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<channel><title><![CDATA[tom knowles jackson<br />ceramics - Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Blog]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:28:03 -0800</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Gas Kiln - Part 1: The Build]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/gas-kiln-part-1-the-build]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/gas-kiln-part-1-the-build#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2017 12:09:58 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/gas-kiln-part-1-the-build</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						    In June 2016 I saw an advert on eBay for a gas kiln. &nbsp;desperate to begin my schooling in reduction firing i was pleased to be the successful bidder. &#8203;To call it a kiln is not strictly accurate. &nbsp;I collected 8 boxes of refractory bricks, of which 2/3's were in good condition, There was no frame and no pictures of what the jigsaw puzzle should look like when built. &nbsp;Thankfully the kiln did come with the original hand written instructions by a Mr  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:41.945288753799%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:23px;"></div>  <div class="paragraph">In June 2016 I saw an advert on eBay for a gas kiln. &nbsp;desperate to begin my schooling in reduction firing i was pleased to be the successful bidder. <br />&#8203;To call it a kiln is not strictly accurate. &nbsp;I collected 8 boxes of refractory bricks, of which 2/3's were in good condition, There was no frame and no pictures of what the jigsaw puzzle should look like when built. &nbsp;Thankfully the kiln did come with the original hand written instructions by a Mr Mick Casson.</div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:58.054711246201%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/published/ks-scan-montage.jpeg?1484510515" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Original photo copies of plan thought to be hand written by Mick Casson.</div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/img-4205_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">The plans in themselves were helpful but lacked an overall picture of what the kiln would look like. &nbsp;Thankfully there were enough intact arch bricks and the entire wicket (though I've subsequently had to remake this from fresh HTI26's) to enable me to piece together with the help of the plans a structure and plan.<br /><br />The bricks, plan and burners (yet to be fully tested) cost me &pound;200. &nbsp;I have had to buy an additional 80 HTI26 refractory bricks, ceramic paper, ceramic blanket and Supalux board and have also had to commission the frame from a local metalworks near Stroud. &nbsp;This would make the total cost of materials, original bricks and plans bro &pound;800.<br /><br />Building the kiln was, however, frustrated by the need for it to have a home to live in. &nbsp;There being no other structure to house it the first teas was to build a shed.<br /></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div> 				<div id='242126777784659941-gallery' class='imageGallery' style='line-height: 0px; padding: 0; margin: 0'><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer0' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer0' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-1_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='The before shot.... Little did I know the toil it would involve!!'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-1.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='308' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.33%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>The before shot.... Little did I know the toil it would involve!!</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer1' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer1' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-2_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Basic structure built - end of day 1'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-2.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='302' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-0.33%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Basic structure built - end of day 1</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer2' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer2' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-3_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Tinkering with the walls (fence panels) and roofing.  Well earned tea break - mug by John West!'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-3.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='306' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Tinkering with the walls (fence panels) and roofing.  Well earned tea break - mug by John West!</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer3' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer3' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-4_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Roof on!  Don&#x27;t look too closely at the health and safety at work!!'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-4.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='306' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Roof on!  Don&#x27;t look too closely at the health and safety at work!!</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer4' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer4' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-5_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Finally able to get on with the kiln.  Played around with the position for a while - gas access, vent space and crawl room were all considerations.'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-5.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='307' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.17%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Finally able to get on with the kiln.  Played around with the position for a while - gas access, vent space and crawl room were all considerations.</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer5' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer5' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-6_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Supalux board cut to size and lined with 15mm ceramic fibre blanket for insulation.  Note the frame had to be made mm perfect.'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-6.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='305' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-0.83%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Supalux board cut to size and lined with 15mm ceramic fibre blanket for insulation.  Note the frame had to be made mm perfect.</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer6' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer6' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-7_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Cutting ceramic paper (2mm).  This was used in place of cement between the bricks for added insulation.'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-7.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='307' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.17%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Cutting ceramic paper (2mm).  This was used in place of cement between the bricks for added insulation.</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer7' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer7' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-8_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='The flue proved one of the biggest challenges.  the flue bricks had to be carefully hollowed out which took time and a knack!'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-8.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='307' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.17%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>The flue proved one of the biggest challenges.  the flue bricks had to be carefully hollowed out which took time and a knack!</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer8' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer8' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-9_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Structure built, flue in and roof on.  Most of the arch bricks had to be shaved from new and the arch arrangement around the flue was a bit of guesswork.'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-9.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='307' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.17%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Structure built, flue in and roof on.  Most of the arch bricks had to be shaved from new and the arch arrangement around the flue was a bit of guesswork.</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer9' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer9' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-10_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='Servicing and attaching the burners.'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-10.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='307' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.17%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>Servicing and attaching the burners.</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer10' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer10' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-11_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='The burners attache to a cross beam that can be raised and lowered to introduce or restrict oxygen in firing - I suspect I&#x27;ll still need to crawl under with fibre wedges to achieve reduction though!'><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-11.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='306' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>The burners attache to a cross beam that can be raised and lowered to introduce or restrict oxygen in firing - I suspect I&#x27;ll still need to crawl under with fibre wedges to achieve reduction though!</div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><div id='242126777784659941-imageContainer11' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='242126777784659941-insideImageContainer11' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder galleryCaptionHover' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-12_orig.jpeg' rel='lightbox[gallery242126777784659941]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false' title='And there we have it.  Awaiting the gas bottles but otherwise ready to the inaugural firing!! '><img src='http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/ks-12.jpeg' class='galleryImage' _width='400' _height='307' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-1.17%;left:0%' /><div class='galleryCaptionHolder fullImageGalleryCaption' style=''>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInnerBg'></div>					<div class='galleryCaptionHolderInner'>						<div class='galleryCaptionInnerTextHolder'>							<div class='galleryCaptionInnerText'>And there we have it.  Awaiting the gas bottles but otherwise ready to the inaugural firing!! </div>						</div>					</div>				</div></a></div></div></div></div><span style='display: block; clear: both; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;'></span></div> 				<div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pots & Pimms!!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/pots-pims]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/pots-pims#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2016 10:26:33 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/pots-pims</guid><description><![CDATA[              Thank you to all of you able to make it to my open studio. &nbsp;This was my first ever open studio and the first time I've exhibited my work. &nbsp;I was delighted with the comments and kind words and was also pretty pleased to have sold more than 100 pots over the two weekends!Around 600 people visited us over the 4 days of open studios and thankfully we were blessed with sunshine and blue skies - good job as my wet weather programme was not fully rehearsed! &nbsp;I hope you enjo [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-border-width:0 " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/1463479325.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/9984378_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">Thank you to all of you able to make it to my open studio. &nbsp;This was my first ever open studio and the first time I've exhibited my work. &nbsp;I was delighted with the comments and kind words and was also pretty pleased to have sold more than 100 pots over the two weekends!<br />Around 600 people visited us over the 4 days of open studios and thankfully we were blessed with sunshine and blue skies - good job as my wet weather programme was not fully rehearsed! &nbsp;<br />I hope you enjoyed the pots, the chats, the pimms and the tea and cakes (thank you to Becky for her amazing efforts on that front).<br />A big thank you must go to Lizzie Walton for her amazing organisation to deliver yet another brilliant trail and to Alison Vickery and Galina Gardiner for their guidance and advice; it was just great to be asked to form and informal trail 'hub' with them.<br />Here are some photos from the event:&nbsp;</div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='228339838744250387-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="text-align:left;">Same time, same place &amp; pots of Pimms next year!!</h2>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Terrific Terracotta!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/terrific-terracotta]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/terrific-terracotta#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2015 11:17:28 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/terrific-terracotta</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  Been having some great fun working with a fine terracotta clay recently. &nbsp;I've not worked with earthenware for a long long time so it's been great to play with such a permissive throwing body and to develop some slip decoration techniques using my own slip recipes.   					 							 		 	    (function(jQuery) {function init() { wSlideshow.render({elementID:"439126528128326013",nav:"thumbnails",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocatio [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:right"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/1436526815.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;">Been having some great fun working with a fine terracotta clay recently. &nbsp;I've not worked with earthenware for a long long time so it's been great to play with such a permissive throwing body and to develop some slip decoration techniques using my own slip recipes.</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div><div style="height:30px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='439126528128326013-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:0px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MRFC - The Cotswold Way 2015 fundraiser]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/mrfc-the-cotswold-way-2015-fundraiser]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/mrfc-the-cotswold-way-2015-fundraiser#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2015 14:07:15 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/mrfc-the-cotswold-way-2015-fundraiser</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						  Great to support Minchinhampton Rugby Club with their fundraising for the new club house. &nbsp;A number of the club (all age groups represented) successfully completed two days walking double marathons along the beautiful Cotswold Way.Congratulations to all who took part. &nbsp;It was my (and Sam's) pleasure to contribute by making the participant's medals.          					 								 					 						          					 							 		 	  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">Great to support Minchinhampton Rugby Club with their fundraising for the new club house. &nbsp;A number of the club (all age groups represented) successfully completed two days walking double marathons along the beautiful Cotswold Way.<br /><br />Congratulations to all who took part. &nbsp;It was my (and Sam's) pleasure to contribute by making the participant's medals.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/3946367.jpg?353" alt="Picture" style="width:353;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/9892825_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A new way of working]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/a-new-way-of-working]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/a-new-way-of-working#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2015 11:58:34 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/a-new-way-of-working</guid><description><![CDATA[I've recently been experimenting with a new and really rewarding way of working. &nbsp;I have been making a range of ovenware that combines throwing and slab building to give me some flexibility in the base shape of the pots I make. &nbsp;I've long wanted to explore the possibility of retaining the beauty of throwing lines whilst at the same time break away from the constraints of a round wheel thrown base. &nbsp;These pots (see pic below) are made by rolling a slab base and decorating with plas [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">I've recently been experimenting with a new and really rewarding way of working. &nbsp;I have been making a range of ovenware that combines throwing and slab building to give me some flexibility in the base shape of the pots I make. &nbsp;I've long wanted to explore the possibility of retaining the beauty of throwing lines whilst at the same time break away from the constraints of a round wheel thrown base. &nbsp;These pots (see pic below) are made by rolling a slab base and decorating with plaster stamp impression moulds I made and attaching a wheel thrown cylinder that is altered when leather hard. &nbsp;GREAT Fun! &nbsp;I'll post the firing results soon...</div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='535556445580191375-slideshow'></div>   <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Firing highs and lows]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/firing-highs-and-lows]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/firing-highs-and-lows#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:29:48 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/firing-highs-and-lows</guid><description><![CDATA[It was a bit of a shock to find the kiln had still not reached temperature when I went to open it on Sunday morning. &nbsp;As this was such an anomaly for a kiln that is usually so reliable I had anticipated a firing disaster. &nbsp;Thankfully the results were some of the best we've had! &nbsp;Not sure how I go about replicating though......The down side is that I have to repair the elements in the kiln - any advice/assistance gratefully accepted!        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style="text-align:justify;">It was a bit of a shock to find the kiln had still not reached temperature when I went to open it on Sunday morning. &nbsp;As this was such an anomaly for a kiln that is usually so reliable I had anticipated a firing disaster. &nbsp;Thankfully the results were some of the best we've had! &nbsp;Not sure how I go about replicating though......<br /><br />The down side is that I have to repair the elements in the kiln - any advice/assistance gratefully accepted!</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:10px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/7979228.jpg?595" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Glaze fun]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/glaze-fun]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/glaze-fun#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:44:21 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/glaze-fun</guid><description><![CDATA[ Been having some fun with the glazing today. Took my inspiration from Dylan Bowen's free application of slips as witnessed in a live clay event in Oxford recently. &nbsp;This is a blue cobalt overglaze trailed onto a Shino base layer. &nbsp;I'll post the results - kiln firing now!  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='z-index:10;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/6285919.jpg?376" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:1px;padding:3px;" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;display:block;"><font size="3">Been having some fun with the glazing today. Took my inspiration from Dylan Bowen's free application of slips as witnessed in a live clay event in Oxford recently. &nbsp;This is a blue cobalt overglaze trailed onto a Shino base layer. &nbsp;I'll post the results - kiln firing now!</font></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Minchinhampton RFC Tankards]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/minchinhampton-rfc-tankards]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/minchinhampton-rfc-tankards#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:52:29 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.tkjceramics.com/blog/minchinhampton-rfc-tankards</guid><description><![CDATA[             [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:10px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/3155976_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:619px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.tkjceramics.com/uploads/1/0/9/7/10977735/8559938_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:800px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>