Glazing can be a wonderful experience.  It can also be a total disaster!!!  Over the years, I have certainly experienced both.  Even the disasters are great because I learn from them.  The accumulation of knowledge in pottery making seems to never end.

Tips that I suggest to my students:
1. KEEP A NOTEBOOK !!!!
With over 50 glazes to choose from in the Studio, after a while they all look the same :(. Take notes. 

Make a brief sketch of your piece, make note of what clay body you use, then note which glaze you added first and which one(s) you added after.  

Glaze is all about a chemical reaction that takes place inside the kiln during the course of the firing.

2. Develop your own style.
Old sayings are definitely true.  If at first you don't succeed, try it AGAIN!  Keep trying until you are happy with your results.

3. Look out for the little details.
If you are using your fingers to dip, make sure to take the time to cover any fingerprint marks.  

If you want to achieve a clean application, I recommend either dipping, brushing, or ladling.  If you use your fingers, this will result in a muddled and uneven finish.  But that is "artist choice."

Here is a video on the behind the scenes process for glazing a rather large vase in the Studio.
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Hope you enjoy it!

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So WHAT is ALL this construction about anyway????

We get asked that all the time, and it is a good thing for sure.

Big Dog Pots opened its doors in March of 2014.  Since then the art making center has been well received in the community and has become a destination for travelers from the greater Northern Virginia region and beyond.

In response to demand, we are adding 3,000 square feet to the Studio.  In addition to Walk-in Pottery Painting we will be adding Fused Glass to our roster of Walk-In art making choices.

When the construction is complete we will have SEATING for 50.  Think parties, events, bridal showers, off-site team building, and more. Our Pottery Painting will be greatly expanded, and we will be adding many new EVENTS for children, adults and families.

We are thrilled with our construction to date and in the coming weeks you will see a NEW ROOF going on and our doors and windows being installed.

Stay tuned for more news on our new offerings (some are still top secret), and on the progress of the construction.

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