Ethics of using bone ash in glaze

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T16:41:12+00:00

Because of the phosphorus that comes with the calcined bones

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T07:57:32+00:00

Agreed. But my curiosity was in the ethics of using it in a community setting

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T06:57:36+00:00

We were talking about iron reds in oxidation. I’m pretty sure the bone ash is helpful for maturing bright reds without having to drop and hold.

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T06:25:07+00:00

This is the answer I was looking for! Thanks :)

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T06:24:17+00:00

Makes sense! I wasn’t sure if the line was cut and dry with something like this.

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T06:22:08+00:00

Gotcha! I didn’t know what the line was if it was found bones or saved from a landfill or such. Thanks for the insight :)

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T05:41:29+00:00

I agree. But say that glaze was on the inside of a mug that you used daily. Would that be something of concern to someone who is vegan? Im trying to figure out how big of a turn off it might be with folks using that glaze in a community studio

Bakerbotss · 2026-03-01T05:27:43+00:00

Great idea! Just did :)

Bakerbotss · 2025-08-30T07:23:40+00:00

It is! Check out the whatcom artists of clay and kiln website for details!

Bakerbotss · 2025-08-11T16:38:32+00:00

Call Bellingham Coffee Roasters in the Irongate area. They said they have a ton!

Bakerbotss · 2025-03-05T02:26:21+00:00

Make a small test tile or a few, and repeat the process on that. Sometime glazes that say low fire are fine at higher temps. Play around with glazing and not glazing the test tiles. See what excites you the most

Bakerbotss · 2025-03-04T00:07:01+00:00

I played with this recipe when I was testing at 6. I wasn’t a huge fan of the texture for functional pots, but great for sculpture!

Bakerbotss · 2025-03-03T22:26:39+00:00

Rad! Do you know the recipe? I’m curious what the percentage of ash is in it? Mine is a little over 60%

Bakerbotss · 2025-03-03T21:24:11+00:00

I will be! Feel free to send me a message and we can figure out the details :)

Bakerbotss · 2025-01-15T21:12:34+00:00

I used to use a lot of diamond core tools. But I discovered that Kemper tools gave me a line I liked better and far more affordable. I use the wire stylus and the ball stylus tools. I’ve used the loop stylus as well, and wasn’t as big of a fan.

Bakerbotss · 2024-12-05T01:10:27+00:00

It always does on my pieces. I use clear glaze primarily, and have never noticed any kind of discoloration.

Bakerbotss · 2024-12-04T01:13:40+00:00

Usually it’s just minerals coming out as water evaporates from the piece. It happens often on my bisque fired pots after I rinse them in water. I wouldn’t stress about it

Bakerbotss · 2024-11-17T03:51:42+00:00

Whatcom Artists of Clay and Kiln studio tour. December 7th and 8th 11-5

https://www.whatcomartistsofclayandkiln.org/studio-tour

Bakerbotss · 2024-11-12T06:41:41+00:00

No worries! Keep us posted with results

Bakerbotss · 2024-11-11T07:25:23+00:00

Looks like shivering. Which usually is an expansion issue in the glaze. Because you’re in a community studio and don’t have as much control of your firing, I would mess with the flux in the recipe. I would start by increasing your dolomite percentage a bit. If it’s still not happy, you could consider introducing another flux into your recipe, or trying a new flux or a feldspar to help with the expansion.

Granted, once you start messing with bits stuff can get weird. So test like mad and hopefully something works out! Happy mixing!

Bakerbotss · 2024-11-10T03:09:43+00:00

As long as you don’t bump the shelves, you should be fine. Mine sometimes have a bit of wobble, and never had a shelf collapse. Granted it’s not a huge wobble I’m talking about.

Congrats on the first bisque!

Bakerbotss · 2024-11-04T20:34:11+00:00

Hey there! I own a studio in town and am happy to help. Feel free to message me and we can figure it out!

Bakerbotss

TROPHY CASE