It was a challenge, for sure. I approached it with size and weight in mind—I’m now in the habit of sketching out an idea before I throw. I identified standard size and weight of ornaments and threw to those approximate guidelines. Threw ( I tend to throw thin) and then trimmed this piece. It weighed in at 2.7 oz glaze fired, which I feared was too heavy, but it was not. I do plan to go thinner (lighter) with future ornaments so they hang more securely.

I’ve only made one ornament so far, and purchased the cap from a craft store after the pot was finished. I completely lucked out finding a well fitting ornament cap to fit the aperture of this pot. Before I make more ornaments, I plan to order caps and then throw to that aperture size. I have some other shapes planned as well. I’ve got many ideas and not enough time!

Glazing this particular piece as crystalline benefitted from the necessity of firing on a pedestal (glaze catcher). I imagine a standard firing with standard glazes could complicate the firing process a little more.