This is strange

I had no idea.

For the first time in 23 years, a pair of wild Canadian Geese brought their goslings to our pond.  

Occasionally we have a brave duck bring her brood.  

When geese stretch their necks like this that means that they are ready for a fight.  They don't have any goslings and they are jealous.  

Every now and then one of the adult geese would disappear for a day or 2.  Then, would reappear with two or more goslings. 

Originally we had 7 goslings. 
Now there are twelve. 

I have not known for Geese, or any other bird, hatch their young in spurts.
Females usually stay on their nests until all have hatched.  

My lilacs are beautiful this year.  
They survived a late frost. 

Amaryllis brought in from my greenhouse.
They used to bloom just before Christmas. 

Since last October I have painted nonstop.  Murals and tiles for new and remodeled kitchens.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend on this very special holiday. 

Gina 

I can't believe it.

I can't believe it!

I sent this mural only a few days ago to my client in Virginia.  

It's already installed.  And what a beautiful job.

 I love the way the subway tiles are laid on an angle. 

I am so pleased that I received this picture. 
I seldom see my tiles once they are  sent off. 



I can't believe it.

I have walked past this corner of my garden and didn't notice that my Hellebore have sent out a few tentative blossoms.  

It's been warmer than usual.  We have not had a winter,  nor have we had much snow.  

Maybe it will rain come Spring.

Have a wonderful weekend dear friends.  

Gina

Craquelure

Often used by Forgers of Old Master Paintings.

The technique of craquelure  gives new ceramic tile a deliberate and fine pattern of dense cracking. 

It begins with a plain, once fired,  bisque  tile. 

The design is then outlined with Delft blue pigments and colored powder pigments are added.  

At this point I can decide if I want to add a glaze (pink in the picture) which will crackle the tile during the firing process.  Or I can add a glaze which will fuse the color pigments with the glaze to produce the typical hand painted ceramic appearance. 

 My client has chosen a Craquelure finish for her kitchen tiles.  

I have applied three coats of special crackle glaze and fired the tiles  to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is how they look when they come out of the kiln.  You can barely see the crazing.  

Tiles are now treated with a mixture of sepia brown and black India Ink.  The tiles are wiped clean.  

The craquelure  is permanent.  The process of crackling continues for a few more days giving off little cracking sounds and reminding me that they are ready to be sent off to their new home.  

I'm already working on a new project.  A large mural for a kitchen backsplash which features a design from a roll of William Morris wallpaper called "Fruit".  

Wishing you a joyful week, 

Gina  

Out of the Kiln

All looks good.

One never knows.

I try not to open the lid too soon.  The kiln takes about 12 hours to cool down. 

This group of tiles, which I painted for a client, will be installed in a new kitchen.  They will be incorporated into a back splash of white Subway Tiles. 

The next layer holds a few small items. Items everyone who comes  to our upcoming annual event, can afford. For the next few weeks,  I will be very busy painting ceramics large and small.

 The last shelf holds one of my best sellers. 

An opportunity for visitors to purchase something handmade, practical and inexpensive... my invention "Fancy Feet" foot scrubbers.


Have a wonderful week my dear
Blogging Friends,

Gina



 

Good Bye my Special One

This is how the recipient describes herself ...

"I'm a little proud, hate to be ignored,

generous to a fault, hate cheap gifts,

can be a little flirty with men when I have a mind

...throw into the mix a big, fat loving famiglia italiana set against a New York backdrop"

Barbara F

I think that my bare-breasted, Winged Lady tile is going to the right home

What do you think?

Gina