My ceramic olive branch mirror took a long time to complete, but I am pleased with the results! There were a lot of fiddly details like attaching the olives and layering leaves that would have been a lot easier to do if I had small child hands. But a third of the way in, I found out that it was easier to build from the top of the stem down rather than trying to lift wet clay leaves and insert underneath them. Too bad it took a few hours before I figured that out!
I really like the colours on the final piece, but it didn't turn out exactly how I imagined, I thought the green leaves were going to be a bit greener. This is due to the fickle nature of oxides, they have a mind of their own. I suppose you just have to wait and see what "gift" the oxide wants to give once it comes out of the kiln. I do like the fact that I didn't apply a glaze on the leaves and stems, but did a shiny glaze on the olives as it provides a wonderful contrast.
The mirror is about 14" in diameter, I think the clay shrunk a bit more than the normal 10%, but that's okay because it is still a nice size. In fact, it fits perfectly on my wall in the living room near my olive lamps, I see a theme forming!
If I were to do it again, what would I do differently? Well, I may not attach the branches to the creamy white base until post firing. It was difficult painting the branches and stems while trying to avoid touching the white base. I don't quite see how I would affix it post firing, but it sounds like an experiment I may do on another piece.
And speaking of other pieces, my next project is to create an oak branch and acorn wreath out of ceramics. I will decorate the flat rim of a metal bowl with the oak theme and this will be my opportunity to experiment with affixing the separate pieces post firing. Stay tuned...
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