Ceramics

Ditch the Clay: Embracing Aluminum Foil for Exciting Saggar Firing Adventures!

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Hey everyone, it’s Susan, your friendly neighborhood craft enthusiast, back with another exciting technique to add some flair to your ceramic creations! Today, we’re diving into the world of saggar firing, but with a twist – say goodbye to bulky clay saggars and hello to the magic of aluminum foil!

Why Aluminum Foil Saggars?

Traditionally, saggars, those trusty containers that protect and isolate pottery during firing, have been crafted from robust, heat-resistant clay. While effective, they can be cumbersome and require a significant investment of time and resources to create. Enter aluminum foil – a readily available, lightweight, and surprisingly effective alternative!

This technique, pioneered by potter Edgeworth Barnes, opens up a world of possibilities for achieving unique and vibrant finishes on your ceramic pieces. Intrigued? Let’s explore the how-to and delve into the captivating world of aluminum foil saggar firing!

Unveiling the Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Aluminum Foil Saggar Firing

Ready to embark on this exciting ceramic adventure? Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through the process:

1. Gathering Your Supplies:

Before we begin, let’s gather our artistic arsenal:

  • Ceramic Pieces: Have your bisque-fired pottery ready to be adorned with captivating colors.
  • Aluminum Foil: Opt for heavy-duty foil for optimal durability during firing.
  • Ferric Chloride: This chemical compound, available as an etching solution for circuit boards, is our secret weapon for achieving those stunning pink and orange hues. Remember: Ferric chloride is caustic and demands careful handling. Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask, and work in a well-ventilated area.
  • “Swamp Juice” Ingredients: To create Edgeworth Barnes’ magical concoction, you’ll need:
    • Copper Sulfate
    • Fine Sea Salt
    • Cottonseed Meal
    • Baking Soda
    • Copper Carbonate
    • Titanium Dioxide
  • Decorative Elements:
    • Coarse Steel Wool
    • Raw Cotton
    • Wood Chips
    • Dried Seaweed
    • Copper Wire or Copper Dish Scrubber Pieces
  • Tools:
    • Inexpensive Foam Brushes (dedicated for ferric chloride use)
    • Banding Wheel (optional, but helpful for even application)
    • Shallow Bowls for Mixing
    • Spray Bottle (optional, for applying ferric chloride)

2. Preparing Your Pottery:

  • Apply Ferric Chloride: Using a dedicated foam brush or a spray bottle (in a well-ventilated area with proper safety gear), coat your bisque-fired pottery with ferric chloride. If using a banding wheel, secure the pot to ensure even application.
  • Create the “Swamp Juice”: In a shallow bowl, mix equal parts copper sulfate, sea salt, cottonseed meal, and baking soda. Add half parts of copper carbonate and titanium dioxide. Adjust the water content to achieve a frothy, bubbling consistency.
  • Enhance with “Swamp Juice”: Gently dip or brush the ferric chloride-coated pot into the “swamp juice” mixture. This creates a captivating lacy texture on the surface.

3. Assembling the Aluminum Foil Saggars:

  • Create the Base: Crumple a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and then gently spread it out to form a base for your saggar.
  • Add the First Layer: Sprinkle a small amount of steel wool, raw cotton, and wood chips onto the foil. Arrange pieces of moistened seaweed over this layer.
  • Place the Pottery: Carefully position your prepared ceramic piece upside down on the bed of decorative elements.
  • Add the Top Layer: Cover the pot with another layer of seaweed, cotton, wood chips, and steel wool, ensuring not to overcrowd the saggar.
  • Seal the Saggar: Wrap the foil tightly around the pot and decorative elements, pressing firmly to create a secure package.

4. Firing the Saggars:

  • Outdoor Firing: Due to the potentially toxic fumes released during firing, it’s crucial to fire your aluminum foil saggars outdoors, away from people and buildings.
  • Kiln Loading: Carefully load the sealed saggars into your kiln, ensuring they are not stacked too tightly to allow for heat circulation.
  • Firing Temperature: Fire your kiln to approximately 1260 degrees Fahrenheit (cone 017). At this temperature, the aluminum foil will begin to vaporize, creating unique patterns and interactions with the decorative elements and ferric chloride.

5. The Grand Reveal:

Once the kiln has cooled completely, carefully unwrap your saggars to unveil the captivating results. Each piece will boast unique patterns and a stunning array of pink, orange, and earthy tones, a testament to the magic of aluminum foil saggar firing.

Safety First: Navigating Ferric Chloride with Care

While ferric chloride is key to achieving those vibrant colors, it’s essential to handle it with the utmost care:

  • Protective Gear is a Must: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when working with ferric chloride.
  • Ventilation is Key: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes.
  • Dedicated Tools: Designate specific brushes and tools for ferric chloride use to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Disposal: Dispose of ferric chloride and any contaminated materials responsibly according to local regulations.

Expanding Your Creative Horizons: Variations and Inspirations

The beauty of aluminum foil saggar firing lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different:

  • Decorative Materials: Explore various combustible materials like copper wire, banana peels, or horsehair to create unique textures and patterns.
  • Firing Temperatures: Adjust the firing temperature to influence the intensity and range of colors achieved.
  • Pottery Shapes and Sizes: From delicate bowls to statement vases, aluminum foil saggars can accommodate a variety of forms.

Embrace the Unexpected: The Allure of Saggar Firing

Saggar firing, in its essence, is a dance between control and serendipity. While we carefully select our materials and techniques, the kiln’s heat introduces an element of unpredictability, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story of fire, artistry, and the beauty of the unexpected.

So, gather your supplies, embrace your inner artist, and embark on an exciting journey of aluminum foil saggar firing! Don’t forget to share your stunning creations with me; I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Happy creating!

Susan

P.S. For more inspiration and insights into the captivating world of ceramics, check out these fantastic resources:

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