One thing that sets your studio apart from other creative outlets in your community is your kiln. The magic of the firing is completely unique! Stoneware allows you to continue sharing the magic of the kiln while providing a new type of project for your customers.
Mayco Stoneware Bisque ranges from mugs and dinnerware to serving pieces and home décor. The bisque is on a pristine white body and soft-fired to cone 04/03 which makes them user-friendly during glaze application, layering and firing. Designed for use with cone 5/6 mid-range glazes. Oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Mayco Stoneware Glazes are available in a wide range of colors, textures and opacities including: gloss, matte, variegated matte, ice, opals, wash and crystals. You can also add our light or dark Flux for even more color variation. Stroke & Coat is compatible with Stoneware due to the broad firing range of the glaze. How perfect since you have that in your studio! To see how more low fire colors will look at cone 6, check the label on the bottle to see how the color changes or view the Mid-Range Glazes color palettes on our website.
In addition to the array of colors and finishes in Stoneware glazes, you can also create detailed designs with Mayco Creative Tools (silkscreens, mats, stamps) then cover with Stoneware Clear. Designer Liner may be applied with a brush or with the writer tip onto Stoneware.
Since Mayco Stoneware is soft-fired, the pieces are more delicate before firing than earthenware. However, they are more durable than earthenware when glaze fired to cone 6.
Keeping your Stoneware pieces separate from your earthenware is a good idea to ensure they are fired to the proper temperature (cone 6). Place Stoneware in a separate area or on a separate shelf in your kiln room or place a colored slip of paper with the Stoneware shapes to keep them separate. You may also want to consider having a set day for cone 6 firings so the pieces will be ready in a timely manner.
Be sure that your employees are properly trained on working with stoneware so that they are comfortable with the process; this makes your customers comfortable. Essentially, stoneware can be decorated with the same techniques as earthenware, but you get the additional option of using Stoneware Glazes to create dramatic looks. Following are a few tips to get customers started with Stoneware in your studio.
Hold workshops to build interest in Stoneware. This controls the learning process so customers learn the proper way to glaze. This also can create demand for the product since you can take a special class.
Create a variety of samples that feature both low-fire and mid-range glazes to inspire customers. As you talk about the products and options, customers will be able to see what you’re talking about. Customers like the idea of decorating shapes in a way that makes them look like “real” pottery, in addition to realizing that they can use the techniques that you have already taught them.
Creating a series of workshops that feature different techniques, shapes or glazes will allow your customers to explore Stoneware in a fun, but educational way. Classes could feature:
Invest some time into experimenting with Stoneware so you’ll be ready to share this outstanding fired art in your studio. Your customers will love the opportunity to work with a diverse new product and you’ll enjoy the new revenue stream – all while “keeping it in the kiln!”
Mid-Range Glazes