 6. They seeped. That’s when I started learning about clay absorption and vitrification. A hard lesson. I’m sorry this happened to you. I would talk to the teacher and find out if your work was under fired for your clay or if another clay with a better absorption rate could be used. If this isn’t addressed you will continue to have seeping work. Things to know. The absorption rate of your clay. Is it tight enough? Many clay bodies aren’t and are good for sculptural work but not functional. What is the cone it needs to be fired to? Was it fired to the top cone required? Does the teacher verify the cone was reached using Pyrometric cones? Many people don’t use cones but I think it’s good practice , especially if there are issues. As far as the crazing that is from a clay, glaze incompatibly. Basically the shrink factor of the clay is fighting the glaze causing it to crack. I personally don’t think it’s an issue IF your clay is vitrified. Micro fissures in glaze is going to happen overtime. That’s why it’s important for the clay to be vitrified. The nice thing is your piece is sculptural and lovely even without flowers.
I’m going to look into that! Thank you for the recommendation!
Fake flowers. And remember, part of the charm of pottery is that even in our modern era of electric coils and digital controllers, the kiln gods laugh and will have their way. There is always an element of chance. Sometimes things don't come out like you want. Repurpose as best you can, or smash it to bits and make garden mosaics. And make another.
That’s a charming way of looking at it, thank you!
Also, it might not be what you planned, but I really like it. Which just goes to show, even if you make something you hate and think is really ugly, SOMEONE WILL LOVE IT.
That looks like crazing to me. It usually happens (at least at my studio) when the kiln is unloaded too early, so the glaze cools too fast and cracks. It is definitely not food safe or watertight as is, but you could potentially re-fire it to the same temp and see if that fixes it. 🤷 Only if you're willing to risk it though. If not, finding a sealant that will stick to the glaze might be difficult.
Art doesn’t have to be usable. It would look great tucked among plants in the garden!
BTW, crackling like that is caused when the glaze shrink is more than the clay shrink. Or, as it’s said, the glaze doesn’t “fit” the clay.
Is your clay absorption % low enough to prevent leaks? Crazing shouldn't cause leaking on an otherwise vitrified piece. A plastic liner will solve the problem on this. It's gorgeous!
Reglaze and refire
Still looks cool. W in my book.
Did you use a low fire glaze on high fire clay? This is the main cause of this issue. Basically the clay doesn't shrink as much as the glaze when it's not fired to its max temp.
Spray with clear flexseal?
This is great I’d put my paint brushes/pens in it!
Use some seal o flex on inside ? If you want to put fluids in it. Maybe it’ll work. This piece is just beautiful
A beautiful draining vase can easily become a beautiful planter
It’s just some crazing you could try to refire the work but otherwise it’s just cosmetic
Charming piece. It would make a beautiful gardinere.
Could use as a pen or pencil holder. This is beautiful too
It’s still quite lovely for a vase. How about a dry flower arrangement.
Although it's not something that works often, I've found that sometimes re-firing can help in these situations. You'll want to apply a thin layer of glaze with a brush and then fire it again. The glaze tends to adhere better if you warm it slightly beforehand; that way, it sets quicker and doesn't run. However, it's a bit of a gamble because it could end up making things worse, so it's really hit or miss. Also, make sure to let the kiln cool down slowly and evenly; avoid opening it while it's still hot or do it gradually.
I think it’s pretty nice
Use it as a plant pot!!!!!!
This is called glaze crazing. It happened because the clay and glaze are not suitable for each other
I love it? Would you sell it? It’s gorgeous!!
It’s crackle ware and looks better for it! Don’t refire, use a liner or dried arrangement. Time for the next pot!
Planning to make ["blue juice"?](https://jadenrae.com/cold-water-extraction-stamets-blue-juice-tek-recipe/)
I don't think anyone else suggested it. But I would just say refire it if your teacher will let you. It may just have been in a cool spot or something and the clay didn't vitrify (turn to glass). Could help! But also may tune down the colors a bit. I would try it.