PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AMACO VELVET UNDERGLAZES

This post was made by Bonnie Lindsey, check out her pieces on Etsy. If you’re interested in posting on our blog, shoot us an email!

Almost 10 months ago, I became a mother for the first time.  This has been a journey unlike any other, including my 10 year career in ceramics.  After my daughter was born, I resigned my high school ceramics teaching job and opted for the stay-at-home mom life.

This was a big adjustment since I’d been in the career world for so long.  To beat the isolation and lack of socialization, I joined a stay-at-home moms’ group. I know, it sounds funny, but really, it’s awesome!  We have play dates, potlucks, and crafts at the mothers’ homes and at the local parks.  I thought, “Well, I know how to teach and I have all the materials; let’s do a clay craft at my house!”  But, I had to think about the fact that we had limited time.  I wouldn't be able to have them make the pieces, come back after the bisque fire to glaze, and then come back yet again to pick up the finished pieces.

So, I needed to figure out how to get the kids’ projects created and glazed in one sitting.  I hardly ever use low fire glazes, underglazes, or slips.  I do Cone 6 at home in my Skutt electric kiln.  I took a chance and ordered some Amaco Velvet Underglazes, which are primarily meant for low firing and known for their vibrant colors.  I got red, orange, brown, and green.

 The kids (ages 2-4) were going to make pinch pot pumpkins and fall leaf bowls.  These underglazes are great for kids as they are non-toxic.  So, if they happen to take a taste, they won’t get hurt.  The kids made their projects and applied a good coat of underglaze to the wet greenware.   After the projects dried, I bisque-fired them to Cone 04 to help the underglaze adhere to the clay.  They fired fantastically.  Since my clay is a mid-range clay, I decided to try cone 6 clear glaze on top of the Velvet Underglazes.

I was a little worried that the red would burn out or bubble since red is so volatile.  But, to my delight, all the colors retained their integrity and they looked beautiful!  There was no flaking, crawling, or any imperfection.  I had very satisfied little customers with Amaco Velvet Underglazes.