Sunday, June 11, 2017

Art Teacherin' 101: Episode 37 GLAZE!

If you have a kiln, then you probably have glaze...and you are more than likely well aware of how freakishly expensive glaze is. I swear, it eats about a quarter of my budget. But I just can't give the stuff up: glaze really does give my students the ultimate ceramic experience. So today, I thought I'd share my very favorite glaze brand as well as how I distribute glaze and conserve it...so that I don't waste a single precious (read: pricey!) drop. Here you go:
My dog dishes, ice cube trays and just about everything else were purchased at the Dollar Tree. I love the Dollar Tree, y'all. If I could marry it, I totally would. Cassie Lane Dollar Tree. Has a nice ring to it, no?
Once our glazing days were done, I tossed the press and seal I was using to keep the glaze fresh and let them dry out. Just a crack of the tray works to pop them out. Then put them in the glaze bottles, add water and shake. Clean trays + conserved glaze = happy art teacher!
This is a messy task...and one that you will only want to do once. So get all your glaze bottles and trays out and knock it out in one fell swoop. 
You'll be happy you did. Clean (ish) glaze/ice cube trays and fresh glaze for the win, kids! 

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9 comments:

  1. I use condiment cups. The long desk drawer organizer from Walmart fits about 12 cups. I also use these for paint. For the glazes, I do one color per table and the students travel to the color.

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    1. YES!! Love me some condiment cups! I never seem to have enough. Love your drawer organizer idea, thank you for sharing!

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  2. I used to do ice trays but I switched because it was easier to clean without mixing the colors if the kids contaminated the colors.

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    1. Yes, the dreaded mixing of colors. I am super strict about that one...and using the dog dishes for water and Sponge Bob for drying the brush really seems to help. Almost all of my kids are experts at keeping their trays clean...it's usually the new kids who we haven't broken in yet that mix a bit ;)

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  3. Wow! This is why I only glaze with middle school. Great idea. I have middle schoolers dip brushed in the containers. Two spilled on the floor this year and I made them scrap every drop in the bottle. What brand do you like best.

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    1. I LOVE Mayco's Stroke and Coat. We apply about 3 coats for a beautiful shine and vibrant color.

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  4. Anonymous6/11/2017

    Great idea! Thanks for the tips.

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