Glass Pottery Process | More About Paloma Pottery | FAQ | Green Resources
Using many of the same techniques used in traditional pottery,
and then adding broken pieces of recycled glass for the kiln to melt, is the
essence of the recycled glass infused pottery process. It sounds simple yet the result is brilliantly different.
The inherent problems associated with combining the two mediums pose many physical challenges to the structural integrity of the pieces. The result of the process is a sparkling depth of color, texture, and unique crackle glass surface; it’s a delicate balance between form and function. The challenges have not stopped Paloma Pottery from pushing forward and continuously trying to find new uses for things that may otherwise be thrown away. Employing economically responsible ideals to reduce, re-use and recycle as a mission, Paloma Pottery emerged in Jan. 2000
Nicole working on the potter’s wheel.
"I was inspired to recycle glass within my pottery and when I saw the results I knew I had found my niche,” says Whitney. “I believe that social responsibility in business is simply good practice and good business. I am committed to customer service, following through with my word, and dedicated to encouraging and following sustainable business," continues Whitney. "I strive to re-use as much as possible and seldom waste ~ allowing me to keep my prices low without sacrificing quality.”
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The
beginning of a new piece from a lump of clay. The artist enjoys working
“off the hump,” creating several pottery pieces in a row. The production
line style work is employed for efficiency and consistency. Paloma Pottery strives to create a unique one-of-a-kind product with uniformity and value to pass on the savings to the customer.
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Working
off the hump allows for multiple pieces to be created from one single
lump of clay. A pottery bowl is created and the lip for the recycled glass rim
is being defined with a wooden potters’ tool.
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A ceramic ring holder is born and texture is added to the pottery piece by using a credit card that has
been cut with random edges to create an organic look and feel.
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Hand
building is another way of working with the clay. Where the wheel creates
round symmetry, hand building allows for more freedom of shapes to be
constructed. Using molds from found objects, edges are lifted for the pottery and glass soap dishes.
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Square pottery tiles for a display unit are lying flat to dry on recycled canvas from
local business, Cool Canvas. Reduce, re-use, recycled when at all possible is important for Paloma Pottery as a sustainable business.
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The pottery pieces are allowed to dry before going into the kiln for the bisque
firing.
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Once
fired, the bisque ware is stamped with “Paloma Pottery” using
iron oxide and is ready for glazing.
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Buttons
are lined up, glazed and then glass is added and loaded into the kiln. Textures and designs in the clay are achieved with natural and found objects (impressing or drawing with rocks, shells, etc.) giving an organic, nature inspired feeling. These pottery and glass buttons are a special order for Texture Clothing, a local hemp and natural fibers clothing company.
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The
kiln melts the glass and fuses it to the clay and glaze. Each piece is created to be a functional piece of pottery and art with as much versatility as possible. The semi porous crackle glass surface makes the popular soap dishes shown below a great gift for both him and her.
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Artist
unloads the kiln and inspects the finished products. The crackle glass surface created is smooth to touch and sparkles with profound rich colors and textures.
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Stock
is built up for immediate purchase in the Paloma Pottery online store. Paloma Pottery offers over 40 different hand-made recycled glass fused ceramic products at affordable prices.
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Earrings
are placed on display for selling at art festivals. Displays are handmade from found objects and other recycled materials.
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Recycled
glass pottery tiles are made for tiling mirrors or sold separately as
decorative backsplash tiles.
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Wrought
iron table with half moon shape tile. Glass pottery tile lays inside table and removes
easily for cleaning.
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Necklaces
are placed on display and ready for purchase. Recycled canvas is also
used in the final display unit, which is custom made by the artist. The
recycling mission is consistent throughout all creative and business processes.
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Paloma Pottery products are
all handmade often using shapes from found objects. These glass pottery Necklace Pendants are cut out using the plastic tops from deodorant containers. Finding
new uses for things that would otherwise be thrown away and keeping overhead low allows Paloma Pottery to offer unique pottery and glass products at affordable prices.
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